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Her Eyes Under Water
People have been disappearing in the vast and pristine wilderness of 1970s Montana. One evening, restless university student Julia Strauss meets the captivating Alex Bowman and finds him irresistible. He is handsome, polite, and mysterious. If someone seems too good to be true ...
This is a romantic suspense novel inspired by true events. The hero is Mr. Perfect when he is with the heroine. However, this cultivated persona melts away to reveal something frightening and unforgiving when they’re apart. Will Julia be able to see beyond the haze of her infatuation before it's too late?
This is a romantic suspense novel inspired by true events. The hero is Mr. Perfect when he is with the heroine. However, this cultivated persona melts away to reveal something frightening and unforgiving when they’re apart. Will Julia be able to see beyond the haze of her infatuation before it's too late?
299 pages, ebook
First published April 19, 2020
77 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 11, 2020
Many Thanks to BookSirens and the author for a chance to read and review this book.
Ok guys, goosebumps…goosebumps...
Romona Simon’s Her Eyes Underwater is an extremely unique debut inspired by true events. On one hand we begin with a woman Julia who is extremely confident of her sway with men and approaches a stranger in a café coz she’s utterly infatuated and smitten at first glance itself and on the other hand we have something of a vampiric feel with and edge to the storytelling that chills the reader.
Julia’s favorite passions in her own words are men, travel, fashion and parties and doesn’t care much about her parents’ opinion. So, when she spies upon Alex Bowman and gets to know that he belongs to the same law class that she’s enrolled in, her joy knows no bounds. But Alex’s charms and moods are beyond mercurial as he fails to reciprocate with the intensity that Julia feels. The first chapter had me guessing all sorts of things and to read that chapter again from master manipulator’s point of view was one brilliant stroke.
The ending is a cliff-hanger which left me feeling irritated, coz I really wanted to know how it will all end up, well no worries, waiting eagerly for the next book in the series.
Don’t expect a happy romance in this dark tale of passion and madness, this thriller doesn’t offer much in the thrill segment but still manages to keep the reader on their toes.
Ok guys, goosebumps…goosebumps...
Romona Simon’s Her Eyes Underwater is an extremely unique debut inspired by true events. On one hand we begin with a woman Julia who is extremely confident of her sway with men and approaches a stranger in a café coz she’s utterly infatuated and smitten at first glance itself and on the other hand we have something of a vampiric feel with and edge to the storytelling that chills the reader.
Julia’s favorite passions in her own words are men, travel, fashion and parties and doesn’t care much about her parents’ opinion. So, when she spies upon Alex Bowman and gets to know that he belongs to the same law class that she’s enrolled in, her joy knows no bounds. But Alex’s charms and moods are beyond mercurial as he fails to reciprocate with the intensity that Julia feels. The first chapter had me guessing all sorts of things and to read that chapter again from master manipulator’s point of view was one brilliant stroke.
The ending is a cliff-hanger which left me feeling irritated, coz I really wanted to know how it will all end up, well no worries, waiting eagerly for the next book in the series.
Don’t expect a happy romance in this dark tale of passion and madness, this thriller doesn’t offer much in the thrill segment but still manages to keep the reader on their toes.
June 3, 2020
This is the first in a yet to be unnamed series. The author grabs your attention from the first word in this intriguing and suspenseful, romantic novel. You meet this character named Alex that you can completely picture in your mind with the author’s vivid descriptions. Julia is a character completely intrigued by him, and this romantic suspense story takes you through many twists and turns of their relationship while glimpsing into Alex’s not so perfect persona. As a romantic seesaw between Julia and Alex captures your attention, people are disappearing in the wilderness of Montana. You are immediately drawn to the main characters and their friends in law school, and at some point you feel as if you are reading two different stories. Ms. Simon is a brilliant writer who will leave you begging for more.
May 13, 2020
4.5 STARS
Julia is not a shy, retiring woman. When she sees something ..or someone...she wants, she goes right at it. Today, she's seen a man she would love to get to know. He's tall, dark, handsome with a warm voice just this side of heaven.
But for some reason, although very polite, he doesn't seem to connect with her. She's not used to being rejected, and her interest only spirals.
She almost becomes a stalker in her pursuit of this man.
You know what they say ... be careful of what you wish for, you might get it.
At odd times, he seems to disappear. Where does he go, what does he do? And there are times when she catches something in his eyes ...something dark, maybe dangerous.
This is a story of the secrets that can hide behind an elegant mask and the flaws that people ignore in the haze of infatuation.
If you're looking for a nice, sweet romantic suspense, this is not it. This is much more. Yes, there is romance,of sorts. There is definitely suspense. And then there's more ... something unexpected, something that will leave you making sure all the lights are on and the doors are locked. This is this author's debut novel and it's a doozy. The novel is well written, with aptly drawn characters, headed for an unexpected, brutal ending.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense Plus. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Julia is not a shy, retiring woman. When she sees something ..or someone...she wants, she goes right at it. Today, she's seen a man she would love to get to know. He's tall, dark, handsome with a warm voice just this side of heaven.
But for some reason, although very polite, he doesn't seem to connect with her. She's not used to being rejected, and her interest only spirals.
She almost becomes a stalker in her pursuit of this man.
You know what they say ... be careful of what you wish for, you might get it.
At odd times, he seems to disappear. Where does he go, what does he do? And there are times when she catches something in his eyes ...something dark, maybe dangerous.
This is a story of the secrets that can hide behind an elegant mask and the flaws that people ignore in the haze of infatuation.
If you're looking for a nice, sweet romantic suspense, this is not it. This is much more. Yes, there is romance,of sorts. There is definitely suspense. And then there's more ... something unexpected, something that will leave you making sure all the lights are on and the doors are locked. This is this author's debut novel and it's a doozy. The novel is well written, with aptly drawn characters, headed for an unexpected, brutal ending.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense Plus. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 8, 2020
The book, from a glance, seems to be a thriller. People have been going missing since the 1970s, Montana. Julia is a law student at university, and she's bored. So when Julia meets Alex, she becomes infatuated. Will she realize he isn't quite normal before it's too late?
The actual story is mostly focused on Julia and Alex. The thriller aspect doesn't start getting explored until about halfway through. I think it would have been great to introduce this earlier, as it does start to feel like the story is dragging slightly. When this starts to happen, however, the author switches to Alex's perspective. Writing the story through his eyes in these moments is a great move by the author because you start to understand whats going on. The dramatic irony the reader develops here encourages emotional responses to the story.
The characters are complicated. Julia Strauss is used to getting all the men she wants, but when she meets Alex, he is more of a challenge. From here, it is evident that Julia is obsessive, selfish, and sometimes desperate. However, while it is easy to dislike her, to begin with, she does get some character development. Julia becomes a little easier to respect somewhat, and I did find myself starting to emphasize with her.
Alex, on the other hand, appears to be perfect at everything. He is the guy everyone wants or wants to be. There is a sense that there is a darker aspect to him. The author fully embraces this when she writes from his perspective. During these chapters, his character shines through.
Altogether this book is a good read, but it will perhaps be a bit different from what you might expect from reading the blurb. It does have thriller aspects, but a large part of the book is slow-burn romance.
The actual story is mostly focused on Julia and Alex. The thriller aspect doesn't start getting explored until about halfway through. I think it would have been great to introduce this earlier, as it does start to feel like the story is dragging slightly. When this starts to happen, however, the author switches to Alex's perspective. Writing the story through his eyes in these moments is a great move by the author because you start to understand whats going on. The dramatic irony the reader develops here encourages emotional responses to the story.
The characters are complicated. Julia Strauss is used to getting all the men she wants, but when she meets Alex, he is more of a challenge. From here, it is evident that Julia is obsessive, selfish, and sometimes desperate. However, while it is easy to dislike her, to begin with, she does get some character development. Julia becomes a little easier to respect somewhat, and I did find myself starting to emphasize with her.
Alex, on the other hand, appears to be perfect at everything. He is the guy everyone wants or wants to be. There is a sense that there is a darker aspect to him. The author fully embraces this when she writes from his perspective. During these chapters, his character shines through.
Altogether this book is a good read, but it will perhaps be a bit different from what you might expect from reading the blurb. It does have thriller aspects, but a large part of the book is slow-burn romance.
June 20, 2020
I’m not sure how I feel about this book. It is written really well and written with a thriller/suspense intensity about it. The story is written from two points of view Alex and Julia. The parts written in Alex’s voice are the dark parts as you get an insight into his alternative life. Julia’s story is one of a different kind of obsession and infatuation as she tries to get to know Alex. For me this story just didn’t seem to go anywhere although I did enjoy reading it as it was very character driven, I was just expecting something to happen, which is why I am torn in my views about this book. I would also have liked to know a bit more about the true crime aspect at the end, which I can’t seem to find anything about. It is apparently part of a yet unnamed series so future books may answer some of my questions. It also bothers me slightly that is is described as a romantic suspense novel, as nothing about this book seemed very romantic or at least certainly not in a conventional or healthy sense.
May 22, 2020
3.5 stars
This book sounded great but somehow, along the way it felt flat for me.
I found the heroine really annoying and she acts like an infatuated teenager with a man she barely knew. She’s obsessed by him and no good comes when this happens.
As enigmatic and magnetic he seems to be, I can’t say I liked him either.
The story was interesting and suspenseful in many moments but also felt like the whole attention was based on other points and not so much on the thriller plot.
This book sounded great but somehow, along the way it felt flat for me.
I found the heroine really annoying and she acts like an infatuated teenager with a man she barely knew. She’s obsessed by him and no good comes when this happens.
As enigmatic and magnetic he seems to be, I can’t say I liked him either.
The story was interesting and suspenseful in many moments but also felt like the whole attention was based on other points and not so much on the thriller plot.
May 23, 2020
Tall, Dark and Gruesome! From the beginning, law student Julia is mesmerized by the charming and handsome Alex, who she meets in a coffee shop in Montana. She brazenly approaches him, and their relationship begins. She is so drawn to him—almost as if he has paranormal superpowers—and agrees to go to a party with him. But on the way, as excited as she was to be with him, something strange and chilling happened—his features changed and the intense look in his eyes terrified her. His apologies and return to his suave self convinces Julia he is the man for her—and he’s all she can think about.
Alex runs hot and cold with Julia, as the story reels out bits and pieces of his side of the story, along with hints of mysterious murders in the area. Based on a true-crime story, (on one of the world’s most famous serial killers?) Alex is an intriguing study of a handsome, gifted sociopath.
Julia is smart, though I wish she would trust her gut instinct and use her intelligence more and not just fall back on her infatuation. This story is much more of a thriller than a romance, with good pacing and suspense. The novel circles back to their first encounter and Alex’s relationship with Julia—does he truly care for her?—which sets the stage for a very creepy ending, perfect for a follow-up sequel!
Alex runs hot and cold with Julia, as the story reels out bits and pieces of his side of the story, along with hints of mysterious murders in the area. Based on a true-crime story, (on one of the world’s most famous serial killers?) Alex is an intriguing study of a handsome, gifted sociopath.
Julia is smart, though I wish she would trust her gut instinct and use her intelligence more and not just fall back on her infatuation. This story is much more of a thriller than a romance, with good pacing and suspense. The novel circles back to their first encounter and Alex’s relationship with Julia—does he truly care for her?—which sets the stage for a very creepy ending, perfect for a follow-up sequel!
May 28, 2020
4.5 STARS
Julia is not a shy, retiring woman. When she sees something ..or someone...she wants, she goes right at it. Today, she's seen a man she would love to get to know. He's tall, dark, handsome with a warm voice just this side of heaven.
But for some reason, although very polite, he doesn't seem to connect with her. She's not used to being rejected, and her interest only spirals.
She almost becomes a stalker in her pursuit of this man.
You know what they say ... be careful of what you wish for, you might get it.
At odd times, he seems to disappear. Wher does he go, what does he do? And there are times when she catches something in his eyes ...something dark, maybe dangerous.
This is a story of the secrets that can hide behind an elegant mask and the flaws that people ignore in the haze of infatuation.
If you're looking for a nice, sweet romantic suspense, this is not it. This is much more. Yes, there is romance,of sorts. There is definitely suspense. And then there's more ... something unexpected, something that will leave you making sure all the lights are on and the doors are locked. This is this author's debut novel and it's a doozy. The novel is well written, with aptly drawn characters, headed for an unexpected, brutal ending.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense Plus. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Julia is not a shy, retiring woman. When she sees something ..or someone...she wants, she goes right at it. Today, she's seen a man she would love to get to know. He's tall, dark, handsome with a warm voice just this side of heaven.
But for some reason, although very polite, he doesn't seem to connect with her. She's not used to being rejected, and her interest only spirals.
She almost becomes a stalker in her pursuit of this man.
You know what they say ... be careful of what you wish for, you might get it.
At odd times, he seems to disappear. Wher does he go, what does he do? And there are times when she catches something in his eyes ...something dark, maybe dangerous.
This is a story of the secrets that can hide behind an elegant mask and the flaws that people ignore in the haze of infatuation.
If you're looking for a nice, sweet romantic suspense, this is not it. This is much more. Yes, there is romance,of sorts. There is definitely suspense. And then there's more ... something unexpected, something that will leave you making sure all the lights are on and the doors are locked. This is this author's debut novel and it's a doozy. The novel is well written, with aptly drawn characters, headed for an unexpected, brutal ending.
Many thanks to the author / Booksirens for the digital copy of this Romantic Suspense Plus. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 13, 2020
I'm toying between 2 or 4 stars for this.
Why would I give this 2 stars? Some parts of the novel lagged and then first 70 pages had very boring repetitive almost copied and pasted aspects to it. The first 70 pages should have been edited to 30. 35 at an absolute push. Yes a few bits as regards to plot occured in the first 70 pages, but the rest is one of the main characters constantly thinking about how attracted she is to another character. That isn't. 70 pages of how attracted a girl is to a man. I thought I was reading a thriller not a young adult romance?
Then the pace of the book picks up. I also started skim reading so when the female character started day dreaming about the man she was attracted to, I would skip that. Read the start of a paragraph, oh she's thinking about how sexy and secretive he is? Ok skip.... oh still dreaming about his body....skip another 5 pages.
But once you get past that the novel opens up. I decided to be kind and give the novel 4 stars simply because of the last 100 pages, which I had to stay up until 4am reading.
And the ending.
I am very excited to the read the sequel to this, for the open ending alone
And you know what, next time I'll just skip the internal discussions of how sexy the man is!
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Why would I give this 2 stars? Some parts of the novel lagged and then first 70 pages had very boring repetitive almost copied and pasted aspects to it. The first 70 pages should have been edited to 30. 35 at an absolute push. Yes a few bits as regards to plot occured in the first 70 pages, but the rest is one of the main characters constantly thinking about how attracted she is to another character. That isn't. 70 pages of how attracted a girl is to a man. I thought I was reading a thriller not a young adult romance?
Then the pace of the book picks up. I also started skim reading so when the female character started day dreaming about the man she was attracted to, I would skip that. Read the start of a paragraph, oh she's thinking about how sexy and secretive he is? Ok skip.... oh still dreaming about his body....skip another 5 pages.
But once you get past that the novel opens up. I decided to be kind and give the novel 4 stars simply because of the last 100 pages, which I had to stay up until 4am reading.
And the ending.
I am very excited to the read the sequel to this, for the open ending alone
And you know what, next time I'll just skip the internal discussions of how sexy the man is!
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
A very impressive debut novel...
Her Eyes Underwater by Romona Simon is a true crime inspired romantic suspense novel set in 1970s Montana. The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Not sure if I’d actually call this a romantic suspense but it was a very enjoyable thriller with elements of mystery, sprinkled with erotica and perhaps a slight touch of the paranormal. Nevertheless, it’s a very impressive debut novel and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next from this author.
Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.
Her Eyes Underwater by Romona Simon is a true crime inspired romantic suspense novel set in 1970s Montana. The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.
Not sure if I’d actually call this a romantic suspense but it was a very enjoyable thriller with elements of mystery, sprinkled with erotica and perhaps a slight touch of the paranormal. Nevertheless, it’s a very impressive debut novel and I’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next from this author.
Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.
June 6, 2020
Her Eyes Underwater is based on murders during the 1970s in Montana. We meet our main characters, Julia and Alex, in a cafe in a small town in Montana. Julia is on the prowl to meet someone who can fulfill her needs. She sees Alex from across the cafe and completely enfatuated and immediately introduces herself to Alex. She notices that he is dressed extremely well and has something mysterious about him that she cannot put her finger on.
Julia continues to pursue Alex throughout the novel even though he does something the frightening to Julia meets him. Julia becomes quite obsessed with Alex and makes sure that Alex notices her in every aspect.
You don't find out about the murders until the middle of the book, but once you do, the novel takes so many twists and turns. If you enjoy reading about true crime and serial killers, you will love this book! It does contain some graphic and horrifying scenes, so be mindful of that. I am going to be highly recommending this book!
Julia continues to pursue Alex throughout the novel even though he does something the frightening to Julia meets him. Julia becomes quite obsessed with Alex and makes sure that Alex notices her in every aspect.
You don't find out about the murders until the middle of the book, but once you do, the novel takes so many twists and turns. If you enjoy reading about true crime and serial killers, you will love this book! It does contain some graphic and horrifying scenes, so be mindful of that. I am going to be highly recommending this book!
May 21, 2020
If you have ever experienced a he said/she said, this book will ring true with you. The unique use of POV basically gives you the book from Julia's eyes and then from Alex's eyes with even the same scene seen from two different perspectives. This approach is oft seen in military history not usually in romantic thrillers.
Those seeking traditional romance will not find it here. There is obsession, physical desire, and disdain but not really in a romantic way. The best example would be that Julia approaches romance the way an immature grade seven teenaged girl does. Or perhaps how a Kardashian does? If you are a fan of either true crime stories or real housewives or The Kardy clan… this book is for you.
This is a thriller unlike any other thriller I have read and I have read hundreds of them. The author can be commended for taking an approach never seen in the annals of the thriller genre before. In some ways, the thriller part doesn't even make an appearance until well past the halfway point in the book.
The ending left me scratching my head. I could not engender any sympathy for Julia at all so whatever happens to her is more of a 'careful what you wish for' theme. What happens to Alex, well, I don't have a clue. The author really leaves it to the reader to figure out what happens. I honestly am not sure. If you want a very original approach to a thriller that is pretty much sans romance, read this book.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Those seeking traditional romance will not find it here. There is obsession, physical desire, and disdain but not really in a romantic way. The best example would be that Julia approaches romance the way an immature grade seven teenaged girl does. Or perhaps how a Kardashian does? If you are a fan of either true crime stories or real housewives or The Kardy clan… this book is for you.
This is a thriller unlike any other thriller I have read and I have read hundreds of them. The author can be commended for taking an approach never seen in the annals of the thriller genre before. In some ways, the thriller part doesn't even make an appearance until well past the halfway point in the book.
The ending left me scratching my head. I could not engender any sympathy for Julia at all so whatever happens to her is more of a 'careful what you wish for' theme. What happens to Alex, well, I don't have a clue. The author really leaves it to the reader to figure out what happens. I honestly am not sure. If you want a very original approach to a thriller that is pretty much sans romance, read this book.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
May 26, 2020
This book is not what it appears.
Upon reading the synopsis I thought I was in for a very different story to the one I expected.
The first few chapters were told from the point of view of the female lead, Julie.
Julie came across as narcissistic and obsessive. Her narrative expands over several chapters but at no time does the reader feel endeared to her. I would have liked to see more depth in this character, to see what really made her tick.
Alex’s parts of the novel were interesting, and this is where I felt the author really shined. It was interesting to see his head space and the way he viewed and interacted with other people. Learning more about his killings and in particular the ice pond was great insight into his psychology.
Overall, I felt that this had potential to be a great book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of characterisation and plot.
Upon reading the synopsis I thought I was in for a very different story to the one I expected.
The first few chapters were told from the point of view of the female lead, Julie.
Julie came across as narcissistic and obsessive. Her narrative expands over several chapters but at no time does the reader feel endeared to her. I would have liked to see more depth in this character, to see what really made her tick.
Alex’s parts of the novel were interesting, and this is where I felt the author really shined. It was interesting to see his head space and the way he viewed and interacted with other people. Learning more about his killings and in particular the ice pond was great insight into his psychology.
Overall, I felt that this had potential to be a great book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of characterisation and plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
Title - Her Eyes Underwater :
A True crime inspired
Romantic thriller
Author - Romona Simon
Genre - thriller/fiction
Format - e-book
.
.
This is a crime romantic suspense thriller and the story inspired by the true events. It is set in 1970s. The story revolves around the protagonist Julia an outgoing college student. She meets her dream, Alex. He seems perfect from the outside but he is not as same as it seems to be. But it is up to Julia to recognize him before its too late. Grab the book to know more about the story.
The cover and the title of the book is mysterious and totally apt.
The plot of the story is interesting, solid and imaginative. It is a perfect blend of crime, thrill and suspense with a flavour of erotica. It has all the elements of a good novel.
Language used is simple and lucid. Writing style of the author is unique. The dialogues are exiting and enjoyable.
Characters are well developed and described by the author.
The flow of the book is well paced and it is the mystery element which keeps the readers engaged till the end. End of the story is hair raising.
Hats off to the author for creating such creepy atmosphere of horror. After reading this, one will surely check the doors of his/her room. There are some grammatical mistakes.
Overall, an unusual read.
.
.
Rating - 3.8/5
.
.
I recommend this book to all specially to thriller lovers out there.
A True crime inspired
Romantic thriller
Author - Romona Simon
Genre - thriller/fiction
Format - e-book
.
.
This is a crime romantic suspense thriller and the story inspired by the true events. It is set in 1970s. The story revolves around the protagonist Julia an outgoing college student. She meets her dream, Alex. He seems perfect from the outside but he is not as same as it seems to be. But it is up to Julia to recognize him before its too late. Grab the book to know more about the story.
The cover and the title of the book is mysterious and totally apt.
The plot of the story is interesting, solid and imaginative. It is a perfect blend of crime, thrill and suspense with a flavour of erotica. It has all the elements of a good novel.
Language used is simple and lucid. Writing style of the author is unique. The dialogues are exiting and enjoyable.
Characters are well developed and described by the author.
The flow of the book is well paced and it is the mystery element which keeps the readers engaged till the end. End of the story is hair raising.
Hats off to the author for creating such creepy atmosphere of horror. After reading this, one will surely check the doors of his/her room. There are some grammatical mistakes.
Overall, an unusual read.
.
.
Rating - 3.8/5
.
.
I recommend this book to all specially to thriller lovers out there.
June 25, 2020
Julia met the handsome stranger at a local café. “Female eyes followed him like hungry dogs.”
It was kind of slow at the beginning as she was mostly entranced by him as she takes a ride upon first meeting. Then his eyes turn cold and dark, and she becomes frightened thinking she’s going to die. Then…he becomes normal again. Whoa, that’s a little creepy.
Afterwards, Julia becomes too obsessed with Alex. Why doesn’t he talk to her? How can he not like her the way she likes him? Over the course, Julia becomes an unbalanced character—brimming with over-confidence yet self-deprecating when it comes to Alex. And it goes on and on like this for most of the book.
The literary narrative, poetic in itself, does well concentrating on the tension and drama within the collegiate spectrum; however, it lacked endurance as far as suspense was concerned.
As Alex and Julia’s puzzling interlude leads to a complex romance, a wide forage of jealousy, doubt, and confusion spill into the mix. Meanwhile, something sinister is furrowing in the depths of this middling plot. Most of the time, things are normal; other times, they’re not. The reader is constantly being turned around in this spinning “Jekyll and Hyde” coin, deepening curiosity and prolonging doubt. There was even a lingering question whether this Alex was a man or some other “being” the way Julia talks about him. One thing was for sure: Alex was not normal.
The concept was certainly enticing, but the whole thing was watered down in mild and tepid tones, which distorted into complexity and darkness. In fact, it’s the story’s alluring dark side that beckon audiences to read on. It’s a decent read that can border on literary horror.
It was kind of slow at the beginning as she was mostly entranced by him as she takes a ride upon first meeting. Then his eyes turn cold and dark, and she becomes frightened thinking she’s going to die. Then…he becomes normal again. Whoa, that’s a little creepy.
Afterwards, Julia becomes too obsessed with Alex. Why doesn’t he talk to her? How can he not like her the way she likes him? Over the course, Julia becomes an unbalanced character—brimming with over-confidence yet self-deprecating when it comes to Alex. And it goes on and on like this for most of the book.
The literary narrative, poetic in itself, does well concentrating on the tension and drama within the collegiate spectrum; however, it lacked endurance as far as suspense was concerned.
As Alex and Julia’s puzzling interlude leads to a complex romance, a wide forage of jealousy, doubt, and confusion spill into the mix. Meanwhile, something sinister is furrowing in the depths of this middling plot. Most of the time, things are normal; other times, they’re not. The reader is constantly being turned around in this spinning “Jekyll and Hyde” coin, deepening curiosity and prolonging doubt. There was even a lingering question whether this Alex was a man or some other “being” the way Julia talks about him. One thing was for sure: Alex was not normal.
The concept was certainly enticing, but the whole thing was watered down in mild and tepid tones, which distorted into complexity and darkness. In fact, it’s the story’s alluring dark side that beckon audiences to read on. It’s a decent read that can border on literary horror.
May 28, 2020
Unusual, but enjoyable style
I'm glad I stumbled upon this story. The author has a unique style, and the dialogues are provocative and enjoyable. I liked the way she drew a contrast between the characters, showing the reader just how easy it is to talk to one as nother, yet completely misunderstand each other and miss the meaning. It's all about what we focus on.
Although I didn't particularly fell in love with Julia, and she had as many bad characteristics as Alex did, I did finish reading the book and I'm glad I made that choice.
It's a slow burner romance-thriller that's ideal for those who are more interested in the thought-process rather than the crimes.
Overall it was a nice experience.
I'm glad I stumbled upon this story. The author has a unique style, and the dialogues are provocative and enjoyable. I liked the way she drew a contrast between the characters, showing the reader just how easy it is to talk to one as nother, yet completely misunderstand each other and miss the meaning. It's all about what we focus on.
Although I didn't particularly fell in love with Julia, and she had as many bad characteristics as Alex did, I did finish reading the book and I'm glad I made that choice.
It's a slow burner romance-thriller that's ideal for those who are more interested in the thought-process rather than the crimes.
Overall it was a nice experience.
July 10, 2020
Her Eyes Underwater is an engaging and suspenseful thriller which is sure to keep you on your toes as the plot progresses. True crime has always been a big interest of mine and I enjoy to see it portrayed in fiction. Set in the 70’s, the height of the serial killer ‘pandemic’, the novel follows Julia- an outgoing college student as she pursues who she thinks she has met her dream guy in the intriguing Alex. While seemingly flawless on the surface, all is not as it seems, but it is up to Julia to realise that before it is too late.
The characterisation here is on point and I found Julia easy to relate and empathise with. She is ultimately just a young girl trying to navigate her way through young adulthood and that should resonate with most people. The plot itself is tense and there are enough twists to keep the reader and suspense and fully invested in what happens next. A great debut from emerging author Romona Simon, I fully look forward to reading more from this author!
The characterisation here is on point and I found Julia easy to relate and empathise with. She is ultimately just a young girl trying to navigate her way through young adulthood and that should resonate with most people. The plot itself is tense and there are enough twists to keep the reader and suspense and fully invested in what happens next. A great debut from emerging author Romona Simon, I fully look forward to reading more from this author!
May 17, 2020
I have to say that this book is like no other that I have read and really is a unique read. However, for me it just didn't quite live up to expectations after reading the synopsis.
After completing it a few hours ago I am still left confused with so many questions. This personally is something that I don't like when I have finished a book. I much prefer for all of the lose ends to be tied up and for me to have a satisfying ending. I understand that some of the best novels leave you with questions and the purpose of the writing is to make you think, but for me this novel didn't quite hit that mark.
As a concept I thought this book was brilliant. It showed the flaws that people can so easily ignore when they are infatuated with someone. It also dealt with the mask that people can display for the world and how easy it can be to hid your true nature. Alex was a excellently developed character and although I didn't like him, he wasn't created to be a character that is liked.
The language used in this novel really was beautiful and the descriptions really brought the story to life. The setting of the woods in Montana were excellently depicted and helped create a greater understanding for some of the events that take place within the novel. The actual words used and the writing was flawless and really put me in two minds about the novel.
For me, the main problem with this book was the storyline. I felt like I was almost halfway through the novel before I fully understood what was happening and had a small inkling of where the story was going (even if I was wrong about this). The whole thing was too slow for my taste. I was frantically reading to get towards what I assumed would be a huge conclusion but as I saw the percentage on my Kindle getting very close to the 100%, I knew it wouldn't be the ending I expected.
After completing it a few hours ago I am still left confused with so many questions. This personally is something that I don't like when I have finished a book. I much prefer for all of the lose ends to be tied up and for me to have a satisfying ending. I understand that some of the best novels leave you with questions and the purpose of the writing is to make you think, but for me this novel didn't quite hit that mark.
As a concept I thought this book was brilliant. It showed the flaws that people can so easily ignore when they are infatuated with someone. It also dealt with the mask that people can display for the world and how easy it can be to hid your true nature. Alex was a excellently developed character and although I didn't like him, he wasn't created to be a character that is liked.
The language used in this novel really was beautiful and the descriptions really brought the story to life. The setting of the woods in Montana were excellently depicted and helped create a greater understanding for some of the events that take place within the novel. The actual words used and the writing was flawless and really put me in two minds about the novel.
For me, the main problem with this book was the storyline. I felt like I was almost halfway through the novel before I fully understood what was happening and had a small inkling of where the story was going (even if I was wrong about this). The whole thing was too slow for my taste. I was frantically reading to get towards what I assumed would be a huge conclusion but as I saw the percentage on my Kindle getting very close to the 100%, I knew it wouldn't be the ending I expected.
May 22, 2020
This is obviously based on Ted Bundy, as I live in Tallahassee, Florida, and the scene of his last murder spree, also not far from his execution, I know how the story ends, it is exactly what he deserved! No, you don't feel sorry for Julia, she acts like a thirteen year old instead of a thirty year old woman! I truly did not want to finish it, but I did in order to give an honest review. In my opinion this should not be entitled a Romantic Suspense, you know full well what he is, Alex, Ted, Darren, whatever he calls himself, does not deserve such adulation placed on him; there should have been more emphasis placed on listening to your gut instinct! My question is, why are women writing these horrid books without showing a strong woman? If there had been one woman with a gun, when he breaks into a house, listened to her instinct, waited for him to come to her, then shoot him, until he was dead, I could see writing these types of books, but not glorify some demonic man who is handsome, and charismatic! There should be a link in the back for self - defense classes!
I recommend if you enjoy gruesome brutality of women! Thank you Netgalley!
carolintallahassee.com
I recommend if you enjoy gruesome brutality of women! Thank you Netgalley!
carolintallahassee.com
May 18, 2020
This book had an interesting premise, I like that it was based on real events. I found it difficult to get into the book. I found the first part was a little slow. I took some breaks in reading and returned to find myself struggling to get into it. However, as the action began to pick up and we found more about the story, I was able to read the rest of the book rather quickly.
There was suspense, intrigue, and romance and it had qualities that are right up my alley for the genre I enjoy reading. I’d say overall, this book was well-written and the second half was engaging.
I found the ending quite exciting and it blows the mind a little.
I received a free copy of this book by book sirens in exchange for an honest review
There was suspense, intrigue, and romance and it had qualities that are right up my alley for the genre I enjoy reading. I’d say overall, this book was well-written and the second half was engaging.
I found the ending quite exciting and it blows the mind a little.
I received a free copy of this book by book sirens in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2020
first time reading a book by Ramona Simon ,this novel is very intriguing and addictive.Julia the main character when she want something she always go for it and get it.this author style of writing was perfectly smooth ,clear and understanding. when reading this book i just couldn't stop myself i sat for hours reading.i believe there will be series of more books by this author,i would 100% read the next book I certainly recommend reading Her eyes underwater by Ramona Simon.
July 19, 2020
Her Eyes Underwater by Romona Simon is a chilling story featuring mystery, obsession, and a healthy dose of suspense based on true crime.
Julia is a law school student with wanderlust. Born into wealth and gifted with beauty, she's used to getting whatever and whoever she wants. When she sees a handsome stranger in her favorite coffee shop she's immediately gripped with the need to have him as hers. Initially uninterested, Alex let her join him to visit a friend. Over time Julia starts to notice the odd behaviors and a hot and cold personality of Alex but ignores them due to her infatuation with him. Meanwhile, bodies start turning up and it seems like they could be connected to Alex. Despite not getting any details about Alex's life, Julia continues to ignore her gut instinct and refuses to suspect the obvious. As things progress and Julia gets further drawn in by her obsession with Alex, will she be able to connect the dots and escape with her life?
If you're looking for a romance leave now because this is not for you. While there may be something between Julia and Alex, it certainly isn't love. There is obsession, fascination, and possessiveness. Most of the book is through Julia's eyes with snippets from Alex. Through them we can see how her infatuation caused her to overlook and dismiss any suspicions she had. She's such a human and flawed character but she's so well developed that you can't help but bite your nails and hope she makes it!
Through Alex, we don't get a whole lot, but there are a lot of odd little clues and thoughts about the murders. You can really see how the mind of a sociopath works through him. His fascination and possessiveness over Julia makes you want her to figure it out and run away all the sooner.
This book is set up to be a series so it ends in a vague and unsettlingly way. I believe that this could be a very successful series due to how well written it is. I do wish that Julia had been written differently. She's a fully fleshed-out character, but I'd like to see more redeeming characteristics from her. Normally I'd complain about a character missing so many obvious signs being cliche, but the way she's written, she's so desperately obsessive about him that I can understand it. I also would have liked for there to be more background information about who exactly Alex is through his eyes. I do understand that he may have been vague because this is meant to be a series. The last thing I would have liked is a more concrete ending because the reader is left wondering what exactly happened and hoping the next book will shine some light on it.
Overall, I would give this book a 3 out of 5 stars!
Julia is a law school student with wanderlust. Born into wealth and gifted with beauty, she's used to getting whatever and whoever she wants. When she sees a handsome stranger in her favorite coffee shop she's immediately gripped with the need to have him as hers. Initially uninterested, Alex let her join him to visit a friend. Over time Julia starts to notice the odd behaviors and a hot and cold personality of Alex but ignores them due to her infatuation with him. Meanwhile, bodies start turning up and it seems like they could be connected to Alex. Despite not getting any details about Alex's life, Julia continues to ignore her gut instinct and refuses to suspect the obvious. As things progress and Julia gets further drawn in by her obsession with Alex, will she be able to connect the dots and escape with her life?
If you're looking for a romance leave now because this is not for you. While there may be something between Julia and Alex, it certainly isn't love. There is obsession, fascination, and possessiveness. Most of the book is through Julia's eyes with snippets from Alex. Through them we can see how her infatuation caused her to overlook and dismiss any suspicions she had. She's such a human and flawed character but she's so well developed that you can't help but bite your nails and hope she makes it!
Through Alex, we don't get a whole lot, but there are a lot of odd little clues and thoughts about the murders. You can really see how the mind of a sociopath works through him. His fascination and possessiveness over Julia makes you want her to figure it out and run away all the sooner.
This book is set up to be a series so it ends in a vague and unsettlingly way. I believe that this could be a very successful series due to how well written it is. I do wish that Julia had been written differently. She's a fully fleshed-out character, but I'd like to see more redeeming characteristics from her. Normally I'd complain about a character missing so many obvious signs being cliche, but the way she's written, she's so desperately obsessive about him that I can understand it. I also would have liked for there to be more background information about who exactly Alex is through his eyes. I do understand that he may have been vague because this is meant to be a series. The last thing I would have liked is a more concrete ending because the reader is left wondering what exactly happened and hoping the next book will shine some light on it.
Overall, I would give this book a 3 out of 5 stars!
May 31, 2020
This book had the complete wow factor I expect from a good thriller, and it took off instantly the minute that Julia and Alex entered that cafe and sealed the fate that would change both of their lives forever, and not necessarily for the better.
Julia becomes completely obsessed with Alex, who she finds out is in a lot of the same law classes as she is, and you can completely feel her jealousy dripping off the pages. Here, she barely knows the guy, yet instantly does not like the way other women look at or flirt with him. What's even worse is the way he constantly toys with her emotions, building her up and then putting her back down, explaining he doesn't want a girlfriend or anything serious. We've all met this pretty boy type of guy who can get whatever he wants and he knows it, and he's the most dangerous kind of them all, and of course Julia is the beautiful girl who thinks she can have any guy she wants, and is very brazen in her relentless pursuit of his love and affection. Alex desribing Julia, "She was beautiful, expensively dressed and probably felt entitled to anything she desired. Beautiful people were always that way. Life spoiled them." was also a complete reflection of himself as I'm sure he was well aware. They were quite a bit alike.
Once you meet Alex's family, you can instantly understand why he is the way he is to a certain extent. Losing a sister to sad circumstances, a very condescending mother, the strange way his grandfather was found deceased and why they still had his funeral in the first place, and a grandmother who was still alive, yet not completely all there. He seemed to have a lot of mental anguish in such a short period of time.
What I didn't really like about this book was the ending, which did not really wrap up the story, so unless their is a sequel in the works, this book leaves you hanging and wanting to know more. Thank you BookSirens for the review copy I received. These opinions are strictly my own.
Julia becomes completely obsessed with Alex, who she finds out is in a lot of the same law classes as she is, and you can completely feel her jealousy dripping off the pages. Here, she barely knows the guy, yet instantly does not like the way other women look at or flirt with him. What's even worse is the way he constantly toys with her emotions, building her up and then putting her back down, explaining he doesn't want a girlfriend or anything serious. We've all met this pretty boy type of guy who can get whatever he wants and he knows it, and he's the most dangerous kind of them all, and of course Julia is the beautiful girl who thinks she can have any guy she wants, and is very brazen in her relentless pursuit of his love and affection. Alex desribing Julia, "She was beautiful, expensively dressed and probably felt entitled to anything she desired. Beautiful people were always that way. Life spoiled them." was also a complete reflection of himself as I'm sure he was well aware. They were quite a bit alike.
Once you meet Alex's family, you can instantly understand why he is the way he is to a certain extent. Losing a sister to sad circumstances, a very condescending mother, the strange way his grandfather was found deceased and why they still had his funeral in the first place, and a grandmother who was still alive, yet not completely all there. He seemed to have a lot of mental anguish in such a short period of time.
What I didn't really like about this book was the ending, which did not really wrap up the story, so unless their is a sequel in the works, this book leaves you hanging and wanting to know more. Thank you BookSirens for the review copy I received. These opinions are strictly my own.
June 15, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
It’s 1970s in Montana and women have been disappearing. Her Eyes Under Water is a suspenseful thriller with a twisted sort of romance inspired by true events. Julia Strauss is a 30-year-old law student who goes out one night looking for something to entertain her boredom when she meets the handsome and mysterious Alex Bowman and is instantly drawn to him. Julia is used to getting what she wants and who she wants, so when Alex doesn’t reciprocate the same instant attraction Julia doesn’t take no for an answer leaving Alex struggling to keep his distance from the beautiful Julia Strauss.
The first part of the book was slow for me and I found edit errors throughout the book. Julia is portrayed as a strong natured and confident woman, but upon meeting Alex instantly is putty in his hands following him around like a sad puppy; character traits that are fit for a young, inexperienced girl and not a mature woman who has been around the block as far as men are concerned. Yes, Julia is entranced by Alex, but I think her character could have been written in a way to capture her maturity and still show her unrestrained attraction to this mysterious man.
Aside from the slow start and the conflicting feelings about the character traits I was engaged and invested in Alex and Julia from page one being drawn in more and more in anticipation of something big to happen and when it happened it was huge. The writing is well done and at times almost poetic that it kept me reading in a race to get to the conclusion.
Her Eyes Under Water
It’s 1970s in Montana and women have been disappearing. Her Eyes Under Water is a suspenseful thriller with a twisted sort of romance inspired by true events. Julia Strauss is a 30-year-old law student who goes out one night looking for something to entertain her boredom when she meets the handsome and mysterious Alex Bowman and is instantly drawn to him. Julia is used to getting what she wants and who she wants, so when Alex doesn’t reciprocate the same instant attraction Julia doesn’t take no for an answer leaving Alex struggling to keep his distance from the beautiful Julia Strauss.
The first part of the book was slow for me and I found edit errors throughout the book. Julia is portrayed as a strong natured and confident woman, but upon meeting Alex instantly is putty in his hands following him around like a sad puppy; character traits that are fit for a young, inexperienced girl and not a mature woman who has been around the block as far as men are concerned. Yes, Julia is entranced by Alex, but I think her character could have been written in a way to capture her maturity and still show her unrestrained attraction to this mysterious man.
Aside from the slow start and the conflicting feelings about the character traits I was engaged and invested in Alex and Julia from page one being drawn in more and more in anticipation of something big to happen and when it happened it was huge. The writing is well done and at times almost poetic that it kept me reading in a race to get to the conclusion.
Her Eyes Under Water
July 8, 2020
One of the best features of Romona Simon’s writing is that the story gets juicier the more you read. The characters get to be more entertaining, the plot thickens and plot twists appear when least expected. Romona Simon is gifted in this art. The story-telling is more than impeccable. One can visualize the events in the book and even create the real images of the characters. In the book ‘Her Eyes Underwater’, the reader is taken on an exciting journey that involves romance, fear, betrayal, family, law and the disappointments life gives.
Julia is a brilliant girl. She is clever, she is taking a great course at school - law, a valuable member of society and a darling to those that know her. She meets this man that she thinks is charming, falls for him, and gets to experience love with him. Alex, the man Julia met at a coffee shop is not your regular guy. Apart from the good looks, Alex is not easy to read. He can present a side of him that you will admire, and put on a fake persona to impress whoever he wants. Julia unfortunately does not see this when he first meets the man. She is infatuated by him, enjoys his company, agrees to go out with him, and puts him too close to her life.
Julia loved everything about this man and before reading further one would think he was the dream man for her. I loved the portrayal of the character in Alex. He sometimes acted weirdly but was good at covering his tracks. Something later happens. The mystery that surrounds this man, his uncanny nature, and the stories going around make the plot thrilling. The author infuses suspense in the right chapters making the reading a magnificent experience. I loved how the themes were presented and the ending in the book. I recommend ‘Her Eyes Underwater’ to readers that enjoy thrillers, crime stories, and romance novels.
Julia is a brilliant girl. She is clever, she is taking a great course at school - law, a valuable member of society and a darling to those that know her. She meets this man that she thinks is charming, falls for him, and gets to experience love with him. Alex, the man Julia met at a coffee shop is not your regular guy. Apart from the good looks, Alex is not easy to read. He can present a side of him that you will admire, and put on a fake persona to impress whoever he wants. Julia unfortunately does not see this when he first meets the man. She is infatuated by him, enjoys his company, agrees to go out with him, and puts him too close to her life.
Julia loved everything about this man and before reading further one would think he was the dream man for her. I loved the portrayal of the character in Alex. He sometimes acted weirdly but was good at covering his tracks. Something later happens. The mystery that surrounds this man, his uncanny nature, and the stories going around make the plot thrilling. The author infuses suspense in the right chapters making the reading a magnificent experience. I loved how the themes were presented and the ending in the book. I recommend ‘Her Eyes Underwater’ to readers that enjoy thrillers, crime stories, and romance novels.
July 10, 2020
Julia Strauss does not lack confidence when it comes to choosing men. Her beauty never fails her, so when she wants a man she gets them. But a chance encounter in a random coffee shop with mystery man, Alex, shows Julia that not everyone will fall prey to her. After going straight up to him and starting up a conversation, Julia finds herself hopping into this stranger’s car without hesitation. All is going well until Alex finds out that Julia is also attending the same law school as him. Julia catches a glimpse of the ‘other side’ of Alex when he abruptly ends their drive and takes her back to the cafe.
But as much as her intuition tells her that somethings just not right with Alex, Julia obsesses over him. Meanwhile in the background women are disappearing in the Montana wilderness. Will Julia see the real side of Alex before it’s too late?
Based on a true crime and set in the beautiful state of Montana in the 70s, you will instantly be drawn in by Simon and how she weaves the stories of Julia and Alex together. This is a story illustrating that love is blind and obsession even more so. Alex’s charm is felt easily through the pages and his other side makes him passionate, not dangerous, to the unsuspecting Julia.
Simon has mastered the page-turning suspense story but is able to add a love affair within it. But don’t be deterred if you aren’t really into romance, I found it just enough to fuel the thriller storyline, to make you believe that Julia just can’t so easily pull herself away from the dangerous Alex due to her infatuation.
A captivating and fast-paced read. You will fly through the pages just to find out how far they will both go. So excited for the rest of the series!
But as much as her intuition tells her that somethings just not right with Alex, Julia obsesses over him. Meanwhile in the background women are disappearing in the Montana wilderness. Will Julia see the real side of Alex before it’s too late?
Based on a true crime and set in the beautiful state of Montana in the 70s, you will instantly be drawn in by Simon and how she weaves the stories of Julia and Alex together. This is a story illustrating that love is blind and obsession even more so. Alex’s charm is felt easily through the pages and his other side makes him passionate, not dangerous, to the unsuspecting Julia.
Simon has mastered the page-turning suspense story but is able to add a love affair within it. But don’t be deterred if you aren’t really into romance, I found it just enough to fuel the thriller storyline, to make you believe that Julia just can’t so easily pull herself away from the dangerous Alex due to her infatuation.
A captivating and fast-paced read. You will fly through the pages just to find out how far they will both go. So excited for the rest of the series!
July 14, 2020
Julia is having a pretty nice life all things considered. She's going for her first semester of law school,
planning to drop out at the end of the semester, then go back to her life of day drinking and spendy her
parents money. One night she's feeling frisky and goes to a coffee shop to seduce a guy. She gets more
than she bargained for when she meets Alex. Every ounce of this man is rippling muscle, smoldering
eyes, and honey dripped voice. She has never met a man she couldn't seduce, and she WILL have him.
But... will he have her? And will it be in the way she wants?
Her Eyes Underwater by Ramona Simon is steamy and full of sexual tension. If that is your thing, this
book is a MUST read. Julia is absolutely relentless in tracking down Alex. Confident, self-assured, and
driven. That's Julia. She finds what she wants and launches at it full force. If only I could be like her,
with a bit more common sense.
I know it sounds cheesy, but I also love how the author never delves into apologizing for the horrors of
the REAL monster lurking in the closet of this book. She gives some background of to how they
MIGHT have gotten to where they are, but never outright excuses it.
What I don't like is how much of that common sense she lacks. Getting into a truck with someone she
just met? Climbing up a snowy double diamond hill when you suck at skiing? Ignoring obvious red
flags? Girl. Get your life together. But then again, if your characters only make the RIGHT decisions
then you have a boring book. Half the fun of reading and writing a story is watching your protagonist
figure out how to get out of the mess of their own making.
5/5 Stars if you're looking for a steemy horror book.
planning to drop out at the end of the semester, then go back to her life of day drinking and spendy her
parents money. One night she's feeling frisky and goes to a coffee shop to seduce a guy. She gets more
than she bargained for when she meets Alex. Every ounce of this man is rippling muscle, smoldering
eyes, and honey dripped voice. She has never met a man she couldn't seduce, and she WILL have him.
But... will he have her? And will it be in the way she wants?
Her Eyes Underwater by Ramona Simon is steamy and full of sexual tension. If that is your thing, this
book is a MUST read. Julia is absolutely relentless in tracking down Alex. Confident, self-assured, and
driven. That's Julia. She finds what she wants and launches at it full force. If only I could be like her,
with a bit more common sense.
I know it sounds cheesy, but I also love how the author never delves into apologizing for the horrors of
the REAL monster lurking in the closet of this book. She gives some background of to how they
MIGHT have gotten to where they are, but never outright excuses it.
What I don't like is how much of that common sense she lacks. Getting into a truck with someone she
just met? Climbing up a snowy double diamond hill when you suck at skiing? Ignoring obvious red
flags? Girl. Get your life together. But then again, if your characters only make the RIGHT decisions
then you have a boring book. Half the fun of reading and writing a story is watching your protagonist
figure out how to get out of the mess of their own making.
5/5 Stars if you're looking for a steemy horror book.
May 16, 2020
ARC given for review by netgalley.
This is definitely a book of two parts which had a big impact on my rating.
The first half is frankly boring, repetitively telling us how obessed she is with Alex, a fellow law student with a deliberately mysterious background. There is passing mention of a missing person which is mentioned and then ignored in favour of more obsessing.
Julia we're told is a beauty, she could have any man she wants but she wants Alex who is as she tells us gorgeous and the target of all the women he encounters. They have a relationship of sorts but he is it seems something of a Jekyll and Hyde character as far as his encounters with Julia go.
The second half of the book is what redeems the first long dull section. We find out more about who Alex is, his family background, dysfunctional, previous employment (armed forces, politics, several degrees and all at only 26 years of age). But his private thoughts are explored and he's not the pleasant mild mannered law student he appears to be - far more Jekyll and Hyde than even the first half of the book would ever suggest.
Overall the first half of the book really needed condensing down in to one maybe two chapters as I very nearly gave up on the book at that point, the second half was worth persevering for but still left so much unexplained. I wasn't hugely keen on the mirroring of opening and ending chapters either, the revelation of Alex's thoughts when he and Julia first met seemed to me would have been better placed somewhere mid way after we switch to his point of view.
3 stars for the second part redeeming the first.
This is definitely a book of two parts which had a big impact on my rating.
The first half is frankly boring, repetitively telling us how obessed she is with Alex, a fellow law student with a deliberately mysterious background. There is passing mention of a missing person which is mentioned and then ignored in favour of more obsessing.
Julia we're told is a beauty, she could have any man she wants but she wants Alex who is as she tells us gorgeous and the target of all the women he encounters. They have a relationship of sorts but he is it seems something of a Jekyll and Hyde character as far as his encounters with Julia go.
The second half of the book is what redeems the first long dull section. We find out more about who Alex is, his family background, dysfunctional, previous employment (armed forces, politics, several degrees and all at only 26 years of age). But his private thoughts are explored and he's not the pleasant mild mannered law student he appears to be - far more Jekyll and Hyde than even the first half of the book would ever suggest.
Overall the first half of the book really needed condensing down in to one maybe two chapters as I very nearly gave up on the book at that point, the second half was worth persevering for but still left so much unexplained. I wasn't hugely keen on the mirroring of opening and ending chapters either, the revelation of Alex's thoughts when he and Julia first met seemed to me would have been better placed somewhere mid way after we switch to his point of view.
3 stars for the second part redeeming the first.
September 13, 2020
Her Eyes Under Water by Romona Simon is a thrilling ,spine chilling suspense novel with well executed elements of mystery horror and erotica .
It is based in the year 1970s of Montana where a spree of missing people comes into the light of suspicion .
Our young protagonist Julia Strauss in the spirit of adventure falls in a never ending form of infatuation for Alex who is everything classic and chivalrous but something is seriously not right.
She is not the only one who falls straight to amorous desire for this god like creation but everyone around Alex feels effected and drawn to him.
The narration is painted with deep colors of mystery and allure though the language used is not simple but romantic and poetic in nature.
Descriptions drawn are vivid and creates a feel of horror and suspense throughout the plot. Though sometimes I felt descriptions were dragged but they did added to the element author tried to portray .
The narration was fluent and character of Alex and Julia are well shaped, especially of Alex .
Alex was this mysterious man with dark secrets and darker deeds hidden behind the veil of an alluring personality and control that he possessed over not only over himself ,but also upon people around him .
He is an artist who loves to paint death .
Scary , isn't it ?
The end was predictable and author doesn't reveal what happens with Julia Strauss ,so maybe this is the first part of series .
All in all this book is not for kids. Some scenes are grotesque and haunting .
People who love thriller and suspense novels with essence of erotica will love it.
It is based in the year 1970s of Montana where a spree of missing people comes into the light of suspicion .
Our young protagonist Julia Strauss in the spirit of adventure falls in a never ending form of infatuation for Alex who is everything classic and chivalrous but something is seriously not right.
She is not the only one who falls straight to amorous desire for this god like creation but everyone around Alex feels effected and drawn to him.
The narration is painted with deep colors of mystery and allure though the language used is not simple but romantic and poetic in nature.
Descriptions drawn are vivid and creates a feel of horror and suspense throughout the plot. Though sometimes I felt descriptions were dragged but they did added to the element author tried to portray .
The narration was fluent and character of Alex and Julia are well shaped, especially of Alex .
Alex was this mysterious man with dark secrets and darker deeds hidden behind the veil of an alluring personality and control that he possessed over not only over himself ,but also upon people around him .
He is an artist who loves to paint death .
Scary , isn't it ?
The end was predictable and author doesn't reveal what happens with Julia Strauss ,so maybe this is the first part of series .
All in all this book is not for kids. Some scenes are grotesque and haunting .
People who love thriller and suspense novels with essence of erotica will love it.
September 21, 2020
Book:- Her Eyes Underwater: A True-Crime Inspired Romantic Thriller
Author:- Romona Simon
Format:- E Book
Type- Fiction
Rating-4/5
Her Eyes Underwater: A True-Crime Inspired Romantic Thriller by Romona Simon is a beautiful romantic thriller. The story starts with a girl finding a man in a restaurant and falling for him. From chapter one, the story turned a bit of horror as well as romantic in the form of obsession. She goes for him, talks to him, and gets disappointed when the man doesn’t turn out to her expectations.
The story had a strong plot with a good sequence of events. It is axiomatic that such plots make the book interesting to read. Throughout the story, the author kept the reader engaged in the book, partly because of the Plot of the story and partly because of species of romance and suspense. It had the capacity to amuse the readers.
Well to talk about the book, other things I liked were-
1. Language of the book is easy and comfortable.
2. Narration style is remarkable and seems mature.
3. Cover picture is in tandem with the title and is lovely, though strange.
4. Plot is intriguing.
5. Characterization was stunning throughout the book.
6. Pace of the story was fine and forwarded in a seamless manner.
7. A good sense of romance in form of obsession was given in the book.
Well if we talk about the negatives of the book, then I don’t find as such except length. In the try of describing obsession perfectly in the book, it seems that the book had unsolicited narration which took away the thrill of crime and obsession sometimes.
The overall story was a good and interesting reading and I recommend this book for all fiction lovers. A good read indeed.
Author:- Romona Simon
Format:- E Book
Type- Fiction
Rating-4/5
Her Eyes Underwater: A True-Crime Inspired Romantic Thriller by Romona Simon is a beautiful romantic thriller. The story starts with a girl finding a man in a restaurant and falling for him. From chapter one, the story turned a bit of horror as well as romantic in the form of obsession. She goes for him, talks to him, and gets disappointed when the man doesn’t turn out to her expectations.
The story had a strong plot with a good sequence of events. It is axiomatic that such plots make the book interesting to read. Throughout the story, the author kept the reader engaged in the book, partly because of the Plot of the story and partly because of species of romance and suspense. It had the capacity to amuse the readers.
Well to talk about the book, other things I liked were-
1. Language of the book is easy and comfortable.
2. Narration style is remarkable and seems mature.
3. Cover picture is in tandem with the title and is lovely, though strange.
4. Plot is intriguing.
5. Characterization was stunning throughout the book.
6. Pace of the story was fine and forwarded in a seamless manner.
7. A good sense of romance in form of obsession was given in the book.
Well if we talk about the negatives of the book, then I don’t find as such except length. In the try of describing obsession perfectly in the book, it seems that the book had unsolicited narration which took away the thrill of crime and obsession sometimes.
The overall story was a good and interesting reading and I recommend this book for all fiction lovers. A good read indeed.
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