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Misted Pines #2
The Girl in the Woods
This body would be the last for Zachariah Lazarus…
The Crystal Killer’s latest casualty was discovered in a sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest, Misted Pines.
His years in the FBI, and tracking the Crystal Killer, have taken their toll on Rus. He lost his marriage to the job. And the burdens he carries for the victims was crushing him.
Misted Pines has recently survived a killer’s rampage and a town scandal that made global news. The media was primed to devour a new story. So Rus already has his work cut out for him.
But it’s more.
Something is just not right with this latest victim.
As Rus works with the local sheriff to unravel the mystery, the victim’s employer, Lucinda Bonner, decides she’s going to do everything she can to help.
To help Rus find the killer. To help Rus survive the hunt. To help Rus navigate the intricate, and sometimes sordid, history of the town of Misted Pines.
And to help Rus let go of his burdens.
The Crystal Killer’s latest casualty was discovered in a sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest, Misted Pines.
His years in the FBI, and tracking the Crystal Killer, have taken their toll on Rus. He lost his marriage to the job. And the burdens he carries for the victims was crushing him.
Misted Pines has recently survived a killer’s rampage and a town scandal that made global news. The media was primed to devour a new story. So Rus already has his work cut out for him.
But it’s more.
Something is just not right with this latest victim.
As Rus works with the local sheriff to unravel the mystery, the victim’s employer, Lucinda Bonner, decides she’s going to do everything she can to help.
To help Rus find the killer. To help Rus survive the hunt. To help Rus navigate the intricate, and sometimes sordid, history of the town of Misted Pines.
And to help Rus let go of his burdens.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
520 people are currently reading
1775 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Ashley
138 books39.5k followersKristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
May 27, 2023
#1 The Girl in the Mist — 3.75 stars
not sure what to make of this one (or the series in general). i listened, but i wasnt following; so there were parts of the story that i didnt understand or just couldnt care less about. the romance was more of a sidenote and not giving KA at all. the mystery/thriller was pretty disturbing, gory, and heartbreaking, but i wasnt invested. like, i wasnt actively participating & trying to solve the puzzle myself in my head. none of the plot twists were shocking. idk, i feel like im in a perpetual state of “on-the-fence-ness” with this series.
(read as an audiobook)
not sure what to make of this one (or the series in general). i listened, but i wasnt following; so there were parts of the story that i didnt understand or just couldnt care less about. the romance was more of a sidenote and not giving KA at all. the mystery/thriller was pretty disturbing, gory, and heartbreaking, but i wasnt invested. like, i wasnt actively participating & trying to solve the puzzle myself in my head. none of the plot twists were shocking. idk, i feel like im in a perpetual state of “on-the-fence-ness” with this series.
(read as an audiobook)
September 12, 2024
3.5 stars
The first book from this author from a male point of view? And a heavy mystery plot? Kristen Ashley is really branching out, and I'm here for it.
Pacing: ★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★ 1/2
Writing style: It's a KA book, so keep this in mind as her writing style is Very Dramatic and she loves a good one-sentence paragraph (like, REALLY loves it)
The Girl in the Woods is the sequel to The Girl in the Mist. Yes, you could start with this one first as it's a new story arc—but it's a richer reading experience if you read them in order.
Rus is an FBI detective on the hunt for the Crystal Killer. He's tired, he's jaded, and he's pretty sure he's done with FBI work in general. And he's definitely done with murderers.
But when the Crystal Killer strikes in Misted Pines, a small town in the Pacific Northwest that's already seen their fair share of shit, Rus has no choice but to make the trek.
And it's another murdered girl. (Rus is bone-weary of finding cold girls in the dark.)
Unfortunately for Rus, there's a twist to this murder: while it's done in the style of his Crystal Killer, it's not...quite... right. So now Rus has a copycat killer on his hands AND the worrisome wrath of the real murderer to come once he finds out someone's got his calling card.
Suffice to say, things are not going well for Rus.
But things look up when he meets the local burlesque club owner, Lucinda (Cin) Bonner. She's everything Rus could want in a woman, and she's a level of competent that he can't help but want to have at his side.
Misted Pines might have more for Rus than just his ticket out of dodge. It might be what he was looking for all along...
Y'all, this series continues to be unlike any of this author's prior works. It's obviously a KA book—swoony men, drama-drama, and her characteristic writing style that drives me nuts but keeps me coming back—but there were several things in this one that really shook up her canon. And I loved it.
1.) The ENTIRE story was from the male perspective?? Rus is running the show, we don't get Lucinda's POV. This was fresh for KA and honestly fresh for most indie romances I've read. Rus was a very interesting and clearly male gaze for us to have. I liked it, I wouldn't mind seeing more of this.
2.) Of all the Kristen Ashley romances I've read, this pairing was the most mature and lowkey of all of them. Lucinda was an adult who made sound choices, Rus was an adult who made very reasonable choices, and their romance itself was solid. No spoilers, but let's just say there is usually more drama in the romance itself for KA stories. (I love that drama, but this was interesting and I liked it more than I thought I would.)
3.) It completely blurred the line between a mystery/thriller and a romance story. Was it romantic? Yes, as much as I could find a sole-male POV window romantic from my cis-het female perspective. Was it also a gory, descriptive, and pulse-pounding thriller? Also yes. In fact, if I had to pick one shelf for this series to sit, I'd actually place The Girl in the Woods on my thriller shelf, because that's the more natural spot for it to sit. The romance took a backseat to the plot in this one. Which ALSO surprised me, by fact that I loved that too more than I assumed I would.
Overall, another winner in the KA index for me. (I am a very biased audience.) Pick this up if you like male POVs, thrillers, and well-rounded romance leads.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
The first book from this author from a male point of view? And a heavy mystery plot? Kristen Ashley is really branching out, and I'm here for it.
Pacing: ★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★ 1/2
Writing style: It's a KA book, so keep this in mind as her writing style is Very Dramatic and she loves a good one-sentence paragraph (like, REALLY loves it)
The Girl in the Woods is the sequel to The Girl in the Mist. Yes, you could start with this one first as it's a new story arc—but it's a richer reading experience if you read them in order.
Rus is an FBI detective on the hunt for the Crystal Killer. He's tired, he's jaded, and he's pretty sure he's done with FBI work in general. And he's definitely done with murderers.
But when the Crystal Killer strikes in Misted Pines, a small town in the Pacific Northwest that's already seen their fair share of shit, Rus has no choice but to make the trek.
And it's another murdered girl. (Rus is bone-weary of finding cold girls in the dark.)
Unfortunately for Rus, there's a twist to this murder: while it's done in the style of his Crystal Killer, it's not...quite... right. So now Rus has a copycat killer on his hands AND the worrisome wrath of the real murderer to come once he finds out someone's got his calling card.
Suffice to say, things are not going well for Rus.
But things look up when he meets the local burlesque club owner, Lucinda (Cin) Bonner. She's everything Rus could want in a woman, and she's a level of competent that he can't help but want to have at his side.
Misted Pines might have more for Rus than just his ticket out of dodge. It might be what he was looking for all along...
Y'all, this series continues to be unlike any of this author's prior works. It's obviously a KA book—swoony men, drama-drama, and her characteristic writing style that drives me nuts but keeps me coming back—but there were several things in this one that really shook up her canon. And I loved it.
1.) The ENTIRE story was from the male perspective?? Rus is running the show, we don't get Lucinda's POV. This was fresh for KA and honestly fresh for most indie romances I've read. Rus was a very interesting and clearly male gaze for us to have. I liked it, I wouldn't mind seeing more of this.
2.) Of all the Kristen Ashley romances I've read, this pairing was the most mature and lowkey of all of them. Lucinda was an adult who made sound choices, Rus was an adult who made very reasonable choices, and their romance itself was solid. No spoilers, but let's just say there is usually more drama in the romance itself for KA stories. (I love that drama, but this was interesting and I liked it more than I thought I would.)
3.) It completely blurred the line between a mystery/thriller and a romance story. Was it romantic? Yes, as much as I could find a sole-male POV window romantic from my cis-het female perspective. Was it also a gory, descriptive, and pulse-pounding thriller? Also yes. In fact, if I had to pick one shelf for this series to sit, I'd actually place The Girl in the Woods on my thriller shelf, because that's the more natural spot for it to sit. The romance took a backseat to the plot in this one. Which ALSO surprised me, by fact that I loved that too more than I assumed I would.
Overall, another winner in the KA index for me. (I am a very biased audience.) Pick this up if you like male POVs, thrillers, and well-rounded romance leads.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
March 21, 2023
The Misted Pines Series is unlike any other Series Kristen Ashley has written, yes she writes Romantic Suspense but this is WAYYYYY different from that. THE GIRL IN THE WOODS is a true thriller, we are talking about Serial Killers, details of their killings, and other sensitive subjects so please make sure you read the warnings she has posted before you dive into this book.
FBI Special Agent Zachariah Lazarus (Rus) is on a case tracking the Crystal Killer and a murder fitting the MO has him arriving in Misted Pines, but one look at the crime scene and he knows this isn't the work of CK but a copycat and that isn't a good thing.
The investigation of Brittanie Iverson's murder brings Rus to Lucinda (Cin) Bonner's door. Brittanie worked as a dancer at Cin's Burlesque Show, but she was much more than that as he soon found out.
The way the Crystal Killer kills and stages his victims is not for sensitive readers, as I stated before please check the warnings before starting this book but if you decide to go ahead you are in for one heck of a read. This was a fast paced book I didn't feel it lag at any time and I kid you not when I say that if real life didn't get in the way I would have finished it in one day. I couldn't get enough of the "who done it?" and would the real CK come and find the copycat himself? And if he did what would that mean?
The chemistry between Rus and Cin was great but it's a side story as the main story was definitely finding who killed Brittanie and finding the Crystal Killer. If you have read Kristen Ashley's books before this book is open door romance but not as explicit as previous books because as I said the romance is not the main focus but know that there is some very sexy scenes but just not as many as you may be use to.
I loved that Rus was not intimidated by the STRONG Kick Ass woman Lucinda is. She is classy, extremely well dressed (I'd kill for her wardrobe), wealthy, the CEO of a Conglomerate, and a great mother. It takes a strong man to love a woman like Cin and Rus is the perfect man for her and her daughter Madden.
If you enjoy Romantic Thrillers, Dark Reads, or are a fan of Kristen Ashley's I would highly recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTGitW
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
FBI Special Agent Zachariah Lazarus (Rus) is on a case tracking the Crystal Killer and a murder fitting the MO has him arriving in Misted Pines, but one look at the crime scene and he knows this isn't the work of CK but a copycat and that isn't a good thing.
The investigation of Brittanie Iverson's murder brings Rus to Lucinda (Cin) Bonner's door. Brittanie worked as a dancer at Cin's Burlesque Show, but she was much more than that as he soon found out.
The way the Crystal Killer kills and stages his victims is not for sensitive readers, as I stated before please check the warnings before starting this book but if you decide to go ahead you are in for one heck of a read. This was a fast paced book I didn't feel it lag at any time and I kid you not when I say that if real life didn't get in the way I would have finished it in one day. I couldn't get enough of the "who done it?" and would the real CK come and find the copycat himself? And if he did what would that mean?
The chemistry between Rus and Cin was great but it's a side story as the main story was definitely finding who killed Brittanie and finding the Crystal Killer. If you have read Kristen Ashley's books before this book is open door romance but not as explicit as previous books because as I said the romance is not the main focus but know that there is some very sexy scenes but just not as many as you may be use to.
I loved that Rus was not intimidated by the STRONG Kick Ass woman Lucinda is. She is classy, extremely well dressed (I'd kill for her wardrobe), wealthy, the CEO of a Conglomerate, and a great mother. It takes a strong man to love a woman like Cin and Rus is the perfect man for her and her daughter Madden.
If you enjoy Romantic Thrillers, Dark Reads, or are a fan of Kristen Ashley's I would highly recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
Find out more here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTGitW
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
May 11, 2023
You know what's telling? I couldn't even pick which of my shelves this book belongs to and I doubt the book itself knows what it wanted to be.
It's certainly not a romance, what's with the absolute dearth of chemistry between the two main characters. Despite the fmc being a burlesque club boss lady and the mmc a hot shot FBI investigator, there wasn't a lick of fire between them.
The focus was clearly given to the "suspense" yet agent Lazarus POV didn't do shit for me in that aspect. I can't bring myself to tick the "suspense" or "mystery" categories either because this was neither. There is an investigation, sure, but drown into much verbose, too much back story and what I felt was misplaced gore details thrown in there for the sake of it.
This affair appeared as bland as Lucinda wardrobe. It was all greige and zero fun.
It's certainly not a romance, what's with the absolute dearth of chemistry between the two main characters. Despite the fmc being a burlesque club boss lady and the mmc a hot shot FBI investigator, there wasn't a lick of fire between them.
The focus was clearly given to the "suspense" yet agent Lazarus POV didn't do shit for me in that aspect. I can't bring myself to tick the "suspense" or "mystery" categories either because this was neither. There is an investigation, sure, but drown into much verbose, too much back story and what I felt was misplaced gore details thrown in there for the sake of it.
This affair appeared as bland as Lucinda wardrobe. It was all greige and zero fun.
March 14, 2025
I loved everything about this book. I think this series is going to be one of my favorites because I'm loving the thriller aspect of the stories in this series that's inserted into the yummy, Alpha deliciousness that this author brings with it. The heroines are always women that I would love to hang out with, and all the multiple personals you get with all the side characters in a small town setting. I really hope we will get many more books in this series.
March 29, 2023
I I don’t want your politics in my book boyfriend!
This wasn’t even romance, it wasn’t suspenseful nor was it well written. I loved KA!! Sweet Dreams was the first book i read of hers and i never looked back. I’ve read every book she’s written multiple times. Every time I read Heaven and Hell, i cry through most of it. I read something from a similar author recently and i was so relieved there was not some weird political agenda. I understand things change, people change, but i can no longer waste my money and time on this. I’m glad i knew her when she was fresh and sharp. It feels like she’s trying to hard. If that’s the audience she wants be my guest. Weak men and phony heroines.
This wasn’t even romance, it wasn’t suspenseful nor was it well written. I loved KA!! Sweet Dreams was the first book i read of hers and i never looked back. I’ve read every book she’s written multiple times. Every time I read Heaven and Hell, i cry through most of it. I read something from a similar author recently and i was so relieved there was not some weird political agenda. I understand things change, people change, but i can no longer waste my money and time on this. I’m glad i knew her when she was fresh and sharp. It feels like she’s trying to hard. If that’s the audience she wants be my guest. Weak men and phony heroines.
Read
March 22, 2023This is a romance with murder mystery.
The author has a warning at the start "In this book, the narrative includes frank discussions of sexual assault and violence that might be distressing for some readers."
Please take this warning seriously. The murder has happened at the start of the book and we get details of the scenes as the FBI agent, the Hero arrives, his observations then later the autopsy report. It's pretty graphic and disturbing.
We also have a suspect who is a sub, as the murder had sexual assault involved, so the Hero has to visit a domminatix so the reader has the author's opinion on the scene. (The Honey series had to make it in here somehow).
The Hero from book 1 also pops up with his sage advice.
Both the Hero and heroine are single parents.
The Hero is divorced, he was dedicated to his job and that damaged his relationship with his wife, she ended up cheating on him and blames his neglect.
The author shares her opinion on sub relationships, religious cults, small town mentality and designer this and that, police carrying guns, exes.
I skim read in the end. It just feels too depraved to be called a romance, not between the Hero and heroine but all the crime stuff.
Thus wasn't for me.
The author has a warning at the start "In this book, the narrative includes frank discussions of sexual assault and violence that might be distressing for some readers."
Please take this warning seriously. The murder has happened at the start of the book and we get details of the scenes as the FBI agent, the Hero arrives, his observations then later the autopsy report. It's pretty graphic and disturbing.
We also have a suspect who is a sub, as the murder had sexual assault involved, so the Hero has to visit a domminatix so the reader has the author's opinion on the scene. (The Honey series had to make it in here somehow).
The Hero from book 1 also pops up with his sage advice.
Both the Hero and heroine are single parents.
The Hero is divorced, he was dedicated to his job and that damaged his relationship with his wife, she ended up cheating on him and blames his neglect.
The author shares her opinion on sub relationships, religious cults, small town mentality and designer this and that, police carrying guns, exes.
I skim read in the end. It just feels too depraved to be called a romance, not between the Hero and heroine but all the crime stuff.
Thus wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
Cade Bohannan who? I want Zachariah Lazarus all day, every day and twice on Sundays. And the male narrator? SWOON!!
Yeah, I know. I probably shouldn't be swooning over an FBI agent trying to find a killer but meh, it is what it is...
The Girl in the Mist was not a favorite of mine by Kristen Ashley. I liked it fine, but I felt like it needed that extra pull that it just didn't have but The Girl in the Woods did. From the moment I hit play I felt like I was transported to Misted Pines and I was going through the investigation with Detective Lazarus. That might have had a lot to do with Alan Carlson, who narrated the entirety of the book except for a brief bit in the epilogue. His voice took me on this thriller of a story and from start to finish I was captivated by his voice.
Lucinda Bonner might be one of my favorite heroine's Kristen Ashley has ever written. Not sure if it is because she was older or because she had a daughter, she wasn't about the frivolity some of her other characters tend to be about. I loved her for Rus from their first encounter and that never changed.
One of my favorite bits of this was the slow burn. This was a true thriller following a detective on his hunt for a killer and the fact that the romance was a companion to the story rather than the whole cannoli really took this story to another level.
While I've gone on about this being thriller I haven't said much about the actual "thriller" part, and I don't want to. As with any good thriller it is best to be informed along the way. For me, it really helps up the suspense and I feel like I am discovering the facts as the detective is and I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
Last note, heed the triggers please. This book has the potential to be triggering for many people and the author doesn't deserve a bad review because you didn't take note of the triggers. And you the reader don't need to be triggered if you can help it.
Yeah, I know. I probably shouldn't be swooning over an FBI agent trying to find a killer but meh, it is what it is...
The Girl in the Mist was not a favorite of mine by Kristen Ashley. I liked it fine, but I felt like it needed that extra pull that it just didn't have but The Girl in the Woods did. From the moment I hit play I felt like I was transported to Misted Pines and I was going through the investigation with Detective Lazarus. That might have had a lot to do with Alan Carlson, who narrated the entirety of the book except for a brief bit in the epilogue. His voice took me on this thriller of a story and from start to finish I was captivated by his voice.
Lucinda Bonner might be one of my favorite heroine's Kristen Ashley has ever written. Not sure if it is because she was older or because she had a daughter, she wasn't about the frivolity some of her other characters tend to be about. I loved her for Rus from their first encounter and that never changed.
One of my favorite bits of this was the slow burn. This was a true thriller following a detective on his hunt for a killer and the fact that the romance was a companion to the story rather than the whole cannoli really took this story to another level.
While I've gone on about this being thriller I haven't said much about the actual "thriller" part, and I don't want to. As with any good thriller it is best to be informed along the way. For me, it really helps up the suspense and I feel like I am discovering the facts as the detective is and I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
Last note, heed the triggers please. This book has the potential to be triggering for many people and the author doesn't deserve a bad review because you didn't take note of the triggers. And you the reader don't need to be triggered if you can help it.
January 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this one
August 23, 2025
This story is mostly about mystery and suspense, and there is no chemistry between the MCs. This is not the KA I love to read, but I admit she can write a good mystery.
March 28, 2023
Rus has been chasing the CK aka The Crystal Killer for a while now. Being FBI they go where the case takes them. It just happens to take him to Misted Pines.
The victim is beloved by a good number of people including her employer Lucinda who was more of a mother to her than her own. So then this tragedy has rocked Lucinda and wants to be involved in any way that will help.
It's a sad story but also interesting how we get pieces that fit then we get pieces that just no matter how you try won’t fit.
Rus finds a connection to Lucinda in the midst of solving this case hopefully once and for all. Their budding relationship helps them both through this hard time.
I really liked how the author gave us a victim that didn’t feel like another story or body, you could feel that the people trying to solve the case took care of her. Treated her like she was their own, with as much respect anyone should be given. It was a nice change.
The narration is new to me and since most of it is done in Alan Carlson’s character I will say he did a fantastic job. I will need to keep my eye out for more of his work.
The victim is beloved by a good number of people including her employer Lucinda who was more of a mother to her than her own. So then this tragedy has rocked Lucinda and wants to be involved in any way that will help.
It's a sad story but also interesting how we get pieces that fit then we get pieces that just no matter how you try won’t fit.
Rus finds a connection to Lucinda in the midst of solving this case hopefully once and for all. Their budding relationship helps them both through this hard time.
I really liked how the author gave us a victim that didn’t feel like another story or body, you could feel that the people trying to solve the case took care of her. Treated her like she was their own, with as much respect anyone should be given. It was a nice change.
The narration is new to me and since most of it is done in Alan Carlson’s character I will say he did a fantastic job. I will need to keep my eye out for more of his work.
April 16, 2025
Solid 4 Stars
I loved the mystery and suspense surrounding this book. Rus is an FBI Special Agent who comes to Misted Pine to investigate a murder that looks like a serial killer he’s been tracking. Like the previous book beautiful but not so tranquil Misted Pines has a dark side seedy history. The reader finds out more about the murder and the town as the story progresses we’re treated to a great storyline and characters. I totally loved the heroine Lucinda, she was a great strong confident businesswoman who knew what she wanted and was unapologetic in getting her way.
The ending and the reveal of the killer blew me away! 🤯 Definitely didn’t see that coming!! There are a few interesting side characters and I’m looking forward to the next book (The Woman by the Lake) in this series. I enjoyed both the mystery and the romance and I especially love seeing some characters from the RC books….both Eric Turner (who now works for Mace) and Kai Mason had very small cameos. Definitely worth reading.
* On a side note I was once again turned off over the instilled political hot topics we see and read about today. I read to escape reality, and can do without them being included in my escape from RL.
Originally read:
April 2023
May 2024
I never got around to my review because life threw a curveball at my family and just had to focus on my husband….honestly, I don’t remember much so I’m going to do a audiobook reread and review.
I loved the mystery and suspense surrounding this book. Rus is an FBI Special Agent who comes to Misted Pine to investigate a murder that looks like a serial killer he’s been tracking. Like the previous book beautiful but not so tranquil Misted Pines has a dark side seedy history. The reader finds out more about the murder and the town as the story progresses we’re treated to a great storyline and characters. I totally loved the heroine Lucinda, she was a great strong confident businesswoman who knew what she wanted and was unapologetic in getting her way.
The ending and the reveal of the killer blew me away! 🤯 Definitely didn’t see that coming!! There are a few interesting side characters and I’m looking forward to the next book (The Woman by the Lake) in this series. I enjoyed both the mystery and the romance and I especially love seeing some characters from the RC books….both Eric Turner (who now works for Mace) and Kai Mason had very small cameos. Definitely worth reading.
* On a side note I was once again turned off over the instilled political hot topics we see and read about today. I read to escape reality, and can do without them being included in my escape from RL.
Originally read:
April 2023
May 2024
I never got around to my review because life threw a curveball at my family and just had to focus on my husband….honestly, I don’t remember much so I’m going to do a audiobook reread and review.
June 11, 2024
Re-Read, 2024
Oh-no! Ha! I have some mixed feelings this time but I'm definitely glad I did the re-read in preparation for the new release.
I'm not sure what exactly didn't work this time. It could be Rus and Lucinda. It could just be Rus.
It wasn't bad it just felt a little off this time. Let's just stick with the below, yeah?
*******
Oh-ho! I liked it. And I liked it way more that I thought I would. Whew, I was worried.
The first book in the series, The Girl in the Mist, well, I have such mixed feelings they totally just put me off reading this one for awhile. Now? Now I want to give it another go. I kind of wish I had given it that go before reading this one but still, I feel like I want to read it again, bad.
So, I probably will.
But this one. I liked Rus, the mystery (but not really, she just read mysterious to me) of Cin. I liked the investigation. I liked case. I liked the teamwork. I really liked the crime. I liked the extras and I could even take KA's agenda. It was just a good story and I was very into it. I was moved by it. It was just good. I was glad to be back in Misted Pines.
Yeah, yeah. It's not old school KA but come on, everyone evolves and changes. I'm just happy it was enough of the KA I love that I couldn't put it down and it makes me want to re-read a story I didn't love just to see if I can see it through different eyes.
I hope she keeps up with this. I love these Romantic Thrillers and will take any recs you guys want to give because I feel like falling into the rabbit hole of this genre.
It may be different, but for me, she still has it.
Oh-no! Ha! I have some mixed feelings this time but I'm definitely glad I did the re-read in preparation for the new release.
I'm not sure what exactly didn't work this time. It could be Rus and Lucinda. It could just be Rus.
It wasn't bad it just felt a little off this time. Let's just stick with the below, yeah?
*******
Oh-ho! I liked it. And I liked it way more that I thought I would. Whew, I was worried.
The first book in the series, The Girl in the Mist, well, I have such mixed feelings they totally just put me off reading this one for awhile. Now? Now I want to give it another go. I kind of wish I had given it that go before reading this one but still, I feel like I want to read it again, bad.
So, I probably will.
But this one. I liked Rus, the mystery (but not really, she just read mysterious to me) of Cin. I liked the investigation. I liked case. I liked the teamwork. I really liked the crime. I liked the extras and I could even take KA's agenda. It was just a good story and I was very into it. I was moved by it. It was just good. I was glad to be back in Misted Pines.
Yeah, yeah. It's not old school KA but come on, everyone evolves and changes. I'm just happy it was enough of the KA I love that I couldn't put it down and it makes me want to re-read a story I didn't love just to see if I can see it through different eyes.
I hope she keeps up with this. I love these Romantic Thrillers and will take any recs you guys want to give because I feel like falling into the rabbit hole of this genre.
It may be different, but for me, she still has it.
May 8, 2023
Mixed feelings
Kristen Ashley used to be a 1 click for me. That ended a few books ago. First off, unlike some other reviewers, I don't have that huge of an issue on her political views coming through in her books. So that wasn't an issue here. But here are my issues...
I'm beyond tired of the dumb nicknames she gives every one of her characters. It's like she decides on a really cool name, and then decides to dumb it down. I get why Zachariah chose to go by Rus, but beyond that, other characters don't need to lose their given names. KA seems to do this in a lot of her books.
Second, I like that this book was written from Rus's point of view. As far as his personality, he was kind of bland. But not as bland as Lucinda. I don't care how strong and powerful Ashley wrote her character. She was an absolute snooze fest. Seriously, her personality was as colorful as all her clothing choices. (Yeah, I went there.)
All this being said, this is not a romance book. It's a mystery. And this part was done well. I was interested. Honestly, the book could have just been about Rus, and the case he's trying to solve, and I probably would have given it 4 stars.
Not sure if I will read any future books in this series if she does continue it. I now borrow all her new releases from the library first, and if I do like the book, I purchase it after. It's just too risky to buy them straight off the shelf.
Kristen Ashley used to be a 1 click for me. That ended a few books ago. First off, unlike some other reviewers, I don't have that huge of an issue on her political views coming through in her books. So that wasn't an issue here. But here are my issues...
I'm beyond tired of the dumb nicknames she gives every one of her characters. It's like she decides on a really cool name, and then decides to dumb it down. I get why Zachariah chose to go by Rus, but beyond that, other characters don't need to lose their given names. KA seems to do this in a lot of her books.
Second, I like that this book was written from Rus's point of view. As far as his personality, he was kind of bland. But not as bland as Lucinda. I don't care how strong and powerful Ashley wrote her character. She was an absolute snooze fest. Seriously, her personality was as colorful as all her clothing choices. (Yeah, I went there.)
All this being said, this is not a romance book. It's a mystery. And this part was done well. I was interested. Honestly, the book could have just been about Rus, and the case he's trying to solve, and I probably would have given it 4 stars.
Not sure if I will read any future books in this series if she does continue it. I now borrow all her new releases from the library first, and if I do like the book, I purchase it after. It's just too risky to buy them straight off the shelf.
April 10, 2023
What a truly bizarre book. I believe that KA has turned a corner in her writing focus, which seems now geared to more out of the box behaviors and lifestyles. No judgement on either, just a very specialized audience for those plots and characters, which isn’t who she used to write about. She has evolved, no doubt, as authors do, but her writing changed with the focus change. I enjoyed the book, but this series and KA in general, have lost the joie de vivre that she once had. She used to be special and unique in her writing, and now she sounds like cheap knock offs.
Read
April 3, 2023Reading some reviews, this book (like this author's most recent) are a waste of words.
It's a shame really, I used to adore her work. Long gone are the days where I could not wait to read a KA new release knowing her tales will touch me, I would fall in love with her characters and couple, and she will stir my emotions. Now, it’s just wasted words and time I’m no longer willing to give. I’m not a fan of pushing agendas so sadly, can finally say I am done with KA.
It's a shame really, I used to adore her work. Long gone are the days where I could not wait to read a KA new release knowing her tales will touch me, I would fall in love with her characters and couple, and she will stir my emotions. Now, it’s just wasted words and time I’m no longer willing to give. I’m not a fan of pushing agendas so sadly, can finally say I am done with KA.
March 23, 2023
It's ok for a thriller, though the ending is so anti-climatic, it was kind of a let-down.
And ooohhh! How I miss the core of KA's first series, like Dream Men, Rock Chick, Colorado Mountain or The Burg. Why doesn't she go back to those kind of stories? 😪
And ooohhh! How I miss the core of KA's first series, like Dream Men, Rock Chick, Colorado Mountain or The Burg. Why doesn't she go back to those kind of stories? 😪
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
All from the guy’s perspective which was interesting. CW serial rapist, anal rape, consensual non consent set up that ended up just being rape because they ignored all boundaries, serial killer, more rape, religious cult, bdsm where safe words and consent are ignored, kidnapping. Did I see the big reveal coming? No. Not at all. But I don’t know how I feel about any of this.
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March 26, 2023
Content warnings provided by the author: discussions of sexual assault and violence.
I wasn't sure if The Girl in the Woods was going to be the book for me--the previous one really wasn't--but I'm really glad to say I had a good time reading this. The small town vibes were immaculate and, despite the difficult subject, the murder mystery plot also kept me engaged right until the very end.
Rus and Lucinda worked so well for me as main characters. They were different from KA's usual couple and I loved their dynamic right from the beginning. The story was told pretty much entirely from Rus's perspective and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed that since that's not what I'm used to at all when it comes to romantic suspense books.
Their romance was pretty sweet and I liked how it helped balance out the investigative bits. There was a lot going on in terms of case scenes and they were all pretty heavy, especially as the plot progressed, so having them be together and read about their relationship grow was wonderful.
There were a few things here and there that kind of rubbed me the wrong way, though? Like one character not having "lesbian or bi tendencies", the entire "liberal mural thing", the one gay man in the entire book being a piece of shit, one throwaway line with daddy kink...
And while I do think the entire BDSM thing was better integrated here than in the first book, something about it still bothered me. I guess because
So yeah. Still a good solid read since I got what I wanted from the romance and the investigation plot. I'll be keeping an eye out for future books in the series!
I wasn't sure if The Girl in the Woods was going to be the book for me--the previous one really wasn't--but I'm really glad to say I had a good time reading this. The small town vibes were immaculate and, despite the difficult subject, the murder mystery plot also kept me engaged right until the very end.
Rus and Lucinda worked so well for me as main characters. They were different from KA's usual couple and I loved their dynamic right from the beginning. The story was told pretty much entirely from Rus's perspective and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed that since that's not what I'm used to at all when it comes to romantic suspense books.
Their romance was pretty sweet and I liked how it helped balance out the investigative bits. There was a lot going on in terms of case scenes and they were all pretty heavy, especially as the plot progressed, so having them be together and read about their relationship grow was wonderful.
There were a few things here and there that kind of rubbed me the wrong way, though? Like one character not having "lesbian or bi tendencies", the entire "liberal mural thing", the one gay man in the entire book being a piece of shit, one throwaway line with daddy kink...
And while I do think the entire BDSM thing was better integrated here than in the first book, something about it still bothered me. I guess because
So yeah. Still a good solid read since I got what I wanted from the romance and the investigation plot. I'll be keeping an eye out for future books in the series!
March 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. It was a great mix of new people and the characters we've gotten to know. Rus was funny, probably when he shouldn't have been. He really fit in the town good, even as he hunted a killer. The more time he spent in town the better you could see him staying there. I liked that he found Lucinda attractive and went after her. It was a quiet kind of thing, he took his time and knew when would be a good time to advance things.
In the search for the Crystal Killer, Rus managed to reveal some bad seeds in town. I'm glad that the bad guys got what was coming to them, happier still some people who did bad things were outted and had consequences for their actions. When the Crystal Killer revealed himself, it was quite stunning, which made me feel bad for Rus.
I loved how this one ended. Love that Rus and Lucinda are happy, building a life together.
In the search for the Crystal Killer, Rus managed to reveal some bad seeds in town. I'm glad that the bad guys got what was coming to them, happier still some people who did bad things were outted and had consequences for their actions. When the Crystal Killer revealed himself, it was quite stunning, which made me feel bad for Rus.
I loved how this one ended. Love that Rus and Lucinda are happy, building a life together.
May 14, 2023
Kristen Ashley’s books need to seriously come with a front page of CWs. This is my like 50th read of hers and this series alone is just very gruesome at some moments. I liked this one more than the first but the description of the r*pe was a lot. It made my stomach hurt.
I liked Rus, I liked seeing Cade again, loved Lucinda and Madden a lot. Harry deserves the world and as always, I couldn’t put this book down.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t get close to it. I think there’s a point to be made in everyone’s fascination with true crime, and how that’s reflected in the plot of this book. It’s almost like a zoo animal that everyone goes to pay and see and some feel entitled that that’s something they should have for themselves.
This will be my last Kristen book for a little bit. I think I’m too aware of the formula of them and it’s pulling me out of the story too often. I’ll return one day.
I liked Rus, I liked seeing Cade again, loved Lucinda and Madden a lot. Harry deserves the world and as always, I couldn’t put this book down.
But that doesn’t mean I didn’t get close to it. I think there’s a point to be made in everyone’s fascination with true crime, and how that’s reflected in the plot of this book. It’s almost like a zoo animal that everyone goes to pay and see and some feel entitled that that’s something they should have for themselves.
This will be my last Kristen book for a little bit. I think I’m too aware of the formula of them and it’s pulling me out of the story too often. I’ll return one day.
June 16, 2023
Another KA great read ! I lived that she continued this series I hope there will be a 3rd. Great exciting read kept me guessing for quite some time!!
February 9, 2023
Okay book fam, I'm entirely unsure how I missed the kick-off to the Misted Pines series by Kristen Ashley. The Girl in the Woods is my first read and I was only two chapters in when I stopped and beat feet to Amazon to snag book one, The Girl in the Mist. My god, there's nothing this woman can't do when it comes to character development and a well-thought-out plot. I found this to be a riveting read. I was entirely captivated by the case, the purpose-driven dialogue, and all-around story. I'm excited to backtrack to book one and am invested in what's to come in this series. I have a feeling it's going to be one of Ashley's best.
~Tanja
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~Tanja
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March 24, 2023
I just don't think this series is for me. I feel like these books are trying to gaslight me to be honest. There is this whole outward message of each to their own when it comes to kink but then all these horrendous crimes are committed and their kink is kind of used as the reasoning behind those crimes. It's very uncomfortable.
As with the last book though, I really like all the characters. I feel so conflicted.
March 21, 2023
A great read unlike anything Kristen Ashley has ever written before!
What You'll Find:
✔️Romantic Thriller
✔️Mystery & Suspense
✔️Smalltown
✔️Splash of Steam
✔️Alpha FBI Agent Hero
✔️Single Parent
✔️Single MMC POV
Another murder brings FBI agent Zachariah Lazarus (Rus) to Misted Pines. He's been tracking the Crystal Killer for years, and he's decided this is his last case. But what he finds, doesn't make sense. So he works with the local sheriff and other members of the town (a town who has already been through their own share of murder and scandal) to solve the case. Enter Lucinda Bonner (Cin), the victim's boss, who's determined to help in anyway she can. And not just with the case.
I have been a fan of Kristen Ashley for YEARS. The Girl In The Woods is unlike anything I've read from her, and I've read ALL but a handful of her books. And I was here for it! For one, it's written entirely in the hero's POV. And secondly, the romance was not at all the main focus. This story reads more like a mystery or thriller, with a splash of romance. Though I'm not sure romance is even the word I would use. Small bits of tension, chemistry and steam perhaps. Which is VERY insta. But it felt authentic none the less, because of it being in the MMC's POV and Rus being who he was. It just worked. He still very much is the KA hero we all love.
I think romance readers who are also fans of mystery and thrillers will really enjoy this one. If your going into this for romance only, you may be disappointed. I will admit, I hoped for more romance. But it focuses mostly on the solving the case. And FYI-it can get quite descriptive and gruesome. Though captivating and riveting. I found myself really enjoying that, I was super invested in solving the case too. Such a well thought out and executed plot line. In such an intriguing small town. I also really loved the characters. There are so many stories I want from this great crew in Misted Pines! Jace especially. Hope there's more to come!
*I received an ARC via the author for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
What You'll Find:
✔️Romantic Thriller
✔️Mystery & Suspense
✔️Smalltown
✔️Splash of Steam
✔️Alpha FBI Agent Hero
✔️Single Parent
✔️Single MMC POV
Another murder brings FBI agent Zachariah Lazarus (Rus) to Misted Pines. He's been tracking the Crystal Killer for years, and he's decided this is his last case. But what he finds, doesn't make sense. So he works with the local sheriff and other members of the town (a town who has already been through their own share of murder and scandal) to solve the case. Enter Lucinda Bonner (Cin), the victim's boss, who's determined to help in anyway she can. And not just with the case.
I have been a fan of Kristen Ashley for YEARS. The Girl In The Woods is unlike anything I've read from her, and I've read ALL but a handful of her books. And I was here for it! For one, it's written entirely in the hero's POV. And secondly, the romance was not at all the main focus. This story reads more like a mystery or thriller, with a splash of romance. Though I'm not sure romance is even the word I would use. Small bits of tension, chemistry and steam perhaps. Which is VERY insta. But it felt authentic none the less, because of it being in the MMC's POV and Rus being who he was. It just worked. He still very much is the KA hero we all love.
I think romance readers who are also fans of mystery and thrillers will really enjoy this one. If your going into this for romance only, you may be disappointed. I will admit, I hoped for more romance. But it focuses mostly on the solving the case. And FYI-it can get quite descriptive and gruesome. Though captivating and riveting. I found myself really enjoying that, I was super invested in solving the case too. Such a well thought out and executed plot line. In such an intriguing small town. I also really loved the characters. There are so many stories I want from this great crew in Misted Pines! Jace especially. Hope there's more to come!
*I received an ARC via the author for my honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely.
August 5, 2024
This review might not make me popular, however I just couldn't get into it. Some of it showed glimmers of the classic KA I adore. I am and will always be a fan, she is a queen and she is my "go to" reread ... always.
That being said, i'm lost to the turn she has made in some of her recent works. First, they seem like they have been over edited and they are missing a lot of the back story. It makes reading it confusing. Second, what's up with all the BDSM, kinky fuckery and ass play that's in ALL her recent books? Most of it doesn't enhance the story line, but IMO takes away from it. When did the romance take a back seat? I miss her older stuff. The Colorado Mountain series - Brilliant! Her Fantasyland series - YES MORE!, Rock Chick series - ALL TIME FAVE!...Then there is the Chaos series and The Burg, the Dream Team Series and another of my all time favorites Magdelene series. All my greatest loves.
This was a DNF for me. But my love for the author will last to infinity.
That being said, i'm lost to the turn she has made in some of her recent works. First, they seem like they have been over edited and they are missing a lot of the back story. It makes reading it confusing. Second, what's up with all the BDSM, kinky fuckery and ass play that's in ALL her recent books? Most of it doesn't enhance the story line, but IMO takes away from it. When did the romance take a back seat? I miss her older stuff. The Colorado Mountain series - Brilliant! Her Fantasyland series - YES MORE!, Rock Chick series - ALL TIME FAVE!...Then there is the Chaos series and The Burg, the Dream Team Series and another of my all time favorites Magdelene series. All my greatest loves.
This was a DNF for me. But my love for the author will last to infinity.
March 26, 2023
Disappointed
Let me start off by saying that KA is my fav author. That being said ,this book was a disappointment . It’s like I didn’t get a connection for Rus and Ciro. We had Russ’ POV throughout the entire book. Don’t get me wrong, KA can write her heroes POV and do it really good. But not having Ciros POV, I just didn’t get a connection for them. And PLEASE! For the love of Pete keep politics out your books!! I don’t read a good romance book just to remind me of something I hear on tv every day!
Let me start off by saying that KA is my fav author. That being said ,this book was a disappointment . It’s like I didn’t get a connection for Rus and Ciro. We had Russ’ POV throughout the entire book. Don’t get me wrong, KA can write her heroes POV and do it really good. But not having Ciros POV, I just didn’t get a connection for them. And PLEASE! For the love of Pete keep politics out your books!! I don’t read a good romance book just to remind me of something I hear on tv every day!
March 29, 2023
Kristen Ashley is by far my favourite author, and I love that she’s stepping into scarier vibes, but the entire book being from the male perspective just really wasn’t for me unfortunately.
Found it hard to connect with him and honestly just didn’t enjoy the story as much as I would have had the female perspective been in there more.
Found it hard to connect with him and honestly just didn’t enjoy the story as much as I would have had the female perspective been in there more.
March 24, 2023
The Girl in the Woods (Misted Pines 2) by Kristen Ashley
Male POV Thriller with some romance.
Early copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Affiliate Links included.
“This town is f*cking crazy. Dead girls in the lake. Dead girls in the motel. Wives texting videos to everyone in town of their cheating husbands doing kinky sh!t. Naked guys on the lawn of the high school with sex toys shoved up their a$s. What the f*ck?”
The first book in The Misted Pine Series, The Girl in the Mist , was billed as a thriller, but I found it to be more of a romantic suspense, similar to The ‘Burg series. The second book in the series, The Girl In The Woods , met that thriller designation, but it still included a romance that was enough to keep this romance reader happy. It also stood alone pretty well, it referred to the first and brought you up to speed pretty well, but I am still glad I listened to the first before reading this because there are a LOT of characters.
I think this is Kristen’s first all male POV (3rd person) book (please correct me if I’m wrong). Honestly I don’t think I even noticed that until I was almost done with the book and I think that’s what contributed to this book feeling more like a thriller than a romance. Rus has been the lead on an FBI hunt for a serial killer dubbed “The Crystal Killer” for years and he’s been brought to Misted Pines because there has been another killing.
In investigating the young lady’s violent death (explained on page, not for the squeamish, but it wasn’t overly detailed) Rus meets her boss, Lucinda, a single mom who owns a mountain with a high-class burlesque club that has been passed down to her. I loved her. She was mature, loving and smart, especially because she knew a good thing when she saw it, and that was Rus.
But the main story was Rus’s investigation. With a copycat killer and the real killer on the loose, he has his hands full, so the romance is very much put on the side burner. But that’s ok, because I was totally enthralled with the killer storyline and I didn’t want the distractions either!
I really loved the way Cade (from the first book) stepped in with his profiling abilities and Harry the sheriff was a great cop as well. But that crazy town could always use another, and as soon as Rus catches the Crystal Killer, he’d like to retire in a place like Misted Pines, which he compares to Hawkins in Stranger Things.
"He needed Hawkins. He was Hopper, knowing no matter what he did, life was going to suck, but doing what he could to fix it anyway."
I didn’t see the end coming! Kristen took me on a ride and I really enjoyed visiting the town of Misted Pines again.
Likes:
•Kristen Ashley’s writing style.
•I really liked all the characters.
•The mystery sucked me in and I loved all the profiling.
•Visiting the crazy town of Misted Pines again and catching up with the couple from the first book.
•Rus and Cade’s budding friendship.
•Kristen’s books with older characters are my favorite.
•I love when she has teens in a story.
Dislikes:
•As with almost all of Kristen Ashley’s books lately, I have trouble keeping track of and remembering all of the characters. I found myself doing a search for a character’s name to remember who they are a number of times.
•University of Florida is one of the hardest schools in the country and it was portrayed as a party school (personal beef).
•While it didn't bother me personally, there is a part that people in law enforcement may take serious offense to.
•The whole Lady coven. It was weird in the first book and it still is.
•I didn’t mind that it didn’t have the detailed sex that most of Kristen’s books (especially in the last 5-6 years) have, but it was still very sexy. But there was one single line (and chapter name) that just completely threw me off: “She got an orgasm from her new daddy.” No shame on daddy kink, but there didn’t seem to be any other indication or mention that this was their kink, and it just didn’t seem to fit the characters or the story.
The Down & Dirty:
I love how Kristen Ashley can write a different genre and completely nail it. I love how The Girl In The Woods is different from all of her other books, yet still has that Kristen Ashley feel. I loved how Kristen surprised me and didn’t follow the expected formula.
The town of Misted Pines is a bit crazy, but let me tell you, if there is another dead resident, I’ll be gobbling up that story as well. I don’t wish anyone dead but….
Check out my unboxing of the special book box that contained The Girl In The Woods
Rating: 4.5 Stars, 3 Heat
Purchase The Girl In The Woods by Kristen Ashley
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June 25, 2024
The thing about reading a lot of books is speed and skimming. The parts that bug you, you zip on by. But audio, you hear it all and I went from really liking this book to thinking "2 self absorbed narcissists in a pod".
Instead of Rus realizing how he destroyed his marriage due to neglect, she turned the ex into a needy, cheating, b...h, instead of finding her a husband that actually was her partner not her 3rd child. She made the money, which meant she paid the bills, childcare, homework, doctors, lawyers, banking, school meetings, school events, extra curriculars, nannies and daycare, cleaning the house, paying the mortgage which they probably got because of her income, cleaning house, groceries, vehicle purchases, payments, vacations, college funds etc etc. While he "lived the life he always wanted to live" and played the "divorced Dad" even before they were divorced. The fun Dad, not the rules Dad. Then there's his 2 women in totally different parts of the country....
Yet, Cin told him his ex, didn't deserve him and he was entitled to live his life as he wished. Just like her. There again, Ashley created a needy ex instead of one that found his own life, his own new family that maybe had her pause about how she treated him like her 2nd child. Which she was starting to do with Rus by the end of the book but since he likes women that pay his bills for him... as long as she keeps doing so and keeps him entertained in bed and lets him do his own thing.... they'll be fine probably.
The overall mystery was good. It went from a to b with no big plot turns. So, unlike reading it which I gave it a 4 star... the audio is 2 stars. The reading was well done for the most part. He nailed "woe is me" Rus perfectly.
Instead of Rus realizing how he destroyed his marriage due to neglect, she turned the ex into a needy, cheating, b...h, instead of finding her a husband that actually was her partner not her 3rd child. She made the money, which meant she paid the bills, childcare, homework, doctors, lawyers, banking, school meetings, school events, extra curriculars, nannies and daycare, cleaning the house, paying the mortgage which they probably got because of her income, cleaning house, groceries, vehicle purchases, payments, vacations, college funds etc etc. While he "lived the life he always wanted to live" and played the "divorced Dad" even before they were divorced. The fun Dad, not the rules Dad. Then there's his 2 women in totally different parts of the country....
Yet, Cin told him his ex, didn't deserve him and he was entitled to live his life as he wished. Just like her. There again, Ashley created a needy ex instead of one that found his own life, his own new family that maybe had her pause about how she treated him like her 2nd child. Which she was starting to do with Rus by the end of the book but since he likes women that pay his bills for him... as long as she keeps doing so and keeps him entertained in bed and lets him do his own thing.... they'll be fine probably.
The overall mystery was good. It went from a to b with no big plot turns. So, unlike reading it which I gave it a 4 star... the audio is 2 stars. The reading was well done for the most part. He nailed "woe is me" Rus perfectly.
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