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hannalynnr's review
2.0
Very dark. Had a lot of potential. I was hooked from the first chapter, and had high hopes that this would be a 5 star read. While I was drawn in immediately, I guess I just didn't love the way everything unfolded. I felt like as the story went on, the author just wanted to throw in as many disturbing triggers into the plot without a real purpose for them.
littlelifeofbooks's review
1.0
Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark. Dark.
I want to be respectful with this review and avoid criticizing this book, but here goes my honest and thoughtful review. I missed the point of this book because it was overshadowed with so many dark things. This is not the book for me. I’m sorry. The end.
Triggers: infant deaths, stillbirth, suicide, rape, rape of a child with special needs, abuse.
I want to be respectful with this review and avoid criticizing this book, but here goes my honest and thoughtful review. I missed the point of this book because it was overshadowed with so many dark things. This is not the book for me. I’m sorry. The end.
Triggers: infant deaths, stillbirth, suicide, rape, rape of a child with special needs, abuse.
melg14's review
2.0
Honestly, I feel like I only like Germain's Violent Kingdom series so far. I didn't like the Gypsy Brothers series and this one was another disappoint. If I didn't read Violent Kingdom first I wouldn't try any of her books again after these failures.
I read some reviews already that listed some of the trigger warnings (anorexia, rape, statutory rape, incest, self harm, (sexual) abuse, etc.) so I wasn't as surprised when they happened, but I was surprised with the storytelling. This was definitely a field of wrong doings that cycled one after the next with no regard them after they were somewhat resolved. Characters and details were presented but had no bearing to the actual story (never to be brought up again). Jennifer wasn't even Cassie's friend.
The romance? Nonexistent, no development, they interacted like a few times throughout the whole book after he was released from prison. It was mostly them dealing with shit individually and she didn't even think about Leo throughout it all while he thought about her constantly. They didn't even get to know their new selves before suddenly getting together at the end.
You would think that since this was a republishing, the editing and storytelling would improve but no. Some beginning sentences were randomly bolded while others not. Like was there any differences from its old version, Gun Shy?
I read some reviews already that listed some of the trigger warnings (anorexia, rape, statutory rape, incest, self harm, (sexual) abuse, etc.) so I wasn't as surprised when they happened, but I was surprised with the storytelling. This was definitely a field of wrong doings that cycled one after the next with no regard them after they were somewhat resolved. Characters and details were presented but had no bearing to the actual story (never to be brought up again). Jennifer wasn't even Cassie's friend.
The romance? Nonexistent, no development, they interacted like a few times throughout the whole book after he was released from prison. It was mostly them dealing with shit individually and she didn't even think about Leo throughout it all while he thought about her constantly. They didn't even get to know their new selves before suddenly getting together at the end.
Spoiler
I wanted to know why Damon was obsessed with Cassie. He never explained what about her was so special. I feel like that would make all this shit more believable.You would think that since this was a republishing, the editing and storytelling would improve but no. Some beginning sentences were randomly bolded while others not. Like was there any differences from its old version, Gun Shy?
warda527's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bibliophile90's review
4.0
** previously titled Gun Shy **
"You begin to realize that the darkness you've been given is not a burden, but a gift. "
First of all, I want to point out that even though this book has some romantic elements, it's NOT a romance novel. I love Lili's books so I was really excited to read Gun Shy. I went in blind and without any expectations, because I didn't really know what to expect. I enjoy when books are unpredictable and has me guessing throughout the book. Gun Shy definitely was a mysterious and suspenseful book. I didn't know which character was good or bad, and who was behind the crimes. The author did a great job in confusing me, having me doubt certain characters and creating mixed feelings in me.
"I can see myself in his eyes. My soul. He's taken it from me. "
The main character Cassie was intriguing and I didn't really know what was going on inside her head. She had reactions to certain situations that shocked me. I loved how bit by bit the story unfolded and the author revealed what was going on. It definitely had me on my edge of my seat during a couple of scenes, because I didn't know what would happen next. The only reason why I didn't rate this book higher was because it was somewhat difficult to fully connect with them as I didn't know what was going on with certain main characters. Also I wish some loose ends were tied up better, because I have some questions about a couple of characters and it was like they vanished and that was it. I especially wanted to know what happened to Leo's sister Hannah after she came home. Overall a solid book I enjoyed, and I really hope that Lili St. Germain will write more books in this genre.
"You begin to realize that the darkness you've been given is not a burden, but a gift. "
First of all, I want to point out that even though this book has some romantic elements, it's NOT a romance novel. I love Lili's books so I was really excited to read Gun Shy. I went in blind and without any expectations, because I didn't really know what to expect. I enjoy when books are unpredictable and has me guessing throughout the book. Gun Shy definitely was a mysterious and suspenseful book. I didn't know which character was good or bad, and who was behind the crimes. The author did a great job in confusing me, having me doubt certain characters and creating mixed feelings in me.
"I can see myself in his eyes. My soul. He's taken it from me. "
The main character Cassie was intriguing and I didn't really know what was going on inside her head. She had reactions to certain situations that shocked me. I loved how bit by bit the story unfolded and the author revealed what was going on. It definitely had me on my edge of my seat during a couple of scenes, because I didn't know what would happen next. The only reason why I didn't rate this book higher was because it was somewhat difficult to fully connect with them as I didn't know what was going on with certain main characters. Also I wish some loose ends were tied up better, because I have some questions about a couple of characters and it was like they vanished and that was it. I especially wanted to know what happened to Leo's sister Hannah after she came home. Overall a solid book I enjoyed, and I really hope that Lili St. Germain will write more books in this genre.
violetsbookjar's review
Silly me. I didn't realize that this was GUN SHY. Just with a new cover and new name.
hannas_heas47's review
5.0
Dark dark dark dark dark…. Whew! This is a dark and disturbing book! Hated the cover but loved the blurb.
What did I like? Like is a strong word here, this book was engrossing and very sad. Like watching an actual train wreck but being unable to look away from the horror. Cassie and Leo’s story started out great but choices and outsiders deemed them to not live happily ever after. The suffering in these pages are almost overwhelming.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes, totally read this dark story. Too many triggers to name and I devoured them all. It’s been awhile since I’ve picked up a book by this author but I’m glad it was this one. Five dark stars!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
What did I like? Like is a strong word here, this book was engrossing and very sad. Like watching an actual train wreck but being unable to look away from the horror. Cassie and Leo’s story started out great but choices and outsiders deemed them to not live happily ever after. The suffering in these pages are almost overwhelming.
Would I recommend or buy? Yes, totally read this dark story. Too many triggers to name and I devoured them all. It’s been awhile since I’ve picked up a book by this author but I’m glad it was this one. Five dark stars!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
ms3194's review
2.0
DNF at 28%.
I'm sorry to say this was not the thriller I was expecting. This falls more along the lines of YA thriller/romance and is ridden with angst from page 1, While I'm okay with dark themes, I felt like this book was using these tropes for the sake of darkness. But as I said, I didn't finish it so please forgive me if I'm wrong.
If you enjoy angsty YA thrillers, I would recommend this for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Level 4 Press for the e-ARC.
I'm sorry to say this was not the thriller I was expecting. This falls more along the lines of YA thriller/romance and is ridden with angst from page 1, While I'm okay with dark themes, I felt like this book was using these tropes for the sake of darkness. But as I said, I didn't finish it so please forgive me if I'm wrong.
If you enjoy angsty YA thrillers, I would recommend this for you.
Thanks to Netgalley and Level 4 Press for the e-ARC.