Scan barcode
rogue_lurker's review against another edition
4.0
I was really interested to see what it would be like to read a book written by three established authors - is it easy to identify who wrote what, will their styles meld? I've read and enjoyed Ullrich and Bryant's books, but Cummings is not an author I was familiar with - how would she stack up against two authors I really like?
I started reading the book trying to dissect the writing and ended up forgetting all about the fact that three people were involved in writing it because the story just grabbed me by the ears and dragged me along for the ride.
This is a romantic suspense novel that works extremely well. The start is a bit horrific - a mass shooting at a bridal shop where the two leads are both trying on bridesmaid dresses - but the authors manage to present it in such a way that the gore factor is not over the top but it still hits you hard. They even switch things around where Peyton, an off-duty cop, is the one who needs saving by Tory, the realtor.
The romance is handled quite well - prior to the shooting, the two women meet and flirt a bit, to the point of exchanging numbers so its established that there is a spark and interest from the beginning and the relationship would have likely developed if the day had not gone so terribly wrong. The chemistry between the two works particularly well - fueled by the fact that they both experienced the same life altering event and have been lucky enough to survive and make the most of their lives.
Both women are strong - they each deal with what happened in their own way, but they do deal with it and help one another. The set up could have easily fallen into an angst driven melodrama, but the characters and the storyline didn't go for the easy route and focused on the healing rather than how broken the events could have left them.
The suspense factor worked so much better than I expected. The book is told in three POV's: Peyton's, Tory's and Bradley (the shooter). I normally hate when the killer gets a POV as it is usually cheesy and over the top, but whoever manged Bradley's POV did a fantastic job - inserting a certain level of menace and suspense and also giving a nice twist as he begins to obsess over the two women who managed to escape the shooting.
Overall - a really great romantic suspense that manages both parts of the equation perfectly. This is a book you won't be able to put down.
Definitely recommended.
I started reading the book trying to dissect the writing and ended up forgetting all about the fact that three people were involved in writing it because the story just grabbed me by the ears and dragged me along for the ride.
This is a romantic suspense novel that works extremely well. The start is a bit horrific - a mass shooting at a bridal shop where the two leads are both trying on bridesmaid dresses - but the authors manage to present it in such a way that the gore factor is not over the top but it still hits you hard. They even switch things around where Peyton, an off-duty cop, is the one who needs saving by Tory, the realtor.
The romance is handled quite well - prior to the shooting, the two women meet and flirt a bit, to the point of exchanging numbers so its established that there is a spark and interest from the beginning and the relationship would have likely developed if the day had not gone so terribly wrong. The chemistry between the two works particularly well - fueled by the fact that they both experienced the same life altering event and have been lucky enough to survive and make the most of their lives.
Both women are strong - they each deal with what happened in their own way, but they do deal with it and help one another. The set up could have easily fallen into an angst driven melodrama, but the characters and the storyline didn't go for the easy route and focused on the healing rather than how broken the events could have left them.
The suspense factor worked so much better than I expected. The book is told in three POV's: Peyton's, Tory's and Bradley (the shooter). I normally hate when the killer gets a POV as it is usually cheesy and over the top, but whoever manged Bradley's POV did a fantastic job - inserting a certain level of menace and suspense and also giving a nice twist as he begins to obsess over the two women who managed to escape the shooting.
Overall - a really great romantic suspense that manages both parts of the equation perfectly. This is a book you won't be able to put down.
Definitely recommended.
fawpsmom's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
annaavian's review against another edition
2.0
Despite the fact that the premise sounded interesting I found this book to be incredibly boring. A lot of things didn't sound plausible and I just wish the authors dug deeper into the two survivors' trauma, emotional state and healing.
charlieavocado's review against another edition
5.0
Oh holy wow. [Before I start: this entire book is a trigger warning. It has . If any of those put you off, you may not want to finish this review, or read this book.]
This was my 100th book this year. I wanted something other than a queer book for the 100th. Yet, Amazon steered me this direction when I was browsing, and I decided I'd purchase this book, and find another for my 100th. Once I'd read the description and reviews however, I couldn't wait, and I'm glad I didn't and that this book was my 100th!
I thought I wouldn't really enjoy having three authors for one book, too many cooks in the kitchen and all. I was wrong and apologize to all three authors for my assumption. It was incredible. There are two MCs and a bad guy, and each author (assumedly) took a voice and wrote from that character's perspective. To the author who wrote for the bad guy, you creeped me out to no end, SO GREAT JOB! Despite the story going between three voices (a voice per chapter) and three authors, it comes out better for it, and blends as a whole. I assume that's a kudos to the editor as well as the authors, and it's well deserved. Plus, I can't remember seeing a single typo or grammatical error in the book, so good job!
The story is tense at times. I may have read it a bit too soon after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, but it definitely had me crying at one point. Or two. Maybe three? Also I was just filled with a sense of anxiety the entire time reading, and I think that's actually a compliment, and not a criticism.
I had to put the book down so that I could sleep, so I stopped for the night about 55-60% through the book. It was a nice place to stop, if you're looking for one when reading.
I really am not articulating well how good this book was, but know I've been thinking about it since I started it, and I plan on rereading it again in the next few months, then it'll probably go into my rotation of books I reread when I just know I'm guaranteed to be reading a great book.
Happy to have spent $10 on this book, and if the authors decide to collaborate again, let me know so I can pre-order it!
Spoiler
a mass shooting, domestic violence, stalking, stabbing, sexual assault, sexual harassment (IIRC), and references to rapeThis was my 100th book this year. I wanted something other than a queer book for the 100th. Yet, Amazon steered me this direction when I was browsing, and I decided I'd purchase this book, and find another for my 100th. Once I'd read the description and reviews however, I couldn't wait, and I'm glad I didn't and that this book was my 100th!
I thought I wouldn't really enjoy having three authors for one book, too many cooks in the kitchen and all. I was wrong and apologize to all three authors for my assumption. It was incredible. There are two MCs and a bad guy, and each author (assumedly) took a voice and wrote from that character's perspective. To the author who wrote for the bad guy, you creeped me out to no end, SO GREAT JOB! Despite the story going between three voices (a voice per chapter) and three authors, it comes out better for it, and blends as a whole. I assume that's a kudos to the editor as well as the authors, and it's well deserved. Plus, I can't remember seeing a single typo or grammatical error in the book, so good job!
The story is tense at times. I may have read it a bit too soon after the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, but it definitely had me crying at one point. Or two. Maybe three? Also I was just filled with a sense of anxiety the entire time reading, and I think that's actually a compliment, and not a criticism.
I had to put the book down so that I could sleep, so I stopped for the night about 55-60% through the book. It was a nice place to stop, if you're looking for one when reading.
I really am not articulating well how good this book was, but know I've been thinking about it since I started it, and I plan on rereading it again in the next few months, then it'll probably go into my rotation of books I reread when I just know I'm guaranteed to be reading a great book.
Happy to have spent $10 on this book, and if the authors decide to collaborate again, let me know so I can pre-order it!
hhushaw's review against another edition
4.0
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was a very nice read; I was drawn into the story the adrenaline and suspense that the gunman created. The relationship between the two characters did seem a bit fast, even with the life or death situation they were in. Especially because Tory had mentioned commitment issues in the past. Even with the quickness, I enjoyed the love story, what I didn't like was the gunman's point of view. If the gunman's point of view was gone and there was more story between Tory and Peyton, I would have no doubt given this story five stars.
sunnydaysrainynights80's review against another edition
3.0
This book was well written and for the most part enjoyed it. I however didn’t enjoy the first POV from the shooter. I don’t want to be inside a psycho’s head space. That part creeped me out!
I enjoyed getting to know the other two characters. I thought Tory was better developed than Peyton. Tory was a three dimensional person while Peyton fell flat.
I am not likely to pick up a book written by a trio of authors again but I will keep reading the authors as individual authors.
I enjoyed getting to know the other two characters. I thought Tory was better developed than Peyton. Tory was a three dimensional person while Peyton fell flat.
I am not likely to pick up a book written by a trio of authors again but I will keep reading the authors as individual authors.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t read this book when it came out, even though I wanted to, as I like all three authors and was curious about them writing together. The audiobook coming out recently gave me a second chance (thank you Maggie Cummings for the code). Because I trust all three authors and remembered my trusted reviewers had reviewed this story favourably, I didn’t read the blurb. I would still have listened (and probably enjoyed just as much) if I had read it, but I would also have known what to expect.
The funny thing with triggers is that they don’t always take the same form. And they don’t always trigger. Or not with the same consequences. Triggers are insidious and polymorphic.
One of my triggers – sometimes, not always – is mass shootings, whether linked to terrorism or disgruntled masculinist jerks.
Take Bradley Richter for example. His ex-fiancée is about to get married to another guy, and he’s made it his mission to save her from what he sees as a huge mistake, which he blames on the people around her. A dress fitting at Angelina’s Bridal Boutique is the perfect opportunity to make his point. With his gun. Peyton Clarke and Tory Stevens, two other clients of the shop, met just before Bradley walked and began shooting. In those precious minutes before all hell broke loose, the chemistry between them was palpable and they had just enough time to exchange phone numbers. As fate would have it, the two women are the only survivors of Bradley’s carnage. When Tory visits Peyton in the hospital, the connection they felt earlier is still obvious. But while Peyton, a police officer, is obsessed with catching the killer, Tory doesn’t want to give him any more of her time.
It’s taken me long enough to get to this fundamental part of the review: I loved this book. I am impressed at how well each author’s writing meshes with the others’. They each have their own voice and yet they work wonderfully together. It felt like I was getting the best of each (even though that’s not really fair to M. Ullrich), hearing each of their voices distinctly while completely forgetting there was more than one writer. They work seamlessly together. Each author wrote a character – Tory, Peyton, Bradley – and the story is told from each character’s point of view, as M. Ullrich explained in this video (each author reads from the first chapter of the character they wrote, if you’re want to know who wrote who).
The reason I mentioned triggers earlier is that what Tory and Peyton went through and the ensuing PTSD made them all the more relatable to me. I won’t compare our experiences but I know that strange feeling that something wonderful came out of an event that killed and maimed so many and traumatized even more. Not that they wouldn’t have been relatable otherwise. They’re lovely in a normal, not-Hollywood way. They have normal people flaws and qualities. Tory, for example, can be quite judgemental, especially when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. Both Peyton and Tory are endearing and they feel very approachable and caring. I loved them both, I felt their fears but also their joy and wonder at finding love in the strangest circumstances. I also liked that the authors kept the PTSD to a minimum. It’s there, everywhere, always, but it’s not the story being told and it doesn’t overshadow the romance.
My only issue is that I wish the authors hadn’t written Bradley as deranged. It wasn’t necessary (not all mass shooters are crazy) and it plays unnecessarily into mental health stereotypes. I’m also not a fan of being in the bad guy’s head but with three authors writing, it makes sense. Apart from that, I loved everything, except Bradley, of course, whom I hated. I also like Melissa Sternenberg’s narration a lot. She doesn’t have the most distinctive voices for the different characters, but honestly, I’d rather have a well-read story than bad acting and Melissa Sternenberg’s reading is perfect: the intonations, the rhythm, the breathing, the small touches of vulnerability… It serves the book impeccably.
The funny thing with triggers is that they don’t always take the same form. And they don’t always trigger. Or not with the same consequences. Triggers are insidious and polymorphic.
One of my triggers – sometimes, not always – is mass shootings, whether linked to terrorism or disgruntled masculinist jerks.
Take Bradley Richter for example. His ex-fiancée is about to get married to another guy, and he’s made it his mission to save her from what he sees as a huge mistake, which he blames on the people around her. A dress fitting at Angelina’s Bridal Boutique is the perfect opportunity to make his point. With his gun. Peyton Clarke and Tory Stevens, two other clients of the shop, met just before Bradley walked and began shooting. In those precious minutes before all hell broke loose, the chemistry between them was palpable and they had just enough time to exchange phone numbers. As fate would have it, the two women are the only survivors of Bradley’s carnage. When Tory visits Peyton in the hospital, the connection they felt earlier is still obvious. But while Peyton, a police officer, is obsessed with catching the killer, Tory doesn’t want to give him any more of her time.
It’s taken me long enough to get to this fundamental part of the review: I loved this book. I am impressed at how well each author’s writing meshes with the others’. They each have their own voice and yet they work wonderfully together. It felt like I was getting the best of each (even though that’s not really fair to M. Ullrich), hearing each of their voices distinctly while completely forgetting there was more than one writer. They work seamlessly together. Each author wrote a character – Tory, Peyton, Bradley – and the story is told from each character’s point of view, as M. Ullrich explained in this video (each author reads from the first chapter of the character they wrote, if you’re want to know who wrote who).
The reason I mentioned triggers earlier is that what Tory and Peyton went through and the ensuing PTSD made them all the more relatable to me. I won’t compare our experiences but I know that strange feeling that something wonderful came out of an event that killed and maimed so many and traumatized even more. Not that they wouldn’t have been relatable otherwise. They’re lovely in a normal, not-Hollywood way. They have normal people flaws and qualities. Tory, for example, can be quite judgemental, especially when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. Both Peyton and Tory are endearing and they feel very approachable and caring. I loved them both, I felt their fears but also their joy and wonder at finding love in the strangest circumstances. I also liked that the authors kept the PTSD to a minimum. It’s there, everywhere, always, but it’s not the story being told and it doesn’t overshadow the romance.
My only issue is that I wish the authors hadn’t written Bradley as deranged. It wasn’t necessary (not all mass shooters are crazy) and it plays unnecessarily into mental health stereotypes. I’m also not a fan of being in the bad guy’s head but with three authors writing, it makes sense. Apart from that, I loved everything, except Bradley, of course, whom I hated. I also like Melissa Sternenberg’s narration a lot. She doesn’t have the most distinctive voices for the different characters, but honestly, I’d rather have a well-read story than bad acting and Melissa Sternenberg’s reading is perfect: the intonations, the rhythm, the breathing, the small touches of vulnerability… It serves the book impeccably.
elvang's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this read. Impressive seamless effort by three authors collaborating on one story of an active shooter event leaving two survivors to pick up the pieces of their lives. Bradley is creepy and crazy enough to ensure the reader fears for the welfare of Tory and Peyton throughout the novel. I liked the added tension to what would have been another lovely romance. I also thought the human toll, survivors guilt and post traumatic emotions rang true for both women.
Nicely done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Nicely done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
mjsam's review against another edition
4.0
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of this book intrigued me, especially as it is one story told by three authors. I don’t know if they each took a POV, I’ve read a lot of Bryant’s books, but haven’t read enough of Ulrich or Cummings to be able to decide who wrote what. In all honesty I only read the Tory and Peyton POV sections and either didn’t read or just skimmed over any of “Bradley’s” scenes because, to quote a line Tory says in the book “I don’t care. I don’t care what his issues are or why he did it.”
Peyton and Tory are both great characters, the connection between them at the start of the book carries through and their entire relationship was sweet and organic. It helped that they talked to each other and there were no stupid dramas and unnecessary breakups to endure. The side characters aren’t really too fleshed out, but I didn’t care because I was more interested in the leads and their relationship anyway. I did enjoy all scenes with Peyton’s family and Jake, but felt that Tory wasn’t as well explored in who was in her life, other than her cat.
As noted before, I did not care about Bradley, and would have preferred that his POV wasn’t included at all, and the follow up subplot after the shooting was also unnecessary. Less of him would have allowed for more time with the side characters, and Peyton and Tory’s recoveries, which I’d have enjoyed more.
Still this was a lovely romance built on the premise that good things can come from terrible situations, which quite frankly, is something to cling to in the current climate. 4 stars.
The premise of this book intrigued me, especially as it is one story told by three authors. I don’t know if they each took a POV, I’ve read a lot of Bryant’s books, but haven’t read enough of Ulrich or Cummings to be able to decide who wrote what. In all honesty I only read the Tory and Peyton POV sections and either didn’t read or just skimmed over any of “Bradley’s” scenes because, to quote a line Tory says in the book “I don’t care. I don’t care what his issues are or why he did it.”
Peyton and Tory are both great characters, the connection between them at the start of the book carries through and their entire relationship was sweet and organic. It helped that they talked to each other and there were no stupid dramas and unnecessary breakups to endure. The side characters aren’t really too fleshed out, but I didn’t care because I was more interested in the leads and their relationship anyway. I did enjoy all scenes with Peyton’s family and Jake, but felt that Tory wasn’t as well explored in who was in her life, other than her cat.
As noted before, I did not care about Bradley, and would have preferred that his POV wasn’t included at all, and the follow up subplot after the shooting was also unnecessary. Less of him would have allowed for more time with the side characters, and Peyton and Tory’s recoveries, which I’d have enjoyed more.
Still this was a lovely romance built on the premise that good things can come from terrible situations, which quite frankly, is something to cling to in the current climate. 4 stars.