Reviews

Rose by Katlyn Duncan

nannyf's review

4.0

Having read this author before I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book. Not only does she give us mystery, but she throws in mythology and a love story too.

Rose has a hard life between looking out for her mother and working. She doesn’t need any more stress, but that is exactly what she finds herself getting when she becomes embroiled in something she doesn’t understand. As she starts digging further, Rose discovers that she is more involved in the mystery than she first thought.

I loved the way the story flowed, the characters were all really well written, and I am in need of the next book as soon as possible!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

half_bloodreader's review

lighthearted mysterious

Written in 3rd person, past tense. 

I'd last read the synopsis for this story in 2020, and I didn't bother rereading before starting the book. I just wanted to tackle my tbr, and I remembered it appealed to me. 

Nevertheless, in just the prologue I'd guessed one of the "secrets", and when the girl leapt from the pier, I'd figured out the big reveal. Overall, it was just very predictable to me! But that in itself was fine. 

The romance, thou? I wish we had less of that, since I wasn't convinced, nor could I care. I also didn't like the guy. 

I was actually engaged before we started getting more Shane (new Chief of Police). Or should I say, too much Shane? 

This is romantic paranormal with a little mystery. But not much happens, so when you've figured out the big reveal early on, and all that's carrying it is the hormones between the mc Rose and Mr. Shades, you grow bored and your eyes gloss over. 

Also, it is narrated that Rose doesn't usually think about her sister, except she does nothing but think the same thoughts about her and the rest of the family. 

 And, as I see it, Rose likes to carry blame, even the most nonsensical types. 

So, even though it's a short book, there is way too much telling not showing, and too much inner narration as opposed to action. 

The reveal was right at the end, leaving more questions than answers, and we were left on a cliffhanger. So to answer the blurb's question, Can Rose face her deepest fears, or will the truth lead her into deeper waters than she can handle?, we don't know because we aren't given time to see how Rose reacts after digesting the truth. 

I also questioned why her mother was portrayed in such an aged state, when Rose is not even 30. Makes no sense, even if she has dementia. 

I liked the writing, it was accessible, but not dull or dry. 

The small town, and its tight community vibes, was also well accomplished. 

The book is an average story, not great, not terrible, just a simple read to tide you over. 

I won this book in a giveaway - thank you to the author again. 

ania_star's review

4.0

Rose was almost drowned by something in the sea, something that called to her when she was young. Ever since then she likes to stay away from the ocean, even though she lives right next to it. :)

Rose's home is an idyllic village by the seaside. Her mother is slowly losing her memories and had to be put in a home, for her safety. She has a sister, but they don't keep much contact.

One day she sees girl jumping in the ocean. never coming up again. She just can't let it go. There is a new officer in town. And she would like to help with the investigation. Only for him, it isn't all that helpful. :) They but heads a lot.. and fall for each other. It's a very cute love story.

I like the paranormal aspect of it, it was very interesting, however, I'm not the biggest fan of the writing style, I had a hard time connecting to it.

received from StoryOrigin