Member Reviews

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Face Off is the third book in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles series. I just can’t find the words to describe this book it was just awesome. It was incredible and I’m so excited to see what’s next for this author.

Was this review helpful?

Evelyn not only endured a nightmare at sixteen, to live with the thought the guilty man, was never caught. Living in a small town, the connection when two bodies are found, and seems to be that of Jasper, who tortured her. The plot is filled with tension, the thoughts of who it could be, when you know everyone around you. Readers will be caught up and wondering how it will end. Her books don’t disappoint her readers. Given ARC by Net Galley and St Martin’s. Press, for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

LOVE IT!!! I would give 10 stars if I could!! In Face Off we see Evelyn not only struggle with life after the murder of one of the townspeople and mysterious notes left on her car. but the fact that Jasper may actually be a lot closer than she originally thought! Don't fret though because even in this dangerous cat and mouse game sometimes things fall into place like the need to. Can't wait for Blindspot!

Was this review helpful?

Page turner! Unput downable! I stayed up late reading this book Face Off by Brenda Novak! Evelyn survived Jasper cutting her throat over 20 years ago but with decades gone by, plastic surgery had and thousands of miles from where he had her the first time, can and will Jasper be able to grab her and finish what he started? Evelyn knows in her heart Jasper has followed her to Alaska and she knows he is biding his time and the body count is rising but will they be able to get him before he gets her....
Awesome read! Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC book in turn for giving my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Another riveting read by Brenda Novak. This book is a fast paced page turner. The mystery of Jasper comes to a head. We get to meet a lot more of Evelyn’s sister Brianne. I really enjoyed this book. I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

First, I highly, highly recommend you read the earlier books in this series first - while they are individual stories, there is an overlapping arc that will fall a little short if you don't read the others.

The story moves quickly. Evelyn has some tough decisions in this book but handles them with the scientific reasoning we expect. Her crew of murderous psychopaths is as on point as always. A really good page-turning read.

Was this review helpful?

I am reviewing this book as an ARC without compensation.

Spine tingling storytelling. Hang on to your seat and keep turning the pages. You will find yourself holding your breath and wanting to close your eyes as you imagine what is coming next. It is so very good.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first time reading a story in this series, and to be honest, I'm not sure exactly why it fell flat for me, but it did. I had no trouble understanding these characters - their motivations, their histories, etc. I feel like there was a lot of repetition, and although this author definitely has a strong writing style, I feel like it took too long to get from point A to point B. For example - the author brings Evelyn's sister to Alaska and there are some things said, done, etc - and choices made - when all of the sudden the sister goes back home and nothing comes from the earlier hubbub. It seemed like a waste of time to include most of it. Also, for someone as intelligent as Evelyn, and someone who has been hunted most of her life, she sure makes some pretty dumb choices.

I will say the ending definitely had me on the edge of my seat - I totally did not see that coming, nor did I think it was going to end the way that it did.

Overall, I think this story will appeal to those who have read this series already, as well as those who enjoy complex stories. I would read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Was this review helpful?

AWESOME!! I wanted to read this book all in one setting, but I have to go to work to earn money to buy more Brenda Novak books:) I love this series. Each book works as a stand alone, but if you read all the books you get to know the characters even more. If you have read the other 2 books, lets just say without any spoilers, Jasper has some payback coming his way in this book I enjoy the love story between Evelyn and Amarok, and all the interesting serial killers she is studying at Hanover House. Also, Evelyn's sister comes to visit which adds a new dimension to things. Great read, highly recommend! Can't wait for the next one.

Was this review helpful?

For someone more familiar with this author's romantic suspense this series is a change of pace. This is for someone looking to get deeply engaged in the plot within a plot. A part of you might want to think it far fetched but it remains believable and doesn't become too dramatic before moving on. Is this about good triumphing over evil? Is Evelyn a flawed heroine or just a wounded healer trying to understand?

Was this review helpful?

Oh my, Brenda Novak delivers again! In the continuing story of Evelyn Talbot and her psychopathic stalker Jasper Moore, Face Off delivers all the heart pounding action and psychological thrills the rest of the series has delivered.

In this installment we even get to spend time with Evelyn’s sister, Brianne, who causes significant upheaval for Evelyn and Amarok.

Jasper is also up to his old tricks, only now he’s pulling them in Alaska. The question is, will he catch Evelyn before Amarok and Evelyn can catch him?

Was this review helpful?

This is the latest installment of the Hanover House Series, which is the story of Dr Evelyn Talbot and her study of serial killers . Dr Talbot was abducted and tortured by her boyfriend when she was a teenager, this fuels her to study serial killers in a prison she created in Alaska. She has fallen in love Alaskan State Trooper Amarok ! All the while a serial killer has shown up in their backyard, is it Jasper ( her ex boyfriend) from years ago? Can Amarok and Evelyn stop him in time ?
This is part of the Hanover House Series and can be read alone but I strongly suggest starting at the beginning! If you are already a fan of this series I will tell you Brenda Novak does not disappoint with Face Off!!! I absolutely love Evelyn and Amarok and the backdrop of Alaska as the setting ! Another great read by Brenda Novak !

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED this book! This series is incredible and I cannot tell you how excited I am to see that there will be another book in the series. I can't wait! Brenda Novak is the queen of suspense: intelligent, interesting characters, and gut-wrenching plot twists and bad guys. I sometimes have to put the book down and calm myself because my mind gets going with the crazy, twisted possibilities that lie in wait for our amazing heroine. I was very satisfied with the ending. Thank you, Brenda, for allowing something great to happen to Evelyn. 5+ stars!

Was this review helpful?

This is my first book in this series and while I liked the outcome to this book it felt like it took a very long time to get there.

After years of facing her fears and almost having been murdered several times Dr. Evelyn Talbot has reached a point where she has a man in her life and she's ready for a baby. The thing is she still has to find Jasper before she feels confident settling completely down and feeling safe.

This book is that journey.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After receiving the book, I decided to go ahead and read the previous two and I am glad I did. The stories build off of each other, so I would not suggest starting in the middle of the series.

On the suspense side: You could feel the story ramping up for a final showdown between Jasper and Evelyn. Lots of head games going on. Jasper is a sick and twisted man. A twist I did not see coming was the role Amarok's ex plays. I felt like what happened during Evelyn's sister's time there was unexpected but maybe also unnecessary. But finally, Evelyn gets justice.

On the romantic side: In this book, Evelyn and Amarok are in a long-term relationship that is in a standstill. Evelyn is still not ready for commitment and Amarok has had about enough. I felt bad for Amarok. He tries so hard and should get a medal. At times, I am annoyed by Evelyn and her constant quest against the conscienceless.

At the end, I was surprised to read the teaser for the 4th book. I kind of wish Evelyn and Amarok could just be on their merry way after how everything went down. A person can only take so much trauma.

Was this review helpful?

Face Off – Brenda Novak

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

Evelyn Talbot returns in this next installment of the Hanover House series!

After surviving a near-fatal attack by her then-boyfriend Jasper in high-school, Evelyn Talbot has made psychology and studying the psychopathic mind her life’s work. All her work has culminated in the building and opening of Hanover House, a maximum-security prison for psychopathic minds. Built in remote Alaska, Evelyn hopes to study psychopathy, in better attempts to understand these individuals, and to hopefully find areas in which they can be rehabilitated.

Jasper Moore is Evelyn’s old high school boyfriend. Remaining free, and killing indiscriminately for the last 20 years, Jasper has never stopped thinking about Evelyn. He has, through plastic surgery and a new identity, gained employment at Hanover House, in hopes of laying claim to her and finishing what he started all those years ago.

Amarok, Evelyn’s love, is an Alaskan State Trooper, though initially in opposition to the building of Hanover House, has fallen in love with her, and will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. When bodies begin to appear in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Amarok & Evelyn fear that Jasper has indeed followed her to Alaska. But he is so very much closer than either of them suspects…

I LOVE this series! I LOVED this book! It’s a fabulous concept, and each of these books has kept me reading non-stop late into the night, with the lights on! Non-stop action, suspense and drama, and all the reader wants to do is reach through the pages and shake Evelyn to let her know what’s coming!! Awesome read!!

Was this review helpful?

This was a great suspenseful book. There were lots of twists and turns. There was romance and likeable characters too. I can’t wait for the next book.

Was this review helpful?

Wow you will be glued to your seats real page turner for sure. The hunt is still on from when Jasper he's the serial killer, who been stalking Evelyn for years. He is obsessed with her...I really love this series. If you haven't read brenda's book I recommend you read this from the beginning, some people ask if you have to read this series from the beginning yes. Brenda is one of my favorites, because her writing always capture my attention. I never lose interest! Shes a very popular author!

Was this review helpful?

I really liked the heroine. Strong, sassy, competent, intelligent and yeah, likable. I enjoyed her courage despite the overwhelming risk and the fraught situation. I love that she found a man worthy of her. This is my first Brenda Novak book, so I wasn't sure what to expect, so was happy to discover I enjoyed it immensely.

Was this review helpful?

I received and ARC of this book for my honest review.
I was excited to get this book because this is one of my favorite series and this book did not disappoint. WOW, just WOW, I was on the edge of my seat from the first page till the last. It was breathtakingly exciting and thrilling and just a wild ride till the end and I was still hoping for another few chapters so the adventure continues. Just so good.

Was this review helpful?