I can vehemently say that I am sorry that I left the ARC sitting on my review pile for so long before starting the novel. Once I started reading I could not put it down. This is a fast moving well constructed thriller that had me staying up into the early morning to finish. A beautiful intelligent and strong heroine, a woman with some flaws is mugged. She finds herself caught up in the investigation which leads to additional and more heinous crimes. There is a sexy compassionate strong also flawed FBI Special Agent who protects her and leads one of the intertwined investigations into the crimes. This well matched duo and their team of other professionals and family spend a whirlwind week pursuing the answers to the crimes. I loved the characters including the service dog. The humor was a perfect foil for the tension and the developing romance was the icing of the cake. I am so anxious to read the other books in the series.

I like mysteries and if they have some romance in them, all the better. I thought the book was great, the story quite plausible. The romance betwoon Daisy and Gideon, a bit fast. I was worried I would be unhappy with the ending, but it was solid. It gave way for another book as this could definately move into a series. I will definately put this on my list of favorites.

Daisy Dawson and FBI Agent Gideon Reynolds connect when she’s attacked, and she wrenches off a locket from the man. Gideon is called in after his friend tells him of the engraving that appears on the locket that connects to Gideon’s horrid past. Being raised in a cult was a nightmare that he and his younger sister barely escaped, and he’s made it his mission to track down the cult to bring the members to justice and free any other’s like him and his sister that are at the mercy of this awful group.

Daisy’s attacker isn’t done with her because he’s afraid she can identify him, and so even though she managed to get away, she’s not out of the woods. Thankfully, Daisy is a smart cookie and doesn’t balk at Gideon’s insistence that he stick with her or by the overprotective Sokolov clan, who are like family to her. No TSTL moments from this lady and I was so glad of it!

Daisy and Gideon have an instant attraction, that develops into a steamy affair. That is when someone’s not actively trying to murder them!

This was a high tension read I was on the edge of my seat every time Daisy or Gideon were in this madman’s crosshairs, or when another poor individual had the unfortunate luck to cross paths with this psycho killer!

This was a long book, 624 pages, and it took me several days to get through it, partly because I just didn’t have a whole lot of time to read. But it was a page turner every time I picked it up, so if I had a nice chunk of time, I could’ve probably breezed through some of it. I will say that I don’t like having the killer’s POV included in a story. I don’t like being in their twisted head, and I like more mystery to the killer’s identity, so I skimmed most of his bits.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Say You’re Sorry, and I look forward to the coming stories, because I really liked this bunch of characters! The groundwork has been laid for a couple more romances. I’m pretty sure we’ll get one focused on Rafe Sokolov, and the other I think was hinted at, so I’ll have to wait and see.

Thank you Berkley & NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

I had really high hopes going into this one, as I LOVED the synopsis of the story - a woman is nearly abducted but fights off the attacker, inadvertently ripping off a locket from him that leads to a history of cold cases, that potentially tie back to a cult no one has ever been able to find.

And for the most part - the book delivered. I loved the story of the serial killer - the fact that Karen writes alternating chapters from his point of view, so you come to understand his motivations and his psychosis. LOVED that, it was so creepy and tense. I was on pins and needles waiting to see if he would be successful recapturing this loose end, having this feisty woman escape him.

I loved Daisy - give me a flawed but kick ass female lead ANY DAY. She was no nonsense, and she was clearly capable of taking care of herself, but wasn't the annoying stereotype of refusing the help she was being offered. Which made the cat and mouse game of her being tracked all the more interesting to watch unfold.

I loved the cold cases and the ties to the cult - I honestly want about 12 books all related to the hunt for this cult (and of course, the takedown because it would be EXPLOSIVE).

The only part that didn't fit me as a reader was the romance aspect of the book. I offer this disclaimer immediately - it wasn't badly written, or badly done....it was done EXCELLENT, I just don' t love romance as a genre, and I found the romance pieces to the story a little to repetitive and distracting. I think there will be tons of readers who will LOVE this as part of the story, it just wasn't for me.

That being said, I'm so intrigued by the cult aspect of the story, I will STILL be reading the next one in this series, because I want to see what happens next for Gideon.

If you love a romance thriller, this is the book for you!

This is a story that all suspense thriller readers will want to read because there is so much stuff in this book that it took me two days to get through it but lord have mercy it was worth it! I have never read a book like this and I am waiting for more to come. Karen Rose brought it to the table and then some and had me on the edge of my reading seat waiting to see what was going to happen next.

In this story we meet Daisy who is living her life minding her own business when someone tries to kill her and an FBI agent Gideon comes to her rescue. Gideon saves Daisy and the two of them share this incredible chemistry but they soon find out that there is a serial killer on the loose and he is not going to stop until he gets the one that got away and that is Dasiy. Gideon is determined to save Daisy and take care of her and he will stop at nothing to save her from the killer.

This is a must read roller coaster of a ride that had me on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going to happen next. I need more and can't wait to get it! So go on and one click it!

Say You're Sorry is a thrilling onion, with many layers to captivate and intrigue you! I couldn't put this book down, and kept trying to figure out what was going to happen next, only to be kept on my toes in suspense. I enjoy when thrillers are written from multiple points of view, it helps my anxiety level to actually be able to see the dark inner workings of the villain (evil as they may be).
When Daisy Dawson thwarts an attack by a serial killer, her whole world is turned upside as she works with the authorities to track down the suspect. Working with FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds, is the last thing she expected, especially since her family friends have been trying to set her up with him since she moved back to town. Gideon has demons of his own and ones that tie to evidence that Daisy retrieved from the attacker.

Steamy, heart-pounding, and engrossing—Karen Rose’s latest novel of romantic suspense has a little something for everyone! I find romantic suspense to be an incredibly difficult genre to write. For me, romantic suspense novels tend to tip too heavily towards the romance, and leave the suspense part feeling rushed. Say You’re Sorry doesn’t feel that way at all! With the skill to handle the delicate balance between two strong genres, I can see why Karen Rose is so beloved!

Reflection

I want to dedicate my entire review to Daisy Dawson. What an incredible character! Daisy is super strong while having the sensitivity of a more fragile woman. And not in the annoying way many romance heroines are! Reading Say You’re Sorry, I truly felt that Daisy could have survived the book without Gideon. Daisy is a fighter and she kills them with kindness and a deadly sharp shot! Daisy gives the impression that she could survive anything! She is fierce about her convictions, but she still shakes after conflict. Daisy know what she wants and she knows what she is worth. And she gives as much love to the world as she can!

But of course, it wouldn’t be romantic suspense without a little bit of heat—or a lot of it! And Karen Rose delivers with hot and brooding Gideon. With a dark, abusive past, Gideon is an atypical hero for our recovering addict, fierce femme—but he is impossible to write off once you get to know him! Gideon is not just a hottie, he has a heart of gold and treats Daisy with respect! Basically, the perfect man.

The mystery itself is so compelling! About 50% of the book is narrated by the creepy serial killer who is the main antagonist of the book. This mysterious figure is so messed up! If he didn’t do such horrific things, there are moments where I almost pitied him and his past. But then I remember what he has done and I want him to burn!!!

There’s also a fascinating cult storyline—one that inadvertently is the catalyst for not only the killer’s downfall, but also for Daisy and Gideon’s fated union. Hold on for a crazy compelling story with this cult! I could read a whole book about it and it’s twisted, damaging philosophy pretending to protect those it victimizes the most!

Many thanks to Berkley for our copies to review. Make sure you check out Berit and Jennifer’s blogs, and go pick up a copy of this fast-paced romantic thriller!

Romantic suspense is not something that I thought I would enjoy. But Karen Rose crafted one of the best story line that I have read in a while. It had everything that I love about suspense novels, but there was that touch of romance that explored the connection between two people on a deeper level. Attraction that went beyond what met the eye.
In this one story, there were three characters that have these backgrounds that makes it so hard to put the book down. Each chapter that you read sucks you in and it is DIFFICULT to put the book down. For people that are character driven, you will definitely have those characters that you love, and those characters that make you so angry. I found myself yelling at my tablet every other chapter because I do not like the bad guy! But who loves the antagonist anyway.
On to a little more background of the novel. Our main character Daisy Dawson has had a life of ups and downs. One night Daisy is attacked in an alley by someone she thought she knew, but soon realized that she had no idea who this masked guy was. Daisy fighting for her life digs deep and finds the strength to fight the attacker off. Frightened in her own right, Daisy leans on those surrounding her for strength.
The attack on Daisy leads her to meeting Special Agent Gideon Reynolds. Gideon is dark, handsome and mysterious with a past he has wanted to forget. But special circumstances brings his past back for him to face. Gideon’s past and the attack on Daisy seem to be connected but no one knows why.
As bodies of women begin to pop up around the city, the race to find the killer is vital. And one thing that we will know as readers is that Daisy Dawson’s fight isn’t over just yet…

I am torn with this book. I liked it. At the same time, I wasn't fond of it. I keep going back and forth with my feelings for this one.

Overall, this is a really good book with its twists and interesting plot. I am all for a serial killer book. In that aspect, this one disappoint. The author didn't pull any punches with this one. Connecting the dots wasn't hard but was interesting, to say the least.

The characters in this one are hard to connect to. You would assume with such a long book, there should be a stronger connection between the characters and the reader, but there isn't. They fell quite flat for me.

The plot itself was unique and interesting. A little drawn out though. So many things in the book were repeated over and over again. I found myself annoyed with the repetitiveness in this one. If the author had taken those parts out completely or replaced them with something new to add to the book, it would have read much smoother.

Details. I am not familiar with the setting of this book. However, there are references to things like football in this book. The timeline of the book and the football references do not line up. Football in America is over when the football references took place. A little better plot planning and fact checking would go a long way. This did surprise me given this author is nowhere near new to the game of publishing.

I was definitely satisfied with the ending. Once things were coming to an end, I found myself eager to see if things were going to play out the way I had suspected. All of the pieces fell into place with a nice little bow. I most certainly was not disappointed.

This is a unique slow burn romantic suspense thriller. It hits you hard and fast at the beginning and then slows down, building up the characters to insure your investment, and then takes you for a wild ride. I am happy I was there for all 614 pages of it!

Daisy Dawson narrowly escaped the hands of Sacramento's latest serial killer. Her self-defense skills are on point. But where did such a beautiful girl learn how to defend herself like that, and why?

Special Agent Gideon Reynolds is haunted by personal demons from his past. What exactly happened and why, is a secret he keeps buried and has never felt comfortable telling anyone. What is it about Daisy that cause him slips of the tongue?

Agent Reynolds is assigned protective duty over Daisy. When she escaped the serial killer's clutches she grabbed a piece of evidence that could be the missing link to a case Agent Reynolds has been chasing his entire career. The heat between them is palpable but will they give into their desires or keep it professional?

Meanwhile the serial killer is not done with Daisy, and he has added Agent Reynolds to his list.

SAY YOU'RE SORRY is my first Karen Rose novel but it won't be my last.

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review,

I have always loved Karen Rose and this one definitely did not disappoint. I love romantic mystery books and she hits it on the nail every time.

This book is about Daisy who gets attacked one night while walking home by a man with a stocking on his face. She uses what she's learned to attack back and she gets away from him. During the fight when she tries to grab his coat she accidentally rips a necklace off his neck, a locket with the name Miriam engraved on it. FBI agent Gideon Reynolds recognizes it as it's tied to past crimes and it's tied to his personal past. Gideon becomes Daisy's personal bodyguard and is trying to figure out how this guy is connected to his past before the guy succeeds in getting Daisy again.

This was such an awesome fast paced thriller but I wouldn't expect anything else from Karen Rose. Even though a majority of her books are pretty long they are never drawn out or boring, her writing style and plot keeps you interested throughout the entire book and then she always throws in little (or sometimes big) shockers that you're never prepared for, The characters were well-developed and I liked all of their parts within the story. I loved the slow romance within the story and how the two main characters helped each other so much.

Excellent, excellent story and I'm very excited for this new series.

Synopsis
When a serial killer targets Daisy Dawson, he doesn't expect her to fight back. But she does, and she manages to grab the locket he wears around his neck during the struggle.  This locket connects to a cult that Agent Gideon Reynolds of the FBI escaped when he was only 13 years old.  He is driven to find that cult and expose them, saving the women and children from their psychotic leader's tyranny.  This serial killer is Gideon's one tangible connection to the cult.  He's assigned to Daisy to protect her from the killer and hopefully draw him out.  Daisy and Gideon have undeniable chemistry, and Gideon quickly realizes that Daisy isn't as helpless as he thought she was...

Language
First off, I want to say that Karen Rose is an excellent writer. Everything she writes is wrought with tension, and she creates such dynamic and realistic characters that it's hard not to grow attached to every single one of them, even minor characters.  This is the primary reason why I gave Say You're Sorry a 4 star rating, even though I had several issues with the plot, pacing, and characters.

Plot
Say You're Sorry is gripping from the very first lines of the prologue.  The concept of the story itself is thrilling.  A psycho who kidnaps women and tortures them until they say they're "sorry"? This is what nightmares are made of!  Even the backstory of the cult that Gideon escaped as a pre-teen is intriguing and propels the plot forward.

That said, the plot lags from time to time.  The characters spend a lot of time talking.  This would be fine if it weren't highly repetitive talking.  We're introduced to the characters Gideon and Daisy and right off the bat we know a little bit about their traumatic backstories.  We're given that information (in significant detail), but we also have to be given that information again as they reveal it to each other.  Daisy and Gideon have a lot of issues with their family members, and they talk about these issues ad nauseam.  These discussions end up repeating the details of their traumatic pasts, whether it's in the dialogue or what the characters are thinking.  Even at the end, when Gideon tells his family the truth about his childhood trauma, instead of including this as a quick narrative paragraph, the author feels the need to retell it all over the span of several pages. This is all information that the reader has been exposed to multiple times over the course of the 544-page book.  I'm more familiar with Gideon's backstory better than my own, and I actually lived it.

The POV scenes for the serial killer were a thrilling way to push the plot forward and give us insight into his motives.  I almost felt bad for him (almost), which says something about Rose's writing style.  That said, towards the end, his scenes were a tad too frequent. We knew exactly where the serial killer was at any given time, which removed any element of surprise when he attacked.

Characters
I already touched upon this a little under the plot section, but I do want to point out that the characters are a little far fetched.  Gideon and Daisy have been through serious traumas in their life.  This part isn't unrealistic. But it's what they went through that requires a suspension of disbelief.  I think it would have been fine if one of them had a bizarre backstory, and the other had a more generic childhood trauma.  But no, both of them have really detailed and hard-to-swallow backstories that get more convoluted as the novel progresses. I love a cheesy romantic suspense, but it did make my roll my eyes a few times.

I'm also not a huge fan of the "love at first sight" plot device, unless the characters can't be together, or there are some major obstacles tearing them apart. Aside from the serial killer on the loose, there isn't much keeping Daisy and Gideon from being together.  In fact, the serial killer targetting Daisy actually keeps them together, because Gideon doesn't want to let her out of his sight.  Daisy and Gideon essentially fall in love when they first lay eyes on each other, and despite being extremely damaged emotionally, they don't have much trouble opening up to each other.  This made for a fairly linear romantic plotline in a story which had quite a few twists and turns in the mystery plotline.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a lengthy romantic suspense, who doesn't mind repetition, and loves POV scenes from a psychotic serial killer.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the arc for review!*

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t read a ton of romantic suspense, which is sorta weird because I like both suspense and romance separately, but not often together. I often find that there’s usually too much romance and not enough tension, I never really find the right balance for my personal taste. And then I was browsing Netgalley and saw the cover/blurb for this and I just couldn’t ignore it and I am thrilled that I gave it a try, it was excellent.

I have to warn you guys that this is a long book, over 600 pages, so this is not a book to binge read at all. It’s one where character development is key and Rose is fantastic at peeling back the layers of the main characters. It’s also the first in a new series where any good author will spend some time diving into their leads, so while understandable, it’s a dense one. I knew this going in and was prepared, so I settled in and savored the read, I want to make sure you also know this before thinking this is a one sitting read or one that you’ll fly through.

While it is long and the characters are incredibly well drawn, it is still incredibly tense and there is plenty of excitement. Daisy is in danger almost from page one and there was a fantastic sense of dread that steadily increased as the story progressed. Between the action there was a relationship burgeoning Daisy and Gideon and their chemistry was HOT, so basically there was always something exciting going on!

If you’re already a fan of romantic suspense then definitely check this out, and if you’re a little wary like me, this is an excellent place to start. Trust me, it’s still very dark with a creepy serial killer on the loose and even he was interesting and well drawn! There’s also a religious cult, which fascinates me, something for everyone here.

Say You’re Sorry in three words: Tense, Compelling and Dark.

Wow. What a roller coaster from beginning to end! I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without reading a Karen Rose novel, but I am officially a fan. SAY YOU’RE SORRY is the first book in Ms. Rose’s new Sacramento series. It’s a wonderfully crafted romantic thriller following Daisy, a free spirit still figuring out her life, and Gideon, an FBI agent, who are brought together by an attack and evidence that ultimately ties them together.

The way Ms. Rose weaves readers into a story through multiple perspectives and points of view is masterful. Her characters were all completely fleshed out and three dimensional. Each main character had layers and hidden depths; at times I even found myself sympathizing with the killer.

The plot was engaging and complex, but not confusing. Ms. Rose had plenty of twists for us and did a great job of dispensing information to keep the reader guessing, but at no point was I lost. My heart was pounding all through the story, and I even cried a few times. I was that invested!

One of the biggest surprises for me in this story was Gideon’s character. He is a beta hero! As an FBI agent, I was expecting a macho alpha field agent with badass moves and lots of guns. Gideon is a linguist and didn’t do field work outside of his FBI training. He actually knows his limits, and for the most part, he is willing to work within the guidelines of his job and the law. Ms. Rose did a great job showing his fierce and protective side, while also portraying his deep vulnerability.

The romance between Daisy and Gideon was very well done. They had an almost a spiritual connection that both of them recognized instantly. They were clearly kindred spirits. The way they anchored each other was a joy to read amidst this intense and often dark story.

I absolutely enjoyed this book, but I do wish there had been fewer coincidences as plot points. Some of them made me roll my eyes. I also thought Daisy was a little too perfect at times. I liked her character a lot, she was strong and kicked butt. I was just over Daisy being so great at everything by the end of the book.

Overall, this was a great romantic suspense novel. I was on the edge of my seat and flew through the 600+ pages. By the last page, I only wanted more. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. In the meantime, I am going to hit up some of Karen Rose’s backlist titles!

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Say You're Sorry spins off from Rose's Baltimore series; the heroine is the sister of Taylor from Monster in the Closet. Daisy is attacked by an unknown assailant but in the scuffle she manages to get some evidence that startles FBI agent Gideon Reynolds. This event kicks off a series of hide and seek between a serial killer and Daisy, the one who got away.

I love several things about this book:

 1. Gideon grew up in a cult. I find those backstories fascinating!
2.   I love the way Rose layers her story. Written in 3rd person, the reader is given the story in sequential order with time/date stamps. You are constantly aware of what is going on with ALL the characters at any given time. You have a clear idea of when an event occurs in relation to other events. For someone like me who needs visuals, this timeline set up is divine.
3.  Daisy is a recovering addict. Not many authors write stories that feature a recovering addict. Daisy has many imperfections-her childhood lead her to the destructive path of alcoholism and she is working every day to stay clean.
4.  I love getting in the mind of the killer. Its super disturbing and creepy, but it makes the experience of reading feel immersive! I have a weird fascination with true crime, so my addiction to romantic suspense with serial killers is just part of my love for true crime! Rose does a good job of making the killer a developed character in the story. You get his backstory and his motivations. Rose doesn't do this to make you feel anything for him, but so you can get a sense of how he got to this place. Giving the killer a fleshed out story keeps them from being a static, stereotype of 'evil'.
The story does get a bit gory at times and might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, you can always skim the really gory parts because the story is that good!! The relationship between Gideon and Daisy is wonderful and I loved seeing it build amongst the backdrop of a killer on the hunt. Say You're Sorry is a LONG read, but every page is worth it.

This was not what I was expecting, but I absolutely loved this book & couldn't put it down. This is NOT (as I expected) something I would characterize as cozy suspense, but rather a full on, serial killer suspense with a strong romance subplot running throughout. I'd describe this as brutal, engrossing, & propulsive - it was a book I was annoyed to have to stop in because I really wanted to know what would happen next. I do think it's about 50-100 pages too long in the front half, but overall, would definitely recommend for lovers of serial killer suspenses (especially ones with a cult backstory) & cannot wait to continue in the series.

Kindle Edition, 608 pages
Publication: February 21st 2019 by Headline ASIN: B07CG6QP5P
Series Sacramento #1 Rating 5*
I have recently become a great fan of Ms. Robards and know without reading a review what to expect. Fabulous intelligent writing, awesome character building, fast action, and truly bad-ass villains, whom you simply cannot wait for them be found out and dealt with! Often times as in SAY YOUR SORRY, you may even feel some compassion for the villain based upon what factors led them to conduct such heinous crimes.

FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds has tried to put his past behind him. He escaped the violence of a cult upbringing when he was just thirteen, and since then routine and discipline have been his way of making sense of the world. But when a friend calls to show him a piece of evidence from a young woman who fought off an attacker. With that Gideon’s world was about to come to a screeching halt!

Daisy Dawson has had more than her fair share of pain – but she's done being a victim and a prisoner. Brave and determined, Daisy is not going to let anyone take away her independence again. However her newly appointed intensely dark FBI investigator and bodyguard is certainly appealing to her passionate side.

Soon it appears clear that Daisy's attack was just the beginning when bloodied bodies of young women are showing up all over California. As Gideon and friends work to find the killer, it's clear that Daisy is in more danger than they ever realized.

*** As an introduction to Ms. Robards newest series opener, you are introduced to a whole new plethora of family which I am sure will play central roles in this new series. I love how Ms, Robards invites you into loving family scenario’s to a place to feel safe, when all around you the villains are spreading horror and hatred. As the intro to her new series SACRAMENTO - I personally cannot wait for her to hurry up with the next books in this run. Love and highly recommend!

Marilyn Rondeau

DNF at 60%, which means I almost read 400 pages of this incredibly long book. The repetitive inner-monologue of the serial killer and the main characters are driving me nuts. The storyline is interesting but I cant get into it because things are constantly being repeated and dragged out. There’s potential but the last 50+ pages I’ve been skimming dialogue and just don’t care what happens anymore.

Thanks to Netgalley and Del Rey for the eARC.

Karen Rose knows how to deliver a chilling romantic suspense.

The story introduces with Daisy, a recovering alcoholic, who has to fight off an attacker with a nylon stocking. She and her dog manage to escape but not before Daisy snatch a locket from her attacker. The locker holds a key to Special Agent Gideon Reynold‘s past.

Gideon has struggled to put the past behind him. His childhood held some painful memories for him and his sister, Mercy. When he gets the news of Daisy’s attack, he knows that some things are harder to stay in the past.

Of course, Daisy is on the radar after scaring off the killer. Gideon is working to protect Daisy and figure out who is behind the string of murders. Together, they find themselves lured into a web of twists and turns.

Say You’re Sorry had so many elements such as romance, a religious cult, and of course murder. I got so caught up in the story and the horrors of the cult that I couldn’t put the book down. I think the cult held such an interesting and deeper hold in the story. It made the story even creepier.

The romance is a slow burn given the nature of the story but still played an important part. The secondary characters (Rafe, Mercy, etc) helped move it along. I look forward to knowing what is next for some.

Overall, this is a good romantic suspense with many twists and turns. Fans of Karen Rose will love the start of the Sacramento series.

ARC provided via netgalley for a honest review.

I enjoyed this mystery/romance. Overall it had good characters and an intriguing plot but was somewhat predictable. Recommended for anyone who likes a little romance with their mystery or vise versa.