I had such high hopes for this book based on the description. I didn’t realize it was part of a series and hadn’t read the first one, but the author did clearly summarize what had happened in the first one so I was pretty caught up and didn’t have any questions. My problem with this book is that it was just too darn long. It seemed to go on and on and I expect3 a bit more from the ending. I understand it was so that you will read the next book… but I won’t. It was just too long of a book and could have been done shorter with a some editing.

Now this is the kind of romantic suspense I love!! I don’t read the genre much but when I do it’s this author because she’s SO good. Lots of tense action and plenty of romance what more could I want

The Sacramento Series is quite frankly one of my favorite romantic suspense group of books. As I get further and further into these books, I love them more and more. There is tension, thrills, and chills all wrapped up in a fabulously addictive plot. Though these books are generally on the longer side, I never feel like it is daunting to get through them. The pace and flow is perfect.

Another solid romantic suspense in the Sacramento series.

I enjoyed seeing the story of the Eden cult continue. This was a wild story with lots of twists, turns, and intense scenes.

The romance between Mercy and Rafael blossomed slowly and sweetly. I loved how they looked out for each other.

I also loved the scenes with all the Sokolov family and Mercy’s friends. They were so heartwarming.

Looking forward to reading the next in this series. It is definitely going to be happening sooner rather than later cause I need to see this story finish.

I must admit that when I first started this book that it didn't feel like a typical <i>Karen Rose</i> book! I also honestly didn't remember anything from the <i>Sacramento #01</i> book, <i>Say You're Sorry</i> or that we had previously met Gideon Reynolds and Daisy Dawson! But in true <i>Karen Rose</i> fashion, once I got into it, I couldn't put it down!

In <i>Say No More</i> we are brought to a time in the past where we meet Mercy Callahan and her mother who are trying to escape a cult only for her mother to be murdered and Mercy shot and left for dead. Her mother's dying words were to find her brother, Gideon, that he is alive. Then we're brought to present day, where Mercy is trying to move on with her life. Mercy and her best friend have traveled from New Orleans to Sacramento to work on her relationship with her brother Gideon...the same Gideon that I forgot about in Book #1 of this series! Can their relationship be mended? Is the cult that she escaped really behind her?

What I love about Karen Rose books is that I think that she has some of the best characters! They are characters that you want to root for and you love them and get engrossed in their stories and just have to find out what happens to them! I think she has a special knack for creating in depth characters, and usually a lot of them, that even though they are strangers, they end up feeling like and practically (and sometimes actually) becoming family! But even though her books are filled with tons of characters, it doesn't seem like you ever get confused about who is who and who is doing what!

This book is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and will keep you reading on for hours past what you normally would or would expect to read because you just can't put it down! And just when you think the problem is solved, another one pops up just as exciting if not more than the last! There's mystery and love...what more could you want? This is exactly what I look for in a Romantic Suspense book! I promise you that this book (or any of Karen Rose's book) will not disappoint you!

I find that some author's, the more books they write, the less interested I become in them, but this is not the case with Karen Rose. This is book #24 in her Romantic Suspense series, and I think each book just keeps getting better and better! Now I seriously can't wait for the next release!

Overall, I'm so glad that even though it didn't feel like a normal Karen Rose book to begin with, that I continued on, otherwise I might not have read one of the best books that I've read so far in 2021!

I would like to offer a HUGE THANK YOU to <i>Karen Rose</i>, <i>Berkley Publishing Group</i>, and <i>Netgalley</i> for providing me with a copy of <i>Say No More</i>, which has allowed me to contribute this honest and unbiased review.

This is the second book in Sacramento series. This follows Mercy's story.
I absolutely loved it. Probably a little more than the first book.

While book one sort of followed two mysteries/backstories, I was glad that this one was strictly focused on Eden (you'll know if you read the book).

This series is my first romantic suspense series. And I am really enjoying it.

Mercy: She has suffered A LOT in her life. In the beginning, I really really hated her for hiding what she hid from her brother, Gideon (hero of the first book). But it also made sense. And I was glad that she understood her mistakes. Her character grows so much, and she becomes so much stronger than before.

Rafe: After reading two books from Karen Rose, I'm starting to realize the kind of men Karen Rose writes. They're sort of very emotionally available alpha men. They're like "I need to protect you" but they'll as easily cry for the heroine's sufferings. I am in love with Rafe's family too. So supportive. SO funny. Especially Mama Sokolav. Love her.

Relationship/Love: Very instalove. Both the books. I guess the suspense plot is so important that the author has no time for developing relationships. But this is where I cut the 1 star. I really need some build up and falling into that special connection. But having said that, their relationship was really good. They were so supportive and understanding with each other. Also, there were two steamy scenes but what a scene..!!

Villain: Man, I hated this guy. He was a sick, disgusting piece of trash. And he got what was coming to him.

Side Characters: These books have quite extensive set of side characters. And they're not just props. They each have a part to play, and they really blend well into the story.

Overall, I was absolutely hooked to the story. Yes, it could've been a little shorter, but that was fine. It really helped me get lost in their world.

Can't wait for Book 3.

**This book has adult themes and trigger warnings of physical violence and sexual abuse**

This was a hard book to get through. I mean, the story had me engaged but the things that Mercy and her family has gone through at the hands of this cult.... just tore my heart out. I wept and grieved right along side Mercy, her brother and the rest of the characters affected by the events in the book.

I'll definitely continue reading the series because I enjoy Ms. Rose's writing, but a lot of the content in the book is hard to get through and may not be the right book for some readers.

Review also posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com/

You Can Run, But You Most Certainly Can’t Hide!

Mercy Callahan escaped a cult years ago. Unfortunately for her, the trauma remains. If only that was the worst of it. Now, Ephraim Burton, the leader of the cult is on the hunt, he wants Mercy back and he intends to get her by any means necessary.

Reunited with her brother Gideon and the Sokolov family who took Gideon in as their own, when he escaped the cult, Mercy finds something she didn’t expect an attraction to Rafe Sokolov, Gideon’s best friend and the man who saved her life a few months prior. Though Mercy wants nothing more than to take down Ephraim, she also wants more from life.

“Say No More” is an extremely suspenseful storyline with a myriad of characters that centered around family. Truth be told, that’s what I enjoyed most about this book: Family. For me, the Sokolovs were the highlight - how they always took care of their own and everyone else, regardless of the danger involved.

“Say No More” by Karen Rose is the sequel to “Say You’re Sorry” involving Mercy and her brother Gideon (who was the main character in “Say You’re Sorry.”). This novel is characterized as a romantic suspense, though thankfully this book was lighter on the romance than its predecessor, which is something I appreciated. While I personally enjoyed “Say You’re Sorry” a tad more than the sequel, I enjoyed this and think fans of the series will too! 3.5 stars

This was yet another buddy read with Kaceey!

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc.

Published on Goodreads on 2.7.21.

Devoted fans of romantic-suspense writer Karen Rose will love this latest addition to her series.

With the help of her mother, Mercy Callahan escaped a dangerous cult years ago. Now she returns to California to patch things up with her brother Gideon and his friend Rafe.

And just like clock-work, the past seems to be catching up with her. To be specific, her “betrothed” from the cult has no intention of just let her walk away.

Full of action and of course romance, Karen Rose fills in all the necessary background you’ll need should you choose to jump into this series at this point.

Though it’s lengthy at well over 500 pages, no worries… the pace is fast and the pages fly by.

Already looking forward to reading more from this author!

A buddy read with Susanne!

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

Apparently this book picks up where a previous book (that I have not read) leaves off. I had a hard time connecting to this book. I didn't like any of the characters- some were just absolutely intolerable. This may be a must-read for others, but just was not my cup of tea.

I enjoyed the previous book in this series, but I kind of struggled to get into Say No More. Karen Rose's romantic suspense can be a little long, but they're usually very engaging reads. I think at the time I read this one I wasn't really in the mood for a longer book, I ended up pausing at 20%. I am planning to return to this one when I'm in the mood for romantic suspense!

Well written characters in a well written book with an interesting story that pulls you in from the beginning. With action and a side of romance. My first read from this author and as it’s the 2nd book in the series I’ll be going back to read the first too. All in all a good read I love a good mystery/suspense/thriller kind of book.

This is the much anticipated follow up to “Say You’re Sorry”. Because this is a trilogy, it’s necessary to read “Say You’re Sorry” before this book in order to understand and follow the overarching plot. That said, I read the first book years ago before it was released, and my memories of what had happened were hazy.  Karen Rose does an excellent job of explaining what had happened in the first book without it feeling like too much of an info dump.

There are several character perspectives in this book, which is one of the things that makes Karen Rose’s romantic suspense novels so darn compelling. We get Mercy and Rafe’s POVs, but we also get an additional three. We get to follow Mercy’s “husband” from the cult who is tracking her down and leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. There’s the point of view of a teenage reporter who is convinced that Mercy’s story needs to be told and that he’s the one who needs to tell it. And then, there’s the point of view of a Mercy and Gideon’s stepfather--who’s still in the cult, but he is beginning to realize that it isn’t the safe haven he’d thought it was, and he’s realized that he needs to get his daughter out--before it’s too late.

This book is compelling, and so much more than just a romance.  This is a make or break it for Karen Rose’s books. Sure, there’s a romance, but it’s on the sidelines from the action.  If you want the focus to be on Mercy and Rafe’s budding relationship, then this isn’t quite the book for you. Sure, we get that in the book, but there is so much more going on.  

The story is thrilling and has a few twists along the way, though there aren’t any major surprises in the plot. That said, I’m very eager for the final instalment in the trilogy, because it isn’t entirely clear what will happen next. (I also have absolutely no idea who the couple will be! This is driving me nuts. In the first book, it was obvious that Mercy would be getting together with Rafe. For the third book, I can’t even pinpoint who one half of the couple will be.)

I do have one complaint about this book, which is the same complaint that I had in the first one in this trilogy. I recently read an older book by her (“You Can’t Hide”), and it was thrilling from cover to cover. In this trilogy, I’ve noticed that there is a lot of talking, exposition, and quite frankly, repetition. Even in the action scenes, it feels like they need to be heavily edited down for pacing. This 630 page book could have easily been only 500 pages, maybe even 400.  Even some of the thrilling scenes--like when we’re following Ephraim as he tracks Mercy and kills people that get in his way (and even some people who are just around, minding their own business. Ephraim’s a monster!), I felt that some of these scenes started to feel repetitive. He’s killing, I got it. 

That said, Karen Rose has created another fabulous book to get lost in, filled with dynamic side character and intriguing subplots that make her romantic suspense novels more complex and rewarding than most. 

*This review will be posted to https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/ and other platforms on November 4, 2020*

Pretty meh

I would like to thank Karen Rose, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I used to adore Karen Rose’s books and eagerly awaited new ones, but I was not eager to read this book and had a hard time getting into it. Either Rose’s writing is getting boring, or my taste in books is changing. Possibly both. I didn’t find the first book set in Sacramento all that enthralling, and of late Rose’s characters have been bland, indistinctive, overly emotional, and way too concerned with being woke and nondiscriminatory. Plus, her plots are becoming a tad formulaic. *yawn* Rose is still a vastly talented writer, but she needs to inject her stories with personality. Give the characters unique traits—not growing up in a cult or being part of a large family; I mean relatable things, like funny, quirky, quippy, irreverent personalities or distinctive mannerisms, something that entertains, endears, and individualizes. And maybe give the plots some different elements or twists.

Also, of all the authors I read, she has to be the one who uses direct first-person thoughts the most. You know, the italicized thoughts? Their merit is debatable, and I understand if some readers like them because direct thoughts get them inside characters’ heads better, but I feel more and more that they’re a sign of bad or lazy writing: You shouldn’t have to switch perspectives to get a point across, and I’ve noticed they sometimes serve as phantom dialogue in a passage that has too much “telling”—meaning, they’re an interaction cheat. So that’s another thing turning me off her books.

Her next novel, Say Goodbye, is due out next year, probably in February if she holds to pattern, and features Tom Hunter and Liza Barkley. It will no doubt include cameos of characters from her earliest books set in Chicago, since Tom’s parents were the hero and heroine of Rose’s first book, Don’t Tell. Honestly, I’m not sure how excited I am for this book. It would be nice to wrap up the Eden plot and see those disgusting pervs taken down, but I have no interest in spending time with Tom; just from the brief glimpses we’ve had of him during these first two Sacramento books, I don’t find him at all compelling. He’s a former and apparently legendary NBA player, an upstanding citizen and dedicated FBI agent, and a tech genius. And a choice physical specimen, of course. Sounds like a Gary Stu to me, and I have no desire to read about a guy who is his own ex machina. I hope he has severe IBS or something to humanize him.

Lastly—why does the woman on the cover look like she’s underwater? As far as I recall, the only water involved in the story was used in the bathroom. That cover image is another thing that turned me off this book—it’s driven me nuts ever since it was revealed months ago. It looks so weird to me, and now that I know there’s no reason for the woman to be underwater, it irritates me that much more. Just—why?

Overall, this book was just okay with its predictable if interesting plot, flavorless characters, and irrelevant cover, and I’m not too enthused about Rose’s future work, which breaks my heart a little.

I have chosen not to give feedback on this title, which is probably pretty obvious as it was released almost 3 months ago.

My apologies for the delay. I don't want to rate/review titles that don't work for me when they are close to release or available on NetGalley, but it seems I forgot to go back and update the DNF status.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

Laura

Mercy Callahan escaped the cult and Ephraim Burton seventeen years ago, but the abuse and horrors suffered at Eden continue to plague her. After her brother, Gideon, uncovers new information about the cult and its location, Mercy travels to Sacramento in hopes of restoring her relationship with him and helping find the ones who destroyed their childhood.

When Ephraim learns that Mercy, whom he thought dead, is still very much alive and aiding the FBI’s investigation, he’ll do whatever it takes to return her to Eden even if it means killing her and everyone who stands between them.

Homicide detective Rafe Sokolov’s instincts are to protect, but when it comes to his best friend’s younger sister, more than just instincts drive him. Mercy might not be ready to let him in, but for now he can make sure the cult can’t finish what they attempted almost two decades ago.

Say No More delivers an intense, suspenseful ride. Karen Rose utilizes constant action rather than mystery to hook her audience. Readers know from the beginning the identity of the culprit and follow Ephraim as he hunts Mercy, making this less of a who-dun-it novel than a how will they stop him.

The novel did feel a bit on the long side at times (544 pages). Numerous scenes included the group sitting around while Mercy recounted the horrors lived at the hands of the cult. Some of it could have been condensed or combined. However, as soon as I found myself starting to skim, the author would follow with a chase, shooting, or other action scene that once more had me flipping pages.

While I know it’s typical of this type of novel, every character seemed to have stepped out of GQ or Vogue. I would have liked characters that were a little less modelesque and a bit more relatable.

The second book in the Sacramento series, Say No More easily stands alone. I had no trouble following the story and characters once it got started. That being said, I did wish I’d read Say You’re Sorry first so that I would have had a deeper knowledge of some of the characters and where they were coming from.

Say No More should definitely stay within its intended audience as it deals with heavy topics. It also includes strong language and some bedroom scenes. There is no way around the former, but the latter can easily be skipped without missing anything. Readers should be aware of some potential triggers such as physical and sexual abuse — including to minors.

Another Karen Rose book, another 5-star read!

My first Karen Rose book was the first book of this series, the Sacramento series, and this was book #2 so I was SOOO excited when I learned it was coming out! This book did not disappoint at all, and that’s saying a lot since there’s like 600 pages in this book, but I devoured it!

This is a romantic suspense novel, and let’s just say that it was steamy!!!! Which I’m all about! I already loved the character from book #1 but really loved this book because it dug deeper into Mercy’s and Gideon’s past. In addition, I feel like we get to know the Sokolov better as well! Excellent book! Couldn’t put it down and amazing ending! I cannot wait for the third book in the series!

Also, I am making it my mission to read all of Karen Rose’s book! So stay tuned! If you haven’t read anything from her, please just pick one up! They are by far my favorite books!

Say No More by Karen Rose is the second installment to the Sacramento Series. I was in love the instant I started to read this. It begins with a mother trying to provide for her kids but failing on an epic scale. She would come home beaten and with no food for her two kids. The son was old enough to understand and his sister was too young. Their mom takes them with her to what she had hoped to be their ticket to a better life. Instead, it was worse than the one they had before it. A nightmare that still haunts the kids, now grown adults. The evil men behind the killing of their mom and their tortures from their youth are set on killing them to bury the secret of their group. But all hell breaks loose.

Many die...but the chances of survival for the siblings and those they love are worth the risks. They have to end this nightmare before it is too late. I was sucked deep into this story. Karen Rose created another brilliant masterpiece. A suspense thriller that had me on the edge and in suspense but also in love with the blossoming romance between two of the characters. The ending was just as powerfully woven as the rest of the book. I cannot wait for the next read in this hot new series!

I enjoy this series and always love the way Karen Rose creates a world with so many characters without ever feeling overwhelmed. I love the ongoing themes of family and found family and continuing to see characters I know grow and change.

However this wasn’t my favorite in the series - there were times it felt a little drawn out for me and that it could have been trimmed.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

When I started this book, I really couldn’t get into it. I was having a hard time connecting or sympathizing with the heroine, and I know that’s a deal-breaker for me. So I put my ebook down for a few days and then picked up the audiobook. Thank goodness I gave this book a second chance because the narration was excellent; the whole story came alive for me, including the tough-to-love heroine.

Is there anything better than romantic suspense novels dealing with cult elements? Is that weird to say? There is something incredibly fascinating and creepy about cults. The cult our heroine Mercy Callahan escaped was first introduced in SAY YOU’RE SORRY, her brother’s book. This book dives even deeper with the corrupt and sociopathic leaders coming into play.

I’ve always said that Karen Rose writes the perfect books if you want a really in-depth suspense plot balances with an equally interesting and intense romance plot. The length of her books (usually 500+ pages) allows her to dive deep into the psyche of all her characters, both good and bad. The romance between our hero Rafe Sokolov and Mercy took a little bit of a back seat in this one, and if I hadn’t read SAY YOU’RE SORRY, I might not have believed in them as a couple. Luckily the secondary characters and plot were fantastic. No spoilers, but there are two people I was rooting for even more than Rafe and Mercy (not in a romance way though).

Overall, the book explored found family and the people who are there for you through thick and thin. The friendships and fast-paced moments kept my adrenaline pumping and my heart warm. The romance plot could have grabbed me more, but Rafe was pretty swoony, so I will let that part slide.

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**