Highly entertaining, it kept me awake several times, fighting sleep to continue reading. The plot's engaging, the style excellent, and the points of view of the characters make the story much more fascinating. However, the ending was quite weak, it took an easy exit, and I would have liked a better development regarding the traitor theme. There was a scene where it became obvious and I thought it was a trap, but no, it's just what it sounds like, and there's not much explanation. However, it is greatly enjoyed for its mix of romance, drama, and horror.

This was definitely dark and twisted, but a lot of the resolution felt rushed, especially considering how intense a lot of the action/chase was. I wanted more at the end, vs a quick wrap up with a bow...

Mystery/Suspense/Romance would maybe be the best way to describe this. It was less gory/gruesome than others I've read in a similar genre with more of the romance elements. There was one issue I had that is more of a personal dislike than an issue with the book itself, which is too many POVs. You spend a lot of time hopping between character's heads and don't really get too deep into any of them. It does allow for a wider view of the story, of course, but I just personally prefer to get more depth with fewer characters as a personal preference.

The characters were very realistic and relatable. I was expecting this to be a lot darker going into it, although perhaps I'm just desensitized! I just so happened to pick this one up during a cabin getaway with my girlfriend, which made the story seem even realer (luckily Crimson was nowhere to be found near our cabin).

Hunt for a serial killer and abuser of men: dark and twisted😟

Crimson is his name and it's fitting, because this principal character seems addicted to torture, maiming and bloodletting and can't stop fantasizing about his next, sick moves. He's creepy and he knows it and he's not ashamed to show it! Wow, how one of his victims gets away to aid in the operation to capture him and free the young man he's held for months is a real mystery: as is Crimson's unusual adeptness at keeping ahead of the police.

I liked the plot, though it is pretty dark and twisted. And surprising, actually, because I was totally floored by Crimson's boldness and his moves in the action climax. The ending felt somewhat like a HFN for two of the principal characters, but it did seem to go silent about the fate of other key characters. So, it came off as slightly unfinished.

Thanks to publishers Nine Star Press and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Birthday Presents - Dianne Hartsock

I enjoyed reading this book as it covers some topics people generally shy away from (it happens people, psychopaths do exist!!)
I don't know why but although I felt the emotion of the people involved in horrific extremes, to read about the Jay made me sick to my stomach...My Mum rescued a wild Jay when I was a child and that part hurt.

The ending made me smile, happy ending for most, except, what happened to Kyle?
Most of the story revolved around him and once he was in hospital and recovering, it seemed he was forgotten in the story after that 🤷‍♀️

While this was a lot milder than I was expecting, I also enjoyed the story more than I expected which balanced my disappointment somewhat.