A story of having to hit rock bottom before you can climb your way back.

Grey's life has spiraled out of control. After suffering a miscarriage and getting fired after a drunken outburst at work Grey starts to re-evaluate her life and her first step is to leave her cheating husband and her luxury life behind. She buys a rundown log cabin nestled deep in the woods in the small southern town of Berry Springs.

Rattlesnake Road is my first read by Amanda McKinney and I love her biting prose. Grey Dalton's character is fantastic; sarcastic and funny, I was drawn into her life and wanted her to succeed, anxious over her set backs

With two love interests introduced, one promising her the life she had left behind but the one she was used to and attracted to whilst the other offered her a new beginning where she would have to come to terms with her inner turmoil.

Amanda McKinney has not only written a great angsty romance the story is filled with topical issues such as; domestic abuse, self harm, alcoholism and mental illness. It did at times become quite dark and disturbing.
Through a ghost with unfinished business Grey becomes inadvertently involved in a 30 year old murder mystery.

Rattlesnake Road had me glued to the pages, there was plenty of fun banter between the characters, a bit of harmless snark that kept me laughing, a great twist that had my heart racing and one swoon worthy male that melted my heart.

First, let me just say ...It's my first book by this author.

I am not sure why this is marketed as a romance. The book definitely works as a thriller. There are some elements that were slightly unnecessary that I felt were added for shock and awe. The story is pretty straightforward, there are no unpredictable twists and turns, which is why there's not much of a mystery to me.

The character arc of the female protagonist feels nonexistent. She's struggling. We see her go to therapy and then...I wanted more of her. She came off as spoiled and disdainful, which we can forgive her for because she's hit rock bottom. The male protagonist..same issues. We don't have many opportunities for the actual romance to develop. The denouement felt rushed too.


I really wanted this to work, but it didn't work as romance or mystery, the only category I can agree with is it's definitely a thriller. It's obvious this is a talented author, I feel this book might have tried to do too much.

Rattlesnake Road is the first book I've read by Amanda McKinney, and also the first book in a new series. It's a dark romance from the start, with the lead character, Grey Dalton, editor-in-chief of a highly successful, on-line fashion magazine, which she founded, a failing 10-year marriage with a cheating husband, and a serious drinking problem. Grey was certainly not the most likeable character at the outset, and there are plenty of triggers in this novel, so be forewarned if alcoholism, adultery, domestic violence and/or physical violence are issues for you. A couple of the aforementioned are triggers for me, but if you stick it out and look past those issues, what remains is an excellent read with plenty of angst, a great deal of self-doubt, an honest look at alcoholism and domestic violence, and what it does to families, well-defined characters, a second chance at love, and a 30-year-old murder mystery, or was it a murder, and if so, whodunit? I found it difficult to put this book down, and it gets 4 stars from this reader.

Grey is to receive an industry award at a posh gala, but is so drunk at the time she's called to the podium to accept, she makes a fool of herself rather than give an acceptance speech, ending with a rather dismal fall down the stairs, all of which gets her fired. The main reason for her being unable to hold it together that evening is that she's just discovered her wealthy, businessman husband has been cheating on her for the third time (that she knows about). He's out of town on a business trip, and Grey's solution once she sobers up slightly, is to buy a cabin on-line, sight unseen and highly unlikely for a savvy businesswoman, pack her bags, leave her cheating husband a note telling him that she wants a divorce, and driving 1200 miles to the small southern town of Berry Springs, where one of her cousins lives, and a promise made to her cousin years ago, that if she ever left New York, she'd come to Berry Springs.

The cabin she purchased is a physical disaster--good bones, but in dire need of a complete overhaul. The upside is her gorgeous neighbor, Declan Montgomery. There's also a funny and charming older lady, Etta, who loves to gossip, and keeps dropping in with cookies, sweet tea, gossip, advice, and a truckload of furniture from her barn. She's also quick to warn Grey that local landowners are being approached to sell their homes and property to a developer who wants to build a large resort there. That man is Lucas, who shows up the next day, and who is handsome and debonair, and just the kind of man Grey has always been attracted to.

Etta also warns Grey about the suspicious death of a little girl, Anna, found in Declan's family pond, with Declan the one who found her body, and who was seen pulling her from the lake. It seems to be common knowledge that Declan's father was violently abusive to both his wife and his son, and, as a result, Declan acted out in his teens, and Etta warns Grey about his penchant for violence. As if all that wasn't enough for her first day in town, when Grey purchased the cabin, no one mentioned to her that in all probability it was haunted.

I did have a few reality checks at several points in the novel. Grey's total lack of common sense for one, although it's par for the course with an alcoholic, and then the liberties with her body she allows Lucas to take. My other issue is the speed at which her new hobby, making essential oil products from the lavender plants Declan shares with her, which almost overnight turns into a huge success, with Grey being offered a buyout of her product line by a major organic cosmetics firm. I've started a business--it's nowhere near a walk in the park, so the timing of this colossal success was way off, in this reader's opinion.

Despite the aforementioned issues, at it's heart, this novel is about second chances, about finally realizing you have a problem and then dealing with it honestly, about not dwelling on past failures but moving forward in a positive way, and, finally, about personal guilt and redemption. Ms. McKinney clearly is a talented writer, and I'll be looking forward to reading the upcoming novels in this series.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.

Rattlesnake Road is the first book in a new series by Amanda McKinney. Wow for me this was an amazing book, it took me through all sorts of emotions which I look for in my books. The book has to touch my core, and pull out my emotions to earn a 5star rating. I loved the characters in the book, the book does deal with a couple issues that could be triggering to certain people. This was a new author for me, but I most definitely will be checking out more of her books. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a romantic suspense book.

I received a ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and this is my honest review of the book.

This review is given in exchange for an advanced copy via Netgalley.

Another new author for me and I really enjoyed this book. All of the characters were well developed and I enjoyed the suspense, my first one of this genre in quite awhile.

There were some things that I felt were missing from the story, but I don’t want to leave spoilers so I won’t go into detail. It is surely worth a read and worth a paid read at that. I will definitely be reading more from Ms. McKinney in the near future!!

The intrigue, the unexpected. It kept me noting all the details that I knew would be important to predicting what was to come. The author is so talented at creating the twists and turns in her stories, making every character important to the finale. Berry Springs has so many stories behind the doors of every house. And when someone new comes to town, everyone also knows that they must have a story for why they came to this small town. Most of the twists were surprises with just enough mystery to keep you reading the next chapter, and the next. I am in awe of how it all comes together! Sensational story writing!

I was provided an advanced copy by the publisher for an honest review.

OMG. This book was so fun. It was one of The first dark books i have Read by this author, but it will not be The last. I really liked that The book covered dark themes and really showed us people with flaws. But The characters wanted to be a better version of them selves
4,75⭐️

Wow. This book ripped my heart out of my chest and stomped on it right from the beginning, and kept squeezing until the end, when it gently healed it. It was that emotional. A fascinating story of righting some wrongs.

The past is ever present here, always weighing on the main characters. It’s a past they must overcome. I loved the real struggles they experience–nothing is easy, but it’s always worth fighting. There’s another past playing a decisive role, the one depicted in the mysterious letters. And there are those strange manifestations in Grey’s cabin…

I found it a bit manichaean to have almost every male character in Grey’s entourage to be a cheater and/or a liar, while most of the women were promiscuous. That painted the main characters in a good light, despite their horrendous flaws–like Grey’s alcoholism. Still, it worked well in the story.

The atmosphere was, in my opinion, the main quality of the book. From the beginning, the reader is forced to experience the places and events through Grey’s eyes–and her unique point of view. Because of her struggles, her personal experiences, and her state of mind, the whole story is colored a certain way that helped connecting with the character and created powerful images.

Thanks to that atmostphere, and the gripping mystery–and my serious need for a happy ending–I was swept away and couldn’t put it down.

Quickie

- Series: standalone (though there are connections with other series by the same author)
- Hashtags: #romantic suspense #small town romance #love triangle #age gap #opposites attract #ghost
- Triggers: alcoholism, deaths, miscarriage, violence
- Main couple: Grey Dalton & (Lucas Covington or Declan Montgomery?)
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + a perfectly crafted mystery
- – I felt like the introduction of previous characters from the author was unnecessary

❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋

Struggled with this one to start. It did get easier though.
It’s quite dark in places and may set off a few triggers for some people, so be warned.
Mentions of miscarriage, cheating, alcohol abuse, mental illness, are those immediately picked up.

The writing is good but at least the first half of the book is pretty slow before it picks up slightly.
The story is in depth and is interesting, but it felt too real, for me, in places. I must say this did put me off.

I’ve enjoyed many of this authors books especially the Cabin series which I loved.
So sad I didn’t feel that way for this one.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

I was not able to finish this book as much as I wanted to. the story seemed good at first but it just got darker and darker at the beginning, though my wife and I had experienced what the character had gone through with the miscarriage I just couldn't keep going with the story sorry, I am sure others will enjoy this book.

[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]

This has been a disturbing reading. It's my first Amanda McKinney book and although I think she's a great writer I couldn't fully enjoy this reading.
I love a story of redemption and second chances and Grey's story is one of those but her world (at least at the beginning of the book) is too dark for me. I struggled with the first part and although I could understand Grey's behaviour I didn't like it and I didn't like reading it. But I felt simpathy for Declan and I liked the way Grey was when he was around her. I would had loved to see their relationship more developed but the romance was secondary in the whole story.
I think the are some weak points, like the way she developes her bussines -completely unrealistic-, but the mistery is great, although too rushed in its ending.
Overall was a decent reading, uncomfortable but engaging. I'll read more books of this writer.

//REVIEW IN SPANISH//
Realmente, no sé ni cómo calificar este libro. Es oscuro, incómodo y crudo muchas veces, la historia de amor llega muy tarde y más de una vez quieres estrangular a la protagonista. Además, está bien lleno de trigger warnings. Aún así, he seguido leyendo porque Amanda McKinney escribe bien y estaba interesada en ese proceso de redención de la protagonista, Grey, y su posible historia de amor con el antiguo chico malo del pueblo. Y no ha estado mal pero me parece que la escritora pasa medio libro centrándose en la bajada a los infiernos de Grey y la creación del misterio (la casa tiene un fantasma y unas cartas escondidas escritas por una persona perturbada) para luego solucionarlo todo de un modo excesivamente rápido y poco elaborado. el El suspense y la historia de amor están bien elaborados pèro se solucionan de un modo bastante rápido.
Me parece un libro con buena base al que le falta desarrollo.
La ambientación es bastante decente, es un pueblo de esos sureños donde se va a misa creas o no en Dios, se hacen galletas a los vecinos y se guardan más secretos en el armario que ropa.
En fin, que es un libro que no me ha emocionado, que tiene partes perturbadoras y cosas que no me gusta leer pero que me ha tenido entretenida y me ha permitido echarle el ojo a esta escritora, que escribe bastante bien. Seguiré leyéndola.

The beginning was sad as I realized what Grey Dalton was suffering and that she was alone, knowing that her husband doesn’t love her and that their divorce is imminent. I so enjoyed her “not quite sober” response to receiving her award, even though it derailed her future. Her move to be near her cousin in Berry Springs was the best decision for the new start that she needed. A home badly needing renovation, a business to start, new friends to uplift her and maybe a new love interest? There is Luke Covington who wants to purchase her home for a new development and Declan Montgomery who has survived his own volatile past. When she finds letters hidden in the closet, she is startled by the feelings expressed by the young writer. The ending surprised me as I thought I knew who wrote the letters, but I was wrong. A gritty romance and mystery that takes the reader through so many emotions, all the while hopeful that Grey will get the future she so deserves. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review from the author and NetGalley. (by paytonpuppy)

A hauntingly dark story

Grey is starting over after a tragedy forces her to reassess her life’s choices. She ends up buying a house that comes with a lot of secrets that are linked to a decades-old murder mystery. Her rebound relationship was difficult to read about, but her growing romance with Declan made the story worthwhile.

Told entirely from Grey’s POV, she doesn’t engender much sympathy but she does have her heroic moments. Though it has its dark and gritty moments, the book serves up a solid slice of justice followed by a sweet and very satisfying HEA.

More women’s fiction than romance, this story does a fine job of charting Grey’s emotional journey to the life she’s always wanted. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I really liked this book! The heroine was relatable. The way she handled her trauma was very realistic and her strength was honestly admirable. I liked that she was allowed to be messy and broken and slowly healing. I really liked the hero, he was gentle but also a solid support system for her and it was refreshing to see them become friends before they became more. I liked how this was written. I thought the pacing was a little slow but not enough to really bother me.

3.5 stars
This was a little to dark for me for a romance, but it was still interesting.
We get to watch Grey as she hits rock bottom after her miscarriage and during her husbands infidelity, but she has an epic moment where she verbally attacks everyone in a drunken rant while accepting an award, that made my jaw drop. She loses her job, leaves her husband and moves to a small town to a house she bought sight unseen online. When she starts renovating she finds letters in her wall, they're from a very angry young kid and they are pretty disturbing.
Etta is the nosy next door neighbor and a straight talking older woman who always visits bearing baked goods and I love her.
Rebound guy Lucas is a rich douche in town trying to buy everyone's land in her area to build a resort, her mechanic neighbor Declan though is all of the tough protective alpha vibes.

P.S. her house is haunted.
TW: miscarriage, alcoholism, animal abuse, rape and murder.

This one will stick with you long after the last page. More than a romance, this is a journey about finding yourself, healing, and letting go. Grey is complex. You can't help but root for her from the very start. Declan is so much more than meets the eye. Every trip to Berry Springs is an emotional rollercoaster of an adventure. This one has just the right amount of suspense and the reveal to the mystery is a shocker. I was sad to reach the end. I wasn't quite ready to let these characters go. But it's a satisfying and beautiful conclusion.

This book will take on a ride. At times dark, but its like driving by a car wreak... you have to look. It's a new beginnings meets getting your baggage in order book. I couldn't put the book down! I would recommend this book to anyone. I love how well written this book is.

This is a well written book. I would say it’s a slow burn. That for me was too slow. There were several emotional elements to it. And some suspense. I like to read faster paced books so this one didn’t hit the mark for me.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. This book had the two things I love, small town and bad boy. I loved it from start to finish. The small town vibes and the growing relationship between the two main characters. Throw in the small mystery and I was all set! Loved.

This one really wasn't for me. I didn't care for the characters so it was hard to become invested in the story and keep reading.

If you like a bit of angst in your story, where characters hit rock bottom and climb back out, this might be for you! I didn't feel a lot of suspense from the story, and the romance is a very slow burn. Things don't peak much until after half way through the book.

The story is well written...a lot of character development, a strong plot. Lots of good to this one, just not for me :)