Hi everyone! Sophia Rose is back with another review, this time of an audio of Don’t Tell by Karen Rose. Oh a romantic suspense, doesn’t it sound really good? set against a backdrop of Chicago and Ashville, NC the premise of two cases has me interested. Read Sophia’s review and see what she thinks.
Don't Tell by Karen Rose, Michael Ferraiuolo Series: Chicago #1
Published by Tantor Audio on August 22nd 2017
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 15 hr 44 min
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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Rating:
Heat:
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It was a desperate plan. But Mary Grace Winters knew the only way to save herself and her child from her abusive cop husband was to stage their own death. Now all that remains of their former life is at the bottom of a lake. Armed with a new identity in a new town, she and her son have found refuge hundreds of miles away. As Caroline Stewart, she has almost forgotten the nightmare she left behind nine years ago. She is even taking a chance on love with Max Hunter, a man with wounds of his own. But her past is about to collide with the present when her husband uncovers her trail and threatens her hard-won peace. Step by step, he's closing in on her-and everything and everyone she loves. Contains mature themes.
I’ve been a lover of Karen Rose’s books since I stumbled upon Closer Than You Think, the beginning of her Cincinnati series and several books into her overall Romantic Suspense series. Finally, I got the chance to go back to the very beginning to where it all began in Chicago.
It’s fascinating when one starts at nearly the end and goes back to the beginning to see the comparison of just how much a writer as progressed in style and element, but also see the amazing heart of the writing that pulled me in and was there all along through a whole series it seems.
As I said, Don’t Tell is the beginning. It’s part of the Chicago series, but the book is technically split between events going on in Ashville, NC and Chicago and like all the others is a large book with many story lines and several narrators. The police in North Carolina are on the trail of a re-opened cold case as is the villain even while another storyline is developing in Chicago surrounding the secretive woman at the heart of it all.
Mary Grace Winters now posing for 9 years as Caroline Stewart was an incredible heroine. She exemplified a true survivor. She’s strong, but also fearful and fragile, stubborn and generous and it was neat to see what a truly good man with his own ghosts could do. Max comes across in the beginning as a knight, but then his past is revealed and he is a tarnished battered knight who makes mistakes with Caroline, but still finds the strength to be the man she needs. Down in Ashville, Agent Stewart and Detective Ross are equally great characters to follow along with as they doggedly investigate the case of Mary Grace Winters. It was heartwrenching to see what they dug up of Caro’s past as battered Mary Grace. And oh yes, I was treated to many scenes with the sadistic fiend who was her abuser and the abuser and killer of many more while also believing himself to be a good cop, Rob Winters. Shivers came when I was stuck in his head with him.
The story took its time drawing all the plot strings along until they tied together in one intense climax. But the author deftly followed up with the aftermath of situations. This was not a murder mystery where the reader must figure out the killer’s identity. It was a gritty, exciting thriller romance where it was a race of who would get to Caroline first and then what would happen if her evil ex did.
The narrator has one I’ve noted as being a favorite of other audio listeners so I was glad to give Michael Ferraiuolo my first try. He did a great job with the huge cast of characters, plot threads, range of emotions and tension, pacing, and overall tone of the book. I can see myself becoming a fan of his work, too.
All in all, I was riveted at times and engaged deeply through the softer scenes. It’s a great blend of romance, character growth, and suspense. I definitely recommend it to romantic suspense and thriller romance lovers.
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
I haven’t tried this but I do love the sound of it. I like that it blends all the things you love and that it didn’t have any major issues!
Oh, yes! I hope you get the chance, Heidi. Its a treat for thriller romance fans.
I confess I haven’t tried any of her books yet, but I love romantic suspense and yes, thrillers as well, so I think I’ll add this one to my list!
Glad to remind you of her books, Sylvia. She’s one of my favorite RS writers. Hope you like them when you get the chance.
I got a couple of KRose’s books at RT this year - they’re in this series but further down the line. I’ll make sure to start with this one though. KRose sounds like quite the storyteller and it’s neat that you were able to see the progression of her abilities but that the “heart” was always there. Great review!
Oh neat! Glad you were able to pick up some of her books. If any of them are first in a ‘city’ series, you should be okay starting with them. There are loose tie-ins. I began with the Cincinnatti series. But yes, starting at the beginning is a great idea, Brandee.
The settings sounds intriguing and it being a thriller romance definitely is something I would like. Wonderful review Sophia!
Yes, I loved the dual settings and the tension in this one, Jenea. It kept me riveted and breathless, at times. Hope you get the chance to try it. 🙂
I think I like suspense this time of year more than horror. This sounds good and I really need to listen to a book by her. I’ve read one and enjoyed it. I have a feeling I’d like this one on audio as well.
I’m the same with the suspense over horror. These are plenty exciting and hair-raising. LOL
Oh yes, the audio was a definite enhancement. Hope you get the chance, Melissa.
I haven’t tried any of her books but it’s nice to see you had a great time again!
I’ve read several now and thought it was about time that I went back for the first one, LOL. Worth it, Melliane. 😉
Looking at the cover, I really thought it’s going to be a vampire story hehe. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
That is too funny, Vanessa! But I can sure see how you would think that now that I look at it with that thought in mind. 😉