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kerithesmutslut's review against another edition
4.0
This was not without it’s problems, but this book was absolutely unique. It combined two of my favorite things together, a romance with a cult element. Our hero has aspergers and he also suffers from a minor form of turrets. He is in Ireland and finds himself in a cult (he doesn’t believe it’s a cult of course) our heroine knew him from college, and is contacted by his grandfather to help get him out of said cult. Fascinating read.
lifeinthebooklane's review
4.0
The thing I love most about Elin Peer's work is just how darn unpredictable it is.
I've been stuck in the reading doldrums. You wouldn't suspect from my review list because I have managed to finish a few books over the last two weeks, but you wouldn't believe just how many books I've started and DNF'd. Book after book had left me struggling to connect with the characters or just plain care about what would happen next. Until I picked up Charlie, and in this I found a book that I didn't want to put down. From the very first chapter I was totally engaged by both Liv and Charlie, desperate to know how their story would unfold.
At one point I was certain I knew what would cause friction between Charlie and Liv, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ha! Just how wrong was I, and that is the beauty of this author's work. The journey she takes you on is never the obvious one, yet it is always absolutely the perfect one and one where I wouldn't change a thing.
I found myself totally smitten by both main characters, so much so that I cast aside my usual issues with super speedy (though not quite insta) falling-in-love, totally embracing the speed with which this couple formed a connection. It helped that the pair had some prior history but mainly it was the fantastic writing that engaged my emotions along with my mind. There are depths and layers to this story, the unwrapping of which made this a book that will stay with me long after I read the last lines.
I've been stuck in the reading doldrums. You wouldn't suspect from my review list because I have managed to finish a few books over the last two weeks, but you wouldn't believe just how many books I've started and DNF'd. Book after book had left me struggling to connect with the characters or just plain care about what would happen next. Until I picked up Charlie, and in this I found a book that I didn't want to put down. From the very first chapter I was totally engaged by both Liv and Charlie, desperate to know how their story would unfold.
At one point I was certain I knew what would cause friction between Charlie and Liv, I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Ha! Just how wrong was I, and that is the beauty of this author's work. The journey she takes you on is never the obvious one, yet it is always absolutely the perfect one and one where I wouldn't change a thing.
I found myself totally smitten by both main characters, so much so that I cast aside my usual issues with super speedy (though not quite insta) falling-in-love, totally embracing the speed with which this couple formed a connection. It helped that the pair had some prior history but mainly it was the fantastic writing that engaged my emotions along with my mind. There are depths and layers to this story, the unwrapping of which made this a book that will stay with me long after I read the last lines.
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
2.0
So, I have a thing with true crime involving cults. I have a Masters in Psychology and I am fascinated by his people are drawn in, how they are kept, and what happens if they try to leave.
When I found this book, I knew I had to read it.
The book is well written but the romance is such a side story that it felt more like standard fiction not romance. It dies meet the HEA threshold.
It is a very long book. I felt like I was slogging through mud. There were some things that were well done and I am sure that some people will love this book. It just wasn’t for me.
When I found this book, I knew I had to read it.
The book is well written but the romance is such a side story that it felt more like standard fiction not romance. It dies meet the HEA threshold.
It is a very long book. I felt like I was slogging through mud. There were some things that were well done and I am sure that some people will love this book. It just wasn’t for me.
red_sky's review
5.0
I finished this in one listening. It is now almost 3am. I haven't stayed up this late with a book in years.
It was surprisingly good! I had zero expectations going in, and just found it wandering in my local library.
It was intense and had actual stakes. I really liked it.
It was surprisingly good! I had zero expectations going in, and just found it wandering in my local library.
It was intense and had actual stakes. I really liked it.
hijinx_abound's review
2.0
So, I have a thing with true crime involving cults. I have a Masters in Psychology and I am fascinated by his people are drawn in, how they are kept, and what happens if they try to leave.
When I found this book, I knew I had to read it.
The book is well written but the romance is such a side story that it felt more like standard fiction not romance. It dies meet the HEA threshold.
It is a very long book. I felt like I was slogging through mud. There were some things that were well done and I am sure that some people will love this book. It just wasn’t for me.
When I found this book, I knew I had to read it.
The book is well written but the romance is such a side story that it felt more like standard fiction not romance. It dies meet the HEA threshold.
It is a very long book. I felt like I was slogging through mud. There were some things that were well done and I am sure that some people will love this book. It just wasn’t for me.
ezichinny's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars.
A fascinating story and masterful storytelling. This story had it all: action, suspense, intrigue, romance and redemption. What I love about Elin Peer's stories is that I always feel I was treated to a story unlike the routine and cliche tropes that are so abundant in the romance genre. In this particular novel, we are treated to an insider look into the intense fear of family members when their loved ones are caught in the snare of a cult.
Charlotte Christensen aka Liv or Charlie met Charles Robertson at a coffee shop by accident. At the time they were both going by the nickname "Charlie". There was a spark there, but nothing serious materialized from their college flirting. Five years later, Liv was contacted by Charles' grandfather who wants a friend to help rescue Charles from a cult that was siphoning off his inheritance. This opportunity gave Liv another chance to reconnect with Charles, but he wasn't the man she remembered. To save Charles, Liv had outmaneuver a sociopath a cult leader with Charles' love and life as the prize.
I don't know much about cult except what we see on the news but my nerves were jarred. I enjoyed the glimpse into a cult's intricate layering in order to brainwashing people of various intelligence. It was a lesson on how masterminds sense esteem issues and use it to their advantage while gaining their absolute dedication and loyalty. It was a gently reminder that even the smartest person has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by devious people.
My favorite part of the story was Liv and Charles reconnecting. It felt like young love all over again and it added some pleasure and levity to this heavy situation. Liv and Charles were really nice individuals and they made a sweet couple. I was completely absorbed into this struggle for Charles. The author skillfully weaved an engrossing tale. What an excellent beginning to a new series.
A fascinating story and masterful storytelling. This story had it all: action, suspense, intrigue, romance and redemption. What I love about Elin Peer's stories is that I always feel I was treated to a story unlike the routine and cliche tropes that are so abundant in the romance genre. In this particular novel, we are treated to an insider look into the intense fear of family members when their loved ones are caught in the snare of a cult.
Charlotte Christensen aka Liv or Charlie met Charles Robertson at a coffee shop by accident. At the time they were both going by the nickname "Charlie". There was a spark there, but nothing serious materialized from their college flirting. Five years later, Liv was contacted by Charles' grandfather who wants a friend to help rescue Charles from a cult that was siphoning off his inheritance. This opportunity gave Liv another chance to reconnect with Charles, but he wasn't the man she remembered. To save Charles, Liv had outmaneuver a sociopath a cult leader with Charles' love and life as the prize.
I don't know much about cult except what we see on the news but my nerves were jarred. I enjoyed the glimpse into a cult's intricate layering in order to brainwashing people of various intelligence. It was a lesson on how masterminds sense esteem issues and use it to their advantage while gaining their absolute dedication and loyalty. It was a gently reminder that even the smartest person has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by devious people.
My favorite part of the story was Liv and Charles reconnecting. It felt like young love all over again and it added some pleasure and levity to this heavy situation. Liv and Charles were really nice individuals and they made a sweet couple. I was completely absorbed into this struggle for Charles. The author skillfully weaved an engrossing tale. What an excellent beginning to a new series.
shealwaysreads's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the newest book of Peers. Do I feel it is better than the others though. No. But I think that’s more on my end and not the work of the author.
While I was expecting an a romance dashed with a bit of mystery, the romance aspect seemed to be lacking. I wasn’t a 100% sold on it. While the main characters are likable and flawed (something I love) on their own I was keen on them as a pair. Which was odd as I don’t think that has ever happened.
As I said I was fond of the characters and the details give to Charles I’m particularly. Peer did an incredible job at incorporating it and explains him as a whole person. He was a well round creation. Charlie on the other hand the opposite of Charles well I wish she would have asked more question when set off on her mission.
The start of the book is adorable. It melted my heart so. But I did feel a dip in the pacing towards the middle followed by a bang at the end.
Would I read this again? Yes. Did book 1 intrigue me to read book 2? Most definitely. In fact the secondary characters really stood out to me and I’m hoping the series follows them.
While I was expecting an a romance dashed with a bit of mystery, the romance aspect seemed to be lacking. I wasn’t a 100% sold on it. While the main characters are likable and flawed (something I love) on their own I was keen on them as a pair. Which was odd as I don’t think that has ever happened.
As I said I was fond of the characters and the details give to Charles I’m particularly. Peer did an incredible job at incorporating it and explains him as a whole person. He was a well round creation. Charlie on the other hand the opposite of Charles well I wish she would have asked more question when set off on her mission.
The start of the book is adorable. It melted my heart so. But I did feel a dip in the pacing towards the middle followed by a bang at the end.
Would I read this again? Yes. Did book 1 intrigue me to read book 2? Most definitely. In fact the secondary characters really stood out to me and I’m hoping the series follows them.
shaezreads's review
5.0
An excellent read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story; it grabs you from chapter 1 right through to the end. Another beautiful story from Elin Peer. The story is well written, grabs all your emotions and keeps you wanting to know more.
The main characters, - the Charlie's are so likeable; you are constantly rooting for their relationship. Conor and his cult, on the other hand, gives you the creeps; just reading about him makes your skin walk.
Along with the romance, there is Irish history and the psychological aspects that make this a page-turner.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic, page-turner, interesting characters,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story; it grabs you from chapter 1 right through to the end. Another beautiful story from Elin Peer. The story is well written, grabs all your emotions and keeps you wanting to know more.
The main characters, - the Charlie's are so likeable; you are constantly rooting for their relationship. Conor and his cult, on the other hand, gives you the creeps; just reading about him makes your skin walk.
Along with the romance, there is Irish history and the psychological aspects that make this a page-turner.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic, page-turner, interesting characters,
rncjohnson's review against another edition
5.0
I can’t seem to put down Elin’s books once I start, this book was no exception. When I start a new book of hers I wake up tired, but satisfied, the next morning. Much like most of her characters
tweetatweet1's review
5.0
This book had me on edge. I was so sure I wouldn’t like it. I don’t care for books about cults. I loved the hero and heroine. This was a great, suspenseful story. I stayed up till 4 am to finish it. The secondary characters were interesting and like-able. The children are so wonderful. I love Charles grandfather he reminds me of someone I know and love. Now I’m hooked on this series.I can’t wait to see where this author leads us next. I highly recommend. Told my bestie about it too!