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Deep Woods
I was barefoot, sobbing, running for my life. But the men hunting me made one mistake: they chased me into *his* woods.
Cal Whittaker. Big, gruff and gorgeous, he’s made his home in the heart of the forest and has barely spoken to another person in six years. He deals with the men chasing me with a brutal efficiency that hints at a dark past. I should be scared...but when I look into his eyes, I feel a soul-deep longing I can’t explain. And the way he looks at me, like he just wants to push me up against a tree and tear my clothes off...
He offers me shelter on his smallholding. I’m used to the big city but I’ll have to learn a whole new way of life: a cow for milk, a wood stove for warmth and no one but the two of us for miles in any direction. I learn that Cal’s carrying a guilt that won’t let him get close to anyone...but neither of us can fight the attraction and in his tiny cabin, it’s impossible to keep our distance.
Even in the forest, though, we may not be safe. My escape has threatened a conspiracy so vast, so evil, that the men behind it won’t stop until they’ve silenced us. They know where we are. And they’re coming.
Cal Whittaker. Big, gruff and gorgeous, he’s made his home in the heart of the forest and has barely spoken to another person in six years. He deals with the men chasing me with a brutal efficiency that hints at a dark past. I should be scared...but when I look into his eyes, I feel a soul-deep longing I can’t explain. And the way he looks at me, like he just wants to push me up against a tree and tear my clothes off...
He offers me shelter on his smallholding. I’m used to the big city but I’ll have to learn a whole new way of life: a cow for milk, a wood stove for warmth and no one but the two of us for miles in any direction. I learn that Cal’s carrying a guilt that won’t let him get close to anyone...but neither of us can fight the attraction and in his tiny cabin, it’s impossible to keep our distance.
Even in the forest, though, we may not be safe. My escape has threatened a conspiracy so vast, so evil, that the men behind it won’t stop until they’ve silenced us. They know where we are. And they’re coming.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2021
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,287 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 533 reviews
November 12, 2022
Deep Woods is a stand alone romantic suspense by Helena Newbury. This is only my second book by Helena but it is my goal to read every single book she’s written. She’s just that amazing. But for today, let’s talk about Cal and Bethany, and of course, Rufus.
“This is a story about people, but it begins with a dog.”
Bethany used to dream of becoming a doctor and was going to med school but a single mistake took that dream away. Now she is working long shifts at a call center, barely making enough money to break even. Bethany thought of herself as weak but she had an inner strength she didn’t even know she possessed. At work, everyone wanted to give her the most difficult calls from the most irate of customers because she was so calm. It was this inner strength that she unknowingly exuded that caught the attention of someone, someone that would get joy from breaking down that strength, from taking away her spirit.
She was on the way home from work when she found him, the most beautiful and the biggest dog she has ever seen. A huge German Shepherd. And he needed help. And it was this dog who we will later get to know as Rufus, that eventually leads her to Cal, his owner.
Cal Whittaker lives a solitary life with his dog, Rufus, in the wilds of Idaho. His little cabin, his smallholding, is miles deep in the forest. He’ll often go months without seeing another human being until forced to venture into a small village for supplies. This is the life Cal wants, it’s what he feels he deserves. Call has dark secrets, secrets that he believes makes him a monster. A monster who only deserves to live alone for the rest of his days.
When Bethany is in trouble, she runs and her only option is the woods. She has no knowledge of anything beyond the city limits but in this instance, luck is on her side because these are “his” woods. And no matter how Cal feels that he wants to be alone, he can’t ignore a woman in need, especially one as beautiful as Bethany.
Cal is a giant of a man but he doesn’t scare Bethany, he makes her feel safe. And she slowly brings him out of his shell. They are living together in a very small cabin which might have been easier if they weren’t attracted to each other, an attraction that gets stronger by the day. But in Cal’s mind, he can never let his feelings be known, because he can never be the man Bethany deserves.
The evil that is chasing Bethany will not give up and as we near the last twenty five percent of this book, the suspense ratchets up to a gripping degree. But the determination of Cal and Bethany to survive is more than our evil villain ever anticipated.
This was such an amazing book. My heart broke for both Cal and Bethany with all they had to endure. But I also loved watching them grow and develop. Bethany was so strong and she didn’t even realize it. And Cal! Well, I suspect there isn’t enough room to tell you how much I adore him. And then there is Rufus, beautiful, smart, sweet Rufus. I told my husband we were going out right now to buy a German Shepherd. (we have one large dog) He was not amused. I am dedicated to reading every book Helena writes and have already picked out my next one. But for now, I hope I have convinced you to pick this one up. I hope you love it as much as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
“This is a story about people, but it begins with a dog.”
Bethany used to dream of becoming a doctor and was going to med school but a single mistake took that dream away. Now she is working long shifts at a call center, barely making enough money to break even. Bethany thought of herself as weak but she had an inner strength she didn’t even know she possessed. At work, everyone wanted to give her the most difficult calls from the most irate of customers because she was so calm. It was this inner strength that she unknowingly exuded that caught the attention of someone, someone that would get joy from breaking down that strength, from taking away her spirit.
She was on the way home from work when she found him, the most beautiful and the biggest dog she has ever seen. A huge German Shepherd. And he needed help. And it was this dog who we will later get to know as Rufus, that eventually leads her to Cal, his owner.
Cal Whittaker lives a solitary life with his dog, Rufus, in the wilds of Idaho. His little cabin, his smallholding, is miles deep in the forest. He’ll often go months without seeing another human being until forced to venture into a small village for supplies. This is the life Cal wants, it’s what he feels he deserves. Call has dark secrets, secrets that he believes makes him a monster. A monster who only deserves to live alone for the rest of his days.
When Bethany is in trouble, she runs and her only option is the woods. She has no knowledge of anything beyond the city limits but in this instance, luck is on her side because these are “his” woods. And no matter how Cal feels that he wants to be alone, he can’t ignore a woman in need, especially one as beautiful as Bethany.
Cal is a giant of a man but he doesn’t scare Bethany, he makes her feel safe. And she slowly brings him out of his shell. They are living together in a very small cabin which might have been easier if they weren’t attracted to each other, an attraction that gets stronger by the day. But in Cal’s mind, he can never let his feelings be known, because he can never be the man Bethany deserves.
The evil that is chasing Bethany will not give up and as we near the last twenty five percent of this book, the suspense ratchets up to a gripping degree. But the determination of Cal and Bethany to survive is more than our evil villain ever anticipated.
This was such an amazing book. My heart broke for both Cal and Bethany with all they had to endure. But I also loved watching them grow and develop. Bethany was so strong and she didn’t even realize it. And Cal! Well, I suspect there isn’t enough room to tell you how much I adore him. And then there is Rufus, beautiful, smart, sweet Rufus. I told my husband we were going out right now to buy a German Shepherd. (we have one large dog) He was not amused. I am dedicated to reading every book Helena writes and have already picked out my next one. But for now, I hope I have convinced you to pick this one up. I hope you love it as much as I did.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 11, 2022
OMG I can't believe how much I hated this book. I felt it was so unrealistic and corny. The over the top cheese, the plot with more wholes than a golf course, the insta connection between the main couple that I didn't feel, and the lame bad guys was too much for me. For God sake the hero and heroine were having sex while in the woods with sex trafficker's hunting them like they have all the time in the world. Every five minutes or so I found myself screaming "oh come on" "are you kidding me" "who talks like that?" and "just fucking shoot the damn bad guys for fuck sake they are going to get right back up and get you" . I don't even know why I finished the book and didn't just dnf it. It had such great ratings I am wondering why I hated it so much when everyone loved it. Still for me it was a total miss.
January 13, 2021
Deep Woods was a fast paced, steamy romantic survival trope that I like. It’s got an adorable dog. An enormous giant of a man whose wildly protective towards our damsel in distress, as well as being the big, gruff, strong silent type-with a beard. The romance in this book was a bit of a slow build, though it felt a hint like instalove. The action in the book was…well. All over the place. You really need to suspend disbelief for a lot of it. It goes from action scene googly eyes action scene action scene googly eyes/wistful longing lots of action to backstory with hand holding…its pretty entertaining, but I definitely fiction.
That’s not to say I didn’t absolutely fall in love with the book. The characters were easy to like and get to know. Cal and Bethany are an awesome couple. Bethany wasn’t one of those annoying giggly heroines that’s To Stupid To Live, she’s smart and gutsy though she’s also a bit too weak compared to Cal. Cal was a tall, bearded, muscular man who was once a marine. Another perk for this romance novel. There’s surviving out in the woods. There’s guns, bears, cabins, and swoon worthy romance that’s a steady build into a solid relationship you believe in. I flew through the book in an easy two days, not wanting to put it down and only doing so because real life kept getting in the way.
For a brand new to me author? This was high on my list of favorites. I enjoyed this. A lot. It was full of romance, of action, of gruff alpha male heroes rushing to protect the damsel in distress.
It was as described-a wild, fun ride through the woods with a gruff grizzly of a man and his dog, taking down baddies one bad guy at a time. Definitely worth checking out for those who like that sort of thing. 4 out of 5 stars, and I’m definitely looking into the other works by this author.
That’s not to say I didn’t absolutely fall in love with the book. The characters were easy to like and get to know. Cal and Bethany are an awesome couple. Bethany wasn’t one of those annoying giggly heroines that’s To Stupid To Live, she’s smart and gutsy though she’s also a bit too weak compared to Cal. Cal was a tall, bearded, muscular man who was once a marine. Another perk for this romance novel. There’s surviving out in the woods. There’s guns, bears, cabins, and swoon worthy romance that’s a steady build into a solid relationship you believe in. I flew through the book in an easy two days, not wanting to put it down and only doing so because real life kept getting in the way.
For a brand new to me author? This was high on my list of favorites. I enjoyed this. A lot. It was full of romance, of action, of gruff alpha male heroes rushing to protect the damsel in distress.
It was as described-a wild, fun ride through the woods with a gruff grizzly of a man and his dog, taking down baddies one bad guy at a time. Definitely worth checking out for those who like that sort of thing. 4 out of 5 stars, and I’m definitely looking into the other works by this author.
June 26, 2021
Safe,adventurous with an ahhdorable dog and amazing protagonist.
Recommended.
Recommended.
January 11, 2022
Before I started this book, I had heard nothing but great things about it and OMG… everything was spot on!! What a wild and crazy and adventurous ride this was!!
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while now. I was a big slacker at home and didn’t do much of anything else, but I started and finished this amazing story on the same day.
A recluse mountain man, all growly and scowly…a beast of a man with a heart of gold. Cal exuded all the alpha deliciousness I love in a strong, sexy hero.
Bethany found herself in a dangerous and frightening situation. So when she’s on the run and ends up face to face with the man she thought she’d never see again, she couldn’t be more relieved. And thrilled. Because she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him since she last saw him six months ago. The chemistry between these two sizzled and crackled and popped.
Passion and sparks lit up the page when they were near each other. In that small cabin, there’s bound to be some accidental touching and grazing. There were also some intentional glances and stares and ogling. And when they finally decided to give in to their wants and needs and desires? PURE FIREWORKS.
This wonderfully written story is action-packed, dripping with suspense, and full of heart-pounding goodness. So many nail-biting moments had me trembling with part fear, part excitement. The intensity of certain scenes kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
When I finished, I was sad it was over. I wanted to shout from the rooftops and tell everyone to read this. I wanted to go back to the beginning and start all over again. It was SO. GOOD.
And a huge shoutout to Rufus!! He deserves some sort of an award for his supporting role in the book! What a good boy. It’s been a while since I’ve fallen hard for a furry character.
This was my first read by this author and I can’t wait to read more! Lots more!
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while now. I was a big slacker at home and didn’t do much of anything else, but I started and finished this amazing story on the same day.
A recluse mountain man, all growly and scowly…a beast of a man with a heart of gold. Cal exuded all the alpha deliciousness I love in a strong, sexy hero.
Bethany found herself in a dangerous and frightening situation. So when she’s on the run and ends up face to face with the man she thought she’d never see again, she couldn’t be more relieved. And thrilled. Because she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about him since she last saw him six months ago. The chemistry between these two sizzled and crackled and popped.
Passion and sparks lit up the page when they were near each other. In that small cabin, there’s bound to be some accidental touching and grazing. There were also some intentional glances and stares and ogling. And when they finally decided to give in to their wants and needs and desires? PURE FIREWORKS.
This wonderfully written story is action-packed, dripping with suspense, and full of heart-pounding goodness. So many nail-biting moments had me trembling with part fear, part excitement. The intensity of certain scenes kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
When I finished, I was sad it was over. I wanted to shout from the rooftops and tell everyone to read this. I wanted to go back to the beginning and start all over again. It was SO. GOOD.
And a huge shoutout to Rufus!! He deserves some sort of an award for his supporting role in the book! What a good boy. It’s been a while since I’ve fallen hard for a furry character.
This was my first read by this author and I can’t wait to read more! Lots more!
January 8, 2022
3.75 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐
A romantic suspense with emphasis on the suspense....a lot of adventure goes on here....a hunted, struggle to survive story.... this book did became compulsive reading for me once I started it.
There were some slightly unbelievable parts to this story IMO but they didn't seem to hurt the storyline in anyway..... and overall I really did enjoy this read.
Loved...loved...loved the main characters ..Cal and Bethany... even though their relationship starts off as more of a case of insta-love... it was so sweet and caring.
Also there are great animal characters here...mainly Rufus the dog...sigh....now that was insta-love for me.❤
I definitely want to read more by this author.
A romantic suspense with emphasis on the suspense....a lot of adventure goes on here....a hunted, struggle to survive story.... this book did became compulsive reading for me once I started it.
There were some slightly unbelievable parts to this story IMO but they didn't seem to hurt the storyline in anyway..... and overall I really did enjoy this read.
Loved...loved...loved the main characters ..Cal and Bethany... even though their relationship starts off as more of a case of insta-love... it was so sweet and caring.
Also there are great animal characters here...mainly Rufus the dog...sigh....now that was insta-love for me.❤
I definitely want to read more by this author.
January 19, 2021
It started off fine. Guy lives deep in the woods, finds a lost chick, takes her home, teaches her to milk a cow and feed chickens...wait what? He's got a cow and chickens? How does he get the animal feed to his cabin in the middle of the woods. Who's taking care of these animals while he's off hunting for days. Does this author know how much milk a cow produces? and has to be milked 2x day? I couldn't read anymore after that. It's like she cobbled together romantic ideas of roughing it with pioneering and some romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 20, 2021DNF @ 42%
I just couldn’t get into this one. I went in with a TOTALLY different scenario in mind, so that could’ve been part of the problem. I thought Cam was probably an ex-military badass that had killed so many that he couldn’t stand being around people and was hiding in the woods, and Bethany would find herself on the run from the mob. (that part’s kinda true)
It actually plays out that Cam while HUGE, isn’t very alpha. He’s rather sweet and Lenny-ish, and hangs in the woods because he was raised on a farm and after years of dreaming of the big city, his dad took him for a day trip, and was killed during a mugging. Cam blames himself because he asked his dad to stay after dark so he could see the city lights. So, he’s a monster that doesn’t deserve to live around people. 🤔 And, Bethany is on the run because the tech help call center, she works at is a front for a secret men’s club to pick sex slaves… and a Russian mobster picks her. 🤔 After being told she must relocate to CA (from OR) or lose her job (the same day like stands up at noon prepared to be driven there) she wakes up in a nightmare…but it’s not really scary because the bad guy is a caricature, and she gets out straightaway. She’s also been kicked out of med school, because she gave a girl having an asthma attack without insurance a $43 inhaler. 🤔
These are very small parts of the book, but gives you a hint of the "feel" of the book. The blurb made me expect dark and evil, but it's not heavy at all. (at least so far) I also struggled with the writing. The tenses flip around, like they both tell their past life story in present tense. “My dad says to me stay here.” “He’s trying to speak.” "She's begging me to help."
Bottom Line- Not for me, it’s not very realistic and very fluffy, but it’s free on KU, so I’d recommend to readers that want action/adventure without scary/dark themes.
I just couldn’t get into this one. I went in with a TOTALLY different scenario in mind, so that could’ve been part of the problem. I thought Cam was probably an ex-military badass that had killed so many that he couldn’t stand being around people and was hiding in the woods, and Bethany would find herself on the run from the mob. (that part’s kinda true)
It actually plays out that Cam while HUGE, isn’t very alpha. He’s rather sweet and Lenny-ish, and hangs in the woods because he was raised on a farm and after years of dreaming of the big city, his dad took him for a day trip, and was killed during a mugging. Cam blames himself because he asked his dad to stay after dark so he could see the city lights. So, he’s a monster that doesn’t deserve to live around people. 🤔 And, Bethany is on the run because the tech help call center, she works at is a front for a secret men’s club to pick sex slaves… and a Russian mobster picks her. 🤔 After being told she must relocate to CA (from OR) or lose her job (the same day like stands up at noon prepared to be driven there) she wakes up in a nightmare…but it’s not really scary because the bad guy is a caricature, and she gets out straightaway. She’s also been kicked out of med school, because she gave a girl having an asthma attack without insurance a $43 inhaler. 🤔
These are very small parts of the book, but gives you a hint of the "feel" of the book. The blurb made me expect dark and evil, but it's not heavy at all. (at least so far) I also struggled with the writing. The tenses flip around, like they both tell their past life story in present tense. “My dad says to me stay here.” “He’s trying to speak.” "She's begging me to help."
Bottom Line- Not for me, it’s not very realistic and very fluffy, but it’s free on KU, so I’d recommend to readers that want action/adventure without scary/dark themes.
December 30, 2020
I've waited a long time for Helena's next book and it was definitely worth it.
This book is amazing ❤️ 😍
It's dramatic, full of action with a wild and dangerous chase thought the wilderness and unbelievable romantic.
Helena is definitely the queen of action romances.
I read this action-packed page-turner in one go and I didn't want it to end. I was captivated from the first page and not able to put it down.
This book is practically an insta-love story, but a bit different kind.
The characters try to fight against their feelings and ignore their chemistry as long as they can.
But let me tell you, when they lose they fight it's explosive and scorching hot 🥰
Bethany Meier is a normal girl that works a normal boring and nerve-wracking call center job.
Her life revolves around her job, that she needs to pay off her debts and then sleep to be able to work.
It is a never-ending cycle with no prospect of improvement until she is offered a new job with no way of saying no, otherwise she would lose her job completely.
Cal Whittaker lives alone and withdrawn from civilization in the deep woods, but is forced to visit the big city and only by chance meets Bethany who has rescued his dog, that is his only companion and friend for the last 6 years.
A meeting that changes and saved their lives in more than one way.
Their dangerous adventure forces them to extreme challenges, which almost cost them their lives, but also give them a reason to live.
If you like gripping, suspenseful, action-packed romances with a hot romance factor, this is a must read for you.
This book is amazing ❤️ 😍
It's dramatic, full of action with a wild and dangerous chase thought the wilderness and unbelievable romantic.
Helena is definitely the queen of action romances.
I read this action-packed page-turner in one go and I didn't want it to end. I was captivated from the first page and not able to put it down.
This book is practically an insta-love story, but a bit different kind.
The characters try to fight against their feelings and ignore their chemistry as long as they can.
But let me tell you, when they lose they fight it's explosive and scorching hot 🥰
Bethany Meier is a normal girl that works a normal boring and nerve-wracking call center job.
Her life revolves around her job, that she needs to pay off her debts and then sleep to be able to work.
It is a never-ending cycle with no prospect of improvement until she is offered a new job with no way of saying no, otherwise she would lose her job completely.
Cal Whittaker lives alone and withdrawn from civilization in the deep woods, but is forced to visit the big city and only by chance meets Bethany who has rescued his dog, that is his only companion and friend for the last 6 years.
A meeting that changes and saved their lives in more than one way.
Their dangerous adventure forces them to extreme challenges, which almost cost them their lives, but also give them a reason to live.
If you like gripping, suspenseful, action-packed romances with a hot romance factor, this is a must read for you.
November 18, 2021
I feel like this book didn’t know what it wanted to be. There was way too much going on in a book just over 300 pages.
The two main characters literally had no chemistry outside of wanting to hide from the world. Not to mention the insta-love between them after their very first time meeting (of which there is literally a total of like 5-10 sentences exchanged between them) AND a 6 month time jump immediately after. No one is that infatuated with someone for 6 months after only talking to someone for 2 minutes on a sidewalk.
The hero made some pretty dumb decisions that ended up getting the heroine in bad situations in order to add some tension to the plot (considering he has been living deep in the woods for a large portion of his life, you would think he would avoid doing certain things).
As I mentioned earlier, this book was kind of all over the place; in this, we get a sex trafficker villain that is obsessed with having the heroine, for whatever reason. It is literally never explained why he is so obsessed with Bethany (even though we get some chapters in his POV).
There was a lot of “I’m going to kill you, but first I’m going to ______” to give the hero and heroine enough time to maneuver their way out of a situation, which I absolutely hate. If you are constantly going on about wanting to kill the hero, so you can “get the girl”, then you wouldn’t waste time playing with your food (so to speak) and would want to get it over with.
The only reasons this didn’t get a 1 star rating is because the writing style was very easy to get into, and because of Rufus, the hero’s adorable German Shepard.
The two main characters literally had no chemistry outside of wanting to hide from the world. Not to mention the insta-love between them after their very first time meeting (of which there is literally a total of like 5-10 sentences exchanged between them) AND a 6 month time jump immediately after. No one is that infatuated with someone for 6 months after only talking to someone for 2 minutes on a sidewalk.
The hero made some pretty dumb decisions that ended up getting the heroine in bad situations in order to add some tension to the plot (considering he has been living deep in the woods for a large portion of his life, you would think he would avoid doing certain things).
As I mentioned earlier, this book was kind of all over the place; in this, we get a sex trafficker villain that is obsessed with having the heroine, for whatever reason. It is literally never explained why he is so obsessed with Bethany (even though we get some chapters in his POV).
There was a lot of “I’m going to kill you, but first I’m going to ______” to give the hero and heroine enough time to maneuver their way out of a situation, which I absolutely hate. If you are constantly going on about wanting to kill the hero, so you can “get the girl”, then you wouldn’t waste time playing with your food (so to speak) and would want to get it over with.
The only reasons this didn’t get a 1 star rating is because the writing style was very easy to get into, and because of Rufus, the hero’s adorable German Shepard.
January 8, 2021
I've been a big fan of Helena's ever since I was pregnant and binge-read every book she wrote. And I haven't missed a new read since ... she knocks it out of the park with this story! Loved it!
January 5, 2021
I enjoyed the descriptions of living off the grid. It took a while for the romance to develop but it was a feel good romance.
I had a problem with some of the descriptions, the heroine describes her feelings for hero as a "silver thread" which I found distracting. "The thread pulled me" etc.
I had a problem with some of the descriptions, the heroine describes her feelings for hero as a "silver thread" which I found distracting. "The thread pulled me" etc.
February 6, 2021
This is a fast-paced romantic suspense. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but any time the plot of a novel finds the protagonists on the run in the wilderness, I’m 100% engaged, and there is 0% chance that I’ll be able to put down the book.
While this novel doesn’t have a lot in the form of twists (though there were a couple of surprising developments in the plot), the premise itself is quite thrilling and more than makes up for that.
I liked Bethany as a heroine, but there was something missing. She’s somewhat of a melancholy character who has a lot of strength, and I loved her at first and was eager to learn more of her past. I assumed that her past was a mystery because it would come into play later. It isn’t. Aside from being kicked out of med school for illegally helping a patient, we never find out much about her. There’s no backstory--not like there is with Cal. She mentions her mother ever so briefly about a third of the way through the book, and by her use of the present tense, it seems like she’s still alive. If that’s the case, shouldn’t Bethany have considered going to her for help, if only for a brief moment? Shouldn’t she be worried for her well-being? Bethany never talks about family while she runs from the bad guys, not once--not even to mention if she’d had a falling out with them or if there was some other reason for never even thinking about them.
While we get chapters from Bethany and Cal’s points of view, we also get points of view from the bad guy. While these scenes weren’t absolutely necessary for the plot of the book to move forward, they added to the tension, even at the parts where I thought that Bethany and Cal were finally safe.
Aside from the gaping hole that is Bethany’s backstory, this was a compelling read. I would have given it 5 stars, but I need to read books with protagonists that I love, and while Cal fit that bill, Bethany was unfortunately lacking.
That said, if you’re looking for a thrilling escape (pun intended) with a slow burn romance, then check out this book!
While this novel doesn’t have a lot in the form of twists (though there were a couple of surprising developments in the plot), the premise itself is quite thrilling and more than makes up for that.
I liked Bethany as a heroine, but there was something missing. She’s somewhat of a melancholy character who has a lot of strength, and I loved her at first and was eager to learn more of her past. I assumed that her past was a mystery because it would come into play later. It isn’t. Aside from being kicked out of med school for illegally helping a patient, we never find out much about her. There’s no backstory--not like there is with Cal. She mentions her mother ever so briefly about a third of the way through the book, and by her use of the present tense, it seems like she’s still alive. If that’s the case, shouldn’t Bethany have considered going to her for help, if only for a brief moment? Shouldn’t she be worried for her well-being? Bethany never talks about family while she runs from the bad guys, not once--not even to mention if she’d had a falling out with them or if there was some other reason for never even thinking about them.
While we get chapters from Bethany and Cal’s points of view, we also get points of view from the bad guy. While these scenes weren’t absolutely necessary for the plot of the book to move forward, they added to the tension, even at the parts where I thought that Bethany and Cal were finally safe.
Aside from the gaping hole that is Bethany’s backstory, this was a compelling read. I would have given it 5 stars, but I need to read books with protagonists that I love, and while Cal fit that bill, Bethany was unfortunately lacking.
That said, if you’re looking for a thrilling escape (pun intended) with a slow burn romance, then check out this book!
October 4, 2022
I really like hermit and curmudgeon stories, and this started out solid. The main plot of this book, which I won't reveal, is ripped straight out of the headlines, so that fascinated me as well. Main characters had problems and insecurities and yet were interesting. What lost it for me was the straight up implausibility. First, barefoot in the dark in the woods and running and walking for HOURS? Pretty tough city girl, there. The incidents like that just kept going. But I suppose that is what romance books are for - getting completely lost in total fiction. Keeping the stupid moments to a minimum would have helped as well. So much promise, and so many flaws. Hence, my 3 star rating.
October 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This gave me haunting adeline vibes with the whole sex trafficking, hunting vibe but this book didn't go into detail on that side of things which I was glad about.
At first when Bethany and Cal first met in the alley and they seemed to instantly feel a strong connection I though oh god here we go, it's going to be so cheesy! But it wasn't.
I loved reading about when Bethany was hiding away with Cal and tending to the animals Cal going hunting and just being in the wilderness..i loved that. They were both likeable characters but even though Cal was ex military I'm not keen when they are able to beat everyone up like this indestructible superhuman.
I'm glad they got their happy ever after and got to rebuild their home.
This gave me haunting adeline vibes with the whole sex trafficking, hunting vibe but this book didn't go into detail on that side of things which I was glad about.
At first when Bethany and Cal first met in the alley and they seemed to instantly feel a strong connection I though oh god here we go, it's going to be so cheesy! But it wasn't.
I loved reading about when Bethany was hiding away with Cal and tending to the animals Cal going hunting and just being in the wilderness..i loved that. They were both likeable characters but even though Cal was ex military I'm not keen when they are able to beat everyone up like this indestructible superhuman.
I'm glad they got their happy ever after and got to rebuild their home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
DEEP WOODS by Helena Newbury is a contemporary, adult, stand alone, erotic, romance story line focusing on recluse Caleb ‘Cal’ Whittaker, and call centre operator Bethany. DEEP WOODS is set in the same world as the author’s 2016 SAVING LIBERTY.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some trigger for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Cal, Bethany, Ralavich) DEEP WOODS follows in the aftermath of Bethany’s abduction. Believing she was starting new job in San Francisco, Bethany would quickly discover that she had been sold into a $ex slave operation but a daring escape found her up close and personal with a stranger she had met six months earlier, a stranger whose dog had been injured and trapped. Enter recluse Caleb Whittaker. On the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the men hunting for our story line heroine, Caleb and Bethany will struggle with their growing attraction, an attraction of which Cal battles between head and heart. When their whereabouts are revealed, Cal and Bethany are once again on the move but our heroine is no match for the people determined to claim her as their own. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cal and Bethany, and the potential fall-out as Bethany, is one again, imprisoned and awaiting a rescue by the man that she loves.
Cal Whittaker is a recluse who struggles with the demons from his past. Alone but for his dog Rufus, Cal is conflicted knowing that Bethany needs a means of escape but escaping means never again seeing the woman with whom he is falling in love. Bethany had no idea a new job meant she had been sold into slavery but her only chance at escape came in the guise of a man she met months before, a man whose own secrets forced Bethany to sit up and take notice.
The relationship between Cal and Bethany begins as an accidental meeting when Bethany rescues a injured dog. Months will pass before our couple cross paths again, paths that should have been miles apart. Knowing their time together is only temporary, Cal needs to ensure Bethany is safe but keeping her safe takes the training of a man whose past is dangerous and dark. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The majority of the story line is spent with our leading couple. We are introduced to forger Jacques, a man who is about to pay for helping Bethany and Cal, and Ralavich, a man whose need for Bethany outweighs his own desire for safety.
DEEP WOODS is a story of lies and betrayal; secrets and vengeance; relationships, friendships, struggle and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and fascinating; the romance is heated and intense; Cal is broken yet enterprising; Bethany is determined and strong.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some trigger for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Cal, Bethany, Ralavich) DEEP WOODS follows in the aftermath of Bethany’s abduction. Believing she was starting new job in San Francisco, Bethany would quickly discover that she had been sold into a $ex slave operation but a daring escape found her up close and personal with a stranger she had met six months earlier, a stranger whose dog had been injured and trapped. Enter recluse Caleb Whittaker. On the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the men hunting for our story line heroine, Caleb and Bethany will struggle with their growing attraction, an attraction of which Cal battles between head and heart. When their whereabouts are revealed, Cal and Bethany are once again on the move but our heroine is no match for the people determined to claim her as their own. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cal and Bethany, and the potential fall-out as Bethany, is one again, imprisoned and awaiting a rescue by the man that she loves.
Cal Whittaker is a recluse who struggles with the demons from his past. Alone but for his dog Rufus, Cal is conflicted knowing that Bethany needs a means of escape but escaping means never again seeing the woman with whom he is falling in love. Bethany had no idea a new job meant she had been sold into slavery but her only chance at escape came in the guise of a man she met months before, a man whose own secrets forced Bethany to sit up and take notice.
The relationship between Cal and Bethany begins as an accidental meeting when Bethany rescues a injured dog. Months will pass before our couple cross paths again, paths that should have been miles apart. Knowing their time together is only temporary, Cal needs to ensure Bethany is safe but keeping her safe takes the training of a man whose past is dangerous and dark. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The majority of the story line is spent with our leading couple. We are introduced to forger Jacques, a man who is about to pay for helping Bethany and Cal, and Ralavich, a man whose need for Bethany outweighs his own desire for safety.
DEEP WOODS is a story of lies and betrayal; secrets and vengeance; relationships, friendships, struggle and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and fascinating; the romance is heated and intense; Cal is broken yet enterprising; Bethany is determined and strong.
Own a copy
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 11, 2021
I just couldn't keep going. I really wanted to like this book, and I am glad so many people are enjoying it. But the POV of the characters constantly describing feelings and not actually doing anything made me feel like I was just reading the same parts over and over again. When we got to the kidnapping attempt, it was just too unreal. Not that such an organization could exist, but the way they were all painted as villains from a B movie, and the h changes clothes as ordered even when she was alone because....I don't really know why she did that. And running into someone after meeting them once 6 months ago out in the woods in another state and 5 miles from the nearest phone was just too comical of a coincidence. I personally think it would've read better if they had never met before the incident. At least then the events would've felt more possible. For me there were just too many convenient ways to cover plot holes that would really make you have to suspend all belief to make things work. I get that a story is in fact "make believe" but when things are so out of whack it just throws me out of the story I just can't enjoy it.
Read
March 14, 2023This one was a DNF which was a shame as I’ve loved previous books by this author. Often when reading romance, we are asked to suspend belief and I’m usually pretty good at this. But this one asked too much.
To start with, the heroine worked in a call centre, working 12 hour shifts with only 2 ten minute breaks and a fifteen minute lunch. No, I can’t buy that. She is often yelled at and had people swear at her. No, I can’t buy that. I worked at a job where I was on the phone most of the day and we weren’t expected to take that kind of verbal abuse. We could calmly tell them that while they were usually using that kind of language we weren’t accomplishing anything and they were welcome to call back when they had calmed down.
After a while our heroine was called into the office and told they were transferring her to another city and if she didn’t agree, she was fired. If she agreed, she would be given $5,000.00 and oh, she would be leaving that day. Didn’t buy it.
But then I REALLY couldn’t buy another part of the story. She was on her way home one evening when she came across a huge dog all tangled in barbed wire. She cuts him loose (ok, raised eyebrow) and takes him home with her. The next day she goes back to where she found the dog and low and behold, there’s the owner looking for him. They have an instant connection but go their separate ways.
Sometime after this is the job transfer. She agrees. But low and behold what really happens is she’s been kidnapped and drugged by a sex trafficking ring (because of course she is). She’s taken to the deep woods in get this - Idaho. She manages to escape, runs and guess who she runs into in the deep woods of Idaho? Yep, the guy who she had the connection with and his big dog.
This is where I just couldn’t keep going. The author was asking too much suspension of belief.
As I said, I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author so I’ll for sure keep reading her books, just not this one. I didn’t make it to 50% and when I don’t, I don’t grade it.
To start with, the heroine worked in a call centre, working 12 hour shifts with only 2 ten minute breaks and a fifteen minute lunch. No, I can’t buy that. She is often yelled at and had people swear at her. No, I can’t buy that. I worked at a job where I was on the phone most of the day and we weren’t expected to take that kind of verbal abuse. We could calmly tell them that while they were usually using that kind of language we weren’t accomplishing anything and they were welcome to call back when they had calmed down.
After a while our heroine was called into the office and told they were transferring her to another city and if she didn’t agree, she was fired. If she agreed, she would be given $5,000.00 and oh, she would be leaving that day. Didn’t buy it.
But then I REALLY couldn’t buy another part of the story. She was on her way home one evening when she came across a huge dog all tangled in barbed wire. She cuts him loose (ok, raised eyebrow) and takes him home with her. The next day she goes back to where she found the dog and low and behold, there’s the owner looking for him. They have an instant connection but go their separate ways.
Sometime after this is the job transfer. She agrees. But low and behold what really happens is she’s been kidnapped and drugged by a sex trafficking ring (because of course she is). She’s taken to the deep woods in get this - Idaho. She manages to escape, runs and guess who she runs into in the deep woods of Idaho? Yep, the guy who she had the connection with and his big dog.
This is where I just couldn’t keep going. The author was asking too much suspension of belief.
As I said, I’ve really enjoyed other books by this author so I’ll for sure keep reading her books, just not this one. I didn’t make it to 50% and when I don’t, I don’t grade it.
December 20, 2023
I am a certified city girl through and through. I am talking like I have never even thought to go camping type of girl. but for a man like Cal? I would give it all up right this second and I am not saying this lightly, I am not made for all the living creatures in there but oh my god, this.
I discovered the trope of recluse man this year and I am so obsessed with it, so when this came on my radar I wasn't expecting the crazy maze of a plot but damn boy it did deliver.One act of kindness leads Bethany to the love of her life. At first, Bethany has a normal life when one day, everything she knows is turned upside down and it turns out to be a major scheme. She is kidnapped and held hostage to be sold when Cal whom she met briefly by accident (or fate?) saves her.
What I loved about this story is that it focused on the meaning of living in the woods secluded from the real world. The writing was so lovely, painting a clear scene from one tree to another. I felt so immersed in the whole thing and the sexual tension that lived between those two, I am certain it would have caused wildfire. The intimacy in this book was insane and I am not just talking about the smut which was perfect, I am talking about the real connection these two had and developed throughout the story. I would literally combust into ashes if a man like Cal told me it's okay I will take care of you. Sir, sign this paper right now.
He jumped through all kinds of hoops for her. we love to see it. I mean I am the biggest advocator for authors putting their characters into therapy but in this case, man the whole plot was like exposure therapy to Cal and it was so heart-warming. I loved every minute of it.
gorgeous. spectacular. show-stopping.
I discovered the trope of recluse man this year and I am so obsessed with it, so when this came on my radar I wasn't expecting the crazy maze of a plot but damn boy it did deliver.One act of kindness leads Bethany to the love of her life. At first, Bethany has a normal life when one day, everything she knows is turned upside down and it turns out to be a major scheme. She is kidnapped and held hostage to be sold when Cal whom she met briefly by accident (or fate?) saves her.
What I loved about this story is that it focused on the meaning of living in the woods secluded from the real world. The writing was so lovely, painting a clear scene from one tree to another. I felt so immersed in the whole thing and the sexual tension that lived between those two, I am certain it would have caused wildfire. The intimacy in this book was insane and I am not just talking about the smut which was perfect, I am talking about the real connection these two had and developed throughout the story. I would literally combust into ashes if a man like Cal told me it's okay I will take care of you. Sir, sign this paper right now.
He jumped through all kinds of hoops for her. we love to see it. I mean I am the biggest advocator for authors putting their characters into therapy but in this case, man the whole plot was like exposure therapy to Cal and it was so heart-warming. I loved every minute of it.
gorgeous. spectacular. show-stopping.
April 23, 2021
Amazing
I was not expecting this good read. So happy I went in blind!!!
Highly recommend this list filled book. Angst and a Hea!
I was not expecting this good read. So happy I went in blind!!!
Highly recommend this list filled book. Angst and a Hea!
February 5, 2021
5 Stars! Loved it!
I haven't read Helena Newbury for a while, and had completely forgotten what I was missing!
Bethany - sweet, caring and stuck in a dead-end job at a call centre. She helps an injured dog on the way home from work one day, and develops an instant attraction to his giant mountain man of an owner, only for him to shut her out and walk away. Then 6 months later, when her boss tell her she's being relocated, she soon finds out this is just a cover for a sex trafficking crime ring! On the brink of being sold to a powerful Russian mob boss, she makes a break for it and heads straight into the woods! Can she outrun them? Can anybody help her out in the middle of nowhere?
Cal - former marine, he's lived in solitude with just his dog for the last 6 years. He believes he deserves to be punished for his past and live in the woods, like a banished monster. When he has to leave his wooded isolation to go into the city, he comes across a gorgeous curvy woman tending to his dog's wounds. 6 months later he's shocked to bump into the same woman running away from something or someone in the woods. He offers to let her stay in his cabin whilst they figure out what to do next about the people after her. Can he keep his feelings for her at bay? Can she help him overcome his past demons?
This book is so much more than a romance novel, it has so much drama to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout! It was also interesting to have the occasional third POV of Ralavich, the evil Russian after Bethany, as this helped explain his truly horrendous reasons for wanting Bethany so badly. It does contain some dark themes, but they are NOT between the two lead characters.
If you love action and drama on top of your fiery passionate romances, then this is the book for you!
I haven't read Helena Newbury for a while, and had completely forgotten what I was missing!
Bethany - sweet, caring and stuck in a dead-end job at a call centre. She helps an injured dog on the way home from work one day, and develops an instant attraction to his giant mountain man of an owner, only for him to shut her out and walk away. Then 6 months later, when her boss tell her she's being relocated, she soon finds out this is just a cover for a sex trafficking crime ring! On the brink of being sold to a powerful Russian mob boss, she makes a break for it and heads straight into the woods! Can she outrun them? Can anybody help her out in the middle of nowhere?
Cal - former marine, he's lived in solitude with just his dog for the last 6 years. He believes he deserves to be punished for his past and live in the woods, like a banished monster. When he has to leave his wooded isolation to go into the city, he comes across a gorgeous curvy woman tending to his dog's wounds. 6 months later he's shocked to bump into the same woman running away from something or someone in the woods. He offers to let her stay in his cabin whilst they figure out what to do next about the people after her. Can he keep his feelings for her at bay? Can she help him overcome his past demons?
This book is so much more than a romance novel, it has so much drama to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout! It was also interesting to have the occasional third POV of Ralavich, the evil Russian after Bethany, as this helped explain his truly horrendous reasons for wanting Bethany so badly. It does contain some dark themes, but they are NOT between the two lead characters.
If you love action and drama on top of your fiery passionate romances, then this is the book for you!
January 19, 2021
The book was decent but could have been so much better. A lot of “convenient” fixes for plot holes, a lot of things that just didn’t make sense or hurt the story. (Them meeting 6 months later & states apart so conveniently in his woods, the stopping while being hunted by bad guys to have sex out in the open, I mean come on what were they thinking, I’m a near 60 year old grandmother, & I was like what are they doing- they’re going to get captured!) The main characters are ok, sort of likable. The villains are just too atypical incompetent idiots. This is definitely a book I wouldn’t re-read.
January 11, 2021
Easy 5⭐️s.
I’ve seen a few ads for this book, and it’s been talked about in a few of the readers groups I’m in... because the cover and blurb are both fantastic. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it was... OUTSTANDING. It was absolutely packed with action, interesting interactions, unexpected twists, and some seriously steamy characters. I absolutely LOVED it and will definitely be diving into this authors backlist.
I’ve seen a few ads for this book, and it’s been talked about in a few of the readers groups I’m in... because the cover and blurb are both fantastic. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it was... OUTSTANDING. It was absolutely packed with action, interesting interactions, unexpected twists, and some seriously steamy characters. I absolutely LOVED it and will definitely be diving into this authors backlist.
February 24, 2021
Thrilling!
I thoroughly enjoyed this woodsy and adventurous romance. Add the intensity of suspense and it makes the story even more exciting. I'm definitely reading the books that follow this one because I want more of Cal and the other men.
I thoroughly enjoyed this woodsy and adventurous romance. Add the intensity of suspense and it makes the story even more exciting. I'm definitely reading the books that follow this one because I want more of Cal and the other men.
August 4, 2021
I LOVE Helena Newbury. Her books are always jam-packed with suspense and steaminess. This book was great.
January 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
Deep Woods started off really good, but fell a little for me at the end. I loved the idea of the gorgeous, yet mysterious, man from the woods saving the beautiful woman from the city.
The chemistry between Cal and Bethany was instant and they were both very attracted to one another. However something from Cal’s past was holding him back and he worried over whatever it was for the majority of the story. I contemplated reading ahead to learn his secret because I was so tired of not knowing what it was since he kept stressing about it.
Towards the end of the story, I was forced to stretch my imagination and give a lot of leeway to the possibility of several events that happened. Cal was a decorated Marine in their special operations so he was obviously a badass. However to single-handedly do what he did in the woods, in the mansion and on the ship, was pretty impressive. It seemed like he injured more than he killed, and I cannot imagine those kinds of men would be beaten so easily and would have such limited security. But it’s a fictional romantic adventure, so I get it.
I loved Rufus and thought he was a nice addition to the story. I liked both Cal and Bethany and felt they were a good couple and meant to be together. Deep Woods is told from the POVs of Cal, Bethany and Ralavich who is the villain. If you’ve read Saving Liberty by this author, you will recognize a character that makes a quick appearance at the end.
Deep Woods started off really good, but fell a little for me at the end. I loved the idea of the gorgeous, yet mysterious, man from the woods saving the beautiful woman from the city.
The chemistry between Cal and Bethany was instant and they were both very attracted to one another. However something from Cal’s past was holding him back and he worried over whatever it was for the majority of the story. I contemplated reading ahead to learn his secret because I was so tired of not knowing what it was since he kept stressing about it.
Towards the end of the story, I was forced to stretch my imagination and give a lot of leeway to the possibility of several events that happened. Cal was a decorated Marine in their special operations so he was obviously a badass. However to single-handedly do what he did in the woods, in the mansion and on the ship, was pretty impressive. It seemed like he injured more than he killed, and I cannot imagine those kinds of men would be beaten so easily and would have such limited security. But it’s a fictional romantic adventure, so I get it.
I loved Rufus and thought he was a nice addition to the story. I liked both Cal and Bethany and felt they were a good couple and meant to be together. Deep Woods is told from the POVs of Cal, Bethany and Ralavich who is the villain. If you’ve read Saving Liberty by this author, you will recognize a character that makes a quick appearance at the end.
December 29, 2020
Bethany is a former medical student, now working at the only job she could find at a call center. After leaving work one night she finds a dog trapped by barbed wire. She manages to free the dog, takes care of his injuries, but with no tags she isn't sure what to do with him. Cal can't believe Rufus, his well trained dog ran off after a cat. The next day he will try one more time to find his friend before he must return home. Much to his surprise Rufus appears with a beautiful young woman who explains how she found him. Bethany and Cal will go on with their lives with the knowledge that they will never see each other again, but they have no idea how wrong they are, or that they will have to fight for their lives to survive.
Well written, and compelling characters who will find love in spite of the danger they face from criminals and people in power. Wow, a lot of action, with some violence, and a plot filled with suspense. I think this is a must read, absolutely fantastic book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Well written, and compelling characters who will find love in spite of the danger they face from criminals and people in power. Wow, a lot of action, with some violence, and a plot filled with suspense. I think this is a must read, absolutely fantastic book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 3, 2021
What can I say that I have not yet mentioned about this amazing Author.. I am truly lost for words after reading Deep Woods. She is just a CLASS A writer.
Bethany Meier and Cal Whittaker meet by chance never imagining that their encounter was going to bring them together in the future nor that Cal was going to save Bethany's life when she falls prey to a criminal gang. The energy of the story goes from zero to unstoppable as Bethany and Cal (who by the way is a gorgeous beast of a man) race for survival whilst fighting the emotions surfacing in the process. There is also the cutest of dogs..who doesn't love dogs.
I patiently wait for Helena's books and I was delighted and grateful I got to read a copy.
This book had all the characteristics we have grown accustomed to getting from this stellar author.
The engaging pace, the original plot, the flow of the story, the suspense, the chemistry of the characters..it was just an epic love story.
Thank You once again, Helena, for letting me fall in love with new characters, for sharing this beautiful book and for continuing to write these unforgettable stories.
5 STARS.Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
Bethany Meier and Cal Whittaker meet by chance never imagining that their encounter was going to bring them together in the future nor that Cal was going to save Bethany's life when she falls prey to a criminal gang. The energy of the story goes from zero to unstoppable as Bethany and Cal (who by the way is a gorgeous beast of a man) race for survival whilst fighting the emotions surfacing in the process. There is also the cutest of dogs..who doesn't love dogs.
I patiently wait for Helena's books and I was delighted and grateful I got to read a copy.
This book had all the characteristics we have grown accustomed to getting from this stellar author.
The engaging pace, the original plot, the flow of the story, the suspense, the chemistry of the characters..it was just an epic love story.
Thank You once again, Helena, for letting me fall in love with new characters, for sharing this beautiful book and for continuing to write these unforgettable stories.
5 STARS.Jo&Isalovebooks Blog
August 3, 2022
Too many plotholes. I don't want to hate this book but I don't really enjoy it.
- The hero is all brawn and no brain. As an ex-army officer, why doesn't he turn to help from the authority once he discovered the secret crime ring? Doesn't make sense.
- As an experienced assassin/ espionage/ operative, he was too careless and made too many mistakes to count.
- Making love in the middle of the wood while running for their life. Doesn't make sense.
- I bet he could win the marathon to run like that. Although he lived in the wood for a few years, he's still a human and not a werewolf - able to see in the dark and move like a wolf and know exactly where the heroine is without a GPS device.
- Not to mention that "hunger game" childish version.
- Why do we get the villain's POV? It served nothing to the plot. Doesn't make sense.
- We know how curvy and pale the heroine is, no need to mention it in every single chapter.
I would say this book is between 2.5 - 3 stars.
- The hero is all brawn and no brain. As an ex-army officer, why doesn't he turn to help from the authority once he discovered the secret crime ring? Doesn't make sense.
- As an experienced assassin/ espionage/ operative, he was too careless and made too many mistakes to count.
- Making love in the middle of the wood while running for their life. Doesn't make sense.
- I bet he could win the marathon to run like that. Although he lived in the wood for a few years, he's still a human and not a werewolf - able to see in the dark and move like a wolf and know exactly where the heroine is without a GPS device.
- Not to mention that "hunger game" childish version.
- Why do we get the villain's POV? It served nothing to the plot. Doesn't make sense.
- We know how curvy and pale the heroine is, no need to mention it in every single chapter.
I would say this book is between 2.5 - 3 stars.
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