Sick and twisted best describes the acts and the killer in this suspense with an accurate title. As we are given the victims POV you get a front row seat to the horrendous things done to them. This was my first time reading this author and she certainly can write the gory scenes. The story takes place in a small town in Louisiana where a Sheriff is trying to find the serial killer who is taking women and doing vile acts to them. There is a huge twist at the end and even though there is some closure at the end there is a pretty big thread left open. ( )

So, this book was not what I was expecting. I was provided an advanced copy of this book for review. It was well-written to be the author's first book, and I see great potential for her future writing career. The villains were some of the most sadistic and creepy characters that I have ever read. The (non-practicing) psychologist in me would really like to study Ms. Brightmore's brain to see how she came up with some of this material!

The setting for this story is a small town in Lousiana, and its told in a third person alternating POV. We have Brady, the sexy alpha male sheriff, who uses all those southern endearments that sound so good in a drawl (like sugar, and darlin'). We don't meet the female lead and tortured heroine, Gwyn, until the fourth chapter. I didn't connect with Gwyn for some reason - I'm not really sure why. I really liked all the secondary characters in this book, particularly Hailey and Joan, who exuded that southern hospitality that I loved growing up with. There is also a psycho ex-girlfriend who takes that stereotype above and beyond what I have seen in other books. I don't want to say anything else about the plot because I'm afraid to give away spoilers.

Unfortunately, although well-written, the material was just not for me. It was too graphic. I like dark romances, but I didn't consider this a dark romance. It was more like a suspense/thriller with a side line of romance. The first chapter involved a sexually sadistic serial killer that was so graphic, I didn't think I would continue the book. I didn't think these graphic scenes were necessary to the telling of the story, and I would have enjoyed it more if they were glossed over or at least less detailed. If I had to make one recommendation to someone who hasn't read the book, I would say to skip or skim Chapter 1.

Will I continue reading the series? Yes, I think so. There was a big cliffhanger at the end of this book, and I would like to see where it goes. I just hope future books are a little less graphic - a little less blood and gore. ( )

When I first heard about this book, I had to get my hands on a copy. I really wasn't disappointed with this read. From the first page you are thrown straight in to the book. Each page captivates you and you are wanting to carry on reading right through to the end.

A book that is dark and twisted and has you guessing right until the end, a story of kidnappings, rape and torture, a book not for the faint hearted. We meet Gwyn who is running away from her own demons where she decides to stop in a quiet quaint town, but this town has it's own dark secrets. Sheriff Brady, also has his own dark past and horrors that haunt him. They both meet and the attraction is instant, but something or someone doesn't want them to be together.

This is must read for all fans of dark reads, a book that will have you hooked from the first page.

You wouldn't believe that this is a book by a debut author, but it is, this author has a talent that shouldn't be missed. ( )