Don't Tell by Karen Rose

Don't Tell (Romantic Suspense, #1) (Chicago, #1) (Beeler)

by Karen Rose

After faking her own death, a mother on the run from her abusive husband is desperate to start a new life -- but as a new romance blossoms, he threatens to track her down . . .
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.

Reviewed by Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading on

4 of 5 stars

Share
Don’t Tell by Karen Rose, which is set in the city of Chicago, is book one in her Romantic Suspense series. This is my first foray into Rose’s world and it will not be my last. I cannot believe I waited so long to read her work.


While reading it reminded me of the movie Sleeping with the Enemy to some degree, however this story went deeper than plot of that movie.


We meet Mary Grace Winters, who now goes by the name Caroline Stewart. She assumed this identity nine years ago when she faked her death along with that of her son to escape her abusive husband. She has made a new life for herself and her son. I had no difficulty connecting with her. The best words I could describe her are strong, stubborn, kind, scared, courageous and fragile. Strong because of her courage to escape a monster and fragile because the memories had the power to break her. 


Max Hunter, Caroline’s new boss and love interest intrigued me from the moment he was introduced. The story dug into his past and the revelations were heart wrenching, but it was no match for what Caroline went through. He made his share of mistakes with Caroline, but he demonstrated that he was the man she needed to show her that love has the power to heal.  Two broken souls who proved to be the perfect match.


The secondary characters were on par with the primary ones. From the agent in charge of investigating Mary Grace’s disappearance to her sadistic abusive husband who is hunting her. That man is one sick bastard. The things he did was enough to make anyone cringe. What made even more dangerous was the fact he swore to serve and protect.


Readers knows the identity of the villain from the outset so there was no mystery. His agenda was clear. However, the paths the author traversed were edgy, gritty and thrilling. She had me reading/listening intently as I was eager to learn how things would fare out for Caroline. I feared for Caroline and all who encountered the sadist.


Narration

As this is my first time listening to Michael Ferraiuolo, I did not know what to expect. I am pleased to say he did a great job. He had a huge cast of characters, varying emotions working with and he handled it quite well. I had no difficulty figuring the voices as he spoke distinctly.  I would listen to more of his work.


Conclusion/Recommendation

Overall, I had a great time with this story and cannot wait to jump back into the world that the author has so magnificently

created. Fans of romantic suspense would love this book

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 13 June, 2019: Finished reading
  • 13 June, 2019: Reviewed