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Behind Closed Doors
Behind Closed Doors
B.A. Paris | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
9
8.0 (18 Ratings)
Book Rating
Extremely disturbing - needs a trigger warning
I've never felt so moved and violently uncomfortable /ill at the same time while reading a book before. The level of graphic psychological abuse described definitely requires a trigger warning before survivors listen because unfortunately the truth is stranger than fiction, despite many readers wanting to wave away the experiences as 'absurd' on some of the Amazon reviews.

While there were some instances that were unclear especially near the end, and slightly inconclusive in the climax, which was a bit unsatisfactory - it should be listened to as a psychological cautionary tale rather than a thriller as such. To describe it as a mystery would be insulting to those who have experienced it.
  
Tale of a Tooth
Tale of a Tooth
Allie Rogers | 2018 | LGBTQ+
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was a little difficult to read for a few reasons. It should come with a trigger warning since it deals with domestic abuse in a realistic manner. That said it was still a well written book. One of the things that made it hard to read was a that the voice of the story is 4 yr old Danny. Everything is told from his point of view and in the way his brain sees it. To me it also seemed Danny was on the autism spectrum so that added a different twist. It is a hard hitting book but definately worth a read.
  
Heart of Ice
Heart of Ice
Noa Rose | 2021 | Paranormal, Romance
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
red riding hood has nothing on jessica
Jessica has her best friend in the woods called wolfie who promises to protect her under all circumstances until she get whisked away by her mother. Wolfe pines for her as she pines for him. She will not give up until she finds him again!


This novella is quite raunchy I would also say it has a slight trigger warning as there is a mention of sexual child abuse. It is a very intense story with non stop action! A lot of sex is involved and sexual content and feelings, however it is an amazing story of a very deep connection between a soul mate for want of a better word.


I would recommend this book for people to read just make sure there are no children around!
  
No Quarter Given
No Quarter Given
Neil Broadfoot | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
"This is not murder. This is justice."

This is the latest in this series starring Connor Fraser and what a series it is!

No Quarter Given is a dark and gritty read that is not for the feint-hearted. It has some scenes that some may find distressing as they relate to child abuse so be warned, if this is a trigger for you, I would think before picking this up.

Having given that warning, this is intense, well written and fast paced with excellent characters but amongst the violence and tension, there is dark humour and moments of vulnerability for the main character.

This is an excellent addition to the series and thank you to Little, Brown Book Group via NetGalley for giving me the opportunity of reading and sharing my thoughts.
  
Flawless Witness
Flawless Witness
Merida Johns | 2023 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Oh, the feels

Trigger warning for this short, powerful book. There's abuse, emotional trauma, mention of suicide and stalking.

Flawless Witness is eye opening for both victims of a narcissist and people who have managed to avoid this kind of relationship. It opens the reader's mind to looking a little deeper when talking to people.
    It reminded me of a short relationship I had with a man like that, controlling, always playing the victim and self-centred......just like Jonathan.
    Suzanna is great, she's relatable and down to earth. The questions she asks herself and how she works her way through things shows the strength of character she has. Also how important a good support network is.

A thought provoking read that I'd recommend for daytime reading so there's plenty of thinking time. Also, book group worthy, would make for fantastic conversations.
  
Love Letters to the Dead
Love Letters to the Dead
Ava Dellaira | 2014 | Young Adult (YA)
7
6.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great for fans of Perks of Being a Wallflower!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Trigger warning. This book deals with some deep stuff.

This was a super interesting idea. The story was deep, and it was the first book I've ever come across that told its story through letters to dead celebrities. So bonus points there for sure!
The overall story reminded me a lot of Perks of Being a Wallflower, which is one of my all time favorites.

I did not LOVE the POV/writing of the book but that wasn't because the author didn't do well. In fact I'd say that means she did amazing given the book is told from the POV of a teenage girl. She's young, and the writing reflects that. So while it wasn't my personal cup of tea, it made sense for the book. Bear that in mind when going into this one.

We follow Laurel venting to dead celebrities about her life and the loss of her sister. How did she die? Why does Laurel feel guilty? Why isn't her mom around anymore? Through letters to her idols she reminisces and vents, and we get to see her navigate life and relationships without her big sister.

*Potential trigger warnings for domestic abuse, rape, molestation, drug/alcohol use, and suicide.
  
LL
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
113 of 235
Kindle
Loving L ( Damaged Souls Golden Hearts 1)
By Amy J. Heart
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love is torture. Love is pain. Until the right person at the wrong time changes everything.
From the sordid streets to a life of luxury, things are finally looking up for me. Then I meet Eden.

Sweet. Beautiful. Everything I ever dreamed of...except she's under the control of the greatest tormentor from my past.

Blackmail. Corruption. Even murder. Am I prepared to do the unthinkable to keep her safe?

Damn right I am.


That didn’t take long at all I enjoyed it too. It can be a bit hard to read in places and does come with an abuse trigger warning but I think it was dealt with quite well. The characters were likeable and well written and their stories heartbreaking. A bit spicy so overall a good read for a dark romance.
  
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Karla Dee (6 KP) rated Little Thieves in Books

Nov 19, 2021  
Little Thieves
Little Thieves
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am a fan of the cover because the bone skull and the little Sailor Moon symbol at the top. Also the intro or dedication to the gremlin girls was inspiring and I hope it encourages all the young girly readers to continue breaking the glass ceilings with bricks or whatevs else they can get their hands on. There are trigger warnings at the beginning of the book warning the reader about the content in her reading which included child abuse and assault.

This read is a grimm retelling story and is very dark and magical. The author, Margaret Owen, based this book on the "The Goose Girl" which I have never heard of or read. This retelling is also a series so there is another book after this one which is the first of the series. I'd also categorize this retelling as LGBTQ+ which I love. I have no idea what Goose Girl is about but the idea of there being a more woke version is AMAZING to me <3<3<3 Bring on the next book please!
  
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Jamie (131 KP) rated The Grave Tender in Books

Jul 30, 2017  
The Grave Tender
The Grave Tender
Eliza Maxwell | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
An honest story about domestic abuse (0 more)
Mild plot holes (0 more)
A haunting southern gothic
The Grave Tender is a haunting and beautifully woven southern gothic about a broken family and the love that binds them together. The story starts slow as the story introduces Hadley, her friends, family, and their small town which on the surface seems idyllic. It’s the sort of town where everyone knows each other over generations, but the smiling town hides many secrets.

What I loved most about this book was how it dealt with matters of appearance. It’s easy to point fingers and blame those that look the most guilty, who are the most eccentric. It’s the folly of letting appearances dictate our perception of the people around us. Evil is committed every day by seemingly normal people, and true monsters masquerade under the guise of banality.

The book deals with some of the most horrible situations a person can go through with extreme delicacy. Not everyone has a happy ending, sometimes there are crimes that go unpunished, sometimes victims never receive justice, some wounds heal but many more never do. I cried so much while reading this book because of how close to home it hit for me, I was honestly touched.

I can’t say much more about the book because it’s really the sort of story that needs to be experienced without spoilers. I will however note that the content in this book is difficult to stomach. For a survivor of abuse it can be either cathartic or utterly horrifying, which is why I’ve added a trigger warning in the list of warnings below. I cautiously recommend this book for those ready for a poignant and unflinchingly honest exploration of domestic abuse.
  
TL
The Liars Daughter
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
‼️ Trigger warning abuse ‼️

203 of 230
Book
The Liars Daughter
By claire Allan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Every family has it’s secrets…

Joe McKee – pillar of the Derry community – is dead. As arrangements are made for the traditional Irish wake, friends and family are left reeling at how cancer could have taken this much-loved man so soon.

But grief is the last thing that Joe’s daughter Ciara and step-daughter Heidi feel. For they knew the real Joe – the man who was supposed to protect them and did anything but.

As the mourners gather, the police do too, with doubt being cast over whether Joe’s death was due to natural causes. Because the lies that Joe told won’t be taken to the grave after all – and the truth gives his daughters the best possible motive for killing him…

A gripping suspense novel about deadly secrets and lies. The perfect read for fans of Clare Mackintosh.

I don’t know where to begin I couldn’t put it down. It deals with a very hard sensitive issue and in my opinion was so well done. It hit so many triggers and buttons but not once did I find it too much to handle or insensitive. It gives in a way 3 different accounts of abuse and survival of women who have gone through and still are suffering. So heartbreaking to read and gives a little hope!