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Community Reviews
4.5/5
I went into this book blindly, other than the fact that I like H.D Carlton's Cat and Mouse Duet. The rage this writing made me feel towards Ryan was astounding, and the satisfaction of revenge was pure bliss.
This is a realistic portrayal of victims in an abusive relationship and the mindset that one is put in to blame themselves and always see themselves at fault and never their abuser. This is not necessarily a happy story, but it has a happy ending and some good smut.
I went into this book blindly, other than the fact that I like H.D Carlton's Cat and Mouse Duet. The rage this writing made me feel towards Ryan was astounding, and the satisfaction of revenge was pure bliss.
This is a realistic portrayal of victims in an abusive relationship and the mindset that one is put in to blame themselves and always see themselves at fault and never their abuser. This is not necessarily a happy story, but it has a happy ending and some good smut.
2 stars
Idk what to say about this book..
First of all, River is the most annoying and dumb girl character I've ever read about.
Like how can she be acting all brave and smart in the last 100 pages of the book, when the rest was about her pathetic self not being about to stand up for herself. Not only did she do that, but she also made sure to blame everything on herself and make herself the victim.
She can't shut up about the past, like we get that happened to u and we r sorry, but not everything is about that..
If I was Mako I wouldn't bother, I mean he's also clearly dumb for choosing her, but ok..
All the character's are completely useless and have the worst personalities ever.
I hate this book, but not to the point to rate it 1 star as there was quite a lot of tension and suspense and the plot wasn't that bad, so here I am with 2 stars.
Idk what to say about this book..
First of all, River is the most annoying and dumb girl character I've ever read about.
Like how can she be acting all brave and smart in the last 100 pages of the book, when the rest was about her pathetic self not being about to stand up for herself. Not only did she do that, but she also made sure to blame everything on herself and make herself the victim.
She can't shut up about the past, like we get that happened to u and we r sorry, but not everything is about that..
If I was Mako I wouldn't bother, I mean he's also clearly dumb for choosing her, but ok..
All the character's are completely useless and have the worst personalities ever.
I hate this book, but not to the point to rate it 1 star as there was quite a lot of tension and suspense and the plot wasn't that bad, so here I am with 2 stars.
Shallow River took a part of my soul!
This is the first book I have read from this author, and sure will not be the last. What a phenomenal book, and such a talented author. She has a vivid imagination that went into a deep dark place on a real-life topic. This book has everything in it! I have to add, take the trigger warning seriously. This book is not for the faint of heart!
I am always up for a good dark romance novel. Shallow River is that, and so much more; it gives you the victim/survivor POV. I am sure most of us have said it; "Why do they stay?". It's never that easy! This book has a powerful message and voice! I´m gonna be 100% honest, I never fully understood how someone could stay with another person who treats them so bad, who humiliates and hits them; but I think I finally understood it a bit while reading this book. Those situations are not just about being blinded by love, it's the fear you slowly start to feel for your own life.
River is a girl that has spent her entire childhood being traumatized, abused, mistreated and wronged at every singel turn. She has never seen what real love looks like, only survival! When she finally escaped fram Shallow River, to start a life of her own, she meets Ryan. She longs for safety, and immediately thinks she found the perfect man to be with... but sometimes the evil hides behind a handsome face and good manner!
And Ryan is the devil! The man she loves, who has become a nightmare.
.................
"He sucks you in, body and soul, with no chance of escape while he destroys ever last bit of you."
..................
He treats her with such humiliation, abuse and disrespect to name a few. Ryan is a smart, manipulative, psychotic man. The story unfolds, I couldn't help but think; "What else is going to happen to this poor girl?". My heart bleeds for her. She doesn't look at herself as a victim, but as a survivor. River is my favorite heroine! That girl went through hell and back. But the truth is that she is stained, broken and traumatized by what she's been through... And what doesn't kill you, only make you crazier!
...................
"I can't wait to show you exactly what your love has turned me into."
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Mako is a detective, and Ryan´s brother. He knows of his brother's abuse and behavior from a past relationship. He suspects his brother is repairing his abuse with River, and makes it his goal to help and support River. I loved his willingness to do absolutely anything for her, and the way he set out to show her how a woman should be treated.
Shallow River is a gut-wrench, mind-blowing, soul searching read! This story was raw, heartbreaking and "beautiful". It's definitely worth the reading, but I think you need to go into this book with the right mindset!
I am looking forward to H.D Carlton's future books. Next up is "Does it hurt?"!
(If you are in an abusive relationship, please remember there is help out there. You are not alone!)
Spice: 3/5
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