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Love and Light #4
Unforgivable
Life in the backwoods of Possum Holler is anything but idyllic, but Katie Malloy's childhood is remarkably happy-go-lucky--until her innocence is shattered by a shocking act of cruelty. Distraught, she believes she has endured the worst anguish she will ever face. She's wrong...
Now eighteen-years later, Katie has triumphed at last. With a quaint, cozy home and an attentive husband by her side, she should be content, Instead, she wrestles with growing uneasiness as the horror of her past gives way to a chilling new nightmare.
A serial killer lurks on the fringes of the dusty Georgia town, his identity concealed behind a friendly face. Because if there's anything she learned through that long-ago tragedy, it's not to trust anyone--even those you know best...
Now eighteen-years later, Katie has triumphed at last. With a quaint, cozy home and an attentive husband by her side, she should be content, Instead, she wrestles with growing uneasiness as the horror of her past gives way to a chilling new nightmare.
A serial killer lurks on the fringes of the dusty Georgia town, his identity concealed behind a friendly face. Because if there's anything she learned through that long-ago tragedy, it's not to trust anyone--even those you know best...
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Jaime Rush
28 books402 followersHi! I'm Jaime Rush, also known as Tina Wainscott, author of 24 books and 3 novellas, mostly paranormal romantic suspense. My first book was ON THE WAY TO HEAVEN (April 1995) and my new PNR series, called The Hidden, debuted with connected e-novellas, DRAGON MINE and DRAGON RISING.
Miami, a city of decadence, sunshine, and Dragons, Angels, and Sorcerers. As humans who hold the essence of ancient gods, Crescents walk the knife's edge between the mundane and the Hidden, a dangerous world of dark magick, deadly power, and hot passion.
My first Jaime Rush series, the Offspring (Avon Books/Harper Collins), is about a group of twenty-somethings with enhanced psychic abilities who discover they are the offspring of parents involved in a mysterious experiment. Together they must find the truth and fight an enemy out to destroy them.
I also have a brand new romantic suspense series as Tina Wainscott beginning Jan 6, 2014, with WILD HEARTS.
The Justiss Alliance--Hard Justice, Hot Bodies.
Look for my bargain ebook re-releases! (originally published under Tina Wainscott) Romance, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal!
More info at www.jaimerush.com or www.tinawainscott.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 26, 2017
Scary psychological thriller with multiple suspects for a serial murderer. Told around the story and emotions of the fragile Katie, this book moves in interesting directions. This one has a pretty high creep factor, suitable for those cool, fall nights when Halloween approaches.
June 24, 2016
It is a darkish thriller, not overtly grisly but nevertheless gloomy and disconsolate in its tone. A subdued lonely h, browbeaten and manipulated by feelings of guilt and gratitude by her older husband, who treats her more like a possession than a partner. All the ugliness of a small town - class lines, prejudices and hostility are there. The H comes back to town, an outcast and a misfit as in his childhood and youth before he moved out- and now a suspect as well in the mysterious disappearances of young girls in and around town.
The best part was the prelogue-ish beginning which draws you in with its heartbreaking angst and unfairness. The 9 yrs. old h is a feisty stubborn fighter, who in her innocence expects and demands justice and fairness, but later has all that feistiness drained out of her with years and circumstances.
All the characters, their lives and happenings move along (albeit slowly) enmeshing and tying up nicely at the end. The suspense is not that great and every bit mystery has its answers right there glaring at you if you bother to see them.
It is not a bad read tending to slow down in the middle. You know what’s going to happen but it takes it’s own sweet time happening. The only quirky part was having Marlon Brando and Mel Gibson lookalikes as crooked/useless officials.
April 19, 2020
Interesting story, well written, but the paranormal, empathic, side didn't entirely work for me. With that said, the story wouldn't have worked any other way.
December 20, 2013
A Romantic Suspense by Tina Wainscott/Jaime Rush. Katie Malloy takes her kitten to be adopted and a mean bully hurts it. She goes to Silas to help her get the kitten to the veterinarian. Later she gets mad at her mother when she gets in trouble. So she sneaks out and stays at a friend's house. Then tragedy strikes. Fast forward to 18 years later and Katie is now Katie Ferguson. She spent years as a foster child and then married the veterinarian that saved her kitten. And now Silas has returned.
While the story itself was gripping and intense at times, I never truly connected with Katie. She became such a wimp, a doormat. The identity of the killer was never really a mystery to me either. It was interesting to see how the author tried to steer me away from my choice of villains. Anyway it wasn't horrible or anything, just not as good as other books I've read by this author.
While the story itself was gripping and intense at times, I never truly connected with Katie. She became such a wimp, a doormat. The identity of the killer was never really a mystery to me either. It was interesting to see how the author tried to steer me away from my choice of villains. Anyway it wasn't horrible or anything, just not as good as other books I've read by this author.
May 24, 2012
Creepy, creepy, creepy. Everyone in this book, even the hero and heroine were a bit creepy.
Unforgivable defines (the stereotype we give of) small town USA. Everybody knows everybody else, everybody trusts everyone else, and everybody is in EVERYBODY's business. Never in a million years would someone from this small community commit the horrible acts that are happening right under their noses. And if it is one of them, well it must be the "outsider".
Unforgivable was a great combo of eerie suspense, frustration, and action. I have to admit it didn't really take me that long to figure out who the bad guy was going to be, and the other little twists and turns that happened throughout the book, but that didn't make it any easier for me to put it down. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for the snake to strike. And when he did, even though I knew eventually he would, my stomach rolled in revulsion. The revulsion was not for any specifically graphically described reason, I was just really put off by the things that this sicko did to animals. As a confirmed animal lover, I was pretty disturbed by this guy's actions. It's crazy how the bad guy can do horrible disgusting things to human beings, but I don't truly get sickly disturbed until it's described as being done to animals... I'm not the only one who has this apparent distorted moral sense right?
Any who... I really enjoyed Unforgivable, thanks to my GR friend Tom for the rec. The only area that brought it down from a 5 to a 4 star was; I felt the romantic elements of this "romantic suspense" were a bit rushed and I was left a bit unfulfilled in that department. But that's sole personal preference, has no bearing on this author's abilities (which are outstanding).
Unforgivable defines (the stereotype we give of) small town USA. Everybody knows everybody else, everybody trusts everyone else, and everybody is in EVERYBODY's business. Never in a million years would someone from this small community commit the horrible acts that are happening right under their noses. And if it is one of them, well it must be the "outsider".
Unforgivable was a great combo of eerie suspense, frustration, and action. I have to admit it didn't really take me that long to figure out who the bad guy was going to be, and the other little twists and turns that happened throughout the book, but that didn't make it any easier for me to put it down. I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting for the snake to strike. And when he did, even though I knew eventually he would, my stomach rolled in revulsion. The revulsion was not for any specifically graphically described reason, I was just really put off by the things that this sicko did to animals. As a confirmed animal lover, I was pretty disturbed by this guy's actions. It's crazy how the bad guy can do horrible disgusting things to human beings, but I don't truly get sickly disturbed until it's described as being done to animals... I'm not the only one who has this apparent distorted moral sense right?
Any who... I really enjoyed Unforgivable, thanks to my GR friend Tom for the rec. The only area that brought it down from a 5 to a 4 star was; I felt the romantic elements of this "romantic suspense" were a bit rushed and I was left a bit unfulfilled in that department. But that's sole personal preference, has no bearing on this author's abilities (which are outstanding).
March 29, 2012
Grabbed me from the start kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved this book so much I will be reading more of her books. One of the main characters is just creepy or the book would have even been better. Everyone that I recommended this book to liked it.
Currently reading
August 13, 2020EReaderNews
August 16, 2012
UNFORGIVABLE is a story that is hard to explain and really hard to review because while I enjoyed it, it might not be the kind of book that others will like. It starts with Katie Malloy as a young girl. She is trying to save a kitten that was hurt by an older boy from town.
She needs to get him to a vet and Silas Koole comes to her rescue. Both considered 'white trash', they come from dysfunctional homes. The kitten is fixed by a kindly young veterinarian and the story flash forwards to the present.
Katie Malloy is now Dr. Ben's wife and they have an unusual marriage. She is still the town's pariah but, for some reason, her husband is well-loved by everyone. The plot thickens.
Enter Silas Koole, all grown up and still both a mystery and savior to Katie. Heavy on the suspense it still has elements of romance. There are some unpredictable twists and turns. Yet you have the gut feeling you know who is the killer.
What makes this story so good is the backgrounds of the hero and heroine are achingly poignant. The psychic edge fueled the plot. There was enough intrigue to keep you wondering about the secondary characters, too. There were enough nail-moments to rate this a solid four stars.
She needs to get him to a vet and Silas Koole comes to her rescue. Both considered 'white trash', they come from dysfunctional homes. The kitten is fixed by a kindly young veterinarian and the story flash forwards to the present.
Katie Malloy is now Dr. Ben's wife and they have an unusual marriage. She is still the town's pariah but, for some reason, her husband is well-loved by everyone. The plot thickens.
Enter Silas Koole, all grown up and still both a mystery and savior to Katie. Heavy on the suspense it still has elements of romance. There are some unpredictable twists and turns. Yet you have the gut feeling you know who is the killer.
What makes this story so good is the backgrounds of the hero and heroine are achingly poignant. The psychic edge fueled the plot. There was enough intrigue to keep you wondering about the secondary characters, too. There were enough nail-moments to rate this a solid four stars.
June 5, 2013
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It has a creepy husband, small town gossip and a swoon worthy lost love. My main issue with the book was that it had so much foreshadowing, that if you pay close attention, you will have all of the "twists" figured out long before the end of the book reveals. Even knowing I had pretty much figured everything out way ahead of time, didn't take away from my enjoyment though.
At first, I was angered by Katie and her subordinate behavior. But when I reminded myself that she had pretty much grown up only knowing how to be this way, I started to feel sorry for her. I was happy she finally snapped out of it and got a backbone! Normally, I'm not a fan of infidelity books, but her husband, Dr. Ben, was so creepy and controlling, that I was glad when Katie hooked up with Silas. Honestly, I didn't blame her.
At first, I was angered by Katie and her subordinate behavior. But when I reminded myself that she had pretty much grown up only knowing how to be this way, I started to feel sorry for her. I was happy she finally snapped out of it and got a backbone! Normally, I'm not a fan of infidelity books, but her husband, Dr. Ben, was so creepy and controlling, that I was glad when Katie hooked up with Silas. Honestly, I didn't blame her.
October 26, 2012
So i read 'Unforgivable' within 24 hours. I finished it this morning.....and OH WOW! That is all i can say. If you ask my hubby what I was doing while reading, he'd say it was, well it was like I was watching a football game, i guess lol....I was on the edge of my seat, and at times i was yelling at the book. Tina had me from the beginning til the very end. Awesome awesome awesome! I have read her Offspring Series as Jaime Rush, She is amazing at everything she writes!
April 28, 2021
A New favorite! Tina Wainscott joins my favorite author shelf!
Unforgivable, another novel in Tina Wainscott's Love and Light Collection, is an unforgettable journey into the mind of a serial killer. Interestingly, Tina ends this novel with a fictional (?) New York Times Book Review of her main character's new book. I was surprised that the review described perfectly my own thoughts about Ms. Wainscott's Unforgivable particularly the following:
"It has all the ingredients that make readers salivate: lies, family secrets, betrayal of the ultimate kind, and, finally, a touch of love and light."
As usual Tina has written a thrill a minute suspense romance that has so many twists and turns you can't figure out who the bad guy is until the very end. You will be holding your breath wondering who if anyone can the female protagonist, Katie, trust. But in true Tina Wainscott fashion, love and light triumphs over darkness in the end.
More importantly then whodunit, Tina Wainscott answers that great question all true mystery lovers ask, "WHY?" do it. Tina creative words take you deep into the dark mind of a serial killer and she never lets up. By the time I finished this book I wondered if I would ever be able to look at my neighbors in the same way ever Again! Because if it is true that light and darkness lives in all of us, how can we ever know if the person we think we know is not hiding some deep dark secret? And those random shoes you find tossed out along the side of the road, might have a deeper sinister meaning then just someone's abandoned belongings.
Can't wait to pick up more of this collection! I am definitely adding Tina Wainscott to my favorite author shelf!
Unforgivable, another novel in Tina Wainscott's Love and Light Collection, is an unforgettable journey into the mind of a serial killer. Interestingly, Tina ends this novel with a fictional (?) New York Times Book Review of her main character's new book. I was surprised that the review described perfectly my own thoughts about Ms. Wainscott's Unforgivable particularly the following:
"It has all the ingredients that make readers salivate: lies, family secrets, betrayal of the ultimate kind, and, finally, a touch of love and light."
As usual Tina has written a thrill a minute suspense romance that has so many twists and turns you can't figure out who the bad guy is until the very end. You will be holding your breath wondering who if anyone can the female protagonist, Katie, trust. But in true Tina Wainscott fashion, love and light triumphs over darkness in the end.
More importantly then whodunit, Tina Wainscott answers that great question all true mystery lovers ask, "WHY?" do it. Tina creative words take you deep into the dark mind of a serial killer and she never lets up. By the time I finished this book I wondered if I would ever be able to look at my neighbors in the same way ever Again! Because if it is true that light and darkness lives in all of us, how can we ever know if the person we think we know is not hiding some deep dark secret? And those random shoes you find tossed out along the side of the road, might have a deeper sinister meaning then just someone's abandoned belongings.
Can't wait to pick up more of this collection! I am definitely adding Tina Wainscott to my favorite author shelf!
December 2, 2024
Eighteen years ago, Katie Malloy’s mother committed suicide. She is sent to a foster home but never rally fit in. Now she is married to the town veterinarian, who once saved her little kitten. They live in a secluded area and she helps out at his office. A man from her past shows back up in town. Silas helped Katie when she was a child and then was sent away. He can feel what other people feel and he has been chasing a serial killer. Someone is killing women but they are not finding any evidence, just a shoe thrown carelessly by the road. Silas warns Katie that the killer is closer than she thinks. The whole town has nothing to do with Katie and when the killer is revealed nobody believes her. Will Katie be able to protect herself when the killer catches her?
Good story. Plenty of edge of your seat suspense. Too many point of views.
Good story. Plenty of edge of your seat suspense. Too many point of views.
October 26, 2024
Wonderful!
The ending was so nerve-wracking that I had to keep taking breaks. So if you're looking for excitement in a book, this is the one.
It's well written, and the characters are masterfully developed.
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗.
𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆!!
𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖!!
There's a two-star Amazon review titled "Half good, half awful..." written by Angela@Florida. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. In fact, she gives it away immediately after saying she won't. I suggest you read the book before you read her review.
I still enjoyed 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, but it definitely wasn't the same experience, and I'll never get that back.
The ending was so nerve-wracking that I had to keep taking breaks. So if you're looking for excitement in a book, this is the one.
It's well written, and the characters are masterfully developed.
𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗.
𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆!!
𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖!!
There's a two-star Amazon review titled "Half good, half awful..." written by Angela@Florida. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. In fact, she gives it away immediately after saying she won't. I suggest you read the book before you read her review.
I still enjoyed 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚, but it definitely wasn't the same experience, and I'll never get that back.
January 21, 2021
Unusual ...... but very good
This is a good story. It has it all, murder, mystery, drama, suspense, and romance. I really enjoy the touch of the supernatural, adds another layer. A problem I had though had to do with the formatting. Which isn’t the author’s problem. Often there was no break in between a change of scene, or a different character’s perspective. It threw me off a few times. However, after the first few times I was ready for it. A good story nevertheless, well worth the read.
This is a good story. It has it all, murder, mystery, drama, suspense, and romance. I really enjoy the touch of the supernatural, adds another layer. A problem I had though had to do with the formatting. Which isn’t the author’s problem. Often there was no break in between a change of scene, or a different character’s perspective. It threw me off a few times. However, after the first few times I was ready for it. A good story nevertheless, well worth the read.
April 21, 2018
This is a heart pounding, nail biting, fast paced book, that is has you doubting your own judgements a times. No one can be trusted, and no one is trusting. Such smooth writing, and so easy to read.... what was hard was putting it down! It's so hard when life gets in the way! Katie, Ben and Silas are such complex characters with evolving characteristics. My heart races almost right from the beginning and hasn't settled down yet! Great read!
October 20, 2024
brilliant thriller
The authour really knows how to capture emotions and portray them through words so that the words affect the reader. It was tough in places to read, but it’s written so well it is compelling reading, even though it made me feel rather disturbed at the actions of the predator.
Unfortunately there is one explicit sex scene and a few words of blasphemy, in an extremely stressful scenario. I would have preferred it to be completely clean.
The authour really knows how to capture emotions and portray them through words so that the words affect the reader. It was tough in places to read, but it’s written so well it is compelling reading, even though it made me feel rather disturbed at the actions of the predator.
Unfortunately there is one explicit sex scene and a few words of blasphemy, in an extremely stressful scenario. I would have preferred it to be completely clean.
October 22, 2024
Unforgivable by Tina Wainscott
I actually clung to the fact that God gave Silas a crazy gift (a sixth sense) to fight evil, but kept us second guessing if he in fact was using his special gift for evil. No way to be sure who the serial killer was with so many twisted characters to choose from in this horror story of sadness & evil in Katie’s life. It was definitely hard to put down page turner till the very end.
I actually clung to the fact that God gave Silas a crazy gift (a sixth sense) to fight evil, but kept us second guessing if he in fact was using his special gift for evil. No way to be sure who the serial killer was with so many twisted characters to choose from in this horror story of sadness & evil in Katie’s life. It was definitely hard to put down page turner till the very end.
November 4, 2018
Fantastic suspense! Just when I would think I would have the killer figured out there would be doubt written in to keep the suspense going. I love the plot and especially the ending. I wasn't thrilled with the main character's personality, but it worked for the story for Katie to be written the way she was.
April 1, 2020
Wasn’t sure at first when I started this book how I would rate it? I bought it on a whim $.99 nook sale. Started out a bit slow, but the more I read the more I wanted to know how the story ends. A few twists and I was hooked. I’m going to probably check out more of this author. Definitely worth the $$ and the read.
October 6, 2021
Awesome Read
I loved it it kept me Turing the pages and not wanting to put it down.
The bad thing I pretty much figured out who was doing the killings of the girls.
For a bit I was unsure but close to the I was like Bingo I hit it right on.
Fantastic read keeps you hooked and keeps you glued to the pages.
Tina Wainscott
Hit a winner here
I loved it it kept me Turing the pages and not wanting to put it down.
The bad thing I pretty much figured out who was doing the killings of the girls.
For a bit I was unsure but close to the I was like Bingo I hit it right on.
Fantastic read keeps you hooked and keeps you glued to the pages.
Tina Wainscott
Hit a winner here
January 8, 2024
Unforgivable
I found this story interesting and the mystery intriguing. You really do need to read the whole book before knowing who the guilty person is. Another surprise is revealed as well. However, I found the switch from one character to another, separated by a paragraph rather than a chapter, a bit awkward.
I found this story interesting and the mystery intriguing. You really do need to read the whole book before knowing who the guilty person is. Another surprise is revealed as well. However, I found the switch from one character to another, separated by a paragraph rather than a chapter, a bit awkward.
October 23, 2024
This book started off good. Small town. Veterinarian that every one loves, and his wife. The usual small town gossip, everyone knows everyone. The vet and his wife work together in their vet office and take care of everyone’s pets.
But as usual, even in small towns,things are not always what they seem.
This book takes you on a ride. Fasten your seatbelts, people, it’s Gonna be a bumpy ride.
But as usual, even in small towns,things are not always what they seem.
This book takes you on a ride. Fasten your seatbelts, people, it’s Gonna be a bumpy ride.
March 28, 2020
Kept us guessing
Built the characters well. Could believe Ben was the stereotypical controlling chauvinist. Could believe the power struggles in the small town. Started to get overdone in the end but a good read.
Built the characters well. Could believe Ben was the stereotypical controlling chauvinist. Could believe the power struggles in the small town. Started to get overdone in the end but a good read.
November 5, 2020
Unforgettable
Wow what a riveting story!
A story of a wife having every aspect of her life controlled, a psychic, a protector and a serial killer.
A roller coaster ride you have to ride to the end.
Wow what a riveting story!
A story of a wife having every aspect of her life controlled, a psychic, a protector and a serial killer.
A roller coaster ride you have to ride to the end.
May 4, 2021
An easy read, kept you on the edge of your seat and slightly predictable. I did guess who the serial killer was and Gary’s role in Katie’s life half way through the book, other then that I did enjoy reading it.
December 28, 2023
Stayed up way too late to finish this book! I had to find out the answers to the questions teased throughout the book and of course to know who the killer was.
The jump from one scene to another without warning during chapters was sometimes confusing.
The jump from one scene to another without warning during chapters was sometimes confusing.
November 14, 2024
Fantastic
Wow, I was hooked to this book from almost the very beginning. A true page turner. It has it all, love, death, animal care, cruelty, psychic feelings and serial killer. Best book I've read in a while. Highly recommend
Wow, I was hooked to this book from almost the very beginning. A true page turner. It has it all, love, death, animal care, cruelty, psychic feelings and serial killer. Best book I've read in a while. Highly recommend
December 19, 2024
I wasn’t quite prepared for how twisted the storyline would be but in the end I enjoyed reading it. I was sucked right in, wanting to know what happens next. I struggled to put it down for any amount of time.
January 27, 2020
Unforgivable
This book let's you know you can't always know the people around you. It's scary to know some people can take everything away I just seconds.
This book let's you know you can't always know the people around you. It's scary to know some people can take everything away I just seconds.
February 10, 2020
Good book. Enjoyed from beginning to end. thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews