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Close Enough to Hurt
In Katherine A. Olson’s thrilling debut, perfect for fans of Jeneva Rose and Elle Cosimano, vigilante Dylan Truman is out for revenge—and this time, it’s personal.
Dylan Truman, better known under her alias of Lady Justice, is the bane of every grifter, cheater, and bully in the Bay Area. Operating out of a houseboat community in Sausalito, she works as a revenge-for-hire freelancer alongside her best friend and hacktivist, Daniel Haas. When a prospective client brings up a fraud complaint against billionaire and pharmaceutical CEO Brent Wilder, Dylan sees this as an opportunity: Wilder, years earlier, assaulted Dylan’s sister and got away with it. Dylan’s plan is simple—she’ll take on a socialite persona, rent a house next to Wilder’s mansion in Pacific Heights, and worm her way into his life. There, she will find a way to avenge those he’s wronged—one way or another.
But this time, Dylan may be doing it alone. Daniel is ready to leave the business, start a family, and settle down with a stable and safe job. Dylan is devastated—not only is she losing her partner and one of the most talented digital private investigators in the city, but she’s beginning to realize her feelings for Daniel are deeper than she thought. But with Brent’s increasing paranoia comes life-threatening danger, and Dylan must keep her head in the game.
With the clock running out fast, Lady Justice must choose between vengeance at any cost—and giving it all up for the man who may actually love her back. Dylan’s always tried to protect those she loves by walking her path alone, but perhaps there is another way to ensure justice is served.
Dylan Truman, better known under her alias of Lady Justice, is the bane of every grifter, cheater, and bully in the Bay Area. Operating out of a houseboat community in Sausalito, she works as a revenge-for-hire freelancer alongside her best friend and hacktivist, Daniel Haas. When a prospective client brings up a fraud complaint against billionaire and pharmaceutical CEO Brent Wilder, Dylan sees this as an opportunity: Wilder, years earlier, assaulted Dylan’s sister and got away with it. Dylan’s plan is simple—she’ll take on a socialite persona, rent a house next to Wilder’s mansion in Pacific Heights, and worm her way into his life. There, she will find a way to avenge those he’s wronged—one way or another.
But this time, Dylan may be doing it alone. Daniel is ready to leave the business, start a family, and settle down with a stable and safe job. Dylan is devastated—not only is she losing her partner and one of the most talented digital private investigators in the city, but she’s beginning to realize her feelings for Daniel are deeper than she thought. But with Brent’s increasing paranoia comes life-threatening danger, and Dylan must keep her head in the game.
With the clock running out fast, Lady Justice must choose between vengeance at any cost—and giving it all up for the man who may actually love her back. Dylan’s always tried to protect those she loves by walking her path alone, but perhaps there is another way to ensure justice is served.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2023
About the author
Katherine A. Olson
3 books43 followersKatherine A. Olson has lived all over the place, honing her chameleon skills along the way. She now calls South Korea home with her family and shelter cats. Katherine loves matcha lattes, irreverent humor, lacing up her hiking boots, and getting lost in good stories.
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November 11, 2023
After running away from home following a family trauma, Dylan Truman has finally found the perfect job for her. An arbiter of justice, she is hired by her mostly female clientele to wreak havoc on those who have abused and bullied with abandon. With the help of her best friend and hacking expert, Daniel Haas, they look to finally settle the score.
One thing Dylan takes comfort in is that all of her targets have been truly vile individuals. Just the same, after seven years of being a revenge-for-hire vigilante, even the wins are beginning to lose their luster. Determined to beat her career blues, she wonders whether she should go for someone bigger, badder, and altogether harder to take down.
So when Daniel offers up the perfect mark, she’s taken aback. Not because of his wealth or celebrity, but because Brent Wilder has a dark and dirty tie to her very own past. Back when Dylan was just a gangly teenager, her older sister was assaulted by the very same man. After a lengthy court case, however, Brent walked away without even a slap on the wrist. Now Dylan is faced with the chance to make him pay in a way only she can mete out.
After years of working together, though, Daniel has decided to finally hang up his spurs. The very idea of doing the work she revels in without him shakes her to her core. After all, over all of those years, Dylan has let down her walls, allowing him and him alone into her soft center. Without Daniel, not only will she be down one truly gifted digital PI, but she just might lose the one person who knows her best. On top of that, however, what was once just friendship has shifted for Dylan as the more she’s with him, the more it feels decidedly like love.
Trying to shove her feelings to the side, she sets out to make Brent pay by putting her most daring plan into action. Stepping out of her comfort zone, it’s a plan that could have a huge payoff, but also presents plenty of risk. All of which makes Daniel far from thrilled. Determined to do it her own way, however, she moves ahead anyway.
But just as Daniel feared, the closer Dylan gets to Brent, the more unpredictable he becomes. Day by day, his growing paranoia translates to a growing danger for the single-minded revenge artist. But if she can’t keep her head, she just might be the one who gets caught in the trap. Stuck choosing between finally making her own personal monster suffer and finding lifelong love with Daniel, Dylan doesn’t know what to do. Follow her darkest desire? Or her heart?
Gosh. Never have I been quite so surprised by a debut novel than I was with Close Enough to Hurt. Objectively, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I originally read the synopsis, yet I fell in love with it nevertheless. After all, for me—an overwhelming addict of all things suspense—to be won over by a book decidedly more romance than thriller, it had to be good.
See, my assumption going in was that this was going to be a hard-hitting tale of revenge where an intrepid woman strikes out against men behaving badly along the lines of Layne Fargo’s They Never Learn. While there certainly was that aspect, I found the premise to be decidedly more romantic and poignant than the blurb foretold, with it leaning more towards somewhat spicy romantic suspense over thriller. Not necessarily a subgenre I regularly dive into, initially I was somewhat put off, but the further into it I got, the more I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
The shining star of this book, however, was easily the leading lady herself. A truly brilliant narrator who was somehow both smart and cocky but also insecure and impulsive, she quickly worked her magic with me. Determined to set the world on fire to stop a truly repulsive man in his tracks, her strength and resolve were quite awe inspiring. And as the story shifted into a soul-stirring friends to lovers motif, her burgeoning love affair with the sexy yet sweet Daniel was one to behold.
The plot itself was perfectly laid out. Starting off with a bang, I couldn’t wait to see Dylan work her magic on the evil man of the hour. As it subtly morphed into a love story filled with equal parts sweetness and spice, it moved away from any thrills or chills. But just as I was getting accustomed to that, it swung back around with one dynamite climax that had me flying through the pages. And the conclusion? Well, simply put, it was what every woman dreams of…
The only mildly flawed piece to the puzzle was the somewhat over-the-top leaning that the prose seemed to take. Far from genuine and true-to-life, it instead resonated with a certain happily ever after charm. But then, that’s what you would expect from a romance book, right? So perhaps my lack of experience within the genre is what’s really talking here.
After closing the book, I’m rather relieved that I went into this one unaware. Not only was I granted an uplifting break from my much loved hair-raising rollercoaster rides, but I also found plenty of suspense, mind games, and one downright villainous monster. All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend checking this one out. Set to make its appearance on October 10th, all I know is, you should be sure to pre-order this puppy now. Rating of 4.5 stars.
PUB DATE: October 10, 2023
Thank you to Katherine A. Olson, Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, knife fight, chronic illness (multiple sclerosis), mention of: infidelity, rape, fraud
One thing Dylan takes comfort in is that all of her targets have been truly vile individuals. Just the same, after seven years of being a revenge-for-hire vigilante, even the wins are beginning to lose their luster. Determined to beat her career blues, she wonders whether she should go for someone bigger, badder, and altogether harder to take down.
So when Daniel offers up the perfect mark, she’s taken aback. Not because of his wealth or celebrity, but because Brent Wilder has a dark and dirty tie to her very own past. Back when Dylan was just a gangly teenager, her older sister was assaulted by the very same man. After a lengthy court case, however, Brent walked away without even a slap on the wrist. Now Dylan is faced with the chance to make him pay in a way only she can mete out.
After years of working together, though, Daniel has decided to finally hang up his spurs. The very idea of doing the work she revels in without him shakes her to her core. After all, over all of those years, Dylan has let down her walls, allowing him and him alone into her soft center. Without Daniel, not only will she be down one truly gifted digital PI, but she just might lose the one person who knows her best. On top of that, however, what was once just friendship has shifted for Dylan as the more she’s with him, the more it feels decidedly like love.
Trying to shove her feelings to the side, she sets out to make Brent pay by putting her most daring plan into action. Stepping out of her comfort zone, it’s a plan that could have a huge payoff, but also presents plenty of risk. All of which makes Daniel far from thrilled. Determined to do it her own way, however, she moves ahead anyway.
But just as Daniel feared, the closer Dylan gets to Brent, the more unpredictable he becomes. Day by day, his growing paranoia translates to a growing danger for the single-minded revenge artist. But if she can’t keep her head, she just might be the one who gets caught in the trap. Stuck choosing between finally making her own personal monster suffer and finding lifelong love with Daniel, Dylan doesn’t know what to do. Follow her darkest desire? Or her heart?
Gosh. Never have I been quite so surprised by a debut novel than I was with Close Enough to Hurt. Objectively, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I originally read the synopsis, yet I fell in love with it nevertheless. After all, for me—an overwhelming addict of all things suspense—to be won over by a book decidedly more romance than thriller, it had to be good.
See, my assumption going in was that this was going to be a hard-hitting tale of revenge where an intrepid woman strikes out against men behaving badly along the lines of Layne Fargo’s They Never Learn. While there certainly was that aspect, I found the premise to be decidedly more romantic and poignant than the blurb foretold, with it leaning more towards somewhat spicy romantic suspense over thriller. Not necessarily a subgenre I regularly dive into, initially I was somewhat put off, but the further into it I got, the more I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
The shining star of this book, however, was easily the leading lady herself. A truly brilliant narrator who was somehow both smart and cocky but also insecure and impulsive, she quickly worked her magic with me. Determined to set the world on fire to stop a truly repulsive man in his tracks, her strength and resolve were quite awe inspiring. And as the story shifted into a soul-stirring friends to lovers motif, her burgeoning love affair with the sexy yet sweet Daniel was one to behold.
The plot itself was perfectly laid out. Starting off with a bang, I couldn’t wait to see Dylan work her magic on the evil man of the hour. As it subtly morphed into a love story filled with equal parts sweetness and spice, it moved away from any thrills or chills. But just as I was getting accustomed to that, it swung back around with one dynamite climax that had me flying through the pages. And the conclusion? Well, simply put, it was what every woman dreams of…
The only mildly flawed piece to the puzzle was the somewhat over-the-top leaning that the prose seemed to take. Far from genuine and true-to-life, it instead resonated with a certain happily ever after charm. But then, that’s what you would expect from a romance book, right? So perhaps my lack of experience within the genre is what’s really talking here.
After closing the book, I’m rather relieved that I went into this one unaware. Not only was I granted an uplifting break from my much loved hair-raising rollercoaster rides, but I also found plenty of suspense, mind games, and one downright villainous monster. All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend checking this one out. Set to make its appearance on October 10th, all I know is, you should be sure to pre-order this puppy now. Rating of 4.5 stars.
PUB DATE: October 10, 2023
Thank you to Katherine A. Olson, Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
👉 Be sure to head to my Amazon Storefront to order. I get a small commission and would love your support!
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, knife fight, chronic illness (multiple sclerosis), mention of: infidelity, rape, fraud
October 23, 2023
3.5 Stars
Dylan Truman is a professional contract worker who specializes in providing clients with revenge services. Her focus is generally on individuals who engage in unfaithful behavior or abuse their power to inflict harm upon others. However, when Truman is tasked with targeting CEO Brent Wilder, someone who has harmed multiple individuals, including her sister, the assignment becomes personal. She remains resolute in her pursuit of justice for her client and sister, even if it means putting her own life in danger.
If you're a fan of both romance and thriller, then this book is for you. While it does lean more towards the romantic aspect, with a lot of emphasis on the relationship between Dyan and Daniel, it still manages to deliver some good suspenseful moments. Although I was hoping for more thrills, I still found it to be an enjoyable read overall. I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a romance novel with some thrills sprinkled in.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine A. Olson, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Dylan Truman is a professional contract worker who specializes in providing clients with revenge services. Her focus is generally on individuals who engage in unfaithful behavior or abuse their power to inflict harm upon others. However, when Truman is tasked with targeting CEO Brent Wilder, someone who has harmed multiple individuals, including her sister, the assignment becomes personal. She remains resolute in her pursuit of justice for her client and sister, even if it means putting her own life in danger.
If you're a fan of both romance and thriller, then this book is for you. While it does lean more towards the romantic aspect, with a lot of emphasis on the relationship between Dyan and Daniel, it still manages to deliver some good suspenseful moments. Although I was hoping for more thrills, I still found it to be an enjoyable read overall. I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a romance novel with some thrills sprinkled in.
*** Thank you to NetGalley, Katherine A. Olson, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 31, 2024i wanted this to be a fun vengeance book and it was shaping up to be a lame romance... so DNF
September 17, 2023
Wow, what a debut! CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT blew me away! I loved that it was part thriller and part romance. It started off strong and ended just the way I had hoped it would. I really liked Dylan's determination. She wanted revenge and wasn't planning to give up until she got what she wanted. I felt her and Daniel made the perfect team. The narrator spoke clearly and made the story even more enjoyable for me. I'll definitely be looking forward to getting my hands on whatever Katherine A. Olsen writes in the future.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for my gifted ALC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for my gifted ALC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
July 3, 2023
Coming out 30th October 2023
I love vigilante women 💗 you probably know I do. This was amazing - I loved how the main character was realistically written, she had multiple things going on besides the love interest or the revenge plot. It definitely reminded me of the Mindf*ck series and Black Sheep. Wish more authors would write like this.
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for supplying me with an ARC.
I love vigilante women 💗 you probably know I do. This was amazing - I loved how the main character was realistically written, she had multiple things going on besides the love interest or the revenge plot. It definitely reminded me of the Mindf*ck series and Black Sheep. Wish more authors would write like this.
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for supplying me with an ARC.
August 11, 2023
Summary: Dylan Truman is a street-smart young woman who is tough, compassionate and committed to seeking justice for those harmed by toxic men. Living in San Francisco, she uses the alias Lady Justice and takes on clients who have been mistreated by men, seeking justice on their behalf. Her close friend and partner in the venture is Daniel Haas, a handsome, charming hacker extraordinaire who takes care of the technological aspect of investigations and works tirelessly to keep the reckless Dylan safe. When an expert scientist brings a case to Dylan against Brent Wilder, CEO of Prometheus Pharma, it hits uncomfortably close to home. Years previously, Wilder had assaulted Dylan’s beloved older sister and changed her life forever. Now Dylan is fueled by her hatred for Wilder to pursue vengeance at any price, including her relationships and her own safety.
Thoughts: This is a great thriller, smartly written and with a thoroughly likeable protagonist. It isn’t just that Dylan is driven, intelligent and tough. She is also flawed, vulnerable and determined – a very believable character you can root for. She has made mistakes and continues to make them but keeps on going anyway. She tries stubbornly to exist independently in the world and not need others too deeply but finds that it is unavoidable. Daniel finds the cracks in her armour and offers her unconditional acceptance. It is a passionate romance – whew! Romance is not really my thing but I will say that, for those who enjoy it, it is done well in this novel.
The sharp wit and humour in this thriller grabbed my attention right from the beginning pages. There are so many hilarious quotes here. When her target Brent dresses as Alexander the Great for the costume party, Dylan can barely contain her amused contempt. “If he’s searching antiquity for inspiration, Caligula would be the better fit, but I won’t be the one to pierce his fantasy”. A thriller with this theme could easily devolve into venomous man-hating, but the author makes the distinction early in the novel between men like Daniel and men like Brent, clearly illustrating the reasons why Dylan makes his kind her target. When his final comeuppance arrives, it is fraught, dangerous and very satisfying. Thanks so much to Thriller Book Lover Promotions for bringing this one my way.
Thoughts: This is a great thriller, smartly written and with a thoroughly likeable protagonist. It isn’t just that Dylan is driven, intelligent and tough. She is also flawed, vulnerable and determined – a very believable character you can root for. She has made mistakes and continues to make them but keeps on going anyway. She tries stubbornly to exist independently in the world and not need others too deeply but finds that it is unavoidable. Daniel finds the cracks in her armour and offers her unconditional acceptance. It is a passionate romance – whew! Romance is not really my thing but I will say that, for those who enjoy it, it is done well in this novel.
The sharp wit and humour in this thriller grabbed my attention right from the beginning pages. There are so many hilarious quotes here. When her target Brent dresses as Alexander the Great for the costume party, Dylan can barely contain her amused contempt. “If he’s searching antiquity for inspiration, Caligula would be the better fit, but I won’t be the one to pierce his fantasy”. A thriller with this theme could easily devolve into venomous man-hating, but the author makes the distinction early in the novel between men like Daniel and men like Brent, clearly illustrating the reasons why Dylan makes his kind her target. When his final comeuppance arrives, it is fraught, dangerous and very satisfying. Thanks so much to Thriller Book Lover Promotions for bringing this one my way.
October 7, 2023
I normally don’t like romance mixed into my thrillers, but somehow this one worked for me, and I really find it hard to believe it is a debut. This one was fast paced, and I liked that it started right from the beginning and held up until the end. Dylan was a great protagonist also, I enjoyed not only what she did for a living but the backstory on why she started doing it. Her relationship with Daniel was complicated and I loved how they interacted. I listened to this one via audio and I thought it was well done, I really enjoyed reading it this way. The ending was satisfying and I cannot wait to see what Olson does next!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Libro FM for the copies to review. This one is out Tuesday and it needs to be on your list.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Libro FM for the copies to review. This one is out Tuesday and it needs to be on your list.
June 16, 2023
This was such a great debut novel and although it’s listed as a thriller, there is a good bit of romance. Kind of gave me *Mindf*ck by S.T. Abby* vibes!
Dylan Truman a.k.a. Lady Justice is a vigilante revenge-for-hire. She is hired to go after bad men and ruin their lives along with her hacker best friend, Daniel Haas.
When a client hires her to investigate Brent Wilder and make him pay, Dylan sees this as the perfect time for revenge for her sister as well. Brent Wilder assaulted her sister in college and got away with it.
Dylan moves into a condo next door to Brent and works her way into his life while also struggling with her feelings for Daniel and trying to keep her identity a secret from the public. She has to decide If she must follow through with vengeance at any cost even if it means losing the only man shes ever loved.
Katherine also lists the trigger warnings as
Emotional & physical abuse
Suicide
Graphic violence
Off page sexual assault.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Close Enough to Hurt will be available October 10, 2023
Dylan Truman a.k.a. Lady Justice is a vigilante revenge-for-hire. She is hired to go after bad men and ruin their lives along with her hacker best friend, Daniel Haas.
When a client hires her to investigate Brent Wilder and make him pay, Dylan sees this as the perfect time for revenge for her sister as well. Brent Wilder assaulted her sister in college and got away with it.
Dylan moves into a condo next door to Brent and works her way into his life while also struggling with her feelings for Daniel and trying to keep her identity a secret from the public. She has to decide If she must follow through with vengeance at any cost even if it means losing the only man shes ever loved.
Katherine also lists the trigger warnings as
Emotional & physical abuse
Suicide
Graphic violence
Off page sexual assault.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Close Enough to Hurt will be available October 10, 2023
October 12, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
This was a solid debut about a woman who devotes her life to getting revenge against terrible men - a self-proclaimed 'Lady Justice.' She jumps at the chance to get the ultimate revenge against the man who raped her sister and ropes her best friend into helping her one last time. Steamier than I was expecting for a romantic suspense - this had strong thriller and romance aspects and will definitely mark this author as one to watch! Good on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was a solid debut about a woman who devotes her life to getting revenge against terrible men - a self-proclaimed 'Lady Justice.' She jumps at the chance to get the ultimate revenge against the man who raped her sister and ropes her best friend into helping her one last time. Steamier than I was expecting for a romantic suspense - this had strong thriller and romance aspects and will definitely mark this author as one to watch! Good on audio too. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 3, 2023
First let me separate my review for the audiobook and the book. The plot and pace of the book was great and I really though the story was a great debut. It has bites of romance and lots of revenge!
Now as I listened to it as an audiobook, the narrator really didn’t do the book justice! When the narrator talked in a man’s voice it was just cringe worthy and I just wanted to be done with the book when those parts came up. If I was just rating the book, overall it would have been 4 stars for me but because I was not a fan of the narrator, my overall rating was 3 stars due to the lack of enjoyable listening experience. I would recommend if you pick up this book, read it rather than listen to the audiobook.
*****Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for my ALC in turn for an honest opinion.
Now as I listened to it as an audiobook, the narrator really didn’t do the book justice! When the narrator talked in a man’s voice it was just cringe worthy and I just wanted to be done with the book when those parts came up. If I was just rating the book, overall it would have been 4 stars for me but because I was not a fan of the narrator, my overall rating was 3 stars due to the lack of enjoyable listening experience. I would recommend if you pick up this book, read it rather than listen to the audiobook.
*****Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for my ALC in turn for an honest opinion.
September 15, 2023
Wowza! What a debut! I loved this from the word go.
It is brilliant
It is addictive
It is thrilling
It is just quite amazing
All the positive book adjectives😂
It's an enthralling vigilante story. An absolute must read.
It is brilliant
It is addictive
It is thrilling
It is just quite amazing
All the positive book adjectives😂
It's an enthralling vigilante story. An absolute must read.
August 4, 2023
Dylan Truman (aka Lady Justice) has been exacting revenge on terrible men for years. When her white whale — the man who brutally assaulted her sister a decade ago — appears in her sights, she will risk everything — and everyone — to get vengeance.
I LOVE a female vigilante story. Give me all of the renegade justice and shitty dudes getting taken down a notch. I really appreciated how Olson portrayed Dylan — she had depth and convictions and wasn’t so over-the-top that she became a caricature, but she still fully conveyed the rage so many women feel. There was a solid snark factor that I *SO* enjoyed, and the romance-y bits were well-integrated into the thriller-y bits and added a little extra spark to the whole thing.
Overall this was a super fun, engaging read (and a debut!), and I’m looking forward to reading future books by Olson.
* thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the NetGalley review copy. CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT publishes October 10th.
I LOVE a female vigilante story. Give me all of the renegade justice and shitty dudes getting taken down a notch. I really appreciated how Olson portrayed Dylan — she had depth and convictions and wasn’t so over-the-top that she became a caricature, but she still fully conveyed the rage so many women feel. There was a solid snark factor that I *SO* enjoyed, and the romance-y bits were well-integrated into the thriller-y bits and added a little extra spark to the whole thing.
Overall this was a super fun, engaging read (and a debut!), and I’m looking forward to reading future books by Olson.
* thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the NetGalley review copy. CLOSE ENOUGH TO HURT publishes October 10th.
September 17, 2023
The thriller I recently experienced was a captivating literary journey that left a lasting impression. At first glance, one might mistake it for a romance, but it quickly became evident that this story was much more than that. The narrative was beautifully dynamic, with each page unfolding like a carefully orchestrated symphony of emotions and suspense.
The writing in this thriller was a standout feature. It possessed a rare quality that effortlessly transported me into the world of its characters. The author's ability to craft scenes with vivid descriptions and nuanced character development was truly commendable. This dynamic writing style kept me engaged from start to finish, making it difficult to put the book down.
While the story had its fair share of moments filled with sadness, it also offered a ray of hope that shone through the darkest of times. It delved into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, showing how characters can strive to do better and be better, even in the face of adversity. This thematic depth added a layer of richness to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.
What truly set this thriller apart, though, was its freshness and uniqueness. It defied conventional genre categorizations, blending elements of suspense, romance, and personal growth seamlessly. This unconventional approach breathed new life into the story, offering a refreshing and distinctive reading experience. It's a testament to the author's creative prowess that they managed to create something that felt both familiar and entirely original.
In conclusion, this thriller was a literary gem that I won't soon forget. Its dynamic writing, emotional depth, and unique storytelling combined to create a truly memorable reading experience. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or enjoy stories that challenge genre boundaries, this book is worth picking up for its ability to engage, entertain, and inspire.
The writing in this thriller was a standout feature. It possessed a rare quality that effortlessly transported me into the world of its characters. The author's ability to craft scenes with vivid descriptions and nuanced character development was truly commendable. This dynamic writing style kept me engaged from start to finish, making it difficult to put the book down.
While the story had its fair share of moments filled with sadness, it also offered a ray of hope that shone through the darkest of times. It delved into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, showing how characters can strive to do better and be better, even in the face of adversity. This thematic depth added a layer of richness to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read.
What truly set this thriller apart, though, was its freshness and uniqueness. It defied conventional genre categorizations, blending elements of suspense, romance, and personal growth seamlessly. This unconventional approach breathed new life into the story, offering a refreshing and distinctive reading experience. It's a testament to the author's creative prowess that they managed to create something that felt both familiar and entirely original.
In conclusion, this thriller was a literary gem that I won't soon forget. Its dynamic writing, emotional depth, and unique storytelling combined to create a truly memorable reading experience. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or enjoy stories that challenge genre boundaries, this book is worth picking up for its ability to engage, entertain, and inspire.
September 22, 2023
Gah.
This book suffers from an identity crisis. I thought (based on the cover and description) I was getting a femme fatale vigilante-type story and there is a smidge of that, but it's mostly a poorly done "romance" WOOF.
I wanted a book exacting revenge on a SF white dude that assaults women and that's not what I got. If you're looking for that type of book, check out Jane Doe
Here the undeveloped and no-one-cares "romance" is the main part. (Note: Some of my favorite series have strong females (detectives, lawyers, etc) where the book mostly follows a case they are working, with a little side of their personal life woven in. That works. This isn't the scenario here though).
THIS story primarily revolves around the MC's love issues that she never shuts up about. Girl, FOCUS on the bad guy and your mission. The story also moved rather slowly, mostly because the MC has to do so much thinking about her feelings and repeating to herself why she must hide her feelings. She is annoying and exhausting and doesn't feel like a bad ass I want to hang with.
Then there was also the token sex scene which was not only too graphic and descriptive (VOMIT) it went on and on and on IT WAS AN ENTIRE LONG CHAPTER and even though I skipped and skipped it was carrying over again into the next chapter. There wasn't even a proper lead up with appropriate tension as one expects in the romance formula.
The writing was also really poor, even in the audio I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the lines uttered, for example "My sister deserved better than to meet a monster like you." My 12yo niece says things more... colorful. I also found the male characters rather unbelievable. They felt very "written by a woman" though it could be that the narrator wasn't very good at males/male voices. The "bad guy" sounded like the Bunny character in The Secret History which was equally grating.
DNF at 93% because I couldn't torture myself any further.
SUMMARY: 28? yo Dylan is a for-hire vigilante. She's motivated because of something that happened with her older sister who she doesn't speak to anymore. Anyway, women in the bay area who have been harmed by men hire Dylan to exact revenge for them. Dylan doesn't kill them; rather she causes destruction in their lives. Dylan's only/best friend (and love interest) is a billionaire blue blood hacker. She has to grapple with her feelings for him on every other page. A reporter also figures out who she is and wants to do a story on her but she convinces him to team up with her on another story involving her latest target. PLUS this new target is the biggest one yet because it goes after the very guy who also assaulted her sister a decade (?) ago.
Dylan poses as Delilah, the new neighbor to target Brent, a millionaire/billionaire with a new drug company that also routinely assaults and rapes women. She wants to expose Brent and does things like put benedryl in his wife so he passes out and she can snoop for files because bad guys always keep a treasure of evidence on a zip drive in their home office. The end. (I swear none of this is a spoiler).
Lastly, imho the cover makes no sense and doesn't evoke what the story is about. Thanks netgalley for my ARC ALC.
This book suffers from an identity crisis. I thought (based on the cover and description) I was getting a femme fatale vigilante-type story and there is a smidge of that, but it's mostly a poorly done "romance" WOOF.
I wanted a book exacting revenge on a SF white dude that assaults women and that's not what I got. If you're looking for that type of book, check out Jane Doe
Here the undeveloped and no-one-cares "romance" is the main part. (Note: Some of my favorite series have strong females (detectives, lawyers, etc) where the book mostly follows a case they are working, with a little side of their personal life woven in. That works. This isn't the scenario here though).
THIS story primarily revolves around the MC's love issues that she never shuts up about. Girl, FOCUS on the bad guy and your mission. The story also moved rather slowly, mostly because the MC has to do so much thinking about her feelings and repeating to herself why she must hide her feelings. She is annoying and exhausting and doesn't feel like a bad ass I want to hang with.
Then there was also the token sex scene which was not only too graphic and descriptive (VOMIT) it went on and on and on IT WAS AN ENTIRE LONG CHAPTER and even though I skipped and skipped it was carrying over again into the next chapter. There wasn't even a proper lead up with appropriate tension as one expects in the romance formula.
The writing was also really poor, even in the audio I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the lines uttered, for example "My sister deserved better than to meet a monster like you." My 12yo niece says things more... colorful. I also found the male characters rather unbelievable. They felt very "written by a woman" though it could be that the narrator wasn't very good at males/male voices. The "bad guy" sounded like the Bunny character in The Secret History which was equally grating.
DNF at 93% because I couldn't torture myself any further.
SUMMARY: 28? yo Dylan is a for-hire vigilante. She's motivated because of something that happened with her older sister who she doesn't speak to anymore. Anyway, women in the bay area who have been harmed by men hire Dylan to exact revenge for them. Dylan doesn't kill them; rather she causes destruction in their lives. Dylan's only/best friend (and love interest) is a billionaire blue blood hacker. She has to grapple with her feelings for him on every other page. A reporter also figures out who she is and wants to do a story on her but she convinces him to team up with her on another story involving her latest target. PLUS this new target is the biggest one yet because it goes after the very guy who also assaulted her sister a decade (?) ago.
Dylan poses as Delilah, the new neighbor to target Brent, a millionaire/billionaire with a new drug company that also routinely assaults and rapes women. She wants to expose Brent and does things like put benedryl in his wife so he passes out and she can snoop for files because bad guys always keep a treasure of evidence on a zip drive in their home office. The end. (I swear none of this is a spoiler).
Lastly, imho the cover makes no sense and doesn't evoke what the story is about. Thanks netgalley for my ARC ALC.
August 24, 2023
4.5 stars
I loves me some revenge! Romantasy (romance + fantasy) is the big genre right now, but I've never read a thriller + romance, and this book blended the two genres so perfectly!
I had a few minor issues with the plot, specifically the behaviour and choices of some of the characters that seemed off/unlikely, but overlooking that - wow!! And for a debut novel - double wow!!
I loves me some revenge! Romantasy (romance + fantasy) is the big genre right now, but I've never read a thriller + romance, and this book blended the two genres so perfectly!
I had a few minor issues with the plot, specifically the behaviour and choices of some of the characters that seemed off/unlikely, but overlooking that - wow!! And for a debut novel - double wow!!
October 6, 2023
Close Enough to Hurt
By: Katherine A. Olson
5🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
Dylan has a unique job where having a family is not in the cards. She has clients that want the ultimate revenge. She works along with her sidekick Haas who is a computer wizard by day and works for her ever other waking hour.
🔪
One day she is offered a client who was fired from a company because she knew too much about the CEO and it becomes personal for Dylan. Turns out the CEO did something to Dylan’s sister Gabrielle in their past.
🔪
Dylan decides to get personal
Involved to take down this powerful man. Can she take him down before he knows what is happening?
🔪
Hard to believe this was a debut! This novel was so fast-paced, juicy and the cat and mouse games were well-played to one combustible conclusion! I cannot wait to read this authors next novel. Thank you Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for letting us know about this novel. If you love thrillers, I HIGHLY recommend this one. This is October 10 by Crooked Lane Books.
#closeenoughtohurt, #katherineaolson, #crookedlanebooks, #thriller, #thrillerbookloverspromotions, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #bookreview, #stamperlady50
By: Katherine A. Olson
5🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
Dylan has a unique job where having a family is not in the cards. She has clients that want the ultimate revenge. She works along with her sidekick Haas who is a computer wizard by day and works for her ever other waking hour.
🔪
One day she is offered a client who was fired from a company because she knew too much about the CEO and it becomes personal for Dylan. Turns out the CEO did something to Dylan’s sister Gabrielle in their past.
🔪
Dylan decides to get personal
Involved to take down this powerful man. Can she take him down before he knows what is happening?
🔪
Hard to believe this was a debut! This novel was so fast-paced, juicy and the cat and mouse games were well-played to one combustible conclusion! I cannot wait to read this authors next novel. Thank you Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for letting us know about this novel. If you love thrillers, I HIGHLY recommend this one. This is October 10 by Crooked Lane Books.
#closeenoughtohurt, #katherineaolson, #crookedlanebooks, #thriller, #thrillerbookloverspromotions, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #bookreview, #stamperlady50
November 13, 2023
Close Enough to Hurt was a pretty good revenge novel. I liked the idea of a mysterious, incognito woman taking on jobs to plot out revenge against a rich, overly powerful, crazy person. She was overly invested in her latest "hit" because her sister is a former victim of his abuse.
There was a 80/20 mix of romance to suspense/thriller. The romance aspect was ok, but I just wanted more suspense/thriller. Dylan was so smitten with Daniel, but I didn’t really learn much about him, and his role as Dylan’s hacker/partner in crime. The thriller action really didn't kick in until around the last 20% of the book.
For Dylan to be such an expert at contract work, her current job just seemed a bit sloppy. Why would she try to put something in someone's drink where others could notice? Why was she moving so aimlessly in his home without a plan? She just moved like an amateur in my opinion. The ending had a pretty good action scene, even though it took a while to get to it.
The narration was pretty dry. I could barely get through the sections where the narrator acted out the male voices. She didn't even try to do a genuine job, she just kinda sloshed the words around (as if her tongue was hanging out her mouth while blowing raspberries) which really ruined the audiobook in my opinion.
Overall, this was an ok read. I’d recommend it for romance lovers who like a pinch of suspense!!
There was a 80/20 mix of romance to suspense/thriller. The romance aspect was ok, but I just wanted more suspense/thriller. Dylan was so smitten with Daniel, but I didn’t really learn much about him, and his role as Dylan’s hacker/partner in crime. The thriller action really didn't kick in until around the last 20% of the book.
For Dylan to be such an expert at contract work, her current job just seemed a bit sloppy. Why would she try to put something in someone's drink where others could notice? Why was she moving so aimlessly in his home without a plan? She just moved like an amateur in my opinion. The ending had a pretty good action scene, even though it took a while to get to it.
The narration was pretty dry. I could barely get through the sections where the narrator acted out the male voices. She didn't even try to do a genuine job, she just kinda sloshed the words around (as if her tongue was hanging out her mouth while blowing raspberries) which really ruined the audiobook in my opinion.
Overall, this was an ok read. I’d recommend it for romance lovers who like a pinch of suspense!!
November 18, 2023
I went into this blind, so based on the cover, I was expecting a psychological thriller. What I didn’t expect was a spicy, swoonworthy subplot, and a new book boyfriend. Whew! Talk about a dreamy male main character. I also loved Dylan’s spikes and heart- what a badass.
I listened to this on audio, but I don’t think I would recommend reading it that way. The narrator’s voices can be very grating and distracting. I would read this one in paper form. So good!
Thank you to Libro FM for a complementary advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
I listened to this on audio, but I don’t think I would recommend reading it that way. The narrator’s voices can be very grating and distracting. I would read this one in paper form. So good!
Thank you to Libro FM for a complementary advance copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2023
This book is more romance with a streak of vengeance than a thriller. Still a good read though.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
September 30, 2023
This is a great debut! I would categorize it as a romantic suspense novel. I loved the banter between Dylan (Lady Justice) and Daniel (the PI). I would’ve liked to hear more between her and her target. Overall, it was a good read and the audiobook was done well.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 27, 2023
*ALC provided in exchange of an honest review*
Okay, when I first started reading this book I really thought I was going to love it. It's a badass female who loves to get revenge on those that did her clients wrong. What's not to love? I knew based on the synopsis that she had a crush on her coworker, however I didn't realize the book was going to lose the entire revenge plot in the middle of the story, turn into a love story, then throw a tiny bit of revenge in at the end. It kind of sent my head spinning like the author forgot that the main part of the story was supposed to be the justice she was getting for her sister. The last half lost me and that makes me sad because I really was into the book in the beginning.
The audio was fantastic. Emma Love always does a phenomenal job, so I think this was a great choice.
I will definitely give Ms. Olson a chance again in the future! Thank you, Katherine Olson, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.
Okay, when I first started reading this book I really thought I was going to love it. It's a badass female who loves to get revenge on those that did her clients wrong. What's not to love? I knew based on the synopsis that she had a crush on her coworker, however I didn't realize the book was going to lose the entire revenge plot in the middle of the story, turn into a love story, then throw a tiny bit of revenge in at the end. It kind of sent my head spinning like the author forgot that the main part of the story was supposed to be the justice she was getting for her sister. The last half lost me and that makes me sad because I really was into the book in the beginning.
The audio was fantastic. Emma Love always does a phenomenal job, so I think this was a great choice.
I will definitely give Ms. Olson a chance again in the future! Thank you, Katherine Olson, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.
September 22, 2023
*Audiobook
3.75 rounded up to 4
Dylan Truman is a baddie to the max, she’s relentless in her quest to serve up justice to those who evade it so expertly. There’s a reason she’s known as “Lady Justice.” She’s not heartless, just appropriately ruthless. She’s an entrepreneur, has her own business called Dark Horse Consulting….you definitely don’t want to be in her sights. She doesn’t advertise and works solely on referrals.
I loved her sidekick, Daniel. Daniel is a PI who met Dylan early on in her career and earned her trust. Did Dylan make a mistake in trusting him?
Then there is Brent…𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗦. Brent assaulted Dylan’s sister and is the reason she has been hell bent on revenge in the first place. The problem with this slime ball is…he’s smart and has resources. He is legit the worst. Made me cringe the entire book. When the narrator was speaking as Brent she sounded like Squidward from SpongeBob 🤣😂🤣.
I loved the San Francisco setting and the reference to Point Bonita (it is gorgeous) but Dylan is right those waters can be treacherous.
The beginning had me hooked immediately. The revenge angle was perfectly executed!!! Unfortunately, I didn’t think the author capitalized plot point enough. She did it so well and I didn’t think we got enough of that. I was a little disappointed that the book took more of a romantic turn. I think sometimes with a debut, an author can try to do a little too much. I think if the story focused more on revenge with some subtle romance vibes / sexual tension, I would’ve liked it more and it would’ve felt like a more natural progression of the relationship. Towards the end I started losing interest a little and Dan’s character (despite how I liked his loyalty and his heart) fell a little flat for me.
I’m looking forward to checking out more books by this author and hope that she delves more into her thriller side or a follow up revenge book because I def need more of that!
3.75 rounded up to 4
Dylan Truman is a baddie to the max, she’s relentless in her quest to serve up justice to those who evade it so expertly. There’s a reason she’s known as “Lady Justice.” She’s not heartless, just appropriately ruthless. She’s an entrepreneur, has her own business called Dark Horse Consulting….you definitely don’t want to be in her sights. She doesn’t advertise and works solely on referrals.
I loved her sidekick, Daniel. Daniel is a PI who met Dylan early on in her career and earned her trust. Did Dylan make a mistake in trusting him?
Then there is Brent…𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗦. Brent assaulted Dylan’s sister and is the reason she has been hell bent on revenge in the first place. The problem with this slime ball is…he’s smart and has resources. He is legit the worst. Made me cringe the entire book. When the narrator was speaking as Brent she sounded like Squidward from SpongeBob 🤣😂🤣.
I loved the San Francisco setting and the reference to Point Bonita (it is gorgeous) but Dylan is right those waters can be treacherous.
The beginning had me hooked immediately. The revenge angle was perfectly executed!!! Unfortunately, I didn’t think the author capitalized plot point enough. She did it so well and I didn’t think we got enough of that. I was a little disappointed that the book took more of a romantic turn. I think sometimes with a debut, an author can try to do a little too much. I think if the story focused more on revenge with some subtle romance vibes / sexual tension, I would’ve liked it more and it would’ve felt like a more natural progression of the relationship. Towards the end I started losing interest a little and Dan’s character (despite how I liked his loyalty and his heart) fell a little flat for me.
I’m looking forward to checking out more books by this author and hope that she delves more into her thriller side or a follow up revenge book because I def need more of that!
October 9, 2023
Dylan Chambers, aka Lady Justice, is the woman you call when you’re seeking revenge for hire. Dylan operates in the shadows, meting out retribution on behalf of her mostly female clientele. But when a new client seeks her out to take down pharmaceutical magnate Brent Wilder, the case hits too close to home. Dylan goes deep undercover and will stop at nothing to exact justice for her client and her own sister.
Helping Dylan is hacker extraordinaire and swoon-worthy bestie Daniel Haas. When Daniel drops a bomb on Dylan that he wants to find a wife and quit the business, Dylan has to come to grips with her true feelings for Daniel, all while engaging in an increasingly dangerous take-down scheme.
Close Enough to Hurt is so good that I was shocked to realize it was a debut novel! Dylan is the most appealing FMC I’ve come across in quite awhile, morally grey and a total bad ass but also awkward and funny and vulnerable. You’ll totally be rooting for her to serve up some karma to Brent Wilder. The setting is also outstanding, taking place in Dylan’s home in the houseboat community in Sausalito, California, as well as the posh wealthy enclave of Pacific Heights where Dylan poses as Brent’s bombshell next door neighbor. The pacing is perfect, seamlessly weaving the sexy friends-to-lovers romance throughout the twisty revenge thriller, with pulse-pounding moments on both fronts.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for providing me an advance copy of this book.
Helping Dylan is hacker extraordinaire and swoon-worthy bestie Daniel Haas. When Daniel drops a bomb on Dylan that he wants to find a wife and quit the business, Dylan has to come to grips with her true feelings for Daniel, all while engaging in an increasingly dangerous take-down scheme.
Close Enough to Hurt is so good that I was shocked to realize it was a debut novel! Dylan is the most appealing FMC I’ve come across in quite awhile, morally grey and a total bad ass but also awkward and funny and vulnerable. You’ll totally be rooting for her to serve up some karma to Brent Wilder. The setting is also outstanding, taking place in Dylan’s home in the houseboat community in Sausalito, California, as well as the posh wealthy enclave of Pacific Heights where Dylan poses as Brent’s bombshell next door neighbor. The pacing is perfect, seamlessly weaving the sexy friends-to-lovers romance throughout the twisty revenge thriller, with pulse-pounding moments on both fronts.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for providing me an advance copy of this book.
September 24, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book!
Dylan is a modern day revenge artist. She takes clients by word of mouth only since her business isn't exactly legal. She will thoroughly destroy the life of someone who deserves it. Dylan enjoys her life and her job but there's a dark reason that she does this work. When the man who is responsible for hurting her sister falls into her lap, she quickly becomes obsessed with trying to take him down. This job may unravel her entire life, but she's ready to make that sacrifice if she has to. She's gotten quite good at not having relationships anyway...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I just wanted more!!! I want more of this storyline, more of the characters, and definitely more revenge! I really loved the characters and how well they are formed. The writing is fantastic. I loved the way this story unraveled. It was done I'm a very good way. A little slow to start, but it soon picks up!! If there was a series about these characters I would be too happy!!
Dylan is a modern day revenge artist. She takes clients by word of mouth only since her business isn't exactly legal. She will thoroughly destroy the life of someone who deserves it. Dylan enjoys her life and her job but there's a dark reason that she does this work. When the man who is responsible for hurting her sister falls into her lap, she quickly becomes obsessed with trying to take him down. This job may unravel her entire life, but she's ready to make that sacrifice if she has to. She's gotten quite good at not having relationships anyway...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I just wanted more!!! I want more of this storyline, more of the characters, and definitely more revenge! I really loved the characters and how well they are formed. The writing is fantastic. I loved the way this story unraveled. It was done I'm a very good way. A little slow to start, but it soon picks up!! If there was a series about these characters I would be too happy!!
March 14, 2023
Wow! What an amazing novel!
Close Enough to Hurt follows Dylan, aka Lady Justice, as she gets revenge for her scorned clients. When it turns personal, her life gets complicated and the suspense heats up!
I have to admit, I didn’t love the cover of this book so I was questioning if I would even like the story. Also, after reading the description I wasn’t sure this story was for me. I am SO GLAD I didn’t trust my own judgments and dove in head first!
Katherine A. Olson has quickly become one of my new favorite authors with this novel. It is so well written and perfectly executed!
If you like fast-paced, suspenseful, great character arcs, and shorter chapters (like me) you will LOVE this book!
What I also liked was that this book was very indicative of the times we are in. The author was inclusive of all types of people and I feel like that is certainly lacking in today’s novels.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Close Enough to Hurt follows Dylan, aka Lady Justice, as she gets revenge for her scorned clients. When it turns personal, her life gets complicated and the suspense heats up!
I have to admit, I didn’t love the cover of this book so I was questioning if I would even like the story. Also, after reading the description I wasn’t sure this story was for me. I am SO GLAD I didn’t trust my own judgments and dove in head first!
Katherine A. Olson has quickly become one of my new favorite authors with this novel. It is so well written and perfectly executed!
If you like fast-paced, suspenseful, great character arcs, and shorter chapters (like me) you will LOVE this book!
What I also liked was that this book was very indicative of the times we are in. The author was inclusive of all types of people and I feel like that is certainly lacking in today’s novels.
A big thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this ARC!
November 1, 2023
This is a stunningly satisfying revenge thriller against terrible men, but the real star is the romance!
I read genre romance all day and can’t remember the last time a hero just GRABBED me like Daniel Haas did from page 1. He puts me in mind of Michael from the Kiss Quotient, all very masculine well dressed elegance crossed with serious hacker brilliance and casual martial arts chops. I love how he’s the perfect omega male best friend/action hero sidekick to the knife-wielding heroine, never distrusting her abilities but always having her back. Also, the sexy times in this? Let’s just say the steam blew the top off the teakettle!
The revenge climax to this book had me CHORTLING with glee to see the very hatable antagonist get what was coming to him. I got goosebumps 3x! Also, ladies who love a revenge thriller but worry it might get too rapey? This one’s not too triggery.
This author needs to publish a thousand books, if they’re all going to be THIS fun to read.
I read genre romance all day and can’t remember the last time a hero just GRABBED me like Daniel Haas did from page 1. He puts me in mind of Michael from the Kiss Quotient, all very masculine well dressed elegance crossed with serious hacker brilliance and casual martial arts chops. I love how he’s the perfect omega male best friend/action hero sidekick to the knife-wielding heroine, never distrusting her abilities but always having her back. Also, the sexy times in this? Let’s just say the steam blew the top off the teakettle!
The revenge climax to this book had me CHORTLING with glee to see the very hatable antagonist get what was coming to him. I got goosebumps 3x! Also, ladies who love a revenge thriller but worry it might get too rapey? This one’s not too triggery.
This author needs to publish a thousand books, if they’re all going to be THIS fun to read.
August 8, 2023
Dylan rights the wrongs done to others. When her new client asks her to go after the one man that violently hurt her sister, there was no way she would say no.
This book is one of those that check two boxes for me: thriller AND some spice. I liked Dylan and her life’s mission. She’s cunning and unnerving in her ability to get revenge. There is also a romance aspect to the book, although it’s already set up at the beginning so it’s more of succumbing to desires than falling.
The pacing was quick and nothing is really drawn out. But, I was missing something. There weren’t any twists and turns like I was expecting and the ending felt a little bland.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. My reviews are always honest.
This book is one of those that check two boxes for me: thriller AND some spice. I liked Dylan and her life’s mission. She’s cunning and unnerving in her ability to get revenge. There is also a romance aspect to the book, although it’s already set up at the beginning so it’s more of succumbing to desires than falling.
The pacing was quick and nothing is really drawn out. But, I was missing something. There weren’t any twists and turns like I was expecting and the ending felt a little bland.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. My reviews are always honest.
October 18, 2023
Oh my... What a refreshing read! A dastardly villain, a steamy love story and a happily-ever-after... What's not to love?
I really enjoyed Dylan, even though here were a few times I wanted to shake her. Daniel, well, what can I say? He's a keeper, that's for sure. Together, they are a bit of Bond mixed with a hefty helping of Joanna Lindsay (with the volume turned ALL the way up!).
Close Enough to Hurt was something different from the usual thriller. It's fresh, racy and it kept me hooked right from the beginning. This is my first Katherine Olson, but won't be my last.
4 sparkling stars!
I really enjoyed Dylan, even though here were a few times I wanted to shake her. Daniel, well, what can I say? He's a keeper, that's for sure. Together, they are a bit of Bond mixed with a hefty helping of Joanna Lindsay (with the volume turned ALL the way up!).
Close Enough to Hurt was something different from the usual thriller. It's fresh, racy and it kept me hooked right from the beginning. This is my first Katherine Olson, but won't be my last.
4 sparkling stars!
October 22, 2023
Narrated by Emma Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
by Katherine A. Olson ⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely L O V E vigilante plots/characters so the beginning of this book had me so excited. But unfortunately this story at its core is a love story with Brent and his take down more or a side story line. In my opinion this whole Brent section was very easy, surface and disappointing. I wish more time and effort when into this part.
by Katherine A. Olson ⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely L O V E vigilante plots/characters so the beginning of this book had me so excited. But unfortunately this story at its core is a love story with Brent and his take down more or a side story line. In my opinion this whole Brent section was very easy, surface and disappointing. I wish more time and effort when into this part.
April 9, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free e-copy of this thriller.
Dylan Truman's business is revenge-for-hire and she's very good at it. A new client hires her to investigate Brent Wilder and make him pay for his fraud. Since he also assaulted Dylan's sister in their college days and got away with it, Dylan is totally in on this case.
Her usual partner in crime wants to get out of the business, get married, start a family and be done with his almost-criminal activities. This is a wrinkle Dylan had not expected. She'd had a big crush on him for years and wasn't keen on seeing him married to someone else.
Dylan moves into the condo next to Brent and plays him like a fiddle. You'll have to read this book to find out how, but some of her ways are absolutely masterful.
I liked the book, but did find a couple of nitpicky things that made it score 4 stars instead of 5.
The fight scene at the end didn't resonate with me. It seemed too short and too obvious who would win. Also the back and forth between Dylan and her sometimes partner grew tedious.
I do totally recommend the book and I hope I get to read many more of Olson's works.
Dylan Truman's business is revenge-for-hire and she's very good at it. A new client hires her to investigate Brent Wilder and make him pay for his fraud. Since he also assaulted Dylan's sister in their college days and got away with it, Dylan is totally in on this case.
Her usual partner in crime wants to get out of the business, get married, start a family and be done with his almost-criminal activities. This is a wrinkle Dylan had not expected. She'd had a big crush on him for years and wasn't keen on seeing him married to someone else.
Dylan moves into the condo next to Brent and plays him like a fiddle. You'll have to read this book to find out how, but some of her ways are absolutely masterful.
I liked the book, but did find a couple of nitpicky things that made it score 4 stars instead of 5.
The fight scene at the end didn't resonate with me. It seemed too short and too obvious who would win. Also the back and forth between Dylan and her sometimes partner grew tedious.
I do totally recommend the book and I hope I get to read many more of Olson's works.
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