Review also posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend.com/

You Can Run, But You Most Certainly Can’t Hide! 

Mercy Callahan escaped a cult years ago. Unfortunately for her, the trauma remains. If only that was the worst of it. Now, Ephraim Burton, the leader of the cult is on the hunt, he wants Mercy back and he intends to get her by any means necessary.

Reunited with her brother Gideon and the Sokolov family who took Gideon in as their own, when he escaped the cult, Mercy finds something she didn’t expect an attraction to Rafe Sokolov, Gideon’s best friend and the man who saved her life a few months prior. Though Mercy wants nothing more than to take down Ephraim, she also wants more from life.  

“Say No More” is an extremely suspenseful storyline with a myriad of characters that centered around family. Truth be told, that’s what I enjoyed most about this book: Family. For me, the Sokolovs were the highlight - how they always took care of their own and everyone else, regardless of the danger involved.  

“Say No More” by Karen Rose is the sequel to “Say You’re Sorry” involving Mercy and her brother Gideon (who was the main character in “Say You’re Sorry.”).  This novel is characterized as a romantic suspense, though thankfully this book was lighter on the romance than its predecessor, which is something I appreciated.  While I personally enjoyed “Say You’re Sorry” a tad more than the sequel, I enjoyed this and think fans of the series will too! 3.5 stars

This was yet another buddy read with Kaceey!

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc.

Published on Goodreads on 2.7.21.

Devoted fans of romantic-suspense writer Karen Rose will love this latest addition to her series.

With the help of her mother, Mercy Callahan escaped a dangerous cult years ago. Now she returns to California to patch things up with her brother Gideon and his friend Rafe.

And just like clock-work, the past seems to be catching up with her. To be specific, her “betrothed” from the cult has no intention of just let her walk away.

Full of action and of course romance, Karen Rose fills in all the necessary background you’ll need should you choose to jump into this series at this point.

Though it’s lengthy at well over 500 pages, no worries… the pace is fast and the pages fly by.

Already looking forward to reading more from this author!

A buddy read with Susanne!

Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

Apparently this book picks up where a previous book (that I have not read) leaves off. I had a hard time connecting to this book. I didn't like any of the characters- some were just absolutely intolerable.  This may be a must-read for others, but just was not my cup of tea.

I enjoyed the previous book in this series, but I kind of struggled to get into Say No More. Karen Rose's romantic suspense can be a little long, but they're usually very engaging reads. I think at the time I read this one I wasn't really in the mood for a longer book, I ended up pausing at 20%. I am planning to return to this one when I'm in the mood for romantic suspense!

Well written characters in a well written book with an interesting story that pulls you in from the beginning. With action and a side of romance. My first read from this author and as it’s the 2nd book in the series I’ll be going back to read the first too. All in all a good read I love a good mystery/suspense/thriller kind of book.

This is the much anticipated follow up to “Say You’re Sorry”. Because this is a trilogy, it’s necessary to read “Say You’re Sorry” before this book in order to understand and follow the overarching plot. That said, I read the first book years ago before it was released, and my memories of what had happened were hazy.  Karen Rose does an excellent job of explaining what had happened in the first book without it feeling like too much of an info dump.

There are several character perspectives in this book, which is one of the things that makes Karen Rose’s romantic suspense novels so darn compelling. We get Mercy and Rafe’s POVs, but we also get an additional three. We get to follow Mercy’s “husband” from the cult who is tracking her down and leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. There’s the point of view of a teenage reporter who is convinced that Mercy’s story needs to be told and that he’s the one who needs to tell it. And then, there’s the point of view of a Mercy and Gideon’s stepfather--who’s still in the cult, but he is beginning to realize that it isn’t the safe haven he’d thought it was, and he’s realized that he needs to get his daughter out--before it’s too late.

This book is compelling, and so much more than just a romance.  This is a make or break it for Karen Rose’s books. Sure, there’s a romance, but it’s on the sidelines from the action.  If you want the focus to be on Mercy and Rafe’s budding relationship, then this isn’t quite the book for you. Sure, we get that in the book, but there is so much more going on.  

The story is thrilling and has a few twists along the way, though there aren’t any major surprises in the plot. That said, I’m very eager for the final instalment in the trilogy, because it isn’t entirely clear what will happen next. (I also have absolutely no idea who the couple will be! This is driving me nuts. In the first book, it was obvious that Mercy would be getting together with Rafe. For the third book, I can’t even pinpoint who one half of the couple will be.)

I do have one complaint about this book, which is the same complaint that I had in the first one in this trilogy. I recently read an older book by her (“You Can’t Hide”), and it was thrilling from cover to cover. In this trilogy, I’ve noticed that there is a lot of talking, exposition, and quite frankly, repetition. Even in the action scenes, it feels like they need to be heavily edited down for pacing. This 630 page book could have easily been only 500 pages, maybe even 400.  Even some of the thrilling scenes--like when we’re following Ephraim as he tracks Mercy and kills people that get in his way (and even some people who are just around, minding their own business. Ephraim’s a monster!), I felt that some of these scenes started to feel repetitive. He’s killing, I got it. 

That said, Karen Rose has created another fabulous book to get lost in, filled with dynamic side character and intriguing subplots that make her romantic suspense novels more complex and rewarding than most. 

*This review will be posted to https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/ and other platforms on November 4, 2020*

Pretty meh

I would like to thank Karen Rose, Berkley, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I used to adore Karen Rose’s books and eagerly awaited new ones, but I was not eager to read this book and had a hard time getting into it. Either Rose’s writing is getting boring, or my taste in books is changing. Possibly both. I didn’t find the first book set in Sacramento all that enthralling, and of late Rose’s characters have been bland, indistinctive, overly emotional, and way too concerned with being woke and nondiscriminatory. Plus, her plots are becoming a tad formulaic. *yawn* Rose is still a vastly talented writer, but she needs to inject her stories with personality. Give the characters unique traits—not growing up in a cult or being part of a large family; I mean relatable things, like funny, quirky, quippy, irreverent personalities or distinctive mannerisms, something that entertains, endears, and individualizes. And maybe give the plots some different elements or twists.

Also, of all the authors I read, she has to be the one who uses direct first-person thoughts the most. You know, the italicized thoughts? Their merit is debatable, and I understand if some readers like them because direct thoughts get them inside characters’ heads better, but I feel more and more that they’re a sign of bad or lazy writing: You shouldn’t have to switch perspectives to get a point across, and I’ve noticed they sometimes serve as phantom dialogue in a passage that has too much “telling”—meaning, they’re an interaction cheat. So that’s another thing turning me off her books.

Her next novel, Say Goodbye, is due out next year, probably in February if she holds to pattern, and features Tom Hunter and Liza Barkley. It will no doubt include cameos of characters from her earliest books set in Chicago, since Tom’s parents were the hero and heroine of Rose’s first book, Don’t Tell. Honestly, I’m not sure how excited I am for this book. It would be nice to wrap up the Eden plot and see those disgusting pervs taken down, but I have no interest in spending time with Tom; just from the brief glimpses we’ve had of him during these first two Sacramento books, I don’t find him at all compelling. He’s a former and apparently legendary NBA player, an upstanding citizen and dedicated FBI agent, and a tech genius. And a choice physical specimen, of course. Sounds like a Gary Stu to me, and I have no desire to read about a guy who is his own ex machina. I hope he has severe IBS or something to humanize him.

Lastly—why does the woman on the cover look like she’s underwater? As far as I recall, the only water involved in the story was used in the bathroom. That cover image is another thing that turned me off this book—it’s driven me nuts ever since it was revealed months ago. It looks so weird to me, and now that I know there’s no reason for the woman to be underwater, it irritates me that much more. Just—why?

Overall, this book was just okay with its predictable if interesting plot, flavorless characters, and irrelevant cover, and I’m not too enthused about Rose’s future work, which breaks my heart a little.

I have chosen not to give feedback on this title, which is probably pretty obvious as it was released almost 3 months ago.  

My apologies for the delay.  I don't want to rate/review titles that don't work for me when they are close to release or available on NetGalley, but it seems I forgot to go back and update the DNF status.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read and review.

Laura

Mercy Callahan escaped the cult and Ephraim Burton seventeen years ago, but the abuse and horrors suffered at Eden continue to plague her. After her brother, Gideon, uncovers new information about the cult and its location, Mercy travels to Sacramento in hopes of restoring her relationship with him and helping find the ones who destroyed their childhood.

When Ephraim learns that Mercy, whom he thought dead, is still very much alive and aiding the FBI’s investigation, he’ll do whatever it takes to return her to Eden even if it means killing her and everyone who stands between them.

Homicide detective Rafe Sokolov’s instincts are to protect, but when it comes to his best friend’s younger sister, more than just instincts drive him. Mercy might not be ready to let him in, but for now he can make sure the cult can’t finish what they attempted almost two decades ago.

Say No More delivers an intense, suspenseful ride. Karen Rose utilizes constant action rather than mystery to hook her audience. Readers know from the beginning the identity of the culprit and follow Ephraim as he hunts Mercy, making this less of a who-dun-it novel than a how will they stop him.

The novel did feel a bit on the long side at times (544 pages). Numerous scenes included the group sitting around while Mercy recounted the horrors lived at the hands of the cult. Some of it could have been condensed or combined. However, as soon as I found myself starting to skim, the author would follow with a chase, shooting, or other action scene that once more had me flipping pages.   

While I know it’s typical of this type of novel, every character seemed to have stepped out of GQ or Vogue. I would have liked characters that were a little less modelesque and a bit more relatable.

The second book in the Sacramento series, Say No More easily stands alone. I had no trouble following the story and characters once it got started. That being said, I did wish I’d read Say You’re Sorry first so that I would have had a deeper knowledge of some of the characters and where they were coming from.

Say No More should definitely stay within its intended audience as it deals with heavy topics. It also includes strong language and some bedroom scenes. There is no way around the former, but the latter can easily be skipped without missing anything. Readers should be aware of some potential triggers such as physical and sexual abuse — including to minors.

Another Karen Rose book, another 5-star read! 

My first Karen Rose book was the first book of this series, the Sacramento series, and this was book #2 so I was SOOO excited when I learned it was coming out! This book did not disappoint at all, and that’s saying a lot since there’s like 600 pages in this book, but I devoured it! 

This is a romantic suspense novel, and let’s just say that it was steamy!!!! Which I’m all about! I already loved the character from book #1 but really loved this book because it dug deeper into Mercy’s and Gideon’s past. In addition, I feel like we get to know the Sokolov better as well! Excellent book! Couldn’t put it down and amazing ending! I cannot wait for the third book in the series! 

Also, I am making it my mission to read all of Karen Rose’s book! So stay tuned! If you haven’t read anything from her, please just pick one up! They are by far my favorite books!

Say No More by Karen Rose is the second installment to the Sacramento Series. I was in love the instant I started to read this. It begins with a mother trying to provide for her kids but failing on an epic scale. She would come home beaten and with no food for her two kids. The son was old enough to understand and his sister was too young. Their mom takes them with her to what she had hoped to be their ticket to a better life. Instead, it was worse than the one they had before it. A nightmare that still haunts the kids, now grown adults. The evil men behind the killing of their mom and their tortures from their youth are set on killing them to bury the secret of their group. But all hell breaks loose.

Many die...but the chances of survival for the siblings and those they love are worth the risks. They have to end this nightmare before it is too late. I was sucked deep into this story. Karen Rose created another brilliant masterpiece. A suspense thriller that had me on the edge and in suspense but also in love with the blossoming romance between two of the characters. The ending was just as powerfully woven as the rest of the book. I cannot wait for the next read in this hot new series!

I enjoy this series and always love the way Karen Rose creates a world with so many characters without ever feeling overwhelmed. I love the ongoing themes of family and found family and continuing to see characters I know grow and change. 

However this wasn’t my favorite in the series - there were times it felt a little drawn out for me and that it could have been trimmed. 

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.

SAY NO MORE is the second book in Karen Rose's Sacramento series and it is starting around six weeks after SAY YOU’RE SORRY. 

17 years ago Mercy escaped the “Eden Cult”. The escape has costed her mother her life. Ephraim, her “husband”, which marry has to married off at the age of twelve was told she has died while escaping. But Ephraim discovered due to the events which are happening in SAY YOU’RE SORRY that she is alive and that he was lied to.
Mercy returned to Sacramento. She wants to see if there is more between her and homicide detective Rafe and to apologize to her brother Gideon for running away after being saved from a serial killer. While at the airport, Ephraim, her “husband” tried to abduct her. Mercy and Rafe are determined to find and uncover the cult’s secrets as Ephraim leaves a trail of dead bodies. He has only one intent and he is willing to do anything to take Mercy back to the “Eden” alive. Because he wants the cult’s money and that is handled by the one who told him Mercy was dead. So he needs to proof to the cult that one of their elders is at fault and needs to be punished so Ephraims way to the resources is free.


I have read the first book of the Sacramento series SAY YOU’RE SORRY one and a half years before SAY NO MORE was published. Therefore I had some troubles remembering what happened because SAY NO MORE picks right off where SAY YOU'RE SORRY left off. I needed to stop in the middle of the first chapter, picked up SAY YOU’RE SORRY and reread the book. With this background information it was easy to get into the story of SAY NO MORE. I would suggest to (re-)read the first book before. 
I am not a religious person therefore I have no understanding nor sympathy about the whole cult culture. I guess that is understandable that the storyline of a cult is not one of my favourite plots. It was very hard for me to understand why someone is willing to give everything up to a group, is restricted by (old-fashioned) rules and especially by get married of to someone you don’t want to marry just because the leader decided it. Karen Rose really tried to explain reasons behind the whys of people joining and staying in the cult but I still could not get it. But I guess that is just me.

As always with the author there were many deaths during the exciting chase. Which I really love. Unfortunately this time Karen Rose overdid it with the drama in this book. A little less would have been better and kept the plot more lively.

When I started this book, I really couldn’t get into it. I was having a hard time connecting or sympathizing with the heroine, and I know that’s a deal-breaker for me. So I put my ebook down for a few days and then picked up the audiobook. Thank goodness I gave this book a second chance because the narration was excellent; the whole story came alive for me, including the tough-to-love heroine.

Is there anything better than romantic suspense novels dealing with cult elements? Is that weird to say? There is something incredibly fascinating and creepy about cults. The cult our heroine Mercy Callahan escaped was first introduced in SAY YOU’RE SORRY, her brother’s book. This book dives even deeper with the corrupt and sociopathic leaders coming into play.

I’ve always said that Karen Rose writes the perfect books if you want a really in-depth suspense plot balances with an equally interesting and intense romance plot. The length of her books (usually 500+ pages) allows her to dive deep into the psyche of all her characters, both good and bad. The romance between our hero Rafe Sokolov and Mercy took a little bit of a back seat in this one, and if I hadn’t read SAY YOU’RE SORRY, I might not have believed in them as a couple. Luckily the secondary characters and plot were fantastic. No spoilers, but there are two people I was rooting for even more than Rafe and Mercy (not in a romance way though).

Overall, the book explored found family and the people who are there for you through thick and thin. The friendships and fast-paced moments kept my adrenaline pumping and my heart warm. The romance plot could have grabbed me more, but Rafe was pretty swoony, so I will let that part slide.

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Say No More 
Sacramento Series #2
By: Karen Rose


REVIEW ☆☆☆☆

Say No More is part of Karen Rose's Sacramento Series and is the follow up to Say You're Sorry. While you could read this book as a standalone, reading the series would give you a much better sense of the overall picture and character development. Also of note, Say No More is dark and potentially disturbing/triggering at times. Read at your discretion. 

If Karen Rose was aiming to get my attention, she did from the first page. I tend to lose track of time when I'm reading, and that was the case here. I think this story is more romance than suspense and action. There is the building of a relationship between Mercy and Rafe, and some steamy moments, that take time. I, however, would have liked more suspense and action in relation to Eden instead of romance. Mercy is psychologically damaged, but at least she wants and pursues justice, rather than cowering like some characters do. 

It's a sad fact that places like Eden actually exist. Men masquerading as God and taking advantage of culpability and children is nothing but evil. This fictional story shines a light on a very real thing. Karen Rose brings Eden to her readers with a sharp, raw and unflinching style that is very in your face. This is why the story is completely absorbing and consuming-you just can't look away for a moment. 

What's next? I hope for an unraveling of the whole thing and solid answers for resolution. And, perhaps some peace for these tormented characters. Stay tuned for the next book!

Say No More by Karen Rose is the second in the Sacramento romantic suspense series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Berkley Publishing, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.  Note that the delay in my review was the fact that NetGalley did not mention that this was part of a series, so I had to locate and read the first book prior to attempting this one.


Series Information:

Gideon and his sister Mercy grew up in a cult called Eden.  At the age of 13 the boys went into "Special Training".   At the age of 12, the girls were married.  Their mother, Selena (known as Rhoda in the cult), got Gideon out just before they would have killed him.  She eventually got Mercy out too, but Selena  lost her life during the escape, and Mercy was left for dead.  Mercy blamed Gideon for leaving them behind, as she had never been told the truth.  Now Gideon is with the FBI, and Mercy works in a DNA Lab for the New Orleans Police Department.  They are trying to mend their relationship, and they are both still searching for Eden.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Mercy returns to California to try and make peace with both Gideon and Rafe.  There is so much she must tell her brother.  The lies must stop.  But as she and her friend Farrah arrive at the airport, so does her "husband" from the cult...Ephraim.  The man who abused Mercy for so long is determined to take her back to Eden.  He doesn't care how many people end up dead in the process.

With Ephraim after Mercy, no one is safe, and Rafe's family are all on high alert.  Although Rafe is on disability from the bullet he took when Mercy was being hunted by a serial killer, he has continued to work behind the scenes in efforts to find the present location of the cult.  So have the FBI. They seem to be making some progress.

Jeffrey Bunker is 16 years old, and is already in college, taking journalism courses.  He is writing a paper on victim abuse, and specifically Mercy Callahan,  who had almost died at the hands of  a serial killer a few months ago.  But as he delves deeper, he is finding things that make Mercy look bad, and although he questions them,  his editor insists on publishing.  Things are about to get even more complicated for Mercy.


My Opinions:   

I must admit that I have been enjoying this series (much to my chagrin).  Romantic suspense is not really my cup of tea, but these books have such an interesting plot, that I am determined to finish the series.  I sort of skim the romance part.

I have read a number of cult-related books, but most have been non-fiction.  This book may not be true, but the power and abuse shown in this "Eden", could easily be seen as true.  The author did good research.

There are a lot of characters in the series, and with each book, more seem to be added.  There is an ever-growing family surrounding Gideon and Mercy, and each has depth.  I am wondering if we will learn more about John and that group in the near future.

The book was told from different perspectives (including that of Ephraim), and this method kept things straight.  It worked well.

Anyway, the book was entertaining, (if a little long), and the action was steady.  I would definitely recommend reading these books in order.  I can't believe it, but I can't wait for the next in the series.

Say No More starts off so viscerally violent that your jaw aches from grinding your teeth through the nail-biter that is that opening. I love Karen Rose novels, truly. She’s so good at wrapping the noose around your neck and pulling you down into the depths for every delicious twist of her writing. 

After the gut-wrenching beauty of Say You’re Sorry, I knew I was going to love reading more about this cast of characters and the hunt for answers as they untangle the web of the cult that Gideon and Mercy were raised in. And wow, it’s a doozy of a cult and the big bad is so thoroughly despicable. 

Mercy was a little difficult for me to get behind for the first part of this novel. She reminded me of an extremely damaged ice queen with a deep seated anger towards her brother. Her choices and decision making, while I understood that she had been through quite the ordeal, was difficult for me embrace. It helped that she thawed out midway through, told the truth, found some truths and began to set things right with her brother. 

Can we talk about Rafe Sokolov for a minute? I love him, seriously. He’s a perfect fit for Mercy and his family - gah! I love the Sokolov’s so freaking much. The Sacremento series has so much potential because of the genuine awesomeness that is this family.

The other thing that really cements the likability of the characters is dual points of views, you’re never stuck in someones head space for long, and you’re constantly on the move through the characters which I personally think just aids in strengthening the novel’s readability. 

Karen Rose is a stellar author, if you enjoy Romantic Suspense, you need to just pick up this series and go for it. So good. I would highly, highly suggest beginning with book one. 

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I loved this book and can’t wait to see what happens in the series next.

SAY NO MORE by Karen Rose is the second book in the Sacramento romantic suspense series. I enjoyed the first book, SAY YOU'RE SORRY, so I was excited to get book #2, and it did not disappoint. It is just as action packed, intense, and suspenseful. Rose tends to write slower paced and longer books that detail the hero and heroine and their personal connections, but there is always an action-filled and suspenseful plot that weaves everything together into a great romantic suspense read. If you're looking for a slow build suspense novel, I highly recommend this series.

I had a little bit of a hard time getting into this story. For some reasons the cult thing did not resonate with me. I found it hard to get into the story. I know I am in the minority here. 
The characters were well written and I enjoyed the relationship between Mercy and Rafe. Overall, very well-written, just was not my type of book.

This story gave the perspective from multiple characters, and brought you in to their lives. Poor Mercy is struggling through her life when her ugly past is brought in to the present with the reappearance of the monster that nearly destroyed her. Finally deciding to take back her life, she heads to confront her brother that she now realizes she blamed for a lot of her problems. Rafe is working on recovering from an injury when Mercy returns. He realizes that he is falling for her. These two develop feelings for each other as they are running from a mad man bent on taking his revenge. This book is a fast paced roller coaster ride of danger, intrigue and romance. I really enjoyed this book and the characters were great and I hope that there are more stories in this series.