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Wright's Island #1
Don't Look Back
A fresh start. An old flame. A killer’s new obsession. Ridley Meyer's latest murder has left him unsatisfied, but the spitfire with the U-haul may provide just the challenge he craves. Facing imminent foreclosure on her inherited island home, veterinarian Audrey West seizes the opportunity to start a new life. Determined and focused, Audrey is committed to her plans...but what she hadn’t planned on was running into the cross hairs of a killer. Scott Romero’s career as a veterinary surgeon is on the fast track. As his reputation grows, he delves deeper into his work, avoiding all distractions—including a love interest he’s denied for years. But when Audrey leaves town, everything changes. When a deadly stranger targets Audrey as his latest obsession, her and Scott’s futures flip in an instant. And their lives will never be the same…
348 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2011
About the author
Vicki Tharp
33 books130 followersVicki Tharp makes her home on small acreage in south Texas with her husband and an embarrassing number of pets. When she isn’t writing or you can usually find her on the back of her horse—avoiding anything that remotely resembles housework—smelling of fly spray, and horse sweat.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 4, 2018
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
This was an intriguing romantic suspense novel that was superbly narrated by D.C. Cole. This is the first book I have read by Vicki Tharp and though I enjoyed the story overall, I think the narration is what ultimately saved it for me. Please note, however, that this isn't my usual type of read/listen, so I'm sure that influenced my overall feelings about this book.
D.C. Cole was incredible! He shifted seamlessly from character to character and I enjoyed both his male and female voices. This is the first audiobook that I have listened to narrated by him, but it certainly won't be my last! His performance was emotional and gripping and there were times it had goose bumps rising on my arms. The story itself was entertaining, but the pacing was a bit slow and didn't really pick up until the end. I also liked all the characters overall, but no one really stood out as amazing. I did want to scream at Audrey a few times though for being TSTL and Scott for being such an idiot about his/Audrey's feelings. I am a sucker for the friends to lovers/best friend's little sister tropes though, so I did enjoy that aspect of the story. Overall, Don't Look Back was a pretty entertaining and suspenseful book with excellent narration!
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
This was an intriguing romantic suspense novel that was superbly narrated by D.C. Cole. This is the first book I have read by Vicki Tharp and though I enjoyed the story overall, I think the narration is what ultimately saved it for me. Please note, however, that this isn't my usual type of read/listen, so I'm sure that influenced my overall feelings about this book.
D.C. Cole was incredible! He shifted seamlessly from character to character and I enjoyed both his male and female voices. This is the first audiobook that I have listened to narrated by him, but it certainly won't be my last! His performance was emotional and gripping and there were times it had goose bumps rising on my arms. The story itself was entertaining, but the pacing was a bit slow and didn't really pick up until the end. I also liked all the characters overall, but no one really stood out as amazing. I did want to scream at Audrey a few times though for being TSTL and Scott for being such an idiot about his/Audrey's feelings. I am a sucker for the friends to lovers/best friend's little sister tropes though, so I did enjoy that aspect of the story. Overall, Don't Look Back was a pretty entertaining and suspenseful book with excellent narration!
March 3, 2018
AUDIOBOOK edition
WOW this was suspenseful. My first book from Ms. Tharp, she really knows how to keep the reader on tenterhooks. Intense plot kept me listening and knowing who the suspect is and his intentions, following the parallel story until the culmination still had me holding my breath at times and my heart galloping. Loved the ending. - 5 stars
Listening to Mr. Cole telling it, his voice animated and versatile is what made the story even better. One of my top 5 voices I always look forward to listen to. - 5 stars
WOW this was suspenseful. My first book from Ms. Tharp, she really knows how to keep the reader on tenterhooks. Intense plot kept me listening and knowing who the suspect is and his intentions, following the parallel story until the culmination still had me holding my breath at times and my heart galloping. Loved the ending. - 5 stars
Listening to Mr. Cole telling it, his voice animated and versatile is what made the story even better. One of my top 5 voices I always look forward to listen to. - 5 stars
February 12, 2018
A certain kind of book really sucks me in for that continual listen, and this romantic suspense had me from the first minute. This is my first Vicki Tharp book, and certainly will not be my last. With character development, a well thought out plot and some sizzling romance thrown in, this novel is incredibly addicting. Audrey is finally taking charge of her life and going to and renovate her Uncle's home on the island that is the only place that Audrey has ever felt comfortable. Little does she know that on her way, she meets up with a serial killer who know has her set as his next victim. She leaves the love of her life behind, Scott, who is unable to commit to his feelings. When danger lurks though, Scott and island dweller, Jack are there to help Audrey as well as her brother, Matt. These three men are key to her life, but til the very end, we are unsure whether this one crazy killer will outsmart them all. The suspense is high, the romance both frustrating and hot, and the book amazing. It will keep you on the edge of your seat.
With a story like this, the narration is most important. DC Cole gives the narration such a real texture that the fear and danger was palpable. He has a way of captivating the listener and keeping the suspense piqued so it's hard to stop listening. Along with the warmth and passion between the characters, Cole gives a performance to remember.
With a story like this, the narration is most important. DC Cole gives the narration such a real texture that the fear and danger was palpable. He has a way of captivating the listener and keeping the suspense piqued so it's hard to stop listening. Along with the warmth and passion between the characters, Cole gives a performance to remember.
August 11, 2017
Holy Plotholes, Batman. We'll start there. In the beginning of the book, Ridley, our generic serial killer who's foundation for killing is never really visited, nevermind exposed, leaves his DNA everywhere. He brushes his teeth with his would be victim's toothbrush, combs his hair with her brush, lays in her bed, and all this evidence is gathered after he breaks in. What is his downfall, you ask? A mosquito in a coffee cup and a rag with his blood on it. All the other evidence is completely forgotten.
From here, we'll visit the myriad of typos, tense-troubled phrases, and various other technical misgivings: Pg 21: "while he was staring at something splashing in the water, she make her move." Not "Made", mind you, but "Make". These tense-confusions are spattered throughout the book. Pg 23: "She turning the key in the ignition." Not turned, turning.
Pg 30 has the "Forth ring", as in, the number, Four, as in "Fourth."
Pg 32-33 - And no way fucking way would he ever be on the receiving end
Pg 47 - If he'd come right out and called her an idiotic
Pg 78: He'd sprinted to the safely of the hallway
Pg 160: The grinding in his gut made him suspected the latter.
Pg 170: The engines revved, and then quieted to a steady rumble she could felt through the deck.
Pg 173: He introduced himself to first one cluster of people before moving on
194: Left of (intending to say: "Left off")
199: He heart fell to the bottom of her chest.
209: Before he'd unzipped her, the light fabric of her dress POOL at her feet.
209: Desire flaming in his EYE (he had two, last I knew)
210: Evidence I her hand.
213: But landed a sucker punch himself. (No context, no reason for inclusion, doesn't follow previous or following statement.)
230: She wore a "Mike" (This is later corrected to "Mic" throughout, fortunately)
240: Did the feds HAD anything on him? (Caps are to point out the flaw.)
244: The Water "Teams", here, (Should be Teemed)
260: Stave of (Again, instead of Stave Off.)
There are quite a few other similar flaws throughout the book (EG: Audrey She introduced a particular part where it's obvious either Audrey or "She" should be used, but, not both.)
While some of the more "Romantic" scenes are actually quite good, most of the book just stumbles over itself with no reasoning for particular character's drives and/or actions, and quite a few being two-dimensional stand-ins with very little depth.
I can only hope more time and effort are put into future books, and in paying attention to both plot, and word usage. With the flaws in both plot, and writing, overcome, this could have been a 3-4 star book; but in its current format, I found it quite difficult to finish.
From here, we'll visit the myriad of typos, tense-troubled phrases, and various other technical misgivings: Pg 21: "while he was staring at something splashing in the water, she make her move." Not "Made", mind you, but "Make". These tense-confusions are spattered throughout the book. Pg 23: "She turning the key in the ignition." Not turned, turning.
Pg 30 has the "Forth ring", as in, the number, Four, as in "Fourth."
Pg 32-33 - And no way fucking way would he ever be on the receiving end
Pg 47 - If he'd come right out and called her an idiotic
Pg 78: He'd sprinted to the safely of the hallway
Pg 160: The grinding in his gut made him suspected the latter.
Pg 170: The engines revved, and then quieted to a steady rumble she could felt through the deck.
Pg 173: He introduced himself to first one cluster of people before moving on
194: Left of (intending to say: "Left off")
199: He heart fell to the bottom of her chest.
209: Before he'd unzipped her, the light fabric of her dress POOL at her feet.
209: Desire flaming in his EYE (he had two, last I knew)
210: Evidence I her hand.
213: But landed a sucker punch himself. (No context, no reason for inclusion, doesn't follow previous or following statement.)
230: She wore a "Mike" (This is later corrected to "Mic" throughout, fortunately)
240: Did the feds HAD anything on him? (Caps are to point out the flaw.)
244: The Water "Teams", here, (Should be Teemed)
260: Stave of (Again, instead of Stave Off.)
There are quite a few other similar flaws throughout the book (EG: Audrey She introduced a particular part where it's obvious either Audrey or "She" should be used, but, not both.)
While some of the more "Romantic" scenes are actually quite good, most of the book just stumbles over itself with no reasoning for particular character's drives and/or actions, and quite a few being two-dimensional stand-ins with very little depth.
I can only hope more time and effort are put into future books, and in paying attention to both plot, and word usage. With the flaws in both plot, and writing, overcome, this could have been a 3-4 star book; but in its current format, I found it quite difficult to finish.
November 30, 2017
Scott and Audrey have been friends since she was a teen, partially because Scott is her brother’s best friend and is basically part of the family. Just when it looks like they may become more, Scott puts on the brakes. It makes sense, since he’s in Houston and she’s returning to the house she inherited from her uncle on an island off the coast of South Carolina. What Audrey doesn’t realize as she sets off on her road trip to Wright Island, is that she’s gained the attention of a strange man who follows her across the country. When little things are out of place and the hair on the back of her neck stands up one too many times, she realizes her life is a lot more complicated than just trying to save her uncle's neglected house from the HOA and imminent foreclosure.
Holy “Purple Hell" this book is one wild ride!! There’s a slow burning romance with two exceedingly likeable characters that take their sweet time figuring things out, some terrific secondary characters, a quaint, warm, small town beach community, and the tension and drama only a serial killer/stalker can provide. Then there’s the talented writing that grabs you and flings you into the action so your only choice is to hang on tight! And just when Ms. Tharp ups the intensity and anxiety, she tosses a humorous zinger in to relieve the tension just to amp it back up even higher. I love the Low Country setting, with which I’m very familiar, and the author brings this setting to life on the page, even down to recalling that distinctive marsh smell. Craftily told with lots of action, suspense, emotion and heart, this fantastic book is a definite must read!
Holy “Purple Hell" this book is one wild ride!! There’s a slow burning romance with two exceedingly likeable characters that take their sweet time figuring things out, some terrific secondary characters, a quaint, warm, small town beach community, and the tension and drama only a serial killer/stalker can provide. Then there’s the talented writing that grabs you and flings you into the action so your only choice is to hang on tight! And just when Ms. Tharp ups the intensity and anxiety, she tosses a humorous zinger in to relieve the tension just to amp it back up even higher. I love the Low Country setting, with which I’m very familiar, and the author brings this setting to life on the page, even down to recalling that distinctive marsh smell. Craftily told with lots of action, suspense, emotion and heart, this fantastic book is a definite must read!
March 6, 2018
****** AUDIO BOOK REVIEW ******
My first Vicki Tharp story, I was pleased with her writing. I was happy with the romance added and honestly didn’t know who to root for when a love triangle unfolded a bit. The slow build up to the action, the meet up, in this story made me feel almost consumed by the story. I couldn’t stop listening and found myself cleaning just so I could listen longer! I’d definitely listen again. My only problem with the story was I wanted more of what the killer did with his victims and his story. I wanted a bit more in his head.
This was my first book narrated by DC Cole and he was fantastic! He has this real deep voice that first seduces you with the power behind it. But Cole also expressed so much emotion in his infliction. It was amazing! I always feel a bit tentative when having one narrator take on several points of views, but Cole was perfect! I had no problems following the voice of who he was. He is fantastic in the mind of the serial killer; I could feel my own heart speeding up! He totally elevated the entire story for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
My first Vicki Tharp story, I was pleased with her writing. I was happy with the romance added and honestly didn’t know who to root for when a love triangle unfolded a bit. The slow build up to the action, the meet up, in this story made me feel almost consumed by the story. I couldn’t stop listening and found myself cleaning just so I could listen longer! I’d definitely listen again. My only problem with the story was I wanted more of what the killer did with his victims and his story. I wanted a bit more in his head.
This was my first book narrated by DC Cole and he was fantastic! He has this real deep voice that first seduces you with the power behind it. But Cole also expressed so much emotion in his infliction. It was amazing! I always feel a bit tentative when having one narrator take on several points of views, but Cole was perfect! I had no problems following the voice of who he was. He is fantastic in the mind of the serial killer; I could feel my own heart speeding up! He totally elevated the entire story for me!
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
February 14, 2018
Audrey has quit her veterinarian job in Houston and is moving to SC to save her inherited home. Her uncle’s island house was the one constant in Audrey’s childhood and she is determined to save it from foreclosure. While driving through LA, Audrey unwittingly attracts the attention of a serial killer. Scott is best friends with Audrey’s older brother, Matt, and has always had a thing for Audrey. He decides to take some time off to visit Audrey. Meanwhile the serial killer arrives on the island and starts plotting Audrey’s demise. As law enforcement work to catch the killer, Scott and Audrey finally give in to their feelings. However, the killer has plans and threatens Scott’s life if Audrey doesn’t send him away. Will Audrey push Scott away? Will Scott be able to save Audrey? This was a well written and narrated book. Fast paced and filled with lots of twists and turns. Will definitely look for more books by this new-to-me author.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 4, 2018
My first book with this author, and it was really fun from the start. I really liked the characters, though I wanted to throttle Aubrey a few times. I was really hoping Jack would win her over at first, but then he seemed a little too nonchalant about her safety at times. Where Scott seemed too uptight or off at first, both men grew on me for different reasons and traded places. And, Ridley? Well, he was just crazy. What a fun thriller.
DC Cole did an excellent job on the narration, proving he can turn that voice of his from smooth romance to hair raising psycho. Always a favorite for me to listen to as it appears there's no genre he can't do.
DC Cole did an excellent job on the narration, proving he can turn that voice of his from smooth romance to hair raising psycho. Always a favorite for me to listen to as it appears there's no genre he can't do.
July 22, 2017
Don't Look Back
Vicki Tharp
A fist clinching romantic suspense of a serial killer following Audrey from Louisiana to her island home on the Atlantic. A chameleon who can change his looks and blend in leads them on a scary chase. Can Scott, Matt, Jack, and the police find him before he claims another life? Hard to put down until you find out.
A new author to me, but I will be reading more of her books.
Vicki Tharp
A fist clinching romantic suspense of a serial killer following Audrey from Louisiana to her island home on the Atlantic. A chameleon who can change his looks and blend in leads them on a scary chase. Can Scott, Matt, Jack, and the police find him before he claims another life? Hard to put down until you find out.
A new author to me, but I will be reading more of her books.
March 31, 2018
"Suspensful!" This was my first Vicki Tharp's book and won't be the last. This story is very well written, suspenseful, entertaining and fast pace! All the characters are very interesting. I love the two main characters Audrey and Scott. DC Cole does a fantastic narration with all characters. He did a really creepy voice when he was acting Ridley Meyer. Can't wait to listen to Jack's story! I've read/listen this story.
May 20, 2018
A well written, full novel, never dips but keeps the pages turning. A serial killer, a childhood friend you had a crush on, your brothers best friend who has turned into your best friend, a beloved Uncle you always spent your summer with, which is why you inherited the house, but with the deadline approaching choices must be decided. Excellent book and I greatly enjoyed it!
February 27, 2018
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this one a lot. Very suspenseful. I loved the characters and the setting. And it ended well in my opinion. Definitely a fun thriller that will keep you in suspense!
June 19, 2018
Good book
The story was intense, full of suspense and romance. I loved all the characters in the story. This is one of the best books about a serial killer in the past few years. I will definitely get the next book in this series.
The story was intense, full of suspense and romance. I loved all the characters in the story. This is one of the best books about a serial killer in the past few years. I will definitely get the next book in this series.
August 4, 2017
oh wow I could not put this book down it was so good . good job I could read more like this book. really enjoyed it .
April 9, 2018
Another great audiobook by one of my favourite narrators.
Not my instant go to genre but I really did enjoy this book very much, and honestly it was only made better my DC Cole.
Not my instant go to genre but I really did enjoy this book very much, and honestly it was only made better my DC Cole.
February 24, 2021
Just couldn’t get interested in this whiners rant. Liked the narration well enough but that can never save the plot.
February 18, 2017
Vicki Tharp hit it out of the ball park with her new Romanic Suspense.
Audrey West, a veterinarian, leaves a comfortable job and life in Houston, Texas for the small town on Wright’s Island. A place she always called home. Although her family never lived on the island, Audrey spent every summer there visiting her uncle. It was the only place she ever felt she had planted roots. She inherits her uncle’s house that sits on the water’s edge and that is in need of extensive repairs. If the repairs are not completed within thirty days she stands to lose it all.
Scott Romero, is a charismatic, well dressed, and an ambitious man, who is about to make a name for himself in veterinary medicine. He and Audrey have been friends since high school and have worked together for the past fifteen years. After their first kiss in her father’s garage he knew he loved her, but his convoluted ideas of what makes up a strong man interferes, making him unable to commit to anyone.
The pair’s “friends with benefits” relationship is no longer enough for Audrey. She sees the move as her only alternative to save herself and her uncles home, until she finds herself in the cross hairs of Scorpion Man, Ridley Myers. Once Ridley makes Audrey his new target the intensity of “What will Happen Next” will keep you turning the pages.
The suspense of the hunt and the cleverness of how the author weaves the plot are well worth the journey to see if the heroine and hero find their way to each other and happiness. This book is a very enjoyable read for anyone wanting a good book that will hold your attention.
Audrey West, a veterinarian, leaves a comfortable job and life in Houston, Texas for the small town on Wright’s Island. A place she always called home. Although her family never lived on the island, Audrey spent every summer there visiting her uncle. It was the only place she ever felt she had planted roots. She inherits her uncle’s house that sits on the water’s edge and that is in need of extensive repairs. If the repairs are not completed within thirty days she stands to lose it all.
Scott Romero, is a charismatic, well dressed, and an ambitious man, who is about to make a name for himself in veterinary medicine. He and Audrey have been friends since high school and have worked together for the past fifteen years. After their first kiss in her father’s garage he knew he loved her, but his convoluted ideas of what makes up a strong man interferes, making him unable to commit to anyone.
The pair’s “friends with benefits” relationship is no longer enough for Audrey. She sees the move as her only alternative to save herself and her uncles home, until she finds herself in the cross hairs of Scorpion Man, Ridley Myers. Once Ridley makes Audrey his new target the intensity of “What will Happen Next” will keep you turning the pages.
The suspense of the hunt and the cleverness of how the author weaves the plot are well worth the journey to see if the heroine and hero find their way to each other and happiness. This book is a very enjoyable read for anyone wanting a good book that will hold your attention.
April 14, 2015
Attorney Danielle McKean investigates what she believes could be the wrongful murder conviction of a land developer. Someone tries to stop her by intimidating and eliminating those with evidence that could exonerate the developer. The stakes get more personally deadly when Danielle's daughter Elissa is kidnapped. This taut suspense story roars along, accelerating and gaining momentum until the final pages as she uncovers ugly truths.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews