'Don't Tell' by Karen Rose follows the story of Caroline, a woman who fakes her and her son's death to escape her abusive cop husband, Rob. As Rob hunts them down, leaving a trail of death and destruction, Caroline must navigate a dangerous game of survival while trying to move forward in her new life. The book is a gripping romantic suspense that delves into themes of spousal abuse, escape, and the haunting past that threatens to catch up with the protagonist.

The plot of 'Don't Tell' is a page-turner that keeps a steady pace, focusing not only on the romantic couple but also on the intense exploits of the villain, Rob. The story unfolds with a mix of suspense, outrageous events, and well-drawn character development, making it an engaging read for fans of romantic suspense novels.

Characters:

Characters in the story are complex and relatable, each with their own struggles and development, contributing to the overall narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The author employs a fast-paced, emotionally charged writing style with strong character development that pulls readers deeply into the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The story features a woman who escapes from her abusive husband and fakes her own death, only to have her past catch up with her, creating a gripping and emotionally charged narrative.

Setting:

The setting transitions from the protagonist's past of hardship to her new life, emphasizing themes of escape and renewal.

Pacing:

The book maintains a generally fast pace, although there are moments where the pacing varies, particularly in character and romantic development.

Rob Winters stared dispassionately at the young boy whose eyes had already begun to roll back in his head. Shame, that. He'd thought the boy would have more spine. At fourteen he himself had been able...

Notes:

Don t Tell is Karen Rose's debut novel published in 2003.

The protagonist, Caroline Stewart, fakes her death to escape her abusive cop husband.

The story involves themes of domestic violence and the psychological scars it leaves.

Caroline's journey from victimhood to empowerment is central to the narrative.

The hero, Max Hunter, is a history professor who has faced his own challenges.

Max's character is portrayed as gentle and caring despite his initial anger and self-pity.

The villain, Rob Winters, is crafted to be a particularly sadistic and terrifying character.

The book explores emotional connections through subtle physical interactions, emphasizing the chemistry between characters.

Caroline's son, Tom, is depicted as protective and intuitive, eventually growing into a compelling young man.

The novel features a strong cast of secondary characters, many of whom appear in subsequent books in the series.

The romance between Caroline and Max develops amid intense suspense and personal growth.

Karen Rose's books are interconnected, enhancing the reading experience when read in order.

The book blends elements of romantic suspense with humor to balance its darker themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include domestic violence, emotional abuse, and graphic descriptions of trauma and its psychological impact.

Has Romance?

The romance between Caroline and Max is significant but is complicated by their individual baggage and the overarching suspense.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

After faking her own death, a mother on the run from her abusive husband is desperate to start a new life - but as a new romance blossoms, he threatens to track her down . . .

It was a desperate plan. But Mary Grace Winters knew the only way to save herself and her child from her abusive cop husband was to stage their own death. Now all that remains of their former life is at the bottom of a lake. Armed with a new identity in a new town, she and her son have found refuge hundreds of miles away. As Caroline Stewart, she has almost forgotten the nightmare she left behind nine years ago. She is even taking a chance on love with Max Hunter, a man with wounds of his own. But her past is about to collide with the present when her husband uncovers her trail and threatens her hard-won peace. Step by step, he's closing in on her - and everything and everyone she loves.

Ratings (4)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (3)

Reader Stats (27):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (15)
Not Interested (8)

What can you read after
Don't Tell?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

Karen Rose is a RITA Award-winning author who fell in love with books from the time she learned to read, with Jo from Little Women and Nancy Drew becoming close childhood friends. A former chemical engineer and high school chemistry and physics teacher, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of twenty years, their two children, and the family cat, Bella. For more information, visit her website: www.karenrosebooks.com.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Don't Tell

Karen Rose

Book 1 in the series:Chicago