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Shallow River
Shallow Hill is where souls suffer slow and miserable deaths.
When River McAllister escaped from Shallow Hill, she left her innocence behind--and some of her sanity, too. Now she's rebuilding her life with her dream man and life couldn't be better.
Ryan Fitzgerald is everything you'd want in a man. Attractive, rich, an aspiring lawyer, and would do anything to keep River. But that's not the only thing that attracts her. It's his attentiveness, his possessiveness... maybe not so much his temper.
When her relationship takes a dark turn, Ryan's estranged brother, Mako, is the only one who sees it. He knows exactly what Ryan is capable of, and it's not the first time he had to be a knight in shining armor.
River came from Shallow Hill, though. She's never needed saving before. What Mako doesn't see, is that River is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
The only one who should be scared is Ryan.
Trigger Warning: Shallow River is a dark romance that contains domestic violence, rape, violence, and sexual situations.
When River McAllister escaped from Shallow Hill, she left her innocence behind--and some of her sanity, too. Now she's rebuilding her life with her dream man and life couldn't be better.
Ryan Fitzgerald is everything you'd want in a man. Attractive, rich, an aspiring lawyer, and would do anything to keep River. But that's not the only thing that attracts her. It's his attentiveness, his possessiveness... maybe not so much his temper.
When her relationship takes a dark turn, Ryan's estranged brother, Mako, is the only one who sees it. He knows exactly what Ryan is capable of, and it's not the first time he had to be a knight in shining armor.
River came from Shallow Hill, though. She's never needed saving before. What Mako doesn't see, is that River is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
The only one who should be scared is Ryan.
Trigger Warning: Shallow River is a dark romance that contains domestic violence, rape, violence, and sexual situations.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,486 reviews
January 14, 2022
Wow where do i start. This book traumatised me, it was messy and problematic af.
let me spoil everything😂
This is a dark romance with a lot of triggers.
Tw: rape, domestic violence, abuse, incest, drug abuse and sm more.
The h or River is a college senior and in relationship with a guy she had a crush on since freshman year whose name is Ryan. But Ryan is not our H, messy i know🙄
I won't describe this book as a love triangle but it's not safe.
The H is actually his brother Mako who is a detective.
River is in an abusive relationship with Ryan.
The things he made her do, how he raped her and hit her really made me sick to my stomach.
River is a complex character😩 she had a terrible childhood, also raped and abused by men since she was 10 years old so she has a very low opinion of herself.
Being in her head and reading how she berates herself, how she calls herself whore all the time and how she believes Ryan hateful comments made me so angry. Angry because i wanted to scream at her that nothing is her fault, she is just a victim, to finally leave him.
Mako and Ryan's adoptive brother is a detective who is chasing a serial killer and in the same time tries to save River. He knows what his brother is doing since he did the same to his ex-gf so he follows River all the time and tries to help her. (tries is a loose term, he was a detective ffs.🙄) When he was introduced at the beginning as serious, brooding, successful detective i had such high hopes but unfortunately his execution felt flat for me. He was so bland and started lusting after River 5 min after he saw her.
So what was exactly my problem here?
The relationship or what i thought was going to be between Mako and River.
I've read some similar books before so i thought that River will leave Ryan at least in the first 30% and then it will be about her and Mako right?
She kept coming back to Ryan.
The same things repeating all over again, he'll beat her, abuse her, she'll call Mako then Ryan will apologize and same thing all over again. I hated that.
She was in a relationship with Ryan having sex or being raped by him, then fantasizing about Mako and masturbating in front of him.
I get everyone deals differently with trauma but girl was beaten up and raped vag and anal and she is thinking about sex with the brother.😭😭
Mako was like a horny dog and even tho he knew of her mental state he kept following her trying to save her. At one point i was like pls just let her realize herself that she needs to leave him and stop pestering her.
Also like i said River was a .. complex character but she got on my nerves A LOT.
I mean he beat her, raped her broke her bones but the main reason why she wants to freaking finally leave him is bc he cheated??
"I don’t know why it took him cheating to wake me up. I don’t know why the physical abuse and rape wasn’t the catalyst. Maybe because I thought the pain is surface level. I can heal. But cheating is deep."
And then she knocks him out, goes to his ex girlfriend house and she has sex with her LOOOLLL.
After that Mako finds out that she is torturing his brother and he even helps her planning his murder after River rapes him with a broomstick for all the trauma he put her through💀
"I’ll do everything in my power to keep the scrutiny away from River. I’ll become fucking mud for this girl. And fuck, I won’t regret a goddamn second of it. Not when this girl has me trapped in her dark little spell."
Ryan tells him that he also had a traumatic childhood bc their dad raped him. And i was like dude wtf? Where did this come from?💀 there wasn't any indication of this so far🙄
The storyline with the Ghost Killer was so ridiculous and predictable and him being River's father who also raped her was 🙄
By the end of the book i thought Ryan was going to come back from the dead and kill them all, bc the lvl of inconsistencies and OTT drama was too much💀 she really said let me put every dark thing i can remember.💀
Also there were so many inconsistency with the plot and so many plot holes 💀🤦♀️
how mako was a detective i couldn't figure out for the life of me. He was dumb as rocks.
"I’ve also concluded Mako isn’t sane, either. Purely because he’s okay with staying with a lunatic like me."
let me spoil everything😂
This is a dark romance with a lot of triggers.
Tw: rape, domestic violence, abuse, incest, drug abuse and sm more.
The h or River is a college senior and in relationship with a guy she had a crush on since freshman year whose name is Ryan. But Ryan is not our H, messy i know🙄
I won't describe this book as a love triangle but it's not safe.
The H is actually his brother Mako who is a detective.
River is in an abusive relationship with Ryan.
The things he made her do, how he raped her and hit her really made me sick to my stomach.
River is a complex character😩 she had a terrible childhood, also raped and abused by men since she was 10 years old so she has a very low opinion of herself.
Being in her head and reading how she berates herself, how she calls herself whore all the time and how she believes Ryan hateful comments made me so angry. Angry because i wanted to scream at her that nothing is her fault, she is just a victim, to finally leave him.
Mako and Ryan's adoptive brother is a detective who is chasing a serial killer and in the same time tries to save River. He knows what his brother is doing since he did the same to his ex-gf so he follows River all the time and tries to help her. (tries is a loose term, he was a detective ffs.🙄) When he was introduced at the beginning as serious, brooding, successful detective i had such high hopes but unfortunately his execution felt flat for me. He was so bland and started lusting after River 5 min after he saw her.
So what was exactly my problem here?
The relationship or what i thought was going to be between Mako and River.
I've read some similar books before so i thought that River will leave Ryan at least in the first 30% and then it will be about her and Mako right?
She kept coming back to Ryan.
The same things repeating all over again, he'll beat her, abuse her, she'll call Mako then Ryan will apologize and same thing all over again. I hated that.
She was in a relationship with Ryan having sex or being raped by him, then fantasizing about Mako and masturbating in front of him.
I get everyone deals differently with trauma but girl was beaten up and raped vag and anal and she is thinking about sex with the brother.😭😭
Mako was like a horny dog and even tho he knew of her mental state he kept following her trying to save her. At one point i was like pls just let her realize herself that she needs to leave him and stop pestering her.
Also like i said River was a .. complex character but she got on my nerves A LOT.
I mean he beat her, raped her broke her bones but the main reason why she wants to freaking finally leave him is bc he cheated??
"I don’t know why it took him cheating to wake me up. I don’t know why the physical abuse and rape wasn’t the catalyst. Maybe because I thought the pain is surface level. I can heal. But cheating is deep."
And then she knocks him out, goes to his ex girlfriend house and she has sex with her LOOOLLL.
After that Mako finds out that she is torturing his brother and he even helps her planning his murder after River rapes him with a broomstick for all the trauma he put her through💀
"I’ll do everything in my power to keep the scrutiny away from River. I’ll become fucking mud for this girl. And fuck, I won’t regret a goddamn second of it. Not when this girl has me trapped in her dark little spell."
Ryan tells him that he also had a traumatic childhood bc their dad raped him. And i was like dude wtf? Where did this come from?💀 there wasn't any indication of this so far🙄
The storyline with the Ghost Killer was so ridiculous and predictable and him being River's father who also raped her was 🙄
By the end of the book i thought Ryan was going to come back from the dead and kill them all, bc the lvl of inconsistencies and OTT drama was too much💀 she really said let me put every dark thing i can remember.💀
Also there were so many inconsistency with the plot and so many plot holes 💀🤦♀️
how mako was a detective i couldn't figure out for the life of me. He was dumb as rocks.
"I’ve also concluded Mako isn’t sane, either. Purely because he’s okay with staying with a lunatic like me."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2020
Shallow River took a part of my soul; I have never been so willing to go to jail over a fictional character. This is the first book I have read from this author, and sure will not be the last. What a phenomenal book and such a talented author. She has a vivid imagination that went into a deep dark place on a real-life topic. This book has everything in it. I have to add, take the trigger warning seriously. This book is not for the faint of heart. I have a severe book hangover and hope everyone reads this book; I hope it reached someone who needs help and calls or texts the number on the book's back. Support is out there. No man should put his hands on women in any way. Or a woman to a man.
I am always up for a good dark romance novel, and I like the darker, the better. Shallow River is that, and so much more; it gives you the victim/survivor POV. I am sure most of us have said it,” Why do they stay? I would never ” It’s never that easy. The abusers lie and threaten your life and manipulate every step of the way. These women are scared for their life. Horrific as it may be, this is why they stay.
River's boyfriend Ryan, of two years, treats her with such humiliation, abuse, and disrespect, to name few. Ryan is a smart, manipulative, psychotic monster. River had an abusive childhood, she has never seen what real love looks like, only survival. As the story unfolds, I couldn’t help but say, “ What else is going to happen to this poor girl, ” My heart bleeds for her. She doesn't look at herself as a victim, but as a survivor, River is my favorite heroine. That girl went through hell and back.
Mako is Ryans' brother. There is no love loss; Ryan loathes and is jealous of his brother. Mako knows of his brother's abuse and behavior from a past relationship. He suspects his brother is repeating his abuse with River. I just love how Mako steps in and is a chronic presence in Rivers' life and chooses what is right.
Shallow River is a gut-wrench, mind-blowing, soul searching read. It’s raw; you felt every single emotion. A few times, I had to put the book down, my anger got the best of me, as I wanted to hurt Ryan. Then I was sitting on the edge, waiting for what happened next—such an epic ending. I highly recommend this book and if you are in an abusive relationship, remember there is help out there.
I am looking forward to H.D. Carlton's future books.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review
I am always up for a good dark romance novel, and I like the darker, the better. Shallow River is that, and so much more; it gives you the victim/survivor POV. I am sure most of us have said it,” Why do they stay? I would never ” It’s never that easy. The abusers lie and threaten your life and manipulate every step of the way. These women are scared for their life. Horrific as it may be, this is why they stay.
River's boyfriend Ryan, of two years, treats her with such humiliation, abuse, and disrespect, to name few. Ryan is a smart, manipulative, psychotic monster. River had an abusive childhood, she has never seen what real love looks like, only survival. As the story unfolds, I couldn’t help but say, “ What else is going to happen to this poor girl, ” My heart bleeds for her. She doesn't look at herself as a victim, but as a survivor, River is my favorite heroine. That girl went through hell and back.
Mako is Ryans' brother. There is no love loss; Ryan loathes and is jealous of his brother. Mako knows of his brother's abuse and behavior from a past relationship. He suspects his brother is repeating his abuse with River. I just love how Mako steps in and is a chronic presence in Rivers' life and chooses what is right.
Shallow River is a gut-wrench, mind-blowing, soul searching read. It’s raw; you felt every single emotion. A few times, I had to put the book down, my anger got the best of me, as I wanted to hurt Ryan. Then I was sitting on the edge, waiting for what happened next—such an epic ending. I highly recommend this book and if you are in an abusive relationship, remember there is help out there.
I am looking forward to H.D. Carlton's future books.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review
February 12, 2021
BOOK: Shallow River
AUTHOR: H.D. Carlton
GENRE: Dark Romance
POV: First Person - Dual
TYPE: Standalone
RATING: 4 Stars!
NAME/AGE: River McAllister - 22┃Mako Fitzgerald - 28
PUBLISHED: November 1, 2020.
TRIGGERS: Domestic violence, abuse, rape, murder, incest, substance abuse.
I’m stained.
I’m also other things too.
Broken.
Scarred.
Traumatized.
Strong.
Fierce.
Vengeful…
God Almighty, talk about a heart-wrenching read. Great start and introduction to a new author for me. H.D. Carlton sure knows how to draw some serious emotions from you. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. It consumed me. This story details what an abusive relationship looks like. It also details what a loving relationship can be like.
Firstly, there were graphic descriptions of sexual abuse so if that is too triggering, I advise against this book. I would like to think that I would leave my partner if I was ever in such a situation. I would like to think that I wouldn't tolerate that behavior. But maybe I would. Maybe I'll believe him. Maybe I'll believe every single rotten apology that falls from his lips, just like River. Every time he says that he would never do it again. This quote from Mako sums it up;
Although I can’t personally understand it, I know it’s real. I know they’re in a serious situation and they feel incredibly helpless, even when they convince themselves they’re not.
The thing is, you never know. You never know until you've experienced that. Until it's YOU in that situation. That's what happened with River. You never know what the victim has been through. How they've been brainwashed. How scared and helpless they are. So even though I was frustrated with River's decision to stay with Ryan, I think I understand. Because it's a cycle and you're too scared to break it.
✔ The abuser threatens violence.
✔ The abuser strikes.
✔ The abuser apologizes, promises to change and offers gifts.
✔ The cycle repeats itself.
Love is something otherworldly. Something entirely potent and powerful that it makes you do crazy things. Like hit them. And stay when you’re hit. It’s an emotion that no one person will ever be able to define.
Now, I love sleep. Sleep is my life. Especially sleep at night. So it's a wonder that I stayed up till 2 to finish this book. It was additive. It was filled with twists and turns and unexpected surprises. The plot is dark but very well written so you find yourself feeling everything the characters went through. And River. Her life was a shit show since the day she was born. Seeing how she finally found love and happiness with Mako was beautiful. They were two broken souls that found solace in each other. I actually wanted a few chapters from Ryan's perspective; just so we can experience his fucked up views. He was a product of his upbringing, and I did feel sorry for him. But that's no excuse for his actions. So it was nice to see karma coming back to bite him.
Abusers don’t only manipulate their victims, but they manipulate others into believing that they’re upstanding people. They manipulate them into believing that they would never hurt a fly, so when accusations come to the surface, they’re considered outrageous.
Filled with betrayal, lust, suspense, drama, devastation, love and a little humor; it's perfect for lovers of dark romance like me. The dark devil living inside my heart is dancing and singing for MORE.
August 19, 2021
This book popped triggers, left, right and center, dark, gritty and such an emotional angst worthy read which had me sitting on the edge of my seat throughout never knowing what the author was going to throw at me next, throw in a few twists and I was glued to this book like my life depended on it.
October 13, 2022
This book made me cry. Our world has a lot of devils.
This story was raw and “beautiful “.
It’s worth the reading.
This story was raw and “beautiful “.
It’s worth the reading.
January 16, 2023
DNF @ 60%
This was hard. It had hard topics, and I was okay with it for a little while but once I hit the 60% mark and literally nothing had changed nor had the situation got remotely better, I couldn’t anymore. I was frustrated, bored, and couldn’t see any plot besides the DV.
This was hard. It had hard topics, and I was okay with it for a little while but once I hit the 60% mark and literally nothing had changed nor had the situation got remotely better, I couldn’t anymore. I was frustrated, bored, and couldn’t see any plot besides the DV.
October 9, 2020
F͟i͟v͟e͟ a͟n͟g͟r͟y͟ a͟n͟d͟ f͟u͟c͟k͟e͟d͟ u͟p͟ s͟t͟a͟r͟s͟
River is a survivor, a fighter.
She ran from Shallow River after a hell of life.
But the truth is that she is stained, broken and traumatized by what she’s been through…
And what doesn’t kill you, only make you crazier.
She thinks she found the perfect man to be with, but sometimes the evil hides behind a handsome face and good manner.
And Ryan is the devil.
His brother Mako knows it too well;
what he doesn’t know tho is River doesn’t need someone to save her…
The story is complex, heavy, and heartbreaking but it is worth it.
It took me 5 days to read Shallow River and another one to write this review….
This book messed me up and I’m not okay right now.
Each action, each word still replay in my mind and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I never felt so much rage and sadness.
I always crave dark stories, but this darkness is different ‘cause it felt more real.
And the psychological aspect of the story made it even more difficult to digest.
I’m not ashamed telling you I had to take breaks while reading it to keep my sanity intact and my e-reader safe LOL.
I hated/loved River: she is such a contradiction!!
But the way she never give up, the bravery she faced every situation with amazed me.
And in the end she is the real protagonist of the story.
Please be aware that this story is not a easy one and there are many triggers like domestic violence, rape, violence, and sexual situations, so if you are not comfortable with that DO NOT READ IT.
But if you can, give it a chance because it will open your mind on a reality many women know too well, and we judge too easily.
River is a survivor, a fighter.
She ran from Shallow River after a hell of life.
But the truth is that she is stained, broken and traumatized by what she’s been through…
And what doesn’t kill you, only make you crazier.
She thinks she found the perfect man to be with, but sometimes the evil hides behind a handsome face and good manner.
And Ryan is the devil.
His brother Mako knows it too well;
what he doesn’t know tho is River doesn’t need someone to save her…
The story is complex, heavy, and heartbreaking but it is worth it.
It took me 5 days to read Shallow River and another one to write this review….
This book messed me up and I’m not okay right now.
Each action, each word still replay in my mind and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I never felt so much rage and sadness.
I always crave dark stories, but this darkness is different ‘cause it felt more real.
And the psychological aspect of the story made it even more difficult to digest.
I’m not ashamed telling you I had to take breaks while reading it to keep my sanity intact and my e-reader safe LOL.
I hated/loved River: she is such a contradiction!!
But the way she never give up, the bravery she faced every situation with amazed me.
And in the end she is the real protagonist of the story.
Please be aware that this story is not a easy one and there are many triggers like domestic violence, rape, violence, and sexual situations, so if you are not comfortable with that DO NOT READ IT.
But if you can, give it a chance because it will open your mind on a reality many women know too well, and we judge too easily.
February 26, 2023
The four stars is solely for Ryan getting tortured.
*mild spoilers ahead*
Let's start with Ryan the abusive asshole
I can't with this man seriously. If i could i would have reached for him and strangled him through my device. He's a master manipulator and the amount of times i rolled my eyes when he blamed River for the abuse he inflicted on her I can't. Even when the reason as to why he turned out to be the way he is was revealed i couldn't garner pity for him, maybe for his younger innocent soul but definitely not him and the fact that he says he isn't sorry for any of his actions didn't really help in the pity department either. He totally deserved all the torture that he received at the end and more.
Next comes River who went from being forget a doormat but a whole carpet to a merciless woman
This lady is a psychologist and still accepted the blame that it was her problem and not his time and again to the point where it drives you insane out of frustration and she also ends up making a lot of stupid decisions through out the book. It's the same stupid cycle of abuse, accept the blame and make up. But then she finds out he's cheating on her and boom she's totally transformed. It's a shame that it took cheating and not the repeated abuse that included rape for her to get a grip of her reality. I just wish the reason for her change was fuelled by something other than her being cheated on by her abuser cuz it's like if he wouldn't have cheated she would have continued to accept him. Reading about her flipping out and torturing him was just gold since I was tired and frustrated reading about her being abused since the beginning.
Last but not the least Mako
He is a gem of a guy, I have nothing else to say.
*mild spoilers ahead*
Let's start with Ryan the abusive asshole
I can't with this man seriously. If i could i would have reached for him and strangled him through my device. He's a master manipulator and the amount of times i rolled my eyes when he blamed River for the abuse he inflicted on her I can't. Even when the reason as to why he turned out to be the way he is was revealed i couldn't garner pity for him, maybe for his younger innocent soul but definitely not him and the fact that he says he isn't sorry for any of his actions didn't really help in the pity department either. He totally deserved all the torture that he received at the end and more.
Next comes River who went from being forget a doormat but a whole carpet to a merciless woman
This lady is a psychologist and still accepted the blame that it was her problem and not his time and again to the point where it drives you insane out of frustration and she also ends up making a lot of stupid decisions through out the book. It's the same stupid cycle of abuse, accept the blame and make up. But then she finds out he's cheating on her and boom she's totally transformed. It's a shame that it took cheating and not the repeated abuse that included rape for her to get a grip of her reality. I just wish the reason for her change was fuelled by something other than her being cheated on by her abuser cuz it's like if he wouldn't have cheated she would have continued to accept him. Reading about her flipping out and torturing him was just gold since I was tired and frustrated reading about her being abused since the beginning.
Last but not the least Mako
He is a gem of a guy, I have nothing else to say.
January 9, 2023
I have conflicting thoughts about this one..
Review coming
TW: d̶o̶m̶e̶s̶t̶i̶c̶ v̶i̶o̶l̶e̶n̶c̶e̶; s̶e̶x̶u̶a̶l̶ a̶s̶s̶a̶u̶l̶t̶ a̶n̶d̶ a̶b̶u̶s̶e̶
I have conflicting thoughts.
I didn’t really like this one and I had a tough time rating and reviewing the story.
I feel horrible saying that because despite of the horrifyingly realistic depiction of DV and SA the book had a lot of potential but I just couldn’t connect to it—the characters, the overall plot. All of it or rather none of it.
I really did wish I’d love it. Not because of what River has endured because that would make me a fucking creep but the story lacked depth and a big portion of the book felt more like added shock value to me than actual plot progression.
I am aware the plot and the plot twists were supposed to be emotionally heavy but I just couldn’t feel these emotions when reading the books.
Repetitive chapters and awkwardly fixed storylines (If you do end up reading it you’ll know what I mean here). I actually understood the repetition of certain scenes as it added to the abuse River suffered but every next chapter felt like a hollow echo of the previous one and it became redundant; which made me skim over a lot of pages. Again, I feel terrible saying this—please don’t hate me.
The characters fell flat and there was no real chemistry between River and Mako. A certain sex scene with a certain someone came out of nowhere and if it were up to me, it shouldn’t have been included in the book.
I am just going to leave it at this.
Read it—see what you think.
Review coming
TW: d̶o̶m̶e̶s̶t̶i̶c̶ v̶i̶o̶l̶e̶n̶c̶e̶; s̶e̶x̶u̶a̶l̶ a̶s̶s̶a̶u̶l̶t̶ a̶n̶d̶ a̶b̶u̶s̶e̶
I have conflicting thoughts.
I didn’t really like this one and I had a tough time rating and reviewing the story.
I feel horrible saying that because despite of the horrifyingly realistic depiction of DV and SA the book had a lot of potential but I just couldn’t connect to it—the characters, the overall plot. All of it or rather none of it.
I really did wish I’d love it. Not because of what River has endured because that would make me a fucking creep but the story lacked depth and a big portion of the book felt more like added shock value to me than actual plot progression.
I am aware the plot and the plot twists were supposed to be emotionally heavy but I just couldn’t feel these emotions when reading the books.
Repetitive chapters and awkwardly fixed storylines (If you do end up reading it you’ll know what I mean here). I actually understood the repetition of certain scenes as it added to the abuse River suffered but every next chapter felt like a hollow echo of the previous one and it became redundant; which made me skim over a lot of pages. Again, I feel terrible saying this—please don’t hate me.
The characters fell flat and there was no real chemistry between River and Mako. A certain sex scene with a certain someone came out of nowhere and if it were up to me, it shouldn’t have been included in the book.
I am just going to leave it at this.
Read it—see what you think.
February 7, 2024
Okay... but seriously..
This is NOT dark romance... this is just every trigger lumped into a book for shock value and it's so fucking boring.
I went in under the assumption that the FMC was some kind of bad ass but she takes so much shit for more than 50% of the book that it's grating and irritating.
It's hard to sympathize with the victim here because of all of the trauma she goes through - the thing that bothers her is that Ryan cheated on her? LOL I mean girlfriend, you should be happy- try and pawn him off or something.
The amount of internal monologue of all these tough girl words -was over the top. Especially when you stay and continue to take it.
And if every disturbing trigger tossed in here to make this book so cliche at trying to be dark romance wasn't enough...
Queue the random lesbian trauma hook up - I rolled my eyes so hard I think I hit my brain.
We get it.. this is trending bc it's supposed to be "dark romance" yet other books that dive into DV are 'romanticizing it'
This is NOT dark romance... this is just every trigger lumped into a book for shock value and it's so fucking boring.
I went in under the assumption that the FMC was some kind of bad ass but she takes so much shit for more than 50% of the book that it's grating and irritating.
It's hard to sympathize with the victim here because of all of the trauma she goes through - the thing that bothers her is that Ryan cheated on her? LOL I mean girlfriend, you should be happy- try and pawn him off or something.
The amount of internal monologue of all these tough girl words -was over the top. Especially when you stay and continue to take it.
And if every disturbing trigger tossed in here to make this book so cliche at trying to be dark romance wasn't enough...
Queue the random lesbian trauma hook up - I rolled my eyes so hard I think I hit my brain.
We get it.. this is trending bc it's supposed to be "dark romance" yet other books that dive into DV are 'romanticizing it'
March 7, 2024
4 stars
***Check your trigger warnings***
River grew up in a deadbeat town with a horrible mother who let terrible things happen to her. She managed to get out of Shallow River, and ended up in the arms of her wonderful and charming lawyer boyfriend, Ryan... or so she thought. Ryan isn't what he seems and Mako, his brother that River knew nothing about, tries to warn her of that. But, River has never depended on anyone else to save her, she can save herself.... right?
This book was one hell of a trauma dump. My triggers were triggered but I kept reading because it was so healing. This was the final book in HD Carlton's backlist that I needed to read to be able to say that I have read all of her books, and I can now confidently say that she has never once disappointed me. River was a strong FMC that fell prey to the same things so many of us have, but she rose above and got her retribution in a beautiful way, if I do say so myself. Mako was such a great MMC and I loved that he constantly let River tell him what she wanted and never pushed too hard unless she needed it.
Now I need HD Carlton to publish another book ASAP because I want more!
***Check your trigger warnings***
River grew up in a deadbeat town with a horrible mother who let terrible things happen to her. She managed to get out of Shallow River, and ended up in the arms of her wonderful and charming lawyer boyfriend, Ryan... or so she thought. Ryan isn't what he seems and Mako, his brother that River knew nothing about, tries to warn her of that. But, River has never depended on anyone else to save her, she can save herself.... right?
This book was one hell of a trauma dump. My triggers were triggered but I kept reading because it was so healing. This was the final book in HD Carlton's backlist that I needed to read to be able to say that I have read all of her books, and I can now confidently say that she has never once disappointed me. River was a strong FMC that fell prey to the same things so many of us have, but she rose above and got her retribution in a beautiful way, if I do say so myself. Mako was such a great MMC and I loved that he constantly let River tell him what she wanted and never pushed too hard unless she needed it.
Now I need HD Carlton to publish another book ASAP because I want more!
November 14, 2020
Wow, just wow!! This was my first read by this author and I was not disappointed.
This book took my heart and hasn't let go yet. It consumed me. I felt so, so much. My heart ached, my tears flowed freely and I so much wanted to keep River safe. I was transported into this book. It was more than fiction and a make believe story. This was TRUTH!
Unfortunately, this is true life for many women.
That broke me.
Please take note of the trigger warnings. They aren't wasted print. They are true and accurate. This is a dark read through and through.
We wade through the life of one strong and brave woman named River. She has been through SO MUCH with no end in sight. She only knows how to survive. She had needed to do that from a very young age. The one thing she was lacking... Love - she'd never been graced with it. This is mostly her POV. As you read, you feel like you are right beside her. Invisible, voiceless and unable to help at all.
River's boyfriend Ryan has no love for her. He confesses love to her after hurting her though- emotionally and physically. He shames her and abuses her. Manipulates her into thinking that it's actually HER fault when he lashes out at her with his hateful words and fists.
He is sorry "for everything", pleads for her to forgive him. She does. He repeats. She does. He repeats....
Mako is Ryan's brother and he knows just how evil and vile his brother Ryan truly is. Even with Mako being a detective he can't pin anything on Ryan. Ryan is a well respected lawyer and has everyone eating out of the palm of his hands. Their parents and others in the community.
I couldn't understand how Mako wasn't able to figure something out to prevent his brother from hurting numerous women. He did step in and helped one woman get away from the monster. The brothers loathed each other.
Thankfully Mako was in River's corner. He was there to help and pick up the pieces. River was strong and didn't think she needed a knight to save her. He wouldn't stop. He was always there and willing to step in. Willing to end her suffering at the hands of Ryan, even permanently.
He was unwilling to stop until she was safe... in his heart and in his arms. Ohhh, Mako!
This is a gut wrenching read. It will take a piece of your heart. I had to take many breaks while reading this because it does just that. It will break you. It broke me.
This book took my heart and hasn't let go yet. It consumed me. I felt so, so much. My heart ached, my tears flowed freely and I so much wanted to keep River safe. I was transported into this book. It was more than fiction and a make believe story. This was TRUTH!
Unfortunately, this is true life for many women.
That broke me.
Please take note of the trigger warnings. They aren't wasted print. They are true and accurate. This is a dark read through and through.
We wade through the life of one strong and brave woman named River. She has been through SO MUCH with no end in sight. She only knows how to survive. She had needed to do that from a very young age. The one thing she was lacking... Love - she'd never been graced with it. This is mostly her POV. As you read, you feel like you are right beside her. Invisible, voiceless and unable to help at all.
River's boyfriend Ryan has no love for her. He confesses love to her after hurting her though- emotionally and physically. He shames her and abuses her. Manipulates her into thinking that it's actually HER fault when he lashes out at her with his hateful words and fists.
He is sorry "for everything", pleads for her to forgive him. She does. He repeats. She does. He repeats....
Mako is Ryan's brother and he knows just how evil and vile his brother Ryan truly is. Even with Mako being a detective he can't pin anything on Ryan. Ryan is a well respected lawyer and has everyone eating out of the palm of his hands. Their parents and others in the community.
I couldn't understand how Mako wasn't able to figure something out to prevent his brother from hurting numerous women. He did step in and helped one woman get away from the monster. The brothers loathed each other.
Thankfully Mako was in River's corner. He was there to help and pick up the pieces. River was strong and didn't think she needed a knight to save her. He wouldn't stop. He was always there and willing to step in. Willing to end her suffering at the hands of Ryan, even permanently.
He was unwilling to stop until she was safe... in his heart and in his arms. Ohhh, Mako!
This is a gut wrenching read. It will take a piece of your heart. I had to take many breaks while reading this because it does just that. It will break you. It broke me.
April 16, 2021
Ugh... Found this book beyond frustrating! It was too far fetched and long winded.
So much happened in this book, yet I couldn't feel any of the emotions River was going through.
Anything & everything traumatic is just mashed into this book.
We have: child abuse, rape, verbal abuse, physical abuse, abusive boyfriend, lying, cheating, heroine fawning after the brother, boyfriend messing with girlfriends birth control, animal abuse, a brutal murder, heroine has sex with boyfriend's ex-girlfriend, druggy whore mother, serial killer, torture, incest
It was pretty obvious who the stranger River was dancing with was in the beginning of the story and who the "Ghost Killer" was.
So much happened in this book, yet I couldn't feel any of the emotions River was going through.
Anything & everything traumatic is just mashed into this book.
We have: child abuse, rape, verbal abuse, physical abuse, abusive boyfriend, lying, cheating, heroine fawning after the brother, boyfriend messing with girlfriends birth control, animal abuse, a brutal murder, heroine has sex with boyfriend's ex-girlfriend, druggy whore mother, serial killer, torture, incest
It was pretty obvious who the stranger River was dancing with was in the beginning of the story and who the "Ghost Killer" was.
October 19, 2022
I hate that I didn’t love this. There’s definitely a good story in here, but it’s buried in such a frustratingly dull book. It’s overlong and overwrought and just has no momentum or feel of pace to it whatsoever. The scenes of domestic abuse are shocking, but they’re so repetitive that the shock wares out and eventually builds to frustration. Some of these scenes practically felt copy-pasted and reading them induced annoyed groans from me. The thriller subplot is transparent early on, and everything feels more like an inevitability—not a surprise. I love a good survivor’s story—but I require that story to be well-told, and this is just not. The writing was also really ROUGH at parts. The climax felt so rushed that—what should’ve been a moment of great catharsis—just didn’t land with the desired impact. The way the story goes from gritty abuse/revenge tale to soapy fairy tale at the end… and wraps everything up in a pretty bow just felt so jarring. I struck gold with Haunting Adeline, but everything else I’ve read by this author so far has just been so disappointing.
Shelved as 'avoid'
January 17, 2023Self note avoid
Shock fest.
Spoilers
The h is raped over and over by om/ex.
The h anally rapes the rapist om with a broom.
The h has revenge sex with Om ex girlfriend.
H raped by h’s dad.
She’s been getting raped by men since 10yrs old.
Author just throws shit just to shock readers.🙄
Ridiculous.
Not my jam.
Shock fest.
Spoilers
The h is raped over and over by om/ex.
The h anally rapes the rapist om with a broom.
The h has revenge sex with Om ex girlfriend.
H raped by h’s dad.
She’s been getting raped by men since 10yrs old.
Author just throws shit just to shock readers.🙄
Ridiculous.
Not my jam.
September 14, 2022
oh the potential
October 6, 2023
4.25⭐️ this was an excellent depiction of inside the mind of a victim and survivor of child and domestic abuse.
If I wasn’t so intrigued as to what would happen with Mako, and if this wasn’t an HD book, I may have dnf’d. I grew so tired of her meekness and just wanted her to get her backbone back ffs and stop letting this little piss ant walk all over her and do all this shit to her. But at the same time, it’s an extremely good and realistic depiction of a story of domestic abuse. The physical abuse, yes, but the emotional abuse was huuuge in this. The humiliation, manipulation, gaslighting. Her inner thoughts and struggles and realizations. It was really fkn good.
At first I was like ‘River, babe, get a hold of yourself.’ Ryan is trash. His praise is demeaning. She goes from pummelling men for groping her to a meek little kitten for Ryan. Gross. But again, it was so expertly done because that’s exactly what happens to a lot of women. But then I was like ‘RIVER BABY YOU ARE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!’ The realization. The understanding. The retaliation!!! Fuck. Yes. River found herself again. She came back to herself. Stronger and better than ever. Stunningly. So stunningly she fucked [redacted]. I love it.
But fuck if it wasn’t devastating to watch her wilt and believe every nasty thing Ryan said to her. Believe that everything is her fault and she should be embarrassed and ashamed. Ryan is the absolutely fucking worst worthless back of dirty dicks who needs a hot poker shoved so far up his urethra it comes out his belly button. He got everything he had coming to him.
Mako was delicious. First, I agree with River being like ‘what is that name’ but I digress. His possessive need to protect her. To show her what real love and respect are. To show her how a woman should be treated and cherished and truly praised. His willingness to go down fucking swinging for her. To do absolutely anything for her. With her. He was the best thing that could have ever happened to her. His love for her was beautiful (iykyk). He did everything in his power to help her heal and he was everything she needed a man to be.
Other points:
- totally called the Billy thing x2
- loved Amelia so much
- loved the Alison thing
Keep in mind this is an extremely graphic and detailed story of child (extremely young) abuse and domestic violence and abused (physical, mental, emotional). Despite the fact that it was well done and very realistic, it is difficult. Another great story from the queen of dark romance.
”She shouldn’t be with me, but I think I need her to be.”
“Fuck it. I don’t want to save her. I want to fucking take her. I will steal her from my brother, right out from his tiny hands and keep her to myself. I will show her what it’s like to be with a real man. A man that truly does treat her like a queen. Someone that will cater to her every desire, treat her body like it’s my most prized possession, and show her a happiness she doesn’t know exists yet.”
“It’s my turn to be the punisher.”
“Mako covered in blood is a delicious sight. I want to be just as bloody as he is.”
• boyfriends brother
• detective mmc
• ff scene
tw: child abuse | rape | domestic abuse | emotional abuse | manipulation | gaslighting
If I wasn’t so intrigued as to what would happen with Mako, and if this wasn’t an HD book, I may have dnf’d. I grew so tired of her meekness and just wanted her to get her backbone back ffs and stop letting this little piss ant walk all over her and do all this shit to her. But at the same time, it’s an extremely good and realistic depiction of a story of domestic abuse. The physical abuse, yes, but the emotional abuse was huuuge in this. The humiliation, manipulation, gaslighting. Her inner thoughts and struggles and realizations. It was really fkn good.
At first I was like ‘River, babe, get a hold of yourself.’ Ryan is trash. His praise is demeaning. She goes from pummelling men for groping her to a meek little kitten for Ryan. Gross. But again, it was so expertly done because that’s exactly what happens to a lot of women. But then I was like ‘RIVER BABY YOU ARE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!’ The realization. The understanding. The retaliation!!! Fuck. Yes. River found herself again. She came back to herself. Stronger and better than ever. Stunningly. So stunningly she fucked [redacted]. I love it.
But fuck if it wasn’t devastating to watch her wilt and believe every nasty thing Ryan said to her. Believe that everything is her fault and she should be embarrassed and ashamed. Ryan is the absolutely fucking worst worthless back of dirty dicks who needs a hot poker shoved so far up his urethra it comes out his belly button. He got everything he had coming to him.
Mako was delicious. First, I agree with River being like ‘what is that name’ but I digress. His possessive need to protect her. To show her what real love and respect are. To show her how a woman should be treated and cherished and truly praised. His willingness to go down fucking swinging for her. To do absolutely anything for her. With her. He was the best thing that could have ever happened to her. His love for her was beautiful (iykyk). He did everything in his power to help her heal and he was everything she needed a man to be.
Other points:
- totally called the Billy thing x2
- loved Amelia so much
- loved the Alison thing
Keep in mind this is an extremely graphic and detailed story of child (extremely young) abuse and domestic violence and abused (physical, mental, emotional). Despite the fact that it was well done and very realistic, it is difficult. Another great story from the queen of dark romance.
”She shouldn’t be with me, but I think I need her to be.”
“Fuck it. I don’t want to save her. I want to fucking take her. I will steal her from my brother, right out from his tiny hands and keep her to myself. I will show her what it’s like to be with a real man. A man that truly does treat her like a queen. Someone that will cater to her every desire, treat her body like it’s my most prized possession, and show her a happiness she doesn’t know exists yet.”
“It’s my turn to be the punisher.”
“Mako covered in blood is a delicious sight. I want to be just as bloody as he is.”
• boyfriends brother
• detective mmc
• ff scene
tw: child abuse | rape | domestic abuse | emotional abuse | manipulation | gaslighting
November 3, 2020
There some books that make you sit up and take notice. The books that have a powerful message or voice. Shallow River has both. Shallow River tells the story of River , a young woman in a vicious circle of abuse.
You feel her every move. The questioning, the insecurities that make up this experience. River thought she escaped her abusive childhood and moved on to college with guarded hopes. Every chapter pours out every thing. There is no hidden nooks. There is no escape from the world , her boyfriend Ryan has created.
She learnt too late , the truth and she sinking. The man she loves who has become a nightmare. She doesn’t know what to do. As she never been given the tools to help herself and she doesn’t know how to deal with this world she found herself once again.
You wonder why put herself in this situation given her back story. Some people don't want help. They need to find their own strength and Shallow River is the story of this woman. A woman who was forced to sought to make her own decisions and take things into her hand
Her journey isn’t easy. Her story isn’t a walk in a park .She isn’t looking for romance. She looking for an escape. Carlton captures it perfectly and I can’t wait to read more of her writing. She captured every second of this book perfectly. You can literally feel the emotions that River is feeling. It oozes out of her. This isn't a typical romance. This a woman seeking her own answers.
You feel her every move. The questioning, the insecurities that make up this experience. River thought she escaped her abusive childhood and moved on to college with guarded hopes. Every chapter pours out every thing. There is no hidden nooks. There is no escape from the world , her boyfriend Ryan has created.
She learnt too late , the truth and she sinking. The man she loves who has become a nightmare. She doesn’t know what to do. As she never been given the tools to help herself and she doesn’t know how to deal with this world she found herself once again.
You wonder why put herself in this situation given her back story. Some people don't want help. They need to find their own strength and Shallow River is the story of this woman. A woman who was forced to sought to make her own decisions and take things into her hand
Her journey isn’t easy. Her story isn’t a walk in a park .She isn’t looking for romance. She looking for an escape. Carlton captures it perfectly and I can’t wait to read more of her writing. She captured every second of this book perfectly. You can literally feel the emotions that River is feeling. It oozes out of her. This isn't a typical romance. This a woman seeking her own answers.
January 11, 2023
It’s been a couple weeks now since I’ve read it and I kinda feel ready to write a review lol
DV books are always hard to read, especially knowing going in how it ends (or how you think it ends). I thought this was handled really well. It gave a lot of power to the survivor, the FMC River. The ending was everything I wanted and more.
Every chapter with Ryan was like sitting on the edge of a tall building just waiting for a strong wind to knock me off. I swear, H.D. Carlton can write. I was tense every time he was on page and only relaxed when he was off.
I loved the different POVs, from River to Mako (MMC). He was everything I could have wanted in an MMC, but especially for River and especially in her situation. I didn’t love that he was a cop though lol. The side characters were great. Rivers bff, Ryan’s ex, Mako’s mom…Each important and instrumental to the story and to the growth of River’s character.
One thing I’ve come to expect and respect about this author is how she writes strong FMCs who always save their self. Damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming? Wtf is that?
Such a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional read. Chock full of triggers too y’all. Be kind to yourself. 💛
DV books are always hard to read, especially knowing going in how it ends (or how you think it ends). I thought this was handled really well. It gave a lot of power to the survivor, the FMC River. The ending was everything I wanted and more.
Every chapter with Ryan was like sitting on the edge of a tall building just waiting for a strong wind to knock me off. I swear, H.D. Carlton can write. I was tense every time he was on page and only relaxed when he was off.
I loved the different POVs, from River to Mako (MMC). He was everything I could have wanted in an MMC, but especially for River and especially in her situation. I didn’t love that he was a cop though lol. The side characters were great. Rivers bff, Ryan’s ex, Mako’s mom…Each important and instrumental to the story and to the growth of River’s character.
One thing I’ve come to expect and respect about this author is how she writes strong FMCs who always save their self. Damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming? Wtf is that?
Such a beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional read. Chock full of triggers too y’all. Be kind to yourself. 💛
November 1, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: SHALLOW RIVER.
GENRE: DARK ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:H.D. CARLTON.
TYPE: STANDALONE.
POV: DUAL PROSPECTIVE.
MY RATING: 5 "addictive" Stars.
If I could use one word to describe this book, it would be..."INTENSE."
There were some dark, I mean VERY DARK, triggers here in the book but the author has described it in a darkly beautiful, tasteful manner.
I would have never guessed in a million years that this was a debut book...like the way it's written, the storylines, character development was just amazing...requires an applaud.
The character of River just amazingly portrayed...she was the broken, shallow girl who has gone through so much in her early years and when she finally finds the courage to move on with someone, she finds Ryan...that guy deserves all the hateful comments ever. But Mako is the opposite... the hot guy who is a Saviour is nature...Saves everyone who needed him...But he underestimates River...and this time River will save herself.
I am not at all ashamed to tell you I had to take breaks in between reading this book...I have no triggers whatsoever but some things just are so hard to digest and this book was filled with themes that psychologically and emotionally gut you in the most painful manner.
The name of the book was rightfully adopted as the major part of the book was River....That girl gave such a story which will be imprinted on my mind forever and ever.
The triggers include domestic violence, rape, violence, and sexual situations...Please read-only if you are comfortable as these things are portrayed in the graphic.
GENRE: DARK ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:H.D. CARLTON.
TYPE: STANDALONE.
POV: DUAL PROSPECTIVE.
MY RATING: 5 "addictive" Stars.
If I could use one word to describe this book, it would be..."INTENSE."
There were some dark, I mean VERY DARK, triggers here in the book but the author has described it in a darkly beautiful, tasteful manner.
I would have never guessed in a million years that this was a debut book...like the way it's written, the storylines, character development was just amazing...requires an applaud.
The character of River just amazingly portrayed...she was the broken, shallow girl who has gone through so much in her early years and when she finally finds the courage to move on with someone, she finds Ryan...that guy deserves all the hateful comments ever. But Mako is the opposite... the hot guy who is a Saviour is nature...Saves everyone who needed him...But he underestimates River...and this time River will save herself.
I am not at all ashamed to tell you I had to take breaks in between reading this book...I have no triggers whatsoever but some things just are so hard to digest and this book was filled with themes that psychologically and emotionally gut you in the most painful manner.
The name of the book was rightfully adopted as the major part of the book was River....That girl gave such a story which will be imprinted on my mind forever and ever.
The triggers include domestic violence, rape, violence, and sexual situations...Please read-only if you are comfortable as these things are portrayed in the graphic.
June 7, 2022
Oof that was a doozy. All the trigger warnings. Domestic abuse, physical, emotional, all of the above. Rape, sexual assault, death, knife play, trauma, the list goes on.
In true H.D. Carlton fashion, I would kill for these characters. I don’t know how she does it but these books make me want to stab someone. In the best way possible. This is a story about domestic abuse with a subplot of a serial killer. Oh and ya know, some romance too. I feel like the pacing of her stories just builds the intensity to a boiling point where I’m about ready to throw my kindle across the room. But it makes any victories so much sweeter. This follows River who is in an incredibly dangerous relationship and subjected to copious amounts of abuse. Enter her boyfriend’s estranged sexy brother and you have the makings of a very tense dark romance. This is one of those books that makes you pick your head up and take a deep breath before continuing. Definitely not for the faint of heart but for anyone who loves really really dark stories, this is one for you.
In true H.D. Carlton fashion, I would kill for these characters. I don’t know how she does it but these books make me want to stab someone. In the best way possible. This is a story about domestic abuse with a subplot of a serial killer. Oh and ya know, some romance too. I feel like the pacing of her stories just builds the intensity to a boiling point where I’m about ready to throw my kindle across the room. But it makes any victories so much sweeter. This follows River who is in an incredibly dangerous relationship and subjected to copious amounts of abuse. Enter her boyfriend’s estranged sexy brother and you have the makings of a very tense dark romance. This is one of those books that makes you pick your head up and take a deep breath before continuing. Definitely not for the faint of heart but for anyone who loves really really dark stories, this is one for you.
October 9, 2023
Def read the trigger warning before but I liked this one! Sometimes River really irked me, but her situation she was in made me sad. Love a good strong queen👏🏼 Super spicy ofc!!
February 12, 2022
4.5⭐️ Here are some quotes I saved 😭
“He’s got a beautiful girl at home that treats him far better than he deserves, and yet he still fucks around.”
“I can’t force any girl to leave Ryan. I can’t force them to see the truth in Ryan. It’s something they need to face themselves. But fuck, if I’m going to stand by and watch a girl suffer through domestic violence without at least trying to help her.”
“She’s beautiful. And completely, utterly, abso-fucking-lutely tempting.”
“I’ll be damned if I let another innocent girl find herself in that position—where there’s even a possibility that she was murdered.”
“He’s broken you so effortlessly, the pain hasn’t even hit you yet.”
“Stupid, stupid, stupid River. Fucking stupid whore.”
“You deserved that.”
“If you end up in my handcuffs, it won’t be because I’m arresting you.”
“I want a love like my parents. Like my partner’s. With my exes, it always felt like something was missing. That’s not true love in my eyes.”
“You shouldn’t be punished for showing the world that you’re beautiful. Those men are wrong for sexualizing a little girl. That’s sick, River. It’s okay if a man looks at you—as a grown woman—and finds you attractive, but it is not okay if that man assumes that gives him the right to make you uncomfortable in any way. Whether it’s by the way he looks at you, speaks to you or touches you. If you want to walk out of the house in the sexiest thing you own, then that’s your goddamn right because it is your choice to show off your body. Don’t give any man the power to control what you do with it.”
“Hell is not a home, Billy,” I grit out. “It’s only a place I come to visit.”
“No—my boyfriend couldn’t have just hit me when I’ve already been beaten half to death. No—not when he loves me.”
“This tattoo is a reminder that despite my ugly surroundings, I was still worth something. That where I came-from doesn’t taint who I am in any way.”
“Who knocks out someone they’re supposedly in love with, and then fucks and bites them when they’re unconscious?”
“God, it hurts. It hurts that he continues to break me over and over, inside and out.”
“That was what made me fall in love with you, River.”
“I’m worthy. I’m strong. I’m independent. And I’m a survivor.”
“He’s got a beautiful girl at home that treats him far better than he deserves, and yet he still fucks around.”
“I can’t force any girl to leave Ryan. I can’t force them to see the truth in Ryan. It’s something they need to face themselves. But fuck, if I’m going to stand by and watch a girl suffer through domestic violence without at least trying to help her.”
“She’s beautiful. And completely, utterly, abso-fucking-lutely tempting.”
“I’ll be damned if I let another innocent girl find herself in that position—where there’s even a possibility that she was murdered.”
“He’s broken you so effortlessly, the pain hasn’t even hit you yet.”
“Stupid, stupid, stupid River. Fucking stupid whore.”
“You deserved that.”
“If you end up in my handcuffs, it won’t be because I’m arresting you.”
“I want a love like my parents. Like my partner’s. With my exes, it always felt like something was missing. That’s not true love in my eyes.”
“You shouldn’t be punished for showing the world that you’re beautiful. Those men are wrong for sexualizing a little girl. That’s sick, River. It’s okay if a man looks at you—as a grown woman—and finds you attractive, but it is not okay if that man assumes that gives him the right to make you uncomfortable in any way. Whether it’s by the way he looks at you, speaks to you or touches you. If you want to walk out of the house in the sexiest thing you own, then that’s your goddamn right because it is your choice to show off your body. Don’t give any man the power to control what you do with it.”
“Hell is not a home, Billy,” I grit out. “It’s only a place I come to visit.”
“No—my boyfriend couldn’t have just hit me when I’ve already been beaten half to death. No—not when he loves me.”
“This tattoo is a reminder that despite my ugly surroundings, I was still worth something. That where I came-from doesn’t taint who I am in any way.”
“Who knocks out someone they’re supposedly in love with, and then fucks and bites them when they’re unconscious?”
“God, it hurts. It hurts that he continues to break me over and over, inside and out.”
“That was what made me fall in love with you, River.”
“I’m worthy. I’m strong. I’m independent. And I’m a survivor.”
February 10, 2024
okay. review time. my head is still reeling and my heart still is in pieces.
where do i even start? shallow river is a dark romance full of so many triggers so tread lightly while reading and make sure to read the triggers before starting.
this story goes in to so much detail about domestic violence and rape. river was traumatized and struggled SO much through her entire life, so coming to the end, was just so heartbreaking, in every good way possible.
so many times i wanted to crawl into the book, i have never wanted to go to jail for a fictional character so bad like i did for river.
i will forever love mako and river and this book regardless of how much it shatters my heart and rebuilds it over and over again.
where do i even start? shallow river is a dark romance full of so many triggers so tread lightly while reading and make sure to read the triggers before starting.
this story goes in to so much detail about domestic violence and rape. river was traumatized and struggled SO much through her entire life, so coming to the end, was just so heartbreaking, in every good way possible.
so many times i wanted to crawl into the book, i have never wanted to go to jail for a fictional character so bad like i did for river.
i will forever love mako and river and this book regardless of how much it shatters my heart and rebuilds it over and over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2023
i was going into expecting a fun smut book and instead most of it was a detailed account of domestic violence with like 2 mediocre smutty scenes
December 5, 2022
Enjoyed this book up until about 70% through when it got a little long winded. It was a strong start though and a dark spicy romance. Check the triggers though people. I don't need warnings but this was quite a confronting read. It was also interesting read from the perspective of someone that is subject to such trauma. Mako has to be one of my favourites 🥰 and the romance was just 🤌🥵🌶
February 27, 2024
Another gripping book that I couldn’t put down, brilliantly written, with many twist and turns. I loved it
March 12, 2024
Top 2 favorites from HD, the first being does it hurt?.. this book was filled with so many triggers so always know what you’re getting yourself into before diving in. This was such an emotional rollercoaster. River went through so much, I was really worried she wouldn’t come out on top in the end.
New book boyfriend - Mako *swoon* he was perfect and the lines he would say, love him! Idk what more to say, except I really enjoyed reading this story.
New book boyfriend - Mako *swoon* he was perfect and the lines he would say, love him! Idk what more to say, except I really enjoyed reading this story.
August 4, 2023
Captivating!
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
H. D. Carlton's Shallow River is a gripping thriller and very dark romance.
This book is about River. She's a survivor, not a victim.
Since her birth she has only known abuse and violence. Therefore, she doesn't really know what a person in love should ever do and get trapped again. She meets Mako, who wants to be her knight in shining armor. But she doesn't need him, she just needs to wake up and do what she promised to do.
The first 45 percent of this tale was very hard to read. I endured River's torments, by her side. I didn't understand her reactions most of the time. But I guess that H.D. Carlton wanted to describe, the ups and downs of emotions in the mind of someone abused, by someone they love. One minute that person decides enough is enough, and the next that the abuser is going to change, that he can't control himself.
H. D. Carlton knows how to create realistic despicable characters. Billy and Ryan are, two monumental pieces of 💩💩! I was horrified and irritated by their behavior. I couldn't wait for River to wake up and get revenge. I was not disappointed. What she did to them was perfect!
I highly recommend this book. It is not for sensitive readers. Definitely not! Shallow River, is my favorite book by H.D. Carlton, so far.
Ps: oversized 🍆 are overrated. 😉🤪🤣
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
H. D. Carlton's Shallow River is a gripping thriller and very dark romance.
This book is about River. She's a survivor, not a victim.
Since her birth she has only known abuse and violence. Therefore, she doesn't really know what a person in love should ever do and get trapped again. She meets Mako, who wants to be her knight in shining armor. But she doesn't need him, she just needs to wake up and do what she promised to do.
The first 45 percent of this tale was very hard to read. I endured River's torments, by her side. I didn't understand her reactions most of the time. But I guess that H.D. Carlton wanted to describe, the ups and downs of emotions in the mind of someone abused, by someone they love. One minute that person decides enough is enough, and the next that the abuser is going to change, that he can't control himself.
H. D. Carlton knows how to create realistic despicable characters. Billy and Ryan are, two monumental pieces of 💩💩! I was horrified and irritated by their behavior. I couldn't wait for River to wake up and get revenge. I was not disappointed. What she did to them was perfect!
I highly recommend this book. It is not for sensitive readers. Definitely not! Shallow River, is my favorite book by H.D. Carlton, so far.
Ps: oversized 🍆 are overrated. 😉🤪🤣
November 5, 2020
This was extremely painful to read! so much trauma, both psychical and physical. I was torn between wanting to hug the heroine and wanting to shake her really bad because she thought that she deserved what happened to her.
The moment when she got her revenge made me cringe. It was too much and no human deserves to suffer what happened to Ryan. Actually, I ve changed my mind, Billy was the only one from the book that deserved that and much more.
The moment when she got her revenge made me cringe. It was too much and no human deserves to suffer what happened to Ryan. Actually, I ve changed my mind, Billy was the only one from the book that deserved that and much more.
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