T. O. Paine

I wasn't familiar with T. O. Paine, but I found him on Facebook, and now I've read an early copy of his latest book, THE DELUSION. I am pleasantly surprised, i.e., because I hadn't heard of the author before, I wasn't expecting much; but the book exceeded my expectations.

Emma is part of a team working on an award-winning psychology research project. When the team leader is kidnapped, Emma learns that someone wants their information.

In alternate chapters that take place in the 1990s, Trey is trying to find employees and financing to start his business of "making the world a better place" through computer programming. But what are his plans, really?

Eventually, Trey's chapters catch up with Emma's. She sees a good-looking guy who is filthy rich and interested in her. But her perception turns out to be wrong.

I'll admit, these later chapters have some corny parts, especially those that have to do with Emma's friend Alyssa. Even though she is an adult, she doesn't usually talk like one. But, on the whole, I enjoyed THE DELUSION.… (más)

This book's opening line was powerful: "My husband's life flashes before my eyes. I have to pull him up as he dangles from the Cedar River bridge while holding onto my wrists. But I have to save him.”
That immediately captivated me. But eventually it fell into a slow burn.

The story of the book is recounted from several different points of view, but Ryan's POV was my least favorite since the guy kept repeating the word "man," and it quickly made me lose interest. Simply put, the character development lacked.

It read more like domestic fiction or literary fiction to me than a mystery or suspenseful story. It was just okay for me.

I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway program.
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I received The Resentment by T.O.Paine from the Member Giveaway program. This is the story of Lauren Kaine, happily married with a teenage son when one night her husband is chased to his death by a driver in an Audi. Just prior to losing his life, he tells Lauren that "They are after the card!"

As she tries to find the murderous driver that caused William's death, she is pulled into the drama of trying to keep herself and her son, Mason, safe from whomever is trying to find the mysterious card. The reader is pulled into this story that includes not only Lauren and Mason and the killers, but the past that includes her estranged brother in law.

Paine has created characters that draw the reader in and investing in their background stories that will enhance their likeability while taking the reader on a fast paced read until the very end.… (más)