To save the woman he loves, he has to let a killer walk free.Annabelle Englewood’s life is crumbling around her. Her entire family is slaughtered; she’s accused of committing the crime; and the detective working the case is making her feel things she doesn’t want to feel and challenging her belief that she is unworthy of being loved. Detective Xavier Montague knows better than to get involved … better than to get involved with a woman in a case he’s working. Especially one who is so emotionally vulnerable. And yet, against his better judgment, he’s drawn to Annabelle, but this forbidden attraction will force him to confront the darkest time in his life.
↝ Trigger warning – mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜
ONE is the first book in the Count to Ten series by USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe. Suspense, thrills, mysteries, serial killers, stalkers, friendship, family, and love abound in each book of this complete series!
Read the complete series today
1. One – Xavier and Annabelle
2. Two – Ryan and Sofia
3. Three – Xavier and Annabelle, Ryan and Sofia
4. Four – Jack and Laura
5. Five – Jack and Laura
6. Six – Xavier and Annabelle
6.5 Burning Secrets (a novella) – Paige and Elias
7. Seven – Mark and Daisy
8. Eight – Ryan and Sofia
9. Nine
10. Ten
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This book was a fantastic book kept me engrossed though out the book and I cannot wait to read more from this author iam quite excited to see where this series is going to go
Detective Xavier Montague has just been called to a murder scene where he finds one family member just hanging onto life, Annabelle Englewood. But why was Annabelle saved and nobody else was or could she be responsible for the horrors that happened at her home?
Annabelle Englewood wakes up in the hospital and is handcuffed to the bed with no memory of what happened to her after dinner. She is horrified to learn that she is a suspect and has no one but her neighbor, Ricky Preston left in her life.
But soon Xavier and his partner, Kate Hannah, discover something more sinister going on and will they be able to figure out who the killer is before anyone else dies? Will Xavier be able to keep his relationship with Annabelle purely platonic as he works to break the case open while trying to keep Annabelle safe?
This was such a great book with so many twists and turns that I kept guessing from start to finish on who the killer was but I kept changing my mind with every piece of new evidence.
I thought Xavier was such a great character and although I was super mad at him in the beginning for what happened to Annabelle he definitely worked hard to redeem himself. Xavier was working super hard on the case with partner Kate but the killer seemed to be one step ahead of him.
My heart broke for Annabelle and everything she had to go through in the book from start to finish. So many times I just wanted to go in and protect her from what was happening to her. She was strong in that she had gone through so much and kept fighting for herself.
The twists and turns in this book were totally insane and the killer became more gruesome with every killing. I had a feeling it wasn’t one of the characters due to the blood but then I wasn’t sure after everything that happened.
I loved the way the book played out with keeping us on our toes. I totally did not expect the ending to turn out the way it did and I am really looking forward to the next book! – By Rebecca
Thrilling Story!
This was a very thrilling story to read. It gripped me from page one and I couldn’t put it down until the end. There is so much action, suspense and intrigue that it kept me on the edge of my seat guessing about what would happen in the end.
Xavier and Annabelle are both great characters with lots of depth. They seem to be matched perfectly and they both have many obstacles to overcome. It was great to read how their story unfolds.
I can’t wait for the next one.
What an action packed, suspense filled start to a new series! Seriously, I was white knuckling my kindle while I burned through the pages. Now if you’ll excuse me it’s on to book two for me!
Wow I have read Jane’s other books but nothing prepared me for this one. This is the first one in this series and it kicks off with a mind blowing storyline. If you have a weak stomach I advise you not to read this one. This is about a person that goes around killing and enjoys it a little to much. He is seeking revenge for the past. Two detectives are trying to solve this case and prevent him from killing anymore. But it is not so easy. One of them is falling for one of the victims.
I absolutely loved this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter to the end. I did feel that the ending left me hanging a little hoping that we would get more from the characters. But Jane did a wonderful job writing this one. To have the mind that she does. She describes the scenes so well and the characters feelings when it comes to what is happening to them. I just could not get enough. An absolute must read if you love a great mystery, full of suspense with a little romance on the side. Hold on because you will be taken on quite the ride with this one.
First book of the year and it did not disappoint! If this is the first in the series then I will definitely be reading the rest. I read it in one sitting, a page turner from the very beginning. Heart stopping drama, chaos, murder, serial killer with a crazy addition to blood… I could not put it down! What a story!
Annabelle family have been murdered and the blame is pointing at her.
Xavier is the first detective on the scene and finds her, but things are not adding up properly.
Xavier’s partner kate feels there is more to the case and they need to dig deeper.
A story that has you guessing & awaiting the conclusion.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Keeps you guessing.
Twisted and compelling.
The difference between watching an episode of Criminal Minds and reading one of Jane Blythe’s books is that the emotions of the characters, specifically the perpetrator are communicated very succinctly to the reader.
She is also tops at the game of red herrings! Just when I thought I had a clue, someone stepped in front of my pointed finger, then I wavered again.
This book is very different to the series I have read from Jane Blythe, but still had me itching to read it in one single session. 4 Stars.
What a start to a series! So good!
This physiological thriller/ romance suspense, was full of twists and turns. I didn’t have I clue what was going to happen next. Who would survive or who the murderer was? Love a book that keeps me guessing. Can’t wait to read book 2
Jane Blythe is a recently discovered author to me and she’s very quickly becoming a favorite. One was a thrilling, edge of your seat story that had so many twists and turns that just when I though I had it figured out something big would happen that would make me rethink everything. It was heartbreaking, suspenseful and heart stoppingly brilliant. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
What an intense, emotional read full of twist and turns and a little romance to tie it all together. Xavier, Annabelle, Kate and all the others will pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who done it.
Amazing read that will definitely have tour wanting more . Can’t wait to read the next one
Wow.
What a way to start a series.
This author is quickly moving up my list of top suspense authors and this book proves why.
You’ll find yourself questioning everything well past the last page.
Can’t wait to start the next book.
This was a very descriptive book, so much so that I felt like I was in a episode on the ID network or a CSI episode. The suspense factor I loved but the descriptions of murders were something I’m that use in my books but overall just added to the fact A this book is written in way that you can visualize everything and B I need to read more murder/mysteries cause I found myself really into this one! Detective Xavier is tasked with solving the murders and finding the serial killer only problem is the prime suspect, Annabelle, he can’t help but being extremely drawn to her. The book kept me guessing on who the killer could probably be which only added to my enjoyment of it cause I couldn’t determine what would be next
Wow!
Thrillers arnt normally my go to read, I’m all about the romance but this book had everything
Romance
Suspense
It was thrilling, I love a book that keeps you guessing throughout, it makes you want to read late Into the night because I couldnt put it down.
I’m fairly new to this author but cant wait to read the rest.
First off, go into this with an open mind, you need to do that. Annabelle is the only survivor when her family is murdered. Not only is her and her family targeted there are also other families as well, we are talking serial killer. Everytime I thought I had the killer figured out, NOPE I was wrong. There are several pov’s going on in here which is nice, it’s not just one person telling the story. I do admit there was a few times I had to go back and reread a chapter because I was confused or misread something. I thought I had it but then No. You pretty much get the back story on all the people and why they are the way they are and that really made the story even better, no wondering why what happened, would we ever know or what for that book to come out! This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to get started on book 2.
Wow this book had me on .the edge of my seat the whole time and I can’t Wait for more to Come Omg I need more
Very detailed descriptions enables you to easily visualise each scene in the story, especially the grisly ones, I have to admit to be fascinated by the carefully painted pictures by the author. As the detectives walk through a crime scene so do you, you feel like you’re there too. Again, the descriptions of each character are on point as well. Gradually building each profile of the main characters we see them very clearly.
I really like the two main lead characters, with everything they’d gone through it is easy to feel empathy for them but also hope for them as a couple as well, it truly brought out the romantic in me. Julia is a straight talker and has fabulous inner strength, I thoroughly enjoyed her character in this story.
The mystery of who the killer is and why he is doing it is absorbing and really has you guessing and on the edge of your seat. Then the why the serial killer did what he did becomes so intriguing it has you trying to explain things, I will admit unsuccessfully for quite a while. Behind this is another smaller mystery, that of the lead detective and his personal history. As well there is another tangent, all cleverly woven together.
I need to read Two as soon as possible, I am totally hooked on this series.
I love this author! I love her christmas series and now I love this series.
One centres around Annabelle and Xavier.
This story is about a serial killer killing families. It has all the shock value you need for a thriller. I liked the suspense and trying to find out who the killer actually is.
Highly recommended.
Wow! I am blown away! One is a great introduction to a suspenseful thriller series that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat! Intricate details of how the serial killer murdered his victims! Yes I’m a little dark and twisted and already hooked on this new author in this series!
As the police try to unravel the pieces of the puzzle, we are given a few suspects. With each new piece of the puzzle being revealed we find ourselves still guessing who the actual serial killer is.
Love the POV of the three strong characters: the detective, Annabelle and the serial killer.
When Detective Xavier Montague investigates Annabelle’s case, he feels a forbidden attraction to her knowing this will cause him to face the darkest time of his life.
Two lost and tortured souls who find each other other under the worst conditions. It will surprise you when you find out who the actual serial killer is and his motive. Fabulous plot and an amazing cast of characters! I highly recommend the serious!
Wow this felt more like a horror novel than a romance. There is truly some detailed gore in this so be advised if you are sensitive. There is a romance buried in this tale of some really sordid crime scenes. There is also a lot of jumping around almost like the mind of a killer fleeting from one thing to the next. Put your seat belt on because it is a wild and bloody ride so get ready for it because this author spares no details. This is my first read by this author and yes there is a cliff hanger and I am intrigued about where she will take this story after this ending. I can’t wait.