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lzw's review
5.0
Beautiful Masterpiece (Thin Red Lines Book 1) by Gen Ryan is a thrilling suspenseful novel that I gave 5 stars. It is written in alternating first person POVs by the three main characters: Madison, Liam, & Scott.
This book had me on edge the entire time! Such an exciting fast paced read!
This novel is about Madison Harper’s life from haunting childhood to ambitious adult. It starts with her on her way to becoming a FBI agent, driven to protect the innocent after living through her own horror story as a child. But the past is never far behind, and when the man responsible for her own personal hell escapes she must fight her demons to help capture him. Two agents are sent to train and protect her at all costs. Liam and Scott are complete opposites but both must work together to keep her safe. They teach her so much more than field work, though;) Liam is hot & dangerous, not one to get tied down by a girl yet he is captivated by Madison. Scott is the handsome “Boy Scout” type who saved her in the past, and yearns to comfort her now. Will they be able to stay safe, and work together to end her nightmare once and for all?
Wow! This book had me GOING! All the characters were well developed, and the story had great flow! Fair warning-there is graphic violence, explicit sex, etc so this book is strictly for adults to enjoy. Which I did, immensely! I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author!
This book had me on edge the entire time! Such an exciting fast paced read!
This novel is about Madison Harper’s life from haunting childhood to ambitious adult. It starts with her on her way to becoming a FBI agent, driven to protect the innocent after living through her own horror story as a child. But the past is never far behind, and when the man responsible for her own personal hell escapes she must fight her demons to help capture him. Two agents are sent to train and protect her at all costs. Liam and Scott are complete opposites but both must work together to keep her safe. They teach her so much more than field work, though;) Liam is hot & dangerous, not one to get tied down by a girl yet he is captivated by Madison. Scott is the handsome “Boy Scout” type who saved her in the past, and yearns to comfort her now. Will they be able to stay safe, and work together to end her nightmare once and for all?
Wow! This book had me GOING! All the characters were well developed, and the story had great flow! Fair warning-there is graphic violence, explicit sex, etc so this book is strictly for adults to enjoy. Which I did, immensely! I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author!
bookingbonkers's review
5.0
Beautiful Masterpiece is book one in The Thin Red line series by Gen Ryan. It is a very dark but very gripping psychological thriller that I could not put down and is worthy of translating to a big screen movie.
This book is written from the points of view of the main characters, Madison, Liam and Scott. Madison has been through hell and back from a very early early age. Just as her life is taking a good turn the past comes back with a vengeance. Scott has not seen Madison for years but has never forgotten her or their bond. Liam has strong feelings for Madison but also has a past that strongly jeopardises his future.
This is not a typical love triangle at all. Not just because of the nature of the story but because of the characters and the many layers they have. They are brilliantly written and you really feel the emotions they go through.
The story is very well put together and, at times, disturbing and shocking. It has twist and turns that you just don't see coming and some that give you warning and build up that you really wish weren't coming.
I really like reading books in this genre and have two favourite authors who write them. Now I have three and Gen Ryan has bumped one of them down to second place!
I you love psychological thrillers with a lot of kick, you have to read this book and any other by Gen Ryan. I am so pleased that this book is one of series. This was a mind blowing read.
This book is written from the points of view of the main characters, Madison, Liam and Scott. Madison has been through hell and back from a very early early age. Just as her life is taking a good turn the past comes back with a vengeance. Scott has not seen Madison for years but has never forgotten her or their bond. Liam has strong feelings for Madison but also has a past that strongly jeopardises his future.
This is not a typical love triangle at all. Not just because of the nature of the story but because of the characters and the many layers they have. They are brilliantly written and you really feel the emotions they go through.
The story is very well put together and, at times, disturbing and shocking. It has twist and turns that you just don't see coming and some that give you warning and build up that you really wish weren't coming.
I really like reading books in this genre and have two favourite authors who write them. Now I have three and Gen Ryan has bumped one of them down to second place!
I you love psychological thrillers with a lot of kick, you have to read this book and any other by Gen Ryan. I am so pleased that this book is one of series. This was a mind blowing read.
angelastl's review
4.0
Received a copy for my honest review.
Wow. This is a crazy intense book. The daughter of a serial killer tries to rebuild her life. But it's not as simple as that.
Amazing story line. The characters are so believable. Crazy ending.
Deep, dark, intense, with just that spark that keeps you drawn into the book.
Wow. This is a crazy intense book. The daughter of a serial killer tries to rebuild her life. But it's not as simple as that.
Amazing story line. The characters are so believable. Crazy ending.
Deep, dark, intense, with just that spark that keeps you drawn into the book.
xx_andrea_xx's review
5.0
This book traumatised me ... in the best way. Characters are so well-written that you can see them develop as the time goes on. Plot is awesome and the whole book takes you on a rollercoaster ride that you just do not want to end!
becsa's review
5.0
This was such a great book but very dark.
Madison had to overcome so much to get where she was and I loved that her PhD was so dark but had true merit. She was strong and faced so much evil in her world yet knew that she could overcome it. At the same time she was torn between Liam and Scott.
Liam O'Leary was dealing with his own demons and had hoped that becoming an agent would help suppress everything yet he seemed to only get his demons under control with alcohol and sex. He was attracted to Madison and hated that she had feelings for Scott.
Scott Reynolds held a special place in Madison's life and it wasn't hard to understand why she let him into her heart. Yet he had to keep Madison safe and not let her get down with Liam's behaviour.
I loved the friendships that developed while Madison was in the Academy, even though there were questions to why she was there.
There were so many twists and turns and I couldn't understand how Michael knew so much yet he was so evil that I wasn't surprised. The ending totally shocked me and made me super sad but I did understand why it had to be done.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Madison had to overcome so much to get where she was and I loved that her PhD was so dark but had true merit. She was strong and faced so much evil in her world yet knew that she could overcome it. At the same time she was torn between Liam and Scott.
Liam O'Leary was dealing with his own demons and had hoped that becoming an agent would help suppress everything yet he seemed to only get his demons under control with alcohol and sex. He was attracted to Madison and hated that she had feelings for Scott.
Scott Reynolds held a special place in Madison's life and it wasn't hard to understand why she let him into her heart. Yet he had to keep Madison safe and not let her get down with Liam's behaviour.
I loved the friendships that developed while Madison was in the Academy, even though there were questions to why she was there.
There were so many twists and turns and I couldn't understand how Michael knew so much yet he was so evil that I wasn't surprised. The ending totally shocked me and made me super sad but I did understand why it had to be done.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
kelli513's review
5.0
Book Review: Beautiful Masterpiece
Author: Gen Ryan
FIVE STARS
This book is a thrill ride from start to finish. If you can't handle violent crimes against women then please do not read this book. You should be over 18 and a mature reader who understands fiction before you open this book. There are adult circumstances and language involved.
Beautiful Masterpiece is the first book in the Thin Red Lines Series.
Gen Ryan has truly reached into the minds of some very disturbed people and created this masterpiece of words. The details and descriptions of the mastermind are just so clear and frightening.
Madison Harper is about to get her PhD and enter into the FBI Academy. She was adopted when she was just a young girl and her name changed to help protect her identity so that her father would never be able to find her.
Scott Reynolds was the boy next door that saved her life. Now he is the hot FBI agent that has been assigned to keep her safe. Scott came from a very loving family. The worst thing that happened to him as a child was discovering that Aimee's father was a serial killer and turning him into the police, which in turn saved Aimee's life. Will he finally be able to declare to Madison that he has loved her for as long as he has known her? Will Aimee's father kill him before he has the chance to save her?
Liam O'Leary is a special agent with the FBI and he is a mess mentally. Physically he is hot as sin and yes the attraction is there. From a horribly troubled childhood, Liam entered the FBI in the hopes of stopping people like his father. Can Madison safe him? Can she help him get the help he needs before its too late?
The twisted love triangle is sure to get messy.
There is so much I could say about this book but I do not want to give away any spoilers.
There is so much depth in all of the characters. This is the first book I have read by Gen Ryan and I am a huge fan. I will definately be looking into reading more from this series and Gen Ryan herself.
KELLI HARPER
Author: Gen Ryan
FIVE STARS
This book is a thrill ride from start to finish. If you can't handle violent crimes against women then please do not read this book. You should be over 18 and a mature reader who understands fiction before you open this book. There are adult circumstances and language involved.
Beautiful Masterpiece is the first book in the Thin Red Lines Series.
Gen Ryan has truly reached into the minds of some very disturbed people and created this masterpiece of words. The details and descriptions of the mastermind are just so clear and frightening.
Madison Harper is about to get her PhD and enter into the FBI Academy. She was adopted when she was just a young girl and her name changed to help protect her identity so that her father would never be able to find her.
Scott Reynolds was the boy next door that saved her life. Now he is the hot FBI agent that has been assigned to keep her safe. Scott came from a very loving family. The worst thing that happened to him as a child was discovering that Aimee's father was a serial killer and turning him into the police, which in turn saved Aimee's life. Will he finally be able to declare to Madison that he has loved her for as long as he has known her? Will Aimee's father kill him before he has the chance to save her?
Liam O'Leary is a special agent with the FBI and he is a mess mentally. Physically he is hot as sin and yes the attraction is there. From a horribly troubled childhood, Liam entered the FBI in the hopes of stopping people like his father. Can Madison safe him? Can she help him get the help he needs before its too late?
The twisted love triangle is sure to get messy.
There is so much I could say about this book but I do not want to give away any spoilers.
There is so much depth in all of the characters. This is the first book I have read by Gen Ryan and I am a huge fan. I will definately be looking into reading more from this series and Gen Ryan herself.
KELLI HARPER
lisa01's review
5.0
Beautiful Masterpiece (Book 1 in the Thin Red Line Series) by Gen Ryan
Rated 5 stars
This was an attention getting book and I devoured it very quickly. It flowed nicely and the characters were relatable. The book overall was actually perfect for a dark storyline. I enjoyed reading it and there are a few different feelings this book elicited about the different characters. I realize there are all types of people in the world driven by all different things. Not everyone can be saved or even helped. My main emotion is disappointment in certain characters and then add sadness with a little sliver happiness. There was also shock and a few OMGosh’s. Hopefully these are all feelings the author was going for when writing this. It is a great story and I am glad I read it. The author did an amazing job at making the story believable and yet on the edge of my seat waiting.....waiting. I would categorize this as a dark psychological thriller because holy smoke it had me working my brain overtime. The ending was SUPERB and helped me realize some things happen the way they are supposed to.
Madison is a strong girl! She has overcome so much in her life! It helps that she doesn't seem to know the word quit. When she gets knocked down she just pops back up. I love that she can be so happy after her childhood. She still has scars but they are mental ones and she works hard everyday to not let them take over her life. It's like she took her tragedy and used it to make herself stronger. I guess Madison grew up in the dark so now she prefers to live in the light.
There is a lovely little triangle in here that adds to the suspense and unknown. This triangle is between Madison and two FBI agents. One she knew from her past and he seems like sunshine the other she randomly met and it seems he is has some darkness. She is drawn to both for different reasons.
When the monster escapes and starts hunting her everyone's plans get put on fast forward. The FBI to protect Madison and reclaim the monster and Madison to acquire her FBI skills faster and prove he doesn't control her anymore.
Rated 5 stars
This was an attention getting book and I devoured it very quickly. It flowed nicely and the characters were relatable. The book overall was actually perfect for a dark storyline. I enjoyed reading it and there are a few different feelings this book elicited about the different characters. I realize there are all types of people in the world driven by all different things. Not everyone can be saved or even helped. My main emotion is disappointment in certain characters and then add sadness with a little sliver happiness. There was also shock and a few OMGosh’s. Hopefully these are all feelings the author was going for when writing this. It is a great story and I am glad I read it. The author did an amazing job at making the story believable and yet on the edge of my seat waiting.....waiting. I would categorize this as a dark psychological thriller because holy smoke it had me working my brain overtime. The ending was SUPERB and helped me realize some things happen the way they are supposed to.
Madison is a strong girl! She has overcome so much in her life! It helps that she doesn't seem to know the word quit. When she gets knocked down she just pops back up. I love that she can be so happy after her childhood. She still has scars but they are mental ones and she works hard everyday to not let them take over her life. It's like she took her tragedy and used it to make herself stronger. I guess Madison grew up in the dark so now she prefers to live in the light.
There is a lovely little triangle in here that adds to the suspense and unknown. This triangle is between Madison and two FBI agents. One she knew from her past and he seems like sunshine the other she randomly met and it seems he is has some darkness. She is drawn to both for different reasons.
When the monster escapes and starts hunting her everyone's plans get put on fast forward. The FBI to protect Madison and reclaim the monster and Madison to acquire her FBI skills faster and prove he doesn't control her anymore.
bwagner's review
5.0
Beautiful Masterpiece (Thin Red Lines Book 1) by Gen Ryan is the first book in her Thin Red Lines series. This story is a psychological-suspence thriller that will keep you engaged until the very last page. This is my first story by Gen Ryan and I know that I will be going back for more. I love this author attention to details and her writing style. Her characters will leave you sitting on the edge of your seats just waiting to see what is going to happen. I will tell you that this story has some subjects that are dark, sad and could make you angry. You will find yourself connecting to these characters and they will pull you into their world, make you feel like you are right there with them. Find out what happens in this story that will leave you feeling hopeful.
Madison Harper has had a nasty childhood which she fights everyday. Needless to say, she is no stranger to monsters. She dreams of working for the FBI putting away monsters like her father. She has a clear path for her plan, finish her PhD and start training classes. What will happen to her plans when her father escapes? Two agents are assigned to protect her but what she gets from them is far more then she could ever imagine. Not everyone can be saved but they will teach her about love, pain, trust and loss. Is it possible that Madison can avoid being her fathers final masterpiece?
In my opinion, your past defines who you are today and what you become. This story is no different for Madison and the other characters. Each of the characters in this book have their own pasts and their own struggles of letting the past go. Their pasts are defining them as to who they are today, pushing them to be someone they may or may not be. The one thing that they need to remember is that not everyone can be saved, not everyone can be helped. Some just don't want the help, they like the choices they made. All the characters in this book make this story flow and without one or the other it wouldn't be the same. They each have their own strong qualities but Madison stands out the most of all of them. She is so determined, smart and works hard. I feel bad for her that she has flashbacks about her childhood but she over comes those times and becomes stronger. You will need to read this book in order to find out what happens to these characters. Will Madison be her fathers last quest?
This is my first story by Gen Ryan and I loved it. I can't wait to see what else she has for us in this series. Gen is a teacher of forensic psychology by day and by night is frantically typing her stories on her laptop. You will love how this is a fast paced story that will pull you in from the first word. I couldn't put this book down until the last page. It pulls you in their world of suspense. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to see what happens to Madison.
Madison Harper has had a nasty childhood which she fights everyday. Needless to say, she is no stranger to monsters. She dreams of working for the FBI putting away monsters like her father. She has a clear path for her plan, finish her PhD and start training classes. What will happen to her plans when her father escapes? Two agents are assigned to protect her but what she gets from them is far more then she could ever imagine. Not everyone can be saved but they will teach her about love, pain, trust and loss. Is it possible that Madison can avoid being her fathers final masterpiece?
In my opinion, your past defines who you are today and what you become. This story is no different for Madison and the other characters. Each of the characters in this book have their own pasts and their own struggles of letting the past go. Their pasts are defining them as to who they are today, pushing them to be someone they may or may not be. The one thing that they need to remember is that not everyone can be saved, not everyone can be helped. Some just don't want the help, they like the choices they made. All the characters in this book make this story flow and without one or the other it wouldn't be the same. They each have their own strong qualities but Madison stands out the most of all of them. She is so determined, smart and works hard. I feel bad for her that she has flashbacks about her childhood but she over comes those times and becomes stronger. You will need to read this book in order to find out what happens to these characters. Will Madison be her fathers last quest?
This is my first story by Gen Ryan and I loved it. I can't wait to see what else she has for us in this series. Gen is a teacher of forensic psychology by day and by night is frantically typing her stories on her laptop. You will love how this is a fast paced story that will pull you in from the first word. I couldn't put this book down until the last page. It pulls you in their world of suspense. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to see what happens to Madison.
angelahayes's review
5.0
5 Stars
Beautiful Masterpiece is the first book in the Thin Red Line series by Gen Ryan. It is a dark and gripping thriller. It has a psychotic serial killer, FBI Investigators, violence, action, suspense, murder, disturbing situations, danger and intrigue….. and so much more.
This is a powerful and extremely mind twisting way to start a series- and I LOVED it! I was hooked from the first paragraph and wouldn’t put it down till I had read every word and knew what had happened. I had to know! The story was so compelling and psychologically disturbing, and I got so caught up in the whole investigation and story, that before I knew it, the story was finished. I loved finding out what happened and the way Ms. Ryan pulled everything together at the end, but disappointed that the story was finished. I really can’t wait to dive into the second book.
Madison Harper has just completed her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. She has worked extremely hard to get where she is and is proud to have achieved so much. With her acceptance to the FBI and her training to begin in the coming months, her dreams were coming true. But Madison also had a dark secret that she hoped would never come to light. A twisted and tormented childhood experience that was the catalyst for her decision to enter the FBI, giving her the determination to escape her past and not letting it define her, but that childhood experience has also determined the direction her life has taken since then.
What most people would never know or even suspect is that Madison’s father is a notorious and sadistic serial killer who was finally captured and put in prison for his depraved crimes. Because of this and the other issues she has, Madison never thought she’d ever settle down or have children. She avoided relationships because she didn’t want her secret coming out and feared she’s never be able to trust someone enough to let down her defences. So, when she learns that her father has escaped from prison, Madison’s world comes crumbling down. He always blamed her for ruining his life and swore he would find a way to get even.
In an effort to keep her safe, the FBI fast track her training and assign two agents to protect her, as well as help out with her training. They are not what she expected and she finds herself being drawn to them both, but for entirely different reasons. They are young, good looking and very skilled- with so much at stake, there won’t be time to explore this attraction, will there? But things are far more complicated and involved than she could have ever suspected. With all her past pain resurfacing and old wounds reopening, will Madison be able to find the strength she needs to see this through to the end? Is this a love triangle, or will she quickly decide which of the two hunks she wants to be with? When danger hunts her every move it becomes very clear that no one is to be trusted. With all their lives at stake, will they find a way to evade and outsmart the evil that hunts them? Will they survive the whole ordeal? Can these two hunks keep her safe, or is the foe already two steps ahead of them and outsmarting them at every turn?
Strap yourself in, because this is a frightening, raw and extremely intense ride that WILL get under your skin, twist your mind and have you on the edge of your seat trying to discover what is going on. And you, like me, will be clambering for more!
With this story, Ms. Ryan has proved herself to be diabolically good at crafting a spectacular psychological thriller. I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank You, Ms. Ryan!
Beautiful Masterpiece is the first book in the Thin Red Line series by Gen Ryan. It is a dark and gripping thriller. It has a psychotic serial killer, FBI Investigators, violence, action, suspense, murder, disturbing situations, danger and intrigue….. and so much more.
This is a powerful and extremely mind twisting way to start a series- and I LOVED it! I was hooked from the first paragraph and wouldn’t put it down till I had read every word and knew what had happened. I had to know! The story was so compelling and psychologically disturbing, and I got so caught up in the whole investigation and story, that before I knew it, the story was finished. I loved finding out what happened and the way Ms. Ryan pulled everything together at the end, but disappointed that the story was finished. I really can’t wait to dive into the second book.
Madison Harper has just completed her Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. She has worked extremely hard to get where she is and is proud to have achieved so much. With her acceptance to the FBI and her training to begin in the coming months, her dreams were coming true. But Madison also had a dark secret that she hoped would never come to light. A twisted and tormented childhood experience that was the catalyst for her decision to enter the FBI, giving her the determination to escape her past and not letting it define her, but that childhood experience has also determined the direction her life has taken since then.
What most people would never know or even suspect is that Madison’s father is a notorious and sadistic serial killer who was finally captured and put in prison for his depraved crimes. Because of this and the other issues she has, Madison never thought she’d ever settle down or have children. She avoided relationships because she didn’t want her secret coming out and feared she’s never be able to trust someone enough to let down her defences. So, when she learns that her father has escaped from prison, Madison’s world comes crumbling down. He always blamed her for ruining his life and swore he would find a way to get even.
In an effort to keep her safe, the FBI fast track her training and assign two agents to protect her, as well as help out with her training. They are not what she expected and she finds herself being drawn to them both, but for entirely different reasons. They are young, good looking and very skilled- with so much at stake, there won’t be time to explore this attraction, will there? But things are far more complicated and involved than she could have ever suspected. With all her past pain resurfacing and old wounds reopening, will Madison be able to find the strength she needs to see this through to the end? Is this a love triangle, or will she quickly decide which of the two hunks she wants to be with? When danger hunts her every move it becomes very clear that no one is to be trusted. With all their lives at stake, will they find a way to evade and outsmart the evil that hunts them? Will they survive the whole ordeal? Can these two hunks keep her safe, or is the foe already two steps ahead of them and outsmarting them at every turn?
Strap yourself in, because this is a frightening, raw and extremely intense ride that WILL get under your skin, twist your mind and have you on the edge of your seat trying to discover what is going on. And you, like me, will be clambering for more!
With this story, Ms. Ryan has proved herself to be diabolically good at crafting a spectacular psychological thriller. I can’t wait for the next book!
Thank You, Ms. Ryan!
jennadb's review
5.0
Beautiful Masterpiece is the first book in the Thin Red Lines series by Gen Ryan. The story is very deep and dark, twisted and disturbing, terrifying and truly intense. Gen Ryan gives you a look into the twisted minds and souls of those who have been lost to the darkness. It is a psychological thriller that captures you and you can’t let go, much like a horror that you watch behind you fingers but can’t turn it off. Gen writes in different points of view which helps you find the deeper meaning behind each character, it definitely helps the story flow and melds it together nicely.
Maddison is a haunted young woman who had a horrific childhood that she is trying to run away from and lead a normal. But what is normal? Normal is not the serial killer father who killed her mother and got caught just shy of murdering her too. Normal is not looking over your shoulder and experiencing fear from a man who has escaped jail and is now playing with her.
Liam is a haunted young man who had a horrible childhood that he is trying to run away from and lead a normal life. But what is normal? Normal is not the dark thoughts he has. Normal is not acting on those dark thoughts and the voices he can’t keep at bay. His past haunts him but he has just found the one thing that may save him.
Scott is a knight in shining armour, he has not stopped thinking about the little girl who lived next door, the little girl he saved from certain death. Now he is face to face with the past and his job is to protect her at all costs, even if it is from herself.
My emotions were all over the place as I read this story and you find yourself getting attached with these characters. I enjoyed the whole thrill of the chase game throughout the story. There is a lot of dark and terrible things happen in this book that could be triggers for some people so tread carefully but if you like something dark and twisted then this is the book is for you.
Maddison is a haunted young woman who had a horrific childhood that she is trying to run away from and lead a normal. But what is normal? Normal is not the serial killer father who killed her mother and got caught just shy of murdering her too. Normal is not looking over your shoulder and experiencing fear from a man who has escaped jail and is now playing with her.
Liam is a haunted young man who had a horrible childhood that he is trying to run away from and lead a normal life. But what is normal? Normal is not the dark thoughts he has. Normal is not acting on those dark thoughts and the voices he can’t keep at bay. His past haunts him but he has just found the one thing that may save him.
Scott is a knight in shining armour, he has not stopped thinking about the little girl who lived next door, the little girl he saved from certain death. Now he is face to face with the past and his job is to protect her at all costs, even if it is from herself.
My emotions were all over the place as I read this story and you find yourself getting attached with these characters. I enjoyed the whole thrill of the chase game throughout the story. There is a lot of dark and terrible things happen in this book that could be triggers for some people so tread carefully but if you like something dark and twisted then this is the book is for you.
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