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The X
Clarissa Hadonfield had it all. She lived in a lovely home surrounded by affluent intellectuals, had a successful husband, and two phenomenal teenage boys. With the ring of a doorbell she finds her life substituted by one where she has to fight for her children against an evil she never knew existed and had been sleeping next to for the last twenty years. When Clarissa's X shows his true colors, she finds she must become a strong woman who cannot only grow prize-winning flowers but can place a devastating roundhouse kick. Teaming up with Bryce Brightman, an ex-FBI agent, she uncovers a woman whose only goal is to save her children. This story is about what a woman can do when she put her brains, her brawn, and her boots into changing the course of her life and protecting the ones she loves.
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2012
4 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Lorena Bathey
6Ìýbooks79ÌýfollowersGrowing up in the Bay Area of Northern California, Lorena Bathey attended St. Mary’s College in Moraga graduating with a degree in English. Then she traveled, learned about life, and developed great fodder for a book. Losing her mother to cancer and her own marriage’s demise brought her to find herself. She wrote Happy Beginnings: How I Became My Own Fairy Godmother () and found speaking and empowering others was her passion.
Lorena Bathey found after writing her first book that characters were visiting her mind and wouldn't leave. She was introduced to Marissa, Andrea, Lily, Deidre and Beatrice and her first novel, Beatrice Munson, came to life. After finishing that book she was inspired to write more novels and she knew that pursuing her passion was the best way to live her life. So a writer she became.
After meeting the love of her life, they embarked on the thrilling life to follow their dreams bringing their families along for the ride. Today Lorena has nine novels in her writing queue all with screenplays in the works.
But writing isn't the only muse that inspires Lorena. She has become a passionate photographer and likes to push the envelope taking shots while learning how to navigate Photoshop. Travel, walking, enjoying new restaurants, and Italy are other loves and things she makes sure she has time for.
Find her at [email protected] or at
and at
Lorena Bathey found after writing her first book that characters were visiting her mind and wouldn't leave. She was introduced to Marissa, Andrea, Lily, Deidre and Beatrice and her first novel, Beatrice Munson, came to life. After finishing that book she was inspired to write more novels and she knew that pursuing her passion was the best way to live her life. So a writer she became.
After meeting the love of her life, they embarked on the thrilling life to follow their dreams bringing their families along for the ride. Today Lorena has nine novels in her writing queue all with screenplays in the works.
But writing isn't the only muse that inspires Lorena. She has become a passionate photographer and likes to push the envelope taking shots while learning how to navigate Photoshop. Travel, walking, enjoying new restaurants, and Italy are other loves and things she makes sure she has time for.
Find her at [email protected] or at
and at
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 6, 2013
I write this review of The X with dark circles under my eyes and what I call a book hangover! This book written by Lorena Bathey who graduated from St. Mary’s College with a degree in English, really knows how to pull her audience into the book. Not only is she a wonderful author but she is also a wonderful person who is there for you if you have any questions. When Lorena sent me The X to read and review it was personalized to me with a little note and signed.
While reading the book into the wee hours of the morning before I had to wake up with the kids and get them ready and off to school, it really pulled me in. My heart bleed, my heart raced and there was always excitement with each turn of the page.
Clarissa was a well to do house wife, who loved her husband Ben and her two darling boys Jeremy and Sean. She worked part time at the local florist because of her passion for flowers, she also had an award winning flower garden to go along with the picture perfect house she kept up. She Loved life and she loved her family more than words can explain.
Until one morning after Ben left for work and the boys ran out the door for school, her life changed in a heartbeat. As she had her morning coffee before she got ready to head off to Floration, for her days work. With one ring of the doorbell her life as she knew it was over. Ben had blindsided Clarissa with divorce papers. Never a conversation about the relationship nothing at all but the papers that would change everything.
Becky the owner of Floration and a great friend to Clarissa was more than happy to help as soon as she found out what had happened. Becky came from old family money but was not like the normal rich person who only cared for themselves and their money, she was compassionate and down to earth. Becky took Clarissa right to her parents house the get the advice of dear old dad, who happened to be a Judge. He knew who Ben was and said there was lots of gossip around town about him. Ben golfed and hung around with very prominent people. Lawyers, Judges, Congressmen, you name a high powered position and Ben was in with the crowd. Clarissa listened with great intent to everything Becky’s father was telling her. She followed every step he gave her to make sure she would have enough money to survive this battle that was about to begin.
Clarissa knew she needed to be strong to go through all she was about to go through so she started taking personal karate lessons. She discussed the divorce with the boys, who Ben had already gotten to so her story was not so creditable because they replied with exactly what dad said you would say. Clarissa’s heart broke a little that night as it was going to do every night for a long time now. Ben never came back to the house once the papers were served, he was buying the boys love with cars and electronic gadgets. Clarissa felt like she was in for a losing battle about now. Then the call from her lawyer told her what she already suspected and yet another piece of her heart started to bleed. Ben was going for full custody of the boys!
The only chance Clarissa had was that Ben wouldn’t get a Judge that he knew, and if he did that Judge would step aside……We all know that didn’t happen, so Ben got the boys and hardly had to pay any alimony to Clarissa. Now her heart was shattered into a million pieces, and her motherly instincts set in. She was out for blood and she would do anything to get her boys back from Ben.
This is when Clarissa’s karate instructor introduced her to his friend, EX-FBI agent Bryce. Once Bryce came into her life things were about to change once again. Bryce taught her many things she needed to know to survive. Self defense, which due to her karate lessons she was pretty well advanced in that. He would teach her how to defend herself if she was attacked from behind, he would teach her life lessons that are a must for survival in a cut throat world. She was going to get her boys back no matter what!!!
Bryce did some investigating as did some of his friends from the agency. Come to find out her ex husband was adopted at a young age because his parents were killed. They were all in a cult, not a KKK type of cult but more of a financial cult. They were going to take the country over one section at a time up to the presidency. This would explain why Ben was in so well with all the important people he associated with. The cult had police, Judges, lawyers, congressmen and beyond in the cult! Twenty years of marriage and Clarissa never knew any of this about her now ex husband. He was bottom of the earth scum and could care less who he hurt or even killed to get the cult where it needed to be.
Through the investigation they found out his boys were behind the curve because they were so much older than the other children who had entered into this cult. They needed to get to Idaho and train the boys intensely, get them set for the big move that was about to come. This would happen over Clarissa’s dead body, mamma bear would not allow her scumbag ex husband get her boys to Idaho and be part of a cult.
While reading this thrilling book, Clarissa took a whole lot of mental and physical abuse but it wasn’t going to stop her from getting her children back. Like any mother, she would die for her children. Her kidnapping and threats did not stop her from going after her ex husband to get Jeremy and Sean back into her life.
With the help of Bryce and Dan the karate instructors training she was one tough bitch and she would not be taken down!! Clarissa, Bryce, Dan and Tim another resource of Bryce’s fought the battle to get the boys home. Jeremy was grabbed at the safe house where Clarissa was placed when she was kidnapped by Ben’s body guards. Half the battle was over, Clarissa and Jeremy were safe�. Now to get Sean before he boarded the plain with his ass of a father Ben. They got to the airport in time, Clarissa’s motherly instincts took over and she gave Ben a Great ass whooping that he will never forget as he rots in jail!
Clarissa had her boys back, Bryce let them use his cabin to get some quality family time and get back to a somewhat normal life. Is there going to be a romance between Bryce and Clarissa? No one knows, but they sure seem to click pretty well. Bryce went to the cabin to introduce his son to Clarissa and her boys, now she had a table full of men to eat the big meal she had just made. She was happy and content, her boys were back where they belonged and Bryce was there with his son. Almost like one big happy family.
Lorena Bathy has written many books that can be purchased on Amazon!
Try House on Plunkett Street or maybe Beatrice Munson you can also go to Amazon and look up Lorena Bathey where you can see all the books written by this Great author!! As I said in the beginning of my post, I will repeat again�.not only is Lorena a great author she is also very friendly and a joy to work with!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
January 4, 2019
It is a quick read about a woman that has her life turned upside down when her husband, that is highly connected, divorces her out of the blue. She finds out he has a sordid history that she was unaware of and has plans her her two sons as well. Some parts were far fetched but not a bad read.
February 14, 2013
Queen of Tarts Review of
The X
by Lorena Bathey
I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into when I read The X. I knew it was a suspense story�. But honestly? that’s about it. I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a chance. The X is a book I likely wouldn’t have picked up on my own, but I’m glad it came into my hands. I would have missed out on a thriller that hooked me from the heroine’s first shocking life change until the action packed ending.
The X is definitely a thriller. I was engrossed in Clarissa’s adventures. It reminded me of how wrapped up I used to get reading Grisham’s thrillers years ago� I haven’t read pure suspense in a while and though this story has hints of romantic emotion (I would have liked more! lol) That is not the focus. This is all Clarrissa.
Clarissa is in her mid 40s and loves her teenage boys. She feels distant from her husband and has felt that separation for a while� But he’s her husband and the father of her kids. He blindsides her by serving her with divorce papers. *meep!* I felt her shock and confusion and horror. What was she supposed to do and why was he doing this and who was this man and what had he done with her husband?!
I was proud of her for rolling with the punches and not letting the shock keep her down� too long. She asks for help. She starts dealing with the divorce situation and trying to adjust to the shocks in her life. Then her world takes another unexpected twist and she finds out that the man who was her husband for two decades was not who she thought.
Then The X really takes off and I just held on for the ride. There’s intrigue, danger, death, FBI, cults, kidnapping and through it all a fierce mother’s love driving Clarissa to learn all she can to protect her boys.
The scary thing to me was that it felt real. The time involved in Clarissa learning new skills and working with people to do what needed to be done� Sorry to by cryptic but I don’t wanna spoil stuff! Anyway, the time line was very realistic and that kept me in knots because I was relating to Clarissa and imagining the situation happening and feeling her emotions. It was wild� But somehow seemed plausible. The author kept me in suspense and Clarissa was so well drawn I felt her emotions and was anxious for her to beat the situation and win.
Here are a few favorite lines.
� “You better prepare for battle. This man� is aggressive and cutthroat. That means that since he’s been planning this whole thing and you’ve known nothing about it, you’re gonna feel the full brunt of his sneaky ways and you’re easy prey. Think little white bunny caught in a huge metal trap.�
� “Bryce, Teach me everything and teach me quick.�
� “If you think I’m going to let you take my children away from me then you don’t have a clue who I am…�
� “I may be tough but I’m human. Ice cream is the absolute perfect food on earth.�
I recommend The X if you are in the mood for an adventure. It’s a book about one person discovering secrets and having to find the courage, guts and smarts to reclaim their life. I was on the edge of my seat while reading it and I didn’t put it down till I was finished. I like Clarissa and was rooting for her to succeed.
((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
� ebook provided for review for my honest opinion.
The X
by Lorena Bathey
I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into when I read The X. I knew it was a suspense story�. But honestly? that’s about it. I stepped out of my comfort zone and took a chance. The X is a book I likely wouldn’t have picked up on my own, but I’m glad it came into my hands. I would have missed out on a thriller that hooked me from the heroine’s first shocking life change until the action packed ending.
The X is definitely a thriller. I was engrossed in Clarissa’s adventures. It reminded me of how wrapped up I used to get reading Grisham’s thrillers years ago� I haven’t read pure suspense in a while and though this story has hints of romantic emotion (I would have liked more! lol) That is not the focus. This is all Clarrissa.
Clarissa is in her mid 40s and loves her teenage boys. She feels distant from her husband and has felt that separation for a while� But he’s her husband and the father of her kids. He blindsides her by serving her with divorce papers. *meep!* I felt her shock and confusion and horror. What was she supposed to do and why was he doing this and who was this man and what had he done with her husband?!
I was proud of her for rolling with the punches and not letting the shock keep her down� too long. She asks for help. She starts dealing with the divorce situation and trying to adjust to the shocks in her life. Then her world takes another unexpected twist and she finds out that the man who was her husband for two decades was not who she thought.
Then The X really takes off and I just held on for the ride. There’s intrigue, danger, death, FBI, cults, kidnapping and through it all a fierce mother’s love driving Clarissa to learn all she can to protect her boys.
The scary thing to me was that it felt real. The time involved in Clarissa learning new skills and working with people to do what needed to be done� Sorry to by cryptic but I don’t wanna spoil stuff! Anyway, the time line was very realistic and that kept me in knots because I was relating to Clarissa and imagining the situation happening and feeling her emotions. It was wild� But somehow seemed plausible. The author kept me in suspense and Clarissa was so well drawn I felt her emotions and was anxious for her to beat the situation and win.
Here are a few favorite lines.
� “You better prepare for battle. This man� is aggressive and cutthroat. That means that since he’s been planning this whole thing and you’ve known nothing about it, you’re gonna feel the full brunt of his sneaky ways and you’re easy prey. Think little white bunny caught in a huge metal trap.�
� “Bryce, Teach me everything and teach me quick.�
� “If you think I’m going to let you take my children away from me then you don’t have a clue who I am…�
� “I may be tough but I’m human. Ice cream is the absolute perfect food on earth.�
I recommend The X if you are in the mood for an adventure. It’s a book about one person discovering secrets and having to find the courage, guts and smarts to reclaim their life. I was on the edge of my seat while reading it and I didn’t put it down till I was finished. I like Clarissa and was rooting for her to succeed.
((hugs))) Kat
The Queen of Tarts
� ebook provided for review for my honest opinion.
April 19, 2013
I got this book out of the mailbox at around 12:30-1:00. I started reading it an hour or two later and was done that night. This shows you that it was a page turner from start to finish. The chapters were short enough to keep you in the mindset of reading just one more and the cliffhangers kicked you into doing just that. This being said I wouldn't rate this book with 5 stars and here's why.
While I found that the characters were easy enough to get to know and love, I would have liked to see her fill the novel in more. I found some situations very realistic while others were just a little too convenient, which brings this book to an "enjoyable weekend read" status and wouldn't be the first thing I would grab off the shelf. It just felt like a young adult book with adult situations.
I did like the realistic human nature displayed in this book. The emotions that Clarissa was going through and the way she handled herself were very real and believable. The reactions of both the boys (as different as they were), made it extremely easy to relate to the characters. In many of the reviews I read that there was female empowerment bursting through the chapters but I was very glad to see that it was more of a "mama bear" story and not so much a women's lib statement. Overall, I would give this book 3.5-4 stars out of 5. The base was strong and the meat was there but the flavor was a little weak for me to want the recipe (if you know what I mean). I would still be happy to read any other books by Lorena that I come across. After all, it was quite enjoyable and easy to get into.
While I found that the characters were easy enough to get to know and love, I would have liked to see her fill the novel in more. I found some situations very realistic while others were just a little too convenient, which brings this book to an "enjoyable weekend read" status and wouldn't be the first thing I would grab off the shelf. It just felt like a young adult book with adult situations.
I did like the realistic human nature displayed in this book. The emotions that Clarissa was going through and the way she handled herself were very real and believable. The reactions of both the boys (as different as they were), made it extremely easy to relate to the characters. In many of the reviews I read that there was female empowerment bursting through the chapters but I was very glad to see that it was more of a "mama bear" story and not so much a women's lib statement. Overall, I would give this book 3.5-4 stars out of 5. The base was strong and the meat was there but the flavor was a little weak for me to want the recipe (if you know what I mean). I would still be happy to read any other books by Lorena that I come across. After all, it was quite enjoyable and easy to get into.
April 17, 2013
This book was extraordinary!! I couldn't put this book down!!!
Clarissa Hadenfield suddenly finds that her world is not what she thought it was. Her husband of many years has just pulled the rug out from under her and left her with with nothing but questions. This book is a story of a woman who proves that when it comes to a mothers love...there is NOTHING that will stand in her way!! With the help of some new friends Clarissa learns new found strength and courage she never imagined.
Lorena Bathey did a wonderful job of creating this story and bringing to life. I look forward to reading more books written by Lorena.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Clarissa Hadenfield suddenly finds that her world is not what she thought it was. Her husband of many years has just pulled the rug out from under her and left her with with nothing but questions. This book is a story of a woman who proves that when it comes to a mothers love...there is NOTHING that will stand in her way!! With the help of some new friends Clarissa learns new found strength and courage she never imagined.
Lorena Bathey did a wonderful job of creating this story and bringing to life. I look forward to reading more books written by Lorena.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
April 5, 2013
About the book: Long story short, the book is about a woman named Clarissa Hadonfield who was a naive homemaker who lived for her children. She worked sometimes in a flower shop and was dependent on her husband whom she soon realized was not the man she thought. Poor Clarissa was sleeping with the enemy! Desperate moments called for action and this woman showed that there is nothing a woman would not do or risk for those she loves.
My opinion: This was a tough read. Don't get me wrong, I mean that in a good way! There were actually moments where I shed tears reading this book. I also had moments of laughing and a few blushes. The author did such a wonderful job describing people, when I closed my eyes I could really picture what I was reading. There was heart break, anger, physical pain, death and a hint of love. I put myself in the shoes of this woman, which wasn't hard because I'm a homemaker and the mother of two boys. Seeing everything she went through with teens who were no longer the affectionate types made me pray my kids continue to hug me and show respect. This story had me thinking I need to use my college degrees incase I have to kick my husband's a** one day (figuratively of course :) ). It really does make a woman wonder 'what if?' To give you an idea of how much I enjoyed this book, I received it on April 3rd, and finished it while laying in bed. It's over 200 pages long and I couldn't put it down! I had to know what happened next.
Favorite parts: SPOILER ALERT!!!
Think manure, expensive cars and a house. Wow...I laughed so much at this moment of revenge that I pictured myself slapping her high five!
Death...I did not see this coming. There were so many twists in this story, don't you love shockers?
I was happy to read about the whooping she put on the stranger she once loved.
There were a few parts of this book I felt were a little lacking, mainly the transition from Chapter 9 into Chapter 10. I thought there could have been a little more information added there since it ended with a question that went unanswered. Other than that I think this was an entertaining read that will keep you interested. If there was a part two, I would definitely want to read it to find out if Clarissa ended up in a loving relationship. A new one seemed to be brewing, that could be both juicy and drama filled!
My opinion: This was a tough read. Don't get me wrong, I mean that in a good way! There were actually moments where I shed tears reading this book. I also had moments of laughing and a few blushes. The author did such a wonderful job describing people, when I closed my eyes I could really picture what I was reading. There was heart break, anger, physical pain, death and a hint of love. I put myself in the shoes of this woman, which wasn't hard because I'm a homemaker and the mother of two boys. Seeing everything she went through with teens who were no longer the affectionate types made me pray my kids continue to hug me and show respect. This story had me thinking I need to use my college degrees incase I have to kick my husband's a** one day (figuratively of course :) ). It really does make a woman wonder 'what if?' To give you an idea of how much I enjoyed this book, I received it on April 3rd, and finished it while laying in bed. It's over 200 pages long and I couldn't put it down! I had to know what happened next.
Favorite parts: SPOILER ALERT!!!
Think manure, expensive cars and a house. Wow...I laughed so much at this moment of revenge that I pictured myself slapping her high five!
Death...I did not see this coming. There were so many twists in this story, don't you love shockers?
I was happy to read about the whooping she put on the stranger she once loved.
There were a few parts of this book I felt were a little lacking, mainly the transition from Chapter 9 into Chapter 10. I thought there could have been a little more information added there since it ended with a question that went unanswered. Other than that I think this was an entertaining read that will keep you interested. If there was a part two, I would definitely want to read it to find out if Clarissa ended up in a loving relationship. A new one seemed to be brewing, that could be both juicy and drama filled!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2013
One thing is certain about this wonderful book, you cannot put it down! I couldn't put it down and even had to read while I was in the middle of cooking diner and other things that need done around the house! From the moment of starting the first part of the book, it was absolutely a constant roller coaster ride due to being a criminal book with the FBI. The author, Lorena Bathey, autographed this with the inscription being, "Life is meant to be kicked! Put your boots on!"
In this wonderful book, "The X", a woman realizes that the man she'd been married to for many years, she really didn't know at all. So many secrets, lies and deception were there from the beginning of the story. Clarissa was a housewife and a perfect mother of two teen boys. When the door bell rang, she thought it was the telephone man only to be served with divorce papers right after her husband left for work and to never hear from him again throughout the whole divorce process.
She begins her fight at that very moment. Determined to do what is right and be able to survive, she goes through the turmoil of her X trying to win her teen boys over by buying their love.
You've got to read this story to learn of how the deception leads to the FBI. This is one incredible book that you'll love.
In this wonderful book, "The X", a woman realizes that the man she'd been married to for many years, she really didn't know at all. So many secrets, lies and deception were there from the beginning of the story. Clarissa was a housewife and a perfect mother of two teen boys. When the door bell rang, she thought it was the telephone man only to be served with divorce papers right after her husband left for work and to never hear from him again throughout the whole divorce process.
She begins her fight at that very moment. Determined to do what is right and be able to survive, she goes through the turmoil of her X trying to win her teen boys over by buying their love.
You've got to read this story to learn of how the deception leads to the FBI. This is one incredible book that you'll love.
July 12, 2013
I received The X by Lorena Bathey, in order to review and give my honest opinion and I can honestly say it's a good book. Lorena takes you through the dynamic character development of Clarissa Hadonfield as she morphs from the mild mannered mother of two to a kick butt momma bear. Like many similar character stories, the dramatic event that switches her up arises around her sons, as a mother myself I can say I can relate. Lorena brings the reader in tugging at the heartstrings, you are immediately sorry for her and yet by the end you want to be strong for her, with her and like her. The back story that causes the change in Clarissa is interesting and for sake of keeping from spoiling I will just tell you that it's clever and creative. As quickly as I was invested, the book culminates so for those of us who don't have weeks to finish a book or don't have the patience, I easily finished it in an afternoon. I would definitely recommend this for someone who likes a female empowerment story mixed with a suspenseful drama.
April 11, 2013
This book was to me very dramatic and full of twist. When Clarissa's ex returns to her life she begins to realize the man she was married to isn't want he seems. this story is so full of lies, secrets and deception that i honesty had a hard time putting it down. I was also very impress how the author showed the female character to have an inner strength that she wasn't aware of till her children are threatened. As a mom that really hit home because as mom's we will do whatever we need to to protect out children. Once again this Author capture my attention and help me mesmerized from beginning to end. This is another book from this author i would recommend for your summer reading list.
March 17, 2013
part of me wants to give this book 2 stars for falling short in a few areas but am giving it 3 because any book that compels you to read it in one sitting deserves 3.
The intro is really good. You are quickly drawn in and the characters are well introduced.
There should have been about 100 more pages as it seems like the were parts needing more fleshing out...some spots just jumped too quickly.
Story idea was good. Only a couple errors that should have been caught in editing.
Will check out other novels by the same author.
The intro is really good. You are quickly drawn in and the characters are well introduced.
There should have been about 100 more pages as it seems like the were parts needing more fleshing out...some spots just jumped too quickly.
Story idea was good. Only a couple errors that should have been caught in editing.
Will check out other novels by the same author.
April 9, 2013
If you enjoy reading books where you think you know what is going to happen next and the story takes at completely different turn then this book is for YOU! You can read more about what we thing at griffinshoney(dot)com.
March 29, 2013
Great thriller, I really enjoyed reading The X.
April 20, 2013
Clarissa Haddonfield had a great life. She had two sons and a great, successful husband. Things changed overnight. Her husband decided to divorce her and take her boys away from her. Clarissa was shocked, but she would not give up on her boys. The X is an excellent read. I honestly thought it was going to be your ordinary boring love book when I read the first few pages. I was glad the book changed into a great suspenseful adventure, where good finally triumphs over evil.
The book dealt with relationships in a great way. There was not the Liberal type of love you see in many of the love books I refuse to read. You had a real mom, who had real sons who were in trouble. Her husband was the leader of a cult and he wanted to take over the United States. His plan was to use his sons to help him gain the power he desired. He had people from his cult within every part of the government. Clarissa was left in an awkward position, she could not get through by herself. She met a couple of X FBI agents that trained her and helped her every step of the way towards a reunion with her two boys. The characters were believable and they were interesting. I could realistically see this book turned into one of those interesting Lifetime movies.
The X is one of those books that keeps you interested from page one and keeps you wondering until the end of the book. This is a page turner, fast to read and fun to sink your teeth into. The ending was perfect, the bad guy actually got what he deserved. If you want a good read, you really have to check The X out, you will enjoy the adventure and you will not want to put the book down until you are finished with it.
Merged review:
Clarissa Haddonfield had a great life. She had two sons and a great, successful husband. Things changed overnight. Her husband decided to divorce her and take her boys away from her. Clarissa was shocked, but she would not give up on her boys. The X is an excellent read. I honestly thought it was going to be your ordinary boring love book when I read the first few pages. I was glad the book changed into a great suspenseful adventure, where good finally triumphs over evil.
The book dealt with relationships in a great way. There was not the Liberal type of love you see in many of the love books I refuse to read. You had a real mom, who had real sons who were in trouble. Her husband was the leader of a cult and he wanted to take over the United States. His plan was to use his sons to help him gain the power he desired. He had people from his cult within every part of the government. Clarissa was left in an awkward position, she could not get through by herself. She met a couple of X FBI agents that trained her and helped her every step of the way towards a reunion with her two boys. The characters were believable and they were interesting. I could realistically see this book turned into one of those interesting Lifetime movies.
The X is one of those books that keeps you interested from page one and keeps you wondering until the end of the book. This is a page turner, fast to read and fun to sink your teeth into. The ending was perfect, the bad guy actually got what he deserved. If you want a good read, you really have to check The X out, you will enjoy the adventure and you will not want to put the book down until you are finished with it.
Merged review:
Clarissa Haddonfield had a great life. She had two sons and a great, successful husband. Things changed overnight. Her husband decided to divorce her and take her boys away from her. Clarissa was shocked, but she would not give up on her boys. The X is an excellent read. I honestly thought it was going to be your ordinary boring love book when I read the first few pages. I was glad the book changed into a great suspenseful adventure, where good finally triumphs over evil.
The book dealt with relationships in a great way. There was not the Liberal type of love you see in many of the love books I refuse to read. You had a real mom, who had real sons who were in trouble. Her husband was the leader of a cult and he wanted to take over the United States. His plan was to use his sons to help him gain the power he desired. He had people from his cult within every part of the government. Clarissa was left in an awkward position, she could not get through by herself. She met a couple of X FBI agents that trained her and helped her every step of the way towards a reunion with her two boys. The characters were believable and they were interesting. I could realistically see this book turned into one of those interesting Lifetime movies.
The X is one of those books that keeps you interested from page one and keeps you wondering until the end of the book. This is a page turner, fast to read and fun to sink your teeth into. The ending was perfect, the bad guy actually got what he deserved. If you want a good read, you really have to check The X out, you will enjoy the adventure and you will not want to put the book down until you are finished with it.
The book dealt with relationships in a great way. There was not the Liberal type of love you see in many of the love books I refuse to read. You had a real mom, who had real sons who were in trouble. Her husband was the leader of a cult and he wanted to take over the United States. His plan was to use his sons to help him gain the power he desired. He had people from his cult within every part of the government. Clarissa was left in an awkward position, she could not get through by herself. She met a couple of X FBI agents that trained her and helped her every step of the way towards a reunion with her two boys. The characters were believable and they were interesting. I could realistically see this book turned into one of those interesting Lifetime movies.
The X is one of those books that keeps you interested from page one and keeps you wondering until the end of the book. This is a page turner, fast to read and fun to sink your teeth into. The ending was perfect, the bad guy actually got what he deserved. If you want a good read, you really have to check The X out, you will enjoy the adventure and you will not want to put the book down until you are finished with it.
Merged review:
Clarissa Haddonfield had a great life. She had two sons and a great, successful husband. Things changed overnight. Her husband decided to divorce her and take her boys away from her. Clarissa was shocked, but she would not give up on her boys. The X is an excellent read. I honestly thought it was going to be your ordinary boring love book when I read the first few pages. I was glad the book changed into a great suspenseful adventure, where good finally triumphs over evil.
The book dealt with relationships in a great way. There was not the Liberal type of love you see in many of the love books I refuse to read. You had a real mom, who had real sons who were in trouble. Her husband was the leader of a cult and he wanted to take over the United States. His plan was to use his sons to help him gain the power he desired. He had people from his cult within every part of the government. Clarissa was left in an awkward position, she could not get through by herself. She met a couple of X FBI agents that trained her and helped her every step of the way towards a reunion with her two boys. The characters were believable and they were interesting. I could realistically see this book turned into one of those interesting Lifetime movies.
The X is one of those books that keeps you interested from page one and keeps you wondering until the end of the book. This is a page turner, fast to read and fun to sink your teeth into. The ending was perfect, the bad guy actually got what he deserved. If you want a good read, you really have to check The X out, you will enjoy the adventure and you will not want to put the book down until you are finished with it.
Merged review:
Clarissa Haddonfield had a great life. She had two sons and a great, successful husband. Things changed overnight. Her husband decided to divorce her and take her boys away from her. Clarissa was shocked, but she would not give up on her boys. The X is an excellent read. I honestly thought it was going to be your ordinary boring love book when I read the first few pages. I was glad the book changed into a great suspenseful adventure, where good finally triumphs over evil.
The book dealt with relationships in a great way. There was not the Liberal type of love you see in many of the love books I refuse to read. You had a real mom, who had real sons who were in trouble. Her husband was the leader of a cult and he wanted to take over the United States. His plan was to use his sons to help him gain the power he desired. He had people from his cult within every part of the government. Clarissa was left in an awkward position, she could not get through by herself. She met a couple of X FBI agents that trained her and helped her every step of the way towards a reunion with her two boys. The characters were believable and they were interesting. I could realistically see this book turned into one of those interesting Lifetime movies.
The X is one of those books that keeps you interested from page one and keeps you wondering until the end of the book. This is a page turner, fast to read and fun to sink your teeth into. The ending was perfect, the bad guy actually got what he deserved. If you want a good read, you really have to check The X out, you will enjoy the adventure and you will not want to put the book down until you are finished with it.
May 11, 2016
I gave up 45% of the way through this book. There are far too many great books out there waiting to be read to waste time on one that is just not getting it for me.
I suspect I may not have read the same book all those 5 star people did. I found the characters impossible to connect with. The story felt very rushed. There was a ton of info dumps and not enough attention to getting to know the characters.
The author tells this story, but she doesn't "show" it. She doesn't make you feel it. She doesn't immerse you in it.
We're told Clarissa (I think that was her name, can't remember), was married for 20 years, has two kids her husband has ignored then gets served with divorce papers out of the blue, husband lures the kids to his side with gifts, gets custody, gets the house, screws her out of money, blah blah blah.
We're told she found airline tickets to Idaho and for some unknown reason that makes her suspicious. We're told she has a drink with her Karate instructer that she randomly tells this info to, and he just happens to have a business card for his ex-FBI-turned-PI buddy that he recommends to look into it. We're told she contacts the PI and all hell breaks loose because all of a sudden her ex-husband is having her bugged, he's part of a White Supremicist group and wants to indoctrinate their children in Idaho, and he's willing to kill her to do it. Huh???? Ummm. Ok. Suspending belief here, sure, why not.
IDK. I'm just not feeling any of it. I don't know why she trusted Bryce right off the bat. I would have been suspicious that people with guns are after her as soon she hooked up with him. But I guess that is part of the lack of character development, as well as story development. I mean, she'd only met the guy twice before this happened yet she trusts him completely. Sure.
Anyway, this is just not a book for me and it is so poorly done that I'm not finishing it.
I suspect I may not have read the same book all those 5 star people did. I found the characters impossible to connect with. The story felt very rushed. There was a ton of info dumps and not enough attention to getting to know the characters.
The author tells this story, but she doesn't "show" it. She doesn't make you feel it. She doesn't immerse you in it.
We're told Clarissa (I think that was her name, can't remember), was married for 20 years, has two kids her husband has ignored then gets served with divorce papers out of the blue, husband lures the kids to his side with gifts, gets custody, gets the house, screws her out of money, blah blah blah.
We're told she found airline tickets to Idaho and for some unknown reason that makes her suspicious. We're told she has a drink with her Karate instructer that she randomly tells this info to, and he just happens to have a business card for his ex-FBI-turned-PI buddy that he recommends to look into it. We're told she contacts the PI and all hell breaks loose because all of a sudden her ex-husband is having her bugged, he's part of a White Supremicist group and wants to indoctrinate their children in Idaho, and he's willing to kill her to do it. Huh???? Ummm. Ok. Suspending belief here, sure, why not.
IDK. I'm just not feeling any of it. I don't know why she trusted Bryce right off the bat. I would have been suspicious that people with guns are after her as soon she hooked up with him. But I guess that is part of the lack of character development, as well as story development. I mean, she'd only met the guy twice before this happened yet she trusts him completely. Sure.
Anyway, this is just not a book for me and it is so poorly done that I'm not finishing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2014
I read The X, in exchange for review from Tomoson. The book was written by Lorena Bathey and published by Lorena B Books.
The book was about a mother, who fights to save her children. The beginning scenes were a little confusing (prologue) but got better as you moved into the book.
In the beginning, Clarissa is married with two kids. Clarrissa and Ben was married 20 years. Everything appears to be perfect and then, she gets hit with divorce papers. The marriage was having problems. Ben (husband) is acting differently. She does not know what's going on. Her husband gets the kids. She moves out, but not before she causes a little destruction. She moves into a friend's guest house, but
wants to get her kids back. The husband also starts turning the kids against her. She calls daily, but with little to no responses. Eventually, she hires a private detective to find her kids and figure out what is going on with her ex-husband. Ben is involved in something big (read the book to find out more) and needed the kids to help execute the plan. Ben is under investigation by the government (read the book to find out why) The kids even got bodyguards. As Clarissa continues to search for her kids, her ex finds out--and sends in his goons to help scare her back into submission. Clarissa has to move around to keep the goons off her tracks. She does try to get her kids back during one scene, but it fails badly. The ending scenes are good. Brice (the PI) takes her to a store. Clarrisa goes in alone, but never comes out. This leads to some climatic, dramatic, intense scenes, which goes all the way to the end of the book.
The book was about a mother, who fights to save her children. The beginning scenes were a little confusing (prologue) but got better as you moved into the book.
In the beginning, Clarissa is married with two kids. Clarrissa and Ben was married 20 years. Everything appears to be perfect and then, she gets hit with divorce papers. The marriage was having problems. Ben (husband) is acting differently. She does not know what's going on. Her husband gets the kids. She moves out, but not before she causes a little destruction. She moves into a friend's guest house, but
wants to get her kids back. The husband also starts turning the kids against her. She calls daily, but with little to no responses. Eventually, she hires a private detective to find her kids and figure out what is going on with her ex-husband. Ben is involved in something big (read the book to find out more) and needed the kids to help execute the plan. Ben is under investigation by the government (read the book to find out why) The kids even got bodyguards. As Clarissa continues to search for her kids, her ex finds out--and sends in his goons to help scare her back into submission. Clarissa has to move around to keep the goons off her tracks. She does try to get her kids back during one scene, but it fails badly. The ending scenes are good. Brice (the PI) takes her to a store. Clarrisa goes in alone, but never comes out. This leads to some climatic, dramatic, intense scenes, which goes all the way to the end of the book.
May 14, 2013
This book was a page turner and I loved that it had short chapters. I love reading by the chapter and so if I NEEDED to put the book down to do something else than I could and not be in the middle of a chapter. Authors break books up the way they want them to be read, but I do have to say I had a hard time putting this book down because I was always wanting to read more chapter and then one more....
I did give this book 4/5 stars. It was not perfect although it was an easy and smooth read,
While I found that the characters were easy enough to get to know and love, I would have liked to see the author have more filler in the novel. I loved the characters and I loved that they were realistic enough to keep me sucked in BUT some of the situations that were in the book just came a little too easy. I love to see characters work for things. I like to feel what they feel and be completely engulfed in the emotion. I have to say that was not the case with this one.
The way the main character handled herself throughout the book with these situations was in ways believable. I could relate to her. The reactions from the boys made their story even more believable, but still I wanted more depth...
I would read more books by this author. I just wanted more to it! Maybe I am being harsh, but I wanted to be able to know that there was something I was longing for that I just couldn't wait to turn the pages to find out about. All and all the book was a page turner and it kept me entertained with the situations. I would recommend it to someone for an easy summer time read :)
March 14, 2013
I received this book to give an honest review.
Wow! The X kept me up late last night and then this morning my nose was buried in the book. I did not want to finish it, but I just could not wait to see what would happen with Clarissa, would she get her children back or will her husband Ben win in the end? This is a thriller that will leave you wanting more! I found myself engrossed in Clarissa's life and what she was going through. She was a weak woman turned strong for not only for herself but for her children! I loved how Clarissa did not give up on her son's no matter what was thrown her way. Clarissa is learning skills that she never knew before, and will be putting them to use later on in the story.
I felt as though this was almost a true story as it seemed so real and everything seemed to be so plausible. I felt everything Clarissa was going through and I was hoping she would win in the end.
My favorite quote: " Mom! Damn, you just kicked dad's ass!"
This is a thriller/action book that will keep you turning the pages! You deal with the FBI, a cult, a mother's unwavering love, kidnapping, brain washing, With all that and terrific story line you got the perfect book!
I highly recommend this book to all to read!
Wow! The X kept me up late last night and then this morning my nose was buried in the book. I did not want to finish it, but I just could not wait to see what would happen with Clarissa, would she get her children back or will her husband Ben win in the end? This is a thriller that will leave you wanting more! I found myself engrossed in Clarissa's life and what she was going through. She was a weak woman turned strong for not only for herself but for her children! I loved how Clarissa did not give up on her son's no matter what was thrown her way. Clarissa is learning skills that she never knew before, and will be putting them to use later on in the story.
I felt as though this was almost a true story as it seemed so real and everything seemed to be so plausible. I felt everything Clarissa was going through and I was hoping she would win in the end.
My favorite quote: " Mom! Damn, you just kicked dad's ass!"
This is a thriller/action book that will keep you turning the pages! You deal with the FBI, a cult, a mother's unwavering love, kidnapping, brain washing, With all that and terrific story line you got the perfect book!
I highly recommend this book to all to read!
April 24, 2013
Fasten your seat belt for this ride of a book! A truly inspiring story about a woman who is blindsided and loses everything to pull herself up to fight for her family and what she believes in. Clarissa is a heroine that everyone will love. Her character is extremely well developed; you see wonderful insights into a remarkable woman who fights for her children and herself against a truly evil and vindictive husband who cares for nothing but his ultimate agenda.
With the help of karate teaching Dan and ex-FBI agent Bryce, Clarissa embarks on a journey of not only physical demands but emotional and mental demands that at time seem enough to break this woman. She showed not only intelligence, but a resilient emotional stature, and she handles everything thrown in her way!
Lorena Bathey has a winner here! Not only are the characters amazing but the writing is intriguing and suspenseful. Menacing secrets, elaborate cover ups, amazing courage in the face of danger and a mothers love that never stops. This is a book you won't put down anytime soon!
"Be loyal, be filled with integrity, and never lose sight of who you are."
With the help of karate teaching Dan and ex-FBI agent Bryce, Clarissa embarks on a journey of not only physical demands but emotional and mental demands that at time seem enough to break this woman. She showed not only intelligence, but a resilient emotional stature, and she handles everything thrown in her way!
Lorena Bathey has a winner here! Not only are the characters amazing but the writing is intriguing and suspenseful. Menacing secrets, elaborate cover ups, amazing courage in the face of danger and a mothers love that never stops. This is a book you won't put down anytime soon!
"Be loyal, be filled with integrity, and never lose sight of who you are."
May 31, 2013
The X, by Lorena Bathey, is a fast-paced exciting thriller that I devoured in one sitting.
I just loved this book. I loved the main character, Clarissa. I loved that she was a devoted mom. I loved that she was smart & strong. I loved that she was middle-aged and tough as nails. I loved that she didn’t just lay down and let her husband walk all over her, and I loved that she respected those she sought help from. Ok, did I say I loved this book?
This book was fun, yet serious. Clarissa was married for 20+ years and never knew who her husband really was until after they divorced. When most people would be devastated about the demise of their marriage, Clarrisa faced it head on and fought for her sons. Clarrisa’s strong will and determination had me laughing and crying. She’s an admirable character, and I would just love to have her as a friend.
Overall, I would recommend this book. It’s a quick, easy read that will keep you wanting more.
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for review from the author and Tomoson.com and all opinions are my own.*
I just loved this book. I loved the main character, Clarissa. I loved that she was a devoted mom. I loved that she was smart & strong. I loved that she was middle-aged and tough as nails. I loved that she didn’t just lay down and let her husband walk all over her, and I loved that she respected those she sought help from. Ok, did I say I loved this book?
This book was fun, yet serious. Clarissa was married for 20+ years and never knew who her husband really was until after they divorced. When most people would be devastated about the demise of their marriage, Clarrisa faced it head on and fought for her sons. Clarrisa’s strong will and determination had me laughing and crying. She’s an admirable character, and I would just love to have her as a friend.
Overall, I would recommend this book. It’s a quick, easy read that will keep you wanting more.
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for review from the author and Tomoson.com and all opinions are my own.*
May 11, 2013
The X is a book that shows that women really can stand up for themselves. Just because you are a woman does not mean that you have to sit by and let a man take advantage of you. Clarissa is a wife and mom of 2 teen boys. Both Jeremy and Sean are very active, strong boys. Her and her husband have been falling farther and farther apart for years. But one day out of the blue Clarissa is served divorce papers. What would you do if you were served divorce papers with no warning? Clarissa did, at first, what most women would. But then after speaking to a friends father and a retired FBI agent, she discovered there is more to this story that she ever knew. She takes her life and decides that this man is not going to take it all away. There are points in the story where you laugh. There are also points in the story where you cry or cringe along with Clarissa. She proves to herself and the world that she is a very strong woman! I was so proud of her and yet she was just a character in a book. Thank you again Lorena for such a compelling story!
May 13, 2013
This was a great thriller. A mother's wrath is like no other. It was interesting to see Clarissa realize who she was really married to. It is scary that he could hide his true identity from her for so long. I can not imagine what that must feel like after eight years, never mind how long Clarissa was married. The shock of who he was and how the kids reacted was not right. I could not believe what a jerk Ben was. I loved to hate him, especially when he brought his kids into the drama. I really liked the fight in Clarissa and I knew that Ben was in for a fight. The ending was so good, and I hope this author writes more books!
I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
May 8, 2013
I will say this, other than a few adult situations, this really felt like a young adult book. Not that it is a bad thing, I love them. I’m just saying it really falls into that category. That being said, I finished the book in one night. I didn’t want to put it down. I thought the story was great. I could imagine myself in the situations. The characters are easy to relate to. There were some areas that could have used a little more details, but for the most part all your questions are answered. I would definitely love to see a sequel just to know what happens with Clarissa and Bryce. If you are looking for a quick weekend read and love thrillers, this is the perfect book.
April 4, 2013
I received a review copy of this book from the author:
The X is one of those books that makes you want to read more. I received this book yesterday evening and I finished it a few moments before I begin writing this review. It is a real page turner, just when you think you know what is going to happen the story goes in a whole different direction. It is a good read and I would recommend it to others. The only complaint I have about it is some of the questions (one main question in particular) was still left unanswered by the end of the book.
The X is one of those books that makes you want to read more. I received this book yesterday evening and I finished it a few moments before I begin writing this review. It is a real page turner, just when you think you know what is going to happen the story goes in a whole different direction. It is a good read and I would recommend it to others. The only complaint I have about it is some of the questions (one main question in particular) was still left unanswered by the end of the book.
April 23, 2013
Do you love reading Thriller books? If so then The X by Lorena Bathey is a must read! If you are not to much into Thriller books, I still suggest reading this one! Yes it is that good! Once you start reading The X you will not want to put it down, keeping you on your toes wanting to know what is going to happen next. It truly is not a boring book at all and had me hooked within the first few pages. 213 pages of pure goodness for sure. I laughed, cried and found my thinking “oh my goodness, really?� throughout the entire book!
April 16, 2013
Lorena Bathey's "The X" is a great read if you like real-life, yes-this-could-happen-to-you type of book. It involves relationships, family, a shocking divorce, and the book demonstrates the main character's willingness to do whatever it takes to stand up for her children and take back what is rightfully hers - her family. Vivid descriptions and a great portrayal of a mother's love and strength are found in the book from start to finish. You'll definitely enjoy it!
April 29, 2013
Find out how Clarissa kicks some serious butt to get her kids back from her ex husband.
Clarissa finds her life completely tipped upside down one morning with a single doorbell at her front door. She is served with divorce papers and finds out in the process her husband isn't what she thought she was and had been sleeping with someone she doesn't even know fully for the last 20 years.
She must find tooth and nail to get her two teenage boys back.
Clarissa finds her life completely tipped upside down one morning with a single doorbell at her front door. She is served with divorce papers and finds out in the process her husband isn't what she thought she was and had been sleeping with someone she doesn't even know fully for the last 20 years.
She must find tooth and nail to get her two teenage boys back.
April 12, 2013
I absolutely loved the book. It kept me interested all the way to the end! I received a review copy through Tomoson.com. You can read my full review here:
April 28, 2013
This review is for the Kindle edition which was listed as a choice.
This was a pretty fair book. I found the premise to be a little far-fetched, but the writing was good. The story was interesting. It was also well-edited with very few errors.
This was a pretty fair book. I found the premise to be a little far-fetched, but the writing was good. The story was interesting. It was also well-edited with very few errors.
April 23, 2013
Suspense and surprise from beginning to end!
It is a clear and accurate picture of what a woman will do to be sure her most prized possesions are safe from an unbeleivable evil!
It is a clear and accurate picture of what a woman will do to be sure her most prized possesions are safe from an unbeleivable evil!
January 2, 2017
Good story but it felt rushed.
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