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The Grayson Trilogy #1
A Single Step
‘The gun continued to be levelled at me. “Answer it...but don’t tell him I’m here or he’ll get to listen to you die.� That concentrated my mind considerably, and as I reached for my phone I came up with a plan...�
Emma Grayson was left devastated when her life was torn apart by tragedy and betrayal. Now someone believes it’s time for her to start again and puts an advert for a job through her door which leads her to the Melton Estate. Despite her desire for a solitary existence she finds herself discovering a life she could never have imagined, challenging her independence, her fears and her resistance to love.
Emma Grayson was left devastated when her life was torn apart by tragedy and betrayal. Now someone believes it’s time for her to start again and puts an advert for a job through her door which leads her to the Melton Estate. Despite her desire for a solitary existence she finds herself discovering a life she could never have imagined, challenging her independence, her fears and her resistance to love.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
611 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Georgia Rose
12Ìýbooks271ÌýfollowersGeorgia Rose is a writer of suspense. Both romantic and psychological. First came the romantic and suspenseful Grayson Trilogy books: A Single Step, Before the Dawn and Thicker than Water. Following completion of the trilogy she was asked for more and so wrote a short story, The Joker, which is based on a favourite character from the series and the eBook is available to download for free at the retailer of your choice.
Her fourth novel, Parallel Lies, encompasses crime along with Georgia’s usual blending of genre and its sequel, Loving Vengeance, completed The Ross Duology.
Georgia is now writing psychological suspense for her third series � A Shade Darker. The first four books are A Killer Strikes, Shape of Revenge, Hard to Forgive and A Stolen Future. The fifth in the series, Driven by Deception, will follow in 2026.
Georgia’s background in countryside living, riding, instructing and working with horses has provided the knowledge needed for some of her storylines; the others are a product of her passion for people watching and her overactive imagination.
She has also recently started running workshops and providing one-to-one support for those wishing to learn how to independently publish and you can find her, under her real name, at .
Following a long stint working in the law Georgia set up her own business providing administration services for other companies which she does to this day entwining that work along with her writing.
Her busy life is set in a tranquil part of rural Cambridgeshire in the UK where she lives with her much neglected husband.
Her fourth novel, Parallel Lies, encompasses crime along with Georgia’s usual blending of genre and its sequel, Loving Vengeance, completed The Ross Duology.
Georgia is now writing psychological suspense for her third series � A Shade Darker. The first four books are A Killer Strikes, Shape of Revenge, Hard to Forgive and A Stolen Future. The fifth in the series, Driven by Deception, will follow in 2026.
Georgia’s background in countryside living, riding, instructing and working with horses has provided the knowledge needed for some of her storylines; the others are a product of her passion for people watching and her overactive imagination.
She has also recently started running workshops and providing one-to-one support for those wishing to learn how to independently publish and you can find her, under her real name, at .
Following a long stint working in the law Georgia set up her own business providing administration services for other companies which she does to this day entwining that work along with her writing.
Her busy life is set in a tranquil part of rural Cambridgeshire in the UK where she lives with her much neglected husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 30, 2014
Emma Grayson desperately needs a fresh start after a devastating personal trauma compounded by a betrayal she couldn’t comprehend. She secures a job with Lord Cavendish of Melton Manor Estate, managing the stables and looking after the horses, after the advert for the job had been posted to her anonymously. Hurt beyond measure and disillusioned, she is wary of getting close to anyone again and just wants to get on with her job and be left alone. The community on the Estate is a tight knit one though and Emma soon finds herself, almost against her will, being drawn in and actually enjoying making new friends.
The story is told in the first person by Emma, which gives the tragedy she suffered even more poignancy and engenders a deep sympathy and understanding for her. Despite her initial contrary attitude with people, it’s easy to like her and very obvious she loves the horses and her dog, Susie.
The suspense builds slowly and, with little hints dropped about Emma’s self-defense abilities, you know something is looming, and Emma’s skills are displayed unexpectedly during a night out. And as the sparks begin between Emma and Trent, it becomes apparent he has secrets of his own which he’s unwilling to talk about.
Really good, strong portrayals of Trent, enigmatic and aloof, and Emma, stubborn and edgy, and their personalities develop as the story progresses. The other characters, although likeable, were slightly less well-rounded but hopefully will come into their own as the series moves forward. The setting and atmosphere of the estate is created in such detail it’s easy to have a mental picture running with the narrative. And, although I’m not a horsey person, I found the descriptions of work at the stables and the horses interesting to read.
There are a lot of surprises revealed along the way, character wise, and even the estate isn’t quite what it seems. Melton Manor has an air of mystery about it as Lord Cavendish and his right hand man, Trent, disappear on business trips several times in the Estate’s helicopter and the male staff all belong, in some capacity, to the military.
Well written and entertaining, I enjoyed the storyline and look forward to following on with the series.
The story is told in the first person by Emma, which gives the tragedy she suffered even more poignancy and engenders a deep sympathy and understanding for her. Despite her initial contrary attitude with people, it’s easy to like her and very obvious she loves the horses and her dog, Susie.
The suspense builds slowly and, with little hints dropped about Emma’s self-defense abilities, you know something is looming, and Emma’s skills are displayed unexpectedly during a night out. And as the sparks begin between Emma and Trent, it becomes apparent he has secrets of his own which he’s unwilling to talk about.
Really good, strong portrayals of Trent, enigmatic and aloof, and Emma, stubborn and edgy, and their personalities develop as the story progresses. The other characters, although likeable, were slightly less well-rounded but hopefully will come into their own as the series moves forward. The setting and atmosphere of the estate is created in such detail it’s easy to have a mental picture running with the narrative. And, although I’m not a horsey person, I found the descriptions of work at the stables and the horses interesting to read.
There are a lot of surprises revealed along the way, character wise, and even the estate isn’t quite what it seems. Melton Manor has an air of mystery about it as Lord Cavendish and his right hand man, Trent, disappear on business trips several times in the Estate’s helicopter and the male staff all belong, in some capacity, to the military.
Well written and entertaining, I enjoyed the storyline and look forward to following on with the series.
February 16, 2015
A Single Step is a romantic suspense and book 1 of The Grayson trilogy. Emma Grayson is getting her life slowly back together after the tragic death of her child. She applies for a new job as a stable manager at Melton Manor for Lord Cavendish in a positive move forward with her life.
Everyone is very helpful and the job and the facilities are very generous, all except the Estate Manager Trent who is cold and domineering. Emma wasn't his first choice of person for the job and he makes her feel like an incapable female. His manor brings out the feisty side in Emma even more.
After a fall from a horse Emma is forced to accept help from Trent and when it's time for him to leave she realises she doesn't want him to go, is the brick wall around her heart coming down brick by brick? Then just when you think you know what's going to happen, Wham! the story has a sinister turn.
I really wasn't sure about this story, it has a very slow start and it took a long time for me to warm to the plot and the characters, but then suddenly the action began when Emma fell from her horse and the book got my attention to the very end. There's no cliff hanger so I don't know what to expect in the next book in the series, but I'm intrigued enough to add it to my TBR list.
Everyone is very helpful and the job and the facilities are very generous, all except the Estate Manager Trent who is cold and domineering. Emma wasn't his first choice of person for the job and he makes her feel like an incapable female. His manor brings out the feisty side in Emma even more.
After a fall from a horse Emma is forced to accept help from Trent and when it's time for him to leave she realises she doesn't want him to go, is the brick wall around her heart coming down brick by brick? Then just when you think you know what's going to happen, Wham! the story has a sinister turn.
I really wasn't sure about this story, it has a very slow start and it took a long time for me to warm to the plot and the characters, but then suddenly the action began when Emma fell from her horse and the book got my attention to the very end. There's no cliff hanger so I don't know what to expect in the next book in the series, but I'm intrigued enough to add it to my TBR list.
April 25, 2020
This is the first novel I've read from author Georgia Rose, which falls in the category of suspense and romance.
Readers follow the life of Emma, who's had a dramatic life with very few moments of happiness taken away from her quickly. Her life made her an independent woman trusting no one and searching for solitude. However, when she applied to a new job in a Manor in rural England to take care of horses, she found a lot more than just a job. Thanks to her new life, she was able to finally overcome aspects of her previous life.
The story is well written. The characters well developed. While reading the novel, I didn't know how the story was going to unfold into a romance twist, suspense theme, or dramatic twist. Finally, it was all three at the same time. This story is interesting as both leading characters have dramatic pasts, which still are part of their lives.
Readers follow the life of Emma, who's had a dramatic life with very few moments of happiness taken away from her quickly. Her life made her an independent woman trusting no one and searching for solitude. However, when she applied to a new job in a Manor in rural England to take care of horses, she found a lot more than just a job. Thanks to her new life, she was able to finally overcome aspects of her previous life.
The story is well written. The characters well developed. While reading the novel, I didn't know how the story was going to unfold into a romance twist, suspense theme, or dramatic twist. Finally, it was all three at the same time. This story is interesting as both leading characters have dramatic pasts, which still are part of their lives.
July 31, 2021
Well-written but so slow, as in by the halfway point, the reader is bogged down in the day-to-day details of getting stables and barns ready for horses, then taking care of them. The main character's backstory is tragic and compelling but it consumes the first quarter or so of the book, which is just way too much exposition dumped on the reader. It slows the pace down so much that it feels like nothing is happening - it already happened. I gave up about halfway in. I don't mind a plot with a leisurely pace and I love a good character-driven story but this book felt like there was not really a plot - just a recitation of events.
August 14, 2017
Romance is not my cup of tea. Maybe it’s because I’m too busy to think of nice and strong arms to embrace me, or because I prefer to chase monsters down the streets. I’ve never been interested in horses, either. But at times, it’s nice to dip your toe into a new pool and see what happens! And sometimes, you have a good and uncomplicated time with a story you thought weren’t for you but turns out to be able to release the pressure in your body.
I read A Single Step in two days, taking the time to erase all previous ideas I had about romance books and keeping an open mind. I picked the Kindle every time I had a little free time, catching up with the story and its characters between paperwork and chores. And it worked! It was refreshing! I mean, really refreshing! I really enjoyed meeting Emma and getting to know her.
Characterization is Georgia Rose’s best asset! She really nailed the grieving mother without making her a poor and maudlin cliché. She added layers to her character’s story so that everyone could find a connection and relate to some point to what had happened to her.
I'd been left feeling as if all that remained of me was a shell: a hollow fragile version of my former self.
Emma’s story is (unfortunately) not new, but it was very well-written, blended in her new life so we never got never-ending sad pages of the worst happening. The author managed to add something different to a situation that too often happens. I’m being vague on purpose! What I really liked about Emma was her ideas and plans being totally ruined by the new job and everything that came with it. Aiming to live as a recluse, she ends up surrounded and helped, finding herself in the middle of a crowd instead of in the silence of a room.
The other characters all brought different sides of people, and created a wonderful place to live in. I felt the warmth of the landlords, I got a piece of the feeling of satisfaction after a good day, I was happy a dog was included. I can't help it, I do believe it helped me feel closer to Emma. The first part of the book set a nice place and new life I was glad to read about, although there’s so much you can read about horses before starting to yawn!!!
I knew some would say she was only a dog but to me she was a lot more than that, she was all I had.
Now off to the plot. Yep, there’s a plot. I’m still so surprised when there’s any kind of plot in romance stories, haha! I saw the sparkle very early on, but Emma’s heart and mind weren’t ready and I think I really became hooked on the story when things got complicated after the 50% mark. The author puts a life of routine to an halt with events I did not see coming, and then slowly unravels deeper threads to her book. I won’t give names regarding love interests because it’s no fun this way! It would be like giving you the serial killer’s name in a crime book review! Just know it was not easy, and it was original enough so I did not roll my eyes! The “complications� were perfectly realistic and allowed the romance to be taken on another level, with its complications and its consequences. I really loved the surprise and I love it when a story is unpredictable this way! Georgia takes love betrayal to a different level, but not only. Love is more than a noun, and people react different ways to it. I was happy to get a thrilling romance trip and a situation I was definitely not expecting!!
Overall, A Single Step starts slow, giving the reader the time to settle before really putting the second gear and offering a heart-warming story with quite a bit of action for the genre, with interesting untied threads for you to want to grab the next book!
I would like to thank Georgia Rose for providing me with a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
Good reading
This book kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters were people that the reader could relate to with similar struggles, highs and lows. It had a very human aspect that made the storyline plausible. Looking forward to book 2 in the series
This book kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters were people that the reader could relate to with similar struggles, highs and lows. It had a very human aspect that made the storyline plausible. Looking forward to book 2 in the series
June 28, 2014
I was of two minds about this book. It's worth five stars. No doubt about it. The main character and her world are expertly evoked. The emotion brought me to tears at least THREE times.
And, yet, I had some issues with the execution.
The genre is hard to pin down. It's all well and good to say, "just go with the story." That's not how brains work. It's normal, as one reads, to make rapid-fire comparisons to everything else we've ever read. Part of us is with the story, another part is using cues from the text to surge ahead and make predictions about where the narrative is heading. This is especially the case if we think we're reading suspense or mystery. After all, catching the clues becomes critical to understanding the resolution.
Emma Grayson is a fascinating character. She's suffered significant losses and they've made her wary of people and their motives. We see this in the solitary way she lives her life. The author delves so deeply into Emma's back story (and so early) that it at first appeared this was straight literary fiction. The suspense elements are hinted at--her new employer's interest in her kickboxing skills, the way he and Emma's eventual love interest take off on mysterious business trips, etc--but never strongly enough for us to say "Okay, this is suspense." Not until someone causes Emma to be thrown from her horse are we sure something odd is going on. Same goes with the romance element. The hints are bigger, but the romantic elements don't really come into serious play in the first half of the book.
It might have been better for the author to seed the facts of Emma's past throughout the first half of the story, so that the pace could have been picked up a bit. As it is, we know everything about Emma right from the start but far too little (too late) about her new love's past. Because of this, the climactic situation seems to come out of left field. We don't have enough information to fully process what's happening or believe the motivations behind the final blitz attack on Emma. I have to tread carefully here to avoid telling too much, but the author falls into a common confusion about the nature of two distinctly separate mental illnesses. Also, these illnesses (as character traits) aren't developed in way that feels as genuine as the character building in the rest of the book. As a result, the rationale for the "villain's" actions are rushed and confused and TOLD to us in a chunky summation.
In conclusion, A SINGLE STEP is an excellent novel with a problematic story arc. Some of this may have to do with it being the first of a trilogy. There's a lot of attention paid to setting up the situation. On the other hand, by staying so close to her character, Georgia Rose makes us feel Emma's sorrows and hopes. Rose also has a great romantic touch. She knows how to build passion slowly, so that the reader is itching for the couple to finally come together. There are also plenty of great details of life on the estate and the care/activities surrounding horses. Rose's created world is so real, I felt part of it and it's Gothic, slightly JANE EYRE atmosphere. It's for these reasons that a book with some technical flaws still rates FIVE stars, and that the next Emma Grayson story is on my must-read list.
And, yet, I had some issues with the execution.
The genre is hard to pin down. It's all well and good to say, "just go with the story." That's not how brains work. It's normal, as one reads, to make rapid-fire comparisons to everything else we've ever read. Part of us is with the story, another part is using cues from the text to surge ahead and make predictions about where the narrative is heading. This is especially the case if we think we're reading suspense or mystery. After all, catching the clues becomes critical to understanding the resolution.
Emma Grayson is a fascinating character. She's suffered significant losses and they've made her wary of people and their motives. We see this in the solitary way she lives her life. The author delves so deeply into Emma's back story (and so early) that it at first appeared this was straight literary fiction. The suspense elements are hinted at--her new employer's interest in her kickboxing skills, the way he and Emma's eventual love interest take off on mysterious business trips, etc--but never strongly enough for us to say "Okay, this is suspense." Not until someone causes Emma to be thrown from her horse are we sure something odd is going on. Same goes with the romance element. The hints are bigger, but the romantic elements don't really come into serious play in the first half of the book.
It might have been better for the author to seed the facts of Emma's past throughout the first half of the story, so that the pace could have been picked up a bit. As it is, we know everything about Emma right from the start but far too little (too late) about her new love's past. Because of this, the climactic situation seems to come out of left field. We don't have enough information to fully process what's happening or believe the motivations behind the final blitz attack on Emma. I have to tread carefully here to avoid telling too much, but the author falls into a common confusion about the nature of two distinctly separate mental illnesses. Also, these illnesses (as character traits) aren't developed in way that feels as genuine as the character building in the rest of the book. As a result, the rationale for the "villain's" actions are rushed and confused and TOLD to us in a chunky summation.
In conclusion, A SINGLE STEP is an excellent novel with a problematic story arc. Some of this may have to do with it being the first of a trilogy. There's a lot of attention paid to setting up the situation. On the other hand, by staying so close to her character, Georgia Rose makes us feel Emma's sorrows and hopes. Rose also has a great romantic touch. She knows how to build passion slowly, so that the reader is itching for the couple to finally come together. There are also plenty of great details of life on the estate and the care/activities surrounding horses. Rose's created world is so real, I felt part of it and it's Gothic, slightly JANE EYRE atmosphere. It's for these reasons that a book with some technical flaws still rates FIVE stars, and that the next Emma Grayson story is on my must-read list.
September 27, 2014
“Oh, no,� I thought when I saw the quote from Jane Eyre at the beginning of , Georgia Rose’s first book of The Grayson Trilogy. Despite (or perhaps because of?) my appreciation for all things Austen, that particular Brontë oeuvre has always been my least favorite. I braced myself for yet another gothic� orphaned young heroine, gloomy mansion complete with turrets, sinister servants, family members who’ve met with untimely deaths, mysteriously significant piece of jewelry, foreboding weather that mirrors the frightening events.
Thank you Ms. Rose for proving me wrong! Her version of gothic does indeed involve an orphaned heroine, the grieving Emma Grayson. But from that point on, Georgia Rose grabs hold of the gothic genre with both hands and makes it her own. Emma, though deeply damaged by the loss of her child and subsequent meltdown of her marriage, has a quiet inner strength that lets her rebuild her life on her own terms. She accepts a job managing the stables on an aristocratic estate, where she is soon fending off romantic offers from coworkers, and orders from her supervisor, the enigmatic Trent.
I don’t hesitate to give A Single Step five stars out of five. While I’m not normally a fan of careful, deliberate pacing, in this book it lets readers get to know Emma, peeling back the protective layers she’s built around her wounds. We get a picture of her quietly stubborn strength. And—this part is the most fun for an American like me—we get to see it play out in that most British of settings, the estate plus neighboring village and pub. Yes, there are a few points that were unresolved, such as who actually slipped the advert for the new job under Emma’s door. But those are the kind of loose ends that the remaining books of the series will undoubtedly address. For now, A Single Step is the perfect first volume. Its story arc is resolved completely satisfactorily, while there are still questions that will demand answers in those next volumes.
If you like carefully paced, well-plotted stories which showcase the development and growth of characters, plus an irresistible glimpse into a world that most Americans would never see, I recommend A Single Step. Your only problem will be waiting to get the rest of this series onto your Kindle.
Thank you Ms. Rose for proving me wrong! Her version of gothic does indeed involve an orphaned heroine, the grieving Emma Grayson. But from that point on, Georgia Rose grabs hold of the gothic genre with both hands and makes it her own. Emma, though deeply damaged by the loss of her child and subsequent meltdown of her marriage, has a quiet inner strength that lets her rebuild her life on her own terms. She accepts a job managing the stables on an aristocratic estate, where she is soon fending off romantic offers from coworkers, and orders from her supervisor, the enigmatic Trent.
I don’t hesitate to give A Single Step five stars out of five. While I’m not normally a fan of careful, deliberate pacing, in this book it lets readers get to know Emma, peeling back the protective layers she’s built around her wounds. We get a picture of her quietly stubborn strength. And—this part is the most fun for an American like me—we get to see it play out in that most British of settings, the estate plus neighboring village and pub. Yes, there are a few points that were unresolved, such as who actually slipped the advert for the new job under Emma’s door. But those are the kind of loose ends that the remaining books of the series will undoubtedly address. For now, A Single Step is the perfect first volume. Its story arc is resolved completely satisfactorily, while there are still questions that will demand answers in those next volumes.
If you like carefully paced, well-plotted stories which showcase the development and growth of characters, plus an irresistible glimpse into a world that most Americans would never see, I recommend A Single Step. Your only problem will be waiting to get the rest of this series onto your Kindle.
May 5, 2020
More than a simple love story, drama, grief starting again
April 10, 2014
This book draws you in and hooks you tight. It isn’t the sort of novel I usually read, but I’m very glad I did. It’s a mystery and a romance that’s seamlessly literary and carries you along as the captivating plot unfolds. It’s a first person narrative, my personal favourite, and the heroine, Emma Grayson is a complex person. The story starts with her having an interview for a new job, a way of making a totally fresh start after a long period of personal troubles. The new situation she finds herself in is fascinating: a huge complex farm and fine old manor house, run in a military style, where Emma’s job is to be to set up riding stables and look after the horses when they arrive. Along with her beloved dog, Suzi, Emma intends to work alone, and keep her distance from everyone. But when she meets her new kind-hearted colleagues, she finds she can’t help making friends, yet we wonder, what is happening that she doesn’t know about? What is this large farm’s business? Is it all it seems, or are there lurking mysteries under the surface, that Emma knows nothing about? Why is her new employer so interested in her unarmed combat abilities, and how has he found out all about her previous life before she even met him? And when the handsome taciturn Trent comes into her orbit she dislikes him at first, especially as his past is a total mystery that no one will talk about . . .
Emma has a lot of problems. She is recovering from her own personal tragedy and marriage break-up, and all she wants is to start afresh in her own time, in her own space. But try as she might to remain aloof and alone, she finds that she has to accept help occasionally. And she’s extremely glad of this assistance when events take more and more sinister turns until she finds herself in mortal danger. Yet who is her unknown enemy? Going into more details here would spoil the story.
If you like an interesting, flawed, but sexy heroine who can give as good as she gets, you’ll love this book. And if you like handsome enigmatic strong-but-silent heroes, and mysterious goings-on in a lovely countryside location where no one is quite who they seem to be, you’ll love it too.
I’m very much looking forward to the next two books that are coming soon in the Grayson Trilogy.
Emma has a lot of problems. She is recovering from her own personal tragedy and marriage break-up, and all she wants is to start afresh in her own time, in her own space. But try as she might to remain aloof and alone, she finds that she has to accept help occasionally. And she’s extremely glad of this assistance when events take more and more sinister turns until she finds herself in mortal danger. Yet who is her unknown enemy? Going into more details here would spoil the story.
If you like an interesting, flawed, but sexy heroine who can give as good as she gets, you’ll love this book. And if you like handsome enigmatic strong-but-silent heroes, and mysterious goings-on in a lovely countryside location where no one is quite who they seem to be, you’ll love it too.
I’m very much looking forward to the next two books that are coming soon in the Grayson Trilogy.
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October 16, 2017FREE on Amazon today (10/16/2017)!
June 5, 2014
Romance novels have taken a bashing over the years. We all know about the popular books that give the genre a bad name (BDSM and sparkling vampires, check) but now and then, there's a book that redeems the genre and puts it on the map for the right reasons. Don't get me wrong, this isn't my preferred genre and I'm a little out of my depth when reviewing it, and no, I haven't read Twilight or Fifty Shades, but regardless of this, I know a good story when I read one.
This story is good, damn good.
Immersive, addictive and unputdownable - this is coming from a horror fan/author - you know the book is excellent when it hooks you like this. From the beginning to the end, with a slightly saggy middle (not a bad thing, it allows the beginning and end to flourish) the book always keeps you wanting to read more. As an author, I know the middle act is the hardest part but Rose pulls it off here, keeping us reading and rewarding us for the duration. Overall, the book is mesmerising and the characters are developed, each has their place and none of the romance feels forced.
Our heroine, Emma Grayson, is sexy, flawed, ambitious, determined, and realistic. The key word here is realistic. I don't read many romance novels - and this is more romance/thriller/mystery territory - but the general feedback I hear from friends who invest in the genre relates to the characters being wooden, one-dimensional and unrelatable. Not so here. Emma is instantly likeable, flawed yes, but human indeed. After all, no one is perfect and everyone can relate to this. Told from a gripping first-person narrative, this book flows smoothly and precisely.
5* - My third romance novel, done! A Single Step is one of those books you can read on a casual day. Maybe grab a cocktail/beer, lounge around in the sun and relax. I did, my Kindle burnt my hand several times because my attention was buried in the book. I don't read romance often but after reading this, I already know I'll be reading the sequels. I better clear some space on my TBR list. Great read, Georgia Rose.
This story is good, damn good.
Immersive, addictive and unputdownable - this is coming from a horror fan/author - you know the book is excellent when it hooks you like this. From the beginning to the end, with a slightly saggy middle (not a bad thing, it allows the beginning and end to flourish) the book always keeps you wanting to read more. As an author, I know the middle act is the hardest part but Rose pulls it off here, keeping us reading and rewarding us for the duration. Overall, the book is mesmerising and the characters are developed, each has their place and none of the romance feels forced.
Our heroine, Emma Grayson, is sexy, flawed, ambitious, determined, and realistic. The key word here is realistic. I don't read many romance novels - and this is more romance/thriller/mystery territory - but the general feedback I hear from friends who invest in the genre relates to the characters being wooden, one-dimensional and unrelatable. Not so here. Emma is instantly likeable, flawed yes, but human indeed. After all, no one is perfect and everyone can relate to this. Told from a gripping first-person narrative, this book flows smoothly and precisely.
5* - My third romance novel, done! A Single Step is one of those books you can read on a casual day. Maybe grab a cocktail/beer, lounge around in the sun and relax. I did, my Kindle burnt my hand several times because my attention was buried in the book. I don't read romance often but after reading this, I already know I'll be reading the sequels. I better clear some space on my TBR list. Great read, Georgia Rose.
January 20, 2015
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
Emma Grayson has suffered far more than any woman should have to and I immediately liked and sympathized with the character. In actual fact, the author does such a good job of forging a connection with the character and the reader that I found myself in emotional turmoil at times. Emma is sweet woman, however due to her past, she is untrusting � and understandably so. Therefore, at times she comes across a bit short.
To get to the crux of it, Emma takes a job at a beautiful and remote estate. There she settles in well with the other employees. The love interest - Trent, first comes across as a bit of a rude, control freak. However, as we begin to gain more knowledge about him, we also gain a better understanding into why he behaves in the way he does. As the story progresses, Trent and Emma must trust each other and soon the chemistry settles in. I really can’t say much more here to avoid spoilers.
I prefer a fast to moderately paced read and I found this book to be a little slow in places. However, at times I felt the relaxed movement necessary to give the reader time to deal with the myriad of emotions some parts evoke. Some of the hints that were dropped glared at me, others were well executed. As a genre, I think this belongs in Women’s Fiction, regardless of the suspense and romance aspects of it. All round, a great read in a genre I wouldn’t necessarily pick up.
Emma Grayson has suffered far more than any woman should have to and I immediately liked and sympathized with the character. In actual fact, the author does such a good job of forging a connection with the character and the reader that I found myself in emotional turmoil at times. Emma is sweet woman, however due to her past, she is untrusting � and understandably so. Therefore, at times she comes across a bit short.
To get to the crux of it, Emma takes a job at a beautiful and remote estate. There she settles in well with the other employees. The love interest - Trent, first comes across as a bit of a rude, control freak. However, as we begin to gain more knowledge about him, we also gain a better understanding into why he behaves in the way he does. As the story progresses, Trent and Emma must trust each other and soon the chemistry settles in. I really can’t say much more here to avoid spoilers.
I prefer a fast to moderately paced read and I found this book to be a little slow in places. However, at times I felt the relaxed movement necessary to give the reader time to deal with the myriad of emotions some parts evoke. Some of the hints that were dropped glared at me, others were well executed. As a genre, I think this belongs in Women’s Fiction, regardless of the suspense and romance aspects of it. All round, a great read in a genre I wouldn’t necessarily pick up.
June 4, 2016
Romance and Mystery
Emma Grayson finds a job advert mysteriously left in her letterbox, and after an interview is offered what seems to be the perfect job of looking after the stables of a manor house. However very soon the reader (and Emma) is wondering why the Estate Manager is so against her, and gradually begins to wonder if everything is quite as it appears.
The first page throws the reader straight into the intrigue, and the story builds up gently and steadily, until mid-way through the book there is a sudden twist and drama. Skilfully woven into the story are events from Emma's past, and the question as to whether she can ever move on , or indeed whether she wants to.
The main characters are well written, with plenty of interest and great personalities; it is easy to keep track of who is who, and become involved in their varied roles within the estate and in the story. There is a lot of feel good and camaraderie in the book, but also some very moving parts and a few heart racing moments.
I found this was a book that acted like a treat. It kept drawing me back to see how Emma was getting on, and was an easy comfortable read.
The book's ending means it can be read as a stand-alone book, or the enjoyment can be extended by moving onto the other two books in this trilogy.
Emma Grayson finds a job advert mysteriously left in her letterbox, and after an interview is offered what seems to be the perfect job of looking after the stables of a manor house. However very soon the reader (and Emma) is wondering why the Estate Manager is so against her, and gradually begins to wonder if everything is quite as it appears.
The first page throws the reader straight into the intrigue, and the story builds up gently and steadily, until mid-way through the book there is a sudden twist and drama. Skilfully woven into the story are events from Emma's past, and the question as to whether she can ever move on , or indeed whether she wants to.
The main characters are well written, with plenty of interest and great personalities; it is easy to keep track of who is who, and become involved in their varied roles within the estate and in the story. There is a lot of feel good and camaraderie in the book, but also some very moving parts and a few heart racing moments.
I found this was a book that acted like a treat. It kept drawing me back to see how Emma was getting on, and was an easy comfortable read.
The book's ending means it can be read as a stand-alone book, or the enjoyment can be extended by moving onto the other two books in this trilogy.
January 7, 2015
I have just finished reading A Single Step, by Georgia Rose, an unusual choice of book for me as I am not inclined to read romantic novels, (I think that is a man thing)!
I was however intrigued from the start, Georgia has a wonderful way of slowly and gently pulling you into the story so that you have to keep reading, you have to know ‘what happens next�.
Georgia has filled the book full of detail, maybe overly concise in a few instances, but then that may just be my view as this is, as I have said, not my regular genre.
I fell in love with Emma, the main character. On the surface Emma is a strong willed and sensible woman rebuilding her life after�..(well you will have to read the book to find out)�.but inside she is full of self-doubt and uncertainty.
Mix this with a number of amorous suitors, an English country estate, horses and stables and....you get the picture!
Oh, and underlying this idyllic setting are some secrets, one of which turns rather dark and threatening.
The books leaves some unanswered questions, which is perfect as this is the first of the 'Grayson trilogy'.
The second ‘Before the Dawn� is now on my reading list and one I must read before Georgia releases the final book in the series, ‘Thicker than Water�.
I was however intrigued from the start, Georgia has a wonderful way of slowly and gently pulling you into the story so that you have to keep reading, you have to know ‘what happens next�.
Georgia has filled the book full of detail, maybe overly concise in a few instances, but then that may just be my view as this is, as I have said, not my regular genre.
I fell in love with Emma, the main character. On the surface Emma is a strong willed and sensible woman rebuilding her life after�..(well you will have to read the book to find out)�.but inside she is full of self-doubt and uncertainty.
Mix this with a number of amorous suitors, an English country estate, horses and stables and....you get the picture!
Oh, and underlying this idyllic setting are some secrets, one of which turns rather dark and threatening.
The books leaves some unanswered questions, which is perfect as this is the first of the 'Grayson trilogy'.
The second ‘Before the Dawn� is now on my reading list and one I must read before Georgia releases the final book in the series, ‘Thicker than Water�.
February 13, 2015
A Single Step by Georgia Rose is a powerful story that I took an interest to right away. Poignant and filled with depth. I was moved and touched. Emotion filled me and I couldn't turn away. This book easy to get absorbed into, making me want to know more.
This story opens with a job interview with the prospects of being offered the opportunity to look after the family horses for the Melton Manor estate. This is her very first job interview and she approaches it with apprehension.
The main character, Emma has been damaged from loss and life experience. Her pain and self-doubt is notable, yet her strength is empowering and her vulnerability is understandable. She is a life-like character that is relatable and likable. She wears her pain on her sleeve. I loved seeing her evolve and come to terms with her life and shortcomings.
There is great feeling in the telling of the story making it difficult not to get swept away into this realistic story about a woman who experiences loss but then begins to heal and comes into her own. This is an inspiring story that is filled with humanity and intriguing twists.
This story opens with a job interview with the prospects of being offered the opportunity to look after the family horses for the Melton Manor estate. This is her very first job interview and she approaches it with apprehension.
The main character, Emma has been damaged from loss and life experience. Her pain and self-doubt is notable, yet her strength is empowering and her vulnerability is understandable. She is a life-like character that is relatable and likable. She wears her pain on her sleeve. I loved seeing her evolve and come to terms with her life and shortcomings.
There is great feeling in the telling of the story making it difficult not to get swept away into this realistic story about a woman who experiences loss but then begins to heal and comes into her own. This is an inspiring story that is filled with humanity and intriguing twists.
June 15, 2019
I'm really conflicted with this book. There were parts I really liked, and I mean really liked, that I was going to give this four stars. But at times I was more than prepared to give it one star. Ultimately I've settled for 2.5.
This book moves really quite slowly, but that didn't bother me. Nor did the very detailed descriptions of the horses and caring for them. I even liked Trent, right up to the point that he revealed himself to be a misogynist. His attitude of 'men chase' was deplorable. He made it very clear that he wasn't initially interested in Emma at all and only the fact she was turning down other men made him curious enough to attempt to pursue her because he considered her a challenge. Once I could have forgiven this but this came up multiple times.
Then enter the SIS storyline. That was the final nail in the coffin for me, it completely lost me as a reader. I finished the book because I was so far through already but it came to a disappointing end for me. Such a shame when the first half of the book, albeit slow, was really quite good.
This book moves really quite slowly, but that didn't bother me. Nor did the very detailed descriptions of the horses and caring for them. I even liked Trent, right up to the point that he revealed himself to be a misogynist. His attitude of 'men chase' was deplorable. He made it very clear that he wasn't initially interested in Emma at all and only the fact she was turning down other men made him curious enough to attempt to pursue her because he considered her a challenge. Once I could have forgiven this but this came up multiple times.
Then enter the SIS storyline. That was the final nail in the coffin for me, it completely lost me as a reader. I finished the book because I was so far through already but it came to a disappointing end for me. Such a shame when the first half of the book, albeit slow, was really quite good.
May 10, 2014
A Single Step isn't the genre of book I usually buy but it was well written and a good easy holiday read; a romance and thriller/mystery combined that is soon engrossing. Told in the first person point of view, the characters are strongly portrayed, especially the protagonist, and the dialogue is equally strong. A special mention to the end and start hooks in most of the chapters; they ran effortlessly and kept me reading. However, the first chapter was slow and, at one point in the middle of the storyline (the most difficult to write, I think), the narrative struggled to keep up the momentum. But I'm glad I persevered; it soon picked up again and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 19, 2022
The plot was pretty good but the book didn’t work very well. For starters, there was very little dialogue in comparison to the narrating. I got bored and uninterested before there halfway point because of it. You know the writing saying - show me, don’t tell me- or whatever it is. Everything was explained versus characters interacting and a story playing out. So I couldn’t get invested at all.
SPOILER-ISH:
Also, as a therapist in training, I have to mention that paranoid schizophrenia is different from dissociative personality disorder. The author made a common mistake in merging the two. There are no personality alters in schizophrenia.
SPOILER-ISH:
Also, as a therapist in training, I have to mention that paranoid schizophrenia is different from dissociative personality disorder. The author made a common mistake in merging the two. There are no personality alters in schizophrenia.
August 9, 2021
A terrific read!
This is a wonderful book! In many ways it reminds me of Winter Solstice, mostly in the telling of the story. Nothing is rushed, it all just flows out; and you begin to feel like you’ve become a part of the characters lives. And the characters, themselves, are well planned and carry the story forward. Bravo!!
This is a wonderful book! In many ways it reminds me of Winter Solstice, mostly in the telling of the story. Nothing is rushed, it all just flows out; and you begin to feel like you’ve become a part of the characters lives. And the characters, themselves, are well planned and carry the story forward. Bravo!!
July 10, 2021
Converted romance reader! Beautifully written romance/suspense book. I was totally engrossed with the storyline from start to finish. Intriguing characters with building sexual tension as the romance builds. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Want to read
September 12, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
September 6, 2020
Loved it. Her journey from shattered and broken to a loving relationship was well written.
December 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and the immediately read the two following books after this one. The story was fast paced enough to keep me interested while being detailed enough to really paint a great picture of the estate and the new world within which Emma finds herself. I read on my kindle but have bought also as a paperback as I was it on my shelf now too!
February 2, 2025
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2017
Excellent book - in fact, I am reading the series for a second time and just found that another book has been published. I downloaded it, but will wait until I finish reading the entire series again before I read that one.
Excellent book - in fact, I am reading the series for a second time and just found that another book has been published. I downloaded it, but will wait until I finish reading the entire series again before I read that one.
September 4, 2020
Very Enjoyable Read - Adventure, Drama, Romance
I really enjoyed this book - it held me from the first page. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because I got a bit annoyed with Trent always raising his eyebrows 😉
I really enjoyed this book - it held me from the first page. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was because I got a bit annoyed with Trent always raising his eyebrows 😉
September 5, 2020
Captivating!
Good book! I enjoy this author. There's never a dull moment. I can feel myself in the setting while reading.
Good book! I enjoy this author. There's never a dull moment. I can feel myself in the setting while reading.
March 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Well written and well researched. (I hate reading about “horsey� girl stories where I end up rolling my eyes at some of the inaccuracies)
The story contained a little of everything. Romance, heartbreak and suspense with believable and well rounded characters. Congratulations Georgia Rose, I look forward to reading the rest of the Grayson series
The story contained a little of everything. Romance, heartbreak and suspense with believable and well rounded characters. Congratulations Georgia Rose, I look forward to reading the rest of the Grayson series
March 31, 2024
A very enjoyable book.
I did not want to put the book down. The story moves well and draws you in. Mystery, romance intrigue and compassion. It checks all the boxes.
I did not want to put the book down. The story moves well and draws you in. Mystery, romance intrigue and compassion. It checks all the boxes.
February 22, 2022
I went into this book completely blind, I never heard of the author or have I ever heard of the book, it appeared to me on the kobo romance list and I’m incredibly grateful that the book gained my attention because Trent and Emma were everything and the plot got me going that I had to know everything but at the same time made me enjoy the chemistry, the angst and everything that surrounded Emma and Trent and when they finally got together, was honestly so amazing, I loved every minute of this book, can’t wait to read the other two!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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