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One (Count to Ten Book 1) Kindle Edition
Annabelle Englewood's life is crumbling around her. Her entire family is slaughtered; she's accused of committing the crime; and the detective working the case is making her feel things she doesn't want to feel and challenging her belief that she is unworthy of being loved.
Detective Xavier Montague knows better than to get involved with a woman in a case he's working. Especially one who is so emotionally vulnerable. And yet, against his better judgment, he's drawn to Annabelle, but this forbidden attraction will force him to confront the darkest time in his life.
↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜
ONE is the first book in the Count to Ten series by USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe. Suspense, thrills, mysteries, serial killers, stalkers, friendship, family, and love abound in each book of this complete series!
Read the complete series today
1. One - Xavier and Annabelle
2. Two - Ryan and Sofia
3. Three - Xavier and Annabelle, Ryan and Sofia
4. Four - Jack and Laura
5. Five - Jack and Laura
6. Six - Xavier and Annabelle
6.5 Burning Secrets (a novella) - Paige and Elias
7. Seven - Mark and Daisy
8. Eight - Ryan and Sofia
9. Nine
10. Ten
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 8, 2016
- File size4.5 MB
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See full series-
First 3$8.98
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First 5$18.96
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All 10$42.91
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First 3$8.98
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First 5$18.96
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All 10$42.91
This option includes 3 books.
This option includes 5 books.
This option includes 10 books.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
This is, quite possible, one of the best romantic suspenses that I've ever read. - Ethereal Pages Book Blog ★★★★★
This book absolutely earned 5 stars through its indepth plot, multi dimensional characters and the author's uncanny way of putting words on paper and turning it into an emotional experience. - Southern Bred and Read Book Blog ★★★★★
It's Gritty, gruesome and fantastic. Written extremely well, no flaws at all. The character developments are perfect, describing everyone in detail Yet still leaving some parts a mystery. - Two One Click Chicks Reviews ★★★★★
Once you are in the world the author creates, you don't exactly want to leave. The writing is perfect and all the way from the beginning it has you trying to put the pieces together. - TDC Book Reviews ★★★★★
This book was like watching a movie. I got the chills, I flinched, and had somany emotions happening at one time. - Crystal's BookWorld Blog ★★★★★
The plot was gripping and unpredictable, while the villain was intriguing and dynamic. One of my favorite serial killers to date in any book or movie. Sick. Twisted. Deliciously psychotic. - Love Indie Romance ★★★★★
Easy to read, plot flowed well and kept my attention as a reader. Structured and written very well with interesting, accurate descriptions. Well written with complex characters who were believable in both their actions, dialogue and motives. - Russell the Bookworm ★★★★★
The author writing style is so much better than I anticipated. The characters were well developed; the crime that takes place had me on the edge of my seat. - Haddie's Haven Book Blog ★★★★★
Very suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. - My Book Blog ★★★★★
The twists and turns in this book were totally insane. - Sassy Southern Books ★★★★★
This had suspense, crime, murder, intrigue, and a little bit of romance. I was going back and forth of who did it. I love books that keep me guessing on who did it. - Always Reading Reviews ★★★★★
Wow! I'm blown away! One is a great introduction to a suspenseful thriller series that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat! - Beyond the Covers Blog ★★★★★
I am not one for dark books but I am totally hooked. - Little Shop of Readers ★★★★★
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B01ACZE684
- Publisher : Bear Spots Publications (January 8, 2016)
- Publication date : January 8, 2016
- Language : English
- File size : 4.5 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 307 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #12,288 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #5 in Literary Sagas
- #185 in Crime Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- #600 in Romantic Suspense (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging with a suspenseful storyline and many twists and turns. They enjoy reading it and find it entertaining. The characters are well-developed and multidimensional. Readers appreciate the concise, straightforward pacing and detailed descriptions that help them visualize each scene.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book gripping and suspenseful. They appreciate the action-packed plot from the beginning and the twist at the end that leaves their imaginations open. The story is described as an intriguing murder mystery with many twists and turns that keep readers turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning.
"...The story One (Count to Ten Book 1) by Jane Blythe is a thrilling/suspenseful crime book. This is a story that reading is like a rollercoaster ride...." Read more
"...I loved the book as a whole though. The suspense and intrigue kept me turning pages until wee hours of the morning...." Read more
"as I expected from the reviews. It was a gripping plot, but the characters didn't seem as well-developed as they should have been...." Read more
"...And this book satiated my hunger completely with vivid, emotion-provoking moments such as this... (SPOILER!!!) &#..." Read more
Customers enjoyed the book. They found it engaging, with well-written stories that kept them hooked until the end. The content was good, but some felt the ending was disappointing. Overall, readers enjoyed the book and found it a page-turner.
"...This is a story that reading is like a rollercoaster ride. You must hold on tight to survive...." Read more
"...However if you like darker murder type stories this is a really well written book!" Read more
"...I wasn't thrilled with the ending, either. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, though. I give it 3 stars." Read more
"I enjoyed this book very much. I have to say there isn't any real sexual content; just mention of some "romantic" hopes, dreams, activity...." Read more
Customers like the character development in the book. They find Xavier and Kate well-developed and unpredictable, while the villain is intriguing and dynamic. The novel weaves hints and characters perfectly together, and Xavier has a sharp mind that picks up on things others don't.
"...Xavier has a sharp mind and seems to pick up on things that others don’t...." Read more
"...The detectives, Xavier and Kate were well developed characters and played integral parts in this story...." Read more
"...The plot was gripping and unpredictable, while the villain was intriguing and dynamic...." Read more
"...Again, the descriptions of each character are on point as well...." Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book. They find the descriptions detailed and helpful for visualizing each scene. The author handles gory details in a succinct manner, and the writing is well-thought-out.
"...What I loved: My personal preference is succinct, straightforward, impactful writing and that's exactly what Blythe delivered...." Read more
"Very detailed descriptions enables you to easily visualise each scene in the story, especially the grisly ones, I have to admit to be fascinated by..." Read more
"...I'm giving it a very generous 2* review because it was typo free. I will never read this author again if I can help it." Read more
"...just added to the fact A this book is written in way that you can visualize everything and B I need to read more murder/mysteries cause I found..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2017One (Count to Ten Book 1)
By: Jane Blythe
5 out of 5 stars
The story One (Count to Ten Book 1) by Jane Blythe is a thrilling/suspenseful crime book. This is a story that reading is like a rollercoaster ride. You must hold on tight to survive. It starts off with a bang and doesn’t let you go until the final page. Even then it is hard to not think about the story after you have finished. This is the first book I have read by the author and it will not be the last. She takes your hand and leads you down a path that is filled with action, danger, and a little romance, a perfect combination. This genre of book has always been a favorite of mine and this book shows how thrilling crime stories should be written. This is the story of Annabelle who is the only survivor of a brutal attack on her family and of Detective Xavier Montague who is determined to find the killer.
This story is told from the POV of Xavier, Annabelle, and the killer. What happens to Annabelle’s family is horrible and she is very angry at first towards Detective Montague and his partner. She then begins to realize she has feelings for Xavier and doesn’t know how to face them. Annabelle is a complete mystery at first. She is angry however she also is shy and I got the feeling that she doesn’t have a good opinion of herself. One thing she does know is that when she is with Xavier she feels safe. How will Annabelle deal with the death of her family and her feelings for Xavier? Annabelle’s character is one that I really had a lot of empathy for. She has her entire life changed in one night and I don’t know how I would react to such a situation. Annabelle’s memory of the night of her family’s murder is nonexistent. She, however, does try to help with the investigation. Why was Annabelle left alive by the killer and is she still in danger? Xavier Montague is a top rate detective. He is a man that thinks things through and is totally committed to his work. This case is different in the way that he starts to have feelings for Annabelle. While he knows that this is not a good idea he still goes with his heart. Will his feelings for Annabelle cloud his ability to solve this case?
The part of the story that is told from the killer's POV takes you into the mind of a person who is pure evil. This killer has a plan and it is up to Detective Montague and his partner to stop further killings. The killer’s twisted plans include a situation where a life or death decision has to be made. What choice will be made and what will the outcome be for everyone involved? I loved that this book took you through the process of the investigation and I enjoyed reading how both the detective and others involved in the case methodically go through the facts to find the answers they need. Xavier has a sharp mind and seems to pick up on things that others don’t. I highly recommend reading this book to find out if the killer is caught and what fate has in store for both Xavier and Annabelle. This book includes descriptions of crimes that are committed and a very sensitive subject matter. It would be for those 18 years of age or older.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2017I chose four stars only because I feel this book ended without an ending.
The next book in this series does not appear to have all of the same characters but I haven't read it yet so I'm not positive.
I just felt let down by the ending, hence the four stars!
I loved the book as a whole though. The suspense and intrigue kept me turning pages until wee hours of the morning.
The main female character, Annabelle, was an interesting mix of vulnerability and strength and even throughout the story I thought she could be the killer. The detectives, Xavier and Kate were well developed characters and played integral parts in this story.
This is about a serial killer who wants revenge for his/her mother's death and how he/she goes about exacting that revenge. In his/her mind, his/her mother was murdered by the people who "did nothing" to help her as she was trapped in a burning house.
The horrific things that are done to the victims in this story will be hard for some to read.
If you have issues with rape this is not the book for you!
However if you like darker murder type stories this is a really well written book!
- Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2016as I expected from the reviews. It was a gripping plot, but the characters didn't seem as well-developed as they should have been. It felt like the author decided on new parts of characters' back stories too far into the story instead of having their backgrounds decided on before the actual writing. To me, these felt like afterthoughts and attempts to flesh out the different characters. I wasn't thrilled with the ending, either. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, though. I give it 3 stars.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2016Initial thoughts: Holy moly, what a story! Incredibly well thought out and executed!!
What I loved: My personal preference is succinct, straightforward, impactful writing and that's exactly what Blythe delivered. The suspenseful plot flowed well and the gruesome scenes were never once bogged down by anything extraneous.
Sooo I feel the need to confess that besides overly dark, angst-ridden romance, my other guilty pleasure is horror. The scarier, the creepier, the more mind-blowing the better. And this book satiated my hunger completely with vivid, emotion-provoking moments such as this...
(SPOILER!!!) "Bending over the sleeping girl, his every nerve was aquiver with the expectation of what would soon happen. Lifting his knife, still glittering with the blood of young Timothy, he was about to bring it to little Callie’s neck when the girl’s eyes suddenly popped open, growing wide with horror when she saw him and even wider when she spotted the knife.
Suppressing a chuckle, he brought his finger to his lips to quiet the girl. Then before she could utter a sound or make an attempt at escape, he brought the knife to her neck, her blood mixing with her brother’s as he slit her throat.
In the split second when she realized her life was gone, the shock and surprise that lit her eyes intrigued him (...) That look was almost as intoxicating as the blood."
Whoa. Gimme more any day.
The plot was gripping and unpredictable, while the villain was intriguing and dynamic. One of my favorite serial killers to date in any book or movie. Sick. Twisted. Deliciously psychotic.
What left me wanting: While this is a romantic suspense, it focuses mainly on the suspense aspect, so I went in fully expecting the relationship between Xavier and Annabelle to take a backseat. However, I gotta admit that my inner romance-lover was still hankering for a teeny tiny bit more development between them. What can I say? I may be a sadistic sicko but that doesn't mean I don't have a soft spot for love, eh?
With that being said, I will 100% be continuing with this series because who the heck wouldn't? And yes, I wanna see more of this couple too... *smirks*
Final thoughts: I would highly recommend this book to any and all fans of murder mysteries. As for romance lovers? There's enough of that as well to have you delving into this gripping story without hesitation.
Top reviews from other countries
- miss s clailReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 12, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Dark Serial killer story with a HEA
Xavier is a Detective but when a serial killer starts killing families it triggers his past. His partner Kate always there to lend advice and guidance supports him.
Annabelle is a sweet girl caught up in the middle of a twisted revenge plot.
I devoured this story in 2 days amongst work and household chores. This was the first book of Jane Blythes I have read and it was written well and the plot was clever. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
- PlaceholderReviewed in India on March 11, 2021
1.0 out of 5 stars Horrible
Writer is confused and fused a romance with half cooked horror story. Don't ask how. Please don't waste your time.
- Ashleigh ChristouReviewed in Australia on January 3, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Holy moly! What a story!
First book of the year and it did not disappoint! If this is the first in the series then I will definitely be reading the rest. I read it in one sitting, a page turner from the very beginning. Heart stopping drama, chaos, murder, serial killer with a crazy addition to blood... I could not put it down! What a story!
- DLReviewed in Canada on November 13, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars One begins with the murder of a family and a ...
One begins with the murder of a family and a clear suspect, but all is not as it seems.
This is a thriller with some romance.
The characters are well written as is the story.
I did change my mind a few times on who the killer was, so it should keep you guessing.
The writing style reminded me of Chelsea Cain.
I look forward to the next installment.
- TL ClarkReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2016
4.0 out of 5 stars Gruesome murder is afoot
This book is a really good suspense/romance.
It's very well written, for a start.
We begin this tale with a very bloody murder, and the plot thickens as hunky Xavier (detective) has to find who the murderer is.
He doesn't expect to find love along the way.
Both the hero and heroine of this book have a traumatic past, which they have to try to overcome, at the same time as dealing with a rather nasty 'present'.
I love how the relationship develops.
Watch out; there's a lot of blood in these murders. A lot!!
I was hooked almost from the very first page.
If you like romantic suspense and/or murder mysteries go for it!