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Innocent victim or crazy liar?

At the hospital, Laura Xander bumps into a teenager who claims that she and three other girls were kidnapped five years ago. The man whom she alleges abducted her maintains that he is her father and that his daughter is mentally unbalanced.

Detective Paige Hood was nearly killed by her stalker four years ago. He stole something from her she can never get back, and she's still trying to come to terms with the ramifications. Now the stalker is back and determined that she will not live to see the morning.

↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜

306 pages, ebook

Published January 24, 2018

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About the author

Jane Blythe

95 books1,274 followers
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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!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,790 reviews586 followers
November 26, 2017
Jane Blythe is back with another raw and gritty tale of twisted evil and trauma. In a terrifying game of physical, mental and emotional survival one woman ventures from the safety of her home to support a friend in need only to find herself caught up in a deadly nightmare that is reminiscent of the torturous days that stole her life.

FIVE is a chilling tale of abduction, control and abuse as a young and terrified teen risks everything in telling Laura a nightmarish tale that has spanned five years. Four girls were kidnapped and held prisoner by a monster who alternated between kindness and brutal control and now, one trip to the emergency room and Fate have given them a slim chance for freedom and hopes to see their families again.

Hang on tight for this thriller that will hit readers at their very core and have parents double-checking that their children are tucked safely into their beds. In a case of a teen’s gut-wrenching tale versus the charming demeanor of her “father,” the lives of four children will hang in the balance as an already fragile Laura may be the only person with the strength to both believe and save them, but at what cost to herself?

Once again, Jane Blythe holds nothing back, creating a tale of terror and exposure that could easily have been dismissed. You will feel the frustration, the sense of hopelessness and the gut-deep determination of one girl to stand against the force of control she has been living under. You will recognize the trauma Laura faces re-living her past and the sheer strength and grit she displays when she could have run cowering back into a corner.

Chilling to the bone, well-written and enough to send the hairs on the back of your neck to full attention, Jane Blythe has scored another nightmarish hit.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Jane Blythe!

Series: Count to Ten - Book 5
Publisher: Bear Spots Publications (January 24, 2018)
Publication Date: January 24, 2018
Genre: Mystery | Suspense
Print Length: 250 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
1,996 reviews145 followers
March 9, 2018
I opened my Kindle and immediately fell into a world of hurt and terror.

The fabulous cover tells me there is some badness inside and I know Jane and her writing, so I am very eager to begin.

What does the bogeyman look like? Your neighbor? That good looking guy with two kids? Eliza found out and it was all torture and despair from there…Until

I am so happy to be back with all the familiar characters of the series. The women are damaged, struggling to put their lives together after tragic events. Their men are knights riding in on white horses, but they too have their issues. No one is without flaws.

Sofia’s stalker is alive and well and determined to save her…from all hurt. I learned why he felt he had to be the one. Her feelings come alive, when she is admitted to the hospital for the flu. She dismisses her feeling of danger and I feel that will be a big mistake.

Laura had come with her, fighting her agoraphobia, and she would not leave until she found what was wrong with the young girl she had, literally, run into.

NOW…the pacing and tension is ramping up. I find myself saying, “Hurry, hurry, careful, but hurry.” I want so much to tell you what is going on, but I cannot. You MUST find out for yourself and you will thank me for it.

OMG…The children. I hate him! I want him caught, punished, buried underneath the jail, but only after long torture.

Oh no…I see some evil coming for one of my friends. Hasn’t she been through enough?

HE is a psycho and Jane has ramped up the tension to an ungodly level. I’m only eighteen percent in and racing through the pages. I am so worried…where are you taking me Jane? She puts her characters through some of the most awful things. I can’t slow down and enjoy reading the terror and suspense.

Danger after danger. Don’t turn your back…anyone. There is more than one predator stalking them. Unputdownable. I read it in one sitting, unable to stop. Riveting, engrossing, nail biting, edge of the seat danger and tension. You won’t figure out the evil turn Five will take…right to the very last…NO…NO…NO…sentence. And, Jane, what are you doing leaving me with such a fabulous cliffhanger?????

WHERE IS SIX…I NEED IT NOW!

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Five by Jane Blythe.

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Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,137 reviews322 followers
March 30, 2019

Another jam-packed novel and it seems that this small town can't get enough of their serial killers or bad guys. Five, we have Laura and Jack together and read how Laura has married Jack. The band is in the hospital as Sofia - Ryan's wife has been admitted after fainting. While waiting for Sofia, Laura sees a teen in trouble, and she is approached. The teen tells Laura that she and a group of other young ones were kidnapped when they were younger, and now the oldest Eliza is lying in the hospital after being drugged. They were abducted by a guy called Malachi who believes they are his children. During the hospital visit Sofia's stalker - Dr. Daniels, once again tries to kill Paige as he has it in his twisted mind that she is trying to steal Ryan away from Sofia. Annabelle feels that Xavier is slipping away from her as he starts to show more interest in Eliza who is lying in the hospital bed. Though Annabelle keeps pushing him away, can she show him that she needs him or will this be the last straw and he finds happiness with Eliza? I have to admit I hate the relationship between Xavier and Annabelle as she is weak-minded and a placid who does need to grow up and stop blaming her childhood and the "incident" that she conveniently can't remember what happened when she was 4. Xavier needs to find the courage and stop trying to be a savior and be a man and give her an ultimatum. These two need to stop playing games with one another and Dr. Daniels - Sofia is safe, either tell her who you are or stop attacking Paige - she has her own family and Jack - despite what happened to Laura - you need to stop babying her and let her take risks, she will come to you for help if she needs it. This was a good story, but I am finding the characters too whiny, and the men are so co-dependent on their female partners. I am interested in reading Book #6 and seeing when Dr. Daniels will be caught.
Profile Image for catherine ♡.
1,358 reviews160 followers
November 23, 2017
*Thank you to the author for a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Actual Rating: 4

Ohohoho. So I've basically been in the worst (and the longest) reading slump of my entire life. It's about to hit the four-month mark. And still, I finished this book in one sitting. Jane, HOW DO YOU DO IT???

But anyways, as you can tell, this book was amazing. If you've read the first four books of this series, then you'll remember Laura. During a trip to the hospital, she runs into a teenager who has a wild story - she and her "sisters" were kidnapped five years ago. When they confront the man who supposedly did it, he's calm, collected, and argues that his daughter is mentally unstable. It becomes a terrifying game of cat and mouse as the gang struggles to keep the girls safe and catch the kidnapper before he comes back for them - or worse, before he takes anybody else.

After reading the previous books in this series, I had been wondering how the author was going to come up with even more original plots - but here it is. She did it. Five is more of a thriller than a mystery, and there weren't any crazy surprises, but the writing style made the reading experience a roller coaster ride nonetheless.

One thing I really enjoyed in this book was Laura's character development. I definitely liked how this book, instead of introducing new main characters, focused on the growth and the struggles of old ones. There was a good balance between conflicts related to the kidnapping plotline and those more focused on romance or personal growth.

Going off of that, the book did not just give Laura an opportunity to be in the spotlight. Annabelle also had her own struggles. I liked reading about how she had trouble letting others in after experiencing such trauma, but I also wish she had a bigger part in the kidnapping plotline to tie it all together, as sometimes the flow of the story felt a little disrupted when she became the main focus of the story.

Overall, however, the story was extremely captivating and the writing style was as immersive as always! I would totally recommend this book to any lovers of romantic thrillers - but definitely read the previous books first, or you'll miss out on many of the character's backstories. (There was a little recap at the beginning of the first chapter which helped a lot, but still go for the full novels!)
Profile Image for Tish.
1,477 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2020
Jane Blythe had done it again! She has spun such a suspenseful and thrilling story. Just when I think she can't create a better story I read the next book and am proven wrong. Kept me on the edge of my seat, white knuckling my kindle the entire time.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
4,573 reviews243 followers
July 31, 2018
When Eliza was 18 years old she was kidnapped by a man named Malachi who all together kidnapped four girls and changed their names. Now she lives in fear and she fears what will happen to her “sisters” as they get older. Eliza knows the only chance they have is for her to injure herself enough to go to the hospital so her sisters, Alice, Angela, Abby and Arianna, can escape or get help.
Sofia Xander is running herself to the point of exhaustion and finally her body gives out and she finds herself in the hospital. With her is her husband, Detective Ryan Xander as well as his brother, Detective Jack Xander and his wife Laura who suffers from panic attacks.
When Laura meets Alice in the hospital it is clear that the girl fears someone but will she open up enough for Laura to get her the help she needs. Will the truth sound so unbelievable that no one will believe Alice and will she ever be able to escape from Malachi?
This was such a great book with some great twists and turns that had me wondering what was going to happen next.
The premise of this one is a little different than the others as our main characters have all moved on with their respective lives but are brought to the hospital to help out Sofia.
I thought Laura was great in this one as her personality and past experiences allowed Alice to trust her and open up about what she was going through. I was a little mad at the men, especially Detective Xavier Montague for not trusting her as much as they should. My heart was shattered for what Alice and her sisters, especially Eliza, had to endure.
I liked how everyone worked together to solve the crime. We got to see a more prominent role of Det Paige Hood in this book and she had her own problems in this book and hopefully we see more of her in the next book.
The stuff with Dr. Bruce Daniels was super creepy and the guy is seriously nuts. Although I must admit I was completely shocked at the twist at the end revolving him as I did not expect that at all!
This is such a great series and I am looking forward to the next one! - By Rebecca
Profile Image for TDCbookreviews.
705 reviews67 followers
November 25, 2017
This is the fifth book in the series and I received the book in exchange for an honest review. This author never fails to surprise me, once I knew where the story is going, it went somewhere else. I love how all these characters connect and are in this little universe. It definitely shows you what a small world we live in.
One of the new characters is a girl that was kidnapped and by chance stumbles on to Laura. I think Laura was the perfect choice to connect with this girl, Laura still has a lot to overcome as a person and I think helping another person could really help her deal with her own situations. The good thing is she WANTS to be better. Laura might not know what is best for her, I think she pushes herself more than she should.
Annabelle, poor girl, she can't catch a break, I was really looking forward to see how her relationship had grown. Hopefully, this will get better as we progress through the series.
Sophie, I think the next book will be the big reveal for her and her stalker, even though the reader already.
I love this series, best mystery/thriller I have read in a long time!
Book Blurb:
At the hospital Laura Xander bumps into a teenager who claims that she and three other girls were kidnapped five years ago. The man whom she alleges abducted her maintains that he is her father and that his daughter is mentally unbalanced.

A race against time ensues to prove the girls are kidnap victims before the man who says he’s their father takes them home never to be seen again.

Meanwhile the stalker who tried to kill Detective Paige Hood four years ago is back and determined that she will not live to see the morning.

** Warning: Graphic violence and themes of sexual assault/abuse **
Profile Image for Jenni Bishop.
4,029 reviews44 followers
November 19, 2017
Five by Jane Blythe is the fifth book in the Count to Ten series. Jane is one of my favourite authors and this is definitely one of my favourite series. You could read as a standalone but I suggest reading these books in order as you learn so much about the inter connecting characters. Jane is talented for showing us what it could look like inside of a mind of someone so depraved and sick that you just can’t stop reading because you want to know what is going to happen next.

Laura is finally trying to live but still has a long way to go. When she comes face to face with someone who has the same look she has seen in herself for far too long, she knows she has to help, but is she strong enough? Can they trust in the unbelievable story they have been told? Who should they believe? Who can they believe? With time running out will they be able to find what they need to put all the pieces together?

To make matters worse it seems the stalker has returned and is intent on causing more pain. Is intent on killing the one person they see as a threat to happiness. Will the Detectives be able to keep all those they love safe from the evil that threatens? Will they finally be able to learn the identity of the stalker before it’s too late?

The underlying story that is carried over from previous books, is an additional bonus that adds to the thrill of the story. Once again, I love a story that keeps me guessing right until the very end and Jane never disappoints.
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,105 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2018
This was such a great book with some great twists and turns that had me wondering what was going to happen next.

The premise of this one is a little different than the others as our main characters have all moved on with their respective lives but are brought to the hospital to help out Sofia.

I thought Laura was great in this one as her personality and past experiences allowed Alice to trust her and open up about what she was going through. I was a little mad at the men, especially Detective Xavier Montague for not trusting her as much as they should. My heart was shattered for what Alice and her sisters, especially Eliza, had to endure.

I liked how everyone worked together to solve the crime. We got to see a more prominent role of Det Paige Hood in this book and she had her own problems in this book and hopefully we see more of her in the next book.

The stuff with Dr. Bruce Daniels was super creepy and the guy is seriously nuts. Although I must admit I was completely shocked at the twist at the end revolving him as I did not expect that at all!
This is such a great series and I am looking forward to the next one!
March 3, 2018
I have been so behind getting through my TBR, I wished I would have read Five a lot sooner! Holy Sh*% what did I just read? Five blew me away and had me on the edge the whole time. Jane Blythe's Count to Ten series are eerily intense and I love every story she brings with these series. I have been following this series and I feel that we are at the midpoint of where it needs to be.

The men are back with their significant others and are living a nightmare all over again. One of my favorite couples are having problems and I am rooting for them 110%! I am nervous that it might be too late for them though. The woman have their battles and scars. Jane still makes them strong willed and when the time comes, they will fight to the end.

Five made my heart cry for the new characters that we were introduced to. I was hoping we would get closure, but it looks like there is still so much more that needs to be told. Five had me holding my breath and bite down my nails. Only Jane can bring this kind of story that has me begging for more! If you have not read Five yet, you need to ASAP!
Profile Image for Ga Books LoverX.
2,359 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2019
You NEED to read the first books in this series to understand the character development and to know what is going on in this book. Also the first 5 books are awesome, so you should check them out either way!

This entire book takes place withing a couple of days and has two different stories going at once. One, Laura is at the hospital due to approached in the hospital by a teen weaving a tale of being kidnapped and forced to act as a daughter to the man that took her. Two, Paige is still be stalked by Sofia's stalker who thinks that she is cheating on her husband with Sofia's husband Ryan.

These two stories are intertwined and compliment each other in a really twisted way. There is a Cliffhanger here that will absolutely have you on pins and needles, luckily the next book is already out!

All in all, this was a good continuation of the story and seeing our fav couples again, even if it is not in the most positive way!

PS: I Received an ARC of the book in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for ci.
472 reviews
November 24, 2017
While each of the books in the count to ten series are standalone, in my opinion, you really need to read them in order as some of the characters stories happened in the previous books.

If you've read any of my reviews, than you know that I will NOT give any details of the book because I truly believe every reader needs to take the journey for themselves.

I can, however, say that the characters are awesome, but some of them (in my opinion) are way too over protective, but with good reason. You can feel the love between all of them.

If kidnapping, rape, or murder are triggers for you, please do not read this book. If you like murder, mayhem, and the like than you will truly enjoy this book.

I have to be honest and say I have not read the first 4 books, but I intend to correct this immediately!!!!

I was given this book for an honest opinion...thanks Jane for entrusting me to do my part and I look forward to reading the entire series.
59 reviews
August 16, 2023
Oh I loved this story! I enjoy it when past events are brought into the present with smooth transitions and Jane is very adept at this. I am loving this series.

This is the continuing story of Jack and Laura who we first meet in the previous book in this series. I usually don't enjoy going back on previous couples’ stories, Jane interweaves the other couples we meet in this story with purpose and great intent.

There are depictions of violence throughout but this is handled with great empathy by the wonderful Jane Blythe and I was right there with Laura as she dealt with some traumatic times with Jack at her side.

The interlinking with Xavier and Annabelle plus Ryan and Sofia was so well written and already these couples feel like friends.

The story does end on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait before I dip into Six!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and willing write my honest review

Profile Image for LisaMarie .
469 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2018
Jane Blythe has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I started reading the Count to Ten series and haven't been able to stop; Five is no exception.
A gripping, raw, emotionally taxing, suspenseful story continues as we are introduced to five girls who were abducted and being held against their will by a psychotic man bent on replacing the family that he lost. After five long years he's losing his control and will stop at nothing for his "family".

Paiges' stalker is back and has vowed that she has to die. Cue the ending......Aaaarrghhh! Cliffhanger
All I can say is Six needs to come out soon!
271 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2022
Another gut-wrenching heart-stopping book in this great series that had me reading until the small hours. This book focused on Laura and Jack, although there was plenty of opportunity to catch up with the rest of the characters we have grown to love.
Laura has a chance encounter with a young girl who tells her an incredible story. Who is telling the truth? The plot twists as our heroes try to get to the bottom of it.
I am loving this series, and recommend them all to anyone who enjoys excitement and twisted criminals. This book does end on a cliffhanger - however that is fine by me as I now get stuck into the next in the series!
Profile Image for Nancy.
403 reviews
January 3, 2018
All I can say about this book is OMG! This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen next. Ryan takes Sophia to the hospital because she has the flu. Jack and Laura go with them. While at the hospital Laura meets a young girl who needs her help. The police get involved and all the characters from the previous books are all there. Then the stalker is back. The story is riveting and you just don't know what will happen next. I just love this series! You just don't know what Jane Blythe will surprise you with next.
Profile Image for Melissa.
830 reviews
July 24, 2018

Better and better with each book I have read. Wow! The twists I did not see coming- OMG!! Loved that little twist! I can not wait to see how Ms Blythe plays it out in the next book, Six.

I can not wait to read Six, but I looked up when Seven is out and I have to wait until February 2019. I am not sure I can wait to read Seven to Ten!! Great series that will have you on the edge of your seat!!!

☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
January 27, 2019
Is he really the kidnapper or a caring parent? This is the question of the day as the detectives find themselves involved with Laura and the girl that approached her. As they ask questions and investigate the accusations they also have to deal with Sopie and Laura's health. Stuck in the hospital while everything happens around them it's gonna be a long night. Another case which this author has multiple sub stories going on and Ryan and X working hard to find answers. Tons of action and intrigue, flash backs to fill in the gaps keep you turning the pages and hungry for more.
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,509 reviews87 followers
January 28, 2019
Count to Ten Series is like an addiction to a tv series! The more you read, the more you crave. Never wanting it to end!

When Sophia is taken to the hospital for flu like symptoms, Jack and Laura are there for support. Laura is approached by a young girl. There is an instant chemistry of trust between them. As the girl slowly releases bits and pieces of her situation, the team swings into action to protect her and to confirm her story of being kidnapped along with her other sisters.

Paige's stalker has had enough. He will not put up with Paige being a homewrecker. 
Profile Image for Barbara Lack.
1,293 reviews19 followers
November 23, 2017
This book is unbelievably great. The suspense in this book is never ending. There is something going on with 4 of the detectives and their loved ones. The book ends on the most dramatic cliffhanger. I couldn’t put this book down. Jane Blythe’s writing of this series just keeps getting better and better!
Profile Image for Paula D.
1,580 reviews53 followers
May 2, 2019
I swear they couples in these stories all need to move to another town! Wow intense as hell! I couldn’t stop reading this book! The stalker is back and still thinks Paige is out to ruin marriages. Relationships get laid out on the line and jealousy and just so much I was screaming can these couples ever just be happy! Another amazing book to this series 5/5 stars
1,020 reviews16 followers
February 15, 2020
This author never disappoints. I love this series. You never know where she's taking the story or the characters. You never know who is safe and who isn't. I was definitely surprised by some of the discoveries. Some of the characters I just want to wring their necks and say hey what on earth are thinking but that keeps you on your toes. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Chantal Baxendale.
384 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2018
I love the way the series interlinks with each other. The story is intense and action packed, however at times I felt like the story dragged on a bit and there was a lot of repetition to get to the end. The ending....well...that was not quite what I expected....need to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,515 reviews12 followers
February 16, 2020
Holy cow what another spine tingling, emotional, roller coaster of read with all the same characters but this time its a dark and twisted full of suspense and kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more and more with an ending the totally thur me for loop. Definitely can't wait to read the next.
Profile Image for Ela La1978.
184 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2022
Book 5 in this series brings more twist and turns to the characters and stories. Whenever you think you know everything more news come to light.
Suspense, thriller, crime, friendship and love. Who’s next? Find out by keep reading.
Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,006 reviews39 followers
November 12, 2017
holy crap. I love Jane's books. She's amazing. this book was amazing and I couldn't stop reading it
912 reviews
May 7, 2018
Fantastic number five

Wow, wow, wow. The storylines keep getting better. The characters are well built and you become invested in their lives. A fantastic read.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,165 reviews108 followers
July 30, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Each book has a more suspenseful storyline than the book before it. I’m definitely going to read the next book.
Profile Image for Rhiannon Matthias.
134 reviews17 followers
March 31, 2020
Yet again jane you wrote a book that I simply could not put away and now I simply cannot wait to read the rest of this amazing series
Profile Image for Natalie Louise .
Author 4 books68 followers
February 22, 2020
Omg!!! I held my kindle in a death grip. This book is dark twisted sprinkled with suspense. It’s the perfect combination. This book holds you gripped with its words until the very end.
This book is going give me the book hangover.
Well done Jane on another 5 star read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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