REVIEW: The Girlfriend by K.L. Slater

The Girlfriend by K.L. Slater

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 23rd October 2022

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Amazon

Published: 27th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

My husband’s dead. She’s at my door. She owns my home…

The doorbell rings, just days after my beloved husband’s sudden death. I don’t recognise the woman on our doorstep, with her buttery blonde highlights, a diamond bracelet identical to my own and a bouncing baby boy in her arms.

As I show her inside, I notice her eyes grow wide as she takes in our spacious hallway, and the big squashy sofas that we all used to pile on. She glances at the silver-framed family photos and my little daughter hiding behind my skirts.

She looks at me, her blue eyes serious. ‘I’m sorry’ she says. ‘I know this will be hard to hear. But I am your husband’s girlfriend. And this is his son.’

My world implodes. And then she tells me that she owns our home – and that she’s not going anywhere…

An utterly gripping psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of The Marriage. If you like Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and Lisa Jewell then you will be hooked by The Girlfriend.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for K.L. Slater's tense domestic thriller THE GIRLFIREND.

WOW! What can I say? Kim Slater has done it again and knocked her latest psychological domestic thriller THE GIRLFRIEND straight to the pool room ("The Castle" movie reference there....meaning it takes pride of place). It has to be one of my favourites of hers to date...of which there are so many! So where do I even start to reel off thy ways it totally hits the mark?

So if you're think you're having a bad day...put yourself in Jennifer Fincham's shoes.

Jennifer and husband Cole throw a Halloween party ever year. This year they are combining it with her birthday and celebrating the of end of renovations to their now stunning home. They have thought of everything - costumes, make-up and black marquee in the backyard ("you don't want your halloween party to look like a wedding, do you?") complete with special effects that will make their party the talk of the town for months. 

But then in the midst of preparations, Cole leaves the house in a rush, jumping into his Range Rover and speeding away. All under the watchful eye of their 13 year old son Miller, who also witnessed his father stumble on the back patio as if he were drunk and unknowingly drop his secret phone. He hurriedly rushes downstairs to retrieve it before anyone else can...and pockets it for future use. After all, he knows his dad's passcode.

Just as Jennifer is making the final preparations before the guests arrive, there is a knock at the door. Thinking some guests have turned up early, she opens the door to find two police officers standing there.

And her world comes crashing down.

Cole was involved in a road traffic accident, rolled his car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her beloved husband of fifteen years...gone. She is devastated. How does she even begin to tell her children that their daddy isn't coming home? Ever? And the party? What the hell is she supposed to do about the party? 

But if she thought that was the end of her world...things are about to get a whole lot worse.

A day after the tragic event there is another knock at the door. A woman is standing there with a baby in tow. Her name is Sara Nordstrom, announcing she is Cole's girlfriend and the baby is his son. And what's even worse...she claims that she is the legal owner of the house in which Jennifer and her children live, their cars, their assets and all of their money. Essentially, Jennifer has nothing. What the hell?

Jennifer throws Sara out and endeavours to make enquiries with Cole's accountant about the allegations regarding their property and assets. If anyone would know, Corinne would. But it seems the news isn't good. A year ago, Cole was facing bankruptcy and Sara bailed him out with a watertight legal agreement that should anything happen to Cole or the loan defaulted, then all property and assets would go to Sara. How could Cole do this to her? To them? 

But Sara has an idea. A compromise, albeit somewhat unconventional. She wants her baby to have a family. To have siblings, something she never had. And so she proposes that she and baby Rory move in with Jennifer and her children, and share the house that Sara said Cole had promised was to be theirs. Is she out of her mind? Even moreso, is Jennifer? For even considering it?

But Jennifer has a plan. To keep your friends close...and your enemies closer. Sara is up to something, of that she is sure. But what, she is yet to find out. However, this is only the beginning of her troubles...because things are about to get even worse...a whole lot worse!

WOWSERS! Buckle up, people, you are in for a bumpy ride! And what a ride it is! Kim Slater has done it again with this fun and speedy thriller that will have you racing through the pages till the very last page. I devoured this in one day, stopping only for dinner (how dare a meal get in the way of a good thrilling read???), and I enjoyed every flipping minute of this rollercoaster. An affair, plenty of secrets, moody teenager...and a cuckoo. Who doesn't love a cuckoo in the nest? And throw in a whole bunch of crazy and you have a spectacular fun and entertaining read. This one is bound to get under your skin and leave you breathless. The fact I guessed the who didn't spoil it for me. I found it fairly obvious...but it was the why I didn't get until just before the reveal.

But it was Jennifer's secret that surprised me...or did it? OK, so I had an inkling. But only a teensy one...lol

Overall, THE GIRLFRIEND is one addictive entertaining fun fast paced thrill ride a minute that I devoured and is one of Kim Slater's best thrillers to date! I loved loved loved it! Every flipping minute! And it was great to see the return of DI Helena Price and DS Brewster. I hope they continue to pop in.

I would like to thank #KLSlater, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlfriend in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

After years of trying to get published and never getting further than the slush pile, Kim went back to university at the age of 40 where she gained  a first-class honours degree in English & Creative Writing and an MA in Creative Writing with distinction.

Kim's first adult psychological thriller for Bookouture, ‘Safe with Me’,  actually started life as a dissertation on her English & Creative Writing degree in 2010. She says" he creepy voice of Anna came to me strong and insistent . . . she wanted to be written, she wouldn’t go away. I’m so glad I listened!"

Kim first became published writing Young Adult fiction for Macmillan Children’s Books under the name Kim Slater. Her award-winning YA debut, SMART, started life as a short story for her MA in Creative Writing in 2012.

Kim is now a full-time writer. She has a daughter and two stepsons and live with her husband Mac in Nottingham and Yorkshire.

Social Media links:

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PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: The Couple in the Cabin by Daniel Hurst

The Couple in the Cabin by Daniel Hurst

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 25th October 2022

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Amazon

Published: 20th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

They’ll do anything to get out. She’ll do anything to keep them in.

When happily married Grace comes home early one night and catches her husband, Dominic, with another woman in the cabin at the bottom of their garden, she is shocked, angry, and most of all, hell-bent on revenge. That’s why she acts quickly, locking the pair in the cabin while she decides what she wants to do to them.

While Dominic and his mistress desperately try to get free, Grace makes a plan on the outside, but it’s a plan that is formed based on her previous experiences. That’s because this might not be the first time Grace has done something like this…Who is the real villain? The cheating husband? Or the vengeful wife?

The new psychological thriller from the bestselling author of The Intruder, Til Death Do Us Part & We Used To Live Here.

MY THOUGHTS:

They say revenge is a fish best served cold but Daniel Hurst doesn't even let it cool. He serves it piping hot! 

I only discovered Daniel Hurst less than twelve months ago and in that time I have already read about half a dozen of his books and each one as intriguing as the next. I love his easy style drawing you in and immersing you within the story that you experience every flipping thing going on. But so prolific is he that he publishes another book before I've had the chance to read a previous one (all of which are sitting on my kindle shelf awaiting attention). When his newsletter came out the other day with news of this book being published, off I went to Amazon and purchased it right away. I had a teensy gap in my schedule and knowing how fast paced and what quick reads he writes, I decided to slot it in. And I'm glad I did. It was just phenomenal.

Grace and Dominic have been married for several years now and are comfortable with the life they share together. When Dominic announces he wants to build a cabin in their back garden, a man cave of sorts where he can work in the peace and quiet, Grace is dubious at first. But she relents and up goes the cabin...as does the budget. But Dominic wants only the best. Heating, a TV and triple glazed windows amongst other luxuries. Perfect for work as well as some relaxation time.

One night, Grace is at an out of town work function and had intended to stay over in the hotel at her employers' expense but as the night drew on she decided that what she really wanted was to go home and snuggle up with Dom in her own bed. She meets Clark at the function who was doing some networking of his own and after a couple of hours of chatting he offered to drive her home, as he lived in the same neighbourhood. Upon arriving home, Grace noted that all the lights were on but there was no sign of her husband. Calling out to him she received no answer. And then she noticed items scattered about the floor...and the back door open. She looks out towards Dominic's cabin in the back yard and sees it's door is also open. What she discovers beyond that door shocks her. Dominic and another woman - a much younger woman - naked on the floor of his cabin.

She doesn't say a word. She doesn't have to. Dominic senses her presence and turns to see her standing there. And without a word, Grace slams the cabin door shut and turns the key, locking her husband and the younger woman inside. No one does this Grace. No one.

Dominic and Kamilla thought they had the night to themselves - after all, Grace was out of town for the night. After having sex in every room of the house they decide to be adventurous and take it to the cabin, running naked across the lawn with nothing but a bottle of wine and wearing nothing but smiles.

Imagine their shock when Grace returns home earlier than expected and discovers them writhing naked on the cabin floor. Even moreso when she then turns around and locks them in the cabin. Shocked, Dominic and Kamilla find themselves trapped with no clothes, phone, food, water or keys. Not even a bathroom. And since Dominic wanted only the best with triple glazed windows, no one can hear them and they cannot penetrate through the fortified glass and doors. And believe me, they try. From throwing things at the window to screaming at the retreating Grace for help, it is all to no avail.

Then Grace does something shocking...yes, even more than locking them in the cabin. She brings all of Kamilla's scattered belongings and most of Dominic's from the house into the garden, piling it up in front of the cabin. Then she sets it alight, watching it burn to ashes. What the...? Has she completely lost the plot?

But Grace has not finished with them. She then turns off the power so they have no heating and no light. And then she takes herself back into the house, turns out the lights and goes to bed. Is she just going to leave them there? To freeze overnight? Dominic and Kamilla hope that in the light of day, Grace will have calmed down and set them free.

How wrong could they be...?

Unbeknownst to her cheating husband and his mistress outside, Grace is unable to sleep. But she won't give them the satisfaction of knowing that. Instead, she takes herself off to work in a great mood, leaving them there until she decides how much punishment is enough.

What ensues is a deliciously wicked game of cat and mouse that is dark, chilling and peppered with sarcastic humour. From writing notes pleading their case to guessing what Grace is going to do next, prepare to be shocked.

THE COUPLE IN THE CABIN is a phenomenal read that is fast paced and oh so twisted! When I started it I wondered how much mileage can you get out of locking someone in a cabin and making an entire story out of it? Well, I needn't have feared because Hurst expertly weaves a tale with an equally enthralling backstory that holds your attention throughout. As he seamlessly threads the past with the present we gain a better understanding of what's going on but still we wonder just how far it will go?

The story unfolds through Grace and Dominic's alternating narratives, as well as Grace as a ten year old which was equally compelling as adult Grace. Hurst captures the nature and sense of a ten year old exceptionally well that my heart went out to the little girl. As events gradually unfolded I began to see what was happening and I was shocked yet intrigued even more.

THE COUPLE IN THE CABIN is deviously plotted and skillfully written, showcasing Hurst's phenomenal talent and wicked humour. And he keeps it going right to the delicious end. One of his best thrillers to date despite having to suspend belief a tad. I don't care. I'm here for the ride...and what a ride he gives us!

Highly recommended.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Daniel Hurst was born in the northwest of England, a part of the world famous for its comedians, pasties and terrible weather.

He has been employed in several glamorous roles in his lifetime, including bartending, shelf stacking and procurement administration, all while based in some of the most exotic places on the planet, like Bolton, Preston and South London.

Daniel writes psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people. He has written all his life, making the progression from handing scribbled stories to his parents as a boy to writing full length novels in his thirties. He lives in the North West of England and when he isn’t writing, he is usually watching a game of football in a pub where his wife can’t find him.

Since following his lifelong passion for writing in 2020, he has amassed a loyal and devoted set of readers, and regularly has several books in the top 100 of the Psychological Thriller Charts on Amazon. His title The Passenger became the #1 selling psychological thriller in the UK in October 2021. 

A prolific writer, Daniel likes to keep readers on their toes by self publishing even more books in between those released through his publisher.

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Cursed Heir by Heather Atkinson

The Cursed Heir (The Alardyce Trilogy #2) by Heather Atkinson

Genre: Historical thriller, Gothic, Victorian era

Read: 22nd October 2022

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Amazon

Published: 25th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Edinburgh 1896. At Alardyce House, the family are gathered to celebrate the engagement of the heir to the estate, Robert, to his childhood sweetheart. But what should be a precious memory for his mother Amy, is marred by darkness. For Robert’s biological father was a demon and a criminal, and now Robert is coming-of-age, disturbing reports are beginning to emerge about his behaviour.

Amy is torn between her love and loyalty to her son, her hope that she can save his soul, and her growing sense of dread that the streets of Edinburgh aren’t safe when Robert is in town. Meanwhile the increasing distance between Robert and his stepfather Henry threatens the peace of her loving marriage.

The Alardyce family is riven by secrets and scandal, but will this most cursed heir of all, be the one to ruin their reputation forever, or can the power of a mother’s love save them all?

If you love Emily Organ, Kate Saunders and Ann Granger, you’ll love The Cursed Heir. Discover bestselling author Heather Atkinson and you'll never look back...

Please note this book was previously published as Corruption of the Son.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the second book in the Alardyce Trilogy and whilst it could suffice as a standalone I do highly recommend that the first book "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House" be read before this one. Only then can the reader fully appreciate the background as well as the lengths applied by some of those therein.

THE CURSED HEIR is a chilling follow-up to the first, even more disturbing, book following on the legacy it seems that Matthew has left behind. After escaping the torturous cellar with the death of Matthew and Edward then tried and hanged for his murder and that of several others, Amy married Henry and went on to have three children with him, making their home at Alardyce House. Now Robert has grown and is becoming a young man...but just what else is he becoming?

Edinburgh, 1896: It's Boxing Day and Amy Alardyce has awoken from the most horrific nightmare where she was bound and at the mercy of her torturers - Edward Alardyce, her cousin, and Matthew Crowle, the father of her illegitimate son Robert. It is as if she right back there in Edward's basement and the horror she experienced at their deviant hands. But she awakens to find it was just a dream...one that had seemed so real. 

But now she has a new problem on her hands. Yesterday, her beloved son Robert announced his engagement to Jane, the niece of Esther, the one time wife of Matthew and victim of his abuse. Even worse, she witnessed for herself the lascivious leer and malicious grin that swept over her son's face as he gazed upon one of their maids. It is a look she knows all too well. One she saw on Matthew's face, as well as Edward's as he tortured her. But this cannot be. Robert is her sweet beautiful son. But he also shares some of the more unpleasant and deviant traits of his dead father.

Amy confides in her husband Henry before sharing her fears with Jane's guardian and aunt, Esther and husband William, who have loved and cared for Jane for most of her life. Together they know they must do everything to stop the wedding from ever going ahead for fear that he will be the ruin of young Jane. This leads to separating the young couple by any means necessary to a dramatic chase to Gretna Green to stop the impending marriage from proceeding.

Despite his looming darkness, Amy is sure she can reach the kind the gentle side of her beloved son before it's too late. But is it already too late? She enlists the help of a local herbalist, Magda, who returns from the previous book whilst Henry secures someone loyal and able to keep a close eye over Robert. But is it enough?

Then when a young maid is found beaten and bloody in the snow one morning, Amy's hopes of ever reaching her son are dashed. But Robert denies any knowledge of the incident as we delve deeper and deeper into this dark and sinister tale. Is someone setting Robert up? Or is he truly his father's son?

THE CURSED HEIR is never more aptly titled as we watch Amy and Henry battle with the concept that their son Robert may have inherited his biological father's sinister and evil traits. As the reader, we are privy to each of the character's thoughts but even we question just how far the apple really does fall from the tree.

The story unfolds with plenty of twists and shocks along the way as some secrets are kept even from our view. And when they come, how will those at Alardyce House and beyond react? Amy sees and speaks to Matthew in her dreams and often nightmares where he promises she will join him soon. But are they just dreams? Or something far more sinister? Is Amy's life in danger?

THE CURSED HEIR picks up right where the first book ended but the opening pages are just like being thrust back to that very moment of horrifying torture at the hands of Matthew and Edward. I swear I was having flashbacks myself! This book isn't as horrific as the first but it is still equally chilling.

I enjoyed the part everyone played although there were a couple of loose ends in Amy's maid Hazel and Robert's friend Andrew that I hope will be tied up in the final installment to this dark trilogy. I think my favourites were Rush and Magda. Nothing got past those two and I do hope to see more of them to come.

The final curtain, when it fell, gave a glimpse into what is to come...and I cannot wait to see how THAT plays out!

Overall, an addictive, albeit disturbing, and very chilling gothic thriller that will keep you up late into the night turning the pages until the very end.

I would like to thank #HeatherAtkinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheCursedHeir in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre.  Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters and a cat called Mavis, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. 

Heather's tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to her writing. Although she primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - she also write paranormal, historical romance and fantasy. She publishes on Amazon Kindle and some of her novels are available in paperback too. She has also signed my first traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books for the gangland Gallowburn series, set in Glasgow. As well as the republication of the Alardyce Trilogy, beginning with "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House".

When she's not writing - which isn't very often - she enjoys reading, especially the Assassin's Creed novels, Agatha Christie, Oscar de Muriel and Edgar Allan Poe, among many others. Heather also enjoys walking, exercising and spending time with her family.

Social Media links:

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PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Boldwood Books by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: Victoria and Violet by Rachel Brimble

Victoria and Violet (Royal Maids #1) by Rachel Brimble

Genre: Historical fiction, Victorian era

Read: 20th October 2022

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Amazon

Australia

UK

US

Published: 17th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England…

When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good fortune. She finally has the chance to escape her overbearing mother, a servant to the Duchess of Kent. 

Violet hopes to explore who she is and what the world has to offer without her mother’s schemes overshadowing her every thought and action.

Then she meets James Greene, assistant to the queen’s chief political adviser, Lord Melbourne. From entirely different backgrounds and social class, Violet and James should have neither need nor desire to speak to one another, yet through their service, their paths cross and their lives merge—as do their feelings.

Only Victoria’s court is not always the place for romance, but rather secrets, scandals, and conspiracies…

MY THOUGHTS:

What a wonderfully delightful and immersive read this tale is! I was immediately swept away finding myself surrounded by rich Victorian detail as I wandered the halls of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, and their respective gardens. Queen Victoria has always been a figure that has fascinated me and I welcome any tale that has her firmly embedded as a character within.

Violet is a young servant at the behest of her mother who is the companion serving the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria's mother. In the opening pages we witness the manipulative bullying of her mother and that of the Duchess as they instill Violet in the young Queen's household as a spy to do their bidding. Violet is too frightened of her mother to go against what she asks of her. But as soon as she meets Victoria, Violet is immediately taken with her youthful charm and friendly demeanour. She is presently planning her birthday ball and is bursting with excitement and takes Violet under her wing, so pleased to have someone in her household closer to her in age. How could she possibly do her mother and the Duchess' bidding and betray the young Queen?

And yet the longer she stays in the Queen's employ, the more her mother implores her to deliver. Her cruelty towards her daughter is clear and she sees no problem with slapping her for insolence and disobedience. But the longer Violet is in the Queen's employ, the more confidence she gains that she no longer answers to her mother, as she so often threatens. If the Queen commands her presence, there is nothing her mother can do about it.

Violet soon finds that she has more in common with the young Queen that she ever supposed. Both have overbearing controlling mothers they dislike with great intensity. And it isn't long until Victoria realises that as soon as she marries, her mother has no hold over her and can be banished from the palace as soon as she deems appropriate...freeing both her and Violet from their despicable mothers.

While Victoria is entertaining the idea of marriage, Violet has caught the eye of the Prime Minister and the Queen's private secretary, Lord Melbourne's assistant, James Greene. A man whose reputation precedes him as an incorrigible flirt who has no problem with bedding women he has no intention of wedding. There is something different about Violet Parker that captures James' attention that he cannot explain. His family have their own expectations for him. He has an estate and a title awaiting him upon the death of his father that he is expected to step into with a wife and heir by his side. But James has no intention of marrying...or at least he hadn't...until he he met Violet Parker.

VICTORIA AND VIOLET is such a delightfully easy read that I read in one day. I literally devoured every word and every page until the very end, so lost was I in the early days of Queen Victoria's reign as a young woman who still relished fun and frivolity and dancing and romancing. Brimble brings the young Queen to life in such a personable way that the reader can easily relate to her just as Violet could.

The characters were all well developed, some of them deplorable such as Victoria and Violet's own mothers, the Duchess of Kent and Geraldine Parker. Whilst on the other hand James, Lord Melbourne, Lehzen and even Albert were expertly drawn and equally likeable in their own ways despite their foibles.

The setting of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, which most of us have only seen the outside of, become privy to their inner sanctums as Brimble depicts their beauty steeped in rich history whilst also serving as the residences of the Queen and those that also reside there. The vast distance between young Victoria's suite of rooms to that of her mother's only speaks to the difficulties of their relationship. Which is highlighted upon her marriage to Albert and her mother, along with Violet's, are dispensed of to Belgrave Square and out of reach of them both.

I simply adored VICTORIA AND VIOLET and eagerly await what is next in store in this new Royal Maids series. I know I would love to see more of Victoria, as I said I have always found her fascinating. I loved the easy style of writing and Brimble's storytelling which engages the reader both in the royal household and an equally delightful romance.

A perfect easy read for those who enjoy sweeping historical tales.

I would like to thank #RachelBrimble, #WildRosePress and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #VictoriaAndViolet in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Brimble lives in the UK with her husband and beloved Labrador. They have two grown-up daughters, one living at home and the other living in beautiful Devon, England.

A member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Historical Novel Society, when Rachel isn’t writing, she is reading, walking, or knitting while watching an endless reel of period dramas.

Her latest novel, "Victoria & Violet" is the first book in her new Royal Maids series with the Wild Rose Press.

Social Media links:

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REVIEW: The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland

The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland

Genre: Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 23rd October 2022

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 19th October 2022

★★★ 2.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

He was gentle, kind, loving. Until he moved in.

A small-town barbeque in summer’s dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on her every word.

He’s the one. Isn’t he?

But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert’s mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won’t tell her where he’s been, he even locks her own door against her.

Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she’s living with and what terrible things has he done?

As Laura slowly discovers the truth about Robert, she begins to realise that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger. And finally she understands she will have to answer one terrifying question – how far is she willing to go to protect her baby?

The Perfect Husband – the stunning psychological thriller from the author of The Girl Downstairs and Mr. Todd’s Reckoning.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the second book by this author that I have tackled - the first I DNF and this one I only read because I accidentally downloaded it from Netgalley mistaking it for another book. And really, I'm not sure how to review this book because although it seemed to drone on, I found it almost impossible to put down! 

Laura is an awkward shy self conscious 37 year old single woman at a neighbourhood BBQ when neighbour Harry introduces her to Robert. He is charming, good-looking and a successful investments advisor...and he is interested in her, hanging on to her every word. He walks her home that evening but is the complete gentleman. Laura knows she is at once in love.

And so their whirlwind romance begins and a few months later, Robert moves in and Laura couldn't be happier. But it isn't the happy ever after she imagined it would be. The charming, attentive man he had been suddenly morphs into an angry, dismissive tyrant, taking every opportunity to point out her flaws...of which there are many. He even has a little notebook in which he makes her write in detail her past indiscretions which he would later quiz her about...again and again. He isolates her and won't allow her to have friends, is furious if she is even a minute late home from work and he laughs at any attempt she makes to look attractive, accusing her of being a tart. He is jealous, controlling and abusive. He is not the man she fell in love with.

Who is this stranger she allowed to move into her house? She is on the verge of asking him to leave. She cannot live like this. And then she discovers she is pregnant. A baby. That's what they need. A baby will bring them closer again.

But she couldn't be more wrong.

I really wanted to like this book as it had all the ingredients. Lonely vulnerable woman meets who she thinks is the charming man of her dreams only for it to end in abuse. Enter pregnancy and a fight to save herself and that of her unborn child. I would follow her plight in which she would eventually find help and hopefully make her escape, assuming it would an intriguing and compelling story that only got better. I was wrong.

The first part was sluggishly slow in which Laura continually and repetitively droned on and one and continually second guessed herself. She obviously had her remaining self confidence destroyed by Robert's nit-picking remarks that chipped away at her. But gosh, her monologuing was truly depressing. I noted that the second part was nearing so I resolved to continue in the hope it would change pace at that stage...or at least, something...anything...would happen. Thankfully, and quite surprisingly, it did. I thought "yes, this is more like it!" but then the further I read Laura just kept going around in circles and second guessing everything she did or didn't do or could do but didn't. In the end, what did she do? Not a whole lot. Except continue to drone on and on. 

The story was broken into three parts, with the first one slow and somewhat disturbing. I found Laura's behaviour frustrating as she went back and forth, to and fro between leaving or hoping to salvage their relationship. I'm not sure how she thought that was ever going to happen walking around on eggshells all the time. It was blindingly obvious how controlling Robert was and that nothing will salvage their relationship. I could sympathise with her to a point but in the end she was only fooling herself.

I was all ready to shelve this book until the end of part one, which ended with a shocking incident that left me turning the pages eagerly wanting to know what would happen next. This was more like it! The pace was ramped up as was the tension as I urged Laura on. But things started to spiral pretty quickly and it just continued downhill into the ridiculous. I kept reading in the hope it would improve...it didn't. And part three? Seriously?

By the time I got to the epilogue I was shaking my head. It was an interesting ending, I'll say that, but the entire book that culminated into what exactly? Laura's bad decisions, inaction and second guessing everything. She should have dialed 999 in the beginning and this would have been an entirely different story I'd be reviewing.

I will say I am not a fan of Iain Maitland's writing style. Sometimes I couldn't decipher whether what was written was actually happening or if it was all what "could happen" playing out in Laura's mind. She was clearly suffering mental health issues, and I'm not surprised given Robert's abuse and coercive control of her. She'd had a lonely upbringing with her elderly parents and though it is one she clearly cherishes, it set her up to become vulnerable later in life.

As I said in the beginning, this is a hard book to review...and rate...because it is riddled with so many frustrating decisions and actions that by the end I wasn't sure what to make of it. I must say that as the reader I felt so far apart from the other characters as if there were a great divide between Laura and everyone else. Particularly between Laura and Andrew. There was no connection between her and anyone. It was if she were an island and everyone was just floating around her, unable to reach them.

I wasn't surprised by the turn of events at the end as I suspected things heading that way anyway...I mean, where else could it possibly go if she didn't do anything but stand there and fret all day?

I would like to thank #IainMaitland, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ThePerfectHusband in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Iain Maitland is the author of three previous psych thrillers, The Scribbler (2020), Mr Todd’s Reckoning (2019) and Sweet William (2017), all published by Contraband, an imprint of Saraband. Mr Todd’s Reckoning is coming to the big screen in 2023.

Iain is also the author of two memoirs, Dear Michael, Love Dad (Hodder, 2016), a book of letters written to his eldest son who experienced depression and anorexia, and (co-authored with Michael) Out Of The Madhouse (Jessica Kingsley, 2018).

He is also an Ambassador for Stem4, the teenage mental health charity. He talks regularly about mental health issues in schools and colleges and workplaces. 

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REVIEW: The Nursery by Sue Watson

The Nursery by Sue Watson

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 19th October 2022

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Published: 20th October 2022

★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Then: Morning light shines into the nursery, casting shadows across the pale pink walls and wooden cot in the middle of the room. She opens the door expecting to hear the soft coo of her daughter Sofia stretching herself awake. But the room is silent. The cot is empty. Her little girl has vanished…

Now: Twelve years have passed, but Emily will never forget the night her life changed forever and she’s happy to have her daughter back beside her. A teenager now, Sofia – who was once a star student – is getting into trouble at school and she’s started asking questions about when she was a baby, but Emily can’t tell her what really happened the night she went missing. Nobody would understand why Emily did what she did, and if anyone ever found out, she could lose her daughter forever.

But when Emily catches Sofia messaging a stranger online, her heart pounds in her chest as she reads the last message received.

Your mother isn’t who you think she is.

Days later, Emily returns home to find the house silent. She checks every room but Sofia has vanished, again. She shudders as she remembers that night in the nursery. Has her past finally caught up with her? And is she already too late to save her precious daughter?

A completely gripping, utterly twisted thriller that will leave your jaw on the floor. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Woman in the Window.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Sue Watson's tense domestic thriller THE NURSERY.

I'm a huge fan of Sue Watson and always eagerly await her next exciting thriller. She loves to write in a character that really gets under my skin though no one really stood out this time. Of course the teenager was a tad bratty (but then, aren't they all at that age? lol) but aside from that, no one really got under my skin as in some of her previous thrillers. I have to say the title, cover and premise intrigued me as I love missing/stolen children tropes so I was excited at the prospect of beginning this one. But...as I started it and got further in, I'm wondering am I reading the right book? I double check...yep, Sue Watson - check. The Nursery - check. So, where's the nursery? Where's the missing baby? The story the premise told seemed to be completely different. The only thing bearing any resemblance were the names. Ok, so what's going on here?

Emily and her teenage daughter Sofia live a quiet life in the small Devon town of Sidmouth. A place to which Emily fled some twelve years ago to escape a past, a husband and a secret she did not want coming out. They found refuge in the church on a rainy night where the vicar and his wife took them in. They introduced Emily to Mr and  Mrs Woods who then took them in and gave them a place to rent for as long as they needed and Emily a job in their perfume shop. Twelve years later, Mrs Woods has passed on leaving her husband the fatherly task of caring for Emily and the now grown Sofia as if they were his own kin. Life is good now.

But beneath the surface something is bubbling. Emily senses that she is being watched and is shocked to discover empty strawberry milk cartons and chocolate wrappers in her yard. Then one night someone breaks into their flat, taking nothing but leaving an ominous note and a cryptic clue behind. Emily is frantic. Had the person from whom she fled caught up with her? Are she and Sofia in danger? 

Things take an ominous turn when Emily discovers that her daughter has been messaging with a stranger online...and even more frightening is the message she catches a glimpse of before Sofia tucks her phone away from her mother's prying eyes:

"Your mother is a liar. She isn't who you think she is."

Who is doing this to her? Her ex? An online stalker? Or someone with more sinister intentions? And then Sofia disappears and Emily knows the secrets of the past will soon collide with the present.

So...that's all good and typically tense and interesting but where is the nursery in all that? As it is something of a key feature, I thought the nursery might be a prominent aspect but it doesn't appear till well over halfway through the book! And as it is a key factor, I felt it should have featured a little more in the story throughout...particularly the prologue, maybe? I understand the prologue as it was, but given that the nursery was an important part of the story, I feel that it should have featured there instead making the rest of the story a little more mysterious because the prologue as it was was more obvious to the story from the start. I also think maybe cryptic flashbacks of some kind throughout featuring the nursery would have added to the tension and the mystery too.

I honestly had a hard time getting into this book as it was something of a slow build that left me somewhat mystified as to where this nursery was. However, when it does make its appearance it is with such a bang it only reiterated my belief that it should have been given more prominence throughout. It is important, yes, and it is key to the story which is why I feel its presence should have been peppered throughout via cryptic flashbacks or nuances. Something to give readers a sense of its importance from the beginning while still keeping its true value a secret.

I am a big fan of Sue Watson's but this wasn't my favourite of hers. Parts of it dragged and while the story did pick up and became more interesting I feel it was a little too late. But what was delicious was the final twist at the end. I had already guessed it but it was still a delicious twist that left a far better taste. The other reveals, as they came, were also nice touches and I felt brought the story together more. There was only one aspect I felt didn't fit with Emily's private revelation about the mobile - the first cryptic clue left for her. How was it even possible?

And the premise? The depiction of one thing that is really another and in the end doesn't make any sense. No one was tucked in...why allude to that if it didn't happen?

THE NURSERY is certainly not what I expected and though I did end up enjoying it, it took a while to get there. It ended up a good read but it could have been a spectacular read! It was certainly a different avenue I'd not expected from one of my favourite authors and while not my favourite, I still enjoyed the ride...even if I was puzzled for most of it.

None of the characters are entirely likeable which probably didn't help. Emily is a mass of contradictions. Sofia is bratty. Nancy is a selfish cow. Oliver is too smooth. Cerys is psychotic. Only Mr Woods is likeable but who is he really? One thing is for certain...trust no one! I certainly didn't.

Best part about the book is that ending. WOW! Twisted. Delicious. Thank you Sue Watson.

"Be careful what you wish for".

I would like to thank #SueWatson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheNursery in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has written sixteen novels (many involving cake), and many have been translated into several languages. Sue is now exploring the darker side of life with her latest thrillers OUR LITTLE LIES, THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR, THE EMPTY NEST, THE SISTER-IN-LAW, FIRST DATE, THE FOREVER HOME, THE NEW WIFE, THE RESORT and THE NURSERY.

Sue explored the darker side of life for her latest book 'Our Little Lies,' a dark, psychological thriller completely devoid of cake. She's hoping this change in direction will be reflected on the weighing scales.

Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.

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REVIEW: The Hat Girl's Heartbreak by Lindsey Hutchinson

The Hat Girl's Heartbreak (The Hat Girl from Silver Street #2) by Lindsey Hutchinson

Genre: Historical fiction, Saga

Read: 17th October 2022

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Published: 20th October 2022

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

Will it be tears or triumph for the Hat Girl from Silver Street?

It’s been five years since Ella Bancroft lost the love of her life, Harper Fortescue, and despite her friends’ encouragement, she’s still not been able to move on. The one thing keeping Ella smiling is the success of her hat shop, Ivella.  Her beautiful designs and fabulous creations are the first choice for the fashionable Edwardian ladies of Walsall, and her fame is spreading far and wide.

Darcie Newland won’t ever forgive Ella for stealing her fiancé and ruining her life, even though Harper was never really hers in his heart.  After being exiled by her parents to Scotland after yet another scandal, Darcie is now back in Birmingham and set on revenge.

As her hat shop flourishes, and the possibility of a new love appears when she least expects it, Ella finally dares to hope for a happy future. But storm clouds are gathering over the Black Country, and life might have other plans for the hat girl from Silver Street.

The Queen of the Black Country sagas is back with this page-turning story of friendship and fun, love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Val Wood and Lyn Andrews.

MY THOUGHTS:

Another delightful tale spun from the pen of Lindsey Hutchinson, THE HAT GIRL'S HEARTBREAK is the sequel to "The Hat Girl of Silver Street" but suffices well enough as a standalone. However, to fully appreciate the backstory alluded to in this book, I recommend you read the first book before diving into this one. You won't be sorry. If you like Catherine Cookson, you will love these books!

Walsall 1906: It's been five years since Ella Bancroft lost her fiance Harper Fortescue to tuberculosis just prior to their wedding, but still she has been unable to move on from her grief. Her business as a milliner has grown from her premises in Silver Street to partnering with her former employer Ivy Gladwin into the esteemed Ivella milliner's shop (a combination of their names Ivy and Ella) that is the talk of the town...and beyond. While Ivy's creations are still stuck in the bygone past, Ella's designs are more sought after and thus bringing the welcome trade to their shop. Ivy can't help but still feel a twinge of jealousy that Ella's designs are favoured over hers while at the same time being grateful to combine their talents to make their business the success it is.

Business is doing so well that they take on two new milliners - Freda and Thora - and a shop girl, Katy. And soon they all become the family that both Ella and Ivy lack. But it isn't long before they all become concerned about Ivy's sudden changing behaviour. She is more snappy than usual, frustrated and often forgetful. Ella seeks out advice to help Ivy in any way she can. What then follows is a heartbreaking journey into the degenerative state of Ivy's health as dementia sets in that could only end in tragedy. The women all rally around to support Ivy in any way that they can for as long as they can.

With so much going on, it would seem Ella has little time for romance but when she meets Nicholas Gerard at soiree, it's love at first sight. And yet she still can't let go of all her old fears attached to losing Harper so tragically before their wedding. And with her business and worries about Ivy, does she even have time for romance? But it seems Nicholas has yet to get that memo as he makes the journey from Birmingham especially to ask her to dinner. How could she refuse?

With all the furore going on in her head, Ella seeks out a medium in an attempt to seek permission from Harper in the afterlife to let him go and move on. But it seems her misplaced intentions bring her face to face with an old adversary who bears Ella grudge and a desire for revenge like no other. One that could threaten her life and her livelihood.

I so loved revisiting the characters from "The Hat Girl of Silver Street" and meeting new ones. Everyone is so warmhearted and welcoming it's like stepping into an embrace, so immersed into Ella's life we find ourselves. Flossie is like a mother hen and it was so good to catch up with her again. The new faces bring a different edge and new aspects to the story.

THE HAT GIRL'S HEARTBREAK is a wonderful tale that I read in one sitting, so easy are Lindsey Hutchinson's stories. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more by this fabulous author. If you like Catherine Cookson, you will like Lindsey Hutchinson.

A perfect easy read for those who enjoy historical sagas.

I would like to thank #LindseyHutchinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheHatGirlsHeartbreak in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lindsey Hutchinson was born and raised in Wednesbury, West Midlands and is a bestselling saga author whose novels include The Workhouse Children. Tying up the manuscripts for her her mother, the multi-million selling Meg Hutchinson, rekindled her love for storytelling and it seems she was always destined to follow in her footsteps.

Lindsey lives in Shropshire with her husband and Labrador, loves to read and enjoys photography.

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Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Boldwood Books by following them on these social media accounts.

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