REVIEW: The Pre-Nup by Arianne Richmonde

The Pre-Nup by Arianne Richmonde

Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense

Read: 23rd July 2023

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Amazon

Published: 27th July 2023

★★★ 3.5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

She signed the papers. And now her life is in danger…

Then: I gaze at my new husband and smile. It’s our wedding day and I feel like the luckiest woman alive.

Lucas is perfect. He brings me coffee in the morning, flowers in the evening, and never leaves the room without a kiss.

So I try to ignore the niggling doubt in the back of my mind about the prenup he made me sign. Does he think I’m a gold digger?

I reassure myself that it doesn’t matter, because I know we’ll be together forever…

Now: Three years in, Lucas has changed. I don’t feel safe in my own house, and when I look at my husband, I don’t recognize the man I married.

And now I’m trapped in this house with a man I’m beginning to realize I never really knew at all—and I’m terrified I might not make it out alive…

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller. Impossible to put down and packed with whiplash-inducing twists, perfect for fans of The Couple Next Door, The Silent Wife and The Marriage.

MY THOUGHTS:

She signed the papers…Now she must pay the price…

I've enjoyed two previous thrillers by Richmonde - "The Guilty Sister" and "The Breakdown" - so I was keen to dive into this one after reading its intriguing premise. Ava, Lucas and Claudia in a love triangle like no other!

Ava met Lucas and it was lust at first sight. They were at it like rabbits for days until reality set in and Ava had to actually go to work. And then she discovers she's pregnant. Well, for well-to-do Lucas' conservative parents, a baby out of wedlock just won't do. So a wedding for three weeks hence by pulling a few strings and voila! Ava and Lucas have walked up and down the aisle, thus married. 

But first, a pre-nup. One which states that everything Lucas has, or doesn't have but will have or may have, Ava will have no claim on should they divorce. She's no gold digger but she is in love with Lucas so she signs the papers without a second thought. 

And now here we are.

Three years on and Lucas has changed. At first it was little things. Late home from work; a lipstick in his pocket; an earring that wasn't hers. All these things added up to one thing - Lucas was having an affair. Oh no, work has been busy; I must have picked it up by mistake; I bought you those earrings and here you are wearing them! Ava is pretty sure nothing could be further from the truth and that her husband is an expert manipulator is gaslighting her with smoke and mirrors.

And then she meets Claudia. Star of her favourite show and her husband's mistress. A recipe for disaster? Or a perfect storm? What could possibly go wrong?

There isn't a lot I can say about this book without giving too much away. It does start off a little on the slow side and it was almost depressing. Why, if she knew what he was like, was she staying with him? Pre-nup or no pre-nup, no man is worth risking your sanity or your self worth for. She loved him, more fool her, because it is clear from the outset that Lucas suffered from "Tom Cruise syndrome" in that the only person Lucas loved was himself. He took risks and didn't care if he was caught because he just manipulated the picture with a sleight of hand move that left Ava questioning what was real and what wasn't. And Lucas just went about life as if everything was his God-given right. The man was a snake and I hated him from the first moment he opened his mouth.

By the time the story hit Part 2, things were ramped up a notch and began to get interesting. By Part 3, I could see where this was going, was wholly invested and couldn't wait to see it play out. And although I knew it was coming, that ending was just superb. I wasn't hoodwinked by any means and saw it coming from a mile off but it was pure perfection. While the book as a whole was average, it was that ending that was its saving grace. Just brilliant.

Overall, an entertaining read that dipped in parts but stick around because the ending is worth the wait.

I would like to thank #ArianneRichmonde, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePreNup in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Arianne Richmonde is s the USA TODAY bestselling author of the psychological thrillers, THE WIFE'S HOUSE, THE NEWLYWEDS, THE GUILTY SISTER, and THE BREAKDOWN (published by Bookouture, Hachette UK). Her Pearl series has sold more than half a million copies worldwide. Her stories are always character-driven and full of unexpected twists and turns.

When not writing about the passions and fragilities of human nature, she loves to spend time with her husband and their animals, including a femme fatale Husky with one blue eye and one golden eye. Arianne's a chocaholic and sometimes sneaks off to sunny, exotic locations, all in the name of research.

Social media links:

Wesbite | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter SignUp | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Breakdown by Arianne Richmonde

The Breakdown by Arianne Richmonde

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 17th April 2022

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 11th April 2022

★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)

DESCRIPTION:

My family keep telling me I’m safe. But why don’t I believe them?

I stand at the very edge of the cliff face, looking at the roaring ocean below my feet. I’m in no danger, in fact my husband and his sister talk just feet away from me, watching my every move. They’re worried I’m losing my mind, and I sense their nerves as they watch me looking down on the jagged rocks below.

Behind them sits our summer house. Apparently it’s my favourite place in the world, not that I can remember. Since the car accident, I’ve struggled to recall a lot of important things in my life, like giving birth to my daughter, Violet, just days after the crash. Or my supposedly perfect marriage…

As I stare at the huge expanse of blue below, I have a flashback to the day of the crash—an argument, my husband’s face red with anger. Why is it so different to what everyone else is telling me about my life? Beads of sweat gather on my neck.

If my memory is true, my life and my children’s lives are in danger. What really happened the day of the accident? And is there anyone I can trust?

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and Mark Edwards’s Here to Stay. The Breakdown will have you hooked!

MY REVIEW:

I really enjoyed Arianne Richmonde's previous thriller "The Guilty Sister" so was eagerly awaiting the unravelling of THE BREAKDOWN. And what a tangled web it is! Everything is smoke and mirrors and nothing is at all what it seems.

Twenty-three year old Jayne Smith has travelled from England to take up the position as au pair to two young children, Liam and Lizzie, while their mother Celeste recovers from a traumatic car accident in which she and Lizzie very nearly died. Husband Max is there to meet her when she steps off the ferry after a somewhat stormy crossing to the small Cliff Island off the coast of Maine. No sooner has she arrived than she has been thrown into the deep end with entertaining the children before she has even been shown her cottage, let alone settled in. Max has stressed the importance of keeping the children out of their mother's way so as not to tire her. And it isn't long before Jayne begins to wonder just exactly what she has signed up for.

Celeste Wainwright was heavily pregnant when she drove her car into the lake with four year old Lizzie strapped in the back. If it wasn't for a quick thinking passerby both she and her daughter would now be dead, as well as that of her unborn child. Celeste was rushed to hospital, an emergency caesarian performed and baby Violet was born. It soon becomes clear in the aftermath that Celeste's memory of events leading up to and surrounding her accident are hazy. Some days she lucid, others she's not. Traumatic brain injury, the doctors say. And so as soon as she she's discharged. Max decides to take her and the children to their summer home on Cliff Island, her favourite place in the whole world, and where she can safely rest and recuperate.

When Jayne arrives she hardly sees Celeste who appears to be heavily guarded by her private nurse, Nurse Sharpe. Even Max and his sister Marjorie, who has come over to help with the running of Celeste's business in the interim, are on the mainland more than the island. Jayne thought he would want to be at his wife's side. And then there is Dr Stephen he brought in as Celeste's psychotherapist...there's something well dodgy with him, though she isn't sure what. But one thing Jayne is sure of and that's how much she adores the two children...Lizzie especially, who reminds her a little of her own sister at that age. She spends most of her time entertaining the children on the beach or in her cottage, colouring or drawing or playing games.

And then one stormy night a few days after Jayne's arrival, Lizzie disappears. There is little evidence as to what happened to her except for a few carefully laid pieces...but are they to be trusted or overlooked? What could have happened to Lizzie? Did Celeste do something without realising? Or was it Jayne? Or maybe Dr Stephen? Or maybe there is something evil lurking in the hidden depths of the island. And what about baby Violet?

The story unfolds through multiple narratives - predominantly Jayne, Celeste and Dr Stephen. There is a third person narrative titled "The Disappearance" in which Detective Adele Alba follows the clues into what could have happened to Lizzie. The other characters factor in the background to these narratives but still each play an important part. Everyone seems to have a hidden agenda and nothing is what it seems.

THE BREAKDOWN is slow to begin with despite drawing the reader in at first it then starts to peter out where nothing much seems to be happening when in actual fact it is. To take your eye off the ball would be to miss something important but I admit it is hard to remain engaged when Jayne seems to be a little sketchy, Celeste somewhat flaky and Dr Stephen downright creepy. But don't be fooled...something is amiss and even bigger is at play.

I must say I loved the location. Not only is it secluded with sketchy internet, the setting of Cliff Island off the rugged coast of Maine is subject to stormy and unpredictable weather patterns just adds to the sinister undertones and makes for an atmospheric read...complete with layers and layers of secrets and lies.

Although THE BREAKDOWN is an entertaining read, I was disappointed in the ending a little. Not in the ending as such...but a few of the "loose ends", shall I say, without revealing any spoilers. The story was a tangled web indeed but it also left the ending in a bit of tangle that was a little more ambiguous than I would have liked. But it still was a good ending...I just think it could have been tidier.

Overall, THE BREAKDOWN is an addictive, atmospheric and oppressive psychological thriller that is intense, dark and twisted.

I would like to thank #ArianneRichmonde, #Netgalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheBreakdown in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Arianne Richmonde is a half British, half American, USA TODAY bestselling author, who lives in France with her husband and four-legged family. Surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields in an old stone farmhouse they restored, she fills her days creating twisty novels full of suspense and intrigue. When she isn’t writing she loves to travel, especially to warm, exotic countries, all in the name of research. She used to be an actress so likes nothing more than to immerse herself in the minds and lives of her characters. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

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

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REVIEW: The Guilty Sister by Arianne Richmonde

The Guilty Sister by Arianne Richmonde

Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense

Read: 21st October 2021

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Amazon

Apple

Google

Kobo

Audible

UK

US

Soundcloud

Published: 19th October 2021

★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

My sister is missing. And the police think I’m to blame.

We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I do love my sister Cece. She’s confident and free-spirited in a way I never am. And while she’s living her life to the full and posting it all over social media, I’m having early nights in my tiny New York apartment.

I didn’t mean to keep her a secret from my boyfriend, Bradley. But when he found out about her and I caught him scrolling through her pictures online, I knew I had to act before she ruined my life once again.

When the police come knocking at my door, I instantly regret wishing Cece would leave my life for good.

I didn’t want her to vanish forever, did I?

If you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers like The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us, you will love this totally addictive novel from a USA Today bestselling author.

MY REVIEW:

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Arianne Richmonde's psychological thriller THE GUILTY SISTER (previously titled "One Happy Family").

I have to admit, I kept hearing strains of Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind (in New York)" as I was reading this book. It just gave me that vibe.

As I began THE GUILTY SISTER, my first by Arianne Richmonde, I was instantly drawn to Sara who like me her life revolved around her dog, Poppy. I have just recently lost my beloved staffy whom I affectionately nicknamed "Poppy" and even "popsicle" which one of the character, Mrs Scott, refers to little Poppy as. I am also familiar with the whole wheelchair dog thing having had a dog in the past whom I got a wheelchair for. Like Poppy, my girl who I've recently lost saved me too when I rescued her from the shelter, just as Poppy saved Sara and vice versa. Yes, I am a dog mum and proud of it! Just like Sara is. Poppy is her child just as my dogs are my children, though I only have one now. But I could relate to Sara in that sense...however, that was only the beginning.

Sara Keller loves her dog, Poppy, who she considers to be her saviour. She rescued Poppy when she was left for dead and caring for the little dog has given Sara's life purpose and meaning...and she knows she would give her life for Poppy. Having grown up in Africa, Sara now lives in New York and frequents Central Park on her daily walks with Poppy, who scoots along in her wheelchair. It's like a whole other world in Central Park and Sara loves to escape there with Poppy at her side in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

But little does Sara know that a stranger watches her. Every day he happens upon her daily walk in the hope of catching a glimpse of her, of working up the courage to speak to her. But to her, he remains unseen as she passes him by each time. Until one day...Sara sees Bradley sitting outside one of the Park's cafes and she asks him for a favour. Could he possibly hold onto her dog's leash while she nips in to grab a coffee, as they don't allow dogs in there? Of course, he'd be honoured. And from there, Bradley was determined to keep the conversation going as they walked together through the park and out onto the street. But Sara was hesitant. And despite his invitation for meeting up the next day in the park, she called out "that could work" as she left with Poppy down the street to her apartment.

But Sara didn't meet him. And neither did she call. But Bradley would not be dissuaded. There was something about Sara...

But Sara has a secret. A secret so deep and dark she doesn't want to risk someone as handsome and charismatic as Bradley finding out. And then what would he think of her? And then there was her sister, her twin sister Cece, who always seemed to destroy whatever happiness Sara had...and she couldn't risk that either. She knew that if she went out with Bradley he would naturally want to meet her twin and that couldn't happen.

But despite her reluctance, Bradley's persistence pays off and the two begin dating. His penthouse apartment on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park is a sprawling den of luxury. It even boasts a rooftop terrace with a garden, something of an oasis in an otherwise concrete jungle. And then there are the thousand dollar suits, exquisite watches and his success as a Wall Street tycoon...how could something this refined be interested in her, Sara, a graphic artist in a one bedroom apartment? But Sara doesn't realise that she isn't the only one with secrets. Just what is it about Bradley that she can't put her finger on? What is it that he is so intent on hiding?

Then one day Bradley discovers that Sara has an identical twin and he becomes equally obsessed with meeting Cece as he is with pursuing Sara. But Sarah refuses. The two have a tumultuous relationship and rarely speak. Still, Bradley can't resist the pull and seeks out her Instagram page and begs to meet up with her. 

And so marks the beginning of the end as Sara and Bradley scramble to keep their secrets and lies from being uncovered.

THE GUILTY SISTER is a fast paced read with short snappy chapters to keep the pace moving. It alternates between Sara and Bradley's narrative with a chapter from an unknown "watcher" thrown in. Despite the unravelling narrative, it is hard to discern who is telling the truth and who is lying. There are a few twists thrown in, some of which I didn't see coming. The main one, I am kicking myself for NOT seeing it. I mean how could I not? It was so obvious. lol But then there are so many red herrings thrown in along the way, the author deftly hoodwinks her readers with expertise. The final twist was a shock. Nope not see that one either. Basically, everyone is hiding something in this book. They're all a bit crazy, in my opinion. Except for Poppy Delight. It made me miss my girl a little bit more and want to hug her again.

THE GUILTY SISTER is a twisted fast paced ride that will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a real twist and a dark side.

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

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Arianne Richmonde is a half British, half American, USA TODAY bestselling author, who lives in France with her husband and four-legged family. Surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields in an old stone farmhouse they restored, she fills her days creating twisty novels full of suspense and intrigue. When she isn’t writing she loves to travel, especially to warm, exotic countries, all in the name of research. She used to be an actress so likes nothing more than to immerse herself in the minds and lives of her characters. 

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

PUBLISHER:

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

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram