You think you know.. but nothing is quite what it seems.
My first five-star read of the year is brought to by:
‘Why didn’t I pick this one up sooner?’ and ‘Wtf did I just read?’
Thanks to the encouragement of many of my fellow readers and bloggers, I finally picked this book up.. and you think I would have learned by now to listen sooner because this was a killer read.
Sometimes you come across a book like this, one that the majority of readers all agree on, a trending new title that has everyone in a tizzy.
And maybe you dismiss it because, well, everyone supposedly liked Twilight and look where that got us.
Who knows.
Eventually, though, you’re worn down by time and a few determined (with good intention) friends who demand you get over yourself and just read the damn thing.. Then you have to live with the fact that they were right and it was you who was being hardheaded..
This is one of those times.
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Publication date: October 5, 2021
Pages: 333
Genre: Romance novel, Suspense, Psychological Thriller
Standalone
Dedication:
This book is dedicated to the only person this book could possibly be dedicated to.
Tarryn Fisher, thank you for accepting the darkness in people as much as you accept their light.
First line: I hear the crack of his skull before the spattering of blood reaches me.
The first day Lowen ventures outside her apartment after her mother, sick with cancer, has passed away.. She’s witness to the brutal death of a man hit by a vehicle. In shock, she’s assisted by a kind but handsomely brooding stranger, Jeremy.. There’s something about him that draws her in but the wedding ring she spots is enough of a deterrent. Shame. Now she’s late for a meeting with her literary agent (and ex) Corey who believes he has a job for her. A job she desperately needs.
Due to personal and unspecified health issues bestselling author Verity Crawford is unable to complete her highly successful ‘The Noble Virtues’ series and is looking for someone to complete the final three books. Lowen, who’s struggling financially, is in no position to turn them down.
Next thing she knows she’s heading to their private residence to go through Verity’s home office, notes, and maybe get a feel for what she’ll be up against. Then she finds an unpublished autobiography..
What she finds inside those pages will change everything, and not only for her job, but for the entire Crawford family.
Five Stars!
Characters: Interesting and well written
Storyline: Predictable. Unsettling.
Pace: Steady.
Writing: Dark. Brilliant. Enthralling.
Cover: 3.5/5
POV’s
Two: Lowen and Verity
For the sake of not spoiling anything, I’ve left a lot of information out of today’s review.. but I can tell you that this book was one heck of a ride.
We’re immediately dumped into the middle of a bloody and deeply unfortunate situation. Lowen, who’s been caring for her ill mother and hasn’t left her apartment in weeks, witnesses this. It’s here, in this horrifying moment, that she first encounters Jeremy. Jeremy who’s married, grieving, and just happens to be the client she’s rushing to meet with. Figures, right?
She’s not interested in the job or, to be more precise, she has no interest in the attention it will garner. She has no intention of accepting the job but.. Jeremy offers her a deal she can’t refuse.
Lowen was a decent enough character.. I can’t say I loved her but I was invested in her story. She’s driven by curiosity and loneliness.. both qualities that get her into trouble. Because Lowen’s discovered something of Verity’s, a book, and between it’s pages are a story that shakes her to her core.. It is just a story, right? But the more she reads, the more unsettled she becomes, and the more she begins to question everything.
Jeremy is a great dad and the perfect husband. He’s kind, intelligent, and patient. Verity’s illness is hard on both Jeremy and their son, Crew, who’s only five. This small family has been through hell recently but Jeremy carries the weight of it all like a champ.
Again, though, I can’t say I loved his character.
Now Verity.. she’s absolutely fascinating.
I loved what the author did with her character and story. The twists and the turns were a balm on the predictability of the storyline and easily amplified by the near constant state of tension her presence caused.
But it’s the writing that was the real star here. Colleen Hoover has a gift for drawing the reader in with this beautifully flowing, darkly inviting writing that demands your attention and urges you further, page by page, towards a jaw-dropping conclusion.
I love it when an ending you’ve mostly anticipated still manages to shock you. (And this one does it with style.)
This is my first experience with Colleen Hoover’s work but I can assure you.. it will not be the last.
Thank you for stopping by today and checking out my review, I hope you enjoyed it!
Have you read this book? What did you think?
Have a wonderful reading month, my friends, and be sure to stay safe out there!
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Ooh I’ve heard so much about this book! But for some reason didn’t wanna read it. I might try it someday though now that you liked it so much. Awesome review!!
It’s been quite popular. I honestly didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did but it was pretty twisted.. I can see why it’s not everyone’s cup of tea though. If you do get a chance to read it, let me know what you think!
And thank you!!❤️
Reading anything interesting?
Sure!
And no, studies have increased! 😓 So I’m not reading much, just trying to finish with the final book in the mortal instruments 😂. It’s audiobook so I listen when I’m doing something else. It saves time. Wbu?
Oh, geez, I forgot.. classes. Hopefully the workload lessens soon and you can relax some.
And best of luck getting that last book finished! I remember liking it more than the others so I hope you’re enjoying it..
I just started ‘The Clackity’ by Lora Senf. It sounds like a pretty intriguing spooky story, fingers crossed that it’s as good a read as it sounds.
Stay safe!❤️
The load will only increase lol 😂. And yeah, it’s not that bad right now.
And oooh, i hope you enjoy it!
And you too!
I don’t envy you, hun, school is one thing I’m glad is over for me. Learning? Love it. But classes? Not so much.
If it helps.. It will go by so much quicker than it feels like right now.
Thank you, I am and will! ❤💜💙💚💛
Yeah yeah, I know, it isn’t that bad 😂. We manage to have fun.
Good. Life needs to be lived and enjoyed.🙃
Okay, okay, you’ve convinced me I have to read this. Love that first line. I actually have a copy, just haven’t gotten around to reading it. ❤📚
This really made my night, Sandy, thank you!
When you get the chance to read it.. do let me know what you thought!
I hope you enjoy it.❤️
I have not read any of this author’s work but sure have heard great things.
My granddaughter has read every book she has written. I need to find time for this one.
Great review…
This is the first book I’ve had the pleasure of reading by this author so it was a nice surprise. From what I’ve heard, though, it is a bit darker than her normal stuff.
I would definitely recommend giving it a shot if you get a chance.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy it!
I read this two years ago and the final chapters still haunt me. It was a brilliant read, great review!
I believe it.. this is the kind of story that stays with you.
And thank you! Stay safe and be well!
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