jennsander's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
smr311's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
esthersreadingstats's review
3.0
This book serves a reminder that once again, communication is key to a healthy relationship .
Spoiler
(and a daughter that’s alive)mpherrington4's review
2.0
I can't help but say that I'm disappointed by this read. While I went in with high hopes for a thriller, the entire book made me incredibly frustrated and left me with a family drama instead. The entire premise hung on the fact that a husband and a wife couldn't properly communicate with one another, which was perhaps what irked me most...
The book is told from the alternating perspectives of husband and wife, Adam and Livia, over the course of 24 hours and a bit beyond. It's Livia's 40th birthday party, a night she's been dreaming of for half her life. Though her college-aged daughter Marnie won't be there to celebrate, she can't help but be glad because of a secret she's keeping from Adam (who has a secret of his very own).
It's worth noting this is my first B. A. Paris read, so perhaps I was wrong to have this expectation, but I wanted twists (or at least a good one!). Instead, I was just left feeling exasperated at the main characters and their exhausting inner monologues and lack of communication. I did enjoy the short chapters, though some of them were full of descriptions we didn't really need. Like another review I read mentions, you could skim pages and pages without missing a thing (which is exactly what I did with the last 10%).
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
The book is told from the alternating perspectives of husband and wife, Adam and Livia, over the course of 24 hours and a bit beyond. It's Livia's 40th birthday party, a night she's been dreaming of for half her life. Though her college-aged daughter Marnie won't be there to celebrate, she can't help but be glad because of a secret she's keeping from Adam (who has a secret of his very own).
It's worth noting this is my first B. A. Paris read, so perhaps I was wrong to have this expectation, but I wanted twists (or at least a good one!). Instead, I was just left feeling exasperated at the main characters and their exhausting inner monologues and lack of communication. I did enjoy the short chapters, though some of them were full of descriptions we didn't really need. Like another review I read mentions, you could skim pages and pages without missing a thing (which is exactly what I did with the last 10%).
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
k_west1984's review
3.0
Was looking forward to this book but was disappointed was waiting for a twist to happen.
emilileyden's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
maceyhoff3's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
charlottieswebb's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
beccallynn's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first B.A Paris book, and I will say the writing is really good. I enjoyed reading it. However, this doesn’t give thriller vibes. I went in expecting twist, turns and loops of all kinds and that’s not what I got.
I think the ending really hammered in that this is not a thriller like it’s labeled. I’d definitely read one of her books again because I really enjoyed the writing
I think the ending really hammered in that this is not a thriller like it’s labeled. I’d definitely read one of her books again because I really enjoyed the writing