chrischellem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Abortion, Child abuse, and Gaslighting
csharp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
- This was a quick and easy read, Hoover’s writing and storytelling isn’t innovative or complex at all, but that’s fine.
- This wasn’t really a thriller at all to me, there was a creepy part here or there but by the time I finished reading it was all explained to be normal.
- I didn’t really appreciate the little bits of ableism, referring to a brain damaged person as an empty egg shell. I understand carer’s stress but treating a disabled person like they’re a burden is gross.
- It seems like Hoover didn’t want to admit that she wanted to write smut, so tried to throw in some elements of a mystery/thriller when really this is mostly smut with a side of story.
- I liked the characterisation of Lowen, however not much going on with Jeremy.
- The ending: .
Spoiler
I thought the twist at the end was so cheap and convenient. Why the hell would you write a manuscript “pretending” to admit to your own daughter’s death after your husband is already suspicious of you? So stupid. Also as I said Verity’s long ass letter at the end just watered down every creepy part of the story because she explains how everything happened. Made the whole plot a cop out - All in all, an easy and enjoyable read. 2.75 ⭐️ because I felt the storyline was very basic and most of it was undone by the end.
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Ableism
elliejg29's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Grief, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Child death, Abortion, and Blood
pearl13's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
2.25
Graphic: Grief, Child death, Car accident, Abortion, and Death
Minor: Miscarriage
ashleighmo's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Child death, Abortion, and Death
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Vomit
artistic_nightsky's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Violence, Abortion, Body shaming, Child death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Torture, and Vomit
sdaley08's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Grief, Child death, Emotional abuse, Abortion, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Child abuse, and Murder
gellyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Spoiler
at the last minute try to make you question what is real.This book is fast paced, and unlike the other Hoover book I read, the characters are far more compelling and complex. I did actually care and couldn’t put it down.
But the ending was awful! Also!! To be so sex positive (even though the sex scenes were awful) and then throw that away and say that women aren’t that sexual?! WTH?!
I really enjoyed this until the ending, when it felt like she was wagging her fingers at me and going “Oooooooooooo.”
Alright, I just read the *bonus* epilogue online.
Spoiler
I am annoyed that she still didn't really give an answer? And I don't like that when I tell people I finished it the first question I get is - Do you think Verity is crazy or not? Um. Did we read the same book? It doesn't matter. She didn't give us enough detail either way to tell you whether Verity is crazy or not. This book isn't well written enough or gives enough detail to answer that question or to make me care. Gun to my head? I would say she isn't, and I would've said that before, and now especially after watching these gross ass men in the second epilogue.Graphic: Gaslighting, Murder, Toxic relationship, Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Child death, Abortion, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Car accident
worldofv33's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Murder, Gore, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Child abuse, Cursing, Violence, Mental illness, Abortion, Pregnancy, Blood, Car accident, Gaslighting, Grief, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Kidnapping, Drug use, and Rape
paigiehun's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Death, Abortion, Child abuse, Child death, and Murder