This is one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. There were points where I HAD to put it down and walk away bc it was so dark.
I’ve never read a book that made me feel so disgusted and sick to my stomach and made me cry like this. There absolutely should be a trigger warning before the book even starts.
There’s no romance to me in this book. It’s smut, which I’m okay with, while others aren’t.
If you have triggers of child death and abuse, this book is NOT for you.

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maddie_0930's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I hate Colleen Hoover but this book was pretty good. A little boring and it didn’t make a lot of sense

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christinewashere's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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mila_nights's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Summary

Spoiler

The psychological thriller novel follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is given a unique opportunity when she's asked to finish a bestselling series by the immensely popular author Verity Crawford, who has been incapacitated due to an accident.

Lowen moves into Verity's home to go through her notes and outlines for the remaining books. While searching for material in Verity's office, Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography written by Verity. As she reads through the manuscript, she becomes increasingly disturbed by the contents, which reveal dark and disturbing secrets about Verity's life and her relationship with her family.

As Lowen becomes more engrossed in Verity's manuscript, she finds herself drawn to Jeremy Crawford, Verity's attractive and enigmatic husband. The two develop a connection, complicated by their growing feelings for each other despite the presence of Verity, who is in a vegetative state.

"I was not expecting the plot twist at the end! I literally cannot believe it, like whaaaat?"

Review

A gripping and unpredictable thriller that expertly weaves together romance, suspense, and psychological mind games. Hoover's writing prowess shines through in this novel, creating an immersive experience that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The story’s unique premise focused on a struggling writer uncovering the secrets of another author, is both original and compelling. Hoover masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere that gradually unravels, unveiling layers of mystery and darkness. The narrative's unpredictable twists and turns ensure that the reader remains engaged and invested in discovering the truth.

The characters are multi-dimensional and realistically flawed, which makes them relatable. The complex relationships and interactions between the characters add depth to the story and contribute to its emotional resonance. The psychological exploration of the characters' motives and actions adds an extra layer of complexity to the story.

Hoover's ability to create tension and evoke strong emotions is evident throughout the book. The alternating perspectives provide insight into different facets of the story, enhancing the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and the unfolding events.

While the novel has many strengths, it's worth noting that certain elements might feel slightly melodramatic or implausible.

In conclusion, 'Verity' is a highly compelling thriller that showcases Colleen Hoover's versatility as an author. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, and skilled writing make for an enthralling read. While some elements might stretch believability, the overall experience of diving into the darkness of the story is well worth the journey, earning this novel a solid rating.

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