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The Stepfather
She thought she knew who she was marrying. But he’s hiding a deadly secret.
After a painful divorce, Madelyne finds love with George, a successful restaurant owner with a charming veneer. Their marriage seems perfect except for one her daughter Connie has taken a strong dislike to her new husband.
Sixteen and smart, Connie knows something is deeply wrong with her stepfather. His behaviour towards her mother is often manipulative and she suspects he’s cheating. The only person she can turn to is her real father, Damon.
Afflicted by PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and facing financial ruin, Damon has every reason to hate his ex-wife, but he still carries a torch for her and wants to help.
But when Connie hatches a plot to expose George's true nature, she stumbles instead on a truth that's a thousand times more horrifying than anything she could have imagined.
Now Connie and Madelyne are in mortal danger. And Damon is the only one who can save them.
The Stepfather, an emotionally charged, nail-biting thriller that will take your breath away.
After a painful divorce, Madelyne finds love with George, a successful restaurant owner with a charming veneer. Their marriage seems perfect except for one her daughter Connie has taken a strong dislike to her new husband.
Sixteen and smart, Connie knows something is deeply wrong with her stepfather. His behaviour towards her mother is often manipulative and she suspects he’s cheating. The only person she can turn to is her real father, Damon.
Afflicted by PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and facing financial ruin, Damon has every reason to hate his ex-wife, but he still carries a torch for her and wants to help.
But when Connie hatches a plot to expose George's true nature, she stumbles instead on a truth that's a thousand times more horrifying than anything she could have imagined.
Now Connie and Madelyne are in mortal danger. And Damon is the only one who can save them.
The Stepfather, an emotionally charged, nail-biting thriller that will take your breath away.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2023
806 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
August 5, 2023
Madelyne marries George (a restaurant owner) after divorcing Damon because he kept leaving the family to serve in the military. Madelyne and Damon’s sixteen-year-old daughter (Connie) feels there is something wrong with George and she doesn’t trust him. Connie turns to her father (Damon) with her concerns. Eventually Connie witnesses something that puts her in danger.
This book started off a bit slow, but it picked up as it went and it got more interesting. I liked Connie, she was quite bold and gutsy at times. Damon was alright, trying to make up for his mistakes of the past. My main problem with this book was Madelyne. She was unlikable, stupid, and a total idiot. She never listened to her daughters’ concerns over George. She brushed off everything that George did wrong. She stuck up for him when it was obvious he wasn’t the man she thought he was. And she was constantly criticizing and arguing with her ex-husband, Damon. Sometimes it was hard reading the story when it was from Madelyne's annoying point-of-view. Other than that, I ended up enjoying this suspense-thriller that really picked up towards the end.
This book started off a bit slow, but it picked up as it went and it got more interesting. I liked Connie, she was quite bold and gutsy at times. Damon was alright, trying to make up for his mistakes of the past. My main problem with this book was Madelyne. She was unlikable, stupid, and a total idiot. She never listened to her daughters’ concerns over George. She brushed off everything that George did wrong. She stuck up for him when it was obvious he wasn’t the man she thought he was. And she was constantly criticizing and arguing with her ex-husband, Damon. Sometimes it was hard reading the story when it was from Madelyne's annoying point-of-view. Other than that, I ended up enjoying this suspense-thriller that really picked up towards the end.
April 29, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Stepfather is a well developed, twisty read with believable characters. We follow Madelyn, who, after a painful divorce, has remarried and is trying to co-parent her teenage daughter Connie with her ex-husband. Madelyn has married a wealthy restauranteur called George, but her daughter doesn't like him, and neither does her veteran father, Damon. The first half of the book is quite slow going as it sets the scene for the twists, but once you hit the second half, it takes off much better. George does send off alarm bells with how he treats his new wife, but Madelyn seems to have blinkers on. I really enjoyed Connie's character and perception throughout the book. When Connie finally discovers what it is that George has been hiding and it all comes to light, she rightfully runs to her father. But can Damon save the two women he loves (yes, he still loves his now ex-wife) before it's too late. The twist was very worth carrying on reading this book for, so I do suggest sticking with it if you find the first half slow like I did.
The Stepfather is a well developed, twisty read with believable characters. We follow Madelyn, who, after a painful divorce, has remarried and is trying to co-parent her teenage daughter Connie with her ex-husband. Madelyn has married a wealthy restauranteur called George, but her daughter doesn't like him, and neither does her veteran father, Damon. The first half of the book is quite slow going as it sets the scene for the twists, but once you hit the second half, it takes off much better. George does send off alarm bells with how he treats his new wife, but Madelyn seems to have blinkers on. I really enjoyed Connie's character and perception throughout the book. When Connie finally discovers what it is that George has been hiding and it all comes to light, she rightfully runs to her father. But can Damon save the two women he loves (yes, he still loves his now ex-wife) before it's too late. The twist was very worth carrying on reading this book for, so I do suggest sticking with it if you find the first half slow like I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
Madelyne and her ex-husband Damon Blake have been through a messy divorce, and are now attempting to coparent their sixteen-year old daughter, Connie. Madelyne has remarried to a wealthy restaurateur named George Elway, and believes she has found the love and happiness she deserves. Connie can’t tolerate George, calling him a creep, and telling her mother she has a “gut feeling” that he’s no good. She’s a very smart young woman, and knows her mother is being manipulated and not treated as she should by this man. She believes he is hiding something from her, perhaps a mistress. Her dad, a veteran who came back different and deeply traumatized with PTSD from his last tour of duty in Afghanistan, shares Connie’s gut feeling that something is very off about George. Through it all, Madelyne defends her new husband, and blames Damon for the way Connie feels about George. Though he has been gutted by her divorcing him, Damon still loves Madelyne deeply, and wants to help her. When Connie finds out what George is really hiding, it shakes her to her core, and she runs to her father. Both Connie and Madelyne are in danger of losing their lives, and the only one who can and will save them is Damon.
I hate to start off this way, but I really, really wanted to like this book more than I did. The beginning really dragged for me, with Connie and Damon talking repeatedly to each other and others about their serious dislike of George. The reader already understood (got the hint?) from the very beginning that he was no good. (The title itself was a dead giveaway). Madelyne defending him over and over again and refusing to see what he really was got a bit old as well. I actually got to the point where I almost stopped reading it because of the redundancy. But about midway through, when it finally came to light why he was a creep and not what he appeared to be, it became much more readable, and I was glad at that point that I stayed with it to the (expected) ending. This is the first book I’ve ever read by Theo Baxter, and I’d be willing to give the author’s work another try. I rounded up from 2.5 to 3 for all of the aforementioned reasons, and the fact that I especially liked the characters of Jason and Dr. Weldon, and found Connie very believable.
I’d like to thank BookSprout, Theo Baxter, and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I hate to start off this way, but I really, really wanted to like this book more than I did. The beginning really dragged for me, with Connie and Damon talking repeatedly to each other and others about their serious dislike of George. The reader already understood (got the hint?) from the very beginning that he was no good. (The title itself was a dead giveaway). Madelyne defending him over and over again and refusing to see what he really was got a bit old as well. I actually got to the point where I almost stopped reading it because of the redundancy. But about midway through, when it finally came to light why he was a creep and not what he appeared to be, it became much more readable, and I was glad at that point that I stayed with it to the (expected) ending. This is the first book I’ve ever read by Theo Baxter, and I’d be willing to give the author’s work another try. I rounded up from 2.5 to 3 for all of the aforementioned reasons, and the fact that I especially liked the characters of Jason and Dr. Weldon, and found Connie very believable.
I’d like to thank BookSprout, Theo Baxter, and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
March 31, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
After a painful divorce, Madelyn finds love with George, a successful restaurant owner with a charming veneer. The marriage seems perfect except for one thing: her daughter Connie has taken a strong dislike to her new husband. sixteen and smart, Connie knows something is deeply wrong with her stepfather. His behaviour towards her mother is often manipulative and she suspects he's cheating. The only person she can turn to is her own father, Damon. Afflicted by PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and facing financial ruin, Damon has every reason to hate his ex-wife, but he still carries a torch for her and wants to help.
Madelyn and Damon are divorced and share custody of their daughter Connie. Madelyn has remarried and Connie does not like or trust her stepfather. When she shares her concerns with her dad, Damon does not like him either. He has some bad feelings about him, but he doesn't want to share them with his daughter. Connie knows her stepfather has a secret, and she sets out to find out what it is. There's a couple of unexpected twists to the story, and the characters are well developed, but not all of them are likable. There are parts that are quite repetitive, so I took half a star off for that reason.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #TheoBaxter for my ARC of #TheStepfather in exchange for an honest review.
After a painful divorce, Madelyn finds love with George, a successful restaurant owner with a charming veneer. The marriage seems perfect except for one thing: her daughter Connie has taken a strong dislike to her new husband. sixteen and smart, Connie knows something is deeply wrong with her stepfather. His behaviour towards her mother is often manipulative and she suspects he's cheating. The only person she can turn to is her own father, Damon. Afflicted by PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and facing financial ruin, Damon has every reason to hate his ex-wife, but he still carries a torch for her and wants to help.
Madelyn and Damon are divorced and share custody of their daughter Connie. Madelyn has remarried and Connie does not like or trust her stepfather. When she shares her concerns with her dad, Damon does not like him either. He has some bad feelings about him, but he doesn't want to share them with his daughter. Connie knows her stepfather has a secret, and she sets out to find out what it is. There's a couple of unexpected twists to the story, and the characters are well developed, but not all of them are likable. There are parts that are quite repetitive, so I took half a star off for that reason.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #TheoBaxter for my ARC of #TheStepfather in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2025
Good story
The author presents a story about a divorced father intent on protecting his daughter from a stepfather who is not what he appears to be. The plot flows nicely but characters could be a bit more fleshed out. Still worth a read for sure.
The author presents a story about a divorced father intent on protecting his daughter from a stepfather who is not what he appears to be. The plot flows nicely but characters could be a bit more fleshed out. Still worth a read for sure.
April 26, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stepfather' by Theo Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Inkubator Books and Theo Baxter.
Publication date 13th April 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Damon and Madelyne. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Stepfather' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Theo discusses domestic violence and abuse and PTSD.
This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The storyline, title and cover really fit the storyline. to create an absolutely addictive storyline that had me hooked from the gripping first chapter to the absolutely shocking ending!!!
Madelyne and Damon were married for 20 years but unfortunately their relationship fell apart when Damon relists back into the army and comes back a different man. They end up having a divorce and Madelyne later marries George who is a successful restaurant owner. In the middle of all of this is Connie who is Madelyne and Damon's teenage daughter. Connie lives with Madelyne and George the majority of time but does get to spend some weekends and holidays with her father Damon. Damon and Connie both dislike and distrust George intensely and Connie thinks he is a creep from the start and wants to spend more time with her father and move ion with him. Madelyne thinks Damon is being jealous and Connie is just upset at Madelyne for leaving her father. Who is right and who is wrong? Is George the loving and caring man who just wants to be a good stepfather to Connie as Madelyne thinks or is he the creep and un-trustable man that Damon and Connie thinks he is? You will just have to pick up your copy to find out!! This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that I devoured in one sitting. It is ram packed with suspense, tension, mystery, family, secrets and everything that you could ask for in a page turner!! Theo's evocative writing skills sucks the reader deep into the storyline from the first page to the last ensuring the reader is feeling, hearing and seeing everything that is going on around them. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails on several occasions throughout this book. This book is definitely a rollercoaster ride which starts with the build up to the top of the ride and then once it releases you into the action it is full speed ahead!! This is one of those books that I was glued to and each time I told myself just the one more chapter something would happen to make sure there was no way I could put it down and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in several hours! I cant say I was surprised with much of the ending and sadly that did let the book down a bit for me. However, please don't let this put you off!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and crime novels so it is definitely getting harder and harder to surprise me. Sadly, for this reason I would normally deduct a star from a book for not having the shock factor and for falling flat but IU enjoyed the storyline too much to lose a whole star for this so I will just deduct half a star. The good news is that although I wasn't shocked and the ending did fall a bit flat to me I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more books by this promising author!! In fact as soon as I have finished writing this up I am off to add his and the rest of his brothers Cole Baxter books to my wish list. I have already read Cole Baxter's 'The Perfect Suitor' and you can tell that they are related as they both have the same fantastic imaginations and writing talents! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
This may be the first book I have read by this amazing author but if all his books have fantastic storyline like this I cannot wait to get stuck into them and I have added all his previous books to my wish list already and look forward to what he comes out with next!!
The characters are realistic, strong and each have their own unique personalities. However, I must admit that I actually wasn't a huge fan of half of them!! I would normally deduct a star from a book for this but I don't believe it should lose a whole star so it just loses half a star) On the other hand, I normally wouldn't be able to finish a book if I didn't like the characters but due to me loving the actual storyline so much I still managed to read it and still enjoy it regardless of the character dislike which is very rare for me!! Just because I wasn't a fan of the characters it does not mean that other readers wont click with them but for me I just couldn't, unfortunately. Madelyne was one of the main characters and so help me I don't think I have EVER wanted to slap a fictional character so badly in my life!! i mean OPEN YOUR EYES WOMAN!!!! Regardless of what happened in the storyline, as a Mum myself I will never understand anyone who doesn't listen to their children when it comes to their partners. Instead of taking any of Connie's concerns seriously or trying to work out why she feels like that Madelyne just keeps banging on how wonderful George is and how hard he is trying and blah, Blah, BLAH!!! Seriously woman get a grip!!! On the other hand I really liked Damon who is hard working, devoted to his daughter, hot and just really sweet as well!! OK he is jealous of George but he doesn't bang out about him as much as Madelyne does!! OK sorry Madelyne dissing over just ARGGHHH that woman!! Anyway, yes Damon, he is an amazing father who runs his own gym, loves his old car and sadly suffers with PTSD from his army days which affected his family and is something he regrets deeply. I could not trust and did not like George from the start. there was something about his mannerisms and the way he was so insistent on certain things and the way he dictated how things should be done in his home that made me want to bang his together with M's (see didn't say her name!!). I really liked Connie was was such a mature girl for her age. She is smart, misses her Dad and trusts her instincts. She is also a strong girl who is becoming a woman and it breaks her heart that M refuses to listen to her as well as angers her. Each of the main characters are complex and have a strained relationship with at least one of the other characters and it was intriguing watching how their relationships with each other changed and developed throughout. There are two other characters that I have to give a mention and they are Damon's best friend Jason, Damon's therapist and Detective Edwards. Jason is a fantastic friend to Damon who says it has it is regardless of whether Damon will like it but will also stand by him no matter what he decides. I loved Detective Edwards to made me laugh on several occasions and I absolutely loved his attitude when it came to Mrs. Connors. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all jump out of the pages and play their parts perfectly. I am looking forward to reading more books by Theo and seeing what he comes up with next!
I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Theo really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!!
Congratulations Theo on an explosive success!!! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Theo's 'The Widow's Secret' which looks just as addictive as this one and one I'm looking forward to reading myself!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Thriller, Hard-Boiled Mystery, Crime, Domestic Suspense, Thriller & Mystery Adventures, International Mystery & Crime, Suspense Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith, Sheryl Browne, Sue Watson, K.L. Slater. Nina Manning, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
327 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.45 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it, I loved the storyline but not the ending ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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Review for 'The Stepfather' by Theo Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Inkubator Books and Theo Baxter.
Publication date 13th April 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Damon and Madelyne. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Stepfather' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Theo discusses domestic violence and abuse and PTSD.
This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The storyline, title and cover really fit the storyline. to create an absolutely addictive storyline that had me hooked from the gripping first chapter to the absolutely shocking ending!!!
Madelyne and Damon were married for 20 years but unfortunately their relationship fell apart when Damon relists back into the army and comes back a different man. They end up having a divorce and Madelyne later marries George who is a successful restaurant owner. In the middle of all of this is Connie who is Madelyne and Damon's teenage daughter. Connie lives with Madelyne and George the majority of time but does get to spend some weekends and holidays with her father Damon. Damon and Connie both dislike and distrust George intensely and Connie thinks he is a creep from the start and wants to spend more time with her father and move ion with him. Madelyne thinks Damon is being jealous and Connie is just upset at Madelyne for leaving her father. Who is right and who is wrong? Is George the loving and caring man who just wants to be a good stepfather to Connie as Madelyne thinks or is he the creep and un-trustable man that Damon and Connie thinks he is? You will just have to pick up your copy to find out!! This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that I devoured in one sitting. It is ram packed with suspense, tension, mystery, family, secrets and everything that you could ask for in a page turner!! Theo's evocative writing skills sucks the reader deep into the storyline from the first page to the last ensuring the reader is feeling, hearing and seeing everything that is going on around them. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails on several occasions throughout this book. This book is definitely a rollercoaster ride which starts with the build up to the top of the ride and then once it releases you into the action it is full speed ahead!! This is one of those books that I was glued to and each time I told myself just the one more chapter something would happen to make sure there was no way I could put it down and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in several hours! I cant say I was surprised with much of the ending and sadly that did let the book down a bit for me. However, please don't let this put you off!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and crime novels so it is definitely getting harder and harder to surprise me. Sadly, for this reason I would normally deduct a star from a book for not having the shock factor and for falling flat but IU enjoyed the storyline too much to lose a whole star for this so I will just deduct half a star. The good news is that although I wasn't shocked and the ending did fall a bit flat to me I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more books by this promising author!! In fact as soon as I have finished writing this up I am off to add his and the rest of his brothers Cole Baxter books to my wish list. I have already read Cole Baxter's 'The Perfect Suitor' and you can tell that they are related as they both have the same fantastic imaginations and writing talents! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
This may be the first book I have read by this amazing author but if all his books have fantastic storyline like this I cannot wait to get stuck into them and I have added all his previous books to my wish list already and look forward to what he comes out with next!!
The characters are realistic, strong and each have their own unique personalities. However, I must admit that I actually wasn't a huge fan of half of them!! I would normally deduct a star from a book for this but I don't believe it should lose a whole star so it just loses half a star) On the other hand, I normally wouldn't be able to finish a book if I didn't like the characters but due to me loving the actual storyline so much I still managed to read it and still enjoy it regardless of the character dislike which is very rare for me!! Just because I wasn't a fan of the characters it does not mean that other readers wont click with them but for me I just couldn't, unfortunately. Madelyne was one of the main characters and so help me I don't think I have EVER wanted to slap a fictional character so badly in my life!! i mean OPEN YOUR EYES WOMAN!!!! Regardless of what happened in the storyline, as a Mum myself I will never understand anyone who doesn't listen to their children when it comes to their partners. Instead of taking any of Connie's concerns seriously or trying to work out why she feels like that Madelyne just keeps banging on how wonderful George is and how hard he is trying and blah, Blah, BLAH!!! Seriously woman get a grip!!! On the other hand I really liked Damon who is hard working, devoted to his daughter, hot and just really sweet as well!! OK he is jealous of George but he doesn't bang out about him as much as Madelyne does!! OK sorry Madelyne dissing over just ARGGHHH that woman!! Anyway, yes Damon, he is an amazing father who runs his own gym, loves his old car and sadly suffers with PTSD from his army days which affected his family and is something he regrets deeply. I could not trust and did not like George from the start. there was something about his mannerisms and the way he was so insistent on certain things and the way he dictated how things should be done in his home that made me want to bang his together with M's (see didn't say her name!!). I really liked Connie was was such a mature girl for her age. She is smart, misses her Dad and trusts her instincts. She is also a strong girl who is becoming a woman and it breaks her heart that M refuses to listen to her as well as angers her. Each of the main characters are complex and have a strained relationship with at least one of the other characters and it was intriguing watching how their relationships with each other changed and developed throughout. There are two other characters that I have to give a mention and they are Damon's best friend Jason, Damon's therapist and Detective Edwards. Jason is a fantastic friend to Damon who says it has it is regardless of whether Damon will like it but will also stand by him no matter what he decides. I loved Detective Edwards to made me laugh on several occasions and I absolutely loved his attitude when it came to Mrs. Connors. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all jump out of the pages and play their parts perfectly. I am looking forward to reading more books by Theo and seeing what he comes up with next!
I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Theo really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!!
Congratulations Theo on an explosive success!!! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Theo's 'The Widow's Secret' which looks just as addictive as this one and one I'm looking forward to reading myself!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Thriller, Hard-Boiled Mystery, Crime, Domestic Suspense, Thriller & Mystery Adventures, International Mystery & Crime, Suspense Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith, Sheryl Browne, Sue Watson, K.L. Slater. Nina Manning, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
327 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.45 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it, I loved the storyline but not the ending ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStepfather #TheoBaxter #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #ZooLoosBookTours #ZooloosBT #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #Bookworm86 #Goodreads #NetGalley #KindleUnlimited
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April 20, 2023
This one was pretty repetitive. By that I mean that I was 12 chapters in and still being given the same stuff - Stepdad is awful! Why? I don't know, it's just a gut feeling. Over and over again. And you spend a lot of time on the inner dialog of the mom, who frustrated me to no end. All she could do, no matter what her daughter was telling her, is blame her ex-husband for being spiteful, jealous and damaged from his time in the military. Considering what the mom herself went through in her own childhood, you would have thought she'd have been more receptive. She spends most of her time fighting with the reality she's being shown. She would almost convince herself that her daughter and ex-husband were right and her new husband was a bad man, and then she'd flip back so she wouldn't have to upset the status quo. It was maddening. When things finally did start going, they went gangbusters. I think there are plenty of people who will enjoy this one. For me, the frustration with the mom outweighed my enjoyment.
April 1, 2023
Let me just start by saying that I'm super grateful to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for sending me this ARC
The book just wasn't for me and I couldn't get past chapter 11. The worst part is, it was a bit of a nightmare to get to that chapter.
The book starts by presenting us with Damon and Madelyne. They've divorced each other and have a daughter, Connie. Madelyne married again with George, a famous chef (apparently) and Connie just doesn't want to participate in the "happy family" thingy so her mother gets a little pushy with her.
I couldn't get past that. I can't deal with long chapters and too much drama in the beginning of the book, since I thought I was reading a thriller book. Connie starts the book by calling her stepfather a "creep" and never gives you a reason why. Damon is a little b-tch, George tries to be the "alfa male" in his household and can't control the teenage that lives under his own roof, Madelyne is people-pleaser and just goes with everything her husband wants. I mean, 71 pages and nothing suspicious happens. I can't go with the book and I won't finish it.
I bet there's people out there who loved the book and who will love it, but it isn't for me. I guess I'm a bit picky with my books so the best I can do is wish the best to the autor with the book releasing.
Always give the book a try before deciding if you like it or not.
The book just wasn't for me and I couldn't get past chapter 11. The worst part is, it was a bit of a nightmare to get to that chapter.
The book starts by presenting us with Damon and Madelyne. They've divorced each other and have a daughter, Connie. Madelyne married again with George, a famous chef (apparently) and Connie just doesn't want to participate in the "happy family" thingy so her mother gets a little pushy with her.
I couldn't get past that. I can't deal with long chapters and too much drama in the beginning of the book, since I thought I was reading a thriller book. Connie starts the book by calling her stepfather a "creep" and never gives you a reason why. Damon is a little b-tch, George tries to be the "alfa male" in his household and can't control the teenage that lives under his own roof, Madelyne is people-pleaser and just goes with everything her husband wants. I mean, 71 pages and nothing suspicious happens. I can't go with the book and I won't finish it.
I bet there's people out there who loved the book and who will love it, but it isn't for me. I guess I'm a bit picky with my books so the best I can do is wish the best to the autor with the book releasing.
Always give the book a try before deciding if you like it or not.
March 19, 2023
I received this book from Inkubator Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This statement is always true. I’m not given compensation to discuss a book and I’m not told how to rate a book. I am given a book in exchange for my opinions on it, and I am truthful in all my reviews whether I loved them or not.
I got through the first 4 chapters, barely. It was very repetitive. The basics are this couple is divorced and their 16 year old daughter thinks her stepfather is a creep and doesn't like him. The mother is overly pushy about her daughter, Connie, spending time with her new husband, George. This is repeated more than several times, how she deserves to be happy and her daughter needs to spend time with George and trying to ground her for NOT doing so.
The main character, Damon, Connie's father, is dragged in the middle between his ex-wife, Madelyne, and Connie, They are constantly bickering about George and how Connie is 16 and can make her own opinions. There is barely any dialogue, just descriptions of dialogues and what happened in the past. There is no substantive depth to this book.
Connie is presented as a teenage rebel but acts like a three year old having a temper tantrum, Damon is presented as the protective, angry father, who can't control his temper, Madelyne is presented as the selfish, forceful mother who is only concerned about her own happiness and George, not her daughter's feelings. George is represented as the stepfather who is at his wits end and he says "Your daughter doesn’t respect me, and I’m the head of the family now.” No, dude, you aren't "head of the house now" IT IS A TWO PERSON ADULT HOUSE and no one is "head" of anything. And for Madelyne to bow down to that makes her a weak character, demeaning women, to bow down as subordinates to their partners. All she can do is downgrade her daughter and get mad at her because some dude claimed he's "head of the house now." and he's not happy. Nuh uh, not for me, I'm done. I actually found that degrading and almost even put the book down at that point.
The repetitiveness of the first four chapters was enough for me to finally put the book down. I can't even count how many times Madelyne felt sorry for herself and George, not caring about her own flesh and blood. and how many times it was mentioned that Damon and Madelyne fight all the time. It got exhausting and I was disinterested by this point. There was no real plot, just 4 people arguing the whole time and describing how mad they all were at each other with no stable foundation or plot. In fact, this book felt as unstable as the shaky characters and lack of plot that had no depth and no connection to the readers.
I got through the first 4 chapters, barely. It was very repetitive. The basics are this couple is divorced and their 16 year old daughter thinks her stepfather is a creep and doesn't like him. The mother is overly pushy about her daughter, Connie, spending time with her new husband, George. This is repeated more than several times, how she deserves to be happy and her daughter needs to spend time with George and trying to ground her for NOT doing so.
The main character, Damon, Connie's father, is dragged in the middle between his ex-wife, Madelyne, and Connie, They are constantly bickering about George and how Connie is 16 and can make her own opinions. There is barely any dialogue, just descriptions of dialogues and what happened in the past. There is no substantive depth to this book.
Connie is presented as a teenage rebel but acts like a three year old having a temper tantrum, Damon is presented as the protective, angry father, who can't control his temper, Madelyne is presented as the selfish, forceful mother who is only concerned about her own happiness and George, not her daughter's feelings. George is represented as the stepfather who is at his wits end and he says "Your daughter doesn’t respect me, and I’m the head of the family now.” No, dude, you aren't "head of the house now" IT IS A TWO PERSON ADULT HOUSE and no one is "head" of anything. And for Madelyne to bow down to that makes her a weak character, demeaning women, to bow down as subordinates to their partners. All she can do is downgrade her daughter and get mad at her because some dude claimed he's "head of the house now." and he's not happy. Nuh uh, not for me, I'm done. I actually found that degrading and almost even put the book down at that point.
The repetitiveness of the first four chapters was enough for me to finally put the book down. I can't even count how many times Madelyne felt sorry for herself and George, not caring about her own flesh and blood. and how many times it was mentioned that Damon and Madelyne fight all the time. It got exhausting and I was disinterested by this point. There was no real plot, just 4 people arguing the whole time and describing how mad they all were at each other with no stable foundation or plot. In fact, this book felt as unstable as the shaky characters and lack of plot that had no depth and no connection to the readers.
April 3, 2023
After a painful divorce, Madelyne finds love with George, a successful restaurant owner with a charming veneer. Their marriage seems perfect except for one thing: her daughter Connie has taken a strong dislike to her new husband.
Sixteen and smart, Connie knows something is deeply wrong with her stepfather. His behaviour towards her mother is often manipulative and she suspects he’s cheating. The only person she can turn to is her real father, Damon.
Afflicted by PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and facing financial ruin, Damon has every reason to hate his ex-wife, but he still carries a torch for her and wants to help.
But when Connie hatches a plot to expose George's true nature, she stumbles instead on a truth that's a thousand times more horrifying than anything she could have imagined.
Now Connie and Madelyne are in mortal danger. And Damon is the only one who can save them.
Really enjoyed this story. Will recommend to others.
Sixteen and smart, Connie knows something is deeply wrong with her stepfather. His behaviour towards her mother is often manipulative and she suspects he’s cheating. The only person she can turn to is her real father, Damon.
Afflicted by PTSD from his time in Afghanistan and facing financial ruin, Damon has every reason to hate his ex-wife, but he still carries a torch for her and wants to help.
But when Connie hatches a plot to expose George's true nature, she stumbles instead on a truth that's a thousand times more horrifying than anything she could have imagined.
Now Connie and Madelyne are in mortal danger. And Damon is the only one who can save them.
Really enjoyed this story. Will recommend to others.
March 15, 2023
This book just didnt grab me. I found the dialogs basically non existant as all the action seems to take place in the heads of the various characters, each taking turns in chapters to narrate the story. The problem i have with it is that 90% of the book is described in the form of a thought process…”he really felt worried and decided right there and then to consult someone”. …”she is thinking she will definitely talk to him about his behavior….” And on and on without ever reading the actual dialog or discussion that should follow. The story (or i should say, peoples thoughts..are very réplétive and the story unfolds very very slowly.
March 27, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book so much, but to be honest, if it wasn't for the fact that I got the advance copy in exchange for a review, I wouldn't have finished it. The writing style came off as extremely juvenile to me. There were unnecessary details in some chapters and in others, stuff that should have been there seemed to be missing. It was difficult to get past the first few chapters. I stuck with it to see what was going to happen, and this could have been an awesome book, but for me, it just wasn't.
I wanted to like this book so much, but to be honest, if it wasn't for the fact that I got the advance copy in exchange for a review, I wouldn't have finished it. The writing style came off as extremely juvenile to me. There were unnecessary details in some chapters and in others, stuff that should have been there seemed to be missing. It was difficult to get past the first few chapters. I stuck with it to see what was going to happen, and this could have been an awesome book, but for me, it just wasn't.
July 28, 2023
Honestly I must be in a reading slump. I DNF’d this at 82%! I know! Why not just finish? It’s because I hated every character. Especially Madelyne. Could there be a dumber woman on earth? Plus massive inner thoughts, doubts and repetition from both Madelyne and her husband Damon. Ugh! As soon as I figured out what was going on with the stepfather George, I ditched the book. Mystery solved and I don’t care what happens to any of them.
April 20, 2023
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I only was able to get about halfway thing and I just could not finish it. The main character, Madelyne, complained about her ex husband over and over again that I just couldn't take it. Also, I felt like I was reading a bad romance book. I was looking forward to this one but really disappointed.
April 22, 2023
There were really only a few major plot points to this story and it just took too long to get them. I felt most of the book was just the main characters arguing, and it was pretty annoying. Overall, I felt like there were good ideas here, just not executed to my liking. I'd be willing to read future books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this eARC.
March 26, 2023
Everything about this book was intriguing. It is a fascinating thriller including several unexpected twists. The writing was strong, and the characters were well-developed. I highly recommend!
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review.
April 26, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stepfather' by Theo Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Inkubator Books and Theo Baxter.
Publication date 13th April 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Damon and Madelyne. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Stepfather' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Theo discusses domestic violence and abuse and PTSD.
This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The storyline, title and cover really fit the storyline. to create an absolutely addictive storyline that had me hooked from the gripping first chapter to the absolutely shocking ending!!!
Madelyne and Damon were married for 20 years but unfortunately their relationship fell apart when Damon relists back into the army and comes back a different man. They end up having a divorce and Madelyne later marries George who is a successful restaurant owner. In the middle of all of this is Connie who is Madelyne and Damon's teenage daughter. Connie lives with Madelyne and George the majority of time but does get to spend some weekends and holidays with her father Damon. Damon and Connie both dislike and distrust George intensely and Connie thinks he is a creep from the start and wants to spend more time with her father and move ion with him. Madelyne thinks Damon is being jealous and Connie is just upset at Madelyne for leaving her father. Who is right and who is wrong? Is George the loving and caring man who just wants to be a good stepfather to Connie as Madelyne thinks or is he the creep and un-trustable man that Damon and Connie thinks he is? You will just have to pick up your copy to find out!! This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that I devoured in one sitting. It is ram packed with suspense, tension, mystery, family, secrets and everything that you could ask for in a page turner!! Theo's evocative writing skills sucks the reader deep into the storyline from the first page to the last ensuring the reader is feeling, hearing and seeing everything that is going on around them. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails on several occasions throughout this book. This book is definitely a rollercoaster ride which starts with the build up to the top of the ride and then once it releases you into the action it is full speed ahead!! This is one of those books that I was glued to and each time I told myself just the one more chapter something would happen to make sure there was no way I could put it down and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in several hours! I cant say I was surprised with much of the ending and sadly that did let the book down a bit for me. However, please don't let this put you off!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and crime novels so it is definitely getting harder and harder to surprise me. Sadly, for this reason I would normally deduct a star from a book for not having the shock factor and for falling flat but IU enjoyed the storyline too much to lose a whole star for this so I will just deduct half a star. The good news is that although I wasn't shocked and the ending did fall a bit flat to me I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more books by this promising author!! In fact as soon as I have finished writing this up I am off to add his and the rest of his brothers Cole Baxter books to my wish list. I have already read Cole Baxter's 'The Perfect Suitor' and you can tell that they are related as they both have the same fantastic imaginations and writing talents! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
This may be the first book I have read by this amazing author but if all his books have fantastic storyline like this I cannot wait to get stuck into them and I have added all his previous books to my wish list already and look forward to what he comes out with next!!
The characters are realistic, strong and each have their own unique personalities. However, I must admit that I actually wasn't a huge fan of half of them!! I would normally deduct a star from a book for this but I don't believe it should lose a whole star so it just loses half a star) On the other hand, I normally wouldn't be able to finish a book if I didn't like the characters but due to me loving the actual storyline so much I still managed to read it and still enjoy it regardless of the character dislike which is very rare for me!! Just because I wasn't a fan of the characters it does not mean that other readers wont click with them but for me I just couldn't, unfortunately. Madelyne was one of the main characters and so help me I don't think I have EVER wanted to slap a fictional character so badly in my life!! i mean OPEN YOUR EYES WOMAN!!!! Regardless of what happened in the storyline, as a Mum myself I will never understand anyone who doesn't listen to their children when it comes to their partners. Instead of taking any of Connie's concerns seriously or trying to work out why she feels like that Madelyne just keeps banging on how wonderful George is and how hard he is trying and blah, Blah, BLAH!!! Seriously woman get a grip!!! On the other hand I really liked Damon who is hard working, devoted to his daughter, hot and just really sweet as well!! OK he is jealous of George but he doesn't bang out about him as much as Madelyne does!! OK sorry Madelyne dissing over just ARGGHHH that woman!! Anyway, yes Damon, he is an amazing father who runs his own gym, loves his old car and sadly suffers with PTSD from his army days which affected his family and is something he regrets deeply. I could not trust and did not like George from the start. there was something about his mannerisms and the way he was so insistent on certain things and the way he dictated how things should be done in his home that made me want to bang his together with M's (see didn't say her name!!). I really liked Connie was was such a mature girl for her age. She is smart, misses her Dad and trusts her instincts. She is also a strong girl who is becoming a woman and it breaks her heart that M refuses to listen to her as well as angers her. Each of the main characters are complex and have a strained relationship with at least one of the other characters and it was intriguing watching how their relationships with each other changed and developed throughout. There are two other characters that I have to give a mention and they are Damon's best friend Jason, Damon's therapist and Detective Edwards. Jason is a fantastic friend to Damon who says it has it is regardless of whether Damon will like it but will also stand by him no matter what he decides. I loved Detective Edwards to made me laugh on several occasions and I absolutely loved his attitude when it came to Mrs. Connors. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all jump out of the pages and play their parts perfectly. I am looking forward to reading more books by Theo and seeing what he comes up with next!
I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Theo really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!!
Congratulations Theo on an explosive success!!! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Theo's 'The Widow's Secret' which looks just as addictive as this one and one I'm looking forward to reading myself!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Thriller, Hard-Boiled Mystery, Crime, Domestic Suspense, Thriller & Mystery Adventures, International Mystery & Crime, Suspense Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith, Sheryl Browne, Sue Watson, K.L. Slater. Nina Manning, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
327 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.45 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it, I loved the storyline but not the ending ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'The Stepfather' by Theo Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Inkubator Books and Theo Baxter.
Publication date 13th April 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Damon and Madelyne. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Stepfather' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Theo discusses domestic violence and abuse and PTSD.
This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The storyline, title and cover really fit the storyline. to create an absolutely addictive storyline that had me hooked from the gripping first chapter to the absolutely shocking ending!!!
Madelyne and Damon were married for 20 years but unfortunately their relationship fell apart when Damon relists back into the army and comes back a different man. They end up having a divorce and Madelyne later marries George who is a successful restaurant owner. In the middle of all of this is Connie who is Madelyne and Damon's teenage daughter. Connie lives with Madelyne and George the majority of time but does get to spend some weekends and holidays with her father Damon. Damon and Connie both dislike and distrust George intensely and Connie thinks he is a creep from the start and wants to spend more time with her father and move ion with him. Madelyne thinks Damon is being jealous and Connie is just upset at Madelyne for leaving her father. Who is right and who is wrong? Is George the loving and caring man who just wants to be a good stepfather to Connie as Madelyne thinks or is he the creep and un-trustable man that Damon and Connie thinks he is? You will just have to pick up your copy to find out!! This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that I devoured in one sitting. It is ram packed with suspense, tension, mystery, family, secrets and everything that you could ask for in a page turner!! Theo's evocative writing skills sucks the reader deep into the storyline from the first page to the last ensuring the reader is feeling, hearing and seeing everything that is going on around them. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails on several occasions throughout this book. This book is definitely a rollercoaster ride which starts with the build up to the top of the ride and then once it releases you into the action it is full speed ahead!! This is one of those books that I was glued to and each time I told myself just the one more chapter something would happen to make sure there was no way I could put it down and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in several hours! I cant say I was surprised with much of the ending and sadly that did let the book down a bit for me. However, please don't let this put you off!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and crime novels so it is definitely getting harder and harder to surprise me. Sadly, for this reason I would normally deduct a star from a book for not having the shock factor and for falling flat but IU enjoyed the storyline too much to lose a whole star for this so I will just deduct half a star. The good news is that although I wasn't shocked and the ending did fall a bit flat to me I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more books by this promising author!! In fact as soon as I have finished writing this up I am off to add his and the rest of his brothers Cole Baxter books to my wish list. I have already read Cole Baxter's 'The Perfect Suitor' and you can tell that they are related as they both have the same fantastic imaginations and writing talents! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
This may be the first book I have read by this amazing author but if all his books have fantastic storyline like this I cannot wait to get stuck into them and I have added all his previous books to my wish list already and look forward to what he comes out with next!!
The characters are realistic, strong and each have their own unique personalities. However, I must admit that I actually wasn't a huge fan of half of them!! I would normally deduct a star from a book for this but I don't believe it should lose a whole star so it just loses half a star) On the other hand, I normally wouldn't be able to finish a book if I didn't like the characters but due to me loving the actual storyline so much I still managed to read it and still enjoy it regardless of the character dislike which is very rare for me!! Just because I wasn't a fan of the characters it does not mean that other readers wont click with them but for me I just couldn't, unfortunately. Madelyne was one of the main characters and so help me I don't think I have EVER wanted to slap a fictional character so badly in my life!! i mean OPEN YOUR EYES WOMAN!!!! Regardless of what happened in the storyline, as a Mum myself I will never understand anyone who doesn't listen to their children when it comes to their partners. Instead of taking any of Connie's concerns seriously or trying to work out why she feels like that Madelyne just keeps banging on how wonderful George is and how hard he is trying and blah, Blah, BLAH!!! Seriously woman get a grip!!! On the other hand I really liked Damon who is hard working, devoted to his daughter, hot and just really sweet as well!! OK he is jealous of George but he doesn't bang out about him as much as Madelyne does!! OK sorry Madelyne dissing over just ARGGHHH that woman!! Anyway, yes Damon, he is an amazing father who runs his own gym, loves his old car and sadly suffers with PTSD from his army days which affected his family and is something he regrets deeply. I could not trust and did not like George from the start. there was something about his mannerisms and the way he was so insistent on certain things and the way he dictated how things should be done in his home that made me want to bang his together with M's (see didn't say her name!!). I really liked Connie was was such a mature girl for her age. She is smart, misses her Dad and trusts her instincts. She is also a strong girl who is becoming a woman and it breaks her heart that M refuses to listen to her as well as angers her. Each of the main characters are complex and have a strained relationship with at least one of the other characters and it was intriguing watching how their relationships with each other changed and developed throughout. There are two other characters that I have to give a mention and they are Damon's best friend Jason, Damon's therapist and Detective Edwards. Jason is a fantastic friend to Damon who says it has it is regardless of whether Damon will like it but will also stand by him no matter what he decides. I loved Detective Edwards to made me laugh on several occasions and I absolutely loved his attitude when it came to Mrs. Connors. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all jump out of the pages and play their parts perfectly. I am looking forward to reading more books by Theo and seeing what he comes up with next!
I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Theo really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!!
Congratulations Theo on an explosive success!!! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Theo's 'The Widow's Secret' which looks just as addictive as this one and one I'm looking forward to reading myself!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Thriller, Hard-Boiled Mystery, Crime, Domestic Suspense, Thriller & Mystery Adventures, International Mystery & Crime, Suspense Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith, Sheryl Browne, Sue Watson, K.L. Slater. Nina Manning, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
327 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.45 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it, I loved the storyline but not the ending ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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April 26, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stepfather' by Theo Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Inkubator Books and Theo Baxter.
Publication date 13th April 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Damon and Madelyne. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Stepfather' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Theo discusses domestic violence and abuse and PTSD.
This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The storyline, title and cover really fit the storyline. to create an absolutely addictive storyline that had me hooked from the gripping first chapter to the absolutely shocking ending!!!
Madelyne and Damon were married for 20 years but unfortunately their relationship fell apart when Damon relists back into the army and comes back a different man. They end up having a divorce and Madelyne later marries George who is a successful restaurant owner. In the middle of all of this is Connie who is Madelyne and Damon's teenage daughter. Connie lives with Madelyne and George the majority of time but does get to spend some weekends and holidays with her father Damon. Damon and Connie both dislike and distrust George intensely and Connie thinks he is a creep from the start and wants to spend more time with her father and move ion with him. Madelyne thinks Damon is being jealous and Connie is just upset at Madelyne for leaving her father. Who is right and who is wrong? Is George the loving and caring man who just wants to be a good stepfather to Connie as Madelyne thinks or is he the creep and un-trustable man that Damon and Connie thinks he is? You will just have to pick up your copy to find out!! This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that I devoured in one sitting. It is ram packed with suspense, tension, mystery, family, secrets and everything that you could ask for in a page turner!! Theo's evocative writing skills sucks the reader deep into the storyline from the first page to the last ensuring the reader is feeling, hearing and seeing everything that is going on around them. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails on several occasions throughout this book. This book is definitely a rollercoaster ride which starts with the build up to the top of the ride and then once it releases you into the action it is full speed ahead!! This is one of those books that I was glued to and each time I told myself just the one more chapter something would happen to make sure there was no way I could put it down and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in several hours! I cant say I was surprised with much of the ending and sadly that did let the book down a bit for me. However, please don't let this put you off!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and crime novels so it is definitely getting harder and harder to surprise me. Sadly, for this reason I would normally deduct a star from a book for not having the shock factor and for falling flat but IU enjoyed the storyline too much to lose a whole star for this so I will just deduct half a star. The good news is that although I wasn't shocked and the ending did fall a bit flat to me I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more books by this promising author!! In fact as soon as I have finished writing this up I am off to add his and the rest of his brothers Cole Baxter books to my wish list. I have already read Cole Baxter's 'The Perfect Suitor' and you can tell that they are related as they both have the same fantastic imaginations and writing talents! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
This may be the first book I have read by this amazing author but if all his books have fantastic storyline like this I cannot wait to get stuck into them and I have added all his previous books to my wish list already and look forward to what he comes out with next!!
The characters are realistic, strong and each have their own unique personalities. However, I must admit that I actually wasn't a huge fan of half of them!! I would normally deduct a star from a book for this but I don't believe it should lose a whole star so it just loses half a star) On the other hand, I normally wouldn't be able to finish a book if I didn't like the characters but due to me loving the actual storyline so much I still managed to read it and still enjoy it regardless of the character dislike which is very rare for me!! Just because I wasn't a fan of the characters it does not mean that other readers wont click with them but for me I just couldn't, unfortunately. Madelyne was one of the main characters and so help me I don't think I have EVER wanted to slap a fictional character so badly in my life!! i mean OPEN YOUR EYES WOMAN!!!! Regardless of what happened in the storyline, as a Mum myself I will never understand anyone who doesn't listen to their children when it comes to their partners. Instead of taking any of Connie's concerns seriously or trying to work out why she feels like that Madelyne just keeps banging on how wonderful George is and how hard he is trying and blah, Blah, BLAH!!! Seriously woman get a grip!!! On the other hand I really liked Damon who is hard working, devoted to his daughter, hot and just really sweet as well!! OK he is jealous of George but he doesn't bang out about him as much as Madelyne does!! OK sorry Madelyne dissing over just ARGGHHH that woman!! Anyway, yes Damon, he is an amazing father who runs his own gym, loves his old car and sadly suffers with PTSD from his army days which affected his family and is something he regrets deeply. I could not trust and did not like George from the start. there was something about his mannerisms and the way he was so insistent on certain things and the way he dictated how things should be done in his home that made me want to bang his together with M's (see didn't say her name!!). I really liked Connie was was such a mature girl for her age. She is smart, misses her Dad and trusts her instincts. She is also a strong girl who is becoming a woman and it breaks her heart that M refuses to listen to her as well as angers her. Each of the main characters are complex and have a strained relationship with at least one of the other characters and it was intriguing watching how their relationships with each other changed and developed throughout. There are two other characters that I have to give a mention and they are Damon's best friend Jason, Damon's therapist and Detective Edwards. Jason is a fantastic friend to Damon who says it has it is regardless of whether Damon will like it but will also stand by him no matter what he decides. I loved Detective Edwards to made me laugh on several occasions and I absolutely loved his attitude when it came to Mrs. Connors. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all jump out of the pages and play their parts perfectly. I am looking forward to reading more books by Theo and seeing what he comes up with next!
I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Theo really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!!
Congratulations Theo on an explosive success!!! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Theo's 'The Widow's Secret' which looks just as addictive as this one and one I'm looking forward to reading myself!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Thriller, Hard-Boiled Mystery, Crime, Domestic Suspense, Thriller & Mystery Adventures, International Mystery & Crime, Suspense Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith, Sheryl Browne, Sue Watson, K.L. Slater. Nina Manning, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
327 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.45 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it, I loved the storyline but not the ending ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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Review for 'The Stepfather' by Theo Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Inkubator Books and Theo Baxter.
Publication date 13th April 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Damon and Madelyne. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Stepfather' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Theo discusses domestic violence and abuse and PTSD.
This book is an extremely well written book by this amazing author which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The storyline, title and cover really fit the storyline. to create an absolutely addictive storyline that had me hooked from the gripping first chapter to the absolutely shocking ending!!!
Madelyne and Damon were married for 20 years but unfortunately their relationship fell apart when Damon relists back into the army and comes back a different man. They end up having a divorce and Madelyne later marries George who is a successful restaurant owner. In the middle of all of this is Connie who is Madelyne and Damon's teenage daughter. Connie lives with Madelyne and George the majority of time but does get to spend some weekends and holidays with her father Damon. Damon and Connie both dislike and distrust George intensely and Connie thinks he is a creep from the start and wants to spend more time with her father and move ion with him. Madelyne thinks Damon is being jealous and Connie is just upset at Madelyne for leaving her father. Who is right and who is wrong? Is George the loving and caring man who just wants to be a good stepfather to Connie as Madelyne thinks or is he the creep and un-trustable man that Damon and Connie thinks he is? You will just have to pick up your copy to find out!! This book is a fast paced psychological thriller that I devoured in one sitting. It is ram packed with suspense, tension, mystery, family, secrets and everything that you could ask for in a page turner!! Theo's evocative writing skills sucks the reader deep into the storyline from the first page to the last ensuring the reader is feeling, hearing and seeing everything that is going on around them. I was on the edge of my seat and biting my nails on several occasions throughout this book. This book is definitely a rollercoaster ride which starts with the build up to the top of the ride and then once it releases you into the action it is full speed ahead!! This is one of those books that I was glued to and each time I told myself just the one more chapter something would happen to make sure there was no way I could put it down and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in several hours! I cant say I was surprised with much of the ending and sadly that did let the book down a bit for me. However, please don't let this put you off!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and crime novels so it is definitely getting harder and harder to surprise me. Sadly, for this reason I would normally deduct a star from a book for not having the shock factor and for falling flat but IU enjoyed the storyline too much to lose a whole star for this so I will just deduct half a star. The good news is that although I wasn't shocked and the ending did fall a bit flat to me I still really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more books by this promising author!! In fact as soon as I have finished writing this up I am off to add his and the rest of his brothers Cole Baxter books to my wish list. I have already read Cole Baxter's 'The Perfect Suitor' and you can tell that they are related as they both have the same fantastic imaginations and writing talents! I can't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so if you want to know you'll have to grab yourself a copy!! You won't regret it!!
This may be the first book I have read by this amazing author but if all his books have fantastic storyline like this I cannot wait to get stuck into them and I have added all his previous books to my wish list already and look forward to what he comes out with next!!
The characters are realistic, strong and each have their own unique personalities. However, I must admit that I actually wasn't a huge fan of half of them!! I would normally deduct a star from a book for this but I don't believe it should lose a whole star so it just loses half a star) On the other hand, I normally wouldn't be able to finish a book if I didn't like the characters but due to me loving the actual storyline so much I still managed to read it and still enjoy it regardless of the character dislike which is very rare for me!! Just because I wasn't a fan of the characters it does not mean that other readers wont click with them but for me I just couldn't, unfortunately. Madelyne was one of the main characters and so help me I don't think I have EVER wanted to slap a fictional character so badly in my life!! i mean OPEN YOUR EYES WOMAN!!!! Regardless of what happened in the storyline, as a Mum myself I will never understand anyone who doesn't listen to their children when it comes to their partners. Instead of taking any of Connie's concerns seriously or trying to work out why she feels like that Madelyne just keeps banging on how wonderful George is and how hard he is trying and blah, Blah, BLAH!!! Seriously woman get a grip!!! On the other hand I really liked Damon who is hard working, devoted to his daughter, hot and just really sweet as well!! OK he is jealous of George but he doesn't bang out about him as much as Madelyne does!! OK sorry Madelyne dissing over just ARGGHHH that woman!! Anyway, yes Damon, he is an amazing father who runs his own gym, loves his old car and sadly suffers with PTSD from his army days which affected his family and is something he regrets deeply. I could not trust and did not like George from the start. there was something about his mannerisms and the way he was so insistent on certain things and the way he dictated how things should be done in his home that made me want to bang his together with M's (see didn't say her name!!). I really liked Connie was was such a mature girl for her age. She is smart, misses her Dad and trusts her instincts. She is also a strong girl who is becoming a woman and it breaks her heart that M refuses to listen to her as well as angers her. Each of the main characters are complex and have a strained relationship with at least one of the other characters and it was intriguing watching how their relationships with each other changed and developed throughout. There are two other characters that I have to give a mention and they are Damon's best friend Jason, Damon's therapist and Detective Edwards. Jason is a fantastic friend to Damon who says it has it is regardless of whether Damon will like it but will also stand by him no matter what he decides. I loved Detective Edwards to made me laugh on several occasions and I absolutely loved his attitude when it came to Mrs. Connors. Regardless of whether you love or hate the characters they all jump out of the pages and play their parts perfectly. I am looking forward to reading more books by Theo and seeing what he comes up with next!
I won't go into more details as I don't want to risk giving anything away but Theo really has done an amazing job constructing an addictive and explosive psychological thriller with fantastic and varied characters that you just won't be able to put down!!
Congratulations Theo on an explosive success!!! Welcome to my favourite author club!! Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!
Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Theo's 'The Widow's Secret' which looks just as addictive as this one and one I'm looking forward to reading myself!
Overall an absolutely page turning, addictive, gripping and explosive must read that will keep you addicted from the very start to the fantastic ending!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Domestic Thriller, Hard-Boiled Mystery, Crime, Domestic Suspense, Thriller & Mystery Adventures, International Mystery & Crime, Suspense Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Psychological Literary Fiction, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction, Women's Psychological Thriller, Domestic Fiction, Crime, Thriller & Mystery Adventures and Mystery amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors, fans of Miranda Smith, Sheryl Browne, Sue Watson, K.L. Slater. Nina Manning, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!
327 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.45 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it, I loved the storyline but not the ending ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStepfather #TheoBaxter #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #ZooLoosBookTours #ZooloosBT #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #Bookworm86 #Goodreads #NetGalley #KindleUnlimited
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June 6, 2025
To sum this book in one sentence, "Drama show", but not the bad kind, really. I believe this book is basically more like watching a drama thriller show. I liked every moment reading I,t as it basically got me out of a possible reading slump.
I read the book from the author's "Psychological Thriller Box Set". Now let's dive deeper into the book to justify why I liked it.
The Damon character is a great dad. My favorite part about Damon as a dad is how hard he was trying his best to be a good dad despite everything he went through for his teenage daughter, Coonie. Being her shield and protecting her, knowing it would get him in trouble, was so brave of him, and to me, he was worthy of the name "Father". A small thing to note, the sense of humor his friends have (which the author was so successful in adding at the right moment, breaking the ice) was funny and nice, exactly what to be expected from friends.
The mother, Madynle. I wasn't a fan of her character, nonetheless, I had sympathy towards her learning her story as I went into the story. Finally, the Stepdad, I sort of figured out who he really was halfway through the story.
In the end, this book was smooth for those love drama and thriller shows, as I mentioned I may have figured the story while reading the book but to me it was worth it, I liked the sense of humor the author offered along with how he concluded the book and closed the ending with the daughter's "Coonie" POV, personally I saw it as a great way to end the book so no arguments there.
I loved how the author focused on something people barely notice, the idea of how our younger selves affect our older selves. We barely learned how to manage and get out of the circle that was drawn for us and build a whole new one. Reading this book pointed out to me the importance of therapy; the effects that we thought were left behind for good never really left. It was only covered in dust until they triggered, and there they are, all ready to take control. So yeah, the past does shape us, but we still have the choice to either let it control us or live and learn from it.
Would I read the remaining books for Theo Baxter? YEP I would!!
Would I recommend it to anyone? Definitely, it was easy and everyone would enjoy it to break a reading slump and jump back to their thriller and mystery TBR list.
I read the book from the author's "Psychological Thriller Box Set". Now let's dive deeper into the book to justify why I liked it.
The Damon character is a great dad. My favorite part about Damon as a dad is how hard he was trying his best to be a good dad despite everything he went through for his teenage daughter, Coonie. Being her shield and protecting her, knowing it would get him in trouble, was so brave of him, and to me, he was worthy of the name "Father". A small thing to note, the sense of humor his friends have (which the author was so successful in adding at the right moment, breaking the ice) was funny and nice, exactly what to be expected from friends.
The mother, Madynle. I wasn't a fan of her character, nonetheless, I had sympathy towards her learning her story as I went into the story. Finally, the Stepdad, I sort of figured out who he really was halfway through the story.
In the end, this book was smooth for those love drama and thriller shows, as I mentioned I may have figured the story while reading the book but to me it was worth it, I liked the sense of humor the author offered along with how he concluded the book and closed the ending with the daughter's "Coonie" POV, personally I saw it as a great way to end the book so no arguments there.
I loved how the author focused on something people barely notice, the idea of how our younger selves affect our older selves. We barely learned how to manage and get out of the circle that was drawn for us and build a whole new one. Reading this book pointed out to me the importance of therapy; the effects that we thought were left behind for good never really left. It was only covered in dust until they triggered, and there they are, all ready to take control. So yeah, the past does shape us, but we still have the choice to either let it control us or live and learn from it.
Would I read the remaining books for Theo Baxter? YEP I would!!
Would I recommend it to anyone? Definitely, it was easy and everyone would enjoy it to break a reading slump and jump back to their thriller and mystery TBR list.
April 25, 2023
A twisted thriller full of secrets and lies!
I’ve watched movies that shared the same title so I was convinced I knew where this one was headed. Boy was I wrong! Theo Baxter has taken “The Stepfather” to an entirely different level! George is a stepfather on steroids! I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down. So many lies and secrets are slowly revealed. They keep the suspense at full throttle!
Connie has a new stepfather she doesn’t trust. She can’t put her finger on it but there is something shifty about him. She can’t even bring herself to call him George. She addresses him as Mr. Elway. George’s patience is running out. He’s tired of the teenager antics and tension in the household. Connie’s mother—Madelyne—is trying to run interference and refuses to see any fault with George so Connie vows to expose George for the scumbag he is.
The author created flawed and complicated characters with detailed backgrounds. Connie was dealing with the difficulties of being a teenager, her parent’s divorce, her father’s absence while he served in Afghanistan, moving out of her childhood home, and her mother’s marriage to a man she didn’t like. A lot for a teenager to process. Even with her snarky attitude, I liked her. And her father—Damon—was doing a good job of trying to be a better person and I enjoyed the easy banter they shared.
Madelyne was a different story. I wanted to slap her most of the time. She was so quick to find fault with everything Damon did while she overlooked George’s bad behavior. It didn’t take long to agree with Connie about George. But I imagined him as a completely different type of sleazeball.
The author did a great job of creating an outstanding and unexpected conclusion! Kudos to Mr. Baxter.
Thanks to the publisher and author this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#TheStepfather #TheoBaxter #ZooLoosBookTours #Inkubatorbooks #giftedARC #honestreview
I’ve watched movies that shared the same title so I was convinced I knew where this one was headed. Boy was I wrong! Theo Baxter has taken “The Stepfather” to an entirely different level! George is a stepfather on steroids! I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down. So many lies and secrets are slowly revealed. They keep the suspense at full throttle!
Connie has a new stepfather she doesn’t trust. She can’t put her finger on it but there is something shifty about him. She can’t even bring herself to call him George. She addresses him as Mr. Elway. George’s patience is running out. He’s tired of the teenager antics and tension in the household. Connie’s mother—Madelyne—is trying to run interference and refuses to see any fault with George so Connie vows to expose George for the scumbag he is.
The author created flawed and complicated characters with detailed backgrounds. Connie was dealing with the difficulties of being a teenager, her parent’s divorce, her father’s absence while he served in Afghanistan, moving out of her childhood home, and her mother’s marriage to a man she didn’t like. A lot for a teenager to process. Even with her snarky attitude, I liked her. And her father—Damon—was doing a good job of trying to be a better person and I enjoyed the easy banter they shared.
Madelyne was a different story. I wanted to slap her most of the time. She was so quick to find fault with everything Damon did while she overlooked George’s bad behavior. It didn’t take long to agree with Connie about George. But I imagined him as a completely different type of sleazeball.
The author did a great job of creating an outstanding and unexpected conclusion! Kudos to Mr. Baxter.
Thanks to the publisher and author this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#TheStepfather #TheoBaxter #ZooLoosBookTours #Inkubatorbooks #giftedARC #honestreview
April 28, 2023
This was unputdownable. From the first page to the last it was action all the way.
Damon is a man with problems. He destroyed his family by signing up for another tour in Afghanistan. He also destroyed his mental health. After the break up of his marriage to Madelyne Damon is trying to get his life back on track. He is seeing a therapist, he owns a gym teaching teenagers and women how to protect themselves. Basically he is a good guy with anger issues and a liking for alcohol. Connie, his sixteen year old daughter, is the only bright spot in his life. He would die to protect Connie. Maybe he’ll have to.
Madelyne has remarried a rich and successful restaurant owner, George and is deeply in love with him. Connie loathes George, she suspects that he is not who he pretends to be. Madelyne just wants a quiet and happy family life but what lengths will she go to and how often will she turn a blind eye to make sure that happens. Madelyne is actually very irritating in the way she allows herself to be manipulated and bullied by George but as the book progresses the reader understands there is a reason for her behaving the way she does. When the chips are down Madelyne does show a surprising inner strength.
I loved the build up as George is revealed for the person he truly is and the only person who can’t see it is Madelyne. When will the scales fall from her eyes and what will happen when they do?
Damon is a man with problems. He destroyed his family by signing up for another tour in Afghanistan. He also destroyed his mental health. After the break up of his marriage to Madelyne Damon is trying to get his life back on track. He is seeing a therapist, he owns a gym teaching teenagers and women how to protect themselves. Basically he is a good guy with anger issues and a liking for alcohol. Connie, his sixteen year old daughter, is the only bright spot in his life. He would die to protect Connie. Maybe he’ll have to.
Madelyne has remarried a rich and successful restaurant owner, George and is deeply in love with him. Connie loathes George, she suspects that he is not who he pretends to be. Madelyne just wants a quiet and happy family life but what lengths will she go to and how often will she turn a blind eye to make sure that happens. Madelyne is actually very irritating in the way she allows herself to be manipulated and bullied by George but as the book progresses the reader understands there is a reason for her behaving the way she does. When the chips are down Madelyne does show a surprising inner strength.
I loved the build up as George is revealed for the person he truly is and the only person who can’t see it is Madelyne. When will the scales fall from her eyes and what will happen when they do?
May 8, 2023
George is Connie's stepfather, but there's she's got a bad feeling about him. But when she tries to explain to her mother, Madelyne, it's thought she's just being a stroppy teenager and acting out. Connie's father, Damon, a man with more than a few demons of his own, backs his daughter even though she doesn't have any concrete evidence to support her feelings.
Is George the perfect gent that Madelyne thinks he is? Or is he hiding something dark from his past? In an attempt to find out the truth, Connie witnesses something that put her life in danger and in doing so, also endangers her parents.
Will George get his comeuppance? Will Damon keep his daughter safe and also save his ex-wife?
I did enjoy this, and liked the twist at the end, although there were times when I wanted to give Madelyne a good shake and stop her being so blind to George's flaws.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Is George the perfect gent that Madelyne thinks he is? Or is he hiding something dark from his past? In an attempt to find out the truth, Connie witnesses something that put her life in danger and in doing so, also endangers her parents.
Will George get his comeuppance? Will Damon keep his daughter safe and also save his ex-wife?
I did enjoy this, and liked the twist at the end, although there were times when I wanted to give Madelyne a good shake and stop her being so blind to George's flaws.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2023
I really enjoyed the layout of this and the character development. The author gives you a full introduction to Damon, Madelyne, Connie and George. You get a full insight into the divorce, therapy and you start to see the layers of manipulation form with the topic of sending Connie to boarding school. From any broken up family or separation accepting anyone ‘step’ related can be a challenge. It’s extremely fast paced and impossible to put down as you face the challenging behaviour of ‘getting along’ and being a parent. The layers start to form even deeper and the twists and turns develop into this becoming a gripping psychological thriller.
If you love a book with a hidden secret then you’ll love this. What would you do if you was Connie? Told in multiple characters perspective you get hooked on what to believe and feel the frustration, torment and confusion on all characters parts. Will Damon be the knight in shining armour and protect his daughter and ex-wife?
If you love a book with a hidden secret then you’ll love this. What would you do if you was Connie? Told in multiple characters perspective you get hooked on what to believe and feel the frustration, torment and confusion on all characters parts. Will Damon be the knight in shining armour and protect his daughter and ex-wife?
April 27, 2023
Although I felt the book to be a tad too long and slow leading up to the main plot of the book I still enjoyed it. It was a believable storyline with characters that made you really feel the emotions and the roller coaster of what was going on.
I certainly did feel some type of way about Madelyne and how she was acting in a good portion of the book and was glad when she changed by the ending. Damon and his daughter Connie had a good relationship which blossomed and helped pushed the plot forward which was a nice bonus. George was a well written character that provoked emotion and some really omg what is happening moments.
If you enjoy this author definitely give this one a go! My rating is only due to how long the book was and how I felt it took awhile to get the main storyline going.
I certainly did feel some type of way about Madelyne and how she was acting in a good portion of the book and was glad when she changed by the ending. Damon and his daughter Connie had a good relationship which blossomed and helped pushed the plot forward which was a nice bonus. George was a well written character that provoked emotion and some really omg what is happening moments.
If you enjoy this author definitely give this one a go! My rating is only due to how long the book was and how I felt it took awhile to get the main storyline going.
May 4, 2023
This book will drive you absolutely mad, but you'll be hooked at the same time! You'll be so mad at Madelyne, but then you'll be on her side! It's quite a wild ride. I truly enjoyed reading this book - especially the second half.
The inner dialog made this book feel too much at times, because then characters were constantly arguing with themselves and repeating the same thing. Despite that, it provided us doubt about who to trust in the story, between Madelyne and Damon - whose reality was real? Was Connie making stuff up or was George really bad? The confusion had my mind spinning in circles!
The author's first book really got me interested in his work and looking forward to his next book!
I'm so grateful for Inkubator books for providing me a copy of this in order to give an honest review.
The inner dialog made this book feel too much at times, because then characters were constantly arguing with themselves and repeating the same thing. Despite that, it provided us doubt about who to trust in the story, between Madelyne and Damon - whose reality was real? Was Connie making stuff up or was George really bad? The confusion had my mind spinning in circles!
The author's first book really got me interested in his work and looking forward to his next book!
I'm so grateful for Inkubator books for providing me a copy of this in order to give an honest review.
February 25, 2025
This book will drive you absolutely mad, but you'll be hooked at the same time! You'll be so mad at Madelyne, but then you'll be on her side! It's quite a wild ride. I truly enjoyed reading this book - especially the second half.
The inner dialog made this book feel too much at times, because then characters were constantly arguing with themselves and repeating the same thing. Despite that, it provided us doubt about who to trust in the story, between Madelyne and Damon - whose reality was real? Was Connie making stuff up or was George really bad? The confusion had my mind spinning in circles!
The author's first book really got me interested in his work and looking forward to his next book!
I'm so grateful for Inkubator books for providing me a copy of this in order to give an honest review.
The inner dialog made this book feel too much at times, because then characters were constantly arguing with themselves and repeating the same thing. Despite that, it provided us doubt about who to trust in the story, between Madelyne and Damon - whose reality was real? Was Connie making stuff up or was George really bad? The confusion had my mind spinning in circles!
The author's first book really got me interested in his work and looking forward to his next book!
I'm so grateful for Inkubator books for providing me a copy of this in order to give an honest review.
February 20, 2024
This story couldn't be more straightforward and predictable (sometimes that’s not a bad thing for a change, is it?).
Many of us have seen the infamous stepfather movies and their remakes so with a title like The Stepfather, is a synopsis even necessary here?
Each chapter was a perspective from one of the characters, except for George and it would have been interesting to read from his side (I mean why not since the story was so calculable). Midway through I was hoping and pretty sure there was going to be some twist but nope, nada.
In conclusion, there were no twists and turns but instead a nice happy ending. The end. 🎀
Many of us have seen the infamous stepfather movies and their remakes so with a title like The Stepfather, is a synopsis even necessary here?
Each chapter was a perspective from one of the characters, except for George and it would have been interesting to read from his side (I mean why not since the story was so calculable). Midway through I was hoping and pretty sure there was going to be some twist but nope, nada.
In conclusion, there were no twists and turns but instead a nice happy ending. The end. 🎀
June 26, 2024
In a nutshell, married couple get divorced, wife remarries but daughter and ex husband do not like her new partner at all. Are they right to be concerned? Some books are fairly short but seem to take forever to read and vice versa. This definitely falls into the first category! Endlessly going over the same things and the mother? Well the kindest thing to say about her is that she was very slow on the uptake. Sadly too many novels right now sound fantastic until you start reading them and they turn out to be just mundane but I’m sure others will enjoy this story. I was given this ARC by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2024
Madelyne divorced Damon and is now married to George. She is trying to get daughter Connie to develop relationship with George. She says she has a gut feeling about him and keeps calling him a creep and causes a rift in her relationship with her mother.
Connie keeps pointing out how poorly George is treating her mother and that he is manipulative but her mother keeps defending George. Damon also feels like there is something off with George. Connie is determined to get evidence to prove to her mother but in the process puts herself and mother in danger.
It was hard to read about how much denial Madelyne was in.
Connie keeps pointing out how poorly George is treating her mother and that he is manipulative but her mother keeps defending George. Damon also feels like there is something off with George. Connie is determined to get evidence to prove to her mother but in the process puts herself and mother in danger.
It was hard to read about how much denial Madelyne was in.
July 8, 2023
This review will contain some spoilers.
Overall it was ok, I felt like a few things were far fetched. George was very careful so I felt Iike him getting drunk was out of character since it causes people to lose control. One thing that really bothered me was the social worker. In Chicago, they are called DCFS workers, not CPS. And they wouldn't be getting involved in a custody case like that, especially if the other parent didn't press charges.
It did keep me entertained enough that I kept reading.
Overall it was ok, I felt like a few things were far fetched. George was very careful so I felt Iike him getting drunk was out of character since it causes people to lose control. One thing that really bothered me was the social worker. In Chicago, they are called DCFS workers, not CPS. And they wouldn't be getting involved in a custody case like that, especially if the other parent didn't press charges.
It did keep me entertained enough that I kept reading.
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