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The Couple on Holiday

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A luxury island. A dangerous secret. A honeymoon to die for...

I’m on a beautiful private island with my handsome new husband, Owen Turner , and my life couldn’t be more perfect. Standing on the balcony of our gorgeous villa, I gaze out at the turquoise sea and drink in the white-sand beach and palm trees. I can’t imagine anything bad could ever happen here…

I turn to clink glasses with Owen. His mysterious brown eyes and strong arms fill my heart with happiness. When we met, it was love at first sight and, after a whirlwind six-month romance, we married. I’m determined to fill our vacation with special memories of late-night swims and champagne breakfasts.

But one night Owen and I have our first argument. I yell at him for drinking too much and he accuses me of flirting with another man. I’m distraught and, the next morning, I wake up early and go for a walk along the cliff-tops to clear my head.

As I climb down the sandy steps to the lagoon, my heart hammers in my chest when I see a trail of blood spots.

At the bottom of the cliff is the body of a woman… who looks just like me.

Does someone want me dead? Can I really trust my new husband? And will I make it off this luxury island alive?

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2023

576 people are currently reading
497 people want to read

About the author

Mikayla Davids

12 books270 followers

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5 stars
303 (26%)
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290 (25%)
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134 (11%)
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49 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Nicola Hancock.
521 reviews7 followers
May 26, 2023
Another engaging prologue as it creates the setting and the intro to the knowledge of a couple on their honeymoon in the Caribbean but an instant moment where your heart feels as though it’s in your throat being launched back to one week before.

Told by Sienna, Owen and the killers perspectives you can’t help being eager to discover the link from the start. I was so impatient to know Owen’s history too. The author does an incredible job at letting you know there’s hidden pasts and secrets to be revealed. The only thing I didn’t enjoy that much was ‘but how well do we know each other’. Apart from this I couldn’t believe the build up of murders and was so captivated on the who would I trust questions constantly. I just needed the answers and that’s why this was such a fast paced read for me.

I really adored the vast amount of characters and had such a soft spot for Molly. I thought it was slightly predictable but the author creates a bit of a cluedo vibe on who it could and this was incredible. It’s brilliant how an island can be created so beautiful and magical but turn so sour and dark. I’m intrigued to spend some time on a place such as oyster island, I can only wish. One day. I wonder if the author will continue the story I need to know what happens with two particular characters if they cross paths again.
10 reviews
July 5, 2023
Now I don't like to bad mouth a book, this is someone's livelihood after all, but I just didn't like this one bit. I thought it was poorly written and unmoving. I didn't particularly feel one way or another for any of the characters and this was partly down to the uninspiring narrative and poorly constructed character development. The story itself had a good premise if only it had been executed in a more imaginative way. I found myself getting bored part way through and finding it a slog to get through the last few chapters. This wasn't the pacy psychological thriller I had been expecting from the reviews, there simply wasn't the tension or element of surprise there to keep me enthralled, it all became rather predictable and disinteresting quite early on but I persevered in hope which led to more disappointment that I had been mistaken in my optimism that this book would get better the more I read.
Profile Image for Nic Lynch.
158 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2023
OMG!!! WOW! I could not tear myself away from this incredible book. It has a brilliantly fast paced, and captivating storyline, packed with excellent twists. From the very first page I was engrossed and read it every minute I could.

Set on a luxurious island, the story revolves around Sienna and her newly wed husband Owen. Following their whirlwind romance, they are holidaying at Sienna's parents' island resort After a night of heated arguments a body is shockingly found on the beach, a body that looks eerily like Sienna!!!! They are miles from anywhere, on a secluded island......the killer must still be among them!

The suspense is superbly built. The author cleverly weaved in many suspicions on various characters, and planted plenty of red herrings.

I also love how descriptive the book is. Davids really captured the essence of the island in her writing. I was taken to a magical island with palm trees, crystal clears waters and stunning white sand, I wish I could have stayed a while!

The relationship between Owen and Sienna is very clearly crafted, illustrating the dynamics between a working class man meeting a rich heiress and the challenges that brings. The complexities of their relationship are exposed through the course of the book. I particularly loved the bond between Sienna and Molly, it gave an insight into Sienna's character and why she can come across a bit naive.

I believe whole heartedly in the brilliance of this novel, it is an excellent piece of writing and I fully recommend it to anyone and everyone. A fantastic read.
Profile Image for Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books.
1,012 reviews51 followers
August 15, 2024
*rounded up from 3.5 stars*

I don’t know if I’m just becoming attuned to Mikayla Davis’s writing, but I figured out most of the twists coming in this one. It was enjoyable, and I truly enjoyed listening to it on audio. The cast pulled me in, and even though I knew what was coming, kept me hooked. I honestly enjoyed it more than I would have just reading the ebook I think! Still a good thriller, and a fairly quick listen!

When you are the only daughter of a mega rich businessman, you have expectations and expectations placed on you. So when you run off and elope with the gardener, it doesn’t tend to go over well with family. After a disastrous meeting with her family, they take off to the private island where they met. But they aren’t alone. When a storm comes and bodies start dropping, it is clear someone on the island is a murderer. How well does she truly know her new husband?

Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for books_with_sass.
399 reviews30 followers
June 6, 2023
Sienna and Owen are spending time on her family's private island after secretly getting married. No one is happy about this arrangement, since Owen used to be the gardner on Oyster Island and they haven't known each other very long. They're planning on getting to know each other better while alone on the island for a few months, but then Leo and Hazel show up and all their plans change. Leo works for Sienna's father, and she's unsure what his real reason is for being on the island, and Hazel is the girlfriend that Sienna didn't know he had. After a night of drinking, Sienna and Owen have a fight, and everything turns to chaos when a storm hits the island.

This was a good private island mystery. There are a lot of suspects, including Owen and Leo, who happens to be Sienna's ex. Is Leo a killer, trying to frame Owen so he can get her back? What's Owen's secret, and would he actually kill someone? But the suspects don't stop there. There's Jed, a somewhat disgruntled employee who doesn't seem too happy that Owen went from being the help to the man of the house. Unlikely suspects are Joseph and Molly, who have basically raised Sienna but Joseph isn't happy about being on the island. Who is out to get Sienna? And why?

There were multiple points of view throughout the novel, switching mainly from Sienna to Owen, with a few splashes of commentary from the Killer. Both POVs were told through first-person, and sometimes when I would pick the book back up I wouldn't remember whose view I was reading from (although it does tell you at the beginning of each chapter, so it's not too confusing).

All in all, a good secluded island whodunit. The characters were well-developed, there were numerous red herrings, and an ending to die for.
Profile Image for Jasmine Garcia.
95 reviews8 followers
May 29, 2023
The Couple on Holiday is another FANTASTIC psychological thriller written by the amazing Mikalya Davids.

I really loved the premise of the book. Imagine yourself being on your honeymoon, you get into a fight with your husband (that you married after a six-month romance), and someone who looks just like you ends up dead. And did I mention you're stuck on a secluded island during a major storm with someone who is out to get you?

Mikayla Davids never fails to amaze me with the twists and turns that she includes in her novels. Out of the three novels and one short story she has available currently, I would vote this one as my favorite. The atmosphere and tone of the story were tense and kept me on the edge of my seat as I got immersed deeper and deeper into the story, which I love in a psychological thriller.

I love that Mikayla Davids writes her stories in a way that any one of the characters can be the villain, and the plot will literally keep you guessing until the final reveal in the last 20 or so pages of the book. The books are short enough to not feel dragged out but long enough to provide the perfect amount of detail that you need in order to get a scope of all characters, their backgrounds, and their motive and opportunities to commit the crime.

This is a MUST-READ psychological thriller, especially if you're looking for some summer vibes with a side of murder.

Mikayla Davids is the queen of summer AND winter psychological thrillers.
Profile Image for Mike Swain.
11 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2023
The best one yet from Mikayla Davids. The premise hooks you in right from the start, and the sunny and tropical setting contrasting with the constant twists, turns and mystery meant I couldn’t put the book down! Definitely recommended for fans of authors such as Lucy Foley and Shari Lapena.
Profile Image for Krystle Krystlesbookclub.
502 reviews14 followers
July 29, 2024
I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to this one over a few days. I enjoyed the back and forth POV from Owen and Sienna. Keeping the killer secret but giving the occasionally chapter with their POV added intrigue and mystery.
Unfortunately, I was pretty sure who the killer was early on, but it was a good listen none the less. Molly was easily my favorite character, just wholesome and kind. I didn't care much for the main characters Owen or Sienna. I found Leo annoying from the start, and that never changed.

The whirlwind love story of an unlikely couple from 2 different worlds. Sienna is left wondering if everyone is right, how well does she really know her husband... while trying to figure that out, she is faced with reasons to not trust anyone on this secluded island that used to be her safe space.

A twists in the end chapter revealed during a conversation between Sienna and her mother, I was confused when this wasn't revealed earlier as it felt obvious so I'm glad all the loose ends were tied in a nice bow.
Profile Image for Stacey.
643 reviews14 followers
August 7, 2024
I went back and forth between the audio book and the kindle but ultimately finished The Couple on Holiday in one sitting.

Once I started reading, I was hooked and the story moved quickly and kept me engaged.

I enjoyed the story being told from multiple points of views and the audio book did this very well.

The initial mystery was a bit farfetched, to me, but entertaining, nonetheless. When you thought the story was resolved it went off in a different direction that I most certainly did not see coming. The ending was surprising.

The characters are a mixed bag with it definitely not being clear who was telling the truth or who could be trusted. The only person I liked initially was the husband.

If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, you should definitely give this fast-paced book a try. I highly recommend both the kindle and the audio versions.
Thanks to lovebooktours for this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for callistoscalling.
989 reviews28 followers
August 6, 2024
I love it when a book opens and you can immediately see the red flags! A rushed wedding with a new husband on the arm of a mega rich heiress and living their best life on a secluded island…what could go wrong?!! But of course nothing can stay perfect on this island as the past comes to haunt them, this book is beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. The characters are full of questionable morals and so many secrets that will leave the hair on your arms raised as the story unfolds and the past slowly unfolds in the most delicious, perfectly paced story. The only certainty on this small slice of paradise is that absolutely nobody can be trusted! Gripping until the very end, wow!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Profile Image for Emma Taylor.
157 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2024
Probably a generous 3* I usually like this authors books but this just didn’t wow me. The story line had a good idea but the end result was just random and not believable.
Profile Image for Mel Mars.
149 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2024
This one was actually an audiobook for me. And now that I've gotten used to this format, thrillers are again my favourite genre to go for.
In this one, we follow a couple (and a mysterious 3rd POV), who is only just getting started as a married couple...or as a couple, really.
And husband and wife alike have secrets.
Did I like the two MCs? Yes, I did. It was nice to go back to find characters enjoyable, there are more and more books with protagonists you are not rooting for.
While I could not relate to Sienna's struggles as a rich heiress, I could definitely empathise with her with the challenges, and some events in her past must have been traumatic.
Owen was a bit more of an enigma, so I really liked his chapters.
I was definitely glad we had both POVs.

I found the plot to be more slow paced as other thrillers, so I would qualify this thriller as character-driven. And while I guessed a few things, I did enjoy the ride 😊
Profile Image for Summer Song.
348 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2023
"The Couple on Holiday" is an intriguing and captivating psychological thriller, by author Mikayla Davids! The luxurious and sumptuous island setting was very interesting to read about. The author has described the beauty of Oyster Island wonderfully. The turquoise blue of the sea, the vibrancy of the sunrise, the sound of the crashing waves and so on. These descriptions and Sienna's memories and inner thoughts allow the reader to see and understand why Oyster Island is so emotionally important to her. It is her safe place and her getaway from the dangers and difficulties of her seemingly perfect and dazzling life. We see how past events have impacted Sienna and how she sees the people around her. The characters are very well written and feel three-dimensional! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and trying to figure out who was guilty. The author's writing style is smooth, the characters feel three-dimensional and are complete with personalities, emotions, and thoughts of their own, the speed of the plot is perfect— there is never a slow or tiring moment, and the twists and turns found in this story are very well written and unpredictable! "The Couple on Holiday" is an absolute page-turner and an enthralling story which will have you reading late into the night, to see what happens next. This is a must read! There are family secrets, emotional depth, jealousy, betrayal, decades-old bitterness, and emotional volatility and conflict. There is something interesting and compelling to be found in this story for everyone. This is a psychological thriller that feels original and new. 5 stars! Mikayla Davids is a fresh voice in the psychological thriller genre. I always enjoy reading her work and can't wait to see what she writes next! I highly recommend reading "The Couple on Holiday"! Thank you very much to the author for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
Profile Image for Amanda Felton.
348 reviews19 followers
June 20, 2023
So I love me a good thriller it's one of my favorite genres I love trying to guess who done what and why. Usually I'm way off but I still have fun doing so. This book was no different I loved how descriptive the author with describing the island.
I felt like was their with them. I love how the book was told from different perspectives too but really keeps you guessing that way !!! I truly couldn't put this book down!!!! Was so good!! If you like a good thriller you need to go check out this book. Don't walk y'all run!!!
Profile Image for Amorina Carlton.
Author 2 books38 followers
August 6, 2024
If Mikayla Davids writes it, I'm going to read it - or listen to it - whichever the case may be. As per usual with a book Ms. Davids writes, I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what twist was going to affect the characters next, because nothing is ever as it seems in one of her atmospheric, chilling thrillers.

From what I've read, Ms. Davids always takes us on some kind of adventure. And she seems fond of locked-door-type mysteries, which is great because I am too. I was absolutely hooked from chapter 1 of the first book I read by her, so I was so excited to grab a copy of this one, and I wasn't the least bit disappointed.

Our illustrious author weaves complex, confusing, thrilling tales, making you question almost every character's motives throughout the story. Like a good British thriller show, where every episode shows you a character doing something suspicious, and you're left wondering if one of them is the "killer," "kidnapper," or "bad guy." Sometimes, I guess who it is halfway through a book. Ms. Davids always makes me work a little harder for it. I don't mind either way, but having a little more mystery is more enjoyable.

Like previous books of Ms. Davids, I wasn't sure if I liked most of the characters. I want to call it a love triangle, but there's more of a love square or a love pentagon. Anyway, the complicated love situation in this book fed the story and made the intrigue rise to the next level. Loyalties wavered among long-time friends, lovers, staff, and surrogate parents. New loves were questioned.

I am always just floored by how fast I speed through these books. I listen as fast as my poor little ears can handle because I NEED to know!! At least this time, I liked someone! The sweet older couple on the island, Molly and Joseph, were delightful. The MMC Owen was a breath of fresh air. I didn't trust anyone else, which is better than normal. Once, I didn't like a single character, but I still loved the book.

Who's It For?

If you’re a fan of twisty, turny domestic thrillers and locked-room-style murder mysteries full of surprises, this is a book for you. If you have read other books by Mikayla Davids and loved them, you won’t be disappointed by this one. If you love typical British thrillers - TV or book - you’ll love this!

Content Warnings: Infidelity, Betrayal, Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, Fear, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Classism
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,760 reviews140 followers
July 27, 2024
This is the second book that I've read by this author and I absolutely loved that last one and was hoping that this would be just as good - and it was!!

I was instantly drawn to the amazing cover - I'm definitely one to judge a book by it's cover 🫣 but I just can't resist! Is this wine or blood in the glasses - totally intriguing. And the bold yellow really stands out on the shelf.

In true Davids style, this one pulled me in from the start. I love the idea of malpractice whilst away from home.
This couple were on an idyllic island enjoying the start of their honeymoon, when a drunken argument ignites a little doubt as to the man that Sienna has married - this is then fuelled by the discovery of a body (who looks strangely just like her!?)

I loved the way that all the characters lives were woven together and how each one connected with things that had happened in the past - Owen being an ex-employee, Leo and Sienna's relationship and his connection to her father.
This created extra problems and put a strain on the dynamics of the group.

The setting might have been idyllic, but the atmosphere was definitely super tense throughout.

The writing was as amazing as ever and I honestly just couldn't put this down - I had doubts about everyone, I kept changing my theories as new twists developed and I had to keep going to find out if I'd actually worked it out (and of course, I hadn't!)
The ending left us satisfied with the outcome - until we hear the epilogues, which had my brain whirring again!

Davids' characters are always brilliantly thought out and presented. They're always flawed and not totally likeable, but I think this is why the books work so well. It adds that element of doubt that wouldn't be there if we loved them all!

So, definitely an auto-buy author for me now and I can't wait to see what's coming next ....
Profile Image for Charlotte Kane.
Author 26 books37 followers
July 15, 2023
4.5 stars. The author directly contacted me on my bookstagram, and offered me a copy of the book to review. Taking a quick look at the cover and the blurb I was more than happy to do so as I am a huge fan of psychological thrillers, and this sounded right up my street. I was not disappointed in this decision - it is intense from the get go and drags you straight into the story. It follows Sienna and Owen who have gotten married and are taking a honeymoon on Sienna's family island. However, it quickly turns dark when Sienna finds a dead body - who looks remarkably like her - and wonders if her husband is responsible. The book is written primarily in Owen and Sienna's POV - but there are also a few chapters from the killer which allows you to get inside their mind and why they are doing what they are doing/how they are thinking. The book is explosive and has a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming and had me on the edge of my seat. Just as I was thinking the story was coming to an end, BOOM, there would be another huge twist to the plot and I would be left with my mouth agape. I absolutely loved this story, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Kimberly Prytherch.
473 reviews16 followers
June 8, 2023
I couldn’t wait to read this one, I’ve read this author before, and the book was so so good. I struggled with the MC at first, because she’s a bit spoiled, but as the book went on, I really loved her! The characters were all so good, some you love and others you love to hate. My favorite kind! 🤣 the twists and turns really kept me on my feet, and I was gasping at who the killer was, and the motivations! The hits keep coming after the murderer is revealed, so you can’t ever relax! So much fun, I devoured it! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Vix.
559 reviews23 followers
June 12, 2023
A fast paced mystery set on a beautiful island.

I liked Molly and Joseph, and also thought Leo was well written in his slimy smugness. I loved that Sienna and Owen come from different "worlds" and were thinking about how they could navigate the future together. I would have reacted like Owen, but he had far more patience than I ever would...

Not going to lie, but Sienna annoyed me no end with her reactions and choices of who to trust - she just seemed really immature. Plus I did guess the killer early on.

Overall, a good read. Whilst it wasn't my personal favourite - I would definitely still recommend Mikayla books, especially The Christmas Party.

*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Adam.
4 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2023
The Couple on Holiday by Mikayla Davids.

I won’t say too much specifically about the story, as I can’t stand spoilers!

The author does a great job of building just enough doubt to keep you considering many characters as suspects. Enough decoys to maintain a constant level of suspense.

Recommended for anyone that enjoys phycological thrillers. I am already looking forward to the next book, which is undoubtedly on the way!
29 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2023
This book was full of surprises, and I couldn't wait to finish it and discover the culprit. It was a captivating read set entirely on a beautiful island. I felt like I got to know each character while reading. It was a truly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Donna Draper.
151 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2023
I had to give this a 5, as I read it so quickly which means it got my attention. It was a real page turner and I really enjoyed it there lots if twists and turns. It was a book club choice and I wasn't sure about it but I did love it. I would definitely recommend
Profile Image for Rosalind.
75 reviews
June 23, 2024
I am really enjoying this authors style, and I have now read several of her books. She is perfect for summer reading and for being able to really immerse yourself and metaphorically ‘hop off the planet’ for a period of time. This book is set on Oyster Island which is an exclusive privately owned island with Sienna, who is the daughter of a super wealthy business man (Derek) having gone there for her honeymoon following her whirlwind romance and initially secret marriage to Owen (who was previously employed by her family on Oyster Island as a Gardener). Owen and Sienna had not told anyone they were planning to get married and only told people afterwards. Their marriage has put a variety of peoples noses out of joint - including her parents and Leo who is one of her father’s essential and influential employees. Derek depends on Leo a lot for the running of his business and has asked Leo to look at Oyster Island’s redevelopment with a view to when he retires and to monetising Oyster Island for the exclusive tourist market of people who want to be able to rent a whole island. Sienna is not keen on this as she has many happy memories of Oyster Island and feels very free and safe there (not for long though😂!) and she does not want the Island to be ruined by Leo and Derek’s plans to change it. Leo is seen by Derek and the rest of Sienna’s family as a family friend as well as an essential and valued employee. Leo is very angry about Sienna’s relationship with Owen as he had selfish and self-serving plans on reigniting their previous relationship - despite him having treated Sienna very poorly previously. All is not as it seems and Sienna and Owen’s initially idyllic and seemingly perfect honeymoon takes a very dark turn when Astrid the new Cleaner on Oyster Island is found dead following falling (or was she pushed or did she jump?) down a cliff. The more frightening thing for Sienna is that Astrid has a remarkable physical resemblance to her and Sienna is frightened that she was the intended target of the killer. Sienna is right to be concerned as she is indeed the target of a killer who is on the island! There are a variety of characters who could be the killer between Jed - a grumpy employee who clearly resents Owen changing status from when he worked there as a gardener toto now being part of ‘the family’, through to Molly and Joseph, the lifelong almost substitute parents to Sienna who Sienna trusts implicitly. There is also a mystery Italian couple apparently somewhere on the island. who nobody seems to have seen (this isn’t really explored much), and finally Leo has turned up unexpectedly with a new girlfriend - Hazel. The weather intervenes and during a stormy night more violence occurs including a stabbing, gunshots, someone being hit on the head with a frying pan and death with revelations unfolding that come all the way back to sienna’s childhood and leave her wondering - who she can truly trust? I really enjoyed reading the story and enjoyed the way that the author wraps up the narrative at the end, and the way that she writes from the individual characters perspectives (including the killers). I would really recommend this book, particularly as a holiday read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah May Book Reviews.
449 reviews20 followers
December 3, 2023

Title: The Couple on Holiday
Author: Mikayla Davids
Pages: 266
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:
A luxury island. A dangerous secret. A honeymoon to die for...

I’m on a beautiful private island with my handsome new husband, Owen Turner , and my life couldn’t be more perfect. Standing on the balcony of our gorgeous villa, I gaze out at the turquoise sea and drink in the white-sand beach and palm trees. I can’t imagine anything bad could ever happen here…

I turn to clink glasses with Owen. His mysterious brown eyes and strong arms fill my heart with happiness. When we met, it was love at first sight and, after a whirlwind six-month romance, we married. I’m determined to fill our vacation with special memories of late-night swims and champagne breakfasts.

But one night Owen and I have our first argument. I yell at him for drinking too much and he accuses me of flirting with another man. I’m distraught and, the next morning, I wake up early and go for a walk along the cliff-tops to clear my head.

As I climb down the sandy steps to the lagoon, my heart hammers in my chest when I see a trail of blood spots. At the bottom of the cliff is the body of a woman… who looks just like me. Does someone want me dead? Can I really trust my new husband? And will I make it off this luxury island alive?

Review:
A huge thank you to the author for trusting me with another of their books!
I have read The Christmas Holiday in the past and I loved it! It was a five star read for me, so I really couldn’t refuse the kind offer of reviewing this book! The blurb instantly caught my attention, it sounded exactly like my kind of read, so I couldn’t wait to dig in.

The first thing I picked up on was the author’s descriptive writing! The vivid imagery really did make me feel as though I was also on the island. The story is told through the perspective of Sienna, Owen and the killer, I loved this as I enjoyed being in all their heads and it created the perfect guessing game.

I was instantly wary of the characters, I enjoyed the fact I was wary of them all, not knowing who to trust. Owen, I found to be an interesting character, he was quite complex but I couldn’t quite let myself believe he could be bad. As the story progressed, I literally questioned everyone’s motive, this was a really fun, who done it!

The author drip feeds you in the information throughout, so she has you constantly changing your opinions about things. The author actually managed to drop my jaw at one point too, this excited me! This was very cleverly plotted, with twists and turns right up until the very end, and Mikayla definitely delivered on an explosive ending after quite a tense build up.

I loved how tense things got, I loved the atmosphere the author created and I have to say, I quite like how she had me feeling left unnerved at the end, I didn’t quite feel like things were actually resolved and there was potential for things to kick off again! This really was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for B.S. Casey.
Author 3 books34 followers
May 15, 2023
Sienna and Owen have had a whirlwind romance - they met just a few short months ago when he took a a gardening job at her family island and now they're returning to that beautiful Island as a married couple. But how well do they really know each other?

After a night of arguing, a woman is found dead at the bottom of the cliff. A woman that looks just like Sienna. She can't help but wonder if it was meant to be her, if her new husband could have anything to do with it. Everyone has a theory, but nobody has any proof.

One thing is clear - their perfect paradise has turned into a nightmare. And until the storm rolls out, all the employees and guests on the Island are stuck there with a killer - and it's clear that they're not going to stop until they've got what they came for.

"It's still dark outside and I've got a long wait until the morning. The walls of the villa feel like they're closing in around me, and I feel weirdly claustrophobic. My slice of paradise has turned into a hellish nightmare."

An enigmatic, mysterious thriller set against a gloriously indulgent backdrop of honeymoon romance and sunny skies.

The story immediately gives us a glimpse into a paradise, showing us a picture perfect new marriage in an idyllic holiday scene only to shatter it piece by piece — giving us small little moments that break the flow of relaxation and romance and show us something darker lurking underneath but then to snap back and leave us wondering when we’ll see the full picture.

We jump between perspectives of our couple and a mysterious villain — getting to know their personalities, their flaws, their desires and most importantly their secrets. Sienna as our main narrator was delightful — a little naïve and lackadaisical at the start but her storytelling was so effortless and conversational that it had me hooked instantly. I managed to both suspect and deeply care for all of our characters, giving a deep tension that lasted throughout.

Their relationship was intriguing — a whirlwind romance, with a clear power imbalance between the rich and powerful Sienna and the working class Owen. They hardly knew each other, which just added a devilishly sharp streak to the plot as we learn about their relationship the same time they do and see the complexities that come from two people from such different worlds.

Like a summer afternoon, it moved slowly through the scenes, dripping small moments of anxiety and tension into the story until it builds into a horrific locked-room style, explosive finale — Admittedly I didn't find the reveals too shocking but I definitely enjoyed watching it unfold with a morbid delight.

A bloody, intense summer read that should definitely be in your beach bag this year, perfect for Fans of Daisy Darker and The Soulmate.
Profile Image for Georgina Power.
518 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2023
The Couple on Holiday follows Sienna and Owen who have embarked on their honeymoon after a six-month whirlwind romance that saw them eloping and rushing into marriage, during their honeymoon things take a deadly turn when Sienna’s ex and her fathers right hand man arrives at Oyster Island and suddenly Sienna is in fear for her life.

This is a very well written, fast paced and action packed read that is told from two main perspectives, that of the main characters Owen and Sienna, with the occasional few pages from the Killer. The book really does lead you down various paths before springing those shocking plot twists on you, there were numerous occasions I thought I knew the way the story would end before the author did a complete three sixty and changed the outcome of the book. I think that the plot is very well thought out and written, and the world building is great I would love my own visit to Oyster Island it sounds wonderful.

The characters are an interesting mix and I adored a few of them with my favourites being Molly and Owen, he has to be my favourite character and it was interesting to see that he was being put across as a bit of a gold digger – which is very rare for a male character to be written this way) but I loved his character and was rooting for him throughout the entire book, I am not completely sure on Sienna, I feel like her character still has more to give, as she does come across as a pampered princess with some unresolved issues, so I feel like her character could have been development a bit more, and then there is Leo, I cannot stand that guy, the author has done a great job in making me hate such a pivotal character, his attitude and behaviours just came off the page and I honestly would not have blinked twice if something bad happened to him

It is a fantastic suspenseful but intriguing and engrossing read, that I completely devoured in one sitting, although the ending has left me curious as I feel like there is more that can happen and seems like there could be a sequel! This is a book that I would recommend to fans of psychological thrillers with gorgeous settings, this is the second book by Mikayla Davids I have read, and it has not disappointed, I cannot wait for the next novel!
Profile Image for Julie (JuJu).
1,177 reviews222 followers
June 5, 2023
An enthralling thriller worthy of the breathtaking cover!

🌸🌸🌸🌸
“The Couple on Holiday” takes us to the beautiful and private Oyster Island. The perfect place for Sienna and Owen to spend their honeymoon after a short six-month romance.

“Right now, the sky is awash with beautiful deep pinks, purples and oranges. The turquoise sea contrasts beautifully and it’s like I’m looking at a painting. There’s a slight breeze and I enjoy the feel of the wind rippling in my hair as I watch a small fishing boat bobbing in the water. I sigh deeply, embracing the day.” — The Couple on Holiday by Mikayla Davids

A whirlwind romance is the smallest hurdle this couple will ride out. Sienna is the daughter of Derek Barker-Jones—a media millionaire and owner of the island. When she met Owen he was a gardener on the island. Knowing that her parents wouldn’t approve of the relationship, she kept it a secret and didn’t tell them until after they were married.

This deliciously twisted thriller is primarily shared through Sienna’s and Owen’s eyes but occasionally we get a chapter from the unknown killer. This always heightens the tension!

The final chapter comes from a character I won’t name (I don’t want to let any spoilers slip 🤐). There are some unresolved issues and I’m hoping this means the story will continue!

This is my second book by the author and I’ve enjoyed both books. I also love that her books are short. I want to jump right into the story without any wasted words and she’s great at making that happen! This story grabs you with its riveting prologue and keeps you enthralled until the final reveal. Making it worthy of its absolutely breathtaking cover art! I hope Ms. Davids is working on book two!

Sincere thanks to Love Book Tours and Mikayla Davids for inviting me on this book tour and providing this gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.

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Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,329 reviews43 followers
May 30, 2023
Owen and Sienna had returned to Oyster Island for their honeymoon. They were looking forward to nights of sea, sand and passion. Spending time getting to know each other and enjoying each other's company.

Sienna had gone to Oyster Island six months earlier as she enjoys the tranquility of the place, the sands and the sea. She can get away from everything there and she felt like her life needed to be sorted out, this will give her the thinking space she needed. Then she met Owen, he worked as a gardener there but he didn't know who she was. He thought she was just another member of staff when they got talking and then they met in secret, they kept their affair secret from others around them. Then they got married in Cuba in secret as well, her father was not pleased at all.

We were having a lovely time on our honeymoon until Leo Harrison and Hazel Fanshawe turned up. Leo is my dad’s right hand man and he sometimes forgets to switch off from business mode and just takes over. That’s what he did once he arrived and he was talking about changes to the Island, which I didn’t like the sound of so I spent more time with him than I did with Owen. He tried to talk with Hazel but she was like a prickly fish but once when I checked, they were chatting away. When we had drinks that night Owen got drunk, which was not a nice sight and was very embarrassing. We had our first argument so when I woke up in the morning I went out for a walk. I wanted to go back and make up but I didn’t. When I came to the steps down to the lagoon that Owen and I like, there was some blood, I went down a step, more blood, further down there was more and then I saw the body laying there in an unnatural shape. She was surely dead. She looks exactly like me.

Who is out to kill Sienna? Who can she trust?

This is a terrific read, full of twists and turns. Got me hooked from the start and I managed to read it in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down. It is well written with great descriptive prose. It’s told in a diary format, which is a style that I like. I found the book easy to read and will look for more books by this author.
Profile Image for Bookshortie.
863 reviews60 followers
August 11, 2024
Sienna and Owen are newlyweds and are currently on their honeymoon on Oyster Island. But their honeymoon is about to take a deadly turn.

This is the first book that I have read or listened to by the author and it was a psychological thriller I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m looking forward to discovering more books by this author.

The storyline was well plotted and filled with mystery and intrigue. The storyline is told from the perspective of three characters: Sienna, Owen and a mystery third person. After a whirlwind romance after knowing each other six months Sienna and Owen get married and choose Oyster Island as their honeymoon destination. It is an island that is owned by Sienna’s family and is one of Sienna’s favourite places. When it comes to societal hierarchy Sienna and Owen are in two very different places. Sienna is an heiress who comes from a wealthy background whereas Owen does not come from money and use to work on Oyster Island as a gardener when he met Sienna. So their marriage is one that was not only unexpected but not welcome by everyone including Sienna’s parents. Although they are both deeply in love they're both keeping secrets from each other and those secret start to surface when they are on their honeymoon. It’s clear that they don’t know as much about each other as they think and as events start to unfold they start to second guess how well they know each other especially when the first body appears.

Oyster Island sound perfect. The perfect place to escape for a honeymoon. It is secluded, quiet and there are not many people on the island but that makes finding the killer that has Sienna and Owen in their sights even more difficult to identify because they are all people well known to either Sienna or Owen. I was really intrigued by the killer’s narrative and found myself trying to work out why they were and why they were targeting the couple. There were lots of twists and turns in the story and I had a few ideas as to who the killer might be but then there was a plot twist I didn’t see coming and all my theories turned out to be wrong.

If you like psychological thrillers than this is one to add to your list.
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