The Honeymoon

by Shalini Boland

It was the perfect romantic honeymoon. Until her husband disappeared.

It was supposed to be the happiest time of their lives. But for newlywed Stella, the dream honeymoon has turned into a nightmare overnight. Her perfect husband, Austin, has vanished without a trace.

Alone in Venice, Stella frantically searches for him. But as fear turns into confusion, she finds herself questioning everything she knows about the man she married. Has Austin really abandoned her, or has someone from his past finally caught up with him—the business partner he threatened to sue? The obsessive ex-girlfriend who refuses to let go? When Stella becomes convinced someone is following her, panic sets in.

As hours turn into days and clues start to unravel dark secrets, a terrified Stella can’t help but ask herself: is her husband who she thought he was at all?

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2024

About the author

Shalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).

She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.

www.shaliniboland.com

Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic honeymoon in Italy slips into a shocking nightmare…

Stella and Austin are newlyweds and off to Italy to for their honeymoon. During the first night there Austin wakes in the middle of the night. He realizes he left his credit card where they dined earlier that evening. He’s adamant it can’t wait till morning and needs to immediately return to the restaurant and hopefully retrieve his card.

And Poof! Austin is never heard from again.

Stella is of course crazed with worry. Endless searches by her, the police and eventually both sets of parents prove futile. What happened to Austin?

Told from Stella’s perspective in both a now and then timelines. The storyline flows easily and quickly. And it will keep you guessing all the way to the end!

Nope! Did not see that coming! Well played!

A perfect weekend read!
I always enjoy books by Shalini Boland and this was no exception!
Looking forward to more!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright, imagine this: Stella and Austin, the lovebirds fresh off their "I do's," are living it up in the city of canals, Venice. But wait, what's this? Austin pulls a Houdini and disappears without a trace, leaving poor Stella in a panic! So, what's a determined wife to do? She turns into a detective faster than you can say "ciao" and dives headfirst into the mystery.

Now, buckle up because this story doesn't unfold like your typical Italian opera. No sir, it's a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns as we hop between past and present, trying to piece together what in the world happened to Austin. But hey, fair warning: while the journey's scenic, it's like navigating Venice's maze-like streets—it can feel a bit slow getting to the big reveal.

And speaking of reveals, let's talk about that ending! Just when you think you've figured it all out, Boland drops a bombshell that'll leave your jaw on the gondola floor. Seriously, I'm still reeling from it, and I reckon it's gonna be stuck in my head for days to come.

So, hats off to Boland for crafting an ending that's more satisfying than a plate of homemade spaghetti. And big thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the change to review this ARC. You guys rock!

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

The plot itself was very straightforward. Missing man, grieving wife, investigation. We get a few time jumps to share anecdotes about the issues the husband is having with people in his life that could potentially result in them doing something to him.

The story, fine.. the plot, fine… but excuse me with that twist. Absolutely not. Ruined the entire book for me.


Spoilers ahead…

Proceed with caution, I am spoiling the ending of the book!!

Stop reading to save yourself (or proceed to save yourself maybe??)

You expect me to believe that the FMC not only lied to everyone around her about knowing what happened to her husband but that she also lied to herself? In her inner monologue she’s wondering where her husband is… but she literally killed him. Gaslighting even herself? Boooo, tomato tomato

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here we go, I hope you’re hungry……..for nothing 😀

[Corey Cooper · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes I read a book that has high-praise and just think I must be in the minority and it’s not for me. This is not the case here. I’m convinced the average person who rated this book highly was far too daft to understand why the twist at the end ruins everything that came before it.

It’s bad enough that the 160 pages in the middle of the book are repetitive and literally nothing of note happens. But then the premise, which is actually good, is wasted by a reveal that unravels the entire narrative of the first four-fifths of the novel.

How can we follow a character’s inner monologue throughout an entire story of her panicking because her husband is missing when she is the reason he isn’t around the entire time and she is well aware of this fact? It’s a poorly fleshed-out climax that is entirely nonsensical and borderline mindless. This is a tired, unreliable narrator trope and it’s simply dull-witted.

[Gali · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Honeymoon" by Shalini Boland is a unique psychological thriller told in dual timelines from the first-person perspective of newlywed Stella. The story alternates between past and present, before and after the honeymoon of Stella and her husband Austin.".

Stella, a dance instructor, and Austin, a successful business owner, have been together for four years before finally taking the next step and getting married. Austin appears to be the perfect husband—attentive, loving, and caring. However, their bliss is disrupted by his ex's attempts to drive a wedge between them and Austin's troubles with his business partner, adding to their stress.

After their marriage, they embark on their honeymoon in Italy, hoping to relax and leave their troubles behind. However, what was supposed to be the perfect time of their lives turns into a nightmare. On the first night of their honeymoon, Austin goes out to retrieve a credit card he forgot at a restaurant they dined at earlier and has not seen since. Stella's stress intensifies as she frantically searches for him to no avail. The plot thickens as curious tidbits emerge, and we delve deeper into the characters' lives

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. While I initially expected a typical disappearance plot, it was anything but. The suspense was expertly crafted, slowly creeping up on the reader. The author skillfully builds tension and atmosphere throughout the book. The ending was intense, keeping me on the edge of my seat, and the epilogue managed to shock me, despite suspecting some plot twists.

The story is mostly character-driven, focusing more on the traits and emotions of the characters. I found Stella likable to a certain extent. There is enough action that the reader is immediately drawn into the story with further details of past events dropped like breadcrumbs along the way. As I felt that some characters got away too easily with their actions, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. Nonetheless, I loved the book and highly recommend it to fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers with a bite.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

* Review in my Blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2024...

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venice has been referred to as “La Serenissima” since Byzantine times, but there’s nothing serene or peaceful about the Lewis’s honeymoon!

I love Boland’s ability to serve up the unexpected. The last thing one imagines doing on such a magical night is searching the canals and passageways for a loved one. Stella’s husband simply disappeared on the first night of their honeymoon after leaving the hotel to retrieve his credit card from the restaurant they’d dined at hours earlier.

I loved this pacey armchair travel to one of my favourite European cities as well as the chance to narrow down a potential suspect from a cast of untrustworthy characters. The alternating timeline allowed me to constantly change suspect focus as I learned more about Stella and Austin’s pasts. I could imagine the panic and the frustration at communicating with a police force in a foreign country, dodging the ‘I told you so’ looks from disapproving parents, the anxiety of not knowing which friends/family to trust, and the depth of guilt one would feel for not accompanying a loved one on their errand.

Boland’s complex plots and unsuspecting twists are STELLAR!

I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Emma - the life of an excited swiftie 🩷 · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF… usually love this author… really tried to make it to the end… but I just couldn’t connect with the characters or care enough about the plot. 🫣

[Gabriella Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars but really only bc I finished in a day. I feel like i’ve seen this so many times but I can’t stand it! I hate when the narrator is narrating their inner thoughts worrying wondering “where is my husband” then omg she killed him. like girl why are you gaslighting yourself I don’t know it just makes me mad.

I will say, miss maam was super valid bc if my husband was trying to link with a rando chick on OUR HONEYMOON he’s def getting stabbed and pushed into a canal with a backpack full of bricks on AT LEASTTTTTTTT

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A jaw-dropping epilogue!

I've barely dipped my toes into Shalini Boland's novels. Now, I'm eager to dive into the rest of her thrilling collection. After finishing "The Honeymoon," I can confidently say she's secured her place on my list of must-read authors.

This book is an unputdownable, exhilarating ride! Stella and Austin are in Venice for their dream honeymoon when Austin vanishes after stepping out for a quick errand. As Stella delves into the past and present to unravel the mystery, the author skillfully plants cunning clues, keeping readers on their toes. But it's the jaw-dropping epilogue that truly sets this thriller apart. If you're new to Shalini Boland's work, prepare for an unforgettable ride!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella and Austin have arrived in Venice for their picture perfect honeymoon, all is going swimmingly until Austin goes out to retrieve his credit card from the restaurant they dined in earlier…..and he never returns, there is hardly a trace of him and no one inc Stella or both sets of parents, who dash to be at her side, have a clue what has happened

The story shows us piece by piece what has indeed happened and it’s not as I had imagined

Good characters and a lovely setting of Venice and as always Dorset along with a vile ex girlfriend chomping at the bit made this an intriguing tale that you never quite knew where was leading

A robust ending and then a good full on twist at the end end made this a good story from a great author

[Erica⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella and Austin have arrived in Venice for their picture perfect honeymoon, all is going swimmingly until Austin goes out to retrieve his credit card from the restaurant they dined in earlier…..and he never returns, there is hardly a trace of him and no one including Stella or both sets of parents, who dash to be at her side, have a clue what has happened.

The story shows us piece by piece what has indeed happened and it’s not as I had imagined.

Good characters and a lovely setting of Venice and as always Dorset along with a vile ex girlfriend Keri chomping at the bit made this an intriguing tale that you never quite knew where it was leading.

[Audrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This deserves 0 stars. Saw this book recommended in a TikTok video and it was so bad I've blocked the account that posted that recommendation video. Boring, uncreative, and terrible all the way through. By far the worst book I've read in the past few years. If your twist depends on the author/narrator lying to the reader the entire time, it's a shitty twist. What an absolute waste of time reading this was.

[QHuong(BookSpy) · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5

No, no, no, no, no.

90% of the book is repetitive and dragged: Stelle kept whining about her missing newly wedded husband, she kept wandering around the city, then returned to the hotel, crying there, then she repeated the next day. Gosh... why did the author write like that? The dual timeline doesn't help, either - it adds nothing to the main story. Some characters are so boring.

10% final: Such a surprising twist. I love that twist. I love how decisive the perpetrator was.

The epilogue: I wish this epilogue never existed. Why needing this final twist? It's not cool.






Spoiler:



Stella found out Austin's infidelity, then killed Austin and threw him to the river.

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Honeymoon is one of those books that has you racing to the finish to find out what happened. I read it in less than one day as I couldn't put it down! If you've read a Shalini Boland book than you know what I'm talking about. Her books grab you and don't let go. Stella and Austin have been together for four years when they get married. They go to Venice for their honeymoon as Austin's parents own a travel company and give them the trip as their wedding gift. After having a wonderful dinner they go back to their honeymoon suite to consummate their marriage. Stella feels closer to Austin than she ever has and the night of making love was the best yet.

When Stella wakes up her back feels cold and Austin is not in bed with her. She's so tired and groggy, but she sees Austin dressed and getting ready to go out. Stella asks him to come back to bed, but he tells her the restaurant called and found his credit card on the table. He's going to walk back to the restaurant to get his card, find a store to buy a phone charger, and then he'll be back. Stella tells him to wait until the morning, but Austin is dressed and ready to go. He tells her to get some sleep and he'll be right back. Stella offers to go, but he can see how tired she is so he tells her to stay and rest.

Stella can't sleep once Austin is gone and waits for him to return. The problem is Austin doesn't come back. Stella doesn't know what to do when time goes by and he's still not back. Where could Austin be? Did something happen to him? Should she call the police? She goes down to the lobby and tells the people working the desk what has happened. They tell her to wait until morning as a lot of travelers go and get drinks before coming back. Stella is very worried and knows something must have happened to Austin. Stella can't sit still and decides to walk to the restaurant to see if Austin is still there. It's 1 a.m. but some restaurants are open late. When she gets there the restaurant is dark, but she knocks on the door and yells for them to let her in. The owner is in bed above the restaurant and comes down as he recognizes Stella from dinner. He tells Stella that Austin did come and get his credit card but has no idea where he went after that.

On her way back to the hotel after checking a store that sold phone chargers, Stella realizes that her life has taken a turn. What should've been the happiest time of her life has now become a nightmare! She calls the police and reports her husband as missing. She calls Austin's parents to let them know what's happened and they tell her they're going to fly in later that day. They're terrified that something has happened to their son. What happened to Austin? Will he be found? Did he run away to avoid business problems? Why would he leave Stella on their honeymoon? Stella feels like she's being followed as she searches for Austin. Is Stella in danger? Are Austin's business decisions coming back to haunt them? The Honeymoon is a fantastic thriller with several twists you won't see coming! I rate The Honeymoon 4 stars with a high recommendation. The Honeymoon is available on June 13 and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of The Honeymoon in exchange for a fair review. #TheHoneymoon

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I have lifted my jaw off the floor to The Honeymoon which is Shalini Boland’s latest thriller , I can proceed with my review. Wow!!!! What a book!!!! Stella and Austin get married and go on their honeymoon to Italy. This is told in different POV’s - before the marriage and during the honeymoon. All I can say is that Shalini knows how to tell an awesome story. The ending and the epilogue (EACH ONE IS A SHOCK!) have me literally speechless! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. This is Shalini’s best book yet. To be published June 13, 2024.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the author could have written this without having the narrator lying to us the whole time. If you killed your husband you wouldn’t be running frantically through the streets talking about how scared you are for him and how much you miss him in your inner monologue to the readers. I would have liked how it ended and the small twists, including the epilogue but why completely misrepresent the first 90% of the book. I did find it completely boring until the last 10%. It’s just a woman and her family looking for her missing husband the ENTIRE book.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newly weds Stella and Lewis Austin on honeymoon in Venice, and Austin goes missing, so what's the story behind his disappearance?
As this story unfolds with loads of twists and turns, the story is mind blowing from start to finish keeping you thinking I have got this then suddenly you haven't but you just have to carry on reading.
This author is so clever in her work every single book is different and I enjoy every single one.
Five big ones from me leaving me hungry for the next one.

[Abbey Cerone · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was slated as a book where you couldn’t guess what was going to happen, on the edge of your seat, etc.

Without a doubt the most boring book I’ve ever read. Wasn’t invested, wasn’t on the edge of my seat, “twist” was lame and hardly shocking.

[Nicole Safady · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely nothing in this was believable.

[Kessa Leavitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the most thrilling or captivating book I’ve ever read, but the epilogue I was not expecting!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWZA!! I can't believe I have been over here living my life without reading a book by Shalini Boland. Not only is The Honeymoon action packed, the twists at the end are mind blowing! 🤯 I suppose some readers will be able to figure out one of the twists, but it shocked me, and I didn't see it coming. This reminded me (just a little bit) of The Last Thing He Told Me along with another book I read in the past and can't remember the name of, but the similarities only go so far, and that jaw-dropping ending is all Boland.

I listened to this one on audio and I was a huge fan of Clare Corbett. She made Stella's panic so palpable that I felt like I was right there with her, and the tension jumped off the pages thanks to her narration along with Boland's engaging writing style. I felt pretty ambivalent about the characters in The Honeymoon, and while I didn't hate them, I didn't love them either. Though I did like Stella the most. Read this if you enjoy bookish roller coaster rides, vanishing husbands, and dual timelines.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I’m in a bit of a reading funk, that “want to read but also don’t want to” kind of mood. If I weren’t feeling this way, I probably would’ve finished this book in about two days. That said, once I got into it, I didn’t want to put it down. While I couldn’t give it a full 5 stars (I kept comparing it to my other 5-star reads, and it didn’t quite measure up), I was still impressed. I didn’t see the plot twist coming at all, and when everything was revealed, the plan and all the details, I was hooked. It’s an easy, engaging read and the perfect way to kick off 2025!

[Diane OLeary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella and Austin are in Venice on their honeymoon when Austin mysteriously disappears. There are two timelines in this story, before the wedding and the present time with Austin's disappearance. Problems existed prior to the wedding - Stella's father did not like Austin, Austin had business problems with his partner, Bart, and Keri, Austin's ex girlfriend, did not want to let go of him. I very much enjoyed the twists and turns this tale took me on and the powerful ending was both unexpected and fantastic.

[Ashley Basile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow! This book completely hooked me from start to finish! I had no problem following the two timelines—they were well-written, both flowing seamlessly without ever dragging. It was easy to stay engaged, and let me tell you, the twists were phenomenal! Every time I thought I had things figured out, there was another surprise waiting. Such a fantastic read!

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Stella has found her other half. She couldn't be happier. Everything is perfect..... until their honeymoon.
On the first day, Austin leaves his credit card at a restaurant. He goes back to get it and never returns.
With the help of his parents and hers, they embark on a quest to find him.

My Thoughts

Wow. I have always loved how Boland writes a twist, but this one threw me for a loop. It was so beyond my expectations that as soon as I finished this book, I had to restart it. Looking to see if I missed something. I was so sure the author had messed up somehow. She had to have changed the ending in the last hours and forgotten what she had already written. I was wrong. So wrong. This was written amazingly, with every word perfectly placed and stated.

This story is told through Stella's POV, both past and present. Then and now. The then tells the story of their engagement and the days leading up to the wedding. The signs that were missed by both Stella and the reader. Now is after Austin is missing, and the investigation that ensues.

I did this as an audiobook. I loved the narrator, Clare Corbett. She perfectly captured the voice and emotion of the characters she portrays. I've always loved her as a narrator and was happy that she was the voice of this tale. She brought an excellent addition to the novel.

All the players of this tale are easy to like and emphasize with. I wanted to hug Stella and help her find her husband. I felt the guilt of her parents, as they tried to be there for their daughter even though they never approved of Austin. I sympathize with Austin's parents, who were just worried about their son and hoping for him to be found alive.

Brilliantly well done. I loved every decibel. ♥️

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stella and Austin are on their honeymoon in Italy. On their first night, Austin realizes he left his credit card at the restaurant. Stella insists he wait till morning but he is adamant to go get it then go to buy a phone charger. Austin never returns back to the hotel room. Stella goes to the restaurant where the owners tell her he did come back for his card. She ends up calling the police. From there she goes looking for him and putting up fliers. Stella calls Austin’s parents a couple days later and they come to Italy. After some days she calls her parents who arrive too. Surprisingly Bart, Austin’s business partner, also arrives in Italy. Bart is accused and being sued by Austin for stealing money from their business. Bart came to Italy believing Austin is pretending to be missing. He tells Stella that it was Austin who was stealing money from the business. Stella also finds out from a friend that Austin was talking to an Italian woman named Serafina on a dating app and was supposed to meet her that night.

Stella and her parents were ready to go home to the UK when the police show up to tell them they found a body in the canal. It was Austin’s.

The twists and ending
Stella found out from Austin’s ex Keri that Austin was cheating on Stella with Keri and he was meeting women on dating sites. Austin chose Italy as the honeymoon so he can meet Serafina there. Stella puts on a wig and disguise to follow Austin the night he went to get his credit card and meet Serafina. In the alleyway, Austin realizes it’s Stella disguised and followed him . She confronts him about his cheating and tells him she pretended to be Serafina. Austin keeps lying. Stella ends up stabbing him in his side with a knife and putting a weighted backpack on him then pushing him in the canal.
Jake, Stella’s next door neighbor and the boy who’s always loved her, was following her in Italy and saw everything. He took pictures and video but doesn’t turn her in or tell anyone because he loves her and wants a chance with her.

The story was told from alternating times: THEN, when Stella and Austin met to the wedding. NOW, when they’re on their honeymoon in Italy and Austin is missing

This story was a slow burn. Though it wasn’t a long book, it took me awhile to read because I feel like it dragged and wasn’t exciting. The story was more about secrets than suspense. The twists came at the end and was surprising.

Publishing: June 13, 2024

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer Publishing

[Andrea Pole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Honeymoon by Shalini Boland is an absolute roller coaster of a read from beginning to end.

Stella is madly in love with her new husband Austin and is thrilled to be spending their honeymoon in romantic Venice. But when Austin goes missing, Stella finds herself in a desperate search that will yield more questions than answers. Just how well does she really know the man that she has vowed to love forever?

In my book, Shalini Boland can do no wrong as an author, and she proves herself once again with this bingeable and completely engrossing thriller. Just when you think you have it all sussed out, stop and think again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read one other book from this author that I enjoyed so I was excited to try something else from her. It ended up being just ok for me. So much of the story was just Stella wandering around looking for her missing husband and I felt like not a lot really happened. Even the flashback chapters didn’t have much in the way of plot development. I didn’t really care for the “twist” of an unreliable narrator, but the final twist in the epilogue was a little more fun, if predictable

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another thrilling and engaging story from Shalini Boland!

Stella is in Italy on her honeymoon with Austin when Austin disappears. It appears several people have ill will toward him including his business partner, Bart. Bart claims Austin has been stealing funds from their joint business account; something Austin adamantly denies leading to him to sue Bart.

Another person holding bad feelings toward Austin is his ex-girlfriend who is still furious and jealous that he’s moved on, going so far as showing up drunk to Stella and Austin’s engagement party.

Then there’s the mysterious Seraphina; a woman Austin was talking to through a dating app which is how he met Stella.

As the clock ticks down, questions swirl around Austin’s disappearance. Did he go on the run with some of the money from stole from his business with Bart? Did his ex-girlfriend follow him to Italy to show just how betrayed she felt? Or has he skipped out on his new bride to track down Seraphina?

Told in two lines, leading up the wedding and during the honeymoon, I was hooked and glued the whole time! This was a four star read for me meaning I absolutely believe thriller and Boland fans alike will be excited to check this out!