Such a Loving Couple

by Hayley Smith, Candida Gubbins (Narrator)

10 hours, 2 minutes

I blink open my eyes, taking in bright lights and a white room. A man smiles warmly at me from the end of my bed. ‘Honey, I’ve been so worried,’ he says gently. ‘Do you remember me? I’m your husband.’ My blood runs cold. I don’t know where I am, or who I am. All I know is I’ve never seen this man before…

As he packs my things, the nurses tell me Freddie hasn’t left my bedside since the accident I was in days ago. They tell me I’m lucky. We seem like the perfect couple, and together we’ll figure out what happened. So I go home to a beautiful house with a fancy marble kitchen and manicured garden that is supposedly ours. But deep down I know something isn’t right. Even though my memories are gone, this doesn’t feel like my life.

Slowly, flashes of memory come back. First the accident – the pouring rain, a swerving car, a sudden scream. Somebody whispering, ‘ I’ll love you forever ’. But most heartbreaking of all are the haunting memories of a blue-eyed little girl. Is she my little girl? Was she in the accident too? Or is she in terrible danger?

Freddie is determined to keep me safe and hide me from the world. But I can’t shake the feeling that we aren’t the loving couple he wants us to be, and that beyond this house a precious child needs me now more than ever. So why am I here? What does Freddie want? And how far will I have to go, to discover the truth?

An utterly gripping and page-turning psychological thriller filled with dark secrets and deadly obsessions. Perfect for fans of The Housemaid , The Family Upstairs , and The Serial Killer’s Wife .

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

Audible Audio

First published November 8, 2023

About the author

Hayley Smith is married with three children and lived for many years in north east Derbyshire, UK, where much of her writing is set.

She has worked as a graphic designer, youth worker and musician, and is still involved in organising music festivals and gigs.

Having a penchant for all things alternative, she often dips into the counter-culture scene for writing inspiration, producing quirky rough-edged characters and dark, unpredictable twists, turns and moral dilemmas.

She now lives in an eco-community in Shropshire.

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading a raving review for this book, I was excited to request it for myself. The author was new to me, so I was hoping the book would be indeed be as good as I anticipated. It didn’t hurt that the plot centered around amnesia, as I honestly can’t get enough of the trope. Not remembering is a perfect way to keep the suspense going.

I did like the book, but didn’t love it. The pace was a bit too slow in the start of the book, but it picked up after a while. There were several POVs, and especially one of them didn’t make sense for me. Falling head over heels in love with someone the way he did, without contemplating the consequences of his choices or feeling guilt felt a bit off, I just didn’t see him as a real person. Off course there are callous people out there with those characteristics, but I didn’t get a psychopath vibe from him otherwise. My favorite POV was the main character, and it saved the book for me. Her memory struggles was described convincingly and seemed realistic.

Sometimes I felt the author was trying too hard to come up with a shocking plot, to wow the reader. But due to it feeling unrealistic it didn’t work for me.

Overall a decent psychological thriller, but not what I hoped for.

3,5 stars



Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my review

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a Loving Couple will keep you guessing! This is my first Hayley Smith thriller and I'd love to check out more of Ms. Smith's work in the future.

After an accident, Becka suffers memory loss from a traumatic head injury. She's lucky to have a loving and caring husband, Freddie who she doesn't remember by her side.

I had FOMO after seeing friends' rave reviews, I enjoyed this quick psych thriller and wish I loved it. Sadly, I guessed the big reveals although not in minor detail so there weren't any big surprises for me.

Such a Loving Couple is still a very good multi-layered psychological thriller with a terrific performance by Candida Gubbins. This is a multi POV and she's fantastic, especially as Becka as listeners can sense the urgency and danger in her tone. 3.5⭐

Thank you Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for an ALC.
Published Nov. 8, 2023
10H 2M

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Publication date ~ November 8, 2023
Page Count ~ 345 (63 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 2 minutes
Narrator ~ Candida Gubbins
POV ~ 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ 3 part story, amnesia, infidelity, secrets, lies

You can tell something is fishy right from the get go when Becka wakes up with amnesia and there's man by her bed that says he's her husband. Freddie has photographic proof so it must be true.

I do enjoy a good amnesia story and I could just feel how she was trying to piece her life together. Later on we get some chapters told by Magdalena & Toby, but I'm not going to tell you who they are, you'll have just to read it yourself to see.

This wouldn't be a domestic thriller if it didn't have infidelity, betrayal, secrets and lies. There were definitely some edge of the seat suspenseful moments that kept me fully engaged. Some twists a bit obvious and a couple that took me by surprise. Overall, I enjoyed my first experience with this author and I'll for sure read her work again.

Narration notes:
Candida did a great job of distinguishing her voices. She didn't try to be a man for Toby's chapters, which was fine since they were in the 3rd.

*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Bec (becbingesbooks) - sorry, behind with lots of catching up to do · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this domestic thriller, a woman turns up in hospital after a huge accident. Circumstances of the accident are unknown and Becka has no memory of anything before it. Her husband shows up and is ready to take her home. She does not know or recall anything about him because of her brain injury and he is not triggering any memories...

I thoroughly enjoyed this, with many twists and turns and surprises.

It started out with me thinking I was reading another Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson type (and essentially the subsequent copy of Before I Go To Sleep in Do You Remember? by Freida McFadden). However, this took an unexpected turn, ended up entirely different and was fantastic. It also kept me hooked and turning the pages.

As for my one star reduction, there were just a few too many parts where the author was spoon feeding (if I can call it that). That is, instead of letting the reader use their brain just a tiny bit, all the suspicions were spelled out too much. It did effect some of the intended shocking parts I think.

Would recommend this one to domestic thriller / psychological thriller fans! There's also some crime mystery as a side story. I would suggest going into this one without reading the synopsis.

I am grateful for my Goodreads friends who brought this title to my attention 🥰

⚠️ Please check TWs online ⚠️

Thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. This is out now! I'm a little late 🙈

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting thriller. While I will say I saw the twists coming it was still a really engrossing ride. I hadn’t read Hayley Smith before but I will definitely be checking out more of her books in the future. I listened to the audiobook and I thought the narrator did a great job bringing the main character Bekah to life (the other characters were also well done, but hers was about half the book and just spot on). It was a really slow burn in the beginning and it was also like in a horror movie where the protagonist won’t look behind them where the killer stands with the knife and you yell at the tv? I spent the first half of the book shouting at Bekah “Don’t trust this guy, please remember your past!” It was fun. Bekah was in an accident involving water and when she wakes up she initially remembers nothing. Eventually she remembers her name but nothing else before the accident comes to her. Luckily for her there is a man who has been at the hospital non-stop and the hospital staff tells her that’s her husband. Freddy takes her home but doesn’t really push for her to remember much except the early days of their relationships when they met in school. The more of Bekah’s hazy memories she does recover the more she realizes that Freddy hasn’t told her the truth about everything.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping novel that I didn't want to put down!

Becka had recently woken up in the hospital, her mind a blank slate after days in a coma. Even her own name slipped through her fingers like smoke. But in her confusion, there was Freddie, her loving husband, who never left her side during her time at the hospital. Yet, as she gazed into his face, she couldn't recall a single moment of their shared life. But he must be her husband, right? He presented the hospital with legal documents and photographs, including their wedding picture.

However, after returning home, Becka started to detect subtle differences that didn't quite fit into her forgotten world. Then, she caught Freddie in a web of lies. He even evaded her probing questions. Doubt overcame her as she pondered the unthinkable: had she made a colossal mistake by trusting this man, this stranger, who claimed to be her husband?

This book had me hooked! The author skillfully builds suspense, leaving me eagerly turning the pages. Although, the ending was a bit rushed and ended too conveniently. I would still highly recommend it to those who love psychological thrillers.

*** Thank you to NetGalley, Hayley Smith, and Bookouture Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley Smith’s carefully crafted characters shine in her complex psychological thriller, Such A Loving Couple. They emulate perfection and Smith delights in surprising us with nailbiting twists to shatter this facade, revealing cracks and allowing us a better glimpse into what’s really happening. She withholds just enough to keep me guessing about her characters’ hidden dark secrets of the past and their motivation as well as keep me speculating how they’d affect their behaviour in the present.

Smith’s plot moves in genuinely unexpected and surprising ways and she’s not afraid to delve into the depths of obsession in highlighting unhealthy relationships. She also has a tight reign on the element of surprise, giving me goosebumps and increasing my heart rate!

Smith took me on a thrill ride from start to finish. What an explosive ending!

This is my first introduction to this new author and she’s managed to work her way onto my radar for her upcoming releases in September 2024 and June 2025.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of an intriguing amnesia trope, you will devour Such a Loving Couple. Becka wakes after surviving a tragedy with no recollection of who she is and how she got there. Gradually bits and pieces of her fractured memory come together bringing more questions and uncertainty. What is true of her current reality? This thriller is gripping, suspenseful and entertaining. The narration added a layer of intensity and mystery. I am looking forward to reading more thrillers by Hayley Smith. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.

[Surajat Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright had a day to digest this one!

Me *reads mystery*
Also me *frustrated that story has secrets and is, in fact, a MYSTERY*

We start off with Becka who wakes up in hospital with memory loss after nearly drowning. Becka is in and out of consciousness and does not remember anything about the accident or who she is. Only that there is a man who says he is her husband, Freddie.

Now Freddie, it’s clear from the beginning he’s a few sandwiches short of a picnic. It’s not much of a spoiler as we get to see quite early on that Freddie is not being 100% truthful and something is off. The mystery was WHY he was saying he was her husband and what led to her accident.

Throughout the story, Becka catches Freddie out on several lies and keeps trusting him?? Girl? There are several moments she could have learned the truth. At one point all she had to bloody do was open the door to the person knocking? Like Becka PLEASE.

Without spoiling the book, I will say we are introduced to more characters and their POVs to add more to the story. There’s Magdalena, who should have really just done some self reflection and maybe a bit of counselling instead of GETTING INVOLVED IN THIS MADNESS. and then there is Toby..a real life DUMBO who gave me the ick from the very first introduction. Silly man. This all could have also been avoided if he didn’t think with his little head.

No character in this book was redeemable and none were even likeable but I loved it 😂.

I loved that we knew from the get go that Freddie was liar so we could focus on the why rather than the what. I loved the pacing…this was fast paced with short chapters. In my opinion it was an easy read for anyone wanting to get into mystery as it wasn’t too complex but still packed a punch. There’s some good action towards the end which was exciting.

Real villain of the show? THE POLICE. How on earth was Freddie able to find her and you weren’t? If he didn’t go all Michael Myers, he could have given you lessons on how to INVESTIGATE.

Star of the whole book was the stranger Jo who took ONE look at Freddie and said “yeah. He looks like a wanker” 😂 gotta love a British woman.

————————————

Review to come. All I have to say for now is everyone was a whole lot of CRAZY. and WHY does no one ever call the police on time??????

[Gali · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Such A Loving Couple" by Hayley Smith is an intense psychological thriller following the journey of a woman suffering from amnesia after an incident. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different character. The book is written in three voices, two of them in the first person and one in the third person.

The book opens with Becka, a victim of an incident. She wakes up in a hospital without any memory, any past, or any recollection of what happened before the incident. All she remembers is water and being in a car. A man named Freddie, claiming to be her husband for the last 17 years, sits by her bedside. She doesn't remember him or their life. On the surface, he seems to be the perfect husband, loving and caring, but is he who he claims to be? As flashes of memory start to come back, something seems off about the whole situation. Becka tries to piece together the dots, but it is hard to do so without a memory. The book then moves to other characters, and as the story unfolds, more and more details tantalizingly come to light.

I enjoyed the book, especially the sections with the first-person points of view. The author used such vivid descriptions that the book came to life for me. I found the exploration of the characters’ mindsets fascinating and believable. I tried to figure out what is true and what is false and came up with different speculations about it all, most of them wrong.

I liked how the three storylines looped together and complemented each other. They were well thought out and engaging. The author juggled the multiple points of view and the characters’ storylines well. The three storylines started out separately and then overlapped in interesting and surprising ways. The characterization was very good. The author dealt with the amnesia part in a very believable manner, and I could experience the situation through Becka's eyes. I liked Becka and rooted for her. I could connect with her and found myself tensing up when things would take an ominous turn.

The last section dragged a bit, but the ending more than made up for that. The author weaves an intriguing story wrapped in suspense that draws the reader in from the very beginning. The pace is just right, in most parts, and has perfectly placed breaks that allow the suspense to build up into the action. Each event was more engaging than the last, leaving the reader wanting to know more and more about Becka's story. Overall, I loved the tale and rate it 4 and a half stars, rounded up to 5 out of 5 stars. Lovers of the genre will surely enjoy the book.

* 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/2023...

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, twisty thriller they was a pretty quick easy listen!!

Enjoyed the three part novel told from Becca, Magdalena and Toby perspectives mainly. Becca has been in an accident and lost all her memory, Freddy her loving doting husband is at her bedside constantly and very involved in her recovery but she can tell he is hiding something. Magdalena has a history with Becca and Freddy, unfolds very well throughout the story. Won’t say much about Toby without giving away spoilers, he’s in the last part of the book. Definitely enjoyed! Narration was great! Easy to understand and matched characters well.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second outing with this author and even better than the first. The story is again told by pov of different characters. The audio is a nice easy lusten with well defined characters. Each is voiced to show the emotion of the.story. the story development is nonlinear full of twists and turns with the right balance of character backstory and emotion. The plot grew better as it was revealed the dialogue reflected the characters. It was well written and perfectly narrated. It seemed a much shorter listen that it was because it was do engaging. I wanted rhe memoy to cone back and was disappointed when it finally ended.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator for a solid 5 star highly recommended listen

[Alisonbookreviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Great domestic thriller. My favourite kind of thriller.
When Rebecca wakes up from a coma, she's greeted by a husband she doesn't know. Rebecca lost most of her memory when her car got washed into a river during a flood.
The nurse at the hospital verifies that Freddy is indeed her husband and she's safe to go home with him.
Nothing is making sense to Rebecca as she tries to get back to her life.
As her memory slowly starts to come back, she starts to realize that this may not be her life at all.
Good character building that builds into an unseen twist.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

How fun this read was! I'm always pleasantly surprised when a psych thriller can catch my attention instantly, keep me riveted, and throw me for a loop at the end. It was a clever and unique story that left me satisfied yet wanting more.

Amnesia, frenemies, duplicity, lies, deception, murder...it was all in there, and I lapped up every bit of it! Told in alternating timelines and perspectives, it was a cleverly crafted plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to know what would happen next.

The audio was brilliantly narrated. Great voices and energy. Terrific audiobook.

Thank you #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
#SuchALovingCouple

[Ⓢ Ⓨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becka wakes up in a hospital bed, barely able to remember her name, suffering amnesia after an accident. Her doting husband is by her side, and after a while, she returns home. As snippets of her memory starts coming back to her, things don’t quite seem right… is her marriage really as perfect as her husband is making it out to be?

Told from multiple points of view, Such A Loving Couple is a fast paced psychological thriller that will have you gripped from the start. What a page turner, I absolutely devoured this in just two sittings!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

It felt painful to try being in Becka's shoes. At first, I thought everything was perfect for her even if she lost her memory. But soon, small details start to surface. And nothing seems quite what it seems to be. And the last twist, whaaaat. Well, let's say that I'm happy all turned out well for that one character. It's the second book I read from this author and it's even better than the first I read !

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started Such A Loving Couple, I could NOT stop! Literally, I finished the audiobook in one sitting. Addictive and fast-paced, it captured my attention from the beginning. Becka wakes up in a hospital with no memory of her life, but a man claiming to be her loving husband Freddie is there, ready and waiting to dote on her. The story unfolds in an original and creative way, and I loved the author’s writing style. I am always a fan of multiple POVs. It was twist after shocking twist, the perfect psychological thriller, with a killer revenge plot. I highly recommend! And last but certainly not least, the narrator, Candida Gubbins, is fantastic!!

Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture, and the author for allowing me to listen to the audio version in exchange for this honest review

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great psychological thriller! I loved it and really enjoyed it. The story is about a woman called Becka who loses her memory after being in an accident. Her husband Freddie takes her home and takes care of her for months. But is he really who he says he is, and can he be trusted? Becka's life doesn't feel like hers, and she is very confused. As her memory starts to come back in flashes, and people around her tell her different things, she realises the terrible truth. But what will happen next?

This is a crazy domestic thriller, which is full of secrets, lies, tension, suspense, and twists and turns; some of which are shocking. I loved listening to this book, especially as the narrator was so great, and also because the story just pulled me in instantly, and kept me engrossed, so that I could not stop listening. I read it all in one day because it was so good! If you love books by Freida McFadden, then you will love this book. It is amazing!
Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
For the first half of this audiobook I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but just went with it. I was starting to wonder if I could finish the book, but things started to pick up and make more sense around the 50% mark.

The book kept me engaged just enough to keep me going, but I did feel like it was too confusing in the beginning. I also had trouble connecting with the characters and felt like they were missing unique qualities to their personalities.

The story is told from different viewpoints and over different time periods. Becka is the main character and she wakes up in the hospital at the beginning of the book. Her memories are gone, but she has a sweet doting husband beside her. Becka starts to question who she really is and if her vivid dreams are really memories of her past.

The ending ties up all of the unanswered questions in a bow, so if you like novels that lay everything out for you at the end, you’ll like this one. In reviewing this book, I do feel like there were too many coincidences for this to be realistic to the reader. This along with the gaslighting and lies from multiple characters made me roll my eyes a bit.

As for the narration portions- the voices of the characters were engaging and different enough to tell the characters apart. I thought they fit the writing well and everything sounded clear and was easy to understand.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I do love a good domestic suspense thriller and this book certainly ticked all the boxes for me. It’s one suspenseful read filled to the brim with twists and turns. Right from the start I was intrigued by the story and knew I would read this in one sitting. The characters were all really well formed and developed, something I love in a book is good character development and this book certainly had that. This is a book I highly recommend and I guarantee once you start it you won’t want to put it down .

[Sarah [ Page.Turning.Thrills ] · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's more terrifying than waking up in a hospital with amnesia? Maybe going home with your supposed husband whom you don't know? Who is this guy? Is he really your husband? But what if he really isn't?

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC copy for review considerations. "Such a Loving Couple" by Hayley Smith audiobook became widely available November 8th, 2023. All opinions expressed below are mine alone.

"Such a Loving Couple" by Hayley Smith starts by introducing us to a woman named Becca, who was in a car when the River Kent started to flood. She wakes up in the hospital with no recollection of what happened or who she is. Days later, the hospital nursing staff introduces Becca to Freddy, her supposed husband, whom she also has no recollection of. When Becca is released from the hospital and goes home with Freddy, her memories start to return. However, when Becca questions Freddy about these new memories, he seems to be holding out on the whole truth.

Get ready for a twisty ride of a psychological thriller that is totally unputdownable! According to the publisher, it is perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Family Upstairs, and The Serial Killer's Wife. As some of my audience may already know, I'm a huge fan of Freida McFadden, and I can back up the fact that if you enjoyed The Housemaid, you will certainly enjoy this bombshell.

Let's now chat about the audiobook narrator Candida Gubbins. Candida's voice is seriously as sweet as apple pie! She did an excellent job narrating this audiobook, and she definitely used that sweet voice to fool me with narrating the characters. She really did add value to the book.

One thing I personally enjoy while reading a book is short chapters. Although, when listening to an audiobook, it doesn't matter as much to me. Regardless, this book has short chapters, is fast-paced, unique and will keep you guessing.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely enthralled by this gripping story from the very beginning. The plot, filled with twists and shocking revelations, kept me on the edge of my seat, craving more with each passing moment. I was fascinated by the intricate web of deception and how easily people could be fooled, leaving me in awe of the author's storytelling prowess.

Stories involving amnesia have always been my weakness, and this one did not disappoint. It became my preferred way of discovering the truth, unraveling the mysteries alongside the characters. Despite my initial desire for something different, I found myself utterly captivated by the story's execution. It was not just good; it was exceptional.

Listening to the audiobook added a new layer of depth to the experience. The characters came to life through the narrator's voice, their emotions resonating in every word. I felt their struggles and triumphs as if they were my own, making the story even more immersive.

I can't help but express my gratitude to Danielle, who shared this captivating journey with me. Experiencing the thrills and suspense together created a bond that made the story even more incredible. Thank you, Danielle, for being there with me, making this adventure truly unforgettable.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUPERB!

Now *that* is how you write a psychological thriller.

I devoured this book and immediately want to re-listen. Terrific pace, kept me on my toes, not the same-ol-same-ol, thoughtfully crafted and well executed.

Very much looking forward to more books by this author. Highly recommend for fans of domestic psychological thrillers! The author's first book is also on Hoopla, which I'm eating up right now!

Thanks netgalley! You made my day and night with this ARC ALC!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second Hayley Smith book and for the second time, I loved her book!

The premise of this book plays on the sinister aspect that anyone can claim you following a bout of amnesia if no one is caring to look for you. Once Becka is out of the hospital, things start to piece together for her and she realizes her life is not the way it was before the accident. The only aspect for me that I didn’t particularly care for was her husbands story line. His apathy for his wife and child were distasteful, but the end of the book was karmic perfection.

It’s a bit of a slow start, but in my opinion, this book packs a little punch, definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and bookouture for the copy!

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman wakes up in hospital and can't remember anything about her life - nor who she is even!

This had me instantly hooked.
What had happened to her, how did she get there and who was the man at the end of her bed who she didn't recognise?

I don't know whether I've just read too many books in this genre now, but I immediately had a bad feeling about Freddie.
When Becka finally feels up to going back to her old life - Freddie, her husband, takes her home and helps her to remember the life they had before.

I really wasn't convinced by the stories Freddie was telling and the more information that came about, the more I wasn't really sure if I trusted Becka either!?

I thought I had it all worked out a couple of times throughout the story but there were some massive twists thrown in just to keep you guessing.

I had one thing right, from the start, but the journey for everyone else in the book to get to the same point, was just perfect.
I especially loved the twists at the end. Nothing was as it seemed and the end result was such a shock!

I loved that this was told over time and by multiple pov's so that we got the full picture fed to us slowly, this drew out the suspense and had me racing through to find out what the heck was going to happen.

Another enjoyable read where I feel the need to explore other books by this author.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first novel by this author and I look forward to reading her debut The Perfect Girlfriend.

Imagine waking up in a hospital and not knowing who you are!

A man tells you he is your husband, and you live in a beautiful home. That is what happens when Becka wakes up to Freddie. He has visited her every day and seems to know about her, but she is not quite so sure. He seems committed to you!

Once Freddie brings her home she starts to regain memories. This psychological thriller will have you guessing and its intense. Does he have ulterior motives or is he who he says he is? What is Becka thinking?

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced copy. This novel is out November 8, 2023.

[books.n.liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author.

My rating is a 3.7, but I’m rounding it up to a 4.

I first want to mention my experience with the audiobook. I think the voice actor, Candida Gubbins, did an outstanding job. Every character had a distinct enough voice that I knew which POV I was listening to. Candida’s voice acting was top tier, and I definitely believe this contributed to my overall enjoyment of the book.

In regards to the story, I think it was a great “filler thriller.” Something that is enjoyable as you’re reading or listening to, but material you can put down and come back to.

The plot was similar to many amnesia type thrillers in certain aspects, but it did have a refreshing take on it. Due to the fact that I’ve read so many thrillers I think some surprise elements didn’t have the desired affect on me.

I definitely think the author, Hailey Smith, did a fantastic job in giving life to her characters. The characters at times felt very human to me, but there were certain scenes that I felt were very exaggerated. Either way, I definitely had a great time listening and trying to figure out how everything connected.

I think that if you’re new to thrillers or don’t read thriller books often, this is a great book to pick up.

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very first sentence of Such a Loving Couple by Hayley Smith hooked me. The story highlights that a mother’s love will always prevail.

There’s something captivating about stories of amnesia and memory loss. They draw you in and prompt you to ponder what would happen if you found yourself in the same situation. Imagine gazing at your loved ones, recognizing them, yet being oblivious to your shared history. Where would you even start to unravel the threads of your missing memory?

Plot…

Becka wakes up after a serious accident. As she lies in the hospital, she is unsure of why or how she got there. Initially, her own name escapes her memory. The man by her bedside, Freddie, her supposed husband, fails to evoke any familiar feelings. Despite being by her bedside for days, he remains a stranger to her.

The amnesia caused by an accident that saw her car swept away in flood water. Mainly due to some disturbance in oxygen going to the brain, saw her forgetting everything before her accident and the accident itself. She needs to take Freddie’s word for it. She has to let him help her to fill in the missing pieces of herself. Becka begins to doubt everything when she discovers another woman’s clothes stashed behind the boiler. And why is there a teenage girl calling round the house looking for her? instead of it getting easier, Becka is becoming more confused with her situation.

Hayley Smith captures the desolation of having no memories perfectly in Such a Loving Couple. The fear – of not knowing who you are is all consuming. The narrative quickly throws the reader into a spin. You just have to go along with it and hope for the best. The descriptive writing shows exactly the emotion felt at every stage of her memory returning. The empathetic connection between reader and protagonist is done with such finesse, it has you looking for the answer on Becka’s behalf.

‘What’s your name, love?’

Such a Loving Couple is a story about obsession and family. A vivid style The way the story came together was sublime – satisfying, like putting in that final piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

‘Something has been exposed, a nerve to an icy blast of air. I need to keep going with this, even though I’m afraid of what I might unveil.’

Becka is very easy to relate to. She’s been caught up in circumstances out with her control. How would any of us react to this situation? I think I’d crumble, not knowing my past or the people around me. Becka’s strength is tantamount to her character. She’s strong, grasping each bit of information between her teeth, like a dog with a bone. She won’t give up until all the pieces lock into place.

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it is an exceptional work. From the moment I started reading, I was immediately drawn into the suspenseful world of this thrilling novel. The story centers around Becka, a woman in a baffling situation after a tragic accident. She wakes up with no recollection of her identity, friends, family, or even husband.

Speaking of her husband, Freddie, he is portrayed as a devoted and caring partner who has been by Becka’s side throughout her recovery. He is determined to make her happy and help her regain her memories. However, as the plot unfolds, Becka starts to experience fragments of her past through flashbacks, photographs, dreams, and unexpected encounters with a mysterious old lady who lives next door.

Through these moments of recollection, Becka starts to sense that something is not quite right. The author skillfully keeps the readers guessing and on the edge of their seats, constantly questioning what is happening and who is being truthful. The twists and turns in the narrative captivated me from the beginning, and I found myself unable to put the book down.

As a relatively fast reader, I usually breeze through books within a few days. However, this particular novel had me hooked and completely engrossed. I was desperate to uncover the lies, the secrets, and ultimately, the story’s resolution. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as I delved deeper into the mystery, trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Becka.

The author’s ability to create suspense and maintain a sense of intrigue throughout the entire book is truly commendable. The story’s pacing was perfectly balanced, keeping me engrossed while allowing me to savor the unfolding of the plot. The characters were well-developed and complex, adding depth and layers to the narrative.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller with a touch of mystery. It is an enthralling read that keeps you guessing until the end. Prepare to be captivated by the author’s masterful storytelling and prepare for a thrilling journey alongside Becka as she unravels the truth about her past.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book.

[kelseysworldofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a loving couple was my first Hayley Smith read. I really enjoyed the multiple pov’s, the short chapters, the way you are made to love a character and then later on feel that you were deceived and you don’t actually like them at all.
It really adds to the plot when authors involve the past and in this book we get a glimpse at some of the characters in high school as well as present day. I enjoyed how every character that is brought into the story added to my suspicions to help throw me off from figuring out the ending.
The descriptions of scenes were spot on and so easy to follow. I love when I can read and the book plays like a movie in my head. I could picture everything.
If you like suspense, revenge, amnesia, and flashbacks then give this book a read!
I rate it 4 stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my review!