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The Mistress
She wants what you have...
Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.
When her current husband discovers she has been lying to him – again - she knows it’s time to move on and find someone who can give her the life she desires… The life she knows she deserves…
But who will be the lucky man?
When her eye catches a glimpse of an old flame in a photograph, she’s sure it’s a sign. Mark Shepherd has always been in her thoughts – they’d been happy once, he’d adored her, but she’d made a mistake and let him get away. She won’t make the same mistake again….
Hannah is older now and wiser. She knows what men want and she knows how to keep them happy.
So what if Mark is happily married with a family of his own?
All good things must come to an end…
Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.
When her current husband discovers she has been lying to him – again - she knows it’s time to move on and find someone who can give her the life she desires… The life she knows she deserves…
But who will be the lucky man?
When her eye catches a glimpse of an old flame in a photograph, she’s sure it’s a sign. Mark Shepherd has always been in her thoughts – they’d been happy once, he’d adored her, but she’d made a mistake and let him get away. She won’t make the same mistake again….
Hannah is older now and wiser. She knows what men want and she knows how to keep them happy.
So what if Mark is happily married with a family of his own?
All good things must come to an end…
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2024
5518 people are currently reading
2331 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
44 books811 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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March 27, 2024Author Valerie Keogh goes hot or cold with me.
Brrrrr.......
This book left me "cold"!
🥶🧊🏔️
Unfolding from the POVs of a wife and a mistress, this 8.5-hour audiobook seemed much, much longer than it was.
IMHO, the book could have easily been a 5-hour audiobook.
The book suffered from waaaaaay too much repetitive text and a lackluster ending.
Kudos to narrators Julie Maisey and Rose Robinson for their fabulous performances.
It was these narrators that motivated me to cross the finish line.
February 21, 2024
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
But if you Try Sometimes You’ll find
You Get What You Need.*
It’s been years but Hannah wants her old boyfriend back. Who’s now someone else’s husband.
Will she succeed?
This book has a few clever tweaks on the Other Woman / Mistress theme that veers it away from the usual.
First, I felt empathy for Hannah, the conniving woman who conspires to seduce and win over another woman’s husband. Even though she clearly wasn’t nice, her backstory pulled me in.
The second being that I was rooting for Susan, the wife, even though she wasn’t too likable either. She redeems herself during the course of the book however by not being the complete pushover portrayed at the beginning.
I think the clever writing style facilitated and gave nuance to what could have been a typical cheating husband trope and I appreciated that the book went off the beaten path a bit.
I also liked that the author would alter the timeline by dangling bits of information and then filling in missing pieces later. I’ve seen this tactic a bit more lately and it adds to my contemplation of the mystery unfolding.
I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I’m not sure about the ending though - It was surprising but I was hoping for something different.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my advanced electronic copy.
*The Rolling Stones
But if you Try Sometimes You’ll find
You Get What You Need.*
It’s been years but Hannah wants her old boyfriend back. Who’s now someone else’s husband.
Will she succeed?
This book has a few clever tweaks on the Other Woman / Mistress theme that veers it away from the usual.
First, I felt empathy for Hannah, the conniving woman who conspires to seduce and win over another woman’s husband. Even though she clearly wasn’t nice, her backstory pulled me in.
The second being that I was rooting for Susan, the wife, even though she wasn’t too likable either. She redeems herself during the course of the book however by not being the complete pushover portrayed at the beginning.
I think the clever writing style facilitated and gave nuance to what could have been a typical cheating husband trope and I appreciated that the book went off the beaten path a bit.
I also liked that the author would alter the timeline by dangling bits of information and then filling in missing pieces later. I’ve seen this tactic a bit more lately and it adds to my contemplation of the mystery unfolding.
I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I’m not sure about the ending though - It was surprising but I was hoping for something different.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my advanced electronic copy.
*The Rolling Stones
March 4, 2024
THE MISTRESS is a mystery thriller by international bestselling author Valerie Keogh. Having read and enjoyed five of her stand-alone novels, I was anxious to start her latest novel.
Her Standalone Novels
The Trophy Wife (2014)
aka Exit Five from Charing Cross
Secrets Between Us (2018)
The Housewife (2019)
The Three Women (2020)
The Perfect Life (2020)
The Lawyer (2020)
aka The Deadly Truth
The Little Lies (2021)
The Lies He Told (2021)
The Couple in the Photograph (2021)
A Taste of Deceit (2022)
The Lodger (2022)
The Widow (2022)
The Librarian (2023)
The Nurse (2023)
The Housekeeper (2023)
The Mistress (2024)
This is my review of The Mistress.
Thirty-nine-year-old Hannah Parker marriage to 70-year-old Ivan Butler, a wealthy landowner was falling apart. Hannah had always used her good looks to reel older men in, like honey. She made good money. Ivan only married her because he wanted a child, but he later found out that Hannah had tricked him and was on the pill. He became violent and beat her.
When Hannah is released from the hospital and goes home, she remembers her lost love from university, 20 years ago, Mark Shepherd. She should have never let him go…
Hannah leaves Ivan and goes home to her mums and decides to lure Mark again. But there is one problem…Mark is a successful partner in a law firm is married to Susan and have a son, Andrew attending university in Glasgow.
Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.
But Susan suspects Mark’s infidelity but is not going to give up without a fight to claim what is hers.
Who will be the winner? What will be the consequences of the infidelity, and of all the lies and deception in the marriage?
The chapters alternate between Hannah’s and Susan’s viewpoints. The plot is well-paced, and the characters are well-developed. I found this a very enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Her Standalone Novels
The Trophy Wife (2014)
aka Exit Five from Charing Cross
Secrets Between Us (2018)
The Housewife (2019)
The Three Women (2020)
The Perfect Life (2020)
The Lawyer (2020)
aka The Deadly Truth
The Little Lies (2021)
The Lies He Told (2021)
The Couple in the Photograph (2021)
A Taste of Deceit (2022)
The Lodger (2022)
The Widow (2022)
The Librarian (2023)
The Nurse (2023)
The Housekeeper (2023)
The Mistress (2024)
This is my review of The Mistress.
Thirty-nine-year-old Hannah Parker marriage to 70-year-old Ivan Butler, a wealthy landowner was falling apart. Hannah had always used her good looks to reel older men in, like honey. She made good money. Ivan only married her because he wanted a child, but he later found out that Hannah had tricked him and was on the pill. He became violent and beat her.
When Hannah is released from the hospital and goes home, she remembers her lost love from university, 20 years ago, Mark Shepherd. She should have never let him go…
Hannah leaves Ivan and goes home to her mums and decides to lure Mark again. But there is one problem…Mark is a successful partner in a law firm is married to Susan and have a son, Andrew attending university in Glasgow.
Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.
But Susan suspects Mark’s infidelity but is not going to give up without a fight to claim what is hers.
Who will be the winner? What will be the consequences of the infidelity, and of all the lies and deception in the marriage?
The chapters alternate between Hannah’s and Susan’s viewpoints. The plot is well-paced, and the characters are well-developed. I found this a very enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my digital copy.
June 16, 2024
What an earth was this book…….
June 13, 2024
No. Big no. I kept waiting and waiting and when something did happen it was a daydream. The characters were the most boring ppl ever. Boring dependant housewife/mother. At first opportunity her husband cheats with an old flame (who had treated him horribly btw) like it’s nothing. Super easy take with zero effort. Anyhoo, daddy issues, mommy issues, blah blah. It ended with zero rhyme or reason. Well actually I’m sure it was another daydream. No way she knew she was coming and would do that. Ugh. No questions answered. So basically read what I’ve written and come up with your own storyline and ending because that’s what you’ll be doing anyway.
March 4, 2024
My fav read by this author so far
Such a dark twisted tale with a main character ( Hannah ) who actually made me message the author half way through the book to talk about how bad ( good bad! ) she was, she really got under my skin and will yours, we do see reasons for this at the end but goodness she is a sociopath and a half and totally awesomely brilliant to read 😀
Mark and Susan have no idea what the re introduction of Hannah Parker into Mark’s life is going to do, Hannah knows exactly as she has planned it and planned it meticulously….
I liked Susan mostly, Mark was easy to despair of/with but with Hannah a trio of excellent characters made a book of curdling psychological extremes, I keep saying it re Hannah but what a character, without doubt one of my worst favourite’s ever in a book
Can only recommend you meet her and see just how sneaky and disgraceful she is
A fine read indeed
Such a dark twisted tale with a main character ( Hannah ) who actually made me message the author half way through the book to talk about how bad ( good bad! ) she was, she really got under my skin and will yours, we do see reasons for this at the end but goodness she is a sociopath and a half and totally awesomely brilliant to read 😀
Mark and Susan have no idea what the re introduction of Hannah Parker into Mark’s life is going to do, Hannah knows exactly as she has planned it and planned it meticulously….
I liked Susan mostly, Mark was easy to despair of/with but with Hannah a trio of excellent characters made a book of curdling psychological extremes, I keep saying it re Hannah but what a character, without doubt one of my worst favourite’s ever in a book
Can only recommend you meet her and see just how sneaky and disgraceful she is
A fine read indeed
February 28, 2024
Valerie Keogh is one of my favourite authors and once again she has produced another great book that had me turning the pages as fast as I could.
Firstly I loved the way the author set up the story, told in alternating POV's from Hannah and Susan and also going back and forth in time which sets the scene for the reader. Susan is Mark's wife and up until now they have settled into if not an easy relationship but a predictable one, Hannah on the other hand is married to a 70 year old man who makes her life a living hell, she is beaten by him setting her off on a path to find something that will make her feel like she is wanted and loved. Reading at home one day Hannah finds an old picture of her boyfriend Mark in a book, Susan's husband. In their twenties Hannah and Mark were an item until Hannah broke Mark's heart by breaking off the relationship, leaving the door open for Mark and Susan to meet and marry. Now Hannah decides to track Mark down wanting to rekindle their relationship, she reels him in slowly with her womanly ways and really Mark did not stand a chance against her insistent drive to find her own personal happiness, not caring who she hurts along the way.
But Susan is not going to give up without a fight and as she realises her suspicions about Mark are correct she also sets out on a path to fight to the bitter end to reclaim her husband. Will she be successful and can life ever be the same again?
The book moves at a fast pace and I was thoroughly taken in by the plot and the characters. Totally unlikeable people they are, but this often creates an intense toxic environment that has all the hallmarks of a great book, I loved it. Thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Firstly I loved the way the author set up the story, told in alternating POV's from Hannah and Susan and also going back and forth in time which sets the scene for the reader. Susan is Mark's wife and up until now they have settled into if not an easy relationship but a predictable one, Hannah on the other hand is married to a 70 year old man who makes her life a living hell, she is beaten by him setting her off on a path to find something that will make her feel like she is wanted and loved. Reading at home one day Hannah finds an old picture of her boyfriend Mark in a book, Susan's husband. In their twenties Hannah and Mark were an item until Hannah broke Mark's heart by breaking off the relationship, leaving the door open for Mark and Susan to meet and marry. Now Hannah decides to track Mark down wanting to rekindle their relationship, she reels him in slowly with her womanly ways and really Mark did not stand a chance against her insistent drive to find her own personal happiness, not caring who she hurts along the way.
But Susan is not going to give up without a fight and as she realises her suspicions about Mark are correct she also sets out on a path to fight to the bitter end to reclaim her husband. Will she be successful and can life ever be the same again?
The book moves at a fast pace and I was thoroughly taken in by the plot and the characters. Totally unlikeable people they are, but this often creates an intense toxic environment that has all the hallmarks of a great book, I loved it. Thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
February 18, 2024
The Mistress is Valerie Keogh’s latest fast paced thriller that I could not put down. The ending was great. A few twists thrown in that she loves to do makes this a fantastic read! Looking forward to more by this great author! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published March 25, 2024.
March 11, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Mistress by Valerie Keogh.
This story is about two women, Hannah and Susan.
Hannah is married to an older man and her marriage is far from perfect. After he discovers a secret she is hiding their marriage is over.
What will she do now? Hannah is a beautiful woman who will always get want she wants. She can manipulate men and wrap them around her finger with ease.
She is reminded of a former love, Mark, who she dated in college. She is determined to make him fall in love with her again.. problem is, he is married.
This book has two perspectives, Hannah and Susans. The book was not mind blowing but it did keep my interest. I enjoyed the two perspectives of the women and the story went in a direction I wasn't expecting. It took the trope of a 'Mistress:' in a different direction which was refreshing. This my first book from this author and I look forward to reading more from Valerie Keogh.
3.5 stars
This story is about two women, Hannah and Susan.
Hannah is married to an older man and her marriage is far from perfect. After he discovers a secret she is hiding their marriage is over.
What will she do now? Hannah is a beautiful woman who will always get want she wants. She can manipulate men and wrap them around her finger with ease.
She is reminded of a former love, Mark, who she dated in college. She is determined to make him fall in love with her again.. problem is, he is married.
This book has two perspectives, Hannah and Susans. The book was not mind blowing but it did keep my interest. I enjoyed the two perspectives of the women and the story went in a direction I wasn't expecting. It took the trope of a 'Mistress:' in a different direction which was refreshing. This my first book from this author and I look forward to reading more from Valerie Keogh.
3.5 stars
February 15, 2024
The Mistress is a psychological thriller that follows Hannah Parker, a very manipulative woman who makes it her life’s mission to pursue the married men and break up their families. After her latest husband discovers her duplicitous nature, Hannah sets her sights on Mark Shepherd, an old flame who is now very happily married with children.
Keogh does an excellent job capturing the calculating mindset and rationalizations of a very destructive narcissist. Hannah feels fully entitled to steal other women’s husbands, lying and scheming without any remorse. She is superficial, vain, and also lacks empathy, seeing the people around her as objects to acquire and then control.
The book is very gripping as Hannah intricately plans how she will insert herself into Mark’s life, trying to make him fall for her again. She is so convinced of her own charm and the weakness of the men that she believes with some effort, she can make any man leave his wife. It’s chilling to see the ease with which she breaks the many boundaries, spins the falsehoods, and tears the people’s lives apart.
The Mistress explores the provocative territory around the temptation, infidelity, and the complex psychology that drives the other woman. Hannah has depth as an unlikable, even sociopathic character, showcasing the ability some have to rationalize the harmful behavior. While despicable, she makes for a very fascinating character study. Fans of Gone Girl and also other domestic suspense stories with alarming antiheroines will swiftly turn the pages. Keogh delivers a tense, immersive portrayal of the obsession and homewrecking.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Keogh does an excellent job capturing the calculating mindset and rationalizations of a very destructive narcissist. Hannah feels fully entitled to steal other women’s husbands, lying and scheming without any remorse. She is superficial, vain, and also lacks empathy, seeing the people around her as objects to acquire and then control.
The book is very gripping as Hannah intricately plans how she will insert herself into Mark’s life, trying to make him fall for her again. She is so convinced of her own charm and the weakness of the men that she believes with some effort, she can make any man leave his wife. It’s chilling to see the ease with which she breaks the many boundaries, spins the falsehoods, and tears the people’s lives apart.
The Mistress explores the provocative territory around the temptation, infidelity, and the complex psychology that drives the other woman. Hannah has depth as an unlikable, even sociopathic character, showcasing the ability some have to rationalize the harmful behavior. While despicable, she makes for a very fascinating character study. Fans of Gone Girl and also other domestic suspense stories with alarming antiheroines will swiftly turn the pages. Keogh delivers a tense, immersive portrayal of the obsession and homewrecking.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 22, 2024
Wow - what a story! I have read a few heavier books lately and I wanted a page-turning popcorn thriller to lighten things up. I’m pretty good at deciphering synopses; this book definitely fit the bill! To sum up the story, we have a situation on our hands:
Hannah has left her wealthy and abusive husband, Ian.
Hannah moves to her (estranged) mother’s house to figure out a plan.
Hannah reaches for an old book and finds a 20-year-old picture of herself with Mark, whose last words to her were “I’ll always love you”.
Hannah finds Mark and sets out to seduce and win him back.
Problem? Mark is married.
Mark’s wife, Susan, gets suspicious of his recent actions.
Susan hires a PI to get to the bottom of things.
Susan wants to kill Hannah.
Events transpire.
This was quite the tale of deception, of love and hate, of truth and lies, and of two broken women. The book is written from Hannah’s and Susan’s viewpoints, and the characters, especially Hannah, were very well-written. I found myself laughing (in a good and wicked thriller way) a few times throughout this read because Hannah was such a hateable yet lovable character. Overall, this was quite entertaining. Four stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Valerie Keogh and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 25, 2024.)
Hannah has left her wealthy and abusive husband, Ian.
Hannah moves to her (estranged) mother’s house to figure out a plan.
Hannah reaches for an old book and finds a 20-year-old picture of herself with Mark, whose last words to her were “I’ll always love you”.
Hannah finds Mark and sets out to seduce and win him back.
Problem? Mark is married.
Mark’s wife, Susan, gets suspicious of his recent actions.
Susan hires a PI to get to the bottom of things.
Susan wants to kill Hannah.
Events transpire.
This was quite the tale of deception, of love and hate, of truth and lies, and of two broken women. The book is written from Hannah’s and Susan’s viewpoints, and the characters, especially Hannah, were very well-written. I found myself laughing (in a good and wicked thriller way) a few times throughout this read because Hannah was such a hateable yet lovable character. Overall, this was quite entertaining. Four stars.
(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Valerie Keogh and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 25, 2024.)
May 30, 2024
Valerie Keogh delivers again with her newest thriller featuring two women's alternating POVs, the mistress and the wife. This is a fast-paced thriller of deception, obsession, and narcissism with some very good twists.
I gave it 4 stars because of a few things left unexplained at the end... can't say what without giving spoilers. I look forward to reading the author's other novels.
I gave it 4 stars because of a few things left unexplained at the end... can't say what without giving spoilers. I look forward to reading the author's other novels.
May 31, 2024
Speechless and not in a good way
Speechless and not in a good way. I had high hopes for this book. But the more I read, my high expectations diminished because I could see where the plot was headed. Disappointed with the ending and not a psychological thriller at all. I would have stopped reading half way thru but I always finish what I start, as disappointing as this was.
Speechless and not in a good way. I had high hopes for this book. But the more I read, my high expectations diminished because I could see where the plot was headed. Disappointed with the ending and not a psychological thriller at all. I would have stopped reading half way thru but I always finish what I start, as disappointing as this was.
June 30, 2024
Author Valerie Keogh returns with THE MISTRESS (unlike the typical love triangle tales)—a femme fatale gets more than she bargained for when things turn toxic and deadly in this provocative and riveting thriller of sex, obsession, revenge, and murder from the "master of domestic suspense."
Hannah Parker came from a poor upbringing and loved her dad but left them when she was ten. She and her mom did not have a good relationship. What happened to him? Often, she wonders if her mom killed her dad. Why else would he just up and leave? From there, she led a life of self-destruction. Maybe all men were not like her father.
She is beautiful and exotic and a brilliant actress (manipulative plus clever) and has always looked for a father figure. She quickly learned she could get all the perks with a sugar daddy—old, powerful, and wealthy.
"Love wasn't a concept I was familiar with. I had a more than passing acquaintance with lust." —Hannah Parker, THE MISTRESS.
Until she married a sugar daddy, Ivan was seventy and ill. He wanted children, and he finally discovered she was taking the pill behind his back. He then turned violent and abused her. She winds up in the hospital. He was not fit to be a father. He thought she would give him beautiful babies. He was wrong.
She married Ivan after she graduated from university. She did not consider herself a prostitute, although she would accept accommodations, credit cards, jewelry, travel, spending money, and whatever she needed. She was using her natural talents, after all.
Now she was 39, and he was 70 and overweight, plus he was dying. He had thought she was younger than she was. She had work done and dressed to the finest. Money had been good for her. He was handsome and rich. Weekends in five-star hotels, jewelry, and shopping trips—but after they married, she was stuck in this remote family home. It was no longer fun.
She finds a college photo in a book when she comes home from the hospital to recover. She remembered all those years earlier in college.
She thinks back to those days. If she had stayed with Mark Shepherd, who loved her, she may have had a different life. She left him to keep dating older men with money. She mistreated him. She was not interested in a nice guy and settling down back then. Mark had made her feel loved. Does she want that back?
She looks up Mark on Facebook, now a successful attorney married to Susan with a son, Drew, who recently went to university. Hannah is devious, conniving, evil, beautiful, manipulative, and wicked. She gets what she wants. She does not care if he is married or if she will break up a family. She is selfish.
She decides she will get Mark back. She knows he will not be able to resist. She plans to return home to her mom's and play the poor female who needs rescuing. She soon has him under her spell, but does she want him?
She does not consider his wife; Susan may be harder to shake since she appears to be more of a challenge than she bargained for. Susan has a few tricks up her sleeve. Susan, Mark's wife, might be ordinary and dull in Hannah's eyes, but she would do whatever it took to save her marriage and keep the man she loved.
In a wicked, devious, dangerous game of cat and mouse, who will win out in the end? The wife or the mistress? Is Susan up to the challenge faced by Hannah, who is conniving, lying, and selfish? Does Susan even want Mark back?
Was Hannah a fleeting fixation for Mark— a sexual siren with prominent attractions, or would she be something more dangerous, an attractive, intelligent woman who gave him everything he thought he needed?
"To be a successful liar, you need to have three skills:
Keeping the lie simple
Remember which ones you've told and to whom.
Consistency is key."
Will Hannah lose her edge? Susan is an empty nester who would not let anyone take her husband; however, she and Hannah may have more in common than they know.
Things do not go as planned when Susan hires Ethan, the PI. What a scoundrel! Told from alternating POVs: Hannah and Susan, will karma win in the end? Or will it take MURDER?
THE MISTRESS is a clever and highly entertaining domestic suspense with a plot that escalates to a twisty, chilling conclusion. Valerie Keogh is a favorite author, and I enjoy her writing style —I read in one sitting!
An exploration into childhood abandonment and nature vs. nurture. Does our past shape our future?
Although the characters are not likable, you ultimately feel for both women. Drama, suspense, and dark humor keep the pages turning in this twisty psychological thriller with complex female characters. I loved the ending!
For fans of authors— Miranda Rijks, Emily Shiner, Keri Beevis, Freida McFadden, Robyn Harding, and Michele Campbell.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early reading copy.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: 25 March 2024
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Hannah Parker came from a poor upbringing and loved her dad but left them when she was ten. She and her mom did not have a good relationship. What happened to him? Often, she wonders if her mom killed her dad. Why else would he just up and leave? From there, she led a life of self-destruction. Maybe all men were not like her father.
She is beautiful and exotic and a brilliant actress (manipulative plus clever) and has always looked for a father figure. She quickly learned she could get all the perks with a sugar daddy—old, powerful, and wealthy.
"Love wasn't a concept I was familiar with. I had a more than passing acquaintance with lust." —Hannah Parker, THE MISTRESS.
Until she married a sugar daddy, Ivan was seventy and ill. He wanted children, and he finally discovered she was taking the pill behind his back. He then turned violent and abused her. She winds up in the hospital. He was not fit to be a father. He thought she would give him beautiful babies. He was wrong.
She married Ivan after she graduated from university. She did not consider herself a prostitute, although she would accept accommodations, credit cards, jewelry, travel, spending money, and whatever she needed. She was using her natural talents, after all.
Now she was 39, and he was 70 and overweight, plus he was dying. He had thought she was younger than she was. She had work done and dressed to the finest. Money had been good for her. He was handsome and rich. Weekends in five-star hotels, jewelry, and shopping trips—but after they married, she was stuck in this remote family home. It was no longer fun.
She finds a college photo in a book when she comes home from the hospital to recover. She remembered all those years earlier in college.
She thinks back to those days. If she had stayed with Mark Shepherd, who loved her, she may have had a different life. She left him to keep dating older men with money. She mistreated him. She was not interested in a nice guy and settling down back then. Mark had made her feel loved. Does she want that back?
She looks up Mark on Facebook, now a successful attorney married to Susan with a son, Drew, who recently went to university. Hannah is devious, conniving, evil, beautiful, manipulative, and wicked. She gets what she wants. She does not care if he is married or if she will break up a family. She is selfish.
She decides she will get Mark back. She knows he will not be able to resist. She plans to return home to her mom's and play the poor female who needs rescuing. She soon has him under her spell, but does she want him?
She does not consider his wife; Susan may be harder to shake since she appears to be more of a challenge than she bargained for. Susan has a few tricks up her sleeve. Susan, Mark's wife, might be ordinary and dull in Hannah's eyes, but she would do whatever it took to save her marriage and keep the man she loved.
In a wicked, devious, dangerous game of cat and mouse, who will win out in the end? The wife or the mistress? Is Susan up to the challenge faced by Hannah, who is conniving, lying, and selfish? Does Susan even want Mark back?
Was Hannah a fleeting fixation for Mark— a sexual siren with prominent attractions, or would she be something more dangerous, an attractive, intelligent woman who gave him everything he thought he needed?
"To be a successful liar, you need to have three skills:
Keeping the lie simple
Remember which ones you've told and to whom.
Consistency is key."
Will Hannah lose her edge? Susan is an empty nester who would not let anyone take her husband; however, she and Hannah may have more in common than they know.
Things do not go as planned when Susan hires Ethan, the PI. What a scoundrel! Told from alternating POVs: Hannah and Susan, will karma win in the end? Or will it take MURDER?
THE MISTRESS is a clever and highly entertaining domestic suspense with a plot that escalates to a twisty, chilling conclusion. Valerie Keogh is a favorite author, and I enjoy her writing style —I read in one sitting!
An exploration into childhood abandonment and nature vs. nurture. Does our past shape our future?
Although the characters are not likable, you ultimately feel for both women. Drama, suspense, and dark humor keep the pages turning in this twisty psychological thriller with complex female characters. I loved the ending!
For fans of authors— Miranda Rijks, Emily Shiner, Keri Beevis, Freida McFadden, Robyn Harding, and Michele Campbell.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early reading copy.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: 25 March 2024
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March 29, 2024
It has been some time since I last read one of Ms. Keogh's books, but "The Mistress" reminded me how much I enjoy her writing.
The first chapter of the book immersed me in the action immediately. While Hannah is not an entirely likable character, there are moments when I felt sympathetic towards her, especially at the beginning of the story. However, as the plot progresses, Hannah's manipulative and callous treatment of people becomes increasingly apparent, and her background does not excuse her terrible behavior. Despite this, the fast-paced psychological thriller filled with betrayal, secrets, and lies kept me engaged. Hannah is not the only character in the book, but she is the captivatingly detestable one that kept me engrossed.
I initially leaned towards a 4-star rating for the book, but the shocking and twisted ending caught me off guard and blew me away, earning it a solid 5-star rating!
#TheMistress #ValerieKeogh #BoldwoodBooks #NewRelease #NetGalley #justfinished #ARC #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #BookTok #booktoker
The first chapter of the book immersed me in the action immediately. While Hannah is not an entirely likable character, there are moments when I felt sympathetic towards her, especially at the beginning of the story. However, as the plot progresses, Hannah's manipulative and callous treatment of people becomes increasingly apparent, and her background does not excuse her terrible behavior. Despite this, the fast-paced psychological thriller filled with betrayal, secrets, and lies kept me engaged. Hannah is not the only character in the book, but she is the captivatingly detestable one that kept me engrossed.
I initially leaned towards a 4-star rating for the book, but the shocking and twisted ending caught me off guard and blew me away, earning it a solid 5-star rating!
#TheMistress #ValerieKeogh #BoldwoodBooks #NewRelease #NetGalley #justfinished #ARC #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #BookTok #booktoker
July 4, 2024
Dreadful, dreadful, dreadful. The cast of characters were utterly unlikeable, the plot was weird, there was an overlap between fantasy and reality (Susan's PoV that she'd cut Hannah's throat only she er... didn't). She was supposedly fighting for her marriage and then... kicked him out and dismissed her son as well. Some would say good on her, others wonder why she suddenly did this complete 180 at the death.
All in all, very very bad. A pity as I've enjoyed many of Keogh's other books.
All in all, very very bad. A pity as I've enjoyed many of Keogh's other books.
May 25, 2024
The Mistress
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Valerie Keogh
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: She wants what you have...
Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.
When her current husband discovers she has been lying to him – again - she knows it’s time to move on and find someone who can give her the life she desires… The life she knows she deserves…
But who will be the lucky man?
When her eye catches a glimpse of an old flame in a photograph, she’s sure it’s a sign. Mark Shepherd has always been in her thoughts – they’d been happy once, he’d adored her, but she’d made a mistake and let him get away. She won’t make the same mistake again….
Hannah is older now and wiser. She knows what men want and she knows how to keep them happy.
So what if Mark is happily married with a family of his own?
All good things must come to an end…
My Thoughts: This book is a clever twist on the typical mistress thriller books. Hannah Parker is married and not happily. She decides she has enough and needs to move on. When she was going through some books, she discovered a photograph of an old flame, Mark Shepherd. She was truly happy with him once upon a time. It does not matter that his is currently married. Susan suspects Mark’s infidelity and decides she will not give up without a fight. What Hannah wants, Hannah gets, or does she? Will Susan keep her marriage, or will the infidelity, secrets, and lies become too much? This follows the cheating husband and mistress trope with a flare.
The story is narrated by the Mistress, Hannah, and the wife, Susan, in their respective perspectives, with an alternating timeline. Hannah is stuck in a marriage with a wealthily 70-year old, whom becomes violent with her after he finds out she has been lying about being on birth control pills. Hannah is a confident, independent, and always gets what she wants. Susan, the wife to Mark, has been married for a while. Their son just left for university, and she is experiencing empty nest syndrome, missing her son something awful, when she discovers that her husband may be having an affair. Susan is a little co-dependent, and overbearing in the beginning, but as her character develops, I really begin to connect with her. The characters were well developed with depth, mystery, secretive, and creatively curated. The author’s writing style was complex, twisty, suspenseful, tense, and engaging from the first sentence to the last sentence.
I really like the spin that the author used in this book. She would give some information, but not all, and fill it in later in pieces. Some readers do not like this style but I think it elevates the mystery. The author opens the story with a bang, then builds the characters up, delivers the plot in twisty layers with deceit, secrets, and lies. The flow and the pace was spot on for this storyline. Then the ending was surprising, not what I thought it would be.
I tend to gravitate towards authors under the Bookouture label, such as Keogh, Hurst, and McFadden, to name a few. This label has some solid thriller genre authors. This was a gripping, captivating, compelling, dark, edge of your seat psychological thriller with a subgenre of domestic family. I love the unpredictability that it veered from the traditional cheating husband. Keogh spun an excellent story of deception, truth mixed with lies, love and hate blended together, betrayal interloped with secrets, and two very broken women. Keogh really nailed this storyline. I really enjoyed this story and would highly recommend to other readers. Available on KU!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Valerie Keogh
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: She wants what you have...
Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.
When her current husband discovers she has been lying to him – again - she knows it’s time to move on and find someone who can give her the life she desires… The life she knows she deserves…
But who will be the lucky man?
When her eye catches a glimpse of an old flame in a photograph, she’s sure it’s a sign. Mark Shepherd has always been in her thoughts – they’d been happy once, he’d adored her, but she’d made a mistake and let him get away. She won’t make the same mistake again….
Hannah is older now and wiser. She knows what men want and she knows how to keep them happy.
So what if Mark is happily married with a family of his own?
All good things must come to an end…
My Thoughts: This book is a clever twist on the typical mistress thriller books. Hannah Parker is married and not happily. She decides she has enough and needs to move on. When she was going through some books, she discovered a photograph of an old flame, Mark Shepherd. She was truly happy with him once upon a time. It does not matter that his is currently married. Susan suspects Mark’s infidelity and decides she will not give up without a fight. What Hannah wants, Hannah gets, or does she? Will Susan keep her marriage, or will the infidelity, secrets, and lies become too much? This follows the cheating husband and mistress trope with a flare.
The story is narrated by the Mistress, Hannah, and the wife, Susan, in their respective perspectives, with an alternating timeline. Hannah is stuck in a marriage with a wealthily 70-year old, whom becomes violent with her after he finds out she has been lying about being on birth control pills. Hannah is a confident, independent, and always gets what she wants. Susan, the wife to Mark, has been married for a while. Their son just left for university, and she is experiencing empty nest syndrome, missing her son something awful, when she discovers that her husband may be having an affair. Susan is a little co-dependent, and overbearing in the beginning, but as her character develops, I really begin to connect with her. The characters were well developed with depth, mystery, secretive, and creatively curated. The author’s writing style was complex, twisty, suspenseful, tense, and engaging from the first sentence to the last sentence.
I really like the spin that the author used in this book. She would give some information, but not all, and fill it in later in pieces. Some readers do not like this style but I think it elevates the mystery. The author opens the story with a bang, then builds the characters up, delivers the plot in twisty layers with deceit, secrets, and lies. The flow and the pace was spot on for this storyline. Then the ending was surprising, not what I thought it would be.
I tend to gravitate towards authors under the Bookouture label, such as Keogh, Hurst, and McFadden, to name a few. This label has some solid thriller genre authors. This was a gripping, captivating, compelling, dark, edge of your seat psychological thriller with a subgenre of domestic family. I love the unpredictability that it veered from the traditional cheating husband. Keogh spun an excellent story of deception, truth mixed with lies, love and hate blended together, betrayal interloped with secrets, and two very broken women. Keogh really nailed this storyline. I really enjoyed this story and would highly recommend to other readers. Available on KU!
July 9, 2024
The end ruined this book. No one writes a whole book in the minutes of their death.
Forgotten as soon as finished.
Forgotten as soon as finished.
September 14, 2024
Do you ever finish a book & just go “wtf did I just read?” … all that… for that?
August 25, 2024
3 Stars
The Mistress by Valerie Keogh tells the story of Hannah Parker, a woman who always gets what she wants. When her latest husband uncovers her deceit, she decides it’s time to move on, setting her sights on rekindling a relationship with Mark Shepherd, an old flame who now has a family of his own. Determined not to let him slip away again, Hannah is willing to go to great lengths to secure the life she believes she deserves.
The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Hannah and Susan. While Hannah is manipulative and driven by her desires, Susan is portrayed as a more relatable figure, a mother struggling with the loneliness that comes with her son leaving for school. Susan’s life revolves around her close bond with her son, and she finds it difficult to navigate her identity beyond being a mother. As the story progresses, Susan becomes unknowingly caught in Hannah’s web, though her role in the plot is more reactive, driven by her insecurities and the changes in her life.
Having read Valerie Keogh’s The Housekeeper last year, which I rated 2.5 stars, I found The Mistress to be a slight improvement, though still not particularly impressive. The dual perspectives added some interest, especially in showing how different yet similarly flawed these women are. The plot’s direction was somewhat unexpected, and it took a different approach to the "mistress" trope, which was refreshing. However, it lacked the pace and intensity that could have made it more engaging.
The ending was particularly disappointing. Its simplicity felt abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving me questioning if that was really all there was to the story. The unresolved threads, like Susan’s unwritten narrative and Hannah’s anticlimactic conclusion, contributed to a feeling of missed opportunity. These elements were underdeveloped, leaving the story feeling incomplete and lacking the emotional or psychological impact it could have had.
The characters themselves were difficult to fully connect with. Hannah’s actions often felt exaggerated, making her less believable, while Susan’s overbearing attachment to her son and her sudden shift in attitude toward him felt out of place. This detracted from her character's relatability and added to the overall dissatisfaction with the book’s conclusion.
In summary, The Mistress is a book with potential that ultimately falls short. While it wasn’t mind-blowing, it kept my interest to a certain extent, but the lack of a strong climax and a more fulfilling resolution left me with a sense of missed opportunity. It’s a decent read if you’re looking for something straightforward and easy to follow, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
The Mistress by Valerie Keogh tells the story of Hannah Parker, a woman who always gets what she wants. When her latest husband uncovers her deceit, she decides it’s time to move on, setting her sights on rekindling a relationship with Mark Shepherd, an old flame who now has a family of his own. Determined not to let him slip away again, Hannah is willing to go to great lengths to secure the life she believes she deserves.
The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Hannah and Susan. While Hannah is manipulative and driven by her desires, Susan is portrayed as a more relatable figure, a mother struggling with the loneliness that comes with her son leaving for school. Susan’s life revolves around her close bond with her son, and she finds it difficult to navigate her identity beyond being a mother. As the story progresses, Susan becomes unknowingly caught in Hannah’s web, though her role in the plot is more reactive, driven by her insecurities and the changes in her life.
Having read Valerie Keogh’s The Housekeeper last year, which I rated 2.5 stars, I found The Mistress to be a slight improvement, though still not particularly impressive. The dual perspectives added some interest, especially in showing how different yet similarly flawed these women are. The plot’s direction was somewhat unexpected, and it took a different approach to the "mistress" trope, which was refreshing. However, it lacked the pace and intensity that could have made it more engaging.
The ending was particularly disappointing. Its simplicity felt abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving me questioning if that was really all there was to the story. The unresolved threads, like Susan’s unwritten narrative and Hannah’s anticlimactic conclusion, contributed to a feeling of missed opportunity. These elements were underdeveloped, leaving the story feeling incomplete and lacking the emotional or psychological impact it could have had.
The characters themselves were difficult to fully connect with. Hannah’s actions often felt exaggerated, making her less believable, while Susan’s overbearing attachment to her son and her sudden shift in attitude toward him felt out of place. This detracted from her character's relatability and added to the overall dissatisfaction with the book’s conclusion.
In summary, The Mistress is a book with potential that ultimately falls short. While it wasn’t mind-blowing, it kept my interest to a certain extent, but the lack of a strong climax and a more fulfilling resolution left me with a sense of missed opportunity. It’s a decent read if you’re looking for something straightforward and easy to follow, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
November 4, 2024
This is the tale of a woman who is very much like the Black Widow spider: what she wants, she will get and she will devour any man (or woman) who gets in her way. Hannah is a strong female and has no scruples or morals about her behaviours, even if it involves a married man who has a relatively happy life.
Except Hannah feels that Mark was the one true love of her life and Hannah will do anything to get him back in her arms. Susan suspects that something is off with her husband and when more of the truth comes to light, she starts to realise she needs to do something drastic to keep her life entact.
I really enjoyed how Keogh has created such a deadly character in Hannah. She is definitely someone you would want to keep your husband away from! The mysterious circumstances surrounding Hannah’s husband kept me guessing all throughout the novel and I enjoyed how this hung over the story. On the other hand, I did find Susan’s behaviour a bit bland in the story, even when there was an eventual showdown between the two women. I thought this part of the plot was the weakest.
Keogh successfully builds tension in this book with Hannah’s actions. I could not fathom whether Mark would have the confidence to end his marriage and return to Hannah’s arms. Nor could I see a way that Susan would ever return to domestic bliss. However, when Hannah and Susan come together, I thought the story lost its pace and tension. The ending was a surprise but I thought Hannah’s fire, which I had come to reluctantly admire, was extinguished. In my opinion, the revelations between Hannah and Susan were lacking suspense and the reasoning behind Hannah’s actions were too obvious. Indeed, the subplot about Hannah’s family life just felt a bit cliched and I wanted there to be a more creative foundation to Hannah’s ways.
Whilst the final chapter was a surprise, I think that by this point the story had lost its momentum. The conclusion was unexpected but I wanted there to be an ending with a bang; instead, it fell a bit flat with me and I thought that Hannah’s tale was become a bit far-fetched. Furthermore, whilst Susan did change by the end of the story, I think I was hoping for some of Hannah’s fiery influence to have rubbed off on Susan a bit more.
Overall, this was a good story with a surprise twist. You can’t help but admire Hannah for her actions, even if she is trouble throughout, but I think the last quarter just sizzled off with too much convenient chat to tie up loose ends.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Except Hannah feels that Mark was the one true love of her life and Hannah will do anything to get him back in her arms. Susan suspects that something is off with her husband and when more of the truth comes to light, she starts to realise she needs to do something drastic to keep her life entact.
I really enjoyed how Keogh has created such a deadly character in Hannah. She is definitely someone you would want to keep your husband away from! The mysterious circumstances surrounding Hannah’s husband kept me guessing all throughout the novel and I enjoyed how this hung over the story. On the other hand, I did find Susan’s behaviour a bit bland in the story, even when there was an eventual showdown between the two women. I thought this part of the plot was the weakest.
Keogh successfully builds tension in this book with Hannah’s actions. I could not fathom whether Mark would have the confidence to end his marriage and return to Hannah’s arms. Nor could I see a way that Susan would ever return to domestic bliss. However, when Hannah and Susan come together, I thought the story lost its pace and tension. The ending was a surprise but I thought Hannah’s fire, which I had come to reluctantly admire, was extinguished. In my opinion, the revelations between Hannah and Susan were lacking suspense and the reasoning behind Hannah’s actions were too obvious. Indeed, the subplot about Hannah’s family life just felt a bit cliched and I wanted there to be a more creative foundation to Hannah’s ways.
Whilst the final chapter was a surprise, I think that by this point the story had lost its momentum. The conclusion was unexpected but I wanted there to be an ending with a bang; instead, it fell a bit flat with me and I thought that Hannah’s tale was become a bit far-fetched. Furthermore, whilst Susan did change by the end of the story, I think I was hoping for some of Hannah’s fiery influence to have rubbed off on Susan a bit more.
Overall, this was a good story with a surprise twist. You can’t help but admire Hannah for her actions, even if she is trouble throughout, but I think the last quarter just sizzled off with too much convenient chat to tie up loose ends.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2024
The Mistress is part mystery, part domestic drama and just a little bit thriller.
Secrets, lies and revenge is a dish best served cold.
Hannah does whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Beautiful, manipulative and toxic.
Her current husband is bad and it’s time to move on
So she starts to shop for a new lover.
In walks an old flame, Mark.
But he is currently married to Susan.
That does not matter to Hannah.
And that’s her new conquest.
Things don’t always go to plan….or the way you want them to!
The premise is interesting but the overall outcome is disappointing.
There’s the promise of a psychological thriller and the result is lacking.
The characters are rather dull and the twist, if you can call it that, is not even remotely shocking or surprising.
A little slow and not much to sink my teeth into.
The ending was meh and maybe that’s the way life was meant to be for the main cast.
I was left feeling cold after I finished.
Secrets, lies and revenge is a dish best served cold.
Hannah does whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Beautiful, manipulative and toxic.
Her current husband is bad and it’s time to move on
So she starts to shop for a new lover.
In walks an old flame, Mark.
But he is currently married to Susan.
That does not matter to Hannah.
And that’s her new conquest.
Things don’t always go to plan….or the way you want them to!
The premise is interesting but the overall outcome is disappointing.
There’s the promise of a psychological thriller and the result is lacking.
The characters are rather dull and the twist, if you can call it that, is not even remotely shocking or surprising.
A little slow and not much to sink my teeth into.
The ending was meh and maybe that’s the way life was meant to be for the main cast.
I was left feeling cold after I finished.
April 14, 2024
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I’m backlogged with my ARC’s but working diligently to get caught up. This book really shows how deceptive some woman can be and how easily manipulated some men are. Not a whole lot surprised me but the story was well written and compelling, and I still read to the last page needing to have all the answers. As a mom myself that is preparing to have an empty nest, parts of this terrified me! I like to think most people are better than this and have the best intentions but I know there are still people out there that think like this. I would recommend to anyone that likes domestic and psychological thrillers!
I’m backlogged with my ARC’s but working diligently to get caught up. This book really shows how deceptive some woman can be and how easily manipulated some men are. Not a whole lot surprised me but the story was well written and compelling, and I still read to the last page needing to have all the answers. As a mom myself that is preparing to have an empty nest, parts of this terrified me! I like to think most people are better than this and have the best intentions but I know there are still people out there that think like this. I would recommend to anyone that likes domestic and psychological thrillers!
December 13, 2024
Told from the point of view of Hannah and Susan who on the surface appear to be polar opposites . This thriller will have you glued as the reality of being a women seducer or the scorned women will pin back the layers and show never trust everything you see. I loved the way the characters were human and flawed but always near the is there a reason for this or will they or can they change. The character of Mark was very stereotypical . Hannah's inner monologue which explained her true thoughts but showed her skill at manipulation was fantastic . It showed the writer had truly written a real multi-layered mistress. The ending and final twists were what pushed this to 5 stars for me. I was invested in the characters and I never felt sorry for either of them as they both developed within the story and showed their true capabilities. This was a relatively short read with the majority of the action feeling starting at 70%. The references to the past dripped into the narrative gave Hannah an edge . This is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good domestic thriller. Thanks to netgallery, publisher and author.
February 24, 2024
I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author. Thrills, twists, the last twist knocked my socks right off!! LOVED this book. Hannah, the one who got away. She wants to rekindle something with a ex, only problem is he’s married, to Susan, the doormat. What unfolds is a unique story which I could not put down till the wee hours of the morning. That ending! I need a Time Machine so I can go back and re read this without knowing that ending
4.5 rounded up
4.5 rounded up
February 24, 2024
This is a page-turning popcorn thriller. The book alternates between Hannah and Susan's points of view. It was a nice twist on being "the other woman". I even sympathized with the characters even though they were not overly likeable. The ending was not expected and I sort of wished it ended differently. For that reason I gave 4 stars. Overall a very enjoyable and quick read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2024
I love Valerie Keo’s books and I have read a lot of them but sadly this one was not only disappointing it made me think someone else must’ve written this book. Hannah has no redeeming qualities whatsoever and Susie was exciting as a dish towel not to mention Mark was a complete idiot! When I read a book either they have villains I love to hate or characters I just love, this Book had neither. I don’t know why but when Susie wrapped up college information as a Christmas present I wanted to DNF the book right then and there… I mean who does that? When Hannah found a picture of her and Mark in the book I thought it was going to be the grand sweeping lost love story, but they were only together six months and throughout her telling about them being together I couldn’t get a grasp on whether she truly loved him or that was just what she was doing at the moment.
I know we’re supposed to be non-judge mental when it comes to women who sleep with lots of men but I will be honest that is something I find hard to do for someone to get naked and rub the most sensitive parts on almost a complete stranger is something I find hard not to judge. I get it she got $200 for the pleasure but $200 is not enough for me to live with PTSD the rest of my life and I know that’s what would happen. Also Mark is an idiot… That’s all I’m going to say about Mark is he is a complete idiot and a buffoon and he is the character I was most disappointed in. This will not stop me from reading Valerie Keo’s because they are usually among my years favorite books but sadly this one will probably be a monks my worst. I want to thank boldwood books and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I know we’re supposed to be non-judge mental when it comes to women who sleep with lots of men but I will be honest that is something I find hard to do for someone to get naked and rub the most sensitive parts on almost a complete stranger is something I find hard not to judge. I get it she got $200 for the pleasure but $200 is not enough for me to live with PTSD the rest of my life and I know that’s what would happen. Also Mark is an idiot… That’s all I’m going to say about Mark is he is a complete idiot and a buffoon and he is the character I was most disappointed in. This will not stop me from reading Valerie Keo’s because they are usually among my years favorite books but sadly this one will probably be a monks my worst. I want to thank boldwood books and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 5, 2024
This was a DNF @ 20% for me. I could not get past how repetitive it was. It’s a huge pet peeve of mine when an author repeats the same phrase more than once in a short amount of time and this book did it so often it made me cringe. It just feels uncreative and lazy. The characters also just kept repeating the same mundane emotions over and over—we get it, Susan, you miss your son, get over it.
I wanted to like it, the story sounded promising, but I find it hard to care about vapid, wealthy women who have no substance or driving factor.
I wanted to like it, the story sounded promising, but I find it hard to care about vapid, wealthy women who have no substance or driving factor.
February 25, 2024
Valerie has given us yet another, impossible to put down, domestic thriller.
This was a quick, easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into Susan and Hannah's drama for a while.
Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a fast paced, easy read, with drama, mystery, interesting characters and a very unexpected ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for early access to this novel.
This was a quick, easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into Susan and Hannah's drama for a while.
Highly recommend this book if you're looking for a fast paced, easy read, with drama, mystery, interesting characters and a very unexpected ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for early access to this novel.
March 11, 2024
A fantastic book, very twisty and a surprising, unexpected ending which I didn't see coming. I throughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
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