What do you think?
Rate this book
The Custody Battle: A completely gripping and addictive domestic suspense novel
“What’s going to happen to me?” my little girl asks, clutching her teddy bear tight. “Daddy and I love you,” I reply. “Nothing is going to change.” But I was so wrong. How far will I have to go to keep my darling daughter?
When Greg and I first decided to separate, we promised to keep it civil for our daughter Lola. So when she stopped wanting to hug me, I thought Lola was just struggling with the divorce. Then she started screaming at me, calling me a liar, and I could hear Greg in her words. I’m certain he’s trying to turn our baby against me.
He’s determined to dig up dirt on me, to make the court think I’m a terrible mother… But two can play that game.
So when he reveals the worst thing I have ever done, my heart pounds in my chest. Because I know Greg’s deep dark secrets, too. But the more we each try to win, the harder it is to turn back. Now I’m terrified that we’ve put Lola in terrible danger…
By the time we realise what we’ve done, will it be too late for us to save her, or ourselves?
A completely gripping dark domestic suspense novel about a family tearing themselves apart, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth.
When Greg and I first decided to separate, we promised to keep it civil for our daughter Lola. So when she stopped wanting to hug me, I thought Lola was just struggling with the divorce. Then she started screaming at me, calling me a liar, and I could hear Greg in her words. I’m certain he’s trying to turn our baby against me.
He’s determined to dig up dirt on me, to make the court think I’m a terrible mother… But two can play that game.
So when he reveals the worst thing I have ever done, my heart pounds in my chest. Because I know Greg’s deep dark secrets, too. But the more we each try to win, the harder it is to turn back. Now I’m terrified that we’ve put Lola in terrible danger…
By the time we realise what we’ve done, will it be too late for us to save her, or ourselves?
A completely gripping dark domestic suspense novel about a family tearing themselves apart, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Sally Hepworth.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2024
981 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Monago
15 books101 followersEllie Monago is the pen name of a novelist and practicing therapist. She’s also a wife and mother, and when you add it all up, she doesn’t wind up with much time for hobbies. But she’s an avid tennis fan, a passionate reader of both fiction and nonfiction—especially memoir (nothing’s as juicy as the truth!)—and she relishes a good craft cocktail. She spent most of her life living in the U.S. and now resides in Western Canada with her family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 5, 2024
se cercate un thriller, spoiler questo NON lo è assolutamente!
di una noia mortale, personaggi odiosissimi e scene trash senza senso 💀
di una noia mortale, personaggi odiosissimi e scene trash senza senso 💀
February 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Custody Battle by Ellie Monago. Well, where to begin? I enjoyed the book and it was fast paced to keep me interested. The title was very accurate as in the book was about a custody battle. It was written as a drama. It did have some secrets within but I would not refer to it as a thriller. There was a bit of suspense at times and the ending was a shock for me. I would recommend this book but not for thriller readers. I enjoyed it anyway. A 4 star rating from me.
February 16, 2024
This book...
This book right here...
Was like watching paint dry
Couple wants divorce
Greg doesn't want a divorce
Madeline has found someone else
Couple fights over child
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
This book right here...
Was like watching paint dry
Couple wants divorce
Greg doesn't want a divorce
Madeline has found someone else
Couple fights over child
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
March 2, 2024
Top quality pov story of what happens when one person calls time out on the marriage and the other doesn't want out . This listen documents what can really happen and its effects on the child when a custody battle appears.
The pov are compelling i listen on wanting to know what woukd happen to all sides. I love the way I was lead to believe certain things and then bang it was nonsense. I would have loved a chapter from the best friends pov. Thisxwas gripping. The narration was spot on . A thrilling short 5 star listen. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator. Look forward to more
The pov are compelling i listen on wanting to know what woukd happen to all sides. I love the way I was lead to believe certain things and then bang it was nonsense. I would have loved a chapter from the best friends pov. Thisxwas gripping. The narration was spot on . A thrilling short 5 star listen. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator. Look forward to more
January 5, 2024
Wow, where do I even begin, I will admit I stayed up until this mornings sunrise as I needed to know how this amazing book ended.
The Custody Battle by Ellie Monago is a page turner about two parents going through a divorce and the child stuck in the middle of it. What started as a simple divorce turned into so much more, relationships and friendships are put to the test and we start questioning the way the parent’s actions are having an impact on the child.
I had moments in the book that I felt like shouting at the way both the parents were acting and the decisions and actions they took with each other especially how the parents were using their child as a pawn in their game trying to make one another look bad in others perspectives which I know can be common in divorces and child custody cases and in which the author did a great job on how infuriating the situation can be for children.
The book is exactly what the title is all about, how quickly everything can get out of hand and who will end up paying the price for it all.
Everything about The Custody Battle is cut throat, once you start reading you’re engrossed and can’t stop reading till you’re at the end which I thought was an unexpected ending and I would recommend to get your hands on this book, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Bookouture for the copy of this arc in exchange of my honest review.
The Custody Battle by Ellie Monago is a page turner about two parents going through a divorce and the child stuck in the middle of it. What started as a simple divorce turned into so much more, relationships and friendships are put to the test and we start questioning the way the parent’s actions are having an impact on the child.
I had moments in the book that I felt like shouting at the way both the parents were acting and the decisions and actions they took with each other especially how the parents were using their child as a pawn in their game trying to make one another look bad in others perspectives which I know can be common in divorces and child custody cases and in which the author did a great job on how infuriating the situation can be for children.
The book is exactly what the title is all about, how quickly everything can get out of hand and who will end up paying the price for it all.
Everything about The Custody Battle is cut throat, once you start reading you’re engrossed and can’t stop reading till you’re at the end which I thought was an unexpected ending and I would recommend to get your hands on this book, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Bookouture for the copy of this arc in exchange of my honest review.
April 18, 2024
I love domestic thrillers! The husband in this story is a narcissist - which I find to be a truly fascinating disorder and the author played up his character defects perfectly! You can’t win an argument with a narcissist and this book shows how the wife deals with such a difficult character keeping readers on the edge of their seat. This is a true psychological story ( part thriller) and I think that’s what I enjoy reading about most!
February 13, 2024
Madeline and Greg start off with the intent of having an amicable divorce. As far as Greg was concerned, they had a good marriage. In fact, he is gobsmacked when Madeline wants to dissolve the marriage. She is a pediatrician and he is an architect and they wanted for nothing. In fact, their home was a $5 million dollar showplace. The couple has a young daughter, and they decide on custody issues.
Greg soon realizes that Madeline was pretty much the manager in their marriage, and made some of the more critical decisions over the years. In fact, she gives him a list of names of divorce attorneys for him to choose from. Then there is Sidney, Madeline's best friend. Sidney just might find herself caught in the middle of Madeline and Greg.
This book by Ellie Monago was heavy on drama, with a few surprises thrown in. The custody battle made me think of the decades-old movie, Kramer vs. Kramer, to the tune that no matter how amicable things start out they won't necessarily stay that way. Things can change on a dime and that is what kept me riveted to this dramatic read.
I enjoyed the narration of this book when it came to Madeline's and Greg's points of view. Some of the additional dialogue by other characters was rather unimpressive, odd in one character's case to be sure. Nonetheless, I really could not put this book down and listened to it in one siting.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Greg soon realizes that Madeline was pretty much the manager in their marriage, and made some of the more critical decisions over the years. In fact, she gives him a list of names of divorce attorneys for him to choose from. Then there is Sidney, Madeline's best friend. Sidney just might find herself caught in the middle of Madeline and Greg.
This book by Ellie Monago was heavy on drama, with a few surprises thrown in. The custody battle made me think of the decades-old movie, Kramer vs. Kramer, to the tune that no matter how amicable things start out they won't necessarily stay that way. Things can change on a dime and that is what kept me riveted to this dramatic read.
I enjoyed the narration of this book when it came to Madeline's and Greg's points of view. Some of the additional dialogue by other characters was rather unimpressive, odd in one character's case to be sure. Nonetheless, I really could not put this book down and listened to it in one siting.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 13, 2024
The story is suspenseful and interesting as we hear the details of their relationship from both people who are using their young daughter as a pawn. Each person has their own reality and they see things much differently. These characters are highly unlikeable which I think worked well here. It’s kind of a modern day approach to War of the Roses. These two narcissists had me laughing out loud at their hypocrisy. This is a darkly fun listen and both narrator’s in the audio production are good and play their parts well.
February 23, 2024
I loved it! Gripping and fast paced. I felt every emotion of both parties. I was team husband for the majority of the book but the twists kept me not sure what to believe and who to have faith in. The author did such a great job at making you feel like you were going through a custody battle yourself. Loved it!
September 19, 2024
4,5⭐
Non lo definirei un thriller ma comunque ben fatto. I personaggi sono TUTTI odiosi, persino la bambina di 10 anni ma questo rende il tutto più interessante anche se estremamente snervante. La bassezza umana rappresentata al suo meglio.
Il finale poteva essere meno affrettato ma ci sta lo stesso.
Non lo definirei un thriller ma comunque ben fatto. I personaggi sono TUTTI odiosi, persino la bambina di 10 anni ma questo rende il tutto più interessante anche se estremamente snervante. La bassezza umana rappresentata al suo meglio.
Il finale poteva essere meno affrettato ma ci sta lo stesso.
January 8, 2024
A captivating read on how a supposedly amicable divorce can spiral out of control, and how quickly that spiral can happen. How can you enter divorce proceedings prioritizing your daughter, and end them by using her as a pawn in your own twisted games?
Greg is a narcissist, Madeline is selfish, and ten year old Lola is stuck in the middle.
I read this in one day, I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Greg is a narcissist, Madeline is selfish, and ten year old Lola is stuck in the middle.
I read this in one day, I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2024
The Custody Battle had me gripped. What started off as a quick and clean divorce turned into a battle for custody of their child.
I had not read a book on this subject before, it was new and interesting.
I must admit that as soon as I started reading the book I did not like Madeline and that did not change at all as the pages turned. I didn’t like how she went about the initial splitting up/getting a divorce and the reason why.
I felt for Greg a great deal at the beginning with how things kind of imploded for him but by the end of the book I didn’t particularly like either of them and the only person I felt for was poor Lola.
It was a great read, the first book I have read by Ellie Monago and it was good. I will look out for more books from her.
I had not read a book on this subject before, it was new and interesting.
I must admit that as soon as I started reading the book I did not like Madeline and that did not change at all as the pages turned. I didn’t like how she went about the initial splitting up/getting a divorce and the reason why.
I felt for Greg a great deal at the beginning with how things kind of imploded for him but by the end of the book I didn’t particularly like either of them and the only person I felt for was poor Lola.
It was a great read, the first book I have read by Ellie Monago and it was good. I will look out for more books from her.
February 22, 2024
They want to protect their child...but what if they're the danger...?
OMG! This book was like a car crash from which you couldn't look away! Let me be clear, this is all about a custody battle. From start to finish. And it gets ugly. It's gets dirty. And not the bedhopping kind, either. Both parties pull no punches to get what they want. And boy, is it ugly!
Madeline had it all planned out. She and Greg would divorce with as little disruption to their ten year old daughter Lola as possible. It would be quick, clean and respectful. But soon their amicable divorce would turn into an acrimonious one filled with allegations and accusations hurled at each other from ten paces.
Greg doesn't want a divorce. He adored the very ground on which Madeline walked. And while she said she loved him, she was no longer in love with him. Bu Greg thought that if he could just remind her how good they are together then she would give up the divorce and welcome him home with open arms.
But Madeline isn't being open and honest with Greg (or her divorce lawyer, for that matter). Waiting at the sidelines of battle is Tarek. The man Madeline has fallen for and he her. She hasn't slept with him or begun an affair - not while she is still married to Greg. No, she is waiting for the divorce which should take six months to be granted.
But Madeline has under-estimated Greg. He wants her back and will stop at nothing to win her back. He has his lawyer stalling her lawyer throughout the entire process at every turn, giving him time to woo her back into his arms. Until he discovers there is another man waiting in the wings. Suddenly, it's all bets are off.
And caught in the middle of their war against each other is Lola. Lola, who has her dad's deep blue eyes and is sense of fun but her mother's looks and analytical mind and stubbornness. She sees all and hears all...and she doesn't like one bit of it. She sides with her dad almost from the first moment that no matter what Madeline does or say, she takes no notice of her. And soon it becomes a clear case of parental alienation. Using their daughter a pawn to score the most points and make the other look bad.
This domestic suspense is an ugly tale. The lengths two people who once loved each other, and claim to have the best interests of their daughter at heart, will go to just to tarnish the other and win sole custody. It's brutal and it's dirty.
Neither parent wins any popularity contests with me as they are both as bad as each other. Madeline wasn't upfront in the first place when she should have been and Greg has blinkers on, the narcissistic personality that he is. It's true, he took Madeline for granted all the years they were married and what he was most missing was her organisational skills and her ability to make his life as smooth as possible. He had the Disneyland dad quality where he would swoop in and do all the fun things with Lola while Madeline did the grunt work - that much is true. But they both played dirty to come out on top. And for what? Where did it leave them in the end?
You'll have to read the book to find out!!
An unputdownable domestic suspense that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end.
I would like to thank #EllieMonago, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCustodyBattle in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
OMG! This book was like a car crash from which you couldn't look away! Let me be clear, this is all about a custody battle. From start to finish. And it gets ugly. It's gets dirty. And not the bedhopping kind, either. Both parties pull no punches to get what they want. And boy, is it ugly!
Madeline had it all planned out. She and Greg would divorce with as little disruption to their ten year old daughter Lola as possible. It would be quick, clean and respectful. But soon their amicable divorce would turn into an acrimonious one filled with allegations and accusations hurled at each other from ten paces.
Greg doesn't want a divorce. He adored the very ground on which Madeline walked. And while she said she loved him, she was no longer in love with him. Bu Greg thought that if he could just remind her how good they are together then she would give up the divorce and welcome him home with open arms.
But Madeline isn't being open and honest with Greg (or her divorce lawyer, for that matter). Waiting at the sidelines of battle is Tarek. The man Madeline has fallen for and he her. She hasn't slept with him or begun an affair - not while she is still married to Greg. No, she is waiting for the divorce which should take six months to be granted.
But Madeline has under-estimated Greg. He wants her back and will stop at nothing to win her back. He has his lawyer stalling her lawyer throughout the entire process at every turn, giving him time to woo her back into his arms. Until he discovers there is another man waiting in the wings. Suddenly, it's all bets are off.
And caught in the middle of their war against each other is Lola. Lola, who has her dad's deep blue eyes and is sense of fun but her mother's looks and analytical mind and stubbornness. She sees all and hears all...and she doesn't like one bit of it. She sides with her dad almost from the first moment that no matter what Madeline does or say, she takes no notice of her. And soon it becomes a clear case of parental alienation. Using their daughter a pawn to score the most points and make the other look bad.
This domestic suspense is an ugly tale. The lengths two people who once loved each other, and claim to have the best interests of their daughter at heart, will go to just to tarnish the other and win sole custody. It's brutal and it's dirty.
Neither parent wins any popularity contests with me as they are both as bad as each other. Madeline wasn't upfront in the first place when she should have been and Greg has blinkers on, the narcissistic personality that he is. It's true, he took Madeline for granted all the years they were married and what he was most missing was her organisational skills and her ability to make his life as smooth as possible. He had the Disneyland dad quality where he would swoop in and do all the fun things with Lola while Madeline did the grunt work - that much is true. But they both played dirty to come out on top. And for what? Where did it leave them in the end?
You'll have to read the book to find out!!
An unputdownable domestic suspense that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end.
I would like to thank #EllieMonago, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheCustodyBattle in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 14, 2024
I had the opportunity to listen to “The Custody Battle” audiobook. The book is a about a couple that is going through a divorce and both the husband and wife’s side of the story is presented. As the story progresses the focus turns to what will happen to their daughter.
This book has secrets, twists and turns. It kept my interest from the first minute until the last. The narrators did a great job- very easy to listen to and made the story come alive. Great story for those who love trying to guess what will happen until the very end.
I was provided a copy of this audiobook from Bookouture Audio and NetGalley to provide an honest review.
This book has secrets, twists and turns. It kept my interest from the first minute until the last. The narrators did a great job- very easy to listen to and made the story come alive. Great story for those who love trying to guess what will happen until the very end.
I was provided a copy of this audiobook from Bookouture Audio and NetGalley to provide an honest review.
March 20, 2024
Wow!
Gripping and addictive is within the title and that is exactly you get with this book. Loved that every other chapter was written about the key characters in the book. Suspenseful throughout, never really suspected the outcome.
Gripping and addictive is within the title and that is exactly you get with this book. Loved that every other chapter was written about the key characters in the book. Suspenseful throughout, never really suspected the outcome.
October 6, 2024
Psicologico. Bellissimo.
February 26, 2024
Set in the middle of a custody battle, Greg and Madeline are fighting for the custody of their daughter Lola. It was supposed to be a smooth divorce, but sadly it’s never like that. It brings out the worst in both of them.
I enjoyed the book, it’s written well and it was an interesting subject. It gripped me from the start. Madeline is a great character, but has secrets. Greg is a lovely guy at the start, but turns very devious.
I listened to the audiobook and found both narrators very good, easy to understand and read the story very well.
A gripping book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
I enjoyed the book, it’s written well and it was an interesting subject. It gripped me from the start. Madeline is a great character, but has secrets. Greg is a lovely guy at the start, but turns very devious.
I listened to the audiobook and found both narrators very good, easy to understand and read the story very well.
A gripping book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
January 12, 2024
Divorce really brings out the worse out of some people. Well, this book is all about how a divorce can turn sour. It dragged a bit at times, but at the end, the twist really shocked me ! It was a nice read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2024
In this book, we follow the story of Greg and Madaline as they navigate through a divorce, and their struggles to protect their little girl, Lola, from the fallout. The book is narrated in a dual point of view between these two characters, which I found particularly fascinating. While reading the book, I could see the manipulation and hurt that Greg is going through, and I empathized with him more than with Madaline. On the other hand, Madaline's character is not particularly likable, and it's challenging to support her actions throughout the book.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is that it provided a deep insight into the feelings and emotions of both parties in a divorce. This gave me a better understanding of how a family dispute can escalate and the potential consequences it can have on all the family members.
Despite being marketed as a thriller, I didn't feel any of the thriller aspects until the end of the narrative, where I found a surprising twist. Instead, the book felt more like a domestic suspense novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, I found the book engaging and thought-provoking, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a suspenseful read.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is that it provided a deep insight into the feelings and emotions of both parties in a divorce. This gave me a better understanding of how a family dispute can escalate and the potential consequences it can have on all the family members.
Despite being marketed as a thriller, I didn't feel any of the thriller aspects until the end of the narrative, where I found a surprising twist. Instead, the book felt more like a domestic suspense novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, I found the book engaging and thought-provoking, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a suspenseful read.
February 18, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoture for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book officially publishes on 2/21/24!
To me, this book left a lot to be desired. The reader gets dual POVs, but throughout the book I felt myself disliking both of the MCs more and more. This was a slow burn in my opinion, with a lot of back and forth between the MCs. The twist in this one also missed the mark for me, and the ending was wrapped up in a bow despite the messiness of the novel throughout between the characters. The main tropes in this are family drama, divorce, and manipulation.
To me, this book left a lot to be desired. The reader gets dual POVs, but throughout the book I felt myself disliking both of the MCs more and more. This was a slow burn in my opinion, with a lot of back and forth between the MCs. The twist in this one also missed the mark for me, and the ending was wrapped up in a bow despite the messiness of the novel throughout between the characters. The main tropes in this are family drama, divorce, and manipulation.
August 15, 2024
Storia di come si può passare ad amarsi per poi autodistruggersi in fase di divorzio, fino ad arrivare al punto di fare male alle persone più care.
February 18, 2024
Tense divorce drama that hits the mark.
Many of us will have experience of divorce, myself included. None are easy, however hard the parties try to make it so.
And so this novel will feel quite recognisable to a lot of readers. And if it doesn't - count your lucky stars.
Doctor Marilyn has told her architect husband Greg that she wants a divorce - she no longer loves him, there is no way back for them, they can sort this out fairly and easily, keep things smooth for their daughter. She even has paperwork all prepared. All he needs to do is agree to things and they can move on with their lives.
Greg wants to fight for his wife, marriage and family. Surely he can persuade Marilyn the love can be rekindled? That he can make the changes she might need?
Not at all a recipe for acrimonious legal battles and one-upmanship, bringing in friends, lawyers and daughter Lola.
What starts as the ideal 'let's sort this between ourselves' arrangement soon spirals into a bitter and protracted process, and we see both sides of their story, with family history and their own love story spun out from both perspectives.
Couples will see themselves in one, other or even both of these parents - we all self-delude and see ourselves in the right. We all can be less than we would like to be. We can all be selfish, cruel and resentful.
Seeing a divorce from this outside angle certainly made me consider my own.
It was a great audio novel, with both adults vying for our approval even though we see the flaws of all. So messy, so upsetting, with their child involved, but a great, fast-moving family drama that kept bringing out surprises and turns.
Not a relaxing beach read, by any means, but a good hint towards self-examination.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
Many of us will have experience of divorce, myself included. None are easy, however hard the parties try to make it so.
And so this novel will feel quite recognisable to a lot of readers. And if it doesn't - count your lucky stars.
Doctor Marilyn has told her architect husband Greg that she wants a divorce - she no longer loves him, there is no way back for them, they can sort this out fairly and easily, keep things smooth for their daughter. She even has paperwork all prepared. All he needs to do is agree to things and they can move on with their lives.
Greg wants to fight for his wife, marriage and family. Surely he can persuade Marilyn the love can be rekindled? That he can make the changes she might need?
Not at all a recipe for acrimonious legal battles and one-upmanship, bringing in friends, lawyers and daughter Lola.
What starts as the ideal 'let's sort this between ourselves' arrangement soon spirals into a bitter and protracted process, and we see both sides of their story, with family history and their own love story spun out from both perspectives.
Couples will see themselves in one, other or even both of these parents - we all self-delude and see ourselves in the right. We all can be less than we would like to be. We can all be selfish, cruel and resentful.
Seeing a divorce from this outside angle certainly made me consider my own.
It was a great audio novel, with both adults vying for our approval even though we see the flaws of all. So messy, so upsetting, with their child involved, but a great, fast-moving family drama that kept bringing out surprises and turns.
Not a relaxing beach read, by any means, but a good hint towards self-examination.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
February 19, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Custody Battle by Ellie Monago, an audiobook narrated by Davis Brooks and Sarah Borges is
a gripping and addictive domestic suspense novel! The book caught my attention straight from the beginning and kept me intrigued all the way through! The final twists were unexpected and the ending was worth it!
This is a book about the dark side of divorce. It shows how much people change in the process, how much manipulation goes around, and by some point, it's just a dark game where no one cares who will be hurt in the process.
When Lola asked for a divorce, she wanted things to be nice and easy. When Greg agreed to "nice and easy" he didn't have any intention of keeping it like that as he didn't want to lose his wife!
Things escalate quickly and their life turns into a dark battle.
This book is told from Lola and Greg's point of view so it's a chance to know both characters on a deep level. What I really liked was different narrators narrated the male and female parts so that made it easy to follow the story. Both narrators were brilliant and made this story so enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this copy, I highly recommend it to everyone who loves family/domestic dramas!
The Custody Battle by Ellie Monago, an audiobook narrated by Davis Brooks and Sarah Borges is
a gripping and addictive domestic suspense novel! The book caught my attention straight from the beginning and kept me intrigued all the way through! The final twists were unexpected and the ending was worth it!
This is a book about the dark side of divorce. It shows how much people change in the process, how much manipulation goes around, and by some point, it's just a dark game where no one cares who will be hurt in the process.
When Lola asked for a divorce, she wanted things to be nice and easy. When Greg agreed to "nice and easy" he didn't have any intention of keeping it like that as he didn't want to lose his wife!
Things escalate quickly and their life turns into a dark battle.
This book is told from Lola and Greg's point of view so it's a chance to know both characters on a deep level. What I really liked was different narrators narrated the male and female parts so that made it easy to follow the story. Both narrators were brilliant and made this story so enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this copy, I highly recommend it to everyone who loves family/domestic dramas!
February 15, 2024
I was hooked from the beginning!
We meet Madeleine and Greg, at the start of their divorce - what Madeleine was hoping would be a clean cut and quick divorce turned into an ugly custody battle for their daughter, 10 year old Lola.
Relationships and friendships are put to the test, and it makes you wonder about their actions on Lola.
As above, I was gripped from the beginning and it makes you really wonder if custody battles happen this way, very quickly getting out of hand and who pays the price for it by the end. As a child of divorce, I'm very lucky things were clean cut for my family.
I didn't care for any of the characters, they infuriated me at times and how they were acting, but I guess divorce and custody battles would change a person.
I enjoyed the 2 narrators for the 2 person POV. The wee twist was kind of expected, it was still enjoyable and I am looking forward to finding out more about Lola in a potential 2nd novel, or so it teased at the end of the audio!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Madeleine and Greg, at the start of their divorce - what Madeleine was hoping would be a clean cut and quick divorce turned into an ugly custody battle for their daughter, 10 year old Lola.
Relationships and friendships are put to the test, and it makes you wonder about their actions on Lola.
As above, I was gripped from the beginning and it makes you really wonder if custody battles happen this way, very quickly getting out of hand and who pays the price for it by the end. As a child of divorce, I'm very lucky things were clean cut for my family.
I didn't care for any of the characters, they infuriated me at times and how they were acting, but I guess divorce and custody battles would change a person.
I enjoyed the 2 narrators for the 2 person POV. The wee twist was kind of expected, it was still enjoyable and I am looking forward to finding out more about Lola in a potential 2nd novel, or so it teased at the end of the audio!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2024
I could not stop listening to this audiobook!
Marilyn want to divorce her husband Greg. She proposes a very amicable and clean divorce, yet Greg wants to fight for his marriage. He refuses to let go easily. Things started out very friendly, but soon take a turn for the worse. The supposedly amicable divorce soon becomes full of tension and DRAMA! The tension and drama starts at the beginning and builds and builds and builds.
The ugly shows in both of the main characters in no time, and they were characters I loved to hate! Their dislikable factor made the plot that much better. There were dual timelines narrated by Marilyn and Greg, and I enjoyed them both. I found myself dying to know what going to happen. The writing was very descriptive without being boring, and the character development was on point. There were many real life components to this book which made the plot seem real.
The narrators, Davis Brooks and Sarah Borges, were phenomenal and helped to build the suspense the entire way through this story.
This was such a great popcorn thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Marilyn want to divorce her husband Greg. She proposes a very amicable and clean divorce, yet Greg wants to fight for his marriage. He refuses to let go easily. Things started out very friendly, but soon take a turn for the worse. The supposedly amicable divorce soon becomes full of tension and DRAMA! The tension and drama starts at the beginning and builds and builds and builds.
The ugly shows in both of the main characters in no time, and they were characters I loved to hate! Their dislikable factor made the plot that much better. There were dual timelines narrated by Marilyn and Greg, and I enjoyed them both. I found myself dying to know what going to happen. The writing was very descriptive without being boring, and the character development was on point. There were many real life components to this book which made the plot seem real.
The narrators, Davis Brooks and Sarah Borges, were phenomenal and helped to build the suspense the entire way through this story.
This was such a great popcorn thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
February 10, 2024
The Custody Battle
By: Ellie Monago
Greg and Madeline are in the middle of a divorce. They agree to be amicable, but Greg really wants to stay married and when he finds out something about Madeline things become hostile.
As in some divorce cases children become a pawn. The cover suggested a baby, but their daughter ten and rebellious. Madeline and Greg are both hiding things and Lola is dealing with a lot more than they seem to realize.
Thank you Bookouture Audio for this advanced copy due out February 21, 2024.
By: Ellie Monago
Greg and Madeline are in the middle of a divorce. They agree to be amicable, but Greg really wants to stay married and when he finds out something about Madeline things become hostile.
As in some divorce cases children become a pawn. The cover suggested a baby, but their daughter ten and rebellious. Madeline and Greg are both hiding things and Lola is dealing with a lot more than they seem to realize.
Thank you Bookouture Audio for this advanced copy due out February 21, 2024.
February 22, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Both main characters were extremely unlikable in my opinion but I do believe that was the authors objective. I was blindsided by both of them that I didn’t see the twist. Both parents do not deserve custody of their daughter. It’s so sad that this is a common occurrence in real life families. Nasty custody battles not only break up marriages but leave the child with trauma. I was drawn to the story from the beginning but I just felt like something was missing in there plot for me.
January 7, 2024
The Custody Battle by Ellie Monago is exactly what you think it is - the battle between two parents over their ten year old child.
I had no empathy for either parent - one was narcissistic and the other was all for themself. The one I felt for was the child, which I think the author didn’t depict properly either as she acted a lot older and spoke much more affluently than a child her age would.
On the whole a good read.
I had no empathy for either parent - one was narcissistic and the other was all for themself. The one I felt for was the child, which I think the author didn’t depict properly either as she acted a lot older and spoke much more affluently than a child her age would.
On the whole a good read.
February 27, 2024
This was such a captivating book. A story that really is the story of so many people that get divorced and how the child feels stuck in the middle. In this book, they figure out their wrongs and how to make the best life for their daughter but what a crazy journey to get there. I wouldn't really call this a thriller but it's a great work of fiction.
April 11, 2024
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
Quick, engaging read with an interesting ending. I enjoyed listening. The narrators did a good job.
Quick, engaging read with an interesting ending. I enjoyed listening. The narrators did a good job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews