Dating App

by Stephanie Tyo

Trigger This book contains themes of stalking and obsession. If you are sensitive to these topics or have had traumatic experiences related to dating, please proceed with caution.Love's digital quest turns sinister, blurring reality in a chilling dance of obsession."Loosely Based on a True Story"

A single mother embarks on a journey to find love in the digital age. Little does she know that her pursuit of companionship will catapult her into a chilling nightmare, blurring the lines of reality.

As she delves into the world of online dating, our protagonist discovers a seemingly perfect match whose charming façade hides a sinister obsession. What begins as a beacon of hope for a brighter future transforms into a perilous dance with terror as the connection spirals into a nightmarish web that ensnares her every move.

In a relentless battle for survival, she grapples with the horrifying truth – the very person she thought was a click away from love is now a dangerous pursuer. Fueled by a desire to protect her family and reclaim her life, she must navigate the blurred lines of protecting her children and reality.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2024

About the author

Stephanie Tyo is a multi-genre author based in Cornwall, Ontario, known for unforgettable stories that span middle-grade misadventures, dark romance, literary horror and many more. Her work blends heart, humor, and haunting depth, exploring themes of memory, connection, and the beauty in life's unexpected detours. Whether she's writing for kids or adults, Stephanie crafts worlds where every detail matters—and every story leaves a mark.

Reviews

[Shauntelle (myglamorousreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good. I enjoyed the fast pace of the second half, and the suspense built during plot development. It was beautifully written, but at times I found myself slightly annoyed at how wordy it was. I put it down multiple times, and once I picked it up around the 50% mark, it picked up the pace and kept me more entertained the second half of the book. I do feel it could've been shorter. Hearing about her green eyes over and over again or her computer mouse described in detail was a lot for me. I appreciate descriptive language, but there is a thing as TOO descriptive.

Overall, it was a good read, and the pace of the second half of the book made me give this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you Booksprout and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the concept and was excited to read the story, but I honestly had a hard time finishing it. The writing is incredibly descriptive to the point where it distracted me from the storyline in the first half of the book. I almost stopped reading, but I like to finish a book when I start one. The timeline of the stalking relationship seemed very confusing. I'm not sure if this took place over a few days, weeks, or months. There wasn't enough detail regarding the communication between the stalker and the main character to grab me and make me feel what she was feeling. The second half of the book seemed overly repetitive. There were way too many references to "her green eyes" and "tomorrow we fight." Overall, I loved the concept, and it had potential, but the story fell flat.

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published April, 10, 2024.
A little more than 3.5 stars


I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Stephanie has done a great job here in keeping the pace of this novel fast , while managing to put in some time for the development of the plot and the characters. This is a well written thriller.

I had read Stephanie's earlier book Shattered Minds Minds and understand her style of writing.

The challenge is the over exuberant detailing that stalls the initial story flow while the context is being set. Stephanie writes well enough for a discerning reader to appreciate but may turn off less appreciative readers who lack the patience while she fills the canvas.

The story of a single mother taking to the world of online dating connects with the reader and the pitfalls and fallout involved is well trodden in this story. Obsession and Stalking plays an important part in the story and may make prospective readers uncomfortable. This is a symbol of the current times. There are pitfalls in the book related to pace, timelines, build-up but overall the book lives up to its blurb.

I will definitely try another of Stephanie's books.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written thriller with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and pulled me in , keeping me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what would happen next. She brings a story of stalking and obsession, danger and fear and moves it fluidly with her descriptive writing, delivering a terrific read. Beware of triggers.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Amanda Grange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Tyo's writing is so poetic. It was unexpected how beautifully written this psychological thriller was. At the beginning, as she's describing Elaine's life, I felt almost transported into a dream that quickly turned into a nightmare. Her family life with the girls seemed to be utter perfection. The more i read, the more entangled and invested i became in her happy ever after. This is definitely one of my favorites for the month.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of stalking and obsession, danger and fear. Please be aware that there are strong trigger warnings associated with this tale. As I was, myself, recently in the world of dating apps, I was very interested in getting my hands on this book. I did find the story to be fairly realistic, however, I did not enjoy the writing style of Stephanie Tyo much to my disappointment. Would not recommend. Sorry

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC. I found this book, sadly, to be incredibly tedious. Everything was so repetitive - it seemed like anything that happened then happened again on the next page. Every conversation, every significant event. The characters felt unbelievable and the plot was unconvincing too. I felt the authorial style was way too flowery for a domestic thriller, and while it's not my cup of tea, I think it would suit a romance novel.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this thriller. Once I started reading it I had a hard time putting it down. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to read what was going to happen next. I don't want to provide any spoilers so I won't give any details. I would recommend reading this book! (be sure to check out the triggers).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an intense and intriguing read. A single mother embarks on a journey to find love in the digital age. Little does she know that her pursuit of companionship will catapult her into a chilling nightmare, blurring the lines of reality. The very person she thought was a click away from love is now a dangerous pursuer. Am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an enganging and kept you on the edge of your seat. This is definitely one of your worst nightmares coming true. It was fast paced and always kept you guessing.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Pedzinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

disappointed

Story was good concept, as a single mother myself living in the digital dating world.. but the flow of the storyline was hard to follow and the passing of time was hard to understand. My opinion could’ve used more reference to their communication

[Corey Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie Tyo leaves us thrilled and chilled, pulling the reader in with suspense amid a timely topic. Slower start, but a really good build up half way through. Highly recommend this one.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sierra · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNFed. The writing was too descriptive and romantic, very wordy. I felt like I should be reading a great romance novel not being pulled into a modern nightmare come true.

[Angela Marie Clavering · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story very sinister and creepy however the editing of the book was awful. Spelling mistakes and timeline errors which could be a little confusing however a good story.

[Nicole Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish the story started sooner I like to know what the crime it self is right in the beginning and then all the charaters and their lifes.