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The Uninvited Guest
One hen, one stag, one uninvited guest… who won’t make it to the wedding?
Megan Lewis is ready for her big day, but when an unexpected guest crashes her hen weekend, her perfectly curated world unravels.
Beth, claiming to be Jamie’s cousin, quickly charms the group. But when she gets close to bridesmaid Lauren, things take a dark turn, and a game of truth or dare exposes secrets from Megan’s past, shaking her world.
As the wedding nears, Megan realises Beth isn’t who she says she is — but she may be her only ally.
When you can’t trust anyone, not even your fiancé, who can you turn to?
Megan Lewis is ready for her big day, but when an unexpected guest crashes her hen weekend, her perfectly curated world unravels.
Beth, claiming to be Jamie’s cousin, quickly charms the group. But when she gets close to bridesmaid Lauren, things take a dark turn, and a game of truth or dare exposes secrets from Megan’s past, shaking her world.
As the wedding nears, Megan realises Beth isn’t who she says she is — but she may be her only ally.
When you can’t trust anyone, not even your fiancé, who can you turn to?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2025
201 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Ruby Speechley
21 books154 followersRuby Speechley is a psychological thriller writer. Her debut novel, Someone Else’s Baby, was published by Hera Books on 25 July 2019.
You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com
You can contact her on Twitter: @rubyspeechley, Facebook: ‘Ruby Speechley Author’ or via her website: rubyspeechley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
February 3, 2025
The Uninvited Guest is all about secrets, lies, and a BIG surprise! I found this book to be fast paced, entertaining, and OTT. There is never a dull moment as Megan Lewis and some friends are on her hen weekend. It was meant to be a weekend of fun, hijinks, drinking, celebrating and bonding. But when Beth, an uninvited guest, arrives claiming to be Jamie's, the groom's cousin, Megan, invites her in. Soon the fun times, take a dramatic and not too fun turn!
Megan, Megan, Megan, boy did I want to pull her aside and tell her to wake up and smell the coffee. How can one person be so naive, gullible, and lacking in judgement??????? Having said that, it did make the book move quickly along. It is interesting to read where the main character is so ridiculous that my neck got sore from shaking my head at her. There are quite a few unlikeable characters in this book which had me booing and hissing at them!
This was an enjoyable and fast paced read which can easily be read in one sitting/day. It's dramatic, has many twists and turns, and there is never a dull moment. As I mentioned, it is full of secrets, lies, and a few shocking scenes. Will I remember this book in months to come? I'm not sure, but I was entertained by it.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Megan, Megan, Megan, boy did I want to pull her aside and tell her to wake up and smell the coffee. How can one person be so naive, gullible, and lacking in judgement??????? Having said that, it did make the book move quickly along. It is interesting to read where the main character is so ridiculous that my neck got sore from shaking my head at her. There are quite a few unlikeable characters in this book which had me booing and hissing at them!
This was an enjoyable and fast paced read which can easily be read in one sitting/day. It's dramatic, has many twists and turns, and there is never a dull moment. As I mentioned, it is full of secrets, lies, and a few shocking scenes. Will I remember this book in months to come? I'm not sure, but I was entertained by it.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
January 18, 2025
The Uninvited Guest was a fast-paced and entertaining thriller. Megan’s hen weekend should have been a fun, enjoyable memory-making event before her big day. It turns out to be anything but a good time. Who is targeting Megan and trying to ruin her upcoming wedding? Finding the answer to this question is the motivation of the main character. I was instantly engaged and interested in solving this mystery as the plot unfolded. Many of Megan’s choices were questionable and frustrating. The ending was slightly over the top, but overall it was an enjoyable read. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.
February 15, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Uninvited Guest, by Ruby Speechley, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Megan Lewis is getting married, her hen party is not what she expected, someone uninvited shows up, Beth who claims to be family. This was a wild ride.
March 9, 2025
Boring. Yawning. And most importantly, full of secondhand embarrassment and repetition.
This felt like petty drama I had no business being involved in—just a bunch of grown-ups acting like children. The plot dragged, felt all over the place, and lacked any real direction. The characters weren’t worth rooting for, and I kept waiting for something to hook me... but it never did.
Let’s play Truth or Dare.
Truth? I should’ve left this alone on my NetGalley shelf.
Dare? I dared myself to be open to new authors and genres this year… so far, that’s not going great. Aha.
I might check out more from this author just to see, but this one? Definitely not for me.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯💐.
This felt like petty drama I had no business being involved in—just a bunch of grown-ups acting like children. The plot dragged, felt all over the place, and lacked any real direction. The characters weren’t worth rooting for, and I kept waiting for something to hook me... but it never did.
Let’s play Truth or Dare.
Truth? I should’ve left this alone on my NetGalley shelf.
Dare? I dared myself to be open to new authors and genres this year… so far, that’s not going great. Aha.
I might check out more from this author just to see, but this one? Definitely not for me.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯💐.
February 13, 2025
“The Uninvited Guest”, by Ruby Speechley
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
Another story around obsession and including a bunch of mean girls. Who needs friends like that?
This was quite juvenile.
All characters are unlikeable, but that’s not the problem with this book.
The storyline was very predictable, lacked originality (except the final twists) and depth, and was far fetched.
The main character was extremely naive and gullible.
This was a fast read because it is a small book.
I almost forgot to say that the narrative was very repetitive.
Anyways, this one was definitely not for me.
I only read it for fear of missing out (and also because I have subscribed to Kindle Unlimited and I’m trying to use it and decide if I should keep).
Once again I ignored my guts.
e-book (Kindle): 289 pages (default), 78k words
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
Another story around obsession and including a bunch of mean girls. Who needs friends like that?
This was quite juvenile.
All characters are unlikeable, but that’s not the problem with this book.
The storyline was very predictable, lacked originality (except the final twists) and depth, and was far fetched.
The main character was extremely naive and gullible.
This was a fast read because it is a small book.
I almost forgot to say that the narrative was very repetitive.
Anyways, this one was definitely not for me.
I only read it for fear of missing out (and also because I have subscribed to Kindle Unlimited and I’m trying to use it and decide if I should keep).
Once again I ignored my guts.
e-book (Kindle): 289 pages (default), 78k words
January 1, 2025
This was a quick read, but the protagonist was laughably gullible and not a nice person overall. The story centers on Megan and is told entirely from her POV- she is preparing for her hen weekend with a group of friends when creepy things start happening to her. To top it all off, a guest claiming to be her fiancé’s cousin crashes the party and Megan can’t decide whether to trust her.
As stated above, I found Megan’s character to just be ridiculous. She was so gullible and naive, while downplaying a major secret that actually was a big deal. In fact, it felt like all of the girls at the hen party acted like teenagers and I didn’t believe adults would act like that at all. There were a lot of twists and turns in the book, which makes it a quick read, but I felt like many were predictable and others verged on silly. The ending of the book was ok and fit with the rest id the story.
Overall, while the premise of this book was good and it was fast paced, these characters just did not seem for real. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2025
Definitely a fast paced book that keeps you guessing for most of it. Some unlikable characters which they were suppose to be..lol so worked out perfect. The ending was good. Enjoyed this book overall.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book
February 11, 2025
Megan Lewis is certain that there’s going to be a wedding. But then again, this wedding might not happen. When Megan and her friends get together for a hen party over the weekend, things take a disturbing turn. A funeral display with the words “R I P M E G A N” appears, and they’re funeral flowers. Someone doesn’t want Megan to marry, and it seems like they’re willing to go to any lengths to stop her, perhaps even putting her life at risk.
Megan, eagerly anticipating her upcoming marriage to Jamie, believes it was love at first sight. This conviction leads her to believe that this is the best decision for her and will bring her lasting happiness. However, someone else has a completely different perspective. The threats don’t end with the initial shocking message. These threats have undoubtedly put a damper on her hen party.
From the very beginning, the party is off-balance. To make matters worse, Megan invited Lauren to the hen party, hoping to mend their fractured friendship. Unfortunately, the two are clearly at odds, and their differences only escalate when they start playing revealing party games.
Just when things can’t get any worse, a newcomer, Beth, joins the group. Beth claims to be Jamie’s cousin, and everything goes completely off the rails. Megan already felt unnerved by Lauren’s presence, Beth’s arrival just makes things worse.
The party is filled with threats, secrets, lies, and blackmail—none of which are conducive to happiness. The threats are clear and escalate tension throughout the short span of time the story takes place. This thrilling domestic suspense story is expertly paced and filled with twists and surprises. The reader is drawn into Megan’s point of view, especially as some revelations start to become clear.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Megan, eagerly anticipating her upcoming marriage to Jamie, believes it was love at first sight. This conviction leads her to believe that this is the best decision for her and will bring her lasting happiness. However, someone else has a completely different perspective. The threats don’t end with the initial shocking message. These threats have undoubtedly put a damper on her hen party.
From the very beginning, the party is off-balance. To make matters worse, Megan invited Lauren to the hen party, hoping to mend their fractured friendship. Unfortunately, the two are clearly at odds, and their differences only escalate when they start playing revealing party games.
Just when things can’t get any worse, a newcomer, Beth, joins the group. Beth claims to be Jamie’s cousin, and everything goes completely off the rails. Megan already felt unnerved by Lauren’s presence, Beth’s arrival just makes things worse.
The party is filled with threats, secrets, lies, and blackmail—none of which are conducive to happiness. The threats are clear and escalate tension throughout the short span of time the story takes place. This thrilling domestic suspense story is expertly paced and filled with twists and surprises. The reader is drawn into Megan’s point of view, especially as some revelations start to become clear.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 10, 2025
Megan is preparing to walk down the isle and it’s time for her to relax and have some fun with her friends. Will this be a relaxing hen weekend?? No chance.
From the outset somethings not right. I won’t spoil it but Megan seems to be on edge..thinking the worst.. but why? Well that’s where the author has been very cunning.. there’s a big backstory and lots of moving parts in this engaging plot.
As the hen weekend kicks off it’s time for old friends to reconnect, but when Beth arrives things go from bad to worse..
The author leads you down the rabbit hole… you think you know who is out to get Megan but not the why.. but then there’s twists that make you doubt your initial thoughts.
As the story progresses we learn of hidden secrets that would rock the foundations of any marriage but who is really behind this? And why? What do they get out of this?
Plot wise it’s gripping and exciting and I loved how Megan developed with depth added along the way, it really helped strengthen the overall tale.
The list of characters isn’t too exhaustive meaning the author was able to focus and let the plot shine which paid off! The characters are well defined and develop nicely to aid the plot but little do you know at first where the plot will take you.. wow.. those last few chapters are immensely captivating!
I didn’t warm to Megan at first but as the plot thickens you understand her more and I can’t help but feel that’s exactly how the author wanted it. Megan has her flaws but ultimately isn’t a bad person.. she’s just made some bad choices.. she’s not the only one though!
This is my second foray into the authors work and I continue to be wowed! Excited to see what’s next.
The Uninvited Guest is a tale of hidden secrets and desire..wow!
From the outset somethings not right. I won’t spoil it but Megan seems to be on edge..thinking the worst.. but why? Well that’s where the author has been very cunning.. there’s a big backstory and lots of moving parts in this engaging plot.
As the hen weekend kicks off it’s time for old friends to reconnect, but when Beth arrives things go from bad to worse..
The author leads you down the rabbit hole… you think you know who is out to get Megan but not the why.. but then there’s twists that make you doubt your initial thoughts.
As the story progresses we learn of hidden secrets that would rock the foundations of any marriage but who is really behind this? And why? What do they get out of this?
Plot wise it’s gripping and exciting and I loved how Megan developed with depth added along the way, it really helped strengthen the overall tale.
The list of characters isn’t too exhaustive meaning the author was able to focus and let the plot shine which paid off! The characters are well defined and develop nicely to aid the plot but little do you know at first where the plot will take you.. wow.. those last few chapters are immensely captivating!
I didn’t warm to Megan at first but as the plot thickens you understand her more and I can’t help but feel that’s exactly how the author wanted it. Megan has her flaws but ultimately isn’t a bad person.. she’s just made some bad choices.. she’s not the only one though!
This is my second foray into the authors work and I continue to be wowed! Excited to see what’s next.
The Uninvited Guest is a tale of hidden secrets and desire..wow!
February 24, 2025
4.5 stars!
Megan's hen weekend is disrupted by an uninvited guest, Beth, who quickly charms the group but soon reveals dark secrets and shakes up Megan's world. As the wedding approaches, Megan realizes Beth may be her only ally, but can she trust anyone, even her fiancé?
Wow, this read was an exhilarating rollercoaster of dark twists and turns! I found myself questioning everything and everyone, unable to believe the shocking events unfolding before my eyes. The main character, Megan, may have been a bit naive at times, but her intentions were pure and heartfelt. Meeting her fiancé's cousin was a chance to impress and expand her family, but little did she know the secrets that would be revealed.
The author did a fantastic job of creating distinct characters that were easy to follow, with one particularly manipulative individual standing out as the least likable. The main twist and reveal caught me completely off guard, despite my best efforts to guess what was coming. The plot was expertly executed, with subtle hints sprinkled throughout the story to keep me on the edge of my seat.
If you love books that keep you guessing, shaking your head in disbelief, and distrusting everyone with each new twist and turn, then this book is must-read. The simple yet effective plot was executed flawlessly, leaving me eager to dive into more thrilling reads like this one.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the email invite and digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Megan's hen weekend is disrupted by an uninvited guest, Beth, who quickly charms the group but soon reveals dark secrets and shakes up Megan's world. As the wedding approaches, Megan realizes Beth may be her only ally, but can she trust anyone, even her fiancé?
Wow, this read was an exhilarating rollercoaster of dark twists and turns! I found myself questioning everything and everyone, unable to believe the shocking events unfolding before my eyes. The main character, Megan, may have been a bit naive at times, but her intentions were pure and heartfelt. Meeting her fiancé's cousin was a chance to impress and expand her family, but little did she know the secrets that would be revealed.
The author did a fantastic job of creating distinct characters that were easy to follow, with one particularly manipulative individual standing out as the least likable. The main twist and reveal caught me completely off guard, despite my best efforts to guess what was coming. The plot was expertly executed, with subtle hints sprinkled throughout the story to keep me on the edge of my seat.
If you love books that keep you guessing, shaking your head in disbelief, and distrusting everyone with each new twist and turn, then this book is must-read. The simple yet effective plot was executed flawlessly, leaving me eager to dive into more thrilling reads like this one.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the email invite and digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2025
Excellent from the beginning until the great ending.
I can thoroughly recommend.
I can thoroughly recommend.
December 20, 2024
Kept my attention, lots of twists and turns.. very exciting could not put it down. Did not figure of the ending until the end. Enough backstory to make it interesting but not so much to make it boring.
February 11, 2025
Twisty thriller about a hen party gone wrong and a bride to be being terrorized. Megan is excited and nervous about her wedding and the hen party (British version of bachelorette party) and is especially worried about leaving her two year old daughter with her parents. Megan is marrying the little girl's father Jamie and he is having his own party with his groomsmen. The day starts off badly when a funeral wreath with Megan's name is delivered to her parent's house. Megan and her good friend Danielle meet up with 8 other women at a rented house planning a weekend of games, drinking and eating. A woman Megan never met shows up at the party and says she is Jamie's cousin from Australia. Also, one of the invited women was a former friend of Megan's and at one time wanted Jamie to herself. Megan invited her to be a bridesmaid hoping to mend fences.
Megan seems rather dense as terrible things happen as soon as the party starts. Someone spills red nail polish all over the white bed cover, creepy words are written on a mirror and Megan is handcuffed and hurt at a nightclub the women go to after dinner. I would think anyone would just end the party or at least insist the stranger that appeared as well as the old friend with a grudge leave, but Megan insists they all stay and accepts their excuses on what was happening. There are a lot of twists in this one and some of them were a bit over the top. Both Megan and Jamie seem very naive and I couldn't believe they wouldn't call the police, especially after their daughter was threatened. I like the author's writing style and there was a lot of suspense, but the plot had too many twists combined with a main character that seemed like a teenager. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC for review.
Megan seems rather dense as terrible things happen as soon as the party starts. Someone spills red nail polish all over the white bed cover, creepy words are written on a mirror and Megan is handcuffed and hurt at a nightclub the women go to after dinner. I would think anyone would just end the party or at least insist the stranger that appeared as well as the old friend with a grudge leave, but Megan insists they all stay and accepts their excuses on what was happening. There are a lot of twists in this one and some of them were a bit over the top. Both Megan and Jamie seem very naive and I couldn't believe they wouldn't call the police, especially after their daughter was threatened. I like the author's writing style and there was a lot of suspense, but the plot had too many twists combined with a main character that seemed like a teenager. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC for review.
February 16, 2025
This book had an interesting premise.
The chapters are short so it is a quick read.
I was very interested at first but unfortunately I found my interest waning a bit because the MC made such strange and questionable decisions. Though I understood why the author used them to advance the plot but it did impact my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this is a quick read. If you are a fan of light thrillers this one will appeal to you.
The chapters are short so it is a quick read.
I was very interested at first but unfortunately I found my interest waning a bit because the MC made such strange and questionable decisions. Though I understood why the author used them to advance the plot but it did impact my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this is a quick read. If you are a fan of light thrillers this one will appeal to you.
February 2, 2025
2.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts off strong, the drama kicks off right away, and I flew through the first few chapters. However, I regret to say that the writing started to get a bit sloppy, and it was like reading a poorly written wattpad thriller.
First of all, I did not like the main character of Megan, she was very selfish, she acted immature and I felt myself screaming at her everytime she overshared with Brooke, especially after finding out she was Jamie's ex. The plot was very predictable, and it was fairly obvious how it was going to end. I think Jamie taking back Megan was a bad move. How could he trust her again after ALL of that.
There were plot inconsistencies as well. 2 examples. 1. Megan throws her friends phone in the pool, but then later on, she uses the phone to take photos and post them on all her socials. 2. Jamie is talking to Megan after she finds him when he's gone missing. Then his mouth is gagged, and then he's back to talking again.
I wouldn't recommend this book. It had a lot of promise, but it felt very rushed, and the storyline escalated down a very silly path.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book starts off strong, the drama kicks off right away, and I flew through the first few chapters. However, I regret to say that the writing started to get a bit sloppy, and it was like reading a poorly written wattpad thriller.
First of all, I did not like the main character of Megan, she was very selfish, she acted immature and I felt myself screaming at her everytime she overshared with Brooke, especially after finding out she was Jamie's ex. The plot was very predictable, and it was fairly obvious how it was going to end. I think Jamie taking back Megan was a bad move. How could he trust her again after ALL of that.
There were plot inconsistencies as well. 2 examples. 1. Megan throws her friends phone in the pool, but then later on, she uses the phone to take photos and post them on all her socials. 2. Jamie is talking to Megan after she finds him when he's gone missing. Then his mouth is gagged, and then he's back to talking again.
I wouldn't recommend this book. It had a lot of promise, but it felt very rushed, and the storyline escalated down a very silly path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
I have read and enjoyed many of Speechley's books over time and I can safely say I've just found my new favourite.
The Uninvited Guest was a super quick easy read and I became so wrapped up in Megan's hen weekend and the mystery surrounding 'family member' Beth, that before I knew it I'd binged the book in one sitting.
I've never been on a hen do before and after reading this I don't think I want to. Speechley has written some great characters in the hens, they're unpredictable and one was definitely uninvited.
Toxic friendships, secrets and suspense await!
The Uninvited Guest was a super quick easy read and I became so wrapped up in Megan's hen weekend and the mystery surrounding 'family member' Beth, that before I knew it I'd binged the book in one sitting.
I've never been on a hen do before and after reading this I don't think I want to. Speechley has written some great characters in the hens, they're unpredictable and one was definitely uninvited.
Toxic friendships, secrets and suspense await!
January 29, 2025
Gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns. Absolutely loved it. The drama and suspense is amazing.
March 14, 2025
Ruby Speechley masterfully builds suspense, weaving together betrayal, deception, and shocking twists. Fast-paced and unsettling, The Uninvited Guest is a must-read for psychological thriller fans who love a web of secrets and surprises.
November 5, 2025
im really struggling to have much of an opinion on this book other than I found it a bit childish/stupid! I dont think I liked it very much!!
December 29, 2024
I’ll give it a three because it really is a page turner but I found a lot of the twists and turns to be quite ridiculous and the last couple made me roll my eyes, and so did the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. This will be out in February of 2025.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. This will be out in February of 2025.
January 1, 2025
The Uninvited Guest by Ruby Speechley is a tense, fast-paced psychological thriller that delves into secrets, betrayal, and the fine line between trust and deception. With twists that keep you second-guessing and a dark, unsettling atmosphere, this book is a gripping exploration of how past mistakes can resurface in the most unexpected ways.
The story follows Megan, a bride-to-be excited for her upcoming wedding, who embarks on a hen weekend with her closest friends. However, her plans take a chilling turn when an unexpected guest, Beth, crashes the celebration, claiming to be her fiancé Jamie’s cousin. As Megan navigates strange messages, unnerving threats, and the unraveling of carefully kept secrets, she begins to suspect that Beth is not who she claims to be.
Speechley does a commendable job of creating an atmosphere of unease, and the setting of the hen weekend serves as the perfect backdrop for the escalating tension. The story is told entirely from Megan’s perspective, allowing readers to experience her growing paranoia and desperation firsthand. The short chapters and relentless pace make it difficult to put the book down.
While the plot twists are engaging, some elements of the story stretch believability. Megan’s character, while sympathetic, often makes frustratingly naive decisions that can be hard to relate to. Her overly trusting nature and emotional decision-making felt out of step with the gravity of the situations she faced. Similarly, the behavior of some supporting characters lacked realism, which detracted slightly from the overall impact of the story.
Final Thoughts:
The Uninvited Guest is a fast-paced, anxiety-inducing thriller that will appeal to fans of domestic suspense. While some character decisions may frustrate readers, the story’s twists and turns provide plenty of entertainment and keep you guessing until the end. Ruby Speechley’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making this an enjoyable, if occasionally implausible, read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Megan, a bride-to-be excited for her upcoming wedding, who embarks on a hen weekend with her closest friends. However, her plans take a chilling turn when an unexpected guest, Beth, crashes the celebration, claiming to be her fiancé Jamie’s cousin. As Megan navigates strange messages, unnerving threats, and the unraveling of carefully kept secrets, she begins to suspect that Beth is not who she claims to be.
Speechley does a commendable job of creating an atmosphere of unease, and the setting of the hen weekend serves as the perfect backdrop for the escalating tension. The story is told entirely from Megan’s perspective, allowing readers to experience her growing paranoia and desperation firsthand. The short chapters and relentless pace make it difficult to put the book down.
While the plot twists are engaging, some elements of the story stretch believability. Megan’s character, while sympathetic, often makes frustratingly naive decisions that can be hard to relate to. Her overly trusting nature and emotional decision-making felt out of step with the gravity of the situations she faced. Similarly, the behavior of some supporting characters lacked realism, which detracted slightly from the overall impact of the story.
Final Thoughts:
The Uninvited Guest is a fast-paced, anxiety-inducing thriller that will appeal to fans of domestic suspense. While some character decisions may frustrate readers, the story’s twists and turns provide plenty of entertainment and keep you guessing until the end. Ruby Speechley’s writing style is accessible and engaging, making this an enjoyable, if occasionally implausible, read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2025
Megan is only days away from her wedding to Jamie and about to head off on her hen weekend when the first of several unexplained, un-nerving events happen. Things continue to take a strange turn when someone Megan doesn't recognise turns up at her hen weekend claiming to be Jamie's cousin from Australia.
The book held my attention really well and I read it in two days; its the first book I've read by Ruby Speechley and I would be interested in trying some of her other thrillers. The pacing was good and the short chapters helped to keep me engrossed.
What made this a three-star read for me was that I really struggled to root for Megan, I really wanted to but I found her to not be particularly likeable. I also found it irritating that nobody was taking the events from the hen party more seriously, the general theme seemed to be brushing things off so as not to ruin the weekend when it was already pretty ruined. I also found it ridiculous that she continued to refuse to involve the police even once her toddler was clearly being brought into things.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with ARC copy this title in exchange for an honest review.
The book held my attention really well and I read it in two days; its the first book I've read by Ruby Speechley and I would be interested in trying some of her other thrillers. The pacing was good and the short chapters helped to keep me engrossed.
What made this a three-star read for me was that I really struggled to root for Megan, I really wanted to but I found her to not be particularly likeable. I also found it irritating that nobody was taking the events from the hen party more seriously, the general theme seemed to be brushing things off so as not to ruin the weekend when it was already pretty ruined. I also found it ridiculous that she continued to refuse to involve the police even once her toddler was clearly being brought into things.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with ARC copy this title in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2025
This book was horrible. The story and plot lines were a mess, the characters were shit, the ending was soooo bad as well. You drag us through this whole story and end in two pages? Just like that. This was one of the worst books I’ve read, felt like something written for a teenager but then even teens wouldn’t waste their time with this.
I want to take back the time I spent on reading this. Just out of sheer ridicule I continued to read until I reached the horrible ending.
I want to take back the time I spent on reading this. Just out of sheer ridicule I continued to read until I reached the horrible ending.
February 7, 2025
Book Name: The Uninvited Guest
Author: Ruby Speechley
Pub Date: February 10, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Ruby Speechley, for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Description:
Megan Lewis is eagerly looking forward to her wedding, but her world begins to unravel when an unexpected guest crashes her hen weekend. Beth, who claims to be Jamie’s cousin, quickly wins over the group, especially bridesmaid Lauren. However, things take a dark turn when a game of truth or dare reveals secrets from Megan’s past.
As Megan pieces things together, she realizes Beth isn’t who she claims to be—but she might be her only ally. With secrets, manipulation, and betrayal at every turn, Megan is left wondering who she can really trust—including her own fiancé.
A gripping and suspenseful domestic thriller, The Uninvited Guest is a must-read for fans of Shari Lapena, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell.
My Thoughts:
This book had me on edge from start to finish! The pacing is fast, the twists are shocking, and the tension keeps building with every chapter. I was completely immersed, but also incredibly frustrated—because Megan is just too trusting! She allows toxic people to manipulate her, even when it's clear they don't have her best interests at heart.
Her innocence and blind faith in people lead to devastating consequences, and I kept wanting to shake some sense into her. The ending is absolutely breathtaking, with twists I didn’t see coming. And Freya… oh no, not her! I was desperate to know how it would all play out.
While I loved the gripping storyline, Megan’s choices left me fuming. Why trust people who have already betrayed you? Why keep toxic friendships? And the biggest question—why stay silent about serious matters but share them with those who despise you? Some of her decisions made it hard to sympathize with her.
Recommendation:
If you love domestic thrillers filled with suspense, secrets, and drama, The Uninvited Guest is a must-read! I highly recommend reading it with friends because there’s so much to discuss and debate. It’s the kind of book that will have you screaming at the characters but unable to put it down.
A solid 5-star read—fast-paced, intense, and deeply frustrating in the best way!
Best wishes to Ruby Speechley for this thrilling book—it pulled me in so deep, I felt every moment of Megan’s struggle!
#TheUninvitedGuest #NetGalley
Author: Ruby Speechley
Pub Date: February 10, 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Ruby Speechley, for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Description:
Megan Lewis is eagerly looking forward to her wedding, but her world begins to unravel when an unexpected guest crashes her hen weekend. Beth, who claims to be Jamie’s cousin, quickly wins over the group, especially bridesmaid Lauren. However, things take a dark turn when a game of truth or dare reveals secrets from Megan’s past.
As Megan pieces things together, she realizes Beth isn’t who she claims to be—but she might be her only ally. With secrets, manipulation, and betrayal at every turn, Megan is left wondering who she can really trust—including her own fiancé.
A gripping and suspenseful domestic thriller, The Uninvited Guest is a must-read for fans of Shari Lapena, Alice Feeney, and Lisa Jewell.
My Thoughts:
This book had me on edge from start to finish! The pacing is fast, the twists are shocking, and the tension keeps building with every chapter. I was completely immersed, but also incredibly frustrated—because Megan is just too trusting! She allows toxic people to manipulate her, even when it's clear they don't have her best interests at heart.
Her innocence and blind faith in people lead to devastating consequences, and I kept wanting to shake some sense into her. The ending is absolutely breathtaking, with twists I didn’t see coming. And Freya… oh no, not her! I was desperate to know how it would all play out.
While I loved the gripping storyline, Megan’s choices left me fuming. Why trust people who have already betrayed you? Why keep toxic friendships? And the biggest question—why stay silent about serious matters but share them with those who despise you? Some of her decisions made it hard to sympathize with her.
Recommendation:
If you love domestic thrillers filled with suspense, secrets, and drama, The Uninvited Guest is a must-read! I highly recommend reading it with friends because there’s so much to discuss and debate. It’s the kind of book that will have you screaming at the characters but unable to put it down.
A solid 5-star read—fast-paced, intense, and deeply frustrating in the best way!
Best wishes to Ruby Speechley for this thrilling book—it pulled me in so deep, I felt every moment of Megan’s struggle!
#TheUninvitedGuest #NetGalley
January 17, 2025
I have read a couple of books by this author, and when I saw she had a new one out, I dived straight in—no messing about reading the synopsis. The cover and title were enough for me, and I really enjoyed the suspense.
Megan is due to go away on her hen weekend, not far from home where she leaves her daughter with her parents and her husband-to-be is on his stag weekend. There is an unsettling event before she even sets off, but she is persuaded that it is someone playing a joke. It has unsettled her, as it would have me as well!
When she gets to the cottage they have rented, surprises keep occurring, and not just one. A sister from Oz arrives, there is a surprise package and then there are the text messages. By the end of the weekend, Megan doesn't know who to trust and if any of her friends are responsible. But then it is not as if Megan can be trusted completely, and maybe her husband-to-be has a secret as well!
This is a really good book with a nice pace and flow to it. The suspense from the beginning sets the theme for the rest of the book. Having a small cast makes it easy to keep all of them in order, although some are obviously more prominent and have a greater impact as the story unfolds.
The way the author spreads the sense of suspicion is good, it adds a tense atmosphere at times and also it makes the reader wonder who is being honest and who is trying to cover their backs.
This was a book that was easy to get into and it kept my attention, I wanted to see who was telling the truth and also who was going to admit to the various events and unsettling happenings. If you are looking for a book that has plenty of tension and suspense and that has some twists then this is one you may well be interested in and I would be very happy to recommend it.
Megan is due to go away on her hen weekend, not far from home where she leaves her daughter with her parents and her husband-to-be is on his stag weekend. There is an unsettling event before she even sets off, but she is persuaded that it is someone playing a joke. It has unsettled her, as it would have me as well!
When she gets to the cottage they have rented, surprises keep occurring, and not just one. A sister from Oz arrives, there is a surprise package and then there are the text messages. By the end of the weekend, Megan doesn't know who to trust and if any of her friends are responsible. But then it is not as if Megan can be trusted completely, and maybe her husband-to-be has a secret as well!
This is a really good book with a nice pace and flow to it. The suspense from the beginning sets the theme for the rest of the book. Having a small cast makes it easy to keep all of them in order, although some are obviously more prominent and have a greater impact as the story unfolds.
The way the author spreads the sense of suspicion is good, it adds a tense atmosphere at times and also it makes the reader wonder who is being honest and who is trying to cover their backs.
This was a book that was easy to get into and it kept my attention, I wanted to see who was telling the truth and also who was going to admit to the various events and unsettling happenings. If you are looking for a book that has plenty of tension and suspense and that has some twists then this is one you may well be interested in and I would be very happy to recommend it.
February 3, 2025
**TRIGGER WARNING: Gore in some parts **
I thoroughly enjoyed Ruby Speechley's previous books:
Missing, Gone, Someone Else's Baby and Every Little Secret,
so I was pleased to find out she had another one out.
The Uninvited Guest started off well and I liked Megan's cute baby daughter, Freya, and thought her parents were caring and realistically portrayed.
I also thought the description of the house was good, and I liked how it was decorated. I didn't like Megan or her friends, as they didn't seem very mature.
Is Beth really Megan's fiancés cousin?
The twists were mostly predictable although I didn't anticipate some. I still didn't feel like the plot was mysterious enough, although it was fast paced, but I didn't feel as gripped by it as I was by Ruby's other books. It was suddenly shockingly gory in some parts, which I really didn't like, and the way that some of Megan's supposed "friends" treated her on a night out was just terrible. I almost had to abandon the book completely because of this and the gore, but I wanted to know how the novel ended.
I went between disliking Danielle and Sarah and then (very briefly) liking them, as they were the only two people who did show Megan some respect and support in the toughest parts of the story. If it were me, I would have abandoned the house and everyone earlier and gone back to my life.
It seemed like Megan wasn't a very strong character and found it hard to show self worth and fight for self-respect. I went between liking and disliking Jamie. I wasn't sure how much to trust him at some points.
This time, the book. wasn't for me, although I really wanted to like it more.
3 stars.
Thanks to Ruby Speechley and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ruby Speechley's previous books:
Missing, Gone, Someone Else's Baby and Every Little Secret,
so I was pleased to find out she had another one out.
The Uninvited Guest started off well and I liked Megan's cute baby daughter, Freya, and thought her parents were caring and realistically portrayed.
I also thought the description of the house was good, and I liked how it was decorated. I didn't like Megan or her friends, as they didn't seem very mature.
Is Beth really Megan's fiancés cousin?
The twists were mostly predictable although I didn't anticipate some. I still didn't feel like the plot was mysterious enough, although it was fast paced, but I didn't feel as gripped by it as I was by Ruby's other books. It was suddenly shockingly gory in some parts, which I really didn't like, and the way that some of Megan's supposed "friends" treated her on a night out was just terrible. I almost had to abandon the book completely because of this and the gore, but I wanted to know how the novel ended.
I went between disliking Danielle and Sarah and then (very briefly) liking them, as they were the only two people who did show Megan some respect and support in the toughest parts of the story. If it were me, I would have abandoned the house and everyone earlier and gone back to my life.
It seemed like Megan wasn't a very strong character and found it hard to show self worth and fight for self-respect. I went between liking and disliking Jamie. I wasn't sure how much to trust him at some points.
This time, the book. wasn't for me, although I really wanted to like it more.
3 stars.
Thanks to Ruby Speechley and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
February 15, 2025
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
The Uninvited Guest starts with fear and uncertainty, when Megan tries to figure out why someone would send her a funeral bouquet to her parent’s home. That central theme of fear and uncertainty continues on through most of the book, particularly due to constant upsets like the funeral bouquet–dead animals, hand-written scary messages, funeral wreaths, and text messages that threaten the worst, all in an effort to scare Megan off.
She doesn’t know who to trust anymore. The friends she felt she could lean on the most become number one suspects, and the stranger who shows up unexpectedly at her hen weekend (Beth) soon becomes the most reliable safeguard during moments of upheaval and chaos. Beth claims she’s innocent and honest, but Jamie tells Megan not to trust Beth. Given Megan’s own experience with Jamie, there could be a lot of truth to Beth’s warnings. It’s enough to make the reader unsure of who to trust, let alone Megan’s trust in her allies!
I knew that something sinister was on the horizon–as each chapter passed and the threats thickened, I had a feeling everything would be revealed (and unravel) on the wedding day. Suddenly, people go missing and there are no breadcrumbs left behind to decipher what’s really going on, leaving Megan feeling lost and terrified. Who would want to hurt Megan or the people she loves most? And most importantly: Why?
I really enjoyed the psychological thriller aspect to this story. I had my suspicions on who I thought was the culprit, and while I was right, for the most part, there were still some twists and turns that made the eventual unveiling exciting and unexpected. There were a couple of inconsistencies here and there that I snagged on, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience of the book and its thriller elements. I think The Uninvited Guest was engaging and kept me locked in on trying to figure out who's out to get Megan and what would happen next, every step of the way.
The Uninvited Guest starts with fear and uncertainty, when Megan tries to figure out why someone would send her a funeral bouquet to her parent’s home. That central theme of fear and uncertainty continues on through most of the book, particularly due to constant upsets like the funeral bouquet–dead animals, hand-written scary messages, funeral wreaths, and text messages that threaten the worst, all in an effort to scare Megan off.
She doesn’t know who to trust anymore. The friends she felt she could lean on the most become number one suspects, and the stranger who shows up unexpectedly at her hen weekend (Beth) soon becomes the most reliable safeguard during moments of upheaval and chaos. Beth claims she’s innocent and honest, but Jamie tells Megan not to trust Beth. Given Megan’s own experience with Jamie, there could be a lot of truth to Beth’s warnings. It’s enough to make the reader unsure of who to trust, let alone Megan’s trust in her allies!
I knew that something sinister was on the horizon–as each chapter passed and the threats thickened, I had a feeling everything would be revealed (and unravel) on the wedding day. Suddenly, people go missing and there are no breadcrumbs left behind to decipher what’s really going on, leaving Megan feeling lost and terrified. Who would want to hurt Megan or the people she loves most? And most importantly: Why?
I really enjoyed the psychological thriller aspect to this story. I had my suspicions on who I thought was the culprit, and while I was right, for the most part, there were still some twists and turns that made the eventual unveiling exciting and unexpected. There were a couple of inconsistencies here and there that I snagged on, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience of the book and its thriller elements. I think The Uninvited Guest was engaging and kept me locked in on trying to figure out who's out to get Megan and what would happen next, every step of the way.
February 12, 2025
Megan and Jamie are finally getting married. Although she is uneasy, Megan drops her daughter off with her parents to head off on her hen weekend, while Jamie has his bachelor weekend with his buddies. Things don't start well as there is an ominous message on her parent's front lawn when she drops off her daughter. Her parents assure her they have everything under control and off she goes with Danielle her BFF. When they arrive at the house, there is an uninvited guest waiting for her. Beth, Jamie's cousin has arrived from Australia and wants to get to know Megan. From that moment on, things go from bad to worse. With pranks being played, some unsettling occurrences, secrets revealed and threatening messages, will Megan even make it down the aisle?
The Uninvited guest was a quick, entertaining thriller. I have to say that Megan has got to be the most trusting, okay, gullible bride to be that I have ever come across. I don't care how much money my friends spent on the events, I would have left or maybe even not gone when the first couple of things happened. Having said that, I suspended belief and just went with the story. Every time I thought I knew who was behind something, there was another twist and I changed my mind. I couldn't stop reading because I had to see what was going to happen next, and when Megan would realize that Beth is not her friend. The ending had me flipping pages to see what was going to happen next. This is a book that highlights the dangers of keeping secrets from those you care about, and supporting one another when the chips are down. This was a twisty story that will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
The Uninvited guest was a quick, entertaining thriller. I have to say that Megan has got to be the most trusting, okay, gullible bride to be that I have ever come across. I don't care how much money my friends spent on the events, I would have left or maybe even not gone when the first couple of things happened. Having said that, I suspended belief and just went with the story. Every time I thought I knew who was behind something, there was another twist and I changed my mind. I couldn't stop reading because I had to see what was going to happen next, and when Megan would realize that Beth is not her friend. The ending had me flipping pages to see what was going to happen next. This is a book that highlights the dangers of keeping secrets from those you care about, and supporting one another when the chips are down. This was a twisty story that will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
March 9, 2025
📖 Genre: Psychological Thriller ⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
📚 Overview
The Uninvited Guest by Ruby Speechley is a psychological thriller that centers around Megan Lewis, whose hen weekend takes an unexpected turn when an uninvited guest, Beth, arrives claiming to be a relative of Megan's fiancé. As the weekend unfolds, secrets from Megan's past resurface, leading to a series of unsettling events that threaten to derail her upcoming wedding.
🧐 What I Loved
✔ Engaging Premise: The storyline is intriguing, with the unexpected guest's arrival setting the stage for suspense and mystery.
✔ Fast-Paced Narrative: The book maintains a brisk pace, with short chapters that keep the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next twist.
✔ Exploration of Secrets and Trust: The novel delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the impact of past secrets on present relationships, adding depth to the plot.
🤔 What Could Be Better
🔹 Character Decisions: Some of Megan's choices may come across as naive or questionable, which could affect readers' connection to her character.
🔹 Predictability: Certain plot developments might be anticipated by seasoned thriller readers, potentially diminishing the element of surprise.
✨ Final Thoughts
The Uninvited Guest offers an engaging and quick read for fans of psychological thrillers. While some character decisions may raise eyebrows, the novel's exploration of secrets and the consequences of past actions provide ample intrigue to keep readers invested.
📌 Would I recommend it? Yes, particularly for readers seeking a fast-paced thriller that delves into the complexities of trust and hidden pasts.
📚 Overview
The Uninvited Guest by Ruby Speechley is a psychological thriller that centers around Megan Lewis, whose hen weekend takes an unexpected turn when an uninvited guest, Beth, arrives claiming to be a relative of Megan's fiancé. As the weekend unfolds, secrets from Megan's past resurface, leading to a series of unsettling events that threaten to derail her upcoming wedding.
🧐 What I Loved
✔ Engaging Premise: The storyline is intriguing, with the unexpected guest's arrival setting the stage for suspense and mystery.
✔ Fast-Paced Narrative: The book maintains a brisk pace, with short chapters that keep the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next twist.
✔ Exploration of Secrets and Trust: The novel delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the impact of past secrets on present relationships, adding depth to the plot.
🤔 What Could Be Better
🔹 Character Decisions: Some of Megan's choices may come across as naive or questionable, which could affect readers' connection to her character.
🔹 Predictability: Certain plot developments might be anticipated by seasoned thriller readers, potentially diminishing the element of surprise.
✨ Final Thoughts
The Uninvited Guest offers an engaging and quick read for fans of psychological thrillers. While some character decisions may raise eyebrows, the novel's exploration of secrets and the consequences of past actions provide ample intrigue to keep readers invested.
📌 Would I recommend it? Yes, particularly for readers seeking a fast-paced thriller that delves into the complexities of trust and hidden pasts.
January 16, 2025
Two and a half stars rounded up. Ruby Speechley’s “The Uninvited Guest” had a good premise, in line with other thrillers I’ve read. Megan is engaged to Jamie and they’re headed to their hen and stag parties for the weekend. Even before Megan leaves for her hen party with one of her friends, she receives a threat at her parents house.
As Megan tries to determine who may not want her to get married, she arrives at the house that’s been reserved for the weekend. Shortly after arriving at the house, a female named Beth shows up, claiming to be Jamie’s cousin from Australia. As the weekend progresses, along with the hen-related games and activities, Megan receives more threats and begins to question everyone around her, even her closest friends.
Overall, this book did not work for me. I found Megan to be unlikable, gullible, and started thinking “I hope the wedding doesn’t occur.” At one point, I even wondered if the author intended the book to be satire rather than a thriller. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
Spoilers below…
Megan questions Jamie’s faithfulness to her several times, but the reader (and her friends) know she cheated on him with her ex, Ryan. Megan gets a “thoughtful apology” from Beth (Brooke) and mentions liking her, but then goes back to snark and bitterness. She talks about wanting to keep Lauren and Beth (Brooke) around and then a couple pages later she’s confronting Beth (Brooke) and telling her she should leave the hen house. Last, less than an hour before her wedding, Megan leaves the hotel rather than calling Lauren because she needs to see her “face-to-face.”
As Megan tries to determine who may not want her to get married, she arrives at the house that’s been reserved for the weekend. Shortly after arriving at the house, a female named Beth shows up, claiming to be Jamie’s cousin from Australia. As the weekend progresses, along with the hen-related games and activities, Megan receives more threats and begins to question everyone around her, even her closest friends.
Overall, this book did not work for me. I found Megan to be unlikable, gullible, and started thinking “I hope the wedding doesn’t occur.” At one point, I even wondered if the author intended the book to be satire rather than a thriller. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
Spoilers below…
Megan questions Jamie’s faithfulness to her several times, but the reader (and her friends) know she cheated on him with her ex, Ryan. Megan gets a “thoughtful apology” from Beth (Brooke) and mentions liking her, but then goes back to snark and bitterness. She talks about wanting to keep Lauren and Beth (Brooke) around and then a couple pages later she’s confronting Beth (Brooke) and telling her she should leave the hen house. Last, less than an hour before her wedding, Megan leaves the hotel rather than calling Lauren because she needs to see her “face-to-face.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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