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Hiding Behind The Couch #6
Two By Two
Two pregnancies, two babies, two troubled teens. Two psychologists hunting down the leader of a deadly cult.
When Libby takes a stand against her abusive parents, Josh and George readily make her a part of their family. However, her parents may have been involved in something altogether more sinister, and now The Circle must draw together to protect both Libby and her friend Adam.
Meanwhile, two unexpected guests seek sanctuary in Shaunna and Andy’s new home, but that’s only a part of it, and they soon realise something is very wrong. Someone is watching them…
All this and more in Two By Two: Season Six of Hiding Behind The Couch.
* * * * *
This instalment follows chronologically from the Christmas novellas A Midnight Clear and Red Hot Christmas. The story continues in Those Jeffries Boys.
* * * * *
WARNING: this story includes themes of child abuse, ritual child abuse, domestic violence, drug dependency, suicide, suicide ideation, dissociative PTSD and an instance of animal abuse. While these are not gratuitously depicted, some scenes include moderately graphic detail.
When Libby takes a stand against her abusive parents, Josh and George readily make her a part of their family. However, her parents may have been involved in something altogether more sinister, and now The Circle must draw together to protect both Libby and her friend Adam.
Meanwhile, two unexpected guests seek sanctuary in Shaunna and Andy’s new home, but that’s only a part of it, and they soon realise something is very wrong. Someone is watching them…
All this and more in Two By Two: Season Six of Hiding Behind The Couch.
* * * * *
This instalment follows chronologically from the Christmas novellas A Midnight Clear and Red Hot Christmas. The story continues in Those Jeffries Boys.
* * * * *
WARNING: this story includes themes of child abuse, ritual child abuse, domestic violence, drug dependency, suicide, suicide ideation, dissociative PTSD and an instance of animal abuse. While these are not gratuitously depicted, some scenes include moderately graphic detail.
728 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 16, 2015
FiveStars
If I wasn't sure before, this book sealed Debbie McGowan as one of my favorite authors. I've yet to find anything she's written that I didn't love.
I can't say much about the story itself without giving spoilers. This is the most recent part of her ongoing Hiding Behind the Couch series, and it's fairly important to read them in order for context about the relationships among the characters. Readers can catch on for the most part, but without reading the other parts, it's difficult to understand a lot of the motivations.
For the most part, although I've grown to love all the characters, I really just read these stories for Josh. He is one of my favorite characters in any book, and I love seeing the world through his eyes. He's complex and interesting, and the best part of this installment in the series is seeing how he's developed over time.
What I like about Ms. McGowan's writing is that there's a realness to it. Her characters deal with some serious issues, but in a way that doesn't feel played for melodrama. At times, this makes it an emotional read for me because many of their issues are so close to home for me.
The other thing readers should know is that this novel is epically long. I found (due to the emotional impact and the length) that it was best to read it in smaller chunks. It's easy enough to do, as there are several intersecting storylines and the POV switches frequently. It reads a bit like how it would be if someone put a television series in novel format. I enjoy it, though I suspect there are readers who would find it not to their taste.
I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters (I've read the series but not most of the stand-alone companion stories). I highly recommend this, reinforcing that it's important to start at the beginning for the best experience.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
If I wasn't sure before, this book sealed Debbie McGowan as one of my favorite authors. I've yet to find anything she's written that I didn't love.
I can't say much about the story itself without giving spoilers. This is the most recent part of her ongoing Hiding Behind the Couch series, and it's fairly important to read them in order for context about the relationships among the characters. Readers can catch on for the most part, but without reading the other parts, it's difficult to understand a lot of the motivations.
For the most part, although I've grown to love all the characters, I really just read these stories for Josh. He is one of my favorite characters in any book, and I love seeing the world through his eyes. He's complex and interesting, and the best part of this installment in the series is seeing how he's developed over time.
What I like about Ms. McGowan's writing is that there's a realness to it. Her characters deal with some serious issues, but in a way that doesn't feel played for melodrama. At times, this makes it an emotional read for me because many of their issues are so close to home for me.
The other thing readers should know is that this novel is epically long. I found (due to the emotional impact and the length) that it was best to read it in smaller chunks. It's easy enough to do, as there are several intersecting storylines and the POV switches frequently. It reads a bit like how it would be if someone put a television series in novel format. I enjoy it, though I suspect there are readers who would find it not to their taste.
I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters (I've read the series but not most of the stand-alone companion stories). I highly recommend this, reinforcing that it's important to start at the beginning for the best experience.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Amy
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July 30, 2015Season Six of Hiding Behind The Couch!
I decided to switch from "book" to "season" because the series is ongoing, like a soap opera (but with more style ;) ) and the instalments are long. Thus, Two By Two is structured into six episodes, with 11-16 chapters in each.
To cater for different readers' preferences, it will be available (31st March, 2015) as a whole ebook (episode 1-6), then soon after as two ebooks (episodes 1-3 and 4-6), and as separate episodes. It will also be available as a HUGE paperback.
Two By Two follows chronologically from the Christmas novellas A Midnight Clear and Red Hot Christmas. There is enough background given about characters for new readers to pick up the thread, but it will make more sense to read some of the earlier instalments (see below).
Hiding Behind The Couch Series
(in chronological order)
Novella: Beginnings
Novel: Ruminations
Book #1: Hiding Behind The Couch
Book #2: No Time Like The Present
Book #3: The Harder They Fall
Novel: Crying in the Rain
Novella: First Christmas
Book #4: In The Stars Part I: Capricorn–Gemini
Novella: Breaking Waves
Book #5: In The Stars Part II: Cancer–Sagittarius
Novella: A Midnight Clear
Novella: Red Hot Christmas
Season #6: Two By Two
I decided to switch from "book" to "season" because the series is ongoing, like a soap opera (but with more style ;) ) and the instalments are long. Thus, Two By Two is structured into six episodes, with 11-16 chapters in each.
To cater for different readers' preferences, it will be available (31st March, 2015) as a whole ebook (episode 1-6), then soon after as two ebooks (episodes 1-3 and 4-6), and as separate episodes. It will also be available as a HUGE paperback.
Two By Two follows chronologically from the Christmas novellas A Midnight Clear and Red Hot Christmas. There is enough background given about characters for new readers to pick up the thread, but it will make more sense to read some of the earlier instalments (see below).
Hiding Behind The Couch Series
(in chronological order)
Novella: Beginnings
Novel: Ruminations
Book #1: Hiding Behind The Couch
Book #2: No Time Like The Present
Book #3: The Harder They Fall
Novel: Crying in the Rain
Novella: First Christmas
Book #4: In The Stars Part I: Capricorn–Gemini
Novella: Breaking Waves
Book #5: In The Stars Part II: Cancer–Sagittarius
Novella: A Midnight Clear
Novella: Red Hot Christmas
Season #6: Two By Two
July 13, 2016
I received a free copy via Inked Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.
If I wasn’t sure before, this book sealed Debbie McGowan as one of my favorite authors. I’ve yet to find anything she’s written that I didn’t love.
I can’t say much about the story itself without giving spoilers. This is the most recent part of her ongoing Hiding Behind the Couch series, and it’s fairly important to read them in order for context about the relationships among the characters. Readers can catch on for the most part, but without reading the other parts, it’s difficult to understand a lot of the motivations.
For the most part, although I’ve grown to love all the characters, I really just read these stories for Josh. He is one of my favorite characters in any book, and I love seeing the world through his eyes. He’s complex and interesting, and the best part of this installment in the series is seeing how he’s developed over time.
What I like about Ms. McGowan’s writing is that there’s a realness to it. Her characters deal with some serious issues, but in a way that doesn’t feel played for melodrama. At times, this makes it an emotional read for me because many of their issues are so close to home for me.
The other thing readers should know is that this novel is epically long. I found (due to the emotional impact and the length) that it was best to read it in smaller chunks. It’s easy enough to do, as there are several intersecting storylines and the POV switches frequently. It reads a bit like how it would be if someone put a television series in novel format. I enjoy it, though I suspect there are readers who would find it not to their taste. (Actually, for reference, this whole series reads to me like the old Canadian show Degrassi High, except if instead of "aging out" the characters grew up. That's probably why I love it so much...I grew up on that show!)
I’m looking forward to reading more about these characters (I’ve read the series but not most of the stand-alone companion stories). I highly recommend this, reinforcing that it’s important to start at the beginning for the best experience.
If I wasn’t sure before, this book sealed Debbie McGowan as one of my favorite authors. I’ve yet to find anything she’s written that I didn’t love.
I can’t say much about the story itself without giving spoilers. This is the most recent part of her ongoing Hiding Behind the Couch series, and it’s fairly important to read them in order for context about the relationships among the characters. Readers can catch on for the most part, but without reading the other parts, it’s difficult to understand a lot of the motivations.
For the most part, although I’ve grown to love all the characters, I really just read these stories for Josh. He is one of my favorite characters in any book, and I love seeing the world through his eyes. He’s complex and interesting, and the best part of this installment in the series is seeing how he’s developed over time.
What I like about Ms. McGowan’s writing is that there’s a realness to it. Her characters deal with some serious issues, but in a way that doesn’t feel played for melodrama. At times, this makes it an emotional read for me because many of their issues are so close to home for me.
The other thing readers should know is that this novel is epically long. I found (due to the emotional impact and the length) that it was best to read it in smaller chunks. It’s easy enough to do, as there are several intersecting storylines and the POV switches frequently. It reads a bit like how it would be if someone put a television series in novel format. I enjoy it, though I suspect there are readers who would find it not to their taste. (Actually, for reference, this whole series reads to me like the old Canadian show Degrassi High, except if instead of "aging out" the characters grew up. That's probably why I love it so much...I grew up on that show!)
I’m looking forward to reading more about these characters (I’ve read the series but not most of the stand-alone companion stories). I highly recommend this, reinforcing that it’s important to start at the beginning for the best experience.
April 14, 2015
I hate leaving reviews for Debbie McGowan's Hiding Behind the Couch series, purely because what can I say? To her - WRITE MORE. To the rest of you - BUY 'EM AND BLOODY WELL READ 'EM.
They are pure artistry and literary genius. They suck you into the pages and hold you there in the confines of the characters' lives as they exist around you, and drag you through a whirlwind adventure of what could easily be the lives of those around you on a day to day basis. These could be people living in the next town over. They could be your next door neighbours. They are as real to me as some of the people I live with every day, and for that reason I rejoice that I discovered these books. Thank you, Deb. Thank you for every one of these words that you dutifully scribe for these wonderful characters.
If you aren't getting how vivid this stuff is yet, you ought to be shot. Just sayin'.
Please don't be daunted by the length of this latest instalment - I can tell you right now it's always over too quickly, and I've read it twice already. It will leave you wanting more, NOW. (Hint Hint, DMG. Hint Hint). You will love the characters and the situations that unfold. You will be delighted by the new characters who join our beloved 'Circle' in this book, you will cry with the sorrows of others, you might even cheer when certain characters act in certain ways (I did. Not ashamed. Not one jot).
You will become, what I will heretofore refer to as, 'a Circleite'.
Please. Read, Love, Repeat.
They are pure artistry and literary genius. They suck you into the pages and hold you there in the confines of the characters' lives as they exist around you, and drag you through a whirlwind adventure of what could easily be the lives of those around you on a day to day basis. These could be people living in the next town over. They could be your next door neighbours. They are as real to me as some of the people I live with every day, and for that reason I rejoice that I discovered these books. Thank you, Deb. Thank you for every one of these words that you dutifully scribe for these wonderful characters.
If you aren't getting how vivid this stuff is yet, you ought to be shot. Just sayin'.
Please don't be daunted by the length of this latest instalment - I can tell you right now it's always over too quickly, and I've read it twice already. It will leave you wanting more, NOW. (Hint Hint, DMG. Hint Hint). You will love the characters and the situations that unfold. You will be delighted by the new characters who join our beloved 'Circle' in this book, you will cry with the sorrows of others, you might even cheer when certain characters act in certain ways (I did. Not ashamed. Not one jot).
You will become, what I will heretofore refer to as, 'a Circleite'.
Please. Read, Love, Repeat.
April 16, 2015
Debbie does it again
This has to be one of her best so far. Not that I didn't love the others but this one kept me sucked in. I Loved all the way thru and could not put it down. Loved the new characters that were introduced Adam, Graham, Libbys grandma, Nathan, Len, Michael loved them all. Can't wait to hear about Dan and Adelle's baby!!!!!
This has to be one of her best so far. Not that I didn't love the others but this one kept me sucked in. I Loved all the way thru and could not put it down. Loved the new characters that were introduced Adam, Graham, Libbys grandma, Nathan, Len, Michael loved them all. Can't wait to hear about Dan and Adelle's baby!!!!!
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