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If Only You Knew
Both of them said ‘Till death do us part’. One of them meant it.
Emily is on the home stretch of an acrimonious divorce from husband Teddy when she realizes someone is following her.
The stalking quickly escalates into something more sinister.
Emily starts getting hang-up phone calls and suspects someone is coming into her home when she isn’t there. Her email is hacked and she almost loses her job. She finds cameras and microphones hidden all over her house.
Someone is watching her every move, trying to destroy her. But who?
The obvious suspect is Teddy, but new boyfriend William is also acting strangely. Is he hiding something?
When someone close to her is viciously attacked it becomes clear there is much more at stake than Emily’s peace of mind.
Emily thought divorce was the worst thing that could ever happen - until she finds herself caught up in a fight for her very survival. Can she find out who is behind the campaign of terror before it’s too late?
If Only You Knew – the shocking psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother.
Emily is on the home stretch of an acrimonious divorce from husband Teddy when she realizes someone is following her.
The stalking quickly escalates into something more sinister.
Emily starts getting hang-up phone calls and suspects someone is coming into her home when she isn’t there. Her email is hacked and she almost loses her job. She finds cameras and microphones hidden all over her house.
Someone is watching her every move, trying to destroy her. But who?
The obvious suspect is Teddy, but new boyfriend William is also acting strangely. Is he hiding something?
When someone close to her is viciously attacked it becomes clear there is much more at stake than Emily’s peace of mind.
Emily thought divorce was the worst thing that could ever happen - until she finds herself caught up in a fight for her very survival. Can she find out who is behind the campaign of terror before it’s too late?
If Only You Knew – the shocking psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
July 6, 2024
Emily’s life is stressful as she goes through a nasty divorce. A feeling of dread and foreboding quickly becomes a sensation of being watched and stalked. Is her mind playing tricks on her because of her damaging divorce, or has she become prey to an unknown hunter? I was engrossed and entertained. This character driven thriller pulled me in immediately. I enjoyed the conclusion although it felt slightly rushed. Thank you Booksprout for my copy.
July 14, 2024
I’m baffled. I was expecting a sinister thriller, but this was simply an account of Emily and Teddy’s nasty divorce.
A story about a controlling husband who won’t let his wife go and ignores the restraining order. He taunts and terrorises her in hope that will get her back… what?
Emily is on and off dating William, who went from suspect to friend, multiple times and this element of the story was never properly resolved.
There was very little character development, plot holes all over the place and no real twist.
I’m sorry, but I can’t find anything positive to say about this one.
1 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
A story about a controlling husband who won’t let his wife go and ignores the restraining order. He taunts and terrorises her in hope that will get her back… what?
Emily is on and off dating William, who went from suspect to friend, multiple times and this element of the story was never properly resolved.
There was very little character development, plot holes all over the place and no real twist.
I’m sorry, but I can’t find anything positive to say about this one.
1 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
Thanks Netgalley for my copy.
I wasn't impressed with this book. Basically Emily is an effing idiot. Not the situation with Teddy, that was unfortunate and the way Emily didn't want to give up was admirable, which is where my stars come from. Literally everything else Emily does or says is just pathetic and annoying and in the end, I was praying Teddy just caught up with her and shut her up once and for all.
I wasn't impressed with this book. Basically Emily is an effing idiot. Not the situation with Teddy, that was unfortunate and the way Emily didn't want to give up was admirable, which is where my stars come from. Literally everything else Emily does or says is just pathetic and annoying and in the end, I was praying Teddy just caught up with her and shut her up once and for all.
July 21, 2024
Emily is struggling under the immense pressure of her complicated and tumultuous divorce from Teddy Gaunt. Teddy, with his wealth, old money, and vast network of connections, refuses to let Emily go. His grip on reality has been tenuous for a longer time than Emily realized, adding to her distress. Emily's occasional lapses in judgment and questionable decisions make her doubt her ability to connect with or trust others.
The book starts off at a slow pace, but after chapter 14, it picks up significantly. While the plot moves rapidly, it leaves several aspects open to interpretation, creating some unresolved gaps. Despite these, the book makes for a great summer read. I was compelled to finish it quickly to see if my theories about the story were correct. Most of them were, except for a surprising twist involving William.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It excels in building up the narrative, making the reader feel as if they are experiencing the same emotional rollercoaster as the protagonist.
Thank you, NetGalley and Inkubator Books, for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy it exchanged for my honest opinion.
The book starts off at a slow pace, but after chapter 14, it picks up significantly. While the plot moves rapidly, it leaves several aspects open to interpretation, creating some unresolved gaps. Despite these, the book makes for a great summer read. I was compelled to finish it quickly to see if my theories about the story were correct. Most of them were, except for a surprising twist involving William.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It excels in building up the narrative, making the reader feel as if they are experiencing the same emotional rollercoaster as the protagonist.
Thank you, NetGalley and Inkubator Books, for the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy it exchanged for my honest opinion.
July 28, 2024
i really wanted to love this book but sadly i didn’t enjoy it at all. it started so well and i was excited to continue the “shocking thriller” but there was nothing shocking or thrilling about it
August 11, 2024
This was a claustrophobic intense messy divorce, and you knew who was behind everything right from the start.
It wasn't my favourite one by Theo, but it was still a decent read.
Emily is married to a well-connected and rich boy Teddy Gaunt...boy being the operative word. He has royally thrown his toys out of his pram when Emily stood up to him and demanded a divorce. He then tries to be the big I am and the better person by tainting Emily's name.
We live Emily's ordeal, something didn't quite click with me, but at face value, the way she is treated is scary and shocking, that one person holds so much power.
I do enjoy the way Theo writes women, when they are the MC, he doesn't make them all hysterical or meek. There's a balance and I feel he captures that well. It's the male characters he makes stereotypical which is a fascinating way to do things.
Does the story have a happy ending? Yes and well no, no because one part felt too easy. But I wanted Emily to smile more than anything and to be safe.
It wasn't my favourite one by Theo, but it was still a decent read.
Emily is married to a well-connected and rich boy Teddy Gaunt...boy being the operative word. He has royally thrown his toys out of his pram when Emily stood up to him and demanded a divorce. He then tries to be the big I am and the better person by tainting Emily's name.
We live Emily's ordeal, something didn't quite click with me, but at face value, the way she is treated is scary and shocking, that one person holds so much power.
I do enjoy the way Theo writes women, when they are the MC, he doesn't make them all hysterical or meek. There's a balance and I feel he captures that well. It's the male characters he makes stereotypical which is a fascinating way to do things.
Does the story have a happy ending? Yes and well no, no because one part felt too easy. But I wanted Emily to smile more than anything and to be safe.
January 18, 2025
“If Only You Knew,” is a twisty, suspenseful story with quite a explosive thrilling ending. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller novel.
August 28, 2024
It started good but then was a bit slow the ending was ok
July 29, 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for the book #IfOnyYouKnew by #TheoBaxter. This book was hard to out down, I needed to know. Emily is going through a horrible divorce that has turned into a three year battle. Teddy has money and has made her life miserable. She can’t even let people know where she lives. Enter William. A very nice man who wants to date her but she is scared Teddy will find out. And now, someone has found out where she lives and is stalking her. Is it Teddy or William?
July 14, 2024
** Reader discretion - This book didn’t have a content/ trigger warning page, so be advised it contains either graphic to moderate mentions or depictions of the following. Gaslighting, Toxic relationships, Gun Violence, Murder, Infidelity, Death, Domestic & Emotional abuse, Car Accident, & Stabbing.**
This book was not for me. I’m not even sure what I just read honestly? A 200+ page cautionary tale to marriage where the ex-husband rants for 95% percent of the book and to be made out as SUCH an issue for the FMC only to get killed off in the last few pages? And I’m still confused on why William was acting so weird and then all the sudden everything was fine? Did I miss a huge chunk of the book? Was it edited out? No resolution and a ton of plot holes and strings still left. If it’s a series I won’t be continuing it. Feel like I should have DNFd. Don’t recommend. 1.75⭐️ rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
This book was not for me. I’m not even sure what I just read honestly? A 200+ page cautionary tale to marriage where the ex-husband rants for 95% percent of the book and to be made out as SUCH an issue for the FMC only to get killed off in the last few pages? And I’m still confused on why William was acting so weird and then all the sudden everything was fine? Did I miss a huge chunk of the book? Was it edited out? No resolution and a ton of plot holes and strings still left. If it’s a series I won’t be continuing it. Feel like I should have DNFd. Don’t recommend. 1.75⭐️ rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
I always seek out Theo’s books. Please read his detective series if you haven’t. This book is about a crazy ex, a bit crazy boyfriend and a stalker or two. It’s very much a domestic thriller. His easy writing style makes all of his books a great way to spend an afternoon. While not my favorite, it still held my interest. Do check out Theo’s books. I’ve read almost all of them. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
August 15, 2024
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! This story made my nerves go crazy, this is soooo tense.
This is definitely a darker story from Theo, this has trigger warnings all over it.
Theo has definitely vamped the scary, suspense vibes, it is a delicious edgy story.
I do wish that I could jump into a book and just attempt to give karma to certain characters.
I don’t understand lawyers that defend oxygen thieves, their actions are despicable.
Emily, I was so frightened for you, it was unreal, if I was her I would never ever trust another person.
Theo is such a phenomenal writer, and every time he sucks me into his books.
This is definitely a darker story from Theo, this has trigger warnings all over it.
Theo has definitely vamped the scary, suspense vibes, it is a delicious edgy story.
I do wish that I could jump into a book and just attempt to give karma to certain characters.
I don’t understand lawyers that defend oxygen thieves, their actions are despicable.
Emily, I was so frightened for you, it was unreal, if I was her I would never ever trust another person.
Theo is such a phenomenal writer, and every time he sucks me into his books.
July 9, 2024
Rating: 2.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.
The foundation of the story was good- however I didn’t/couldn’t connect with any of the characters. The twists and things that happened just seemed super unlikely and unbelievable.
In the story Emily is in the midst of a tumultuous divorce with her soon-to-be ex husband Teddy. During the process she is stalked, harassed and preyed about in every way you can imagine. The book follows the process of the divorce and aftermath.
Not my favorite story but not horrible either- could probably be done a lot better/has been.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc.
The foundation of the story was good- however I didn’t/couldn’t connect with any of the characters. The twists and things that happened just seemed super unlikely and unbelievable.
In the story Emily is in the midst of a tumultuous divorce with her soon-to-be ex husband Teddy. During the process she is stalked, harassed and preyed about in every way you can imagine. The book follows the process of the divorce and aftermath.
Not my favorite story but not horrible either- could probably be done a lot better/has been.
August 9, 2024
If only you knew by Theo Baxter.
I do love this author. This is book 8 I've read. I loved the cover. Wow. I did enjoy this book. I liked Emily. I really didn't like Teddy. I did like how William was trying to help Emily in the end. This was unputdownable. I liked Laura and their Father. That did surprise me. 4*.
I do love this author. This is book 8 I've read. I loved the cover. Wow. I did enjoy this book. I liked Emily. I really didn't like Teddy. I did like how William was trying to help Emily in the end. This was unputdownable. I liked Laura and their Father. That did surprise me. 4*.
August 6, 2024
If Only You Knew is a psychological thriller which fully grips the reader. It's an easy read in that it keeps the reader intrigued and wanting to keep turning those pages.
For a thriller reader this would be a great one to add to your holiday reading list.
For a thriller reader this would be a great one to add to your holiday reading list.
July 26, 2024
The author does an excellent job crafting the tension that will leave the readers biting their fingernails until the very last page. They will be thrown into a world where everyone is a potential threat and safety is relative.
The plot was gripping, and I recommend this book to all lovers of the mystery and thriller genres.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
The plot was gripping, and I recommend this book to all lovers of the mystery and thriller genres.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
July 27, 2024
I really wanted to like this book as the premise was really promising but it was a real let down. Styled as a thriller, I found it lacked any sort of thrills, suspense or twists. The plot is awkward to follow and flips between narratives so many times I’m not entirely sure what the main story was supposed to be. I also found the ending very rushed and rather ridiculous considering everything that happens between the characters in the book.
We’re supposed to feel sorry for Emily and her situation but honestly she is so unlikeable. She is self absorbed, whiney, over reacts and seems to think the world revolves around her. She makes so many judgements and accuses William of things when there is no logic to this and gets even more suspicious him when he is defensive and disagrees with her. She then has the audacity to accuse others of being narcissistic when it’s literally her entire personality. Neither William or teddy come across as nice people either so I don’t find myself rooting for any character, and frankly want to see Emily fail and end with nothing. Her family and therapist also come across as enablers to this behaviour, reinforcing that she is in the right even when she clearly isn’t.
The writing style for me is difficult to follow, I just don’t find the flow easy or fast paced. Usually with a book, I can’t wait to read the next chapter but this felt a bit of a mission to finish sadly. The premise was really promising but the execution just doesn’t hit the mark for me. I appreciate in fiction novels you do have to suspend reality a little but I found this so far fetched and over the top, and struggled to believe how any of the story/actions/behaviour would ever actually happen in real life. It’s my first read from the author and sadly I don’t think I’d rush to read another.
Thank you to netgalley and inkubator books for this arc in exchange for my honest views.
We’re supposed to feel sorry for Emily and her situation but honestly she is so unlikeable. She is self absorbed, whiney, over reacts and seems to think the world revolves around her. She makes so many judgements and accuses William of things when there is no logic to this and gets even more suspicious him when he is defensive and disagrees with her. She then has the audacity to accuse others of being narcissistic when it’s literally her entire personality. Neither William or teddy come across as nice people either so I don’t find myself rooting for any character, and frankly want to see Emily fail and end with nothing. Her family and therapist also come across as enablers to this behaviour, reinforcing that she is in the right even when she clearly isn’t.
The writing style for me is difficult to follow, I just don’t find the flow easy or fast paced. Usually with a book, I can’t wait to read the next chapter but this felt a bit of a mission to finish sadly. The premise was really promising but the execution just doesn’t hit the mark for me. I appreciate in fiction novels you do have to suspend reality a little but I found this so far fetched and over the top, and struggled to believe how any of the story/actions/behaviour would ever actually happen in real life. It’s my first read from the author and sadly I don’t think I’d rush to read another.
Thank you to netgalley and inkubator books for this arc in exchange for my honest views.
July 29, 2024
I honestly can’t think of one positive thing to say about this book. I rolled my eyes through most of it.
The main character was immature, nonsensical, and just beyond words. She makes decisions then acts shocked there are consequences; acts as if the police are her own private security team; barges into her lawyers office while he’s with another client and acts like it’s a reasonable thing to do because she needs him. Apparently she’s the only person in the world who is going through a tough time, and everyone should be at her beck and call 24/7.
Some Vague Spoilers Below:
She says she’s going to do an interview to draw out Teddy then the next sentence it’s for the benefit of other domestic violence victims, then it goes back and forth from there. It’s like she’s doing something selfish, but trying to act like she’s being a hero and selfless.
She’s stalked and her home broken into, and for the first time I was hoping there’d actually be a twist, but alas, no. Although there was supposed to be someone behind the scenes making this person break into her home and terrifying her, it somehow still ended up being her husband. I don’t understand that, but I’m so over the book I don’t even want to look at the book again to see what/if I missed something. I just don’t care.
And who she ends up dating at the end?! For real?? Give me a break!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The main character was immature, nonsensical, and just beyond words. She makes decisions then acts shocked there are consequences; acts as if the police are her own private security team; barges into her lawyers office while he’s with another client and acts like it’s a reasonable thing to do because she needs him. Apparently she’s the only person in the world who is going through a tough time, and everyone should be at her beck and call 24/7.
Some Vague Spoilers Below:
She says she’s going to do an interview to draw out Teddy then the next sentence it’s for the benefit of other domestic violence victims, then it goes back and forth from there. It’s like she’s doing something selfish, but trying to act like she’s being a hero and selfless.
She’s stalked and her home broken into, and for the first time I was hoping there’d actually be a twist, but alas, no. Although there was supposed to be someone behind the scenes making this person break into her home and terrifying her, it somehow still ended up being her husband. I don’t understand that, but I’m so over the book I don’t even want to look at the book again to see what/if I missed something. I just don’t care.
And who she ends up dating at the end?! For real?? Give me a break!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If Only You Knew by Theo Baxter is a nerves-wracking, blood-boiling divorce thriller that wakes up all the violence in your body.
This book was hard for me and I needed to put it down many times just to cool down. I just can't stand narcissists! Sorry to all the narcissistic bastards out there but you don't deserve oxygen on this planet!
Emily, oh dear Emily! Well done for standing up to the bully! It is hard! You are brave. In this case, the villain is not just a narcissist, he is a rich narcissist and we all know what that means: money+conections=power.
Many women would give up, and many would be smarter, many do this or that, but when you are in a situation manipulated by a narcissistic psychopath it is hard to predict how would you actually do it! It isn't very easy!
When Emily said enough is enough she didn't know she just turned her life into a nightmare - harassment, stalking, break-ins, phone calls...
Teddy will not accept No as an answer and he will definitely not accept that wife will divorce him! He will twist and manipulate everything and if that does not work he will take what he thinks belongs to him!
Both of them said ‘Till death do us part’. One of them meant it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this copy!
If Only You Knew by Theo Baxter is a nerves-wracking, blood-boiling divorce thriller that wakes up all the violence in your body.
This book was hard for me and I needed to put it down many times just to cool down. I just can't stand narcissists! Sorry to all the narcissistic bastards out there but you don't deserve oxygen on this planet!
Emily, oh dear Emily! Well done for standing up to the bully! It is hard! You are brave. In this case, the villain is not just a narcissist, he is a rich narcissist and we all know what that means: money+conections=power.
Many women would give up, and many would be smarter, many do this or that, but when you are in a situation manipulated by a narcissistic psychopath it is hard to predict how would you actually do it! It isn't very easy!
When Emily said enough is enough she didn't know she just turned her life into a nightmare - harassment, stalking, break-ins, phone calls...
Teddy will not accept No as an answer and he will definitely not accept that wife will divorce him! He will twist and manipulate everything and if that does not work he will take what he thinks belongs to him!
Both of them said ‘Till death do us part’. One of them meant it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this copy!
August 29, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early access book. It’s released now but, I’m thankful that I got to read it. I enjoyed this book a lot. Some of the things that happened were extremely insane and probably didn’t need to happen but, I still enjoyed reading it.
I predicted one of the twists but the many twists that followed I didn’t predict.
Overall, good book and if you love twists you’ll enjoy this one even if some of them are a little “too” much 🙃
I predicted one of the twists but the many twists that followed I didn’t predict.
Overall, good book and if you love twists you’ll enjoy this one even if some of them are a little “too” much 🙃
April 21, 2025
3.25/5 stars! The set up for this book made a lot of sense, but the pay off was just average. Emily is your typical FMC that does all the stupid things throughout the entire book, but we're somehow supposed to root for her.
September 29, 2024
This was an enjoyable thriller to read. It kept me on my toes and holding my breath to see what's coming next. I recommend.
July 12, 2024
Quick, decent read. Emily is in the middle of a high profile divorce from her abusive husband, Teddy, who uses his power and family influence to delay proceedings as long as possible, pushing her into more debt and the inability to move on. She rekindles a friendship with an old flame, William, hoping the relationship can move further. Just as Emily thinks she can start living a “normal” life again, someone has broken into her home and she feels someone is watching her wherever she goes. Is William who he says he is or is Teddy somehow seeking revenge?
I found some parts to be repetitive and over the top, however, many of Emily and Teddy’s thoughts and reactions are plausible giving the subject matter. Would recommend for a quick afternoon read.
I found some parts to be repetitive and over the top, however, many of Emily and Teddy’s thoughts and reactions are plausible giving the subject matter. Would recommend for a quick afternoon read.
July 15, 2024
This started off great, handing out some creepy, stalkery vibes. Then it kind of fell flat for me. I'm still not sure I understand why William an.d his "secret" was a big issue and caused him to act as he did. But that's neither here nor there. It was a quick ready and an okay way to spend a few hours between the pages.
July 30, 2024
I didn’t find this book to be much of a thriller. I liked the flow of the book. There were quite a few places it was repetitive. I found myself skimming the repetitive parts. Overall, a good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2024
Here's another absolutely brilliant cover that just would draw me in without anything further! This would be straight in my basket!
But, I have to admit that with this one, I spotted the name of author first and just snapped it right up, knowing that I've already read so many of this author's books now and am consistently impressed by how brilliant they are!
I, once again, was completely hooked from the very first page and (having not read the blurb beforehand) just knew that something terrible was going to create even more tension for poor Emily, before her divorce was eventually finalised.
The fact I absolutely hated Teddy really had me totally convinced that he was the one up to no good!
Determined to get and keep what was his and also to keep face, I had no doubts......that is until William came along and started acting strangely!
Then my head was scrambled!
Packed with red herrings and twists and turns, I didn't know who to trust and found myself switching allegiances throughout - rooting for Emily to just be safe!
I love Baxter's writing style which always grabs you in, ramps up the tension and doesn't let up until the very last page!
Loved this and can't wait to add to my growing collection of books by this author!
But, I have to admit that with this one, I spotted the name of author first and just snapped it right up, knowing that I've already read so many of this author's books now and am consistently impressed by how brilliant they are!
I, once again, was completely hooked from the very first page and (having not read the blurb beforehand) just knew that something terrible was going to create even more tension for poor Emily, before her divorce was eventually finalised.
The fact I absolutely hated Teddy really had me totally convinced that he was the one up to no good!
Determined to get and keep what was his and also to keep face, I had no doubts......that is until William came along and started acting strangely!
Then my head was scrambled!
Packed with red herrings and twists and turns, I didn't know who to trust and found myself switching allegiances throughout - rooting for Emily to just be safe!
I love Baxter's writing style which always grabs you in, ramps up the tension and doesn't let up until the very last page!
Loved this and can't wait to add to my growing collection of books by this author!
August 10, 2024
Good Thriller
The combination of Blurb and Artwork drew me to this book.
The story follows Emily as she is essentially trying to escape her abusive husband by divorcing him... then the mystery stalker ploughs into her life...
The story was great in that it showcased an abuse scenario, and I'm all for showing what different types of abuse are like to raise awareness.
What poor Emily had to endure was utterly terrible, and I wanted her to escape quickly from the terror that was stalking her.
Teddy (husband) and William (kind of partner - not really sure how to describe him!) were equally intriguing characters and as a reader, you had to work out what who you could trust and who you couldn't...
Ultimately, I did guess the ending correctly, though, but this isn't a reflection on the writing, more on me and my ability to read between the lines, so to speak.
The Epilogue was brilliant at rounding everything up with a final visit to Emily, and I did enjoy that final scene ❤
While not for me, if you are a thriller lover, then this will be a good one for you.
The combination of Blurb and Artwork drew me to this book.
The story follows Emily as she is essentially trying to escape her abusive husband by divorcing him... then the mystery stalker ploughs into her life...
The story was great in that it showcased an abuse scenario, and I'm all for showing what different types of abuse are like to raise awareness.
What poor Emily had to endure was utterly terrible, and I wanted her to escape quickly from the terror that was stalking her.
Teddy (husband) and William (kind of partner - not really sure how to describe him!) were equally intriguing characters and as a reader, you had to work out what who you could trust and who you couldn't...
Ultimately, I did guess the ending correctly, though, but this isn't a reflection on the writing, more on me and my ability to read between the lines, so to speak.
The Epilogue was brilliant at rounding everything up with a final visit to Emily, and I did enjoy that final scene ❤
While not for me, if you are a thriller lover, then this will be a good one for you.
August 5, 2024
I have read a couple of Theo Baxter books which were instant five stars for me. Now every reviewers criteria is different but for me a five star is one that I would reread or if not re-read one that would at least stick out and remember after finishing. For me If Only You Knew was a solid 3.5 rounded to 4. Now this wasn’t anything to do with the writing and it certainly wouldn’t stop me reading another Baxter book since I still enjoyed it. It was just that a bit too much was left unresolved or seemed to be tied up too neatly.
First though I want to say I did like the twists and turns in this one. The writing as usual was great for a psychological thriller. The tension was there for sure and the pace was tight and worked well. The downside for me though was the characters. Emily, who I understand is a victim and will take some healing, doesn’t seem to evolve, at least not as much as I would like. This sort of ties to the end. It just felt too neat and a bit too convenient. Now some readers might love that but I felt that it all ended a bit too happily ever after almost too quickly.
Now with that said this is by no ways a bad book. I enjoyed reading it. I might not rush to re-read as I have with Baxter’s other books but I would still recommend as a good, pacy psychological read for fans of the genre. With a style that keeps you engaged and wanting to find out what happens next.
First though I want to say I did like the twists and turns in this one. The writing as usual was great for a psychological thriller. The tension was there for sure and the pace was tight and worked well. The downside for me though was the characters. Emily, who I understand is a victim and will take some healing, doesn’t seem to evolve, at least not as much as I would like. This sort of ties to the end. It just felt too neat and a bit too convenient. Now some readers might love that but I felt that it all ended a bit too happily ever after almost too quickly.
Now with that said this is by no ways a bad book. I enjoyed reading it. I might not rush to re-read as I have with Baxter’s other books but I would still recommend as a good, pacy psychological read for fans of the genre. With a style that keeps you engaged and wanting to find out what happens next.
August 9, 2024
One word. Awesome.
In the final stages of an extremely vicious divorce from her husband Teddy, Emily becomes aware that someone is following her, and somehow they’ve managed to bypass all her security to invade her home. She’s sure it’s her future ex-husband who has the money and the means to destroy her life. But when she begins to go out with somebody from her past, her suspicions are aroused when he begins to act strangely. Emily is a fantastic character, fighting against everything hurled at her and I loved the support her family, lawyer and boss give her. Teddy is a truly loathsome man and at times I couldn’t believe the lengths he would go to, to keep what he believes is his. There were plenty of red herrings as well which kept me guessing and changing my mind as to who Emily could actually trust. This book is a terrifying read where the tension does not let up, and one I could not put down, reading it in a day.
If Only You Knew is another stunning read by the fantastic Theo and for me it can only be a massive 5* book.
In the final stages of an extremely vicious divorce from her husband Teddy, Emily becomes aware that someone is following her, and somehow they’ve managed to bypass all her security to invade her home. She’s sure it’s her future ex-husband who has the money and the means to destroy her life. But when she begins to go out with somebody from her past, her suspicions are aroused when he begins to act strangely. Emily is a fantastic character, fighting against everything hurled at her and I loved the support her family, lawyer and boss give her. Teddy is a truly loathsome man and at times I couldn’t believe the lengths he would go to, to keep what he believes is his. There were plenty of red herrings as well which kept me guessing and changing my mind as to who Emily could actually trust. This book is a terrifying read where the tension does not let up, and one I could not put down, reading it in a day.
If Only You Knew is another stunning read by the fantastic Theo and for me it can only be a massive 5* book.
August 9, 2024
Wow Teddy and Emily, talk about a toxic relationship. Trigger warnings for relationship abuse early on and probably throughout. The different layers of domestic abuse is completely eye opening. The dreams, flash backs, nightmares were difficult to read at times. I could definitely relate with Emily in the sense people advising her what not to do and her rebelling almost against them. In order for her to stand on her own two feet. I really enjoyed the court scenes and the inside into court proceedings, lawyers and private investigators.
I enjoyed feeling sceptical of William and I wasn’t sure which was it was going to play. The stalking is intense, creepy and makes you feel the paranoia being alone in your own home. The author really knows how to build the moments in the readers mind. The written letters, revenge ads and so much more really make this an incredible read. I loved how much support is built in the pages between family members to professional relationships.
I enjoyed feeling sceptical of William and I wasn’t sure which was it was going to play. The stalking is intense, creepy and makes you feel the paranoia being alone in your own home. The author really knows how to build the moments in the readers mind. The written letters, revenge ads and so much more really make this an incredible read. I loved how much support is built in the pages between family members to professional relationships.
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