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His Secret Child: An utterly addictive and heart-racing psychological thriller
I stand at my father’s funeral, tears rolling down my cheeks. Someone puts a hand on my shoulder, pulling me into a hug. As I look into the face of a woman I’ve never seen before, she whispers something that shatters my world. “He was my father too.”
Staring into the woman’s glassy gray eyes, I pray that she’s lying. I can’t believe that my steady, dependable father could do this to me. But a hush falls over my family as my ‘new sister’ Ava spills secrets about his hidden affairs and how he bought her silence. Now she’s finally free, she wants to be a part of the family.
But as my relatives welcome her with open arms, I’m certain something isn’t right. Details of her childhood keep changing. And I catch the way she looks at my fiancé, batting her long lashes and touching his well-toned arm. Can this woman be trusted? Does anyone else share my fears? Then, with a snide smile, away from the eyes of my family, she tells me that she knows my own dark secret.
I need to stay silent to keep myself safe. Until I find a crumpled white envelope in my father’s office that makes my blood run cold. What if my father’s death was no accident? Is Ava really here to join our family, or tear us apart?
Ava thinks she knows all my secrets, but she has no idea just how far I’d go to protect the people I love…
An utterly heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages into the night! For fans of The Doctor’s Wife, Behind Closed Doors and The Housemaid.
What readers are saying about Cole
“Completely addictive… Jaw-dropping… I was actually pacing around my house reading the last several chapters… If I could rate it more than 5 stars, I certainly would… The most gripping, edge-of-your-seat, breath-holding, tension-filled, and jaw-dropping book I’ve read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A completely gripping, nerve-wracking, breathtaking, suspenseful, and addictive psychological thriller… will keep you on the edge of your seat… will make you wish to throw the book in the corner… there is one unexpected twist at the end that made me gasp for air as I would never guess it!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An incredible read… absolutely riveting and thought provoking. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop thinking about it. I will never stop recommending this book.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is a gripping wild ride of a read! It pulls you in from the first page and I read it in a few hours! Great read!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love Cole Baxter. His books make me turn pages late into the night. This book is like being on a rollercoaster.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“So many twists you won’t be able to predict what comes next. You will be hooked on this book.” Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Staring into the woman’s glassy gray eyes, I pray that she’s lying. I can’t believe that my steady, dependable father could do this to me. But a hush falls over my family as my ‘new sister’ Ava spills secrets about his hidden affairs and how he bought her silence. Now she’s finally free, she wants to be a part of the family.
But as my relatives welcome her with open arms, I’m certain something isn’t right. Details of her childhood keep changing. And I catch the way she looks at my fiancé, batting her long lashes and touching his well-toned arm. Can this woman be trusted? Does anyone else share my fears? Then, with a snide smile, away from the eyes of my family, she tells me that she knows my own dark secret.
I need to stay silent to keep myself safe. Until I find a crumpled white envelope in my father’s office that makes my blood run cold. What if my father’s death was no accident? Is Ava really here to join our family, or tear us apart?
Ava thinks she knows all my secrets, but she has no idea just how far I’d go to protect the people I love…
An utterly heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages into the night! For fans of The Doctor’s Wife, Behind Closed Doors and The Housemaid.
What readers are saying about Cole
“Completely addictive… Jaw-dropping… I was actually pacing around my house reading the last several chapters… If I could rate it more than 5 stars, I certainly would… The most gripping, edge-of-your-seat, breath-holding, tension-filled, and jaw-dropping book I’ve read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A completely gripping, nerve-wracking, breathtaking, suspenseful, and addictive psychological thriller… will keep you on the edge of your seat… will make you wish to throw the book in the corner… there is one unexpected twist at the end that made me gasp for air as I would never guess it!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An incredible read… absolutely riveting and thought provoking. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop thinking about it. I will never stop recommending this book.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This is a gripping wild ride of a read! It pulls you in from the first page and I read it in a few hours! Great read!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love Cole Baxter. His books make me turn pages late into the night. This book is like being on a rollercoaster.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“So many twists you won’t be able to predict what comes next. You will be hooked on this book.” Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
314 pages, Paperback
Published August 15, 2024
1270 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books370 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 8, 2024
Really boring with barely any action!
August 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of His Secret Child by Cole Baxter. Well once again I found myself reading a book that was constantly repeating the same thing over and over again. I have trouble tolerating books like this. The main character also kept asking herself questions, or making statements to herself in almost every paragraph which then also added to the repetitiveness of the story. Remove all of that and the book would be one third of itself. It was not a thriller or even a mystery, more like a drama. This was my first book by this author. A 2 star rating from me.
July 21, 2024
Is she his daughter?
That’s the biggest question in this book, which begins with a party, after which Charles Blaisdell, Jr., dies in his sleep. Thelma, his wife, and his children, Devon and Rose, are obviously devastated. The last thing on their mind was the inheritance, but soon Charles’s sister Melinda and her jailbird son Joey show up, wanting their piece of the pie. Charles was worth $12 billion, and while Rose has never cared about the family money, everyone else seems very concerned about the will.
Before the will is read, we have the funeral. Thelma is in hysterics, Devon is wasted and can barely stand, and Rose was just glad that her fiancé Adrian was there with her for a calming presence around her crazy family. As they’re leaving to go back to the house, Rose spots a vaguely familiar woman watching from a distance, but she brushes it off - until the woman shows up at the Blaisdell house after the funeral, where she immediately drops a bomb: her mother had a one-night-stand with Charles, and she is his daughter.
Ava’s mother recently died, and she didn’t get a chance to know Charles, so she’s there for her part of the inheritance that she feels she deserves after living a life away from her family. Needless to say, when the will is read, Ava is not listed as a beneficiary. She’s simmering - this rich man got her mom pregnant then made them struggle, by leaving them with nothing. She has DNA testing proving her relationship, and oh yeah, one more thing! She also has DNA evidence showing that Rose isn’t a Blaisdell after all, and says she will sue to get Rose’s cut of the fortune.
You can only imagine how crazy things get from this point on! Threats are made, lawyers are hired, fights are started, people get arrested - the drama in this book is highly entertaining (if not slightly unrealistic). Are Rose and Ava half-sisters? Are they related at all, if Ava’s claims of Rose having a different biological father are true? And even if they are, is Ava really deserving of a payout? You’ll find out with a fast-paced story that has an action-packed ending, and it’s good. Most mystery/thriller lovers should enjoy this one! Four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me onto this book’s tour. “His Secret Child” is slated to be released on August 20, 2024.)
That’s the biggest question in this book, which begins with a party, after which Charles Blaisdell, Jr., dies in his sleep. Thelma, his wife, and his children, Devon and Rose, are obviously devastated. The last thing on their mind was the inheritance, but soon Charles’s sister Melinda and her jailbird son Joey show up, wanting their piece of the pie. Charles was worth $12 billion, and while Rose has never cared about the family money, everyone else seems very concerned about the will.
Before the will is read, we have the funeral. Thelma is in hysterics, Devon is wasted and can barely stand, and Rose was just glad that her fiancé Adrian was there with her for a calming presence around her crazy family. As they’re leaving to go back to the house, Rose spots a vaguely familiar woman watching from a distance, but she brushes it off - until the woman shows up at the Blaisdell house after the funeral, where she immediately drops a bomb: her mother had a one-night-stand with Charles, and she is his daughter.
Ava’s mother recently died, and she didn’t get a chance to know Charles, so she’s there for her part of the inheritance that she feels she deserves after living a life away from her family. Needless to say, when the will is read, Ava is not listed as a beneficiary. She’s simmering - this rich man got her mom pregnant then made them struggle, by leaving them with nothing. She has DNA testing proving her relationship, and oh yeah, one more thing! She also has DNA evidence showing that Rose isn’t a Blaisdell after all, and says she will sue to get Rose’s cut of the fortune.
You can only imagine how crazy things get from this point on! Threats are made, lawyers are hired, fights are started, people get arrested - the drama in this book is highly entertaining (if not slightly unrealistic). Are Rose and Ava half-sisters? Are they related at all, if Ava’s claims of Rose having a different biological father are true? And even if they are, is Ava really deserving of a payout? You’ll find out with a fast-paced story that has an action-packed ending, and it’s good. Most mystery/thriller lovers should enjoy this one! Four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me onto this book’s tour. “His Secret Child” is slated to be released on August 20, 2024.)
August 12, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the copy of this book!
Truly a whirlwind & page turner until the end! Rose’s father dies of a heart attack & with the type of money their family has, of course it’s going to bring out the worst in people. I loved the character development for sure.
Truly a whirlwind & page turner until the end! Rose’s father dies of a heart attack & with the type of money their family has, of course it’s going to bring out the worst in people. I loved the character development for sure.
July 26, 2024
I enjoy both Baxters’ works. As always, his books are easy to read and a nice reprieve from heavier stuff! I was happy about the plot as I was afraid it was another book about a child. There were definitely some vicious characters in this one. I did feel like it had too much duplication at times although I wasn’t sure how I would change it. Not thrilling, but interesting! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 20, 2024
Book releases on August 20 so add this book to your “To Be Read” now!
A book you won’t want to put down, you think you know the truth and yet a twist turns here and there!
A book you won’t want to put down, you think you know the truth and yet a twist turns here and there!
August 16, 2024
Absolutely love Cole Baxter; I am now a fan. Literally everything that I have read from this author has entertained me so much, and I’ve finished in, like, a day. I always feel like top-star ratings are the most difficult because there’s nothing else to say other than that I just really liked it!
I loved the scenes that Baxter painted throughout the book—the action sequences that were towards the end, my God. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it.
I’ve read What She Forgot and The Anniversary, but this one read a little bit faster, and it didn’t stall at all at any point. It was better than watching a movie.
I loved Rose, I loved Gregory, I loved Melinda, and I loved Joey. I just loved every character that we spent the most time with, and this is one of those times that I don't really like written reviews because I can't quite convey the emotions that I want with just words. I need you to see my facial expressions, to hear what kind of voice I’m talking with for you to actually grasp how much I enjoyed this.
Sometimes I’ll say that my only issue with a book is that it wasn’t longer, so I could have enjoyed it longer, but honestly, I feel like this book was just the right length. Some people will say that it was predictable. Baxter shows his cards early on in the book; since the very first appearance of the antagonist, you know what is going to go down. I don’t really measure if I guess a plot twist or not towards my reading experience, nor does it impact my rating, so if predictability is something that you don’t like in a book, you may not enjoy this as much, but I still think that it’s a good read.
I loved the scenes that Baxter painted throughout the book—the action sequences that were towards the end, my God. I couldn’t put it down. I loved it.
I’ve read What She Forgot and The Anniversary, but this one read a little bit faster, and it didn’t stall at all at any point. It was better than watching a movie.
I loved Rose, I loved Gregory, I loved Melinda, and I loved Joey. I just loved every character that we spent the most time with, and this is one of those times that I don't really like written reviews because I can't quite convey the emotions that I want with just words. I need you to see my facial expressions, to hear what kind of voice I’m talking with for you to actually grasp how much I enjoyed this.
Sometimes I’ll say that my only issue with a book is that it wasn’t longer, so I could have enjoyed it longer, but honestly, I feel like this book was just the right length. Some people will say that it was predictable. Baxter shows his cards early on in the book; since the very first appearance of the antagonist, you know what is going to go down. I don’t really measure if I guess a plot twist or not towards my reading experience, nor does it impact my rating, so if predictability is something that you don’t like in a book, you may not enjoy this as much, but I still think that it’s a good read.
August 18, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cole Baxter is a thriller author with many titles under his belt.
His Secret Child is his latest tale.
A good read with elements of great.
When the patriarch of a very wealthy family dies, suspicion is cast among the rest of them.
At the funeral a mysterious woman no one knows is present.
Who is she?
Rose, the loving daughter believes Ava is lying.
Ava has just announced that the deceased is her father too.
As time passes, Rose is determined to find out the truth and prove Ava is telling lies.
Who in the Blaisdell dynasty is behind it all…….
A favourable premise, a decent plot, lots of interesting characters and a massive tangled web of deceit.
My only issue was when it’s all revealed, it’s no surprise, it’s kinda obvious from the start.
A domestic suburban drama with moments of psychological thrills.
Some people will do anything for money……
Cole Baxter is a thriller author with many titles under his belt.
His Secret Child is his latest tale.
A good read with elements of great.
When the patriarch of a very wealthy family dies, suspicion is cast among the rest of them.
At the funeral a mysterious woman no one knows is present.
Who is she?
Rose, the loving daughter believes Ava is lying.
Ava has just announced that the deceased is her father too.
As time passes, Rose is determined to find out the truth and prove Ava is telling lies.
Who in the Blaisdell dynasty is behind it all…….
A favourable premise, a decent plot, lots of interesting characters and a massive tangled web of deceit.
My only issue was when it’s all revealed, it’s no surprise, it’s kinda obvious from the start.
A domestic suburban drama with moments of psychological thrills.
Some people will do anything for money……
August 7, 2024
I have not been annoyed by a character like I was with Rose in quite some time. She is a doormat and her inner dialogue is exhausting. 80% of her problems would have been resolved if she had only asked questions and confronted people instead of playing things over and over again in her head. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand the thoughts racing in one's mind overtaking her because my brain is a scary place to live too. However, the level to which she did that was pretty extreme. And maybe she was meant to be portrayed that way. Family first, never feeling like she measured up, no one sticking up for her. Some of "situations" seemed a bit far fetched. Regardless, the storyline was pretty interesting and it does keep you reading, wanting to watch how it all plays out.
August 11, 2024
This story follows Rose Blaisdell and her family after her father, Charles Blaisdell mysteriously passes away. Rose's whole family chalks it up to an old man having a heart attack. But Rose isn't so easily convinced, especially when a woman named Ava shows up to her father's services claiming to have DNA evidence that she is Charle's daughter and Rose isn't. Suddenly, Rose's brother falls ill with the same toxins and allergens in his system as their father's the night he died.
Rose immediately becomes suspicious of Ava and her intentions, and those suspicions increase when she catches Ava lying several times and demanding a distasteful about of money from the family she just met.
This book is like one of those cheesy tv episodes that you can't help but get sucked into. It wasn't a mystery to be honest, you knew who the murderer was right away. It was more of a drama, with the main character constantly on edge. The main character's inner dialogue was obnoxious as well. Constantly repeating the same thing over and over, also she was asking questions every paragraph. which added to the repetitive story telling.
The main character was insecure in her relationships, since her father was insanely wealthy. It was partially due to her father always disapproving of her boyfriends and kicked them out, blaming it on them being gold diggers. It emphasized this several times, and with her fiancé Adrain. She kept saying how she didn't know why he was with her because he was so much more attractive than her. The number of times she mentioned it was obnoxious and came of whiny but it was also a dead giveaway.
If the story was more of a mystery and less of a family drama, then I would have liked the book more.
Thank you to NETGALLEY for the ARC
Rose immediately becomes suspicious of Ava and her intentions, and those suspicions increase when she catches Ava lying several times and demanding a distasteful about of money from the family she just met.
This book is like one of those cheesy tv episodes that you can't help but get sucked into. It wasn't a mystery to be honest, you knew who the murderer was right away. It was more of a drama, with the main character constantly on edge. The main character's inner dialogue was obnoxious as well. Constantly repeating the same thing over and over, also she was asking questions every paragraph. which added to the repetitive story telling.
The main character was insecure in her relationships, since her father was insanely wealthy. It was partially due to her father always disapproving of her boyfriends and kicked them out, blaming it on them being gold diggers. It emphasized this several times, and with her fiancé Adrain. She kept saying how she didn't know why he was with her because he was so much more attractive than her. The number of times she mentioned it was obnoxious and came of whiny but it was also a dead giveaway.
If the story was more of a mystery and less of a family drama, then I would have liked the book more.
Thank you to NETGALLEY for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
I have never read this author before, so I’m not familiar with the writing style. Though I found the premise of the novel interesting, I also found it very repetitive and too long. The writing style reminded me of Danielle Steel’s works which I quit reading years ago for the very same reasons.
The plot does engage the reader but it also makes one frustrated when the same things are being said over and over again. Sometimes the reader feels like knocking some sense into a few of the characters. The main character, Rose, daughter of the patriarch of the family, Charles Blaidsell was bland at first but once she got some backbone she was more likable, as she struggled with all the emotions brought on by her greedy family. Many unsavory characters in this story revolving around a wealthy family and their billions of dollars that everyone wants a part of in the patriarch’s will.
Many thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and post my personal opinions of this work.
The plot does engage the reader but it also makes one frustrated when the same things are being said over and over again. Sometimes the reader feels like knocking some sense into a few of the characters. The main character, Rose, daughter of the patriarch of the family, Charles Blaidsell was bland at first but once she got some backbone she was more likable, as she struggled with all the emotions brought on by her greedy family. Many unsavory characters in this story revolving around a wealthy family and their billions of dollars that everyone wants a part of in the patriarch’s will.
Many thanks, NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and post my personal opinions of this work.
August 27, 2024
His Secret Child
By: Cole Baxter
4 Stars
Rose is in shock when her father dies suddenly and a secret daughter comes for her inheritence. Soon, her life is flipped upside down with secrets and murder.
Wow. This was a wild ride of a book that kept you guessing and kept you on the edge of your seat. The characters were dynamic and fun to watch, grow, and change throughout the story. This story was filled with family drama, murder, and romance. I was thrilled to the last page.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review
By: Cole Baxter
4 Stars
Rose is in shock when her father dies suddenly and a secret daughter comes for her inheritence. Soon, her life is flipped upside down with secrets and murder.
Wow. This was a wild ride of a book that kept you guessing and kept you on the edge of your seat. The characters were dynamic and fun to watch, grow, and change throughout the story. This story was filled with family drama, murder, and romance. I was thrilled to the last page.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review
August 28, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley, the publisher and the author.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit more drama to it than I usually go for. It actually reminded me a lot of the board game Clue; Rich people with big secrets and who killed the patriarch in the study?!
A woman shows up at the main characters funeral and claims to be his unclaimed daughter. Is she truly related to the billionaire, or is she just after a quick payday?
There were some predictable moments in this one, but it was still a gripping read. I think it was more fast paced and the ending was satisfying!
I really enjoyed this book. It had a bit more drama to it than I usually go for. It actually reminded me a lot of the board game Clue; Rich people with big secrets and who killed the patriarch in the study?!
A woman shows up at the main characters funeral and claims to be his unclaimed daughter. Is she truly related to the billionaire, or is she just after a quick payday?
There were some predictable moments in this one, but it was still a gripping read. I think it was more fast paced and the ending was satisfying!
August 13, 2024
This booked started off good, there where some parts I was like ok you can only say the same thing so many times in different ways. Then as I got more into the book. Boom, the suspense and twist happened and had you questioning yourself if you know who did it. First I thought the mother then the brother, then I was like nope the aunt. So who did it? No spoilers here read it and find out. It was a good book!
December 19, 2024
This is not the first book I read from this author and I enjoyed the read. I love the writing style, the plot and twists. This particular book may not be my favorite of Cole Baxter, it did seem a bit repetitive/slow at times, but overall, I really loved how it played out and I loved the ending even more !! I will be reading more of this author, for sure.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Read
August 12, 2024His Secret Child by Cole Baxter, When The book starts we meet Rose who is reluctantly attending the Blaisdell New Year’s Eve party in despite it’s her family‘s party she wish she would be anywhere else. She’s always been different from the rest of her family she has a job as a book editor and lives off her income despite her father owning a billion dollar company and she having access to her own fortune this is why she apologizes to her fiancé Adrian for having to attend the shindig. So the next morning when she gets a call from her distraught mom Thelma telling her her father is dead into come home right away rose is floored. Rose is aware that with her ne’er-do-well brother and distraught mother she will have to step up and take care of business somethings she does her best to do right but the day of her dad‘s funeral a woman shows up claiming she is his illegitimate daughter in a rightful air to any inheritance. Her name is Ava and Rose remembers going to college with the woman and despite Doctor Ava having a DNA test there’s something Rose just doesn’t trust about her despite the rest of the family who welcomed her in with open arms even roses mom which really drives Rose crazy. Before long it is obvious the money is not all this supposed sister wants because when Rose tries to offer her a settlement she refuses to take it and also turns the tables by blackmailing rows. It doesn’t take long for Rose to realize when Ava said she wants everything… She meant everything and will not stop until she gets it that is unless someone stops her. Rose has always been seen a spineless especially to her family but they haven’t seen anything yet. When her brother is found unconscious seemingly of the same thing that killed their Dad it seems someone is out to kill roses family and for rows enough is enough. Can Rose stop whoever is murdering her family and this intruder who claims she is a rightful air? I have said it before and I will say it again cold Baxter‘s books are getting super super great so much better than the first ones I read by him this book is so twisty and complex and despite the eye rolling moments it was still a great well put together book. My favorite new thing about these better books is before when someone would say something absurd and so obviously untrue but yet usually the main character would act like that is so true and then cower in fear to this information but in these new better books there’s always a voice of reason who will state the obvious… I probably am not explaining myself well just know this book is awesome and I definitely recommend it!#NetGalley, #Bookoucher, #ColeBaxter, #HisSecretChild,
July 26, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
His Secret Child by Cole Baxter is a twisted and heart-racing psychological thriller about wealth and greed and all the crazy things people will do for money!
I loved it, like absolutely loved but the end was a bit too far stretched so I lost a bit of reality, but, if I ignore that, this is an absolutely excellent read!
Rose, oh my how much I loved this character! From the wealthy grey mouse, she turned into the shining and brave swan! It was a pleasure to watch how that character grew in front of our eyes!
Charles Blaisdell, a crazy wealthy man dies from a heart attack and before his body can cool down, relatives like hungry birds of prey are there to pull everything in pieces and grab as much as they can!
A surprise arrives at the funeral - Ava, the secret daughter of Charles... at least this is what she is saying. Ava is confident and clearly knows what she wants and she will make sure everyone knows that she will not stop until 7 billion will land in her bank account!
Rose's mother Thelma will not confirm or deny so Rose has no choice but to take the matter into her own hands.
Things are crazy and intense and everyone is ready to destroy each other throats! What a family!
As I said the ending was a bit too much, things just didn't make sense but I still loved how things ended.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for this copy :)
His Secret Child by Cole Baxter is a twisted and heart-racing psychological thriller about wealth and greed and all the crazy things people will do for money!
I loved it, like absolutely loved but the end was a bit too far stretched so I lost a bit of reality, but, if I ignore that, this is an absolutely excellent read!
Rose, oh my how much I loved this character! From the wealthy grey mouse, she turned into the shining and brave swan! It was a pleasure to watch how that character grew in front of our eyes!
Charles Blaisdell, a crazy wealthy man dies from a heart attack and before his body can cool down, relatives like hungry birds of prey are there to pull everything in pieces and grab as much as they can!
A surprise arrives at the funeral - Ava, the secret daughter of Charles... at least this is what she is saying. Ava is confident and clearly knows what she wants and she will make sure everyone knows that she will not stop until 7 billion will land in her bank account!
Rose's mother Thelma will not confirm or deny so Rose has no choice but to take the matter into her own hands.
Things are crazy and intense and everyone is ready to destroy each other throats! What a family!
As I said the ending was a bit too much, things just didn't make sense but I still loved how things ended.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for this copy :)
July 29, 2024
His Secret Child by new to me author C. Baxter is a thriller of its finest. Complex, complicated, twisty and utterly evilish.
I fell hook line and sinker for storyline writing and characters. I enjoyed every chapter, every sentence, a literally unputdownable book.
Blurb: I stand at my father’s funeral, tears rolling down my cheeks. Someone puts a hand on my shoulder, pulling me into a hug. As I look into the face of a woman I’ve never seen before, she whispers something that shatters my world. “He was my father too.”
Staring into the woman’s eyes, I can’t believe that my steady, dependable father could do this to me. But a hush falls over my family as my ‘new sister’ Ava spills secrets about his hidden affairs and how he bought her silence. Now she’s finally free, she wants to be a part of the family.
But as my relatives welcome her with open arms, I’m certain something isn’t right. Details of her childhood keep changing. And I catch the way she looks at my fiancé, batting her long lashes and touching his well-toned arm. Can this woman be trusted? Does anyone else share my fears? Then, with a snide smile, away from the eyes of my family, she tells me that she knows my own dark secret.
I need to stay silent to keep myself safe. Until I find a crumpled white envelope in my father’s office that makes my blood run cold.
I fell hook line and sinker for storyline writing and characters. I enjoyed every chapter, every sentence, a literally unputdownable book.
Blurb: I stand at my father’s funeral, tears rolling down my cheeks. Someone puts a hand on my shoulder, pulling me into a hug. As I look into the face of a woman I’ve never seen before, she whispers something that shatters my world. “He was my father too.”
Staring into the woman’s eyes, I can’t believe that my steady, dependable father could do this to me. But a hush falls over my family as my ‘new sister’ Ava spills secrets about his hidden affairs and how he bought her silence. Now she’s finally free, she wants to be a part of the family.
But as my relatives welcome her with open arms, I’m certain something isn’t right. Details of her childhood keep changing. And I catch the way she looks at my fiancé, batting her long lashes and touching his well-toned arm. Can this woman be trusted? Does anyone else share my fears? Then, with a snide smile, away from the eyes of my family, she tells me that she knows my own dark secret.
I need to stay silent to keep myself safe. Until I find a crumpled white envelope in my father’s office that makes my blood run cold.
August 2, 2024
Thanks to Bookotoure for having me on this tour of His Secret Child by Cole Baxter.
Family tensions are high after the death of Charles Blasidell ,Thelma, his wife, and his children, Devon and Rose, are obviously devastated upon his funeral a womean named Ava comes up and claims to be Charles daugther and is demanding money ontop of this the Blasidell family whom want thier ingertinece but have never really cared abotu Charles and are all for thier own adgenda the outlier to this is his daughter Rose whoms never cared about money whislt eveyone is up in arms about the will reading
The frist half of this book felt more like a family supsense drama than a thriller and the second half picked up for me personally i feel like it heated up in this part where yo are deeper divin into the family and thier motives . I felt this shows how unsavory people get around money and i defeinty felt for Rose throughout the book
Captivating family drama transforms into a thrilling tale of greed and deceit, highlighting the complexities of human nature in the face of wealth.
#HisSecretChild #FamilyDrama #Greed #Deceit #HumanNature #Wealth #Inheritance #BookTour #EmotionalJourney #CharacterDevelopment #Booktour #BookReview
Family tensions are high after the death of Charles Blasidell ,Thelma, his wife, and his children, Devon and Rose, are obviously devastated upon his funeral a womean named Ava comes up and claims to be Charles daugther and is demanding money ontop of this the Blasidell family whom want thier ingertinece but have never really cared abotu Charles and are all for thier own adgenda the outlier to this is his daughter Rose whoms never cared about money whislt eveyone is up in arms about the will reading
The frist half of this book felt more like a family supsense drama than a thriller and the second half picked up for me personally i feel like it heated up in this part where yo are deeper divin into the family and thier motives . I felt this shows how unsavory people get around money and i defeinty felt for Rose throughout the book
Captivating family drama transforms into a thrilling tale of greed and deceit, highlighting the complexities of human nature in the face of wealth.
#HisSecretChild #FamilyDrama #Greed #Deceit #HumanNature #Wealth #Inheritance #BookTour #EmotionalJourney #CharacterDevelopment #Booktour #BookReview
August 12, 2024
A psychological thriller, His Secret Child (2024) by Cole Baxter is the happenings when the patriarch of a wealthy family dies. From its opening scene with the monthly dinner gathering, the underlying hostility and jealousy are apparent as an unnamed person ponders dark reprisals for family members. The next morning, when the father is discovered dead from a heart attack, the family regathers to argue over the division of his enormous fortune. Told by his daughter Rose’s perspective, a surprise guest at the funeral announces a major secret, setting off further family dynamics and consternation. As Rose decides to prove her father was killed, another family member's tragedy places the family in danger, as each member looks out only for their own best interests. An engaging suspenseful tale, with a warm rosy ending, making it a three and a half stars read rating. With thanks to Bookouture and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
August 23, 2024
Reading Between the Wines book review #79/130 for 2024:
BOOK TOUR!
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷
Book: His Secret Child
Author: Cole Baxter
Available now!! Released on Aug 20!
Sipping thoughts: This thriller was also very much a domestic suspense/drama. How would you feel if all of a sudden a young woman claims to be your father’s daughter after his death and with so much heritance money on the land? Rose found out and was fighting for her life, literally. If you are looking for a twisty book filled with lies, back-stabbing, and greed, then look no further.
Cheers and thank you for this Books on Tour to @Bookouture and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @HisSecretChild.
#HisSecretChild #ColeBaxter #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
BOOK TOUR!
Rating: 3 🍷🍷🍷
Book: His Secret Child
Author: Cole Baxter
Available now!! Released on Aug 20!
Sipping thoughts: This thriller was also very much a domestic suspense/drama. How would you feel if all of a sudden a young woman claims to be your father’s daughter after his death and with so much heritance money on the land? Rose found out and was fighting for her life, literally. If you are looking for a twisty book filled with lies, back-stabbing, and greed, then look no further.
Cheers and thank you for this Books on Tour to @Bookouture and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @HisSecretChild.
#HisSecretChild #ColeBaxter #Bookouture #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #bookreviewer #IHaveNoShelfControl #ReadingBetweenTheWines #fiction #thriller #suspense #mystery #MysteryAndThrillers #GeneralFictionAdult
September 20, 2024
3.5 STARS
This my introduction to the author’s work, I was surprised to discover His Secret Child is not Baxter's debut novel. Because, for me, the dialogue often seemed disingenuous, and I found the excessive use of dialogue tags, particularly in the beginning of the book, distracting, the prose redundant at times, and that there were no real surprises nor breakout moments.
That’s not to say the novel isn’t for anyone. I mean, a wealthy debutant’s (Rose Blaisdell) father suspiciously dies, after which a strange woman shows up out of the blue not only professing to be his long-lost illegitimate child but also sowing doubt as to Rose’s birthright! The hair-raising possibilities are endless, and Baxter does a good job of serving up familial drama, suspicion, and betrayal.
Although it was a miss for me, as I prefer complex thrillers brimming with in-your-face antagonists, I plan to read other books by Cole Baxter, and I do wish to thank him, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC.
This my introduction to the author’s work, I was surprised to discover His Secret Child is not Baxter's debut novel. Because, for me, the dialogue often seemed disingenuous, and I found the excessive use of dialogue tags, particularly in the beginning of the book, distracting, the prose redundant at times, and that there were no real surprises nor breakout moments.
That’s not to say the novel isn’t for anyone. I mean, a wealthy debutant’s (Rose Blaisdell) father suspiciously dies, after which a strange woman shows up out of the blue not only professing to be his long-lost illegitimate child but also sowing doubt as to Rose’s birthright! The hair-raising possibilities are endless, and Baxter does a good job of serving up familial drama, suspicion, and betrayal.
Although it was a miss for me, as I prefer complex thrillers brimming with in-your-face antagonists, I plan to read other books by Cole Baxter, and I do wish to thank him, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 6, 2024
Charles Blaidsell who is incredibly wealthy succumbs to a heart attack leaving his fortune to be fought over by family members. It is amazing how money brings out the worst in people and there are numerous examples of this in the book.
We follow Rose, Charles’s daughter as she tries to deal with the death of her father, a man she loved dearly and would do anything to have back. But at the funeral a woman appears that seems familiar to Rose, Ava who Rose realizes she vaguely knew from her college days, and she is claiming to be the secret daughter of her father. Rose is very dubious regarding her claims and sets out to find the truth. Is Ava just after part of this fortune or is she really a blood member of the family?
Lots of drama and some very awful characters move this book along at a decent. Cole Baxter always writes an entertaining book that keeps you turning the pages until the end. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy.
We follow Rose, Charles’s daughter as she tries to deal with the death of her father, a man she loved dearly and would do anything to have back. But at the funeral a woman appears that seems familiar to Rose, Ava who Rose realizes she vaguely knew from her college days, and she is claiming to be the secret daughter of her father. Rose is very dubious regarding her claims and sets out to find the truth. Is Ava just after part of this fortune or is she really a blood member of the family?
Lots of drama and some very awful characters move this book along at a decent. Cole Baxter always writes an entertaining book that keeps you turning the pages until the end. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy.
August 12, 2024
After her family’s New Year’s Eve party Rose gets news that her father, Charles has passed unexpectedly. Her father is worth a lot of money and suddenly all his family is coming out of the woodwork looking for an inheritance they feel they are entitled to, including a woman claiming to be his daughter. After Roses brother ends up in the hospital with a similar condition to what killed her father, and after receiving threats from her new sister, Rose is determined to figure out what is going on before it’s too late.
His Secret Child was the first Cole Baxter book I’ve read. As someone who reads a lot of mystery/thriller books I was sucked into this one. However, early on I had a lot of twists figured out. With that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There were characters I loved, characters I hated, and characters I felt indifferent toward. I thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
His Secret Child was the first Cole Baxter book I’ve read. As someone who reads a lot of mystery/thriller books I was sucked into this one. However, early on I had a lot of twists figured out. With that said, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There were characters I loved, characters I hated, and characters I felt indifferent toward. I thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2024
I received an advance reader's copy of "His Secret Child" by Bookouture, courtesy of NetGalley. The story centers on Rose, who uncovers the existence of a secret sister, Ava, following her father's death. I found this book challenging to engage with, primarily due to the character development and pacing.
Rose, in particular, was a source of frustration; her tendency to make assumptions rather than asking questions led to repetitive scenarios and a stagnant story arc. The narrative seemed to cycle through the same settings and issues without significant progression, which made it difficult for me to remain invested.
Additionally, the character of Gregory, who had the potential to add depth and intrigue, unfortunately did not deliver as expected. The plot had the opportunity for numerous twists but ended up feeling far-fetched and confusing at times. This book struggled to capture my imagination and left me hoping for a more dynamic execution.
Rose, in particular, was a source of frustration; her tendency to make assumptions rather than asking questions led to repetitive scenarios and a stagnant story arc. The narrative seemed to cycle through the same settings and issues without significant progression, which made it difficult for me to remain invested.
Additionally, the character of Gregory, who had the potential to add depth and intrigue, unfortunately did not deliver as expected. The plot had the opportunity for numerous twists but ended up feeling far-fetched and confusing at times. This book struggled to capture my imagination and left me hoping for a more dynamic execution.
August 18, 2024
I felt like this book was very predictable, and the first half was repetitive, though the second half picked up. The story centers on Rose, who is reeling from her father’s death when a stranger threatens to expose secrets about her family that she wasn’t aware of.
The first half of the book is heavily focused on Rose’s internal narrative, and what dialogue there is seems both repetitive and stilted. Rose herself wasn’t super likable to me; I just couldn’t relate to her. The action picks up in the 2nd half of the book and the pace moves faster, but I saw all the twists coming from a mile away and I kept waiting in vain to be truly surprised. There were a couple things that didn’t make sense to me but I think the ending tied up loose ends for the most part.
Overall, this one didn’t really do it for me and I don’t think it will be memorable for me later. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book is heavily focused on Rose’s internal narrative, and what dialogue there is seems both repetitive and stilted. Rose herself wasn’t super likable to me; I just couldn’t relate to her. The action picks up in the 2nd half of the book and the pace moves faster, but I saw all the twists coming from a mile away and I kept waiting in vain to be truly surprised. There were a couple things that didn’t make sense to me but I think the ending tied up loose ends for the most part.
Overall, this one didn’t really do it for me and I don’t think it will be memorable for me later. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
I want to start by saying how much I love the cover.
People can be very good in hiding the fact they have a child born out of wedlock. But as we often see, those secrets are bound to come out and this kind of surprises pop up after someone died, especially when there is something to gain.
Rose is not, to say it kindly, the most popular member ot the family. Then Ava appears claiming to be the secret child. Rose has some serious doubts about this claim. The family though would happily exchange Rose for Ava with a second thought.
Rose decides to dig up her feisty side and is determined to expose Ava for the inposter she believes she is.
This story is a true example of how far people are prepared to go when money is involved. An easy and enjoyable read. I liked the evolution Rose went through and she got everything she deserves. 5 stars
Thank you
People can be very good in hiding the fact they have a child born out of wedlock. But as we often see, those secrets are bound to come out and this kind of surprises pop up after someone died, especially when there is something to gain.
Rose is not, to say it kindly, the most popular member ot the family. Then Ava appears claiming to be the secret child. Rose has some serious doubts about this claim. The family though would happily exchange Rose for Ava with a second thought.
Rose decides to dig up her feisty side and is determined to expose Ava for the inposter she believes she is.
This story is a true example of how far people are prepared to go when money is involved. An easy and enjoyable read. I liked the evolution Rose went through and she got everything she deserves. 5 stars
Thank you
August 18, 2024
This was a wild and crazy ride with many bumps along the way. Money definitely did not buy happiness for the Blaisdell family; it only put a target on their backs. There is distrust on all sides. No one in this dysfunctional family can be trusted. There are literal fistfights, verbal sparring and threats of every kind. It was a free for all. The money brings the claws out in this cast of characters.
Rose is the only decent person in this entire cast of characters. I especially liked her when she started standing up for herself. She was too kind and brilliant to let others dictate what her life should look like.
I had my suspicions about various characters, but the depth of depravity was shocking all the same. This book was completely addictive. I could not put it down.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rose is the only decent person in this entire cast of characters. I especially liked her when she started standing up for herself. She was too kind and brilliant to let others dictate what her life should look like.
I had my suspicions about various characters, but the depth of depravity was shocking all the same. This book was completely addictive. I could not put it down.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 24, 2024
This book follows Rose Blaisdell, a woman who is suddenly shocked by the untimely death of her wealthy father, and all of the familial drama that comes along with his inheritance. In the wake of his death, a woman shows up claiming to be a child he didn’t know he had. Major events unfold from there. I was very into this book for the first 50 percent of my read. I liked how the story was setting itself up, and enjoyed seeing Rose kind of lose her mind. However, after that point I had the story figured out and had a hard time engaging. My favorite part of that last bit was the fact that the company’s acronym is BEE. If you read the book, you’ll understand why this is comical. In the last 10 chapters, there are a lot of feelings of suspense that I thought really brought enjoyment to the read. I rated this one 3.5 stars overall!
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