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He Loves Me Not
Ruth has never been lucky in love. But now she’s met the perfect man…
It’s been three years since Ruth’s marriage abruptly ended. Now, along with her young daughter Beth, she’s ready to move on with her life.
And there’s something else that Ruth wants to forget – her previous connection to a sinister religious cult, The Messengers.
Despite her troubled past, Ruth is ready to embrace the future. So when a new man enters her life, she’s excited to go on a date with him.
But a series of unsettling incidents suggest that nothing is quite as it seems. Is this the Mr. Right she’s been hoping for? Or does her new man have his own secret agenda? And are The Messengers really ready to let her go?
Soon Ruth is forced to confront the ghosts of her past as they become the terrors of her present. Will she ever be free of what happened back then? Or is someone determined to drag her back down into the darkness?
He Loves Me Not is a gripping psychological thriller that’ll keep you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of K L Slater, Daniel Hurst, and Kiersten Modglin.
It’s been three years since Ruth’s marriage abruptly ended. Now, along with her young daughter Beth, she’s ready to move on with her life.
And there’s something else that Ruth wants to forget – her previous connection to a sinister religious cult, The Messengers.
Despite her troubled past, Ruth is ready to embrace the future. So when a new man enters her life, she’s excited to go on a date with him.
But a series of unsettling incidents suggest that nothing is quite as it seems. Is this the Mr. Right she’s been hoping for? Or does her new man have his own secret agenda? And are The Messengers really ready to let her go?
Soon Ruth is forced to confront the ghosts of her past as they become the terrors of her present. Will she ever be free of what happened back then? Or is someone determined to drag her back down into the darkness?
He Loves Me Not is a gripping psychological thriller that’ll keep you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of K L Slater, Daniel Hurst, and Kiersten Modglin.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 8, 2024
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
3.5 Stars rounded to 4.
He Loves Me Not is a twisty thriller perfect for anyone with a curious interest in cults and their inner workings. We follow Beth, a former cult member of the Messengers. Beth is trying to move forward and put the cult behind her with her daughter Beth. Things begin looking up for them and then she meets Dave but shortly after meeting him strange unsettling things occur, leaving her questioning if he's all he seems and could he be linked to the past she's desperately trying to leave behind.
This was a great quick read, which I did guess the ending of but was still worth the read. I liked Ruth, but I did find her a little nieve and trusting, considering her past history. I don't think I'd be as trusting after going through what she did. It did make me feel for those who have gone through similar experiences with a cult, though, and how scary it must be to leave and try to navigate a life away from them and learn how to survive in the real world outside of it.
3.5 Stars rounded to 4.
He Loves Me Not is a twisty thriller perfect for anyone with a curious interest in cults and their inner workings. We follow Beth, a former cult member of the Messengers. Beth is trying to move forward and put the cult behind her with her daughter Beth. Things begin looking up for them and then she meets Dave but shortly after meeting him strange unsettling things occur, leaving her questioning if he's all he seems and could he be linked to the past she's desperately trying to leave behind.
This was a great quick read, which I did guess the ending of but was still worth the read. I liked Ruth, but I did find her a little nieve and trusting, considering her past history. I don't think I'd be as trusting after going through what she did. It did make me feel for those who have gone through similar experiences with a cult, though, and how scary it must be to leave and try to navigate a life away from them and learn how to survive in the real world outside of it.
August 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorraine Murphy and Inkubator Books for an ARC of this novel. Overall, it was enjoyable. The chapters and short and it’s a quick and easy ready; however, it was somewhat predictable. I’d rate it a 3.5 star ⭐️, but rounding up to 4.
August 11, 2024
Received as an ARC, review to come.
August 27, 2024
This book takes a look inside the life of a former cult member. The main female character was involved with the cult as a child and when she became old enough to marry, her mother and stepfather offered her up to a much older man within the group. One of the groups major beliefs was that no one within their group should ever receive blood transfusions. Once the main character has a child of her own and the child becomes hurt in an accident things become incredibly complicated. This books shows you her journey in and out of the religious group she was involved with and how far reaching their grip truly is. This book is well written with thoughtful character development. I look forward to reading more work by this author.
August 24, 2024
Ruth is trying to move on with her life, with her daughter Beth, after the death of her husband. She's also left behind the religious cult, The Messengers. Things are going well and she meets Dave. Awful things then start happening and it's as if someone is following her. Who is behind it?
I really enjoyed this story and read it within 24 hours. The story keeps you gripped with wanting to know what happens.
I liked Ruth, although found her a little too trusting. But with the life she led before she wasn't sure how the real world worked and all she wanted is for her and Beth to be happy.
I figured out who was behind it all quite early on, although couldn't work out why.
I really enjoyed this story and read it within 24 hours. The story keeps you gripped with wanting to know what happens.
I liked Ruth, although found her a little too trusting. But with the life she led before she wasn't sure how the real world worked and all she wanted is for her and Beth to be happy.
I figured out who was behind it all quite early on, although couldn't work out why.
August 2, 2024
This book was a slow burn, interesting plot with the cult theme. Found some of it easy guessable but kept reading to see if I was right. Some parts I was surprised with. The story itself was enjoyable but didn’t really gel with the characters and found the child annoying. I would recommend it to friends. 4 stars.
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 31, 2024
I enjoyed this ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
Characters were all great. A little too much Christianity for me in a book, but it explained why Ruth did the things she did. The characters all keep you guessing and all had unique traits about them.
The book made me want to keep reading.
I like the little twists at the end. My favorite kind! I would recommend to a friend.
Characters were all great. A little too much Christianity for me in a book, but it explained why Ruth did the things she did. The characters all keep you guessing and all had unique traits about them.
The book made me want to keep reading.
I like the little twists at the end. My favorite kind! I would recommend to a friend.
September 5, 2024
He loves me not by Lorraine Murphy.
Omg. This one did surprise me. I loved the cover. I don't normally like cults. I find them creepy. This was a gripping and twisty read. I read this in two sittings.
Blurb.
Ruth has never been lucky in love. But now she’s met the perfect man…
It’s been three years since Ruth’s marriage abruptly ended. Now, along with her young daughter Beth, she’s ready to move on with her life.
And there’s something else that Ruth wants to forget – her previous connection to a sinister religious cult, The Messengers.
Despite her troubled past, Ruth is ready to embrace the future. So when a new man enters her life, she’s excited to go on a date with him.
But a series of unsettling incidents suggest that nothing is quite as it seems. Is this the Mr. Right she’s been hoping for? Or does her new man have his own secret agenda? And are The Messengers really ready to let her go?
Soon Ruth is forced to confront the ghosts of her past as they become the terrors of her present. Will she ever be free of what happened back then? Or is someone determined to drag her back down into the darkness?
Omg. This one did surprise me. I loved the cover. I don't normally like cults. I find them creepy. This was a gripping and twisty read. I read this in two sittings.
Blurb.
Ruth has never been lucky in love. But now she’s met the perfect man…
It’s been three years since Ruth’s marriage abruptly ended. Now, along with her young daughter Beth, she’s ready to move on with her life.
And there’s something else that Ruth wants to forget – her previous connection to a sinister religious cult, The Messengers.
Despite her troubled past, Ruth is ready to embrace the future. So when a new man enters her life, she’s excited to go on a date with him.
But a series of unsettling incidents suggest that nothing is quite as it seems. Is this the Mr. Right she’s been hoping for? Or does her new man have his own secret agenda? And are The Messengers really ready to let her go?
Soon Ruth is forced to confront the ghosts of her past as they become the terrors of her present. Will she ever be free of what happened back then? Or is someone determined to drag her back down into the darkness?
September 10, 2024
It wasn’t until quite a way through this book that I began to get interested in it, but the plot was quite good once I did. Each chapter is short, and the novel can be read in a few days; however, most of the plot’s turns are quite predictable.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours for allowing me to read and review this book.
October 20, 2024
Mixed emotions
Good, but predictable, plot. Kinda hard to connect with the MC and her bratty daughter. Quick read. Overall, worth a look.
Good, but predictable, plot. Kinda hard to connect with the MC and her bratty daughter. Quick read. Overall, worth a look.
July 31, 2024
**The actual Goodreads page doesn't say it's #5 in a series, but it's in parenthesis next to the title as I write this review. It's definitely a standalone, don't let that fool you!**
I started this book before bed and then ended up not going to sleep until I finished. It was a super quick read that kept me hooked and wanting to know what was going to happen. I have a strange fascination with cults, so I was instantly drawn in.
Unfortunately, I found most of the twists pretty predictable. There was one at the end that still has me scratching my head a bit because I can't make sense of it:
Overall, it was a quick and entertaining read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I started this book before bed and then ended up not going to sleep until I finished. It was a super quick read that kept me hooked and wanting to know what was going to happen. I have a strange fascination with cults, so I was instantly drawn in.
Unfortunately, I found most of the twists pretty predictable. There was one at the end that still has me scratching my head a bit because I can't make sense of it:
Overall, it was a quick and entertaining read!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
September 24, 2024
Definitely quite a few unexpected twist and turns along the way in this story. It will keep you attention and draw you in.
August 2, 2024
I am fascinated by cults and cult-like religions so the premise of this book instantly drew me in. While I found some of the twists a bit predictable, I had fun reading this book- I’m pretty sure every character had a secret! If you enjoy learning about cults or find yourself watching every documentary about Scientology, this book is for you. 4 ⭐️s!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC of this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC of this novel.
September 6, 2024
Book Information
He Loves Me Not
by
Lorraine Murphy.
Genre - Psychological Thriller.
Pages - 274 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets.
Death and unaliving.
Trust no-one!
They are everywhere. (IYKYK)
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 25th August 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle eBook.
Where my copy come From - Gifted from Zooloo's Book Tours
POVs - Just from Ruth's POV
Dual Timeline - No, but there is a few flashback chapters.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, no unanswered questions.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as cults and unaliving.
My Initial Thoughts
This pulls you in straight away, the storyline is addictive and once you start reading you honestly can not stop. "Himself made the crappiest of crappy husbands, but his money made him a brilliant divorce."
You start straight away with a mother fleeing and then you follow her adult child navigate the way to keep herself and her daughter safe. The cover is also very unique and draw me in.
Plot
"Air gave life, water hydrated, the earth both supported and provided, and the sun norished"
There is absolutely no denying just how well written this book is, full of twists, plots and secrets all the way to the last chapters. Some of the things that happened, i had actually no inkling was going to happen and the end secret is SHOCKING!
"You can't kill a bad thing."
Characters
The fmc no matter how much she thinks little of herself, she proves a mother love and the length they go for their children. I doubted the one person who was not actually part of the messengers, which says it all really. It was shocking how Ruth was so unaware of what was happening and also the moral of this story, ladies and gentlemen is trust no-one and strangers are dangerous!
Recommend
I recommend this to all that a psychological thriller lovers.
Favourite Quotes
"You can't show a woman how to use a knife and expect her not to use it. You can't put a girl into a slaughterhouse from a young age and expect her to feel bad for taking the life of one more pig. You can't tell a woman her only purpose in life is to be a mother, then take that away from her. Every action has a consequence; every action an opposite and equal reaction."
"Besides, what does it matter? You're not your religion, you're a person, and that person is lovely. That's what matters to me."
"It's bullshit, pardon my French, to have to flee your own life because you saved your child's"
"They have eyes everywhere and will be watching."
Favourite Chapter/s
No chapter impracticality was my favourite, but the end of book is rippling with shocks and twists.
Summed up in one sentence
A mothers love, knows no bounds.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a thriller that makes you doubt everything and everyone. What you think you work out never ends up being the case and the last twist was jaw dropping to say the least! I was addicted to the plot and flew through this one so quickly as i just had to know what was happening. I would recommend this to anyone thats a fan of this genre!
Stars.
4.5
He Loves Me Not
by
Lorraine Murphy.
Genre - Psychological Thriller.
Pages - 274 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets.
Death and unaliving.
Trust no-one!
They are everywhere. (IYKYK)
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 25th August 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle eBook.
Where my copy come From - Gifted from Zooloo's Book Tours
POVs - Just from Ruth's POV
Dual Timeline - No, but there is a few flashback chapters.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, no unanswered questions.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as cults and unaliving.
My Initial Thoughts
This pulls you in straight away, the storyline is addictive and once you start reading you honestly can not stop. "Himself made the crappiest of crappy husbands, but his money made him a brilliant divorce."
You start straight away with a mother fleeing and then you follow her adult child navigate the way to keep herself and her daughter safe. The cover is also very unique and draw me in.
Plot
"Air gave life, water hydrated, the earth both supported and provided, and the sun norished"
There is absolutely no denying just how well written this book is, full of twists, plots and secrets all the way to the last chapters. Some of the things that happened, i had actually no inkling was going to happen and the end secret is SHOCKING!
"You can't kill a bad thing."
Characters
The fmc no matter how much she thinks little of herself, she proves a mother love and the length they go for their children. I doubted the one person who was not actually part of the messengers, which says it all really. It was shocking how Ruth was so unaware of what was happening and also the moral of this story, ladies and gentlemen is trust no-one and strangers are dangerous!
Recommend
I recommend this to all that a psychological thriller lovers.
Favourite Quotes
"You can't show a woman how to use a knife and expect her not to use it. You can't put a girl into a slaughterhouse from a young age and expect her to feel bad for taking the life of one more pig. You can't tell a woman her only purpose in life is to be a mother, then take that away from her. Every action has a consequence; every action an opposite and equal reaction."
"Besides, what does it matter? You're not your religion, you're a person, and that person is lovely. That's what matters to me."
"It's bullshit, pardon my French, to have to flee your own life because you saved your child's"
"They have eyes everywhere and will be watching."
Favourite Chapter/s
No chapter impracticality was my favourite, but the end of book is rippling with shocks and twists.
Summed up in one sentence
A mothers love, knows no bounds.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a thriller that makes you doubt everything and everyone. What you think you work out never ends up being the case and the last twist was jaw dropping to say the least! I was addicted to the plot and flew through this one so quickly as i just had to know what was happening. I would recommend this to anyone thats a fan of this genre!
Stars.
4.5
August 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Ruth’s connections to an extreme religious cult is coming back to haunt her as she meets her Mr. Right. Will she finally be free from their clutches or will they drag her back kicking and screaming?
I’ve always been fascinated by cults and that is why I choose to pick up this book. It had a bit of a slow build up but then it took off. I appreciated the dynamics of the different characters (even though her child Beth drove me up a wall). I found myself guessing until the very end. I was convinced I had it figured out but then another twist came.
4-4.5 stars for this psychological thriller ⭐️
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review for my honest thoughts.
Ruth’s connections to an extreme religious cult is coming back to haunt her as she meets her Mr. Right. Will she finally be free from their clutches or will they drag her back kicking and screaming?
I’ve always been fascinated by cults and that is why I choose to pick up this book. It had a bit of a slow build up but then it took off. I appreciated the dynamics of the different characters (even though her child Beth drove me up a wall). I found myself guessing until the very end. I was convinced I had it figured out but then another twist came.
4-4.5 stars for this psychological thriller ⭐️
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review for my honest thoughts.
August 25, 2024
This was a sleeper. I thought it would be a psychological thriller that I could read fast. That much was true. What I did not expect was something that kept me guessing right until the end. And even then I was wrong.
I love books about cults. I am sure that that was what drew me to this book. The protagonist, Ruth, had been the member of a cult that does not believe in medical interventions and where women are subservient. She leaves the cult with her daughter who needed a blood transfusion that prohibited by the cult. Her husband, one of the leaders of the cult, dies in an apparent suicide. Ruth left with her daughter and tries to make a new life for them, always looking over her shoulder for one of the cult's messengers. Ruth meets a new man who seems perfect. But is he? Her daughter is having a difficult time. Why? There are lots of questions and I enjoyed finding out the answers. You cared about the character and rooted for her.
Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel, which I give 4.5 stars.
I love books about cults. I am sure that that was what drew me to this book. The protagonist, Ruth, had been the member of a cult that does not believe in medical interventions and where women are subservient. She leaves the cult with her daughter who needed a blood transfusion that prohibited by the cult. Her husband, one of the leaders of the cult, dies in an apparent suicide. Ruth left with her daughter and tries to make a new life for them, always looking over her shoulder for one of the cult's messengers. Ruth meets a new man who seems perfect. But is he? Her daughter is having a difficult time. Why? There are lots of questions and I enjoyed finding out the answers. You cared about the character and rooted for her.
Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator books for providing me with an advance copy of this novel, which I give 4.5 stars.
September 5, 2024
Well, this was slightly unexpected!
This is actually the second book I've read recently that involved a cult and I have to be honest, I find them creepy as anything!!
Having previously been involved in the cult, The Messengers, Ruth knew how dangerous it could be and now running from her past, she seeks out a new future with her daughter.
Following the breakdown of her last marriage, 3 years ago, she's finally ready to move on.
But is the new man in her life all that he seems?
This storyline had me gripped and on edge. After a fairly slow-burn start, things picked up swiftly and completely swept me along.
As soon as the cult was mentioned, I had that niggle in my mind that things were going to raise up again.
This had me questioning everything and being wary of everyone as the suspense builds and builds.
I loved that I'd pretty much worked things out quite early on - but was never quite sure.
With twists and turns throughout, I just couldn't be certain until right near the end for the reveal - which quite honestly, totally shocked me!
The writing style was atmospheric and had me racing through the pages even moreso than the already fast-pace.
My second read by this author and have enjoyed both. Can't wait to see what comes next.
This is actually the second book I've read recently that involved a cult and I have to be honest, I find them creepy as anything!!
Having previously been involved in the cult, The Messengers, Ruth knew how dangerous it could be and now running from her past, she seeks out a new future with her daughter.
Following the breakdown of her last marriage, 3 years ago, she's finally ready to move on.
But is the new man in her life all that he seems?
This storyline had me gripped and on edge. After a fairly slow-burn start, things picked up swiftly and completely swept me along.
As soon as the cult was mentioned, I had that niggle in my mind that things were going to raise up again.
This had me questioning everything and being wary of everyone as the suspense builds and builds.
I loved that I'd pretty much worked things out quite early on - but was never quite sure.
With twists and turns throughout, I just couldn't be certain until right near the end for the reveal - which quite honestly, totally shocked me!
The writing style was atmospheric and had me racing through the pages even moreso than the already fast-pace.
My second read by this author and have enjoyed both. Can't wait to see what comes next.
September 10, 2024
I love books which involve cults so was really looking forward to reading this one.
There’s an air of mystery around Ruth and her daughter Beth. Living in solitude with some a seemingly strict set of house rules, the clothes they wear, their eating habits and how Ruby only wants her daughter to be home schooled. But after being encouraged to go on a date by her friend and neighbour Paula, some of why Ruby behaves the way she does is revealed. I loved Ruth, with her bravery to break free of her past and her all-encompassing love for her daughter. The tension is drip fed, making the book a riveting read and keeping me on edge, and the way Ruby’s past life is slowly revealed kept me hooked. And just as I felt I could relax a bit something would happen to reignite the air of menace. There are plenty of twists and a few shocking moments throughout until the final satisfying pages.
He Loves Me Not is the first book I’ve read by Lorraine but it certainly will not be the last.
There’s an air of mystery around Ruth and her daughter Beth. Living in solitude with some a seemingly strict set of house rules, the clothes they wear, their eating habits and how Ruby only wants her daughter to be home schooled. But after being encouraged to go on a date by her friend and neighbour Paula, some of why Ruby behaves the way she does is revealed. I loved Ruth, with her bravery to break free of her past and her all-encompassing love for her daughter. The tension is drip fed, making the book a riveting read and keeping me on edge, and the way Ruby’s past life is slowly revealed kept me hooked. And just as I felt I could relax a bit something would happen to reignite the air of menace. There are plenty of twists and a few shocking moments throughout until the final satisfying pages.
He Loves Me Not is the first book I’ve read by Lorraine but it certainly will not be the last.
September 5, 2024
The prologue sets the tone for an intense psychological thriller following Ruby’s escape from a cult, The Messengers. It’s all she’s ever known. She was raised in it, married into it, had a daughter and tried to escape.
Ruby has never stopped looking over her shoulder she never gets too comfortable. Strange texts, a near assault, what is happening to the neighbors dog ?
Untrustworthy characters, some to hate, not sure who to love l, unsure who to trust - short chapters and a quick read this is stay up all night and binge read
Ruby has never stopped looking over her shoulder she never gets too comfortable. Strange texts, a near assault, what is happening to the neighbors dog ?
Untrustworthy characters, some to hate, not sure who to love l, unsure who to trust - short chapters and a quick read this is stay up all night and binge read
September 8, 2024
The blurb for this book hooked me in completely and I was not disappointed that I decided to read it. I’ve read a few books surrounding the idea of escaping a “cult” type community and they seriously freak me out! I thought this book was well written and the plot kept me on my toes. I also loved how it featured the strong relationship between a mother and daughter. I will be keeping an eye out for more by this author!
August 4, 2025
Book Information
He Loves Me Not
by
Lorraine Murphy.
Genre - Psychological Thriller.
Pages - 274 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets.
Death and unaliving.
Trust no-one!
They are everywhere. (IYKYK)
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 25th August 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle eBook.
Where my copy come From - Gifted from Zooloo's Book Tours
POVs - Just from Ruth's POV
Dual Timeline - No, but there is a few flashback chapters.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, no unanswered questions.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as cults and unaliving.
My Initial Thoughts
This pulls you in straight away, the storyline is addictive and once you start reading you honestly can not stop. "Himself made the crappiest of crappy husbands, but his money made him a brilliant divorce."
You start straight away with a mother fleeing and then you follow her adult child navigate the way to keep herself and her daughter safe. The cover is also very unique and draw me in.
Plot
"Air gave life, water hydrated, the earth both supported and provided, and the sun norished"
There is absolutely no denying just how well written this book is, full of twists, plots and secrets all the way to the last chapters. Some of the things that happened, i had actually no inkling was going to happen and the end secret is SHOCKING!
"You can't kill a bad thing."
Characters
The fmc no matter how much she thinks little of herself, she proves a mother love and the length they go for their children. I doubted the one person who was not actually part of the messengers, which says it all really. It was shocking how Ruth was so unaware of what was happening and also the moral of this story, ladies and gentlemen is trust no-one and strangers are dangerous!
Recommend
I recommend this to all that a psychological thriller lovers.
Favourite Quotes
"You can't show a woman how to use a knife and expect her not to use it. You can't put a girl into a slaughterhouse from a young age and expect her to feel bad for taking the life of one more pig. You can't tell a woman her only purpose in life is to be a mother, then take that away from her. Every action has a consequence; every action an opposite and equal reaction."
"Besides, what does it matter? You're not your religion, you're a person, and that person is lovely. That's what matters to me."
"It's bullshit, pardon my French, to have to flee your own life because you saved your child's"
"They have eyes everywhere and will be watching."
Favourite Chapter/s
No chapter impracticality was my favourite, but the end of book is rippling with shocks and twists.
Summed up in one sentence
A mothers love, knows no bounds.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a thriller that makes you doubt everything and everyone. What you think you work out never ends up being the case and the last twist was jaw dropping to say the least! I was addicted to the plot and flew through this one so quickly as i just had to know what was happening. I would recommend this to anyone thats a fan of this genre!
Stars.
4.5
He Loves Me Not
by
Lorraine Murphy.
Genre - Psychological Thriller.
Pages - 274 Pages.
Tropes -
Hidden Secrets.
Death and unaliving.
Trust no-one!
They are everywhere. (IYKYK)
Available on Kindle Unlimited - Yes.
Available Formats - Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover.
Publishing Information -
Published on 25th August 2024 by Inkubator Books.
Format in Which i Read - Kindle eBook.
Where my copy come From - Gifted from Zooloo's Book Tours
POVs - Just from Ruth's POV
Dual Timeline - No, but there is a few flashback chapters.
1st or 3rd Person - 1st Person.
HEA or Cliffhanger - This is wrapped up nicely, no unanswered questions.
Series or Standalone - This is a standalone.
Trigger Warnings - This book does have some content that people may find triggering, such as cults and unaliving.
My Initial Thoughts
This pulls you in straight away, the storyline is addictive and once you start reading you honestly can not stop. "Himself made the crappiest of crappy husbands, but his money made him a brilliant divorce."
You start straight away with a mother fleeing and then you follow her adult child navigate the way to keep herself and her daughter safe. The cover is also very unique and draw me in.
Plot
"Air gave life, water hydrated, the earth both supported and provided, and the sun norished"
There is absolutely no denying just how well written this book is, full of twists, plots and secrets all the way to the last chapters. Some of the things that happened, i had actually no inkling was going to happen and the end secret is SHOCKING!
"You can't kill a bad thing."
Characters
The fmc no matter how much she thinks little of herself, she proves a mother love and the length they go for their children. I doubted the one person who was not actually part of the messengers, which says it all really. It was shocking how Ruth was so unaware of what was happening and also the moral of this story, ladies and gentlemen is trust no-one and strangers are dangerous!
Recommend
I recommend this to all that a psychological thriller lovers.
Favourite Quotes
"You can't show a woman how to use a knife and expect her not to use it. You can't put a girl into a slaughterhouse from a young age and expect her to feel bad for taking the life of one more pig. You can't tell a woman her only purpose in life is to be a mother, then take that away from her. Every action has a consequence; every action an opposite and equal reaction."
"Besides, what does it matter? You're not your religion, you're a person, and that person is lovely. That's what matters to me."
"It's bullshit, pardon my French, to have to flee your own life because you saved your child's"
"They have eyes everywhere and will be watching."
Favourite Chapter/s
No chapter impracticality was my favourite, but the end of book is rippling with shocks and twists.
Summed up in one sentence
A mothers love, knows no bounds.
Overall Wrap up
Overall this was a thriller that makes you doubt everything and everyone. What you think you work out never ends up being the case and the last twist was jaw dropping to say the least! I was addicted to the plot and flew through this one so quickly as i just had to know what was happening. I would recommend this to anyone thats a fan of this genre!
Stars.
4.5
October 2, 2024
Here’s my review for He Loves Me Not by Lorraine Murphy
This book is a brilliant read and I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a great psychological read and really does get you thinking as you’re reading it. Everyone is not all they seem. Ruth lost her husband three years ago in a tragic accident when her daughter Bethany, was ill in hospital and they had to give her a blood transfusion. She went against the Messenger’s wishes then ran away with her daughter. She has tried to stay under the radar ever since and hardly made any friends apart from Paula, her next door neighbour who has encouraged her to try and live a little. She put her profile onto a dating website but the date she had was with a messenger, she immediately left the restaurant but was adamant that the messengers were after which wasn’t good as Paula was off to Australia. While she was away, Ruth met a man and got a part-time job. Beth didn’t like the man, things went wrong and was it the messengers that were after her or had she got it completely wrong? This was a great read and really had me hooked right until the end. There was a lot going on but it was interesting and I enjoyed it, it made the story. There were things going on that linked to Ruth’s background and we needed to know them. I liked that it was a ‘now’ and ‘then’ book which I enjoy. The writing was exceptional and it was extremely well plotted and thought out. I will keep an eye out for more books by this author as I enjoyed this one immensely and would like to read more by her.
Blurb :
Ruth has never been lucky in love. But now she’s met the perfect man…
It’s been three years since Ruth’s marriage abruptly ended. Now, along with her young daughter Beth, she’s ready to move on with her life.
And there’s something else that Ruth wants to forget – her previous connection to a sinister religious cult, The Messengers.
Despite her troubled past, Ruth is ready to embrace the future. So when a new man enters her life, she’s excited to go on a date with him.
But a series of unsettling incidents suggest that nothing is quite as it seems. Is this the Mr. Right she’s been hoping for? Or does her new man have his own secret agenda? And are The Messengers really ready to let her go?
Soon Ruth is forced to confront the ghosts of her past as they become the terrors of her present. Will she ever be free of what happened back then? Or is someone determined to drag her back down into the darkness?
This book is a brilliant read and I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a great psychological read and really does get you thinking as you’re reading it. Everyone is not all they seem. Ruth lost her husband three years ago in a tragic accident when her daughter Bethany, was ill in hospital and they had to give her a blood transfusion. She went against the Messenger’s wishes then ran away with her daughter. She has tried to stay under the radar ever since and hardly made any friends apart from Paula, her next door neighbour who has encouraged her to try and live a little. She put her profile onto a dating website but the date she had was with a messenger, she immediately left the restaurant but was adamant that the messengers were after which wasn’t good as Paula was off to Australia. While she was away, Ruth met a man and got a part-time job. Beth didn’t like the man, things went wrong and was it the messengers that were after her or had she got it completely wrong? This was a great read and really had me hooked right until the end. There was a lot going on but it was interesting and I enjoyed it, it made the story. There were things going on that linked to Ruth’s background and we needed to know them. I liked that it was a ‘now’ and ‘then’ book which I enjoy. The writing was exceptional and it was extremely well plotted and thought out. I will keep an eye out for more books by this author as I enjoyed this one immensely and would like to read more by her.
Blurb :
Ruth has never been lucky in love. But now she’s met the perfect man…
It’s been three years since Ruth’s marriage abruptly ended. Now, along with her young daughter Beth, she’s ready to move on with her life.
And there’s something else that Ruth wants to forget – her previous connection to a sinister religious cult, The Messengers.
Despite her troubled past, Ruth is ready to embrace the future. So when a new man enters her life, she’s excited to go on a date with him.
But a series of unsettling incidents suggest that nothing is quite as it seems. Is this the Mr. Right she’s been hoping for? Or does her new man have his own secret agenda? And are The Messengers really ready to let her go?
Soon Ruth is forced to confront the ghosts of her past as they become the terrors of her present. Will she ever be free of what happened back then? Or is someone determined to drag her back down into the darkness?
Read
August 28, 2024He Loves Me Not by Lorraine Murphy, in the book we need Ruth a.k.a. Ruby who is on a date with a guy named Peter she met on an online dating site. Ruth has been a widow for the past three years and her and her seven-year-old daughter Beth left the home they once new and fled the cult that Ruby belong to since the age of six and her date Peter is really there to convince her to come back in the even tells her she needs their protection. When Ruth leaves the restaurant she’s fearful they will come and take Little Beth and even contemplates moving out of the area this is when strange things starts to happens her friend Paula goes to Australia she puppy sits Paula‘s dog Dixie she starts getting strange text messages and is even almost assaulted while going for a swim at a nearby lake but then she meets David done. With everything going on Ruth is that first reluctant to start dating but he is persistent handsome and charismatic and she eventually gives in but is he the man of her dreams or the conductor of her nightmares? Could it even be Ruth’s own seven-year-old daughter Beth who Paula accuses of causing her dogs deadly injury, her former cult the messengers or is it someone out of roots friend group? Ruth does figure it out but is it too late? There is a lot I liked about this book and some things that really irritated me about the book. For example how she only wanted her and her daughter to eat healthy foods but yet she drank alcohol… Really? Not to mention she only shopped at charity shops and thrift stores and everyone seem to be able to tell by the clothes they wore but I DK what kind of thrift stores Ruth shopped at they have regular blue jeans and nice tops at the one around my home. Not to mention how she acted so religious yet was envious and jealous of the yoga moms at Betts school but that’s not to say I didn’t like Ruth because I really did like that the characters were just good or bad but had a mixture of multiple personality traits I thought the writing was good although they did have a couple of eye rolling moments it still is definitely a thriller worth reading. I like Lorraine Murphy’s books no matter what they’re about they always seem to satisfy the thriller #Booksprout, #LorraineMurphy, #HeLovesMeNot, itch.
September 22, 2024
After escaping from a religious cult with her young daughter, Ruth is attempting to start over and become part of society. But when someone starts sending her threatening messages, she wonders if she will ever be able to outrun the Messengers of the Messiah. This was a gripping, page-turning thriller with several twists and turns that kept me guessing! I highly recommend this one for fall. I really enjoyed the setting (winter, in Ireland), which added to the eerie mood.
Characters:
Despite being told her whole life that women should be submissive to men, Ruth had strength of character and a powerful voice. Even though we are not supposed to trust all of the characters in a thriller, I found many of them to be charming. Ruth was dimensional and intriguing, facing several moral dilemmas throughout the book. I love ambiguity in characters - it can lead to great discussions with book friends!
Plot:
The plot was fast-paced and kept me on edge - just as a thrilled should be! I actually couldn’t read this one before bed because I would get so tense, and it took me a bit to unwind after reading it. Which is exactly what I want in a thriller/suspense novel!
Writing Style:
Murphy’s writing was crisp, clear, and not repetitive. She created vivid, heart-pounding scenes that really pulled me in. 5 stars, no notes!
Characters:
Despite being told her whole life that women should be submissive to men, Ruth had strength of character and a powerful voice. Even though we are not supposed to trust all of the characters in a thriller, I found many of them to be charming. Ruth was dimensional and intriguing, facing several moral dilemmas throughout the book. I love ambiguity in characters - it can lead to great discussions with book friends!
Plot:
The plot was fast-paced and kept me on edge - just as a thrilled should be! I actually couldn’t read this one before bed because I would get so tense, and it took me a bit to unwind after reading it. Which is exactly what I want in a thriller/suspense novel!
Writing Style:
Murphy’s writing was crisp, clear, and not repetitive. She created vivid, heart-pounding scenes that really pulled me in. 5 stars, no notes!
August 29, 2024
This was an interesting book..
There were times when this book was very slow moving and details are kind of scattered throughout it. But once you start to put all of those tiny pieces together it had you hooked. I would say that I wasn't quite invested until I hit that 30-40% mark though.. But stick with it!
You learn so much about the Messengers and how they operate, and it is so twisted ad different from every day life. But there is a character near the end who makes it clear that she wants the Messengers and the other people (non-messengers) to speak to each other and learn more about each other. Because in the end, we are all people. I do think that was a very important message to put in this book after everything that happens.
Goodreads states that this is book #5, so I may go looking for the other books of this series and see if there is more information, or family history/stories that lead up to this one. I am hoping that there is, because it was an interesting read for sure.
Characters I think were all written quite well, except for the child.. I found her right bratty and annoying. I understand that going from being homeschooled to public school can be a huge change, even going from one parent from 2 is a huge change. But the way she was portrayed ruined it for me.
There were times when this book was very slow moving and details are kind of scattered throughout it. But once you start to put all of those tiny pieces together it had you hooked. I would say that I wasn't quite invested until I hit that 30-40% mark though.. But stick with it!
You learn so much about the Messengers and how they operate, and it is so twisted ad different from every day life. But there is a character near the end who makes it clear that she wants the Messengers and the other people (non-messengers) to speak to each other and learn more about each other. Because in the end, we are all people. I do think that was a very important message to put in this book after everything that happens.
Goodreads states that this is book #5, so I may go looking for the other books of this series and see if there is more information, or family history/stories that lead up to this one. I am hoping that there is, because it was an interesting read for sure.
Characters I think were all written quite well, except for the child.. I found her right bratty and annoying. I understand that going from being homeschooled to public school can be a huge change, even going from one parent from 2 is a huge change. But the way she was portrayed ruined it for me.
March 13, 2025
A journey of breaking free from your past..and oh boy what a past. I've watched enough documentaries to form an opinion on cults and their power over their "followers". Ruth is ready to break free of the chains when her daughter gets sick, and the rules don't allow for what seems to be her 'proper care'. I really enjoyed the story, albeit it was a bit slow at times, but it built up and the small chapters helped to keep me turning the pages. I've had mixed emotions through Ruth's journey, things I considered she should do, she didn't, and they were all consequences of her upbringing. Murphy has created a story that explores the complexities of escaping one's past and the challenges of starting anew. Trust, deceit and the consequences of past traumas, all shape Ruth's ability to navigate the new world away from the Messengers.
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy for an honest review
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy for an honest review
August 22, 2024
Well wasn't this just an anxiety inducing piece of fiction.
A classic psychological thriller that leaves you not knowing who to trust and what to believe.
Even when I had suspicions, which were eventually proved right, thanks to the excellent writing, enough seeds of doubt were sown that I couldn't even trust my own thoughts.
Normally I'd knock a star or 2 off if I feel something is predictable or easy to guess, particularly in a psychological thriller. I personally find half the fun is the not knowing and the twists. As said before though, I doubted myself so many times, Lorraine has more than earned 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from booksprout and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
A classic psychological thriller that leaves you not knowing who to trust and what to believe.
Even when I had suspicions, which were eventually proved right, thanks to the excellent writing, enough seeds of doubt were sown that I couldn't even trust my own thoughts.
Normally I'd knock a star or 2 off if I feel something is predictable or easy to guess, particularly in a psychological thriller. I personally find half the fun is the not knowing and the twists. As said before though, I doubted myself so many times, Lorraine has more than earned 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from booksprout and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
August 22, 2024
“It was God’s will. You see we… we were Messengers.”
Who else here is fascinated with cults?
If you are or have an interest this book is for you.
He Loves Me Not by Lorraine Murphy.
I am someone who has always been fascinated with cults. So when I saw this book on NetGalley I had to read it.
I’m also obsessed with Ireland, reading and listening to any book that is set there. And this one is set in Ireland and if it comes out on audio I will definitely listen to it.
This story had me gripped by the end of chapter 1.
Ruth is a single mother running away from her old life. She had been married before and lived within the religious cult (The Messengers) but she had to run….
She is now ready to embrace her new future with her little girl. Ruth finally feels settled, she has a friend, a job and a new man in her life.
But will the ghost of her past catch up to her. Will the massagers let her go.
If you want to find out read this book.
It’s a great psychological thriller read. With a few twists. I did guess one of them but the rest I didn’t see coming.
Who else here is fascinated with cults?
If you are or have an interest this book is for you.
He Loves Me Not by Lorraine Murphy.
I am someone who has always been fascinated with cults. So when I saw this book on NetGalley I had to read it.
I’m also obsessed with Ireland, reading and listening to any book that is set there. And this one is set in Ireland and if it comes out on audio I will definitely listen to it.
This story had me gripped by the end of chapter 1.
Ruth is a single mother running away from her old life. She had been married before and lived within the religious cult (The Messengers) but she had to run….
She is now ready to embrace her new future with her little girl. Ruth finally feels settled, she has a friend, a job and a new man in her life.
But will the ghost of her past catch up to her. Will the massagers let her go.
If you want to find out read this book.
It’s a great psychological thriller read. With a few twists. I did guess one of them but the rest I didn’t see coming.
August 23, 2024
Overall this was an enjoyable read. It was quick and easy with short chapters and a writing style that flowed well.
The premise of this book drew me in as I love to read books about cults , they are so fascinating to me.
Just about all of the characters in this story had secrets and I didnt know who to trust , it had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next!
This book was a little predictable at times , but a few of the twists did take me by surprise and were well done!
I recommend this book to people who love twisty thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorraine Murphy and Inkubator Books for an ARC of this novel.
The premise of this book drew me in as I love to read books about cults , they are so fascinating to me.
Just about all of the characters in this story had secrets and I didnt know who to trust , it had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next!
This book was a little predictable at times , but a few of the twists did take me by surprise and were well done!
I recommend this book to people who love twisty thrillers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lorraine Murphy and Inkubator Books for an ARC of this novel.
August 26, 2024
The FMC coming from the world of cults is very intriguing. You feel for her, am happy to see her strength showing through and get frustrated at the same time. Almost every character in the book has at least 2 extremely opposite sides to them and have to wonder which one was the fake. There were so many slow-moving moments in the story which made my interest wain more often than desired. If you prefer and slower build in your books rather than being kept on your toes, then this one will satisfy you. You are given an ending requiring you to guess how it'll end up for her next, but I think it's the best choice the author could have made in this case.
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