Redeye

by Syntell Smith

New bodies, new careers, new scandalous discoveries. But will Nate and Cynthia Durant be able to keep their old love alive?

Seven years ago, Nate and Cynthia Durant were unrecognizable. They were in love, newly married, and hundreds of pounds overweight. Now, they turn heads wherever they go, but as their 10th anniversary looms, it becomes increasingly apparent that their paths are diverging.
Despite their newfound external allure, the insecurities of their former selves still linger within. Nate, now a modern renaissance man juggling a myriad of careers—from podcasting and photography to writing, DJing, and stand-up comedy—struggles to reconcile his past with his present. On the other hand, Cynthia, living comfortably off her wealthy parents’ support, finds herself in a state of career limbo as a former substitute teacher.
Everything takes a turn when Nate makes a chance discovery online and rekindles a connection from his past. This new relationship sets off a series of unforeseen events, from the sudden loss of their beloved pet to an unexpected confrontation with their own demons. Secrets, lies, and confessions intertwined, pushing their marriage to the brink. As past wounds are laid bare, Nate and Cynthia must confront their own vulnerabilities and redefine the boundaries of their love.
“Redeye” is an emotionally charged novel that perfectly blends romance and drama. Join Nate and Cynthia as they navigate the road to self-acceptance, chance encounters, and discover love is anything but predictable.

284 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2024

Reviews

[tinny · Rating 1 out of 5]

time of dnf: 4%

hey so no ♥️

not only do i have suspicions of ai use but this is so comically “written by a man” (derogatory) that i was laughing in disbelief

thank you to netgalley & syntell smith publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Syntell Smith’s Redeye is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that pulls you into the complex world of Nate Durant, a man juggling multiple gigs, past regrets, and present uncertainties in the bustling backdrop of New York City. The story follows Nate as he navigates his relentless hustle of writing, podcasting, photography, and even stand-up comedy all while dealing with his marriage, personal demons, and an unexpected blast from the past. The novel seamlessly blends humor, drama, and emotional depth, making for an engaging read.

One of the standout elements of Redeye is how real the characters feel. Nate is not your typical protagonist, he’s flawed, sometimes selfish, yet undeniably likable. His relentless work ethic comes off as both admirable and exhausting. Smith does an excellent job making you feel his fatigue, whether it’s through his chaotic schedule or the moments he crashes at home only to be greeted by responsibilities he barely has time for. A particularly powerful scene is when he confronts his wife, Cynthia, about his need to stay busy, revealing his deep-seated fear of ever returning to the version of himself that felt trapped in his own body. It’s raw and honest, making you root for him even when he’s being stubborn.

The dialogue is another strong point. It’s natural, snappy, and full of life. Conversations between Nate and his wife, Cynthia, feel authentic, especially when they butt heads over his work-life balance. The banter in the podcast scenes, particularly the heated debate over Ben Affleck playing Batman, is hilarious and captures the chaotic energy of pop culture discourse. Smith’s ability to write casual conversations that still push the narrative forward is impressive, making the novel feel immersive and dynamic.

The pacing feels erratic, bouncing between Nate’s gigs, personal conflicts, and unexpected discoveries like stumbling upon an old acquaintance in a compromising online photo. While this frenetic energy adds to the book’s charm, it can also feel overwhelming. Some subplots could have used a bit more breathing room to develop fully, particularly Nate’s backstory with Stephanie. Her presence lingers in the novel, but the resolution to that thread felt somewhat rushed compared to the time spent on other aspects of Nate’s life.

Redeye is an energetic, character-rich novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the grind of modern life pressing down on them. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy fast dialogue, real-world struggles, and a protagonist who is far from perfect but easy to root for. If you like books that capture the pulse of a city and the people trying to make it within it, this is worth picking up.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Syntell Smith writes a remarkable tale with Redeye

In Redeye, the reader is brought into the lives of Nate and Cynthia Durant, who are looking forward to their 10th anniversary, but things aren't the same for either of them as they were ten years ago, or even seven years ago. No longer an overweight couple, they are dealing with new bodies, and how they see themselves and each other. I am a big fan of Syntell Smith and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. His words and the worlds he builds in his stories, are remarkable, and some things that come out in the story, are something that even another writer can't foresee. Sometimes, as a writer, we can see what is going to happen next, and then it does. This isn't one of those stories. Neither Nate nor Cynthia seem to blame each other for their lack luster marriage, or don't say it out loud, but Nate's past may have a big impact as they face the challenges head one. Nate and Cynthia still love each other, but sometimes that's not enough, especially when the secrets have a hold on a marriage, and their connection. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. And this is not your typical romance or antiromantic story, secrets add that sense of what is going to happen next? It's a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster, that makes you keep reading. Redeye is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book I've read by Syntell Smith is “Redeye”, a captivating novel centered on Nate and Cynthia Durant. Years ago, Cynthia underwent a dramatic transformation, slimming down from a size twenty-four to a size nine, while her husband Nate opted for weight loss surgery. Nate and Cynthia have been married for ten years. Getting pregnant means gestational diabetes that can kill Cynthia.

Tension arises when Cynthia sends their dog, Brutus, to visit a neighbor's pit bull. This infuriates Nate, who disapproves of Isaiah, the breeder next door, and insists Cynthia steer clear of him. Meanwhile, Cynthia feels neglected by Nate, who is always caught up in work and rarely makes time for her.

As the story unfolds, Nate reconnects with an old friend, Stephanie Grace, after stumbling upon her photo online. Their conversation sparks a series of events. Nate and Cynthia’s relationship faces its challenges. How will they navigate these challenges, and what truths will come to light?

For readers who love romance and drama, “Redeye” is a must-read. The plot is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish. The book’s title and cover are fitting, and I found myself binge-reading it with ease.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeye is a rollercoaster of love, loss, and second chances. Nate and Cynthia’s journey—both emotional and physical—is raw and relatable, especially as they confront their insecurities, evolving identities, and the ghosts of their past. What I liked most was how real their relationship felt—imperfect, messy, but still rooted in something worth fighting for. It made me think about how people change over time and how love sometimes has to stretch to survive.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They have been married for 10 years but they have changed their appearance and their lives. He will find an old love on the internet and their lives may just unravel. How will they deal with it? Will their marriage break down? See how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say—Redeye had me clutching my imaginary pearls, y’all! 💅 From a couple glow-up to glow-apart, Nate and Cynthia’s drama was DELICIOUS. I was flipping pages like I was in a rom-dram bootcamp: secrets, sass, surprises—and a pet plot twist that almost made me cry into my coffee. If you've ever loved someone and lowkey wanted to throttle them, this book gets you. 🔥💔📱

[Andrea Hendrikx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced novel delving into the strain on a marriage, as a career-driven husband and an unemployed, insecure wife navigate mistrust and old flames. With raw emotion and authentic conflict, it’s an enjoyable read.

[Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Bodies, Hidden Baggage, and a Redeye Full of Regrets

Redeye takes relationship drama to cruising altitude with sexy glow-ups, emotional turbulence, and a layover in heartbreak hotel—I couldn’t put it down, even when things got messy (and oh honey, they got messy).

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway win - Thank you!

I didn't love it, nor did I hate it - sorry! It just wasn't my cup of tea.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and was surprised how much I enjoyed it!

[Megan Harvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book! I loved this novel.

[peppkorn_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre. It was definitely unique and I thought it was very good written.
The plot is with a lot of twists and turns, and it gave off Fight Club vibes to me for some reason.