The Valentine

by Maria Frankland

I keep getting the sense of being watched.

But when I glance up, it’s not by the person I want it to be. Dale’s always busy doing something else. Really, I must have the most unromantic partner on the planet.

Or so I thought.

For Dale has prepared a Valentine’s Day surprise and I don’t need asking twice to follow the clues I’ve found. I find my way to the remote cottage he’s booked, gobsmacked as I respond to his written instruction to enter.

Romantic music fills the air, delicious aromas drift from the kitchen and rose petals have been scattered, leaving a trail which starts at the front door and takes me up to a candlelit bubble bath where a glass of champagne is waiting.

But as I peel off my clothes, a sense of unease creeps over me. I should have checked downstairs before I came up here. I don’t know if this surprise is really meant for me…

Genres: Thriller

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

Maria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.

Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…

Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.

Reviews

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for this twisty thriller!

I was looking for something with a seasonal vibe but didn’t want a full-on romance since I prefer romance as a subplot rather than the main focus. So when I came across this thriller, I thought, oh cool, this might be perfect.

There are a few trigger warnings to be aware of, and honestly, almost none of the characters are likable. But despite that, the story was incredibly engaging, and I definitely didn’t see any of those plot twists coming. Overall, a really compelling read—I’d absolutely recommend it!

[Jessica Lane Bunting · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book carries on and on and on...there is so much repetitive information it got boring fast and jumping between characters made it hard to follow at times. This book could have been completed in half the pages if there wasn't so much repetitive and unnecessary information. Only finished it because I hate not finishing books.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an easy read but it really felt like it was missing something

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE VALENTINE BY MARIA FRANKLAND
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s once again.
HOLY COW!!!
I've been looking forward to this book for a while and anything maria writes is amazing. And this book is just as amazing if not more.
Straight off the bat I was hooked from the Prologue alone. Dove straight into chapter one and I could not stop reading.
Bingeable, Page turner, creepy, suspenseful.
I'm hoping my valentines this year will be anything but this book.
Well done Maria on another brilliant book.
I'm already looking forward to the next one

[A.J. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read

Another compelling read by the talented Maria Frankland. The Valentine is told through multiple points of review, which adds to the intensity of this gripping tale. All the way through, I didn’t know who to trust, which kept me turning the pages to an ending I never expected. This is testament to Frankland’s exceptional storytelling. I can’t wait for her next book.

[Rania Kamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Donna Mallery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided it was time to read a Valentine’s tale! The story of these poor characters will capture your interest. Maria has that knack, and I have read nearly, if not all, her books. I liked it until the reveal’s started coming. They were a bit over the top for me, and led to an ending I didn’t care for. But I’ll keep on reading her books. This was a rare miss for me.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

I loved the fast pacing, short chapters and the premise of this book! I was hooked up until about 60% and then it all felt very far fetched - I don’t think the book needed all the twists that were thrown into it towards the end. I wouldve rated this SO much higher if the plot only included the first couple of twists!

[Stacey Hejwosz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good until it wasn’t. Haha.
I was really invested and rooting for the main character until things took a turn and made me not like her so much. Really dumb decisions by everyone all around.

[Welz Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished ✅
I promised Maria that I would read her book 📕 months ago 🫣but everything has been a little crazy 😝 just like this book 😳.
Sisters, Ali and Tamara are very close due to their upbringing, which was difficult with their father’s adulterous behaviour.
Tamara finds her life in a similar situation but is determined to stay with her husband, until a moment of a sliding doors decision takes her in a different direction.
Getting close to each character with family members, neighbours, colleagues makes you understand where this storyline is heading. ........or so you thought. OH NO!! The ending caught me unawares. I wasn't expecting how everything unfolded, which made this book a definitely must read 😱.
Brilliant book Maria. You have a twisted mind 🤣😁. Love 🥰 it 🤓

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Valentine! This book is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Maria's use of multiple perspectives adds a rich layer to the story, providing depth and making it more engaging and relatable.

Packed with twists and turns that constantly surprised me, the fast-paced plot ensured there was never a dull moment. It's one of those gripping reads that you just can't put down.

Maria's writing never ceases to amaze me. Her books are a testament to her incredible talent and storytelling prowess.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. It started off slow and had slow moments in between. It had many twists some I saw some, and some I didn’t. The main character got on my nerves at time and thought she was woe as me a lot of the time. My favourite character was her sister Ali and wish she was in it more. Looking forward to reading more from Maria.

[Heather Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty story not just about the love between husband and wife also sisters. There was plenty going on in this book and twists till the end. I wasn’t sure where it was going to go and kept me guessing and surprised! Thanks Maria for the copy!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Michelle]

Good read

Kept me thinking lol. Definitely recommend this thriller. Another great read from a great author, you won't be disappointed. 😀

[Julie Devonald-Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read

[Chloe Neumann · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 on a good day. Part 1 felt basic, repetitive, and predictable. Part 2 got twisty in the way that a Freida McFadden book would - maybe one of her lesser works. The ending just wasn’t worth the struggle to finish this book. 😬

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this book progressed, it just got twistier & twistier. I couldn’t put it down. I picked a character I sided with and rooted for them, right up until the ending that’s filled with turns galore. I love everything from Maria Frankland & this might be my favorite so far!

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is dubbed a psychological thriller, and it certainly has thrilling elements, but it has a whole lot more to it, too!
Tamara, pregnant, is married to Dale, a serial cheater. He spends an inordinate amount of time with their neighbour Rachel, laughing and flirting. This is only one of Tamara's concerns. A stranger appears to be keeping tabs on Tamara. The way he shows up outside their home, her work, and her car is classic of a stalker. With Valentine's Day having arrived and everyone abuzz with their romantic plans, has Dale turned a corner when Tamara receives a dozen roses and a cryptic note to head to a remote part of the Yorkshire Dale's for a romantic weekend?
Is there a connection between Tamara and the stalker, Dale and the stalker, Rachel and the stalker 🤔? On a deeper level, how does infidelity affect the betrayed person, and will the scars of childhood carry over into adult behavior? Another page-turner from Maria Frankland. 4 and half stars

[gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 🌟

this book did not disappoint, it had me hooked from the moment i started reading. it’s so gripping and the twist at the end had me shocked!

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "The Valentine" by Maria Frankland was an exhilarating experience that had me hooked from the very first page. As a psychological thriller, it masterfully draws readers into the intricate thoughts and emotions of Tamara, the protagonist. The author’s ability to delve into Tamara’s psyche is truly compelling, allowing me to feel as though I was living her life, experiencing her fears, and grappling with her dilemmas. This immersive writing style is a hallmark of Maria Frankland’s storytelling prowess, making it almost impossible to put the book down.
The characters in "The Valentine" are vividly crafted, each with a depth that evokes strong reactions. I found myself practically wanting to reach into the pages to give Dale a piece of my mind during the more infuriating moments. Conversely, there were times I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief at Tamara's decisions, even catching myself talking out loud in objection to her impending actions. The dynamics between Tamara and Dale were particularly intriguing, their perspectives adding layers to the narrative. The addition of chapters from other characters’ points of view added even more complexity, transforming the storyline with unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The pacing of the novel is another aspect that truly impressed me. Maria Frankland maintains a constant flow of intrigue, skillfully ramping up the suspense with well-timed "wow" moments that kept me entertained throughout. Each twist was a fresh surprise, driving the story forward at a brisk pace that never felt rushed. In all, "The Valentine" is a thrilling journey that left me eager for more of Maria Frankland’s masterful storytelling.
Book Rating:
Originality: 4.75/5.0
Structure: 4.75/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 4.5/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 4.5/5.0
Cover Design: 4.5/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frankland gave us one twist after another, and I must confess that I did not see all that happening!

The narrative hook worked well. I did get involved in the plot and developed an intense interest in the characters. I was curious about Rachel and how she would develop and influence the storyline. As a divorced and remarried woman, I felt for Tamara initially. The emotional connection to the characters continued to develop as I read more into the book. I grew to loathe Rachel and knew she could not be trusted. I continued to feel for Tamara for many pages; however, you destroyed that when Tamara turned out to be such an evil woman! LOL! I even developed empathy for Martin by the book's closing chapters.. I did not feel anything for Dale, though. I'm not sure why I didn't. There was nothing wrong with his character development. I was just pulled in more by the other three. As for Ali, I appreciated her sincerity and concern for Tamara early in the book. By the end, however, I also disliked her. Again, I'm not sure exactly why. She was someone I was just glad to see go at the end. Maybe I didn't trust her sincerity enough.

I appreciate Frankland’s description as it allowed me to "see" the moving picture of her book in my mind as I read. To me, that makes a successful book!

I'm so glad she did not end the book at Ali's house. The prologue was so good and appreciated as well. The scenes at the cottage and the prologue really resonate with me now that I have finished reading.

I also enjoyed seeing the italicized statements at the end of the early chapters. Those hooked me into the story more.

This was a great and easy read.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

so this book just came out recently and i have read a couple others by this author so i figured i would check this one out, too, given that it is almost valentines day it seemed appropriate timing to read a heart-day thriller. this one was definitely fast-paced and full of good suspense and twists i did not totally see coming. while there were a lot of character point-of-view narrating, it never seemed too difficult to tell who was telling their part of the story. as it turned out, there was a lot more of a connection between most of the characters than one would expect so a lot of what happened made sense and came together in the end. overall, it was an enjoyable quick read and hopefully anyone who actually thinks of valentines day as more than a commercialized holiday that pressures couples to do things on a specific day when they should treat every other day together as just as special, or single out those who do not have a special someone, never has to endure such a horrible chain of events to tell a story like this one.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody Brilliant!

Tamara is convinced her husband, Dale, is having an affair with the Blonde across the street - after all it wouldn’t be the first time!! This move was supposed to be a new start for them, especially since Tamara is pregnant. She is feeling increasingly anxious due to the mysterious person who has been watching her at night. However, no one is taking her seriously, particularly the police. After another argument with Dale, Tamara is overjoyed when he surprises her with a romantic getaway for Valentine’s
Day.

The plot has many folds & turns - Beware of making any assumptions! The author masterfully draws readers into the intricate thoughts of each character with such depth that it evokes a myriad of emotions from the reader. The layers of the story become entangled as the characters unfold their respective perspectives. Each, struggling with their own internal issues, face chronic infidelity, stalking & desire. What more could you ask for on Valentine’s Day? — with Maria Frankland.

[Valerie Vigil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book but I just didn’t. There were quite a few twists but they were just meh to me.

Tamara and her husband Dale have struggled with multiple miscarriages. Dale also seems to have a problem with fidelity. Tamara is a hair dresser and shop owner, I can’t even remember if it mentioned what Dale does, just that he loves the gym and other women. After multiple miscarriages and failed IVF, she is finally 13 weeks pregnant. In the safe zone. But Tamara is wracked with insecurities, at the fault of her cheating husband and is stressed to the max bc of a stalker that no one takes seriously.

Valentine’s Day arrives and Tamara is pleased that Dale is pulling out all the stops after saying the holiday was just a sham. He suddenly wants to be romantic and she is all for it. She arrives at a cottage in the middle of nowhere and realizes it wasn’t what she had expected it to be. There are lots of questions and divulges, that get crazier and crazier and more far fetched.

Especially the ending. It could have done without the final twist.

[Darla Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review:
The Valentine by Maria Frankland - Psychological Thriller Author

I really liked the way this story started and I wasn't sure if Tamara was imagining the man across the street or not. I was hooked into this story from the very beginning because I needed to know about him. I could empathize with Tamara because of the cheating husband while pregnant, so I felt her pain while going thru this situation. Tamara tried to tell people about her fears in regards to the man but most disregarded it as pregnancy hormones, even the police. This story has so many twists that I couldn't read it fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. But the ending, wow, my mouth just dropped open, and I couldn't believe what I was reading. This was my first book by this author and overall, I would call it a work of art. I loved every page, so I give it 5 stars 🤩

[Ellen Squire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping Read

Tamara is convinced her husband Dale is having an affair with the blonde woman across the road, after all he's cheated on her before. This was meant to be a new start for them, especially as Tamara is pregnant with his child. She is feeling increasingly anxious due to the creepy man who's been watching her house at night. However, no-one is taking her concerns seriously, not even the police.
After yet another row with Dale, she is pleasantly surprised when he arranges a romantic weekend away at Poppy Cottage for Valentine's day. But is all as it seems?
This is another great story by Maria which left me sympathising with Tamara's predicament, and hoping for a positive outcome.
A gripping story, which I found  difficult to put this down. I totally recommend this book. 5 stars.

[Charlotte Baddeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamara is not in a good place. She is three months pregnant after numerous miscarriages and terrified of losing this baby. To add to her worries, she is convinced that her husband, Dale, is having yet another affair and she is sure she is being stalked but no one believes her.

On the point of leaving Dale for a few days, to teach him a lesson, she is obviously delighted when he arranges a romantic weekend away for Valentine’s day. Or has he? Tamara finds herself in a terrifying situation and no one will realise she is missing. Cue absolute page turner to find out how or if Tamara and her baby can survive this Valentine day surprise.

The end is absolutely everything you’d expect from Maria Frankland and her signature twists.

[DKall · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a quick read and it has a really good plot, however I feel the book is told in such a jumpy way after the second part of the book. We are going from many different perspectives, back in time and present, and it just made details about things fall through the cracks or feel rushed to be explained. I feel like it could’ve been told in a chronological way with all of the different perspectives and been better and less details would’ve been lost. I think the twist is good, but it just wasn’t really written in such an exciting way. I also find our main character to be insufferable, and I guess we kinda find out why but still, it didn’t really redeem her for me. All in all it was a nice read for a Valentine’s Day hater like myself

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be chosen to receive an advanced readers copy of Maria Frankland's latest book, ‘The Valentine.’ I have always enjoyed Maria’s work, so I knew I was in for a treat.

From the moment I opened the pages, I was drawn into a world filled with suspense and intrigue. The plot weaved a narrative that had me eager to turn each page to uncover what happened next.

The pacing of the story was perfectly executed, and I found myself racing through the chapters, caught up in the twists and turns that the plot presented. Another feature I appreciated was the short chapters.

Maria Frankland has a remarkable talent for storytelling, with her ability to create characters and intricate plots that kept me fully invested in the lives and journeys of the characters she brought to life.

I would like to thank Maria for providing me with an early copy of ‘The Valentine.’ I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging read that will keep them guessing until the very last page. If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for its release—you won’t want to miss it!