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Good Intentions
Nate Noble has it all--a thriving business, a loving fiancée, and a bright future. But his world takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Marvin Waters, the childhood best friend he hasn't seen in thirty years.
Marvin is a man beaten down by life, haunted by a troubled past and barely scraping by. Driven by guilt and a desire to do the right thing, Nate extends a helping hand, offering Marvin a job and a fresh start.
But good deeds don't always go unpunished.
Marvin hasn't forgotten what happened when they were just boys—-and the role Nate played in his downfall. Resentment lurks beneath his gratitude, and as he weaves himself into Nate's life, a sinister plan begins to unfold. By the time Nate discovers the truth, it may already be too late.
Friendships might fade--but some grudges never die...
Marvin is a man beaten down by life, haunted by a troubled past and barely scraping by. Driven by guilt and a desire to do the right thing, Nate extends a helping hand, offering Marvin a job and a fresh start.
But good deeds don't always go unpunished.
Marvin hasn't forgotten what happened when they were just boys—-and the role Nate played in his downfall. Resentment lurks beneath his gratitude, and as he weaves himself into Nate's life, a sinister plan begins to unfold. By the time Nate discovers the truth, it may already be too late.
Friendships might fade--but some grudges never die...
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
262 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Massey
56 books860 followersHere’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
August 29, 2025
OMG TALK ABOUT A ONE SIT READ
In Good Intentions, Nate and Marvin are childhood friends, but after a tragic accident the two went their separate ways. 30 years later, Nate is a thriving businessman and he bumps into Marvin at a store who is not doing well for himself and is down on his luck. Nate decides to be a Good Samaritan and help Marvin out, but his good deeds are about to come with a bunch of complications!
Oh wow I think I have found a new author to obsess over. This was soooo good! I saw this book pop up on my kindle unlimited and decided to give it a read after enjoying the blurb. This is a fast paced read with so much juicy drama! I was so entertained throughout I didn’t want to put it down! This is your typical popcorn thriller with not so wise choices from the main character’s that keeps the drama spiraling and evoking a couple of eye rolls from us readers!
I was taken aback from the twist as I genuinely did not see it coming, I was enjoying the drama too much I didn’t ponder whether there would be any twist or turns.
This can be read in one go or listened too in one as I did, while doing some puzzling. The narrator did an amazing job and had me cackling!
I cant wait to read more of this authors backlist.
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pre read
Been wanting to read this authors work for the longest!
The blurb sounds juicy and giving major drama
Lets see if it delivers!
🧡💚🧡💚
In Good Intentions, Nate and Marvin are childhood friends, but after a tragic accident the two went their separate ways. 30 years later, Nate is a thriving businessman and he bumps into Marvin at a store who is not doing well for himself and is down on his luck. Nate decides to be a Good Samaritan and help Marvin out, but his good deeds are about to come with a bunch of complications!
Oh wow I think I have found a new author to obsess over. This was soooo good! I saw this book pop up on my kindle unlimited and decided to give it a read after enjoying the blurb. This is a fast paced read with so much juicy drama! I was so entertained throughout I didn’t want to put it down! This is your typical popcorn thriller with not so wise choices from the main character’s that keeps the drama spiraling and evoking a couple of eye rolls from us readers!
I was taken aback from the twist as I genuinely did not see it coming, I was enjoying the drama too much I didn’t ponder whether there would be any twist or turns.
This can be read in one go or listened too in one as I did, while doing some puzzling. The narrator did an amazing job and had me cackling!
I cant wait to read more of this authors backlist.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Been wanting to read this authors work for the longest!
The blurb sounds juicy and giving major drama
Lets see if it delivers!
🧡💚🧡💚
June 1, 2025
If Brandon Massey doesn’t do anything else, he’s going to throw in some twists and write the last few chapters of his books to make you feel as if you’re having heart palpitations with the intensity! I literally feel raw & pure emotion at the end of every single book, and the anticipation is unreal. He is also going to always write an MMC that you yell at, yet still root for as you want to see him to win. I found myself saying numerous times “Nate what am I going to do with you.”
This story makes you rethink the phrase “no good deed goes unpunished.”
Nate has always been a straight by the book kinda guy, with “good intentions.” When his childhood friend Marvin returns, he tries so hard to help him, despite the bright red flags 🚩 🚩 that Marvin is not to be trusted. Racked with guilt from a childhood incident, Nate is still feels compelled to help!
★★★★★ Highly highly recommend, for fans of well written, page turning thrillers that grips you and refuses to let go.
This story makes you rethink the phrase “no good deed goes unpunished.”
Nate has always been a straight by the book kinda guy, with “good intentions.” When his childhood friend Marvin returns, he tries so hard to help him, despite the bright red flags 🚩 🚩 that Marvin is not to be trusted. Racked with guilt from a childhood incident, Nate is still feels compelled to help!
★★★★★ Highly highly recommend, for fans of well written, page turning thrillers that grips you and refuses to let go.
June 2, 2025
Nate could have avoided half the things he went through if he would have listened to Leslie. This book shows you how sometimes being a good person can be a magnet for crazy people.
October 23, 2025
I finally read my first Brandon Massey book and it was a total page turner! Good Intentions had me hooked from the first page, and I finished it in just one day! Nate, the MMC was so gullible it drove me a bit crazy, and I totally saw the twist coming from a mile away. Despite those quirks, Good Intentions was absolutely unputdownable. And ugh, Marvin the villain, words cannot describe how much I despised him!
July 29, 2025
Good intentions and bad decisions
Brandon Massey’s books are the best. This was a very good book. The characters were a bit ditzy. But I think it made the story more enjoyable.
Brandon Massey’s books are the best. This was a very good book. The characters were a bit ditzy. But I think it made the story more enjoyable.
July 3, 2025
real rating: 3.4
so in conclusion, you should always listen to women.
so in conclusion, you should always listen to women.
October 5, 2025
A fast-paced thriller about how one good deed turns into a nightmare. Nate reconnects with an old friend, only to uncover old hidden grudges. It reminded me of Chappelle’s “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong”—doing the right thing leads to all the wrong consequences 🥴
June 1, 2025
Everybody got on my nerves. Every decision made got more & more stupid. Massey really knows how to write a MMC that irks my nerves 😭 the twist was cool.
October 5, 2025
3.75 rating
“You have good intentions, but you can’t save everyone.”
This was my first read by Brandon Massey, and it was a quick one! The narrator did a great job on the audio. I went in expecting more of a thriller, but it leaned more toward drama for me. The ending caught me off guard. I didn’t see that twist coming. Nate is genuinely a good guy who wanted to do right by his friend, but sometimes being too kind can make you a little gullible. That was a real lesson learned.
“You have good intentions, but you can’t save everyone.”
This was my first read by Brandon Massey, and it was a quick one! The narrator did a great job on the audio. I went in expecting more of a thriller, but it leaned more toward drama for me. The ending caught me off guard. I didn’t see that twist coming. Nate is genuinely a good guy who wanted to do right by his friend, but sometimes being too kind can make you a little gullible. That was a real lesson learned.
August 4, 2025
3.5. One thing Mr. Massey is going to do write a MMC that annoys the hell out of me lol. Like why don’t the men ever have a backbone or listen to their partner? This was a decent quick thriller I needed tho. I’m not a fan of a miscommunication trope but I really like the twists at the end of the book for sure.
October 14, 2025
3.5 stars…. I love a good thriller/mystery. This one was a little predictable and a little repetitive at times for me. I started off enjoying it but then wanted the story to just get to the point. The “twist” to me wasn’t the big ah ha that I normally love I guess because I saw it coming. The hidden clues were there.
October 7, 2025
Amazed
This book will keep you on your toes! The deception, lies, betrayal.. it was a great read! Nate wanted to be a hero but should have taken better precautions. Just because we grew up with someone doesn’t mean you know them. Highly recommend!
This book will keep you on your toes! The deception, lies, betrayal.. it was a great read! Nate wanted to be a hero but should have taken better precautions. Just because we grew up with someone doesn’t mean you know them. Highly recommend!
October 10, 2025
This was gooooooood!! The way the story developed was pretty jaw dropping. I love how he drop little nuggets which allow you to connect the dots at the end. And the twist??? Great story!
October 14, 2025
This is my first Brandon Massey book and I enjoyed it. lol let me just say that I love going into books kind of blind and being surprised by some twists and turns. I had my finger on something while reading, so that was fun! I knew something weird was going on, so I’m proud of myself for not being totally clueless… but I hadn’t had it all figured out.
Nate’s character disappointed me, his fiancé’s character frustrated me, and Marvin’s character enraged me. My goodness!
The plot was there, the mystery was there.
Nate’s character disappointed me, his fiancé’s character frustrated me, and Marvin’s character enraged me. My goodness!
The plot was there, the mystery was there.
January 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ No doubt a binge worthy psychological thriller. Twisty and fast paced. I wanted to shake Nate so bad and tell him to get it together!! I actually predicted what the twist was at one point but then questioned myself cuz it was still too early so I let it go. It felt good knowing I was on the right track in the end though.
It’s been some time where I’ve had a book where I couldn’t wait to pick it up and read because almost every chapter leaves you wanting more. Definitely will be reading more by this author. If you have KU, go ahead save this one!
It’s been some time where I’ve had a book where I couldn’t wait to pick it up and read because almost every chapter leaves you wanting more. Definitely will be reading more by this author. If you have KU, go ahead save this one!
September 29, 2025
September Read: Good Intentions by Brandon Massey ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. A good deed from 30 years ago comes back to bite Nate hard. Owner of a thriving chain of UPS stores, he hires his childhood friend Marvin despite clear warnings—even from his fiancée. Nate ignores red flags, and it’s maddening to watch. What starts as generosity unravels into guilt trips, manipulation, and greed that threaten his future. Massey delivers a relentless, nerve-rattling page-turner that’ll have you yelling at characters and losing track of your real-life to-dos.
October 12, 2025
Every single character in this book frustrated me—just one questionable decision after another! I’m still confused about Nate’s mom’s reaction to the letter; I don’t understand why she’d be upset about her son trying to help his friend. That said, I actually enjoyed the book overall. It was a quick, engaging read with a twist at the end that I really liked. Oh, and the biggest takeaway: men, listen to your lady the first time. 💅🏽✨
October 27, 2025
I cant say the ending surprised me but I definitely wasn't shocked. I knew some stuff just wasn't adding up. A good lesson to learn is to not let your actions as a child dictate your future, you might end up in a crazy situation. Marvin was crazy and Nate was gullible. Discernment. If it sounds fishy, go with your instincts.
June 6, 2025
An entertaining read
The characters were well developed, although I didn’t like many of them for one reason or another, but they all entertained me. The M.C. had to be the most gullible character I read about all year, lol. The plot twist caught me off guard, and the author did a great job of tying everything up. I highly recommend this story.
The characters were well developed, although I didn’t like many of them for one reason or another, but they all entertained me. The M.C. had to be the most gullible character I read about all year, lol. The plot twist caught me off guard, and the author did a great job of tying everything up. I highly recommend this story.
December 28, 2025
Brandon Massey knows how to gag me every single time!Good intentions in fact feels like one of these friends does NOT in fact have good intentions at all! The plot twist was crazy and I loved the pacing as this thriller unraveled
July 12, 2025
3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 6, 2025
An emotional roller coaster! 🥲 I wanted to jump through the book and smack some sense into Nathan, the main character!
September 30, 2025
The plot twist at the end omg. Nate had me pissed off the whole book he should’ve listened to Leslie. But overall i liked this book it kept me engaged
June 29, 2025
The book was a fast read! It was not totally predictable! Nate is similar to other Massey male characters, gullible!
June 6, 2025
Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review.
📚 Good Intentions by Brandon Massey
🗓️ Published: May 30, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
Whew! This one took me on a ride—and I stayed buckled in the whole way.
Let me start by saying Good Intentions is a slow burn, but when I tell you the tension creeps in so smooth, you don’t even realize how deep you’re in until it’s too late to put it down. Brandon Massey knows how to pull you in with quiet suspense, layered characters, and just enough “Wait, what?!” moments to keep you guessing.
Now let’s talk about these characters...
Marvin had me STRESSED. I mean, good grief, sir—pull it together.
Nate was on a whole other level of aggravation. I found myself side-eyeing him more than once.
Danielle? Giiiirrrrl, why were you throwing yourself at people like that? Desperation isn’t cute.
But Leslie?! Baby, she was the brains of the whole operation. I wanted to high-five her and hug her at the same time. That woman was sharp, steady, and exactly what the story needed.
Massey blends psychological drama, mystery, and a dose of relationship messiness in a way that only he can. The pacing might be slower than some of his other thrillers, but it gives space for the characters to unravel—and trust me, they do.
If you're into domestic suspense with a dash of betrayal, secrets, and a smart woman holding it all together, this one’s for you. Brandon Massey does it again. I closed the book satisfied, annoyed (at the right people), and thoroughly entertained.
📚 Good Intentions by Brandon Massey
🗓️ Published: May 30, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5 stars
Whew! This one took me on a ride—and I stayed buckled in the whole way.
Let me start by saying Good Intentions is a slow burn, but when I tell you the tension creeps in so smooth, you don’t even realize how deep you’re in until it’s too late to put it down. Brandon Massey knows how to pull you in with quiet suspense, layered characters, and just enough “Wait, what?!” moments to keep you guessing.
Now let’s talk about these characters...
Marvin had me STRESSED. I mean, good grief, sir—pull it together.
Nate was on a whole other level of aggravation. I found myself side-eyeing him more than once.
Danielle? Giiiirrrrl, why were you throwing yourself at people like that? Desperation isn’t cute.
But Leslie?! Baby, she was the brains of the whole operation. I wanted to high-five her and hug her at the same time. That woman was sharp, steady, and exactly what the story needed.
Massey blends psychological drama, mystery, and a dose of relationship messiness in a way that only he can. The pacing might be slower than some of his other thrillers, but it gives space for the characters to unravel—and trust me, they do.
If you're into domestic suspense with a dash of betrayal, secrets, and a smart woman holding it all together, this one’s for you. Brandon Massey does it again. I closed the book satisfied, annoyed (at the right people), and thoroughly entertained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
Nate made my a$$ itch 😐... like u can't be this big of an idiot?!?! decent book, kind of predictable but definitely kept my attention
September 17, 2025
Good book! Nate was a proud owner of 3 UPS. He had a long lost childhood friend who he met at a Publix one day while grocery shopping.
They were friends 30 years ago. Marvin had a step dad who would abuse him regularly. He didn’t like it and wrote a letter and slipped it under the principles door one day even after his momma told him to stay out of that family business. Marvin and Nate were hanging out one day and Marvin’s step dad pulled up and grabbed Marvin. Nate was returning his bike when he found out that Marvin killed his dad.
Fast forward to 30 years later, Nate met Marvin at the Publix he was currently working at. They started reminiscing and Nate offered him a job at UPS. Marvin kept saying you owe me for what you did and to help a long lost childhood friend. Blah blah blah. Nate invites Marvin over or they go out to meet Nate’s wife Leslie and Marvin creeps her out big time. Then Marvin shows up at Nate’s house uninvited, Nate’s wife doesn’t let him in because he was acting weird and she didn’t like that. He creeped her out and she doesn’t vibe with him ever since that day.
Marvin continues to be weird and has outbursts. He fights his old Publix boss and punches Nate in the face. Marvin goes to jail and Nate bails him out. At the jail, Marvin’s sister shows up after Nate texts her to let her know that Marvin is un jail. Danielle is his emergency contact after his stepdad died and their mother dies. Danielle flirts with him and tells Nate to watch out for Marvin as he has a past.
After Nate bails Marvin out, Nate wants to fire him because of all his outbursts and weirdness, they get into an argument. Marvin’s tries to leave in his car but it’s dead apparently. It’s cold out and Nate feels bad leaving him there in the cold even though he is angry with him. He gets him a motel despite not wanting to help.
Marvin continues to be weird. He shows up at Nate’s mom house asking for his mom’s obituary and tells Nate’s mom about his side of the story and tells her to basically tell Nate to give Marvin back his job. Nate’s mom call him and tells him that Marvin came over and he gets pissed.
Nate wants more information about Marvin’s past so he hits up his sister Danielle. They meet at an Applebees and talk. They are flirting but Nate is trying to be a good guy because he’s going to marry Leslie in like 4 months. She needed help putting together a bookcase because a guy cancelled on her so Nate offered. They go to his house and he puts it together. They are flirting and he wants to leave because he’s didn’t want to cheat. When opening the door, Nate is right outside taking pictures. They get into a heated argument and Nate punches him. Marvin calls the police and Nate is arrested her assault.
Leslie is fed up with everything. Nate isn’t that excited about wedding stuff and now he gets arrested. But Marvin shows up to his house with a drawing of the picture he took of Nate and Danielle. Now, she thinks he is cheating. Nate posts bail and Leslie comes to get him. He finally gets his phone back and messages Danielle basically like I’m okay don’t worry, I’m getting release now. She shows up and Leslie pulls up to pick him up from jail. She goes off and has the picture of them two from when Marvin snapped the picture. She gets in the car and speeds off.
Nate goes and picks up his car from Danielle’s house and notices a neighbor. They talk and long story short, Danielle has been lying about having a kid so now Nate is like what else is shoeing about. He confronts her and she makes up this story.
Basically Marvin isn’t the real Marvin. His name is Ian, a dude from when Marvin and him were locked up. They looked a bit alike. Ian and Danielle are together and came up with this idea of getting some money because Nate is successful. The plan was going to shit because Ian was being hot headed and doing too much. Danielle ended up killing her mother. She drugged Nate and tried to take sperm from him while doing a home robbery basically. Ian ended up hiding in the house. Leslie came back because she was worried that wasn’t answering her. Ian came out the blue, shot Leslie in a scuffle. Ian ended up telling them the whole story of why they did what they did. Nate ended up kicking him down some stairs. He called the police. They are in jail. Nate and Leslie get married. Nate and the real Marvin finally meet.
They were friends 30 years ago. Marvin had a step dad who would abuse him regularly. He didn’t like it and wrote a letter and slipped it under the principles door one day even after his momma told him to stay out of that family business. Marvin and Nate were hanging out one day and Marvin’s step dad pulled up and grabbed Marvin. Nate was returning his bike when he found out that Marvin killed his dad.
Fast forward to 30 years later, Nate met Marvin at the Publix he was currently working at. They started reminiscing and Nate offered him a job at UPS. Marvin kept saying you owe me for what you did and to help a long lost childhood friend. Blah blah blah. Nate invites Marvin over or they go out to meet Nate’s wife Leslie and Marvin creeps her out big time. Then Marvin shows up at Nate’s house uninvited, Nate’s wife doesn’t let him in because he was acting weird and she didn’t like that. He creeped her out and she doesn’t vibe with him ever since that day.
Marvin continues to be weird and has outbursts. He fights his old Publix boss and punches Nate in the face. Marvin goes to jail and Nate bails him out. At the jail, Marvin’s sister shows up after Nate texts her to let her know that Marvin is un jail. Danielle is his emergency contact after his stepdad died and their mother dies. Danielle flirts with him and tells Nate to watch out for Marvin as he has a past.
After Nate bails Marvin out, Nate wants to fire him because of all his outbursts and weirdness, they get into an argument. Marvin’s tries to leave in his car but it’s dead apparently. It’s cold out and Nate feels bad leaving him there in the cold even though he is angry with him. He gets him a motel despite not wanting to help.
Marvin continues to be weird. He shows up at Nate’s mom house asking for his mom’s obituary and tells Nate’s mom about his side of the story and tells her to basically tell Nate to give Marvin back his job. Nate’s mom call him and tells him that Marvin came over and he gets pissed.
Nate wants more information about Marvin’s past so he hits up his sister Danielle. They meet at an Applebees and talk. They are flirting but Nate is trying to be a good guy because he’s going to marry Leslie in like 4 months. She needed help putting together a bookcase because a guy cancelled on her so Nate offered. They go to his house and he puts it together. They are flirting and he wants to leave because he’s didn’t want to cheat. When opening the door, Nate is right outside taking pictures. They get into a heated argument and Nate punches him. Marvin calls the police and Nate is arrested her assault.
Leslie is fed up with everything. Nate isn’t that excited about wedding stuff and now he gets arrested. But Marvin shows up to his house with a drawing of the picture he took of Nate and Danielle. Now, she thinks he is cheating. Nate posts bail and Leslie comes to get him. He finally gets his phone back and messages Danielle basically like I’m okay don’t worry, I’m getting release now. She shows up and Leslie pulls up to pick him up from jail. She goes off and has the picture of them two from when Marvin snapped the picture. She gets in the car and speeds off.
Nate goes and picks up his car from Danielle’s house and notices a neighbor. They talk and long story short, Danielle has been lying about having a kid so now Nate is like what else is shoeing about. He confronts her and she makes up this story.
Basically Marvin isn’t the real Marvin. His name is Ian, a dude from when Marvin and him were locked up. They looked a bit alike. Ian and Danielle are together and came up with this idea of getting some money because Nate is successful. The plan was going to shit because Ian was being hot headed and doing too much. Danielle ended up killing her mother. She drugged Nate and tried to take sperm from him while doing a home robbery basically. Ian ended up hiding in the house. Leslie came back because she was worried that wasn’t answering her. Ian came out the blue, shot Leslie in a scuffle. Ian ended up telling them the whole story of why they did what they did. Nate ended up kicking him down some stairs. He called the police. They are in jail. Nate and Leslie get married. Nate and the real Marvin finally meet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
A Masterpiece of Misdirection: Brandon Massey's "Good Intentions" Delivers a Jaw-Dropping Finish
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Brandon Massey has long proven his mastery over the suspense and horror genres, but with "Good Intentions," he takes psychological terror to an entirely new level. This novel is not just a page-turner; it is a meticulously constructed house of cards, where the initial setup lulls the reader into a false sense of security before the entire structure collapses in a seismic, unforgettable climax.
The premise revolves around the age-old conflict between doing what is right and the unexpected, catastrophic consequences that can follow. We are introduced to a protagonist whose decision to intervene in a difficult situation—a choice genuinely rooted in "good intentions"—quickly spirals into a vortex of fear, paranoia, and moral ambiguity. Massey excels at making the reader feel the increasing desperation of the main character. The early chapters are characterized by a slow, creeping dread, as small, unfortunate accidents quickly accumulate into insurmountable evidence of a conspiracy or an impending breakdown.
What truly sets Good Intentions apart is its relentless pacing and atmospheric tension. Massey maintains a tight, almost suffocating focus on the psychological toll the events take on the protagonist. Every action feels high-stakes, and the reader is constantly searching for the unseen threat, doubting every secondary character, and even questioning the protagonist’s own sanity. This creates a state of delicious, constant unease—you know the situation is bad, but you can’t look away.
And then comes the twist.
The ending is nothing short of crazy. It is a masterful stroke of misdirection that fundamentally changes the reader's perception of everything that came before it. Massey doesn't just pull the rug out from under you; he reveals that the floor wasn't even there in the first place. The reveal is so shocking, yet so logically woven into the fabric of the preceding narrative, that it demands an immediate re-read to appreciate the author’s cunning craftsmanship.
"Good Intentions" is a stunning work of suspense that will satisfy fans of taut thrillers and psychological horror alike. It’s a fast, addictive read that ends with a knockout punch. If you are looking for a book that will make you gasp aloud on the final pages, go into this story blind. It is a solid 5-star experience and a true achievement in suspense fiction.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Brandon Massey has long proven his mastery over the suspense and horror genres, but with "Good Intentions," he takes psychological terror to an entirely new level. This novel is not just a page-turner; it is a meticulously constructed house of cards, where the initial setup lulls the reader into a false sense of security before the entire structure collapses in a seismic, unforgettable climax.
The premise revolves around the age-old conflict between doing what is right and the unexpected, catastrophic consequences that can follow. We are introduced to a protagonist whose decision to intervene in a difficult situation—a choice genuinely rooted in "good intentions"—quickly spirals into a vortex of fear, paranoia, and moral ambiguity. Massey excels at making the reader feel the increasing desperation of the main character. The early chapters are characterized by a slow, creeping dread, as small, unfortunate accidents quickly accumulate into insurmountable evidence of a conspiracy or an impending breakdown.
What truly sets Good Intentions apart is its relentless pacing and atmospheric tension. Massey maintains a tight, almost suffocating focus on the psychological toll the events take on the protagonist. Every action feels high-stakes, and the reader is constantly searching for the unseen threat, doubting every secondary character, and even questioning the protagonist’s own sanity. This creates a state of delicious, constant unease—you know the situation is bad, but you can’t look away.
And then comes the twist.
The ending is nothing short of crazy. It is a masterful stroke of misdirection that fundamentally changes the reader's perception of everything that came before it. Massey doesn't just pull the rug out from under you; he reveals that the floor wasn't even there in the first place. The reveal is so shocking, yet so logically woven into the fabric of the preceding narrative, that it demands an immediate re-read to appreciate the author’s cunning craftsmanship.
"Good Intentions" is a stunning work of suspense that will satisfy fans of taut thrillers and psychological horror alike. It’s a fast, addictive read that ends with a knockout punch. If you are looking for a book that will make you gasp aloud on the final pages, go into this story blind. It is a solid 5-star experience and a true achievement in suspense fiction.
June 26, 2025
Men, listen to the women in your life, please!
Good Intentions by Brandon Massey is a psychological thriller that explores friendship, guilt, consequences, and morality, making you second-guess whether reconnecting with a long-lost friend is ever a good idea.
Massey does a great job unpacking the complexity of guilt and the unintended consequences that can follow, even when your intentions seem good at first. He presents a protagonist who sees himself as simply a “good guy,” but whose actions often reflect more of a savior complex or sense of superiority, especially in how he prioritizes helping others over truly valuing his partnership. I especially noticed his soft spot for single mothers, tied to his own family history, but it often came at the cost of respecting his relationship.
I am not sure if this was Massey’s intention, but I found it difficult to sympathize with either the main character or his old friend. The fiancée’s perspective, to me, was the strongest moral compass in the story.
The writing style is clear and efficient, with pacing that steadily builds tension. Massey gives readers space to draw connections as the story unfolds, revealing twists at just the right moments without overexplaining. The characters felt believable, though I sometimes questioned the logic of the protagonist’s choices, especially when reasoning from a trusted voice might have steered him in a better direction.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore moral ambiguity, where both good and cruel intentions collide, this is a good read.
Overall, Good Intentions is a well-written book with a good twist and shocking moments. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Massey.
Good Intentions by Brandon Massey is a psychological thriller that explores friendship, guilt, consequences, and morality, making you second-guess whether reconnecting with a long-lost friend is ever a good idea.
Massey does a great job unpacking the complexity of guilt and the unintended consequences that can follow, even when your intentions seem good at first. He presents a protagonist who sees himself as simply a “good guy,” but whose actions often reflect more of a savior complex or sense of superiority, especially in how he prioritizes helping others over truly valuing his partnership. I especially noticed his soft spot for single mothers, tied to his own family history, but it often came at the cost of respecting his relationship.
I am not sure if this was Massey’s intention, but I found it difficult to sympathize with either the main character or his old friend. The fiancée’s perspective, to me, was the strongest moral compass in the story.
The writing style is clear and efficient, with pacing that steadily builds tension. Massey gives readers space to draw connections as the story unfolds, revealing twists at just the right moments without overexplaining. The characters felt believable, though I sometimes questioned the logic of the protagonist’s choices, especially when reasoning from a trusted voice might have steered him in a better direction.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore moral ambiguity, where both good and cruel intentions collide, this is a good read.
Overall, Good Intentions is a well-written book with a good twist and shocking moments. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Massey.
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