Uninvited

by Emily Shiner

It’s the perfect holiday with her fiancé—until his mistress arrives…

My drink almost slips from my hand when the gorgeous blonde arrives by the infinity pool and gives my fiancé Dale a little wave. It’s her. His other woman, Hannah, with her own boyfriend in tow.

When he cheated, I was devastated. He always made me feel like I was his whole world. This trip was supposed to be our last chance to reconnect. Dale swears he didn’t invite her here—but how did she know which resort we’d be at?

I can see Dale stealing glances at her when he thinks I’m not looking. If that’s the way he wants to play it, fine. I can pretend too. I’ve been keeping my secrets for years, but I really did love him.

I know I can’t trust Hannah. She’s obviously here for Dale, but does she know more about me than she’s letting on? Either way, she’s dangerous.

Four people landed in Florida, but only three might make it home alive…

Uninvited is a completely unputdownable psychological thriller, perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and The Girl in Seat 2A.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2025

About the author

Emily lives in the mountains of North Carolina and loves hiking with her dogs--only when she's not thinking up twisted tales, that is. She loves books that keep you up long after you should be in bed.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about an addictive, shocking, thrilling, and twist filled read! Emily Shiner delivered with Uninvited, her vacation based psychological thriller!! I had a hard time putting this book as I wanted to know what diabolical things was going to happen next! Whew! Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Emily Shiner threw in another shocking twist that left me reeling!

Aimee and her fiancé Dale are in Florida for a vacation. They hope the time away will get their relationship back on track after Dale cheated on her. This trip was supposed to be fun in the sun and a chance to kiss and make up, but when Hannah, the woman he cheated with, and her companion Mitch show up, Dale claims he has nothing to do with them being there. Talk about uncomfortable!

Secrets, lies, manipulation, deception, and uncomfortable moments rule the day on this vacation. I loved the drama and the twists. The tension was oozing from the pages, and I loved every second of it. This book moved at a very nice pace, and I did not want to put this book down. I enjoyed the POV's of Aimee and Hannah. I also enjoyed getting glimpses into the past which also added to the intrigue and heightened my enjoyment of this book!

This was a gripping, fast paced page turner that had a few reveals which left me shocked and grinning like cheshire cat! Uninvited kept me on my toes and anxiously wondering what would happen next and how the book was going to end! Emily Shiner did not save that drama for her mama, she poured it into Uninvited!!! Whew! What a riveting book! If you have not read a book by Emily Shiner, do yourself a favor and give one of her books, such as this one, a read!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Melody McNamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Emily Shiner and I wasn't overly impressed. The plot was implausible, the characters were immature and unlikeable, and their motives were frequently shifting. Told through dual viewpoints and a past and present timeline, I was more interested in Aimee's backstory than in the current scenario, which played out like a teenage soap opera. Despite everything, I did get sucked into the drama and the ending set up the story for a sequel, coming in November

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely a twisty, crazy ride. Deception, manipulation, and so many secrets dominate the plot of this soapy thriller. I never knew who to believe in this cast of shady characters where everyone is hiding something. I liked how the story was told from different POVs and timelines. The final twist was jaw-dropping. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Uninvited by Emily Shiner. I have read several of this author's books, but this one fell a little short. It wasn't bad but I became a little bored towards the end. I think the book should have ended sooner rather than dragging on. It was fast paced at the beginning and had plenty of twists. The story was suspenseful. Even though this one was not a favourite of mine, I will continue to read this author. A 3 star rating from me.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Shiner definitely knows how to draw you in from the beginning and keep your attention! Within the first couple of chapters, I was already engrossed in this story as we discover Dale has planned an apology trip after Amiee has caught him cheating! Only for the mistress to show up with her own ulterior motives. I enjoyed the dual POVs from Aimee and Hannah! These ladies were on complete opposite ends of the spectrum so it was nice to hear both of their views on the events that took place. There is no way I could have predicted all of the secrets and deception that lied between Aimee, Dale, Hannah and Mitch! EVERYBODY was up to something & as the pages turned, there were simply more jaw dropping moments! Per usual, Emily Shiner has left me pleased with her writing style and storylines. I loved everything I’ve read by her so far. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Publication 🗓️ : 08.20.25

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uninvited
By: Emily Shiner
Pub Date: August 20, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
A weekend getaway with your fiancé should be romantic, but sadly this one is one NIGHTMARE!
You think you are having a cozy weekend, but others start showing up. Full of twist, characters, manipulation and BLACKMAIL.
Shiner does what she does BEST! I look forward to each of her books.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always get excited when Emily Shiner writes a new thriller!!! This book Uninvited had me hooked from the very first page! A lot of great twists were thrown in and she kept me guessing until the very end. She writes a lot like Freida McFadden who I LOVE!!! This is book #5 by Emily that I’ve read and I can’t wait to read more of her great thrillers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

[Erin (from Long Island, NY) · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5)

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unpredictable, high stakes, revenge driven psychological thriller! This was the first book I’ve read by Emily Shiner. I greatly appreciated her fast paced, twisted, character driven writing style. She closely mirrors author, Frieda McFadden, because the narrative is accessible and engaging.

“Uninvited” centered on Aimee and her fiancé, Dale. They escaped to a luxurious beachside resort in Florida, hoping to mend their relationship after Dale’s affair with Hannah. But their romantic getaway turned into a nightmare when Hannah and her boyfriend, Mitch, unexpectedly arrived at the same resort. Hannah harbored a long-standing grudge against Aimee. Hannah had a revenge plot years in the making. As lies and manipulation cascade, alliances shifted unpredictably and the tension sharpened toward a shocking culmination.

The story alternated between Aimee’s and Hannah’s viewpoints as well as the then and now timelines, giving insight into their thoughts and secrets, and the backstory. This back-and-forth helped reveal how each experienced the same events differently, adding layers to the story. It also kept the suspense high by making me unsure whom to trust and what each character’s true intentions were.

The narrative dealt with themes like betrayal and revenge. It showed how past grudges could lead to dangerous situations. It also focused on deception and manipulation. The characters used their secrets and lies to gain control or cause harm. Trust was a big issue in the story. It made me question how well anyone really knew the people around them. The book blurred the lines between who was right and wrong and explored the complicated effects of trauma and emotional struggles on relationships. All these themes worked together to create a tense and emotionally charged story full of suspense.

What stood out to me most was the gripping, high-stakes tension paired with deeply flawed, complex characters. Their unpredictable actions and hidden motives added real depth to the story, making it both emotionally engaging and suspenseful. This powerful combination kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers packed with unpredictable characters, intense drama, and shocking twists, “Uninvited” will satisfy you.

Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for a complimentary advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimee and Dale are heading for a romantic vacation…or so he thinks. He’s taking her to Miami to make up for cheating on her, but what he doesn’t know is that she’s going to break up with him. She doesn’t want to be with him after walking in on him with another woman, and while she’s in Miami, her friends are packing her things and moving them out of Dale’s house.

They get off plane, and in the line for cabs, Dale sees a friend of his, Mitch. Mitch has a woman with him - Hannah, the woman with whom Dale cheated on Aimee. Aimee cannot believe that they are there, but her shock grows when she discovers they’re also staying at the same hotel, in an adjoining room. The woman who slept with her fiancé has worked herself into their vacation, changing all of the plans Aimee had for the breakup.

This story is told from the points of view of both Aimee and Hannah, and is the story of a fight to the end. The book also goes between the past and present, as there is a reason Hannah has decided to insert herself into Aimee’s life. This was a page-turner, the reasons Hannah has for being so angry with Aimee are shocking, and the ending was something I didn’t see coming at all! This was a really fun, suspenseful, and thrilling read. Four stars!

(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “Uninvited” will be released on August 20, 2025.)

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but would not rave about it as others have. I found the main characters rather immature and annoying and some of the story line lacked plausibility. I know it is fiction and generally this issue does not bother me but it did with this book and was glad when I finished it.

[Sylvia Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uninvited by Emily Shiner
Rating 4 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟 rounded up
https://instagram.com/sylv.iareads?ig...
Www.goodreads.com/dsamuel48samgmailcom

I love the unexpected twist
The buildup to what's next and the shock of the ending

Hannah is out for revenge against Aimee for something that was done when they were in their youth. Aimee doesn't know this. She is out for her own revenge against Hannah because this woman slept with her fiancé Dale
Aimee and her fiancé go on a trip to Miami to try to mend their relationship
Why is Hannah there too?
Hannah arrives with Mitch. They both go to the gym with Dale
Mitch and Hannah are not a couple but lie to Aimee saying they are
All parties seem to have alternative reasons for why they are on this trip. No one is telling the truth.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not my favorite. It was so over the top ridiculous that it felt like a soap opera. The characters are completely unlikeable and I felt like their motives were jumping all over the place from page to page. Like who’s on first here? I also figured out two of the major twists before the end. It was just too much for me. Multiple eye rolls while I was reading this. I didn’t buy the story line at all. Thank you to the author, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the advanced ecopy in exchange for an honest review.

[Shoni Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Synopsis:
Aimee thinks she’s finally moved on after Dale’s betrayal. They’re engaged and headed to Miami for a relaxing vacation to reconnect. But when they arrive, they discover that Dale’s affair partner, Hannah, is not only staying at the same resort she’s right next door. And she’s not alone. Hannah brings a mysterious man named Mitch with her, and their sudden presence on this romantic trip is anything but accidental.

Secrets are bubbling beneath the surface Aimee has one, Hannah knows it, and someone on this trip won’t make it home. As tensions rise and power shifts, Uninvited turns into a psychological game of survival.

Review:
Told in alternating POVs between Aimee and Hannah, the story is fast-paced, filled with short, snappy chapters that keep the tension high. I really enjoyed the setup two women, both damaged and driven, locked in a dangerous game under the hot Miami sun. The tropical setting made for a great contrast to the dark undertones of betrayal, manipulation, and revenge.

That said, I struggled to connect emotionally with either character. Both were written to be unreliable and complex, but at times, their behavior bordered on unbelievable. The drama occasionally felt forced, and a few plot points required suspension of disbelief. Still, there were enough twists and turns especially toward the end to keep me flipping pages.

The final twist? I didn’t see that coming. It was a bold move that gave the book an extra punch.

If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers packed with secrets and revenge, Uninvited is worth picking up. Just don’t expect to like anyone involved.

[Amber Rothermel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this thriller!!

At no point did I guess what was going to happen next! The dual timeline was a great way to lead into the big twist. I could not stand Hannah but it worked so well for the storyline. Also, that epilogue? Phew! Such a good way to end a book.

I read this book late into the night because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. What was Aimee’s big secret? Who is Hannah really? What is Mitch’s deal? Dale…. Nah. Each chapter gave you a crumb of a clue so of course I had to keep reading.

If you’re looking for a twisty vacation thriller with horrible characters who all have horrible secrets that get exposed one by one, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read a few of Emily’s psychological thrillers and have enjoyed them.
Uninvited is her newest book and it’s an entertaining read.
Aimee and Dale, her fiancé go on a vacation.
Their relationship is tense as it’s revealed that Dale had an affair.
A holiday to spark the romance between them.
Then Hannah arrives with her boyfriend Mitch.
There’s shock on their faces as Hannah is the woman Dale cheated with.
Each have their own agenda, then the secrets, lies, deception and betrayal start.
Beware the melodrama…..
A suspense, comfortable paced read with twists and turns.
I really liked this one and relished in all the drama.
Emily has created and crafted a thrilling novel.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so much more than I expected because it’s better!
Hannah is out to destroy Aimee who is on to her and what she did.
But the secrets are tightly coiled like a ball of snakes and they venomously bite.
Personally, I wouldn’t have trusted any of the characters because there was so much double crossing it made me dizzy.
It was a delicious story about deceit and deviousness that satisfied my not nice side!
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the early copy.

[Lauren Self (lauren.shelby.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNINVITED by Emily Shiner
ARC review - pub date 08.20.2025

Aimee is headed out of town with her fiancé Dale, and at the last minute— Mitch and Hannah join them — but Hannah happens to be someone that Dale has recently cheated with.

I am totally not against thrillers with super unlikeable characters, and I found it hard to root for anyone in this one but that didn’t bother me. I was super engaged to the book, and found myself wanting to pick it up which is something I’ve struggled with lately. Emily’s books are perfect when you need a thriller to keep you on your toes and keep you guessing. The book also starts out with one person out of four being murdered, and you don’t find out until the very end who it is. Told in multiple POV, an unknown POV, and dual timelines. Perfect for fans of Kiersten Modglin and Georgina Cross.

4⭐️

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC

[Abi · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s been a real mix bag this month with books. This started out so strong and I was excited to see this unfold but it was soooooo bad 😭

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never pass up the opportunity to read an Emily Shiner book; and you shouldn’t either. If you love Freida McFadden, John Marrs, or Daniel Hurst, I think you’ll enjoy Emily’s writing style as well!

Uninvited follows a couple having issues with infidelity as they head on a beach vacation… upon arriving then discover the mistress and her “boyfriend” are crashing their romantic weekend.

We get a few flashbacks but as the story unravels, the whiplash is SHOCKING. I was absolutely hooked, and couldn’t believe where the plot ended up going,

Highly recommend for a quick, crazy psychological thriller.

[Melanie Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Uninvited, the latest thriller/suspense novel by Emily Shiner that is officially being released on 8/20/2025. I received this ARC in e-book format in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:
Aimee and Dale, recently engaged, take a trip to Miami to try and fix their broken relationship. Aimee caught Dale cheating on her, and unbeknownst to Dale, Aimee got a good look at the other woman and knows she’s one of his CrossFit buddies, named Hannah. Aimee is merely coming on this trip to give her friends time to move her stuff out of their shared apartment…she has no plans to fix anything. She wants Dale out of her life.

When they arrive in Miami, who should they run into? Why Hannah…and her boyfriend, Mitch, who is also one of Dale’s CrossFit buddies. Turns out, they’re staying at the same hotel, Hannah says…wouldn’t it be fun if they all hung out together for the weekend? What ensues is a story that will leave only three of the four people alive by the end.

My Thoughts:
This is my second book by Shiner, and this woman knows how to write twist after twist! This book flips between past and present, and is told in the first person from Aimee and Hannah’s POVs. Through their stories, we learn exactly why Hannah is harboring a grudge against Aimee, and it isn’t for the reason I thought.

Just like in the first book I read by Shiner, there wasn’t a character at all that I was rooting for…they ALL had something to hide and I had no idea how things would end. The twists and turns kept me guessing throughout, and the very last part had my jaw dropping with a big OMG! What???

This was a quick and easy read, and if you enjoy thriller/suspense novels, I think you’d enjoy this one. I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

[Susan Belman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I love Emily Shiner books! “Uninvited” is a twisty, fast-paced thriller that had me flipping pages quickly. Aimee and Dale head to Miami for a “make up” vacation after his infidelity—but what Dale doesn’t know is that Aimee plans to end things for good. Before they can even settle in, Dale’s friend Mitch and Hannah (the woman he cheated with!) appear, determined to insert themselves into the trip. The tangled web of secrets that follows makes for an addictive read, and the backstory between Hannah and Aimee is shocking. While the ending felt a bit muddled and some characters blurred together for me, overall this was a suspenseful and entertaining thriller. This one was just Meh for me, but it won’t stop me from reading her books.

[Shénagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
The Uninvited delivers a creepy vibe right from the start, making it an easy book to read in just one sitting. The tension builds steadily, and while I enjoyed the overall atmosphere, Dale’s character often felt over the top and hard to like, which made it tricky to fully connect with the story. The twist was the highlight for me—it pulled the whole story together nicely, even if I guessed it before the reveal. A solid read for fans of mild thrillers who don’t mind a few predictable beats.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE UNINVITED BY EMILY SHINER
Release date set for the 20th of August 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Absolutely brilliant.
I loved the whole storyline and thought it was fantastic.
Really really Loved it.
Great characters and just couldn't put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next.
It's so suspenseful and I felt like I was on the edge of my seat... such a pageturner.
Whenever I see a Emily Shiner book coming out I always get excited as her writing is first class.
Congratulations and a very well done on yet again another amazing book ☺
Not so patiently waiting on the next one now

[Bonnie Traymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This vacation thriller is the perfect summer read! So addictive, it should come with a warning. I read it in a weekend—a busy one. Emily Shiner handles the dual timeline masterfully as the book toggles between the protagonist's teen years and her present life as a woman engaged to a cheater. That's not the half of it, though. Everyone has something to hide, and nobody can be trusted, right up to the last sentence. Highly recommended!

[Emina Barzinji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uninvited by Emily Shiner was a really engaging read. I enjoyed the way the story was told through different povs, it added depth and made me feel connected to the characters. The pacing kept me invested from start to finish, and I found myself eager to see what would happen next. While not perfect, it definitely held my attention and was a solid, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️worthwhile read.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookputure for this #ARC

[Suzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

This one was just a bit silly in the end. I feel like the author tries to add so many twists to keep the reader guessing. Which is usually fine, but if eel it wasn't done very well.

Some thing(s), I liked:
✅I did want to see what happened

Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕Writing was very repetitive
⭕Character voices all sounded exactly the same
⭕Convoluted plot which ultimately felt contrived

[Ranne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimee hopes a romantic getaway to Miami will help mend things with her fiancé Dale after his recent infidelity. But the trip quickly takes a shocking turn when Hannah, the woman he cheated with shows up unexpectedly, and she’s brought her own boyfriend along. What starts as an awkward coincidence spirals into a tense, twisted game of secrets, lies, and revenge, where no one is being fully honest and no one is truly safe.

Uninvited by Emily Shiner is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that pulls you in from the first page. With short, punchy chapters and alternating perspectives, the story moves at a relentless pace that’s hard to step away from. Aimee and Hannah serve as compelling, unreliable narrators, each hiding their own secrets which keeps the tension high and the truth just out of reach. The dual point of view adds depth and makes you constantly question who to believe. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story swerves in an entirely new direction, building to a jaw-dropping final twist. The sun-drenched Miami setting creates a vivid, almost surreal backdrop that contrasts sharply with the dark emotional warfare playing out between the characters, making the drama feel even more intense.

If you're into dark domestic suspense filled with mind games and morally messy characters, Uninvited is a wild, worthwhile ride. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything I crave in a psychological thriller—secrets, betrayal, and tension so thick you could slice it with a wine glass stem (preferably mid-scream). From the moment Aimee and Dale checked into that dreamy Florida resort, I was all in. And then Hannah showed up—with her boyfriend in tow, no less. Oh yes. Cue the chaos, cue the drama, cue me gasping into my beach towel.

Emily Shiner doesn’t just write suspense, she serves it. Every twist landed like a mic drop. Just when I thought I had the plot pinned down, it spun out like a whirlwind and left me grinning. The pacing? Relentless. The characters? Deliciously messy. And that final twist? I clutched my metaphorical pearls.

If you’re looking for a vacation read that’ll make your heart race and your trust issues flare, Uninvited is it. I devoured it. I adored it. Emily Shiner, you’ve officially earned a spot on my “read everything you write” list.

[Cheryl Galardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooo good!

This was such a great book and it had so many twists throughout it that I really enjoyed reading it all the way to the very end. I cannot wait for the sequel.