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Cheat: A clever and utterly gripping psychological thriller by Philip Anthony Smith.
One playful night with a stranger should have stayed in the dark.
Naomi Northcott has what looks like the perfect life: a devoted husband, a thriving career, and a young son she adores. But when a video arrives from an anonymous number and whispers of infidelity ignite, everything unravels in an instant.
Games twist into danger.
Rumours harden into evidence.
The school gates become a gauntlet.
The police come knocking.
Naomi thinks she’s controlling the story, but someone else is pulling the strings. Someone who thrives in the shadows. Someone who will destroy her life piece by piece… and won’t stop until there’s nothing left to take.
Cheat is a taut, compulsive psychological thriller about scandal, suspicion, and the dangerous game between perception and truth.
Trust no one and watch closely. Nothing is what it seems.
Naomi Northcott has what looks like the perfect life: a devoted husband, a thriving career, and a young son she adores. But when a video arrives from an anonymous number and whispers of infidelity ignite, everything unravels in an instant.
Games twist into danger.
Rumours harden into evidence.
The school gates become a gauntlet.
The police come knocking.
Naomi thinks she’s controlling the story, but someone else is pulling the strings. Someone who thrives in the shadows. Someone who will destroy her life piece by piece… and won’t stop until there’s nothing left to take.
Cheat is a taut, compulsive psychological thriller about scandal, suspicion, and the dangerous game between perception and truth.
Trust no one and watch closely. Nothing is what it seems.
- GenresThriller
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
37 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Philip Anthony Smith
10 books109 followersGet a free book by clicking here! Philip Anthony Smith made his debut as an author in 2024 with his first psychological thriller, 'Run For Your Life', which released in April of the same year.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 8, 2025
I have been on Philip's ARC team from the beginning, so when he sent me this one yesterday a day early, I jumped at the chance to start it as I had finished my current read the night before - perfect timing !
As with all of Philip's books, the twists are excellent, as is the writing.
Short chapters, gripping.
I felt like my heart was in a tennis match with the emotions going from one side to the other.
The story is told from 3 different POV and really gives you an insight into each character and makes you feel every emotion possible.
As with all of Philip's books, the twists are excellent, as is the writing.
Short chapters, gripping.
I felt like my heart was in a tennis match with the emotions going from one side to the other.
The story is told from 3 different POV and really gives you an insight into each character and makes you feel every emotion possible.
September 13, 2025
Well Philip has done it again a page turning binge worthy thriller to keep you griped!
It’s becoming a habit now that I read his books in 24 hours and this one it no different!
There are four parts to the story and in all but one part the story is told from 2 different POV and that really brings a fast pace to the story and keeps it fresh and inviting. Naomi and Paul are both lawyers but in very different ways their lives are a woven tapestry of lies and deceit that goes far beyond your imagination.
Natasha is a women on the edge with nothing to loose and out for revenge after a brief affair with Paul but nothing is as it seems. Is there more to this revenge than meets the eye?
The amount of twists and turns in this book could give you whiplash! I absolutely loved every moment of it.
So clever and intricate that it all makes sense in the end….. but then the end…. The end is another ‘oh s*@t ’ moment that I live for and as usual Philip’s books always deliver this and that’s one of many reasons why I love them.
Throughout the book you find yourself disliking some characters (on purpose!) but then in another part of the book feeling sorry for that character and being drawn into an emotional despair with the ones you were rooting for at the start!
Philips books are to me what others seem to get from Frieda Macfaden books, fast paced, easy page turners that draw you in so quickly and easily you forget all else!
So binge able and so addictive. The pages just keep on turning and my eyes refuse to leave the pages.
Highly recommend if you not read any of Philip’s book to do so asap!
It’s becoming a habit now that I read his books in 24 hours and this one it no different!
There are four parts to the story and in all but one part the story is told from 2 different POV and that really brings a fast pace to the story and keeps it fresh and inviting. Naomi and Paul are both lawyers but in very different ways their lives are a woven tapestry of lies and deceit that goes far beyond your imagination.
Natasha is a women on the edge with nothing to loose and out for revenge after a brief affair with Paul but nothing is as it seems. Is there more to this revenge than meets the eye?
The amount of twists and turns in this book could give you whiplash! I absolutely loved every moment of it.
So clever and intricate that it all makes sense in the end….. but then the end…. The end is another ‘oh s*@t ’ moment that I live for and as usual Philip’s books always deliver this and that’s one of many reasons why I love them.
Throughout the book you find yourself disliking some characters (on purpose!) but then in another part of the book feeling sorry for that character and being drawn into an emotional despair with the ones you were rooting for at the start!
Philips books are to me what others seem to get from Frieda Macfaden books, fast paced, easy page turners that draw you in so quickly and easily you forget all else!
So binge able and so addictive. The pages just keep on turning and my eyes refuse to leave the pages.
Highly recommend if you not read any of Philip’s book to do so asap!
September 14, 2025
Cheat is everything I want from a psychological thriller—dark, twisty, and utterly addictive. From the very first chapter, the tension hooked me in, and I couldn’t put it down until I reached the shocking conclusion.
The story follows Naomi Northcott, who seemingly has it all—until a single reckless night unravels her perfect life. When an anonymous video threatens to expose her, what begins as whispers of infidelity quickly spirals into obsession, manipulation, and a dangerous game of control. The paranoia is relentless, and I loved how the author kept me questioning everyone and everything.
Philip Anthony Smith masterfully builds suspense while exploring themes of trust, guilt, and how fragile reputations can be. Every chapter had me second-guessing what I thought I knew, and just when I thought I had it figured out—another clever twist blindsided me. Including right up to the final line!
A compulsive, smart, and chilling thriller that fans of domestic noir will absolutely devour. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time—highly recommend keeping this one on your radar for release day!
The story follows Naomi Northcott, who seemingly has it all—until a single reckless night unravels her perfect life. When an anonymous video threatens to expose her, what begins as whispers of infidelity quickly spirals into obsession, manipulation, and a dangerous game of control. The paranoia is relentless, and I loved how the author kept me questioning everyone and everything.
Philip Anthony Smith masterfully builds suspense while exploring themes of trust, guilt, and how fragile reputations can be. Every chapter had me second-guessing what I thought I knew, and just when I thought I had it figured out—another clever twist blindsided me. Including right up to the final line!
A compulsive, smart, and chilling thriller that fans of domestic noir will absolutely devour. One of the best books I’ve read in a long time—highly recommend keeping this one on your radar for release day!
September 10, 2025
Thank you to the Philip Anthony Smith for sending me an ARC of Cheat. A standalone psychological thriller due to be released on 29th September 2025.
Once again Philip Anthony Smith has spun his wicked web and produced an intricate maze of deceptive characters, a hard hitting and emotional plot and twists that hit you unexpectedly.
His characters are deeply complex, and they're written in a way that you'll misjudge them almost instantly. Do you feel sorry for one character in particular? Of course. Will you feel that way a few chapters later? Absolutely not. It's a game I've come to enjoy whilst reading books by this author, how will I be proven wrong this time.
Natasha and Naomi's characters are strong, determined and equally dark. It's refreshing to read a book with strong female characters who aren't typically feminine, on a quest for hearts and flowers, unless the hearts have been ripped from their enemies chests and the flowers are wilted with sharp thorns.
Another five tarnished stars with exceptionally sharp edges for Cheat, and Philip Anthony Smith.
Once again Philip Anthony Smith has spun his wicked web and produced an intricate maze of deceptive characters, a hard hitting and emotional plot and twists that hit you unexpectedly.
His characters are deeply complex, and they're written in a way that you'll misjudge them almost instantly. Do you feel sorry for one character in particular? Of course. Will you feel that way a few chapters later? Absolutely not. It's a game I've come to enjoy whilst reading books by this author, how will I be proven wrong this time.
Natasha and Naomi's characters are strong, determined and equally dark. It's refreshing to read a book with strong female characters who aren't typically feminine, on a quest for hearts and flowers, unless the hearts have been ripped from their enemies chests and the flowers are wilted with sharp thorns.
Another five tarnished stars with exceptionally sharp edges for Cheat, and Philip Anthony Smith.
September 10, 2025
Another corker of a book! I really enjoyed this story and the twists were so good! I was hooked early on, as I am with all of Philip's books and I binged a lot of it! I really liked the obvious rivalry between Natasha and Naomi.
Their mutual interests come between them but underneath, is a whole sordid tale of lies, corruption and power. Wanting one up on each other at every opportunity.
I enjoyed the dual pov and the time jumps, gives more depth to each side and more context to what's going on. I really liked Natasha and Naomi as characters, their personalities shine through although not all traits are good!
I cannot wait to see what Philip comes up with next! loved this!
Their mutual interests come between them but underneath, is a whole sordid tale of lies, corruption and power. Wanting one up on each other at every opportunity.
I enjoyed the dual pov and the time jumps, gives more depth to each side and more context to what's going on. I really liked Natasha and Naomi as characters, their personalities shine through although not all traits are good!
I cannot wait to see what Philip comes up with next! loved this!
September 10, 2025
Leave it to Phil to craft a twisty psychological thriller where you never know who to trust. Just when I thought the story was heading in one direction, it pulled a sharp turn and then another, keeping me second guessing the entire time. The suspense builds layer by layer until the reveals come together in a way that is both shocking and satisfying.
Cheat is full of scandal, suspicion, and drama that makes it impossible to put down! If you love thrillers that keep you questioning every character’s motives, you’ll enjoy this one!
Cheat is full of scandal, suspicion, and drama that makes it impossible to put down! If you love thrillers that keep you questioning every character’s motives, you’ll enjoy this one!
September 21, 2025
4.5 ★
Thank you so much to @phil for having me as a regular ARC reader of yours because I swear your books are beyond addictive!
Another incredible psychological thriller I could not put this down. The story was fantastic! Phil’s’ writing keeps you on edge… it keeps you guessing and makes you question everything and everyone!
I never want to give to much in a thriller review because I never want to take away from the experience but my fellow thriller lovers NEED this guy’s books!
Thank you so much to @phil for having me as a regular ARC reader of yours because I swear your books are beyond addictive!
Another incredible psychological thriller I could not put this down. The story was fantastic! Phil’s’ writing keeps you on edge… it keeps you guessing and makes you question everything and everyone!
I never want to give to much in a thriller review because I never want to take away from the experience but my fellow thriller lovers NEED this guy’s books!
September 8, 2025
I always love a PAS book and this one didn’t disappoint, possibly the best of his stand alones and I say possibly because it’s so hard to say which is the best!
This story follows a theme of desperation and revenge, a pure popcorn thriller that is only to be read in one sitting. Such a brilliant can’t put me down story. I made my mind up about which characters I liked and which I didn’t right from the beginning and that did not change throughout the book at all. A story of money madness breeds sadness.
This story follows a theme of desperation and revenge, a pure popcorn thriller that is only to be read in one sitting. Such a brilliant can’t put me down story. I made my mind up about which characters I liked and which I didn’t right from the beginning and that did not change throughout the book at all. A story of money madness breeds sadness.
September 10, 2025
Wow ❤️ I have only recently discovered Phils books and loved all of them so when I asked to read his ARC book I jumped at it and what can I say when its published at the end of September you really are in for a treat! I actually read this book in just over a day as soon as I read the Prologue it had me hooked x definitely 5 🌟 for me. look out for it as its definitely one to read x
September 21, 2025
Cheat follows Naomi, who seemingly has the perfect life: a devoted husband, a thriving career, and a young son she adores. But when a video arrives from an anonymous number and whispers of infidelity ignite, everything unravels in an instant. Although Naomi thinks she’s in control, someone else is pulling the strings. Someone who thrives in the shadows. Someone who will destroy her life piece by piece… and won’t stop until there’s nothing left to take.
Told over four parts from multiple perspectives, Cheat is the definition of a binge-worthy psychological thriller, staying true to Phillip Anthony Smith’s reputation.
From the very first pages of Cheat, the characters draw you in with their complexity. Each one is masterfully crafted to stir up feelings of disgust, empathy, dislike, and pity. But as the plot begins to unravel, your thoughts spiral with the characters’ unreliable narration, leaving you feeling naive, bewildered, and even a little guilty for misjudging them. By now, I should know better than to trust anyone in Phil’s books, yet his writing lulls you into a false sense of security every single time. And it has to be said - Phil has a real gift for writing strong, compelling female characters.
The narrative of Cheat starts like a carefully planted seed, quickly blooming into a rose with thorns poised to draw blood. The pacing is relentless, with twists that are razor-sharp and brilliantly woven into the story. I don’t want to give too much away as we’re always spoiler free here - but you will not see that ending coming!
Nobody works harder than Phil to bring us consistently impressive reads, but Cheat might just be my favourite one yet.
Thank you so much to Philip Anthony Smith for sending me this advanced copy of Cheat to read and review. My opinions are my own.
Told over four parts from multiple perspectives, Cheat is the definition of a binge-worthy psychological thriller, staying true to Phillip Anthony Smith’s reputation.
From the very first pages of Cheat, the characters draw you in with their complexity. Each one is masterfully crafted to stir up feelings of disgust, empathy, dislike, and pity. But as the plot begins to unravel, your thoughts spiral with the characters’ unreliable narration, leaving you feeling naive, bewildered, and even a little guilty for misjudging them. By now, I should know better than to trust anyone in Phil’s books, yet his writing lulls you into a false sense of security every single time. And it has to be said - Phil has a real gift for writing strong, compelling female characters.
The narrative of Cheat starts like a carefully planted seed, quickly blooming into a rose with thorns poised to draw blood. The pacing is relentless, with twists that are razor-sharp and brilliantly woven into the story. I don’t want to give too much away as we’re always spoiler free here - but you will not see that ending coming!
Nobody works harder than Phil to bring us consistently impressive reads, but Cheat might just be my favourite one yet.
Thank you so much to Philip Anthony Smith for sending me this advanced copy of Cheat to read and review. My opinions are my own.
September 28, 2025
Look for it on: September 29, 2025 - 5 STARS
“Cheat” is absolutely my favorite book by Philip Anthony Smith! Set a reminder, scribble it on your hand, or just go wild and preorder.
You find out your husband has been unfaithful when a private video lands in your email, courtesy of his mistress. Who casually drops a scandal bomb like that? Natasha, apparently. The chaos that follows makes that opening act look tame. Next thing you know, she’s passing out flyers at the school gate and airing all the dirty laundry. She even gets him fired and arrested, which is almost a public service. 😉 And she does it all with a kind of unhinged flair that’s secretly admirable.
Meanwhile, Naomi is just trying to keep her life from turning into a full-blown soap opera. That feeling that someone’s always two moves ahead? Yeah, it’s here, and it’s relentless.
The pace is wild, the tension is delicious, and my heart was thudding the whole time. And I’m still recovering from that final twist!
Five insane and spicy stars. “Cheat” is the kind of thriller that’ll have you texting your bookish BFF at midnight in all caps: YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST READ!
Thanks to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
#Cheat #PhilipAnthonySmith #HookandTwistLimited #CapCut #PsychologicalThriller
Infidelity - Deadly Secrets - Ruthless Characters - Greed - Revenge
“Cheat” is absolutely my favorite book by Philip Anthony Smith! Set a reminder, scribble it on your hand, or just go wild and preorder.
You find out your husband has been unfaithful when a private video lands in your email, courtesy of his mistress. Who casually drops a scandal bomb like that? Natasha, apparently. The chaos that follows makes that opening act look tame. Next thing you know, she’s passing out flyers at the school gate and airing all the dirty laundry. She even gets him fired and arrested, which is almost a public service. 😉 And she does it all with a kind of unhinged flair that’s secretly admirable.
Meanwhile, Naomi is just trying to keep her life from turning into a full-blown soap opera. That feeling that someone’s always two moves ahead? Yeah, it’s here, and it’s relentless.
The pace is wild, the tension is delicious, and my heart was thudding the whole time. And I’m still recovering from that final twist!
Five insane and spicy stars. “Cheat” is the kind of thriller that’ll have you texting your bookish BFF at midnight in all caps: YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST READ!
Thanks to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
#Cheat #PhilipAnthonySmith #HookandTwistLimited #CapCut #PsychologicalThriller
Infidelity - Deadly Secrets - Ruthless Characters - Greed - Revenge
September 17, 2025
Naomi has everything going for her, a strong marriage, a fulfilling job, and a close bond with her young son. But her world is shaken when a mysterious video arrives, hinting at her husband’s infidelity. What starts as a suspicion turns into a nightmare, as Naomi finds herself the target of a calculated, malicious campaign.
I absolutely loved this book. As always, Phil’s writing drew me in straight away. He has a gift for building tension and turning the everyday into something deeply unsettling. The pacing was spot on, and the twists were perfectly timed, keeping the tension high throughout. I’m always amazed at how he crafts such layered, clever plots and brings them to life with believable characters and emotional depth.
Phil is, without a doubt, one of my favourite authors. Each book adds something fresh, and Cheat is no exception. A brilliantly written, gripping story that kept me completely absorbed. I feel genuinely privileged to be part of his ARC team. Thank you again Phil, for the chance to read it early.
I absolutely loved this book. As always, Phil’s writing drew me in straight away. He has a gift for building tension and turning the everyday into something deeply unsettling. The pacing was spot on, and the twists were perfectly timed, keeping the tension high throughout. I’m always amazed at how he crafts such layered, clever plots and brings them to life with believable characters and emotional depth.
Phil is, without a doubt, one of my favourite authors. Each book adds something fresh, and Cheat is no exception. A brilliantly written, gripping story that kept me completely absorbed. I feel genuinely privileged to be part of his ARC team. Thank you again Phil, for the chance to read it early.
September 25, 2025
Okay so, I was apprehensive at first - cheating / affairs isn’t my favourite trope and can make me feel a bit eye rolly, so I felt a little icky getting through the first part, but it is sooooo much more than what the title simply suggests, and as I should have just assumed from the beginning, in true Philip style, it was a wild ride!
I don’t know how to review it without spoiling anything so I’m not going to say too much, but it’s wild, everyone is crazy, it’s very clever, it evokes strong feelings and was not at all what I was expecting - the little you know going in to it the better!
I really really enjoy Philip’s books as I love his writing style and wit, how everything comes together, twists you don’t see coming and guaranteed entertainment.
It’s different to his others but I loved how this book was in parts…
Part 1: induce rage
Part 2: wtf is going on / investigate
Part 3: villain origin story
Part 4: showdown / reveal
As always, thank you so much @philipsmithfiction for allowing me to be part of your ARC team, I bloody love it!
I don’t know how to review it without spoiling anything so I’m not going to say too much, but it’s wild, everyone is crazy, it’s very clever, it evokes strong feelings and was not at all what I was expecting - the little you know going in to it the better!
I really really enjoy Philip’s books as I love his writing style and wit, how everything comes together, twists you don’t see coming and guaranteed entertainment.
It’s different to his others but I loved how this book was in parts…
Part 1: induce rage
Part 2: wtf is going on / investigate
Part 3: villain origin story
Part 4: showdown / reveal
As always, thank you so much @philipsmithfiction for allowing me to be part of your ARC team, I bloody love it!
September 13, 2025
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy of this book as part of his street team.
*Spoiler free*
I really enjoyed this book. It had drama, mystery, murder and plenty of twists throughout. What started out as a story of a husband who had been having an affair soon turned into a tale of scandal, secrets, and lies. With not everything being quite what it seemed to be.
There's a dual POV, which I love. One is the wife Naomi, the other is the mistress Natasha. Most of us would be firmly in support of the wife. However, the more the story unfolds, the more I found my support wavering.
The storyline at the core is both interesting yet utterly heartbreaking, and when the truth came out, I was completely shocked at the scale of it.
Well done of another brilliant book, Philip!
*Spoiler free*
I really enjoyed this book. It had drama, mystery, murder and plenty of twists throughout. What started out as a story of a husband who had been having an affair soon turned into a tale of scandal, secrets, and lies. With not everything being quite what it seemed to be.
There's a dual POV, which I love. One is the wife Naomi, the other is the mistress Natasha. Most of us would be firmly in support of the wife. However, the more the story unfolds, the more I found my support wavering.
The storyline at the core is both interesting yet utterly heartbreaking, and when the truth came out, I was completely shocked at the scale of it.
Well done of another brilliant book, Philip!
September 15, 2025
If you are looking for a book that will have you glued to the pages and full of twists then this book is for you.
This book was one that had me going through the emotions with these crazy characters. They had me hating them at times, feeling for them, and then not knowing who to trust. I could not put this book down anytime I picked it up and had to force myself to do the “adult” thing and choose to work and sleep at the appropriate times lol
I loved how the book was broken up into different parts, alternate between the different POVs of the characters, and how quick the chapters were to read. Philip knows how to keep a reader hooked and how to get them thinking one way and then pull off a twist you didn’t see coming. Definitely worth a read!
This book was one that had me going through the emotions with these crazy characters. They had me hating them at times, feeling for them, and then not knowing who to trust. I could not put this book down anytime I picked it up and had to force myself to do the “adult” thing and choose to work and sleep at the appropriate times lol
I loved how the book was broken up into different parts, alternate between the different POVs of the characters, and how quick the chapters were to read. Philip knows how to keep a reader hooked and how to get them thinking one way and then pull off a twist you didn’t see coming. Definitely worth a read!
September 18, 2025
This book is relentless! Just when you think you know where it’s going, it takes a completely different turn. The plot is full of clever twists that keep you guessing, and the pacing never lets up. It’s fast, tense, and impossible to put down.
The characters are brilliant; flawed, unpredictable, and so compelling that you’re constantly reevaluating them. The different POVs pull you deep into their heads, and you’re flipping between team Natasha and team Naomi all the time. I never knew who to trust, and that uncertainty made every twist hit even harder.
Philip is exceptional at keeping the tension high and the surprises coming right up to the last page.
Dark, clever, and completely addictive — an absolute 5★ read.
Thanks to Philip for the ARC!
The characters are brilliant; flawed, unpredictable, and so compelling that you’re constantly reevaluating them. The different POVs pull you deep into their heads, and you’re flipping between team Natasha and team Naomi all the time. I never knew who to trust, and that uncertainty made every twist hit even harder.
Philip is exceptional at keeping the tension high and the surprises coming right up to the last page.
Dark, clever, and completely addictive — an absolute 5★ read.
Thanks to Philip for the ARC!
September 28, 2025
I thought the story plot was very well thought out and written. It’s cool to see the first quarter of the book was mainly involved around Naomi’s life and then half way through, it focuses more on Natasha’s life. At first I felt sympathy towards Naomi’s character for having such a crappy husband who had an affair with Natasha but as the story progresses, we understand more as to why Natasha did what she did. There was a little twist where I did not see coming and I gasped so hard (the train tracks) and you’ll know when you read the book as so many truths unfolds.
Although I really enjoyed reading this book and sort of flown through it, I felt like it wasn’t as gripping as any of Philip’s previous books which is probably why I knocked out one star. But overall, I would say Philip has still done an amazing job with this new book and I would still recommend it for people that are in for the drama.
Although I really enjoyed reading this book and sort of flown through it, I felt like it wasn’t as gripping as any of Philip’s previous books which is probably why I knocked out one star. But overall, I would say Philip has still done an amazing job with this new book and I would still recommend it for people that are in for the drama.
September 28, 2025
Phil told me this book was mad and he wasn’t wrong! What. A. Book!
Cheat is a fast paced and twisty psychological thriller following the lives of Naomi and Natasha, the two main characters who are connected through a tangled web of lies.
It is set out in 4 parts and is told through the POVs of several characters and over a few timelines. The chapters are a great length and keep you turning the page. I couldn’t put this book down!
It was unhinged, twisty and terrifying in the best way.
I’m a huge fan of Phil and can’t wait for more. He knows how to do psychological thrillers right!
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a chilling psychological thriller!
Overall, I give this 5 stars!
Thank you Philip for allowing me to read and review!
Cheat is a fast paced and twisty psychological thriller following the lives of Naomi and Natasha, the two main characters who are connected through a tangled web of lies.
It is set out in 4 parts and is told through the POVs of several characters and over a few timelines. The chapters are a great length and keep you turning the page. I couldn’t put this book down!
It was unhinged, twisty and terrifying in the best way.
I’m a huge fan of Phil and can’t wait for more. He knows how to do psychological thrillers right!
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a chilling psychological thriller!
Overall, I give this 5 stars!
Thank you Philip for allowing me to read and review!
October 15, 2025
Thank to Philip Anthony Smith for giving me access to the ARC of this thrilling tale- big sorry that I missed the release date on 29th September, but the good news is that it’s available NOW so you can get your hands on it straight away! 🥳
Split into parts with various POVS, this moves speedily through a story of deceit, distrust, murder, betrayal … all the fun things really! 😂 some of this is UNHINGED 😵💫
What nasty of pieces of work these characters are 🙈 but it made for a fast paced, mysterious story! 🫣 It’s the talent of the author to have such unlikeable MC’s but that doesn’t cause a hating of the book. If anything, it made me want to continue to ensure they got their comeuppance 😂
A great ending in that resolution was aplenty and stones were not left unturned 👏🏻
Split into parts with various POVS, this moves speedily through a story of deceit, distrust, murder, betrayal … all the fun things really! 😂 some of this is UNHINGED 😵💫
What nasty of pieces of work these characters are 🙈 but it made for a fast paced, mysterious story! 🫣 It’s the talent of the author to have such unlikeable MC’s but that doesn’t cause a hating of the book. If anything, it made me want to continue to ensure they got their comeuppance 😂
A great ending in that resolution was aplenty and stones were not left unturned 👏🏻
September 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and it was the perfect psychological thriller. From the very beginning, this one sucked me right in. This was my first book by Philip and it certainly will not be my last.
I’m a sucker for an unreliable narrator and I found myself feeling bad for both main characters but man, did I misjudge them. I was really mind blown by the twist of this story. The twist was clever and crafty and I truly didn’t know who to trust.
This is told from multiple POVs and different timelines and I felt that the flashbacks really helped pull this story together. It all made sense in the end and I was completely mind blown.
If you love a good psychological thriller that’s full of suspense, then please give this one a read! I promise you won’t be disappointed🫶🏻
I’m a sucker for an unreliable narrator and I found myself feeling bad for both main characters but man, did I misjudge them. I was really mind blown by the twist of this story. The twist was clever and crafty and I truly didn’t know who to trust.
This is told from multiple POVs and different timelines and I felt that the flashbacks really helped pull this story together. It all made sense in the end and I was completely mind blown.
If you love a good psychological thriller that’s full of suspense, then please give this one a read! I promise you won’t be disappointed🫶🏻
September 17, 2025
I don’t usually reach for books about cheating, but Philip sent the most worrying email to his newsletter subscribers and I simply had to read this book. I’m glad I did. It was COMPLETELY unhinged and really made me question humanity.
Could this story ever be possible? Most of it, yes. All of it? Could people really be that messed up??
This very twisty, disturbing thriller follows Naomi Northcott, a high-flying lawyer with the perfect family, the big house and everything most people can only dream of. But we quickly untangle a web of lies (duh, it’s a thriller!) as we explore themes of infidelity, trust, stalking and manipulation - to say the least!!
Everytime I thought I knew what was coming, the story took a completely different turn! This book was so addictive and I could not put it down. I can’t wait for everyone else to read about!!
Thank you so much to Philip for the ARC!
Could this story ever be possible? Most of it, yes. All of it? Could people really be that messed up??
This very twisty, disturbing thriller follows Naomi Northcott, a high-flying lawyer with the perfect family, the big house and everything most people can only dream of. But we quickly untangle a web of lies (duh, it’s a thriller!) as we explore themes of infidelity, trust, stalking and manipulation - to say the least!!
Everytime I thought I knew what was coming, the story took a completely different turn! This book was so addictive and I could not put it down. I can’t wait for everyone else to read about!!
Thank you so much to Philip for the ARC!
September 20, 2025
Y’all! Cheat is straight-up addictive. Naomi Holloway has the perfect life… until one reckless night and a mysterious video blow it to pieces. Suddenly her world tastes like fear—bitter, metallic, inescapable—and every character had me side-eyeing like 👀 “can I even trust you?”
Smith’s writing is razor-sharp, fast, and wickedly clever. The story coils tighter with every page, then—BAM!—hits you with gut punches that leave you reeling. Not your average “twists,” more like whiplash in book form.
Dark, devious, and impossible to put down—this thriller owns you until the very last page. 🔥
Thank you Philip Anthony Smith for providing me with the ARC of this exciting story.
Smith’s writing is razor-sharp, fast, and wickedly clever. The story coils tighter with every page, then—BAM!—hits you with gut punches that leave you reeling. Not your average “twists,” more like whiplash in book form.
Dark, devious, and impossible to put down—this thriller owns you until the very last page. 🔥
Thank you Philip Anthony Smith for providing me with the ARC of this exciting story.
September 22, 2025
4.5*
What a rollercoaster of a ride this book was!!
I have been on Philip's arc team from the beginning and always look forward to reading whatever he has written. I am never disappointed and this was no exception!!
Told from three different points of view, this story takes you on a hell of an emotional, edge of your seat journey. The intricate threads, the incredible twists and turns and the incredible strength of the two main female characters all make for an addictive, "whose side am I on", crazy, "can't put it down" read.
if you are a thriller reader then you need to pick this up, you will not be disappointed!
Released on 29/09/25
What a rollercoaster of a ride this book was!!
I have been on Philip's arc team from the beginning and always look forward to reading whatever he has written. I am never disappointed and this was no exception!!
Told from three different points of view, this story takes you on a hell of an emotional, edge of your seat journey. The intricate threads, the incredible twists and turns and the incredible strength of the two main female characters all make for an addictive, "whose side am I on", crazy, "can't put it down" read.
if you are a thriller reader then you need to pick this up, you will not be disappointed!
Released on 29/09/25
September 22, 2025
Philip always has me hooked at the prologue! His books are like a giant bag of Doritos; once I start, I can’t stop.
‘Cheat’ was multi faceted, and I love that it took twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. I’m a sucker for a revenge storyline, so this was right up my alley and as usual, provided a fast paced psychological rollercoaster!
The only reason I haven’t rated it 5 stars is because the ending didn’t hit me as hard as they usually do, however this definitely doesn’t take away the amazing experience I had in reading this. Thank you for Philip for my early copy in exchange for an honest review!
‘Cheat’ was multi faceted, and I love that it took twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. I’m a sucker for a revenge storyline, so this was right up my alley and as usual, provided a fast paced psychological rollercoaster!
The only reason I haven’t rated it 5 stars is because the ending didn’t hit me as hard as they usually do, however this definitely doesn’t take away the amazing experience I had in reading this. Thank you for Philip for my early copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 23, 2025
Told over four parts and from multiple POVs, we have a tale of deceit and revenge although it quickly becomes apparent that not all is as it seems.
Intricately woven, expertly delivered, and masterfully compelling.
Phil shows a real skill in his writing throughout this book, playing cat and mouse with your emotions, ramping up the tension to boiling point, then cooling it down to a simmer before starting the build up all over again reaching a masterful climax.
I wasn’t a fan of either FMC, however, I was back and forward with them both, they’re written wonderfully and allow you to feel a variety of emotions towards them.
Add this to your tbr, you will not regret it!
Intricately woven, expertly delivered, and masterfully compelling.
Phil shows a real skill in his writing throughout this book, playing cat and mouse with your emotions, ramping up the tension to boiling point, then cooling it down to a simmer before starting the build up all over again reaching a masterful climax.
I wasn’t a fan of either FMC, however, I was back and forward with them both, they’re written wonderfully and allow you to feel a variety of emotions towards them.
Add this to your tbr, you will not regret it!
September 18, 2025
Another bingeworthy read from Smith that had me immediately hooked. I really liked the short chapters and multiple POVs. The unhinged characters had my emotions everywhere because I never truly knew who to trust. Just when you think you have it figured out here comes a twist to prove otherwise. Great writing! Read this if you’re looking for a gripping psychological thriller with chaotic characters!
Thank you to Philip Anthony Smith and his team for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Philip Anthony Smith and his team for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
September 13, 2025
You won’t be able to put it down once you start it.
A solid storyline that centres around two female characters, Natasha and Naomi and nothing is as it seems with these two.
I don’t want to give anything away but the twists are phenomenal.
I love a book where you end up changing your perception of a character and this is one of those.
Philip has a way of writing characters that are so unlikeable, it’s a talent!
If you love a fast paced twisty thriller then I think you’ll enjoy this.
A solid storyline that centres around two female characters, Natasha and Naomi and nothing is as it seems with these two.
I don’t want to give anything away but the twists are phenomenal.
I love a book where you end up changing your perception of a character and this is one of those.
Philip has a way of writing characters that are so unlikeable, it’s a talent!
If you love a fast paced twisty thriller then I think you’ll enjoy this.
September 19, 2025
What an absolute ride this book is! I was hooked from start to finish, I didn't want it to end! This is a fab twisty thriller with an intriguing storyline and interesting characters. The chapters are told from two perspectives which are the two female characters Naomi and Natasha. How they are linked I won't say... but I loved the way their relationship and dynamic changes over time. I thoroughly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed!
September 21, 2025
A dark, thrilling, twisty, and downright addicting psychological thriller from Philip!
Another 5⭐️ from me, I was completely sucked into this one, and I couldn't put it down!
Like all of Philips books, I was addicted from the start, I don't want to give any spoilers away, but enjoy all the twists and turns in this one, as it's a twisty one! 🌀
Another one to recommend to my friends! Well done Philip!! 👏
Another 5⭐️ from me, I was completely sucked into this one, and I couldn't put it down!
Like all of Philips books, I was addicted from the start, I don't want to give any spoilers away, but enjoy all the twists and turns in this one, as it's a twisty one! 🌀
Another one to recommend to my friends! Well done Philip!! 👏
December 20, 2025
Clearly I am reading a different book than those who have given this one so many stars.
I have rolled my eyes so much I feared they may get stuck.
Inane dialogue.
Completely ridiculous actions from characters.
(Who answers their phone while in the middle of giving a eulogy? Who agrees to meet the woman who is terrorizing his family, “just one more time”? Are actual police officers this stupid?)
I just can’t.
DNF at 42%.
I just cannot read another word of this horrible writing.
I have rolled my eyes so much I feared they may get stuck.
Inane dialogue.
Completely ridiculous actions from characters.
(Who answers their phone while in the middle of giving a eulogy? Who agrees to meet the woman who is terrorizing his family, “just one more time”? Are actual police officers this stupid?)
I just can’t.
DNF at 42%.
I just cannot read another word of this horrible writing.
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