What do you think?
Rate this book
Behind Closed Doors
I thought he was the man of my dreams. He may just be my worst nightmare.
After years of struggling, I never expected someone like Evan Sinclair to walk into my life.
Confident, charming, and well-dressed, I couldn’t believe it when he asked me — a waitress at a diner — to go out with him.
He swept me off my feet, offering me a life I never imagined — a luxurious apartment, new clothes, a world beyond my wildest dreams. For the first time in years, I thought I was finally happy.
But as our relationship deepens, things start to change. Evan’s love comes with strings unspoken rules, decisions made for me, and a creeping sense of control. The more I try to hold on to this perfect life, the more I feel like I’m losing myself.
Evan won’t talk about his past. His temper flares if I even ask about it. And when I find out the reason why, I wonder if I’ve made a terrible mistake.
I thought this new life was everything I wanted. Now, I’m scared I won’t be able to get out before it’s too late.
A dark, addictive psychological thriller about obsession, control, and the lies we tell ourselves to feel loved.
If you’ve ever trusted the wrong person — read this.
After years of struggling, I never expected someone like Evan Sinclair to walk into my life.
Confident, charming, and well-dressed, I couldn’t believe it when he asked me — a waitress at a diner — to go out with him.
He swept me off my feet, offering me a life I never imagined — a luxurious apartment, new clothes, a world beyond my wildest dreams. For the first time in years, I thought I was finally happy.
But as our relationship deepens, things start to change. Evan’s love comes with strings unspoken rules, decisions made for me, and a creeping sense of control. The more I try to hold on to this perfect life, the more I feel like I’m losing myself.
Evan won’t talk about his past. His temper flares if I even ask about it. And when I find out the reason why, I wonder if I’ve made a terrible mistake.
I thought this new life was everything I wanted. Now, I’m scared I won’t be able to get out before it’s too late.
A dark, addictive psychological thriller about obsession, control, and the lies we tell ourselves to feel loved.
If you’ve ever trusted the wrong person — read this.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2025
581 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 27, 2025
Terrible
Repetitive and boring. Almost nothing happened. Spoiler alert: the answer is boy mom. Gross. One of the worst books I have ever read.
Repetitive and boring. Almost nothing happened. Spoiler alert: the answer is boy mom. Gross. One of the worst books I have ever read.
January 4, 2026
A painful and repetitive read. I stuck through it to get to the “surprising” ending. PS. It wasn’t a surprise.
August 19, 2025
Perfect for a beach day, this is a quick read.
We have Grace, who meets Evan when he is a customer at the diner she works in.
Told from Grace’s perspective, the story follows her whirlwind romance with wealthy Evan, and illustrates her naive belief that she’s found her happy ever after.
Despite her best friend Jenna’s suspicions, Grace quickly gets swept up in Evan’s lavish world. Some of Grace's choices can be indecisive and frustrating to the reader, with her consistently failing to spot the multiple red flags. There are more here than a warning label factory!
The ending has a twist and, although it covers familiar ground, it's a solid, undemanding thriller for anyone looking for a quick escape.
We have Grace, who meets Evan when he is a customer at the diner she works in.
Told from Grace’s perspective, the story follows her whirlwind romance with wealthy Evan, and illustrates her naive belief that she’s found her happy ever after.
Despite her best friend Jenna’s suspicions, Grace quickly gets swept up in Evan’s lavish world. Some of Grace's choices can be indecisive and frustrating to the reader, with her consistently failing to spot the multiple red flags. There are more here than a warning label factory!
The ending has a twist and, although it covers familiar ground, it's a solid, undemanding thriller for anyone looking for a quick escape.
January 2, 2026
BOOK REVIEW:
I found this book face paced with a lot of information at one time! I really enjoyed the writing style, I personally liked how the details were, it wasn't too much detail! I felt A LOT of emotions throughout this whole book, there was a lot of anger and head slaps because the MFC lacked common sense and didnt go this what her conscience was telling her! Throughout the whole book there was a lot of qualities about everyone thrown at the readers and I really enjoyed that! As usual I thought I had the twist figured out but I thought wrong, my jaw dropped but however it was so well put into the book with such a great back up story, I loved it. AND THEN there was another twist! it was a great read and its a book I would reread!
I found this book face paced with a lot of information at one time! I really enjoyed the writing style, I personally liked how the details were, it wasn't too much detail! I felt A LOT of emotions throughout this whole book, there was a lot of anger and head slaps because the MFC lacked common sense and didnt go this what her conscience was telling her! Throughout the whole book there was a lot of qualities about everyone thrown at the readers and I really enjoyed that! As usual I thought I had the twist figured out but I thought wrong, my jaw dropped but however it was so well put into the book with such a great back up story, I loved it. AND THEN there was another twist! it was a great read and its a book I would reread!
September 17, 2025
I liked this. It was crazy wild with an ending I never saw coming. This book is perfect for the beach and it's such a bingeable read. You want to read it in one go because you want to devour every word until the last sentence. The allure of a better life is what we all want but finding out that "dream" may not be all that.
January 3, 2026
I thought this was terrible. No one is likeable, especially Grace, who allowed another innocent woman to marry an insane murderer because he wasn’t her problem anymore. She is also the most shallow, venal woman who threatened to call the engagement off whenever Evan refused to do whatever it was she wanted. I don’t like any of them. And the story itself was ludicrous. Bad start to the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
Behind Closed Doors by Rowen Chambers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A "Perfect Man" or a Literal Glitch? 😱
Okay, raise your hand if you’ve ever met someone and thought, "Wow, you’re perfect!"... only to realize five minutes later they’re actually a walking red flag? 🚩 Well, Rowen Chambers just took that relatable fear and turned it into a total psychological nightmare!
I just finished Behind Closed Doors and wow, the premise is absolute 🔥. It’s that classic "charming guy meets girl" setup, but instead of a romcom, we get a "lock your doors and hide your snacks" thriller.
The Good Stuff:
• The Plot: It’s a total page turner. If you love a storyline that makes you question every single character’s intentions (and maybe your own judgment), this is for you. 🕵️♀️
• The Twists: Just when I thought I had it figured out... bam! Bonus twists for the win.
• The Pace: Even with my gripes (see below), the story was so juicy I finished it in just 2 days. 💨
The "Wait, What?" Part:
Full transparency: The narrator and I were not vibing. 🎧 There were so many random pauses it felt like they were waiting for a dial up connection to load mid sentence. I almost threw in the towel, but I’m SO glad I stuck it out because the story itself is a banger!
My Advice? If you’re sensitive to narration styles, grab the physical copy or the ebook. If you can handle a "choppy" listen, go for it,the plot makes the struggle worth it!
A huge thank you to Simon Maverick for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! stay tuned, because I have another review coming for this author soon and spoiler: it’s also a total vibe. 📚✨
#Bookstagram #ThrillerBooks #BehindClosedDoors #PsychologicalThriller #ReadingCommunity
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A "Perfect Man" or a Literal Glitch? 😱
Okay, raise your hand if you’ve ever met someone and thought, "Wow, you’re perfect!"... only to realize five minutes later they’re actually a walking red flag? 🚩 Well, Rowen Chambers just took that relatable fear and turned it into a total psychological nightmare!
I just finished Behind Closed Doors and wow, the premise is absolute 🔥. It’s that classic "charming guy meets girl" setup, but instead of a romcom, we get a "lock your doors and hide your snacks" thriller.
The Good Stuff:
• The Plot: It’s a total page turner. If you love a storyline that makes you question every single character’s intentions (and maybe your own judgment), this is for you. 🕵️♀️
• The Twists: Just when I thought I had it figured out... bam! Bonus twists for the win.
• The Pace: Even with my gripes (see below), the story was so juicy I finished it in just 2 days. 💨
The "Wait, What?" Part:
Full transparency: The narrator and I were not vibing. 🎧 There were so many random pauses it felt like they were waiting for a dial up connection to load mid sentence. I almost threw in the towel, but I’m SO glad I stuck it out because the story itself is a banger!
My Advice? If you’re sensitive to narration styles, grab the physical copy or the ebook. If you can handle a "choppy" listen, go for it,the plot makes the struggle worth it!
A huge thank you to Simon Maverick for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! stay tuned, because I have another review coming for this author soon and spoiler: it’s also a total vibe. 📚✨
#Bookstagram #ThrillerBooks #BehindClosedDoors #PsychologicalThriller #ReadingCommunity
October 22, 2025
As I was reading it, I was sure I knew where it was going. I was sure I knew what the twists would be. I was sure I knew exactly how it would play out. Ha! But I didn’t! I was wrong!
The book literally catfished me into believing it would be something else.
And that was the best catfishing out there. Yes, most of the story goes pretty predictably. And yes, I can totally see most of the readers hating the FMC for being “so dumb” and “naïve”. But that’s not really what the story was about, wasn’t it?
You read it, and you think you have read this kind of story before. You read it and you think, yeah, I know exactly where this is heading. You read it and you think, yeah, this thing here, it’s been around forever, and it happens in every book that starts out like this one.
But then, boom. And nope. You were wrong. You were so wrong, you laugh out loud about how wrong you were.
Seriously, the twist, and actually I’d say it’s not just a twist, a major deviation of how stories like this are supposedly supposed to go – it will have you gasping for air and then laughing. Because the ending here is nowhere near what anyone would ever expect. And yes, LOVED IT.
When I was done reading it, it somehow made me think about the “boy mom” phenomenon out there. How it’s mainstream normalized to say, “I might not have married the greatest man, but I’m raising him”, and how common it is to say, “I had him first”, wanting him to “choose you first”. Honestly, that is toxic af. Why is that being normalized nowadays? Why is every other “boy mom” doing it?
The book literally catfished me into believing it would be something else.
And that was the best catfishing out there. Yes, most of the story goes pretty predictably. And yes, I can totally see most of the readers hating the FMC for being “so dumb” and “naïve”. But that’s not really what the story was about, wasn’t it?
You read it, and you think you have read this kind of story before. You read it and you think, yeah, I know exactly where this is heading. You read it and you think, yeah, this thing here, it’s been around forever, and it happens in every book that starts out like this one.
But then, boom. And nope. You were wrong. You were so wrong, you laugh out loud about how wrong you were.
Seriously, the twist, and actually I’d say it’s not just a twist, a major deviation of how stories like this are supposedly supposed to go – it will have you gasping for air and then laughing. Because the ending here is nowhere near what anyone would ever expect. And yes, LOVED IT.
When I was done reading it, it somehow made me think about the “boy mom” phenomenon out there. How it’s mainstream normalized to say, “I might not have married the greatest man, but I’m raising him”, and how common it is to say, “I had him first”, wanting him to “choose you first”. Honestly, that is toxic af. Why is that being normalized nowadays? Why is every other “boy mom” doing it?
September 5, 2025
Rowen Chambers delivers a taut, emotionally charged psychological thriller that explores the seductive allure of a perfect life—and the chilling reality that may lie beneath it. Behind Closed Doors is a masterclass in slow-burning suspense, where glamour and danger intertwine in a haunting portrait of control, obsession, and the fragility of trust.
The story follows a young waitress swept into a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic Evan Sinclair. At first, his charm and generosity seem like a dream come true. But as the relationship deepens, so does the unease. Chambers deftly captures the subtle erosion of autonomy, the quiet manipulation, and the creeping dread that builds with every page. Evan’s refusal to speak of his past becomes a sinister thread that unravels the illusion of safety.
What makes this novel so compelling is its psychological depth. The protagonist’s internal struggle—between gratitude and fear, love and self-preservation—is rendered with raw honesty. Chambers doesn’t rely on shock tactics; instead, the tension simmers, making the final revelations all the more devastating.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and Kaira Rouda, Behind Closed Doors is a gripping exploration of what happens when love turns toxic and escape feels impossible. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous threats often wear the most charming masks.
With thanks to Rowen Chambers, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The story follows a young waitress swept into a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic Evan Sinclair. At first, his charm and generosity seem like a dream come true. But as the relationship deepens, so does the unease. Chambers deftly captures the subtle erosion of autonomy, the quiet manipulation, and the creeping dread that builds with every page. Evan’s refusal to speak of his past becomes a sinister thread that unravels the illusion of safety.
What makes this novel so compelling is its psychological depth. The protagonist’s internal struggle—between gratitude and fear, love and self-preservation—is rendered with raw honesty. Chambers doesn’t rely on shock tactics; instead, the tension simmers, making the final revelations all the more devastating.
Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden and Kaira Rouda, Behind Closed Doors is a gripping exploration of what happens when love turns toxic and escape feels impossible. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous threats often wear the most charming masks.
With thanks to Rowen Chambers, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 20, 2025
✨Book Review✨
📖 Behind Closed Doors
✍️ Rowen Chambers
📅 Publication: September 4, 2025
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
She thought he was the man of her dreams. He may be her worst nightmare.
Evan Sinclair is confident, charming, and seemingly perfect. When he asks a diner waitress out, she can’t believe her luck. He sweeps her into a life of luxury, excitement, and desire — everything she’s ever wanted.
But the deeper she falls, the darker things become. Evan’s love comes with rules she didn’t agree to and a control she can’t escape. His past is a mystery, and his temper flares when questioned.
What started as a dream could turn into a trap, and she’s not sure she’ll get out in time.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
moments that had me rolling my eyes and even talking back to the book because the FMC could be so frustrating. The constant reminders about how “poor” she was got a little repetitive too, I definitely felt like, okay, I got the point.
That being said, the writing is super easy to read, and the short chapters made it hard to put down. The pacing kept me interested, and some of the situations felt very realistic. I also loved that a few of the twists managed to surprise me.
All in all, a solid domestic thriller that kept me reading late into the night and has me curious to check out more from this author.
Thank you @NetGalley and @JoffeBooks for the opportunity to read and review this book!
📖 Behind Closed Doors
✍️ Rowen Chambers
📅 Publication: September 4, 2025
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
She thought he was the man of her dreams. He may be her worst nightmare.
Evan Sinclair is confident, charming, and seemingly perfect. When he asks a diner waitress out, she can’t believe her luck. He sweeps her into a life of luxury, excitement, and desire — everything she’s ever wanted.
But the deeper she falls, the darker things become. Evan’s love comes with rules she didn’t agree to and a control she can’t escape. His past is a mystery, and his temper flares when questioned.
What started as a dream could turn into a trap, and she’s not sure she’ll get out in time.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
moments that had me rolling my eyes and even talking back to the book because the FMC could be so frustrating. The constant reminders about how “poor” she was got a little repetitive too, I definitely felt like, okay, I got the point.
That being said, the writing is super easy to read, and the short chapters made it hard to put down. The pacing kept me interested, and some of the situations felt very realistic. I also loved that a few of the twists managed to surprise me.
All in all, a solid domestic thriller that kept me reading late into the night and has me curious to check out more from this author.
Thank you @NetGalley and @JoffeBooks for the opportunity to read and review this book!
September 22, 2025
Behind Closed Doors by Rowen Chambers was a great emotional psychological thriller that will have you hooked from the very beginning till the very end. This was a book I binged read in a day and was very entertaining.
Grace is a waitress at a diner and down on her luck, and whilst serving food she meets someone called Evan Sinclair he was a customer but he was everything she looked in a man, he was confident, charming, and well-dressed, Grace could only dream of dating someone like him......But when he asked her out, she couldn’t believe her luck especially as she is only a waitress at a diner.
Evan swept her off her feet, offering Grace everything and a life she could never imagined, He lived in a luxurious apartment, he bought her new clothes, and it was a world beyond her wildest dreams. Now, for the first time in years, Grace was finally happy.
But, as time goes by Evan starts to show his true colours and he wasn't the person who she fell in love with.
Evan will not talk about his past. His temper flares if she even ask about it. Then, Grace find's out the reason why, she starts to wonder if she has made a terrible mistake. But, there is no way out of this relationship.
Will Grace get out of this relationship before it is too late!?
A great holiday quick read that will pull you in from the very beginning till the very end.
Grace is a waitress at a diner and down on her luck, and whilst serving food she meets someone called Evan Sinclair he was a customer but he was everything she looked in a man, he was confident, charming, and well-dressed, Grace could only dream of dating someone like him......But when he asked her out, she couldn’t believe her luck especially as she is only a waitress at a diner.
Evan swept her off her feet, offering Grace everything and a life she could never imagined, He lived in a luxurious apartment, he bought her new clothes, and it was a world beyond her wildest dreams. Now, for the first time in years, Grace was finally happy.
But, as time goes by Evan starts to show his true colours and he wasn't the person who she fell in love with.
Evan will not talk about his past. His temper flares if she even ask about it. Then, Grace find's out the reason why, she starts to wonder if she has made a terrible mistake. But, there is no way out of this relationship.
Will Grace get out of this relationship before it is too late!?
A great holiday quick read that will pull you in from the very beginning till the very end.
September 10, 2025
Behind Closed Doors by Rowen Chambers is an enthralling, suspenseful read that delves deep into the complexities of love and control. The story follows the journey of a waitress, whose dreams seem to come true when the charming Evan Sinclair enters her life, offering her luxury and a taste of a world she had only imagined. However, as their relationship progresses, the glittering facade begins to crack, revealing a darker reality filled with unspoken rules and simmering danger.
Chambers masterfully captures the intoxicating highs and chilling lows of romantic entanglement, immersing readers in the protagonist's internal struggle as she grapples with her newfound reality and Evan's enigmatic past. The pacing is taut, with a mounting sense of dread that keeps you turning pages, eager to uncover the truth behind Evan's charm.
This novel serves as a gripping reminder that sometimes, the person who seems like a dream come true can quickly become a nightmare. With its well-crafted characters and a compelling narrative, "Behind Closed Doors" is a thrilling exploration of love, ambition, and the fight to reclaim one's identity. Perfect for fans of psychological drama and romantic thrillers, this book will leave you questioning the true cost of happiness.
Chambers masterfully captures the intoxicating highs and chilling lows of romantic entanglement, immersing readers in the protagonist's internal struggle as she grapples with her newfound reality and Evan's enigmatic past. The pacing is taut, with a mounting sense of dread that keeps you turning pages, eager to uncover the truth behind Evan's charm.
This novel serves as a gripping reminder that sometimes, the person who seems like a dream come true can quickly become a nightmare. With its well-crafted characters and a compelling narrative, "Behind Closed Doors" is a thrilling exploration of love, ambition, and the fight to reclaim one's identity. Perfect for fans of psychological drama and romantic thrillers, this book will leave you questioning the true cost of happiness.
January 7, 2026
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Grace, a struggling waitress, falls hard for Evan, a charming, wealthy man who sweeps her into a new life. When he refuses to talk about his past, her growing unease pushes her to force the truth, with consequences she doesn’t expect.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was a fun listen. Erin Bennett really nailed Grace’s naivety, Jenna’s spunk, and Evan’s love-bombing charm. It was so easy to listen to that I binged the whole thing in a single day.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was a light, fast, very bingeable read. It’s fairly predictable, but not gonna lie, that’s part of its charm.
There’s a lot of fun tropes included but the rich guy / poor girl trope is used pretty heavily, and at times Grace is written a little too “basic”. Poor doesn’t equal ignorant. Still, her spunky attitude kept her likable.
Evan’s mother was my fave - just as confusing as her secretive son, but less creepy and more fabulous!
The twist was fun, even if I saw it coming. I’m always greedy for one extra surprise, but the ending still felt satisfying and wrapped things up well.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This would make a fun vacation read or an easy, rainy-weekend binge. Pure entertainment.
Thank you Simon Maverick and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Erin Bennett
📖 Publishes 01•06•26 | 293 pages | 8h 26m
Grace, a struggling waitress, falls hard for Evan, a charming, wealthy man who sweeps her into a new life. When he refuses to talk about his past, her growing unease pushes her to force the truth, with consequences she doesn’t expect.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was a fun listen. Erin Bennett really nailed Grace’s naivety, Jenna’s spunk, and Evan’s love-bombing charm. It was so easy to listen to that I binged the whole thing in a single day.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This was a light, fast, very bingeable read. It’s fairly predictable, but not gonna lie, that’s part of its charm.
There’s a lot of fun tropes included but the rich guy / poor girl trope is used pretty heavily, and at times Grace is written a little too “basic”. Poor doesn’t equal ignorant. Still, her spunky attitude kept her likable.
Evan’s mother was my fave - just as confusing as her secretive son, but less creepy and more fabulous!
The twist was fun, even if I saw it coming. I’m always greedy for one extra surprise, but the ending still felt satisfying and wrapped things up well.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This would make a fun vacation read or an easy, rainy-weekend binge. Pure entertainment.
Thank you Simon Maverick and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Erin Bennett
📖 Publishes 01•06•26 | 293 pages | 8h 26m
August 24, 2025
A psychological thriller with a lot of gaslighting and a helluva twist!
The story starts with our main character, Grace, pleading for her life as a knife wielding attacker causes her to inch backwards to the edge of the roof and a death drop.
Fast rewind, and Grace is serving in the diner and is exhausted. She has crippling health care debts, an ongoing debilitating health problem, no money, and no prospects. What she does have is friends who care and have her back! Her best friend Jenna also rents her a room and loans her clothes and is not too demanding of the rent. Her boss Martin treats Jenna and Grace fairly and is very lenient if Grace needs time off for her recurring headaches. All this changes when she serves the well-dressed and attractive Evan Sinclair. He quickly captures Grace with his charm and wealth, but the gaslighting soon begins.
Jenna and Martin both tried to advise her that there was something wrong and that Evan was gradually controlling her, but Grace is blinded by his money and lifestyle.
A shocking story gradually unfolds as Grace digs into Evans past, and a sting in the tail will leave the reader stunned!
The story starts with our main character, Grace, pleading for her life as a knife wielding attacker causes her to inch backwards to the edge of the roof and a death drop.
Fast rewind, and Grace is serving in the diner and is exhausted. She has crippling health care debts, an ongoing debilitating health problem, no money, and no prospects. What she does have is friends who care and have her back! Her best friend Jenna also rents her a room and loans her clothes and is not too demanding of the rent. Her boss Martin treats Jenna and Grace fairly and is very lenient if Grace needs time off for her recurring headaches. All this changes when she serves the well-dressed and attractive Evan Sinclair. He quickly captures Grace with his charm and wealth, but the gaslighting soon begins.
Jenna and Martin both tried to advise her that there was something wrong and that Evan was gradually controlling her, but Grace is blinded by his money and lifestyle.
A shocking story gradually unfolds as Grace digs into Evans past, and a sting in the tail will leave the reader stunned!
August 12, 2025
Behind closed doors
A very good read with surprising climax.
A young woman, down on her luck and barely making ends meet, I'd found very attractive by a customer at the diner where she works. He is very rich and pursues her. At first, she rejects him but eventually succumbs and goes on dates with him. He introduces her to a completely different environment. So far, it's a homage to George Bernard Shaw's Pymalion, but from there, it gets a lot darker when he will tell her very little of his background and life before he met her. It becomes a fast-moving psychological thriller, with coercive control to the fore.
This book is written in the first person, and with a linear timeline that I found refreshing. It has some very interesting characters, and the whole thing comes over as utterly believable - it could actually have happened. It's quite short, and some might like to read it in one sitting, I wish I'd been able to do so.
A very good read with surprising climax.
A young woman, down on her luck and barely making ends meet, I'd found very attractive by a customer at the diner where she works. He is very rich and pursues her. At first, she rejects him but eventually succumbs and goes on dates with him. He introduces her to a completely different environment. So far, it's a homage to George Bernard Shaw's Pymalion, but from there, it gets a lot darker when he will tell her very little of his background and life before he met her. It becomes a fast-moving psychological thriller, with coercive control to the fore.
This book is written in the first person, and with a linear timeline that I found refreshing. It has some very interesting characters, and the whole thing comes over as utterly believable - it could actually have happened. It's quite short, and some might like to read it in one sitting, I wish I'd been able to do so.
September 5, 2025
After years of struggling, I never expected someone like Evan Sinclair to walk into my life. Confident, charming, and well-dressed, I couldn't believe it when he asked me - a waitress at a diner - to go out with him. He swept me off my feet, offering me a life I never imagined - a luxurious apartment, new clothes, a world behind my wildest dreams. For the first time in years, I thought I was finally happy. But as our relationship deepens, things start to change.
This is a quick and easy book to read. It's told from Grace's perspective. Grace was struggling to make ends meet. She works in a diner where she meets a rich customer who asks her out on a date.
The pace is fast. There are some good twists. I was kept guessing and the characters are well-developed.
Published 11th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #RowenChambers for my ARC of #BehindClosedDoors in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quick and easy book to read. It's told from Grace's perspective. Grace was struggling to make ends meet. She works in a diner where she meets a rich customer who asks her out on a date.
The pace is fast. There are some good twists. I was kept guessing and the characters are well-developed.
Published 11th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #RowenChambers for my ARC of #BehindClosedDoors in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2025
I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. Unfortunately I think the ‘damsel in distress/man comes to save her but isn’t nice’ trope is very overdone.
I found myself shocked at the plot twist which is really good because I’m usually one to guess the twists so bonus points for that! I also really liked the prologue, it was immediately intense and threw you right in. I just wish it had stayed consistent throughout.
I’ll definitely read more from this author as I liked their writing style. I just think it’s the overdone storyline that bothered me and the ending just felt a bit flat.
This book will definitely be a hit with people because it’s fast paced and a quick read.
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed a fast paced, quick read.
Overall, I give this 3 stars.
I found myself shocked at the plot twist which is really good because I’m usually one to guess the twists so bonus points for that! I also really liked the prologue, it was immediately intense and threw you right in. I just wish it had stayed consistent throughout.
I’ll definitely read more from this author as I liked their writing style. I just think it’s the overdone storyline that bothered me and the ending just felt a bit flat.
This book will definitely be a hit with people because it’s fast paced and a quick read.
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed a fast paced, quick read.
Overall, I give this 3 stars.
January 11, 2026
I still have so many questions...
True Star Rating: 3.5
I'm all messed up over this book. It definitely had me hooked as I only meant to read a few more chapters and ended up finishing the book. I wanted to throttle Grace half the time cause OMG how delulu are you? I wanted to scream at Evan the entire time cause HELLO RED FLAGS. Jenna wasn't my favorite either only because she didn't communicate her feelings very well and would come off rude and dismissive and jealous but was really out of love for her friend.
This really was a very good read but it did leave me with some questions. Unfortunately I will never get those answers but it wasn't anything too bad. I will say I didn't like how the book ended as I honestly felt that it was really rushed at the end but nothing bad enough to make me dislike the book in its entirety.
True Star Rating: 3.5
I'm all messed up over this book. It definitely had me hooked as I only meant to read a few more chapters and ended up finishing the book. I wanted to throttle Grace half the time cause OMG how delulu are you? I wanted to scream at Evan the entire time cause HELLO RED FLAGS. Jenna wasn't my favorite either only because she didn't communicate her feelings very well and would come off rude and dismissive and jealous but was really out of love for her friend.
This really was a very good read but it did leave me with some questions. Unfortunately I will never get those answers but it wasn't anything too bad. I will say I didn't like how the book ended as I honestly felt that it was really rushed at the end but nothing bad enough to make me dislike the book in its entirety.
August 13, 2025
Thank you so much for this ARC!
The writing style is easy to read and fast-paced. I found myself finishing it in a day. This was definitely a psychological thriller and though I was interested in finding out the ending, I didn't feel invested in the characters. The FMC, Grace, felt immature for someone who was 28 years old. Although I could see some of her internal struggles with her situation and relationship with the MMC, Evan, her behavior didn't feel consistent with someone who had been on their own trying to survive. The MMC's behavior at the end was also inconsistent with how his character was written throughout the entire book. I was able to predict the twist but not the ending. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied.
The writing style is easy to read and fast-paced. I found myself finishing it in a day. This was definitely a psychological thriller and though I was interested in finding out the ending, I didn't feel invested in the characters. The FMC, Grace, felt immature for someone who was 28 years old. Although I could see some of her internal struggles with her situation and relationship with the MMC, Evan, her behavior didn't feel consistent with someone who had been on their own trying to survive. The MMC's behavior at the end was also inconsistent with how his character was written throughout the entire book. I was able to predict the twist but not the ending. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied.
September 11, 2025
My Thoughts: oh my god this book made me angry, like shaking my head, shouting at the book and almost throwing my kindle across the room angry.
But that means it was really well written, for a fictional character to make me that irate is a testament to the authors skill.
Evan was a horrible man & I just wanted to shake Grace & make her see sense!
I found myself nodding along and agreeing with everything Jenna was saying & willing both her and Martin to just dig a little deeper..
I thought things were maybe a little repetitive at times, but turns out that just added to the eeriness of the story.
Lots of secrets, lots of lies, characters with hidden agendas and a story line that will stick in your head.
I love a good psychological thriller and this one didn’t disappoint.
But that means it was really well written, for a fictional character to make me that irate is a testament to the authors skill.
Evan was a horrible man & I just wanted to shake Grace & make her see sense!
I found myself nodding along and agreeing with everything Jenna was saying & willing both her and Martin to just dig a little deeper..
I thought things were maybe a little repetitive at times, but turns out that just added to the eeriness of the story.
Lots of secrets, lots of lies, characters with hidden agendas and a story line that will stick in your head.
I love a good psychological thriller and this one didn’t disappoint.
September 11, 2025
This is my first book by Rowen and I cannot wait to read more by her. I liked how the story unfolded and it kept me hooked the whole way through. The characters were all believable and I was unsure of Evan right from the start. I felt as though I did not know who to trust and both Evan and his mother Vivian were both suspicious in my eyes. I could not predict what the outcome would be and the twist near the end made me gasp out loud. It was mysterious, suspenseful and slightly eerie to read. It was an easy read that you won't want to put down. It was a fantastic thriller that will make you want to read more by Rowen. I cannot wait to read more of her books now.
September 12, 2025
Behind Closed Doors by Rowen Chambers
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Infatuation! Brainwashing and gas lighting
Would you trust your boyfriend of 3 weeks, over your friend of 20+years
Who knows you best?
Who looks out for you the most?
Grace is swept off her feet by Evan. They are complete opposites in life. Grace scrimps watching every penny, whilst Evan has more money than he knows what to do with. Can they make it work?
Graces friend has doubts and starts questioning Evans intentions. What follows is a grippy story! The final twist.......I knew it was the person involved, but not the reason.
Id highly recommend this book!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Infatuation! Brainwashing and gas lighting
Would you trust your boyfriend of 3 weeks, over your friend of 20+years
Who knows you best?
Who looks out for you the most?
Grace is swept off her feet by Evan. They are complete opposites in life. Grace scrimps watching every penny, whilst Evan has more money than he knows what to do with. Can they make it work?
Graces friend has doubts and starts questioning Evans intentions. What follows is a grippy story! The final twist.......I knew it was the person involved, but not the reason.
Id highly recommend this book!!
August 22, 2025
Loved the premise of this one. A domestic thriller is always a favourite and this one does justice. The chill and creep vibes are on point and the characters and supporting characters are well written.
The writing style is easy to consume and the quick chapters make it engrossing. It is also quite well paced. I also liked how some of the sections seemed very realistic. And the book did manage to keep me guessing on some of the twists. Definitely recommend.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
The writing style is easy to consume and the quick chapters make it engrossing. It is also quite well paced. I also liked how some of the sections seemed very realistic. And the book did manage to keep me guessing on some of the twists. Definitely recommend.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
August 29, 2025
This book has red flags all over it!! The lesson, be careful who you trust. You can think you know someone, and be completely wrong. Grace thought she had met the man of her dreams in Evan. But as things progress and time moves on, she is quickly figuring out that he may not be whom he portrays himself to be. The characters are relatable, and the plot was realistic. Overall, I LOVED this book and will be recommending it to my book club friends!
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc.
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc.
September 1, 2025
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for a great way to spend a day reading Behind Closed Doors. CRAZY READ!!!! Young type of writing but fast reading, Grace was sooooooo immature but it kept me soooooooo interested. I Love books like this that are so ridiculous but grab you and you can’t put it down. I was surprised at the ending, that twist I did NOT see coming. Thanks again and remember date someone awhile before you get engaged.
September 6, 2025
I Didn't See The End Coming
When Grace met Evan at the diner where she worked, she thought she was so lucky. He was rich, handsome and wanted nothing better than to look after her and spoil her for the rest of her life. Her friends were worried things were happening too quickly but Grace was sure she knew what she was doing, but it was not long before she had doubts but she just kept brushing them away. I was gripped by this book and didn't see the end coming.
When Grace met Evan at the diner where she worked, she thought she was so lucky. He was rich, handsome and wanted nothing better than to look after her and spoil her for the rest of her life. Her friends were worried things were happening too quickly but Grace was sure she knew what she was doing, but it was not long before she had doubts but she just kept brushing them away. I was gripped by this book and didn't see the end coming.
September 9, 2025
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it! I absolutely loved this book and I am so excited that I discovered this author. I really could not put it down and enjoyed the characters and the twists. I also liked how the author did not have to use a bunch of bad language which is a plus for me. I cannot wait to start another book by this author. I highly recommend
September 19, 2025
This book started strong but then meandered all over the place. Rowen Chambers is an absolute favorite author of mine. I have read everything she's written so it pains me to say that this story left me feeling bewildered and annoyed. The protagonist seemed one dimensional and the plot was pretty boring. Then there was that ending. Really? No decent human being is going to turn a blind eye and think to themselves "not my problem"
October 12, 2025
This is the first book I have read by Rowen Chambers. It was an easy read. I could not put it down and read it in 2 days.
The intial story line feels like a fairy
Tale.
A rich handsome man meets a struggling waitress and proceeds to woo her and save her from her meagre life.
Later on in the book the story turns to a darker place with an unpredictable twist at the end.
A good holiday read to put in your case
The intial story line feels like a fairy
Tale.
A rich handsome man meets a struggling waitress and proceeds to woo her and save her from her meagre life.
Later on in the book the story turns to a darker place with an unpredictable twist at the end.
A good holiday read to put in your case
November 28, 2025
2.75 rounded up.
This book was like a Lifetime movie in worst way. Predictability, dramatic friendship fallout, cheesy/awkward back and forth dialogue, and the main character blatantly ignoring all of the multiple red flags right in front of her face. I predicted the twist, and the ending felt very abrupt, far fetched, and incomplete. Overall it felt slower and was just very very predictable. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This book was like a Lifetime movie in worst way. Predictability, dramatic friendship fallout, cheesy/awkward back and forth dialogue, and the main character blatantly ignoring all of the multiple red flags right in front of her face. I predicted the twist, and the ending felt very abrupt, far fetched, and incomplete. Overall it felt slower and was just very very predictable. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews