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He Is Mine
Crystal has dreams. Rose has plans.
Crystal Tannenbaum moved to LA hoping to become a movie star. And she has finally landed a job in show business—but only as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose.
At first Daniel and Rose seem like the perfect couple, but it soon becomes clear they are anything but. Life in their sprawling Hollywood Hills mansion is a powder keg of tension and mistrust.
When Daniel turns his attention to Crystal—the gifts, the promises, the whispered plans for their future together—she lets herself believe she's finally found a way to have the lifestyle she’s always craved. The house. The money. The children she's grown to love.
All she has to do is help Daniel divorce Rose while holding on to his fortune. But Crystal has no idea she's a pawn in a far more dangerous game. When it comes to sophisticated players like Daniel and Rose, she is hopelessly out of her depth.
And in a house where everyone is watching, everyone is lying, and everyone has their own agenda, innocence can be fatal.
He Is Mine - the chilling psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother.
Crystal Tannenbaum moved to LA hoping to become a movie star. And she has finally landed a job in show business—but only as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose.
At first Daniel and Rose seem like the perfect couple, but it soon becomes clear they are anything but. Life in their sprawling Hollywood Hills mansion is a powder keg of tension and mistrust.
When Daniel turns his attention to Crystal—the gifts, the promises, the whispered plans for their future together—she lets herself believe she's finally found a way to have the lifestyle she’s always craved. The house. The money. The children she's grown to love.
All she has to do is help Daniel divorce Rose while holding on to his fortune. But Crystal has no idea she's a pawn in a far more dangerous game. When it comes to sophisticated players like Daniel and Rose, she is hopelessly out of her depth.
And in a house where everyone is watching, everyone is lying, and everyone has their own agenda, innocence can be fatal.
He Is Mine - the chilling psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother.
270 pages, ebook
Published March 1, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
PUBLISH DATE: March 1, 2026
He Is Mine by Theo Baxter ⭐️⭐️ (DNF)
I decided to DNF this book very early on, after the first couple of chapters.
The story opens with the main character creating an OnlyFans account, followed quickly by explicit and inappropriate advances from men. While I understand this may be intentional and relevant to where the story is headed, it made me uncomfortable enough that I chose not to continue. This is more a matter of personal boundaries than a judgment on the writing or the author’s intent.
Because I didn’t make it very far, I can’t fairly assess the full plot, pacing, or character development beyond the opening setup. That said, the content focus in the beginning was not something I wanted to spend more time with, and I knew early on that this book wasn’t for me.
I’m rating this a 2 stars, which is generous given that I didn’t finish it, but I want to reflect that this may still work for readers who are comfortable with this type of content and enjoy darker psychological thrillers that explore sexuality, power dynamics, and online spaces. For readers who are sensitive to sexually explicit situations or uncomfortable with that framing early on, this may be something to approach with caution.
BOOK TITLE: He Is Mine
AUTHOR: Theo Baxter
PUBLISHER: Inkubator Books
FORMAT:ebook
PAGES:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
He Is Mine by Theo Baxter ⭐️⭐️ (DNF)
I decided to DNF this book very early on, after the first couple of chapters.
The story opens with the main character creating an OnlyFans account, followed quickly by explicit and inappropriate advances from men. While I understand this may be intentional and relevant to where the story is headed, it made me uncomfortable enough that I chose not to continue. This is more a matter of personal boundaries than a judgment on the writing or the author’s intent.
Because I didn’t make it very far, I can’t fairly assess the full plot, pacing, or character development beyond the opening setup. That said, the content focus in the beginning was not something I wanted to spend more time with, and I knew early on that this book wasn’t for me.
I’m rating this a 2 stars, which is generous given that I didn’t finish it, but I want to reflect that this may still work for readers who are comfortable with this type of content and enjoy darker psychological thrillers that explore sexuality, power dynamics, and online spaces. For readers who are sensitive to sexually explicit situations or uncomfortable with that framing early on, this may be something to approach with caution.
BOOK TITLE: He Is Mine
AUTHOR: Theo Baxter
PUBLISHER: Inkubator Books
FORMAT:ebook
PAGES:
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 7, 2026
When Crystal became a live in nanny, I could tell she was diving into a world of trouble very early on in this story. I had several theories of how everything would unfold between Crystal, Daniel and Rose, but I didn’t quite have it figured out. The story was full of lies and manipulation from many of the characters, and Crystal definitely had me yelling at her with some of the decision-making. This is truly an example of a person needing to wake up, and understand what is happening right under their noses. Some of the red flags were definitely there, but Crystal being young & naive, she ignores them. Overall and enjoyable domestic thriller!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2026
Sigh. This had big potential. Nothing you haven’t read before (think Housemaid-like and a million other stories like it) but I genuinely could not stand the characters. Hard to be invested when you detest the main people.
Crystal is in Hollywood to —yep—make herself a movie star and live the life of luxury. She is —yep—struggling and has to find another way to make money. Enter a nanny job. Cute kids, cuter husband and a moody wife. All pieces of the puzzle you have seen before. Of course the husband grooms her to “have the life you always wanted”. Of course she falls for it “he’s never loved anyone like this before” and it just was so hard to finish.
This genre of husbands who groom the nanny and give the best sex of their life are really over. I mean. Read the room —-if you bring the same old same old you better bring it hard and better than all those before you.
You ma live this if you’ve never read this here though.
Crystal is in Hollywood to —yep—make herself a movie star and live the life of luxury. She is —yep—struggling and has to find another way to make money. Enter a nanny job. Cute kids, cuter husband and a moody wife. All pieces of the puzzle you have seen before. Of course the husband grooms her to “have the life you always wanted”. Of course she falls for it “he’s never loved anyone like this before” and it just was so hard to finish.
This genre of husbands who groom the nanny and give the best sex of their life are really over. I mean. Read the room —-if you bring the same old same old you better bring it hard and better than all those before you.
You ma live this if you’ve never read this here though.
April 20, 2026
Okay, there was a lot i liked about this book. There were plenty of twists and the overall pacing of the book was good. It was an easy read, and I quite enjoyed it.
So why the three star rating?
Well, I feel like this twist has been done about a million times in domestic thrillers, and I honestly feel like it's been done better. Another thing that really started to get to me was how repetitive the internal struggle the main character faces is. It's a constant back and forth of "eh, should i do this? no." and "am i going to do it anyway? even though I know that it's the wrong choice? Yes." and "Oh no, why did this happen to me!?" I was so over it by the end of the book.
Overall, it was a fun read but I don't think I'd pick it up again.
So why the three star rating?
Well, I feel like this twist has been done about a million times in domestic thrillers, and I honestly feel like it's been done better. Another thing that really started to get to me was how repetitive the internal struggle the main character faces is. It's a constant back and forth of "eh, should i do this? no." and "am i going to do it anyway? even though I know that it's the wrong choice? Yes." and "Oh no, why did this happen to me!?" I was so over it by the end of the book.
Overall, it was a fun read but I don't think I'd pick it up again.
March 2, 2026
3.5 stars for me.
Crystal was hoping to be a movie star,but in LA it's not so easy to find a job.Working as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose will help her get on her feet.The children are adorable,and Daniel is more perfect every day,the last thing Crystal was expecting is to fall for him.He promise they have a future together,but at what cost?
It was a quick and enjoyable read.While I enjoyed the tension and mystery,at times it was quite predictable.Crystal could not more naive,after a while I really didn't care what happen to her.There were few twists that was quite surprising,and in the end I was glad I read it.Not my favorite of author but still a good and tension filled thriller.
Thank you booksprout and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Crystal was hoping to be a movie star,but in LA it's not so easy to find a job.Working as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose will help her get on her feet.The children are adorable,and Daniel is more perfect every day,the last thing Crystal was expecting is to fall for him.He promise they have a future together,but at what cost?
It was a quick and enjoyable read.While I enjoyed the tension and mystery,at times it was quite predictable.Crystal could not more naive,after a while I really didn't care what happen to her.There were few twists that was quite surprising,and in the end I was glad I read it.Not my favorite of author but still a good and tension filled thriller.
Thank you booksprout and publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
February 25, 2026
Crystal becomes a nanny for a rich family. She lets herself fall in love with the husband, and is swept off of her feet. He tells her they can be together forever, she just has to help me divorce his wife. But she is in way deeper than that, and doesn't know it.
This had me on edge the whole time, I could not put this down! I was stressed!
This had me on edge the whole time, I could not put this down! I was stressed!
March 4, 2026
The story is about a woman who falls for a married man and she couldn’t be more naive…
It’s a fluent and relaxing read, with some twists and turns. It was interesting to see where the author brought the story and its characters + their behavior.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s a fluent and relaxing read, with some twists and turns. It was interesting to see where the author brought the story and its characters + their behavior.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I finished this book in one sitting. It’s only 220 pages and very easy to fly through.
.
Crystal is the main character, and honestly...how naive can she be 🙄 Sometimes I felt like she was so stupid. But at the same time, I get it. She fell in love, and love makes people do very stupid things. So I was annoyed with her, but also kind of understood her.
.
The story is fast paced. No dragging, no long boring parts. It’s the kind of book you pick up "just for a bit" and suddenly you’re done. I really loved the ending. It wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
.
Yes, the plot is a bit cliche, the nanny falling for the husband. We’ve seen this before. But somehow, this one was still a fun and addictive read for me. Easy, messy, dramatic, and entertaining.
.
Side note: Imelda the helper is my favourite character. I loved her presence so much.
.
Thank you @netgalley for the advance copy.
This book will be published on 1st March 2026
.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
.
Crystal is the main character, and honestly...how naive can she be 🙄 Sometimes I felt like she was so stupid. But at the same time, I get it. She fell in love, and love makes people do very stupid things. So I was annoyed with her, but also kind of understood her.
.
The story is fast paced. No dragging, no long boring parts. It’s the kind of book you pick up "just for a bit" and suddenly you’re done. I really loved the ending. It wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
.
Yes, the plot is a bit cliche, the nanny falling for the husband. We’ve seen this before. But somehow, this one was still a fun and addictive read for me. Easy, messy, dramatic, and entertaining.
.
Side note: Imelda the helper is my favourite character. I loved her presence so much.
.
Thank you @netgalley for the advance copy.
This book will be published on 1st March 2026
.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 3, 2026
Crystal has dreams. Rose has plans ⭐️
Crystal Tannenbaum arrives in Los Angeles full of dreams and ambition, hoping for a fresh start in a city of opportunity. When she takes a job as a nanny for a wealthy Hollywood couple, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. But behind the mansion’s polished exterior lies a world of secrets, manipulation, and hidden agendas.
Drawn into a tangled web of charm, obsession, and dangerous games, Crystal quickly realises that her new life isn’t as glamorous or safe as it seemed-and that trusting the wrong person could cost her everything.
⭐️
He Is Mine has a tense, twisty plot and a dark, gripping atmosphere that some readers will love. Crystal is a relatable protagonist, and the power games between the characters are engaging. For me, it just wasn’t my vibe- the story didn’t fully click, and a few twists felt predictable. This is my first Theo Baxter read and I still enjoyed reading this so I’m definitely going to look up some more of his books to try.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers with manipulation and high-stakes drama, He Is Mine is definitely worth a read.
Crystal Tannenbaum arrives in Los Angeles full of dreams and ambition, hoping for a fresh start in a city of opportunity. When she takes a job as a nanny for a wealthy Hollywood couple, she thinks she’s hit the jackpot. But behind the mansion’s polished exterior lies a world of secrets, manipulation, and hidden agendas.
Drawn into a tangled web of charm, obsession, and dangerous games, Crystal quickly realises that her new life isn’t as glamorous or safe as it seemed-and that trusting the wrong person could cost her everything.
⭐️
He Is Mine has a tense, twisty plot and a dark, gripping atmosphere that some readers will love. Crystal is a relatable protagonist, and the power games between the characters are engaging. For me, it just wasn’t my vibe- the story didn’t fully click, and a few twists felt predictable. This is my first Theo Baxter read and I still enjoyed reading this so I’m definitely going to look up some more of his books to try.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers with manipulation and high-stakes drama, He Is Mine is definitely worth a read.
March 12, 2026
Here is my review for He Is Mine for Theo Baxter
I got addicted to this latest gripping psychological thriller by Theo Baxter which had me enthralled by this complicated story. Crystal Tannenbaum had dreams of being a successful actor in Hollywood but ends up being a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife with their twin boys. Daniel and Rose appear to have a good relationship but after staying a while, Crystal realises it's all show. When Daniel makes advances towards Crystal, she reciprocates and they make the most of Rose being away at weekends. Crystal is drawn deeper into Daniel's web of lies, can she survive as she has never felt like she has for him before plus she is attracted to the twins. This was a fantastic psychological thriller read with a young innocent woman being drawn in by the charms, attention and gifts of a serial adulterer, his wife was no better but there was no proof. The story weaves a great plot where Crystal falls out with her best friend and is desperate for a home so this nanny's job seems ideal. The characters seem so realistic as they are described so vividly. The descriptive writing was superb and everything was described in great detail. I liked the plot and how Crystal was drawn in as this could so easily happen in real life. People are attracted by wealth, lavish life styles and good looks but don’t see underneath. I love reading this author’s psychological thrillers and I'm so looking forward to the next one.
Blurb :
Three words. One lie. A deadly mistake.
Crystal Tannenbaum moved to LA hoping to become a movie star. And she has finally landed a job in show business—but only as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose.
At first Daniel and Rose seem like the perfect couple, but it soon becomes clear they are anything but. Life in their sprawling Hollywood Hills mansion is a powder keg of tension and mistrust.
When Daniel turns his attention to Crystal—the gifts, the promises, the whispered plans for their future together—she lets herself believe she's finally found a way to have the lifestyle she’s always craved. The house. The money. The children she's grown to love.
All she has to do is help Daniel divorce Rose while holding on to his fortune. But Crystal has no idea she's a pawn in a far more dangerous game. When it comes to sophisticated players like Daniel and Rose, she is hopelessly out of her depth.
And in a house where everyone is watching, everyone is lying, and everyone has their own agenda, innocence can be fatal.
He Is Mine - the chilling psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother./
I got addicted to this latest gripping psychological thriller by Theo Baxter which had me enthralled by this complicated story. Crystal Tannenbaum had dreams of being a successful actor in Hollywood but ends up being a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife with their twin boys. Daniel and Rose appear to have a good relationship but after staying a while, Crystal realises it's all show. When Daniel makes advances towards Crystal, she reciprocates and they make the most of Rose being away at weekends. Crystal is drawn deeper into Daniel's web of lies, can she survive as she has never felt like she has for him before plus she is attracted to the twins. This was a fantastic psychological thriller read with a young innocent woman being drawn in by the charms, attention and gifts of a serial adulterer, his wife was no better but there was no proof. The story weaves a great plot where Crystal falls out with her best friend and is desperate for a home so this nanny's job seems ideal. The characters seem so realistic as they are described so vividly. The descriptive writing was superb and everything was described in great detail. I liked the plot and how Crystal was drawn in as this could so easily happen in real life. People are attracted by wealth, lavish life styles and good looks but don’t see underneath. I love reading this author’s psychological thrillers and I'm so looking forward to the next one.
Blurb :
Three words. One lie. A deadly mistake.
Crystal Tannenbaum moved to LA hoping to become a movie star. And she has finally landed a job in show business—but only as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose.
At first Daniel and Rose seem like the perfect couple, but it soon becomes clear they are anything but. Life in their sprawling Hollywood Hills mansion is a powder keg of tension and mistrust.
When Daniel turns his attention to Crystal—the gifts, the promises, the whispered plans for their future together—she lets herself believe she's finally found a way to have the lifestyle she’s always craved. The house. The money. The children she's grown to love.
All she has to do is help Daniel divorce Rose while holding on to his fortune. But Crystal has no idea she's a pawn in a far more dangerous game. When it comes to sophisticated players like Daniel and Rose, she is hopelessly out of her depth.
And in a house where everyone is watching, everyone is lying, and everyone has their own agenda, innocence can be fatal.
He Is Mine - the chilling psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother./
Review of advance copy
Oh, where do I even begin with this one? I picked this up on a Saturday morning with a cup of tea and a couple of milk arrowroot biscuits and absolutely did not move from my bed until I'd turned the last page. You know that feeling when a book just grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go? That's exactly what this did to me.
From the very first chapter, I got those delicious, unsettling vibes that took me straight back to The Housemaid that creeping sense that something in this beautiful, perfect house is deeply, horribly wrong. And if you, like me, have a soft spot for those "I'm the nanny and this is going to end very badly for everyone" psychological thrillers, then pull up a chair, because this one belongs right at the top of that pile.
Crystal Tannenbaum arrives in LA with stars in her eyes and dreams tucked under her arm. She's going to make it. She just knows it. And in a way, she does land herself a foot in the door of the entertainment world only it's through the kitchen entrance, as nanny to film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose. The Hollywood Hills mansion is everything Crystal ever wanted to have all gleaming surfaces, expensive taste, and the kind of life that makes your own reflection look a little shabby by comparison.
But of course, nothing in that house is what it seems.
Daniel begins turning his attention to Crystal - the gifts, the whispered promises, the intoxicating suggestion that she could be the one to step into Rose's designer shoes. And Crystal, bless her hopeful heart, starts to believe him. She's grown to love the children. She wants the house. She wants the life. All she has to do is help Daniel edge Rose out while keeping his fortune intact. Simple enough, right?
Oh, Crystal. Sweet, trusting Crystal.
What I adored about this book is that it doesn't just play the story straight. Just when you think you've figured out who the villain is, the rug gets yanked right out from under you. Daniel and Rose are not the couple they present themselves as, but they're also not quite the couple you think you've figured out either. The tension in that mansion simmers on every single page ,everyone watching, everyone lying, everyone playing a game that Crystal doesn't even know she's been entered into.
This is a book that rewards patience. Stick with it, let the tension build, and when it pays off and it does pay off you'll be sitting there in stunned, satisfied silence. A gripping, twisty, deeply atmospheric read.
From the very first chapter, I got those delicious, unsettling vibes that took me straight back to The Housemaid that creeping sense that something in this beautiful, perfect house is deeply, horribly wrong. And if you, like me, have a soft spot for those "I'm the nanny and this is going to end very badly for everyone" psychological thrillers, then pull up a chair, because this one belongs right at the top of that pile.
Crystal Tannenbaum arrives in LA with stars in her eyes and dreams tucked under her arm. She's going to make it. She just knows it. And in a way, she does land herself a foot in the door of the entertainment world only it's through the kitchen entrance, as nanny to film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife, Rose. The Hollywood Hills mansion is everything Crystal ever wanted to have all gleaming surfaces, expensive taste, and the kind of life that makes your own reflection look a little shabby by comparison.
But of course, nothing in that house is what it seems.
Daniel begins turning his attention to Crystal - the gifts, the whispered promises, the intoxicating suggestion that she could be the one to step into Rose's designer shoes. And Crystal, bless her hopeful heart, starts to believe him. She's grown to love the children. She wants the house. She wants the life. All she has to do is help Daniel edge Rose out while keeping his fortune intact. Simple enough, right?
Oh, Crystal. Sweet, trusting Crystal.
What I adored about this book is that it doesn't just play the story straight. Just when you think you've figured out who the villain is, the rug gets yanked right out from under you. Daniel and Rose are not the couple they present themselves as, but they're also not quite the couple you think you've figured out either. The tension in that mansion simmers on every single page ,everyone watching, everyone lying, everyone playing a game that Crystal doesn't even know she's been entered into.
This is a book that rewards patience. Stick with it, let the tension build, and when it pays off and it does pay off you'll be sitting there in stunned, satisfied silence. A gripping, twisty, deeply atmospheric read.
February 27, 2026
For starters, thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of He is Mine by Theo Baxter.
I rated this book a 2 out of 5 stars.
After reading the description for this book, I was incredibly excited to read this story. However, from the moment I started I felt a lack of desire to continue reading this book. The first couple chapters provide the reader with insight into why the main character was forced into the situation she is in when she begins to look for new housing and some kind of income. Personally, I did not think this was necessary. What took place in these beginning chapters could have been summed up in a well-written paragraph or two. The usage of multiple chapters just made the beginning drag on and lead to the lack of desire to continue reading.
When I get to the main chunk of the plot, it STRONGLY resembles The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. We have a female main character that becomes a nanny for a wealthy family after getting into a situation where she has no home and no steady source of income. When she gets to the house as the live-in nanny, she realizes her attraction for the father of the family. She tries to deny it at first but can’t help her growing feelings for him. When the two get into an affair, things are no longer what they seem. This is where Theo Baxter’s version of the story starts to veer into its own story. While this part of the plot was intriguing, it quickly became boring because I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over. Then, because of the repetition, I started to hate the FMC because I was frustrated that she let the same thing keep happening over and over again.
As for the ending, it felt very lackluster as well. I can see what the author was trying to do with the ending, but it was not written well enough to provide the twist that they were going for. I was not a very big fan of how this book ended at all. I think the ending happened too quickly for the dragging out of the plot that had happened for the previous 85% of the book, and the final twist happened in half a page with no real explanation as to what really happened or how that twist actually came to be.
All in all, I was not a big fan of this book. I could what the author was going for, but with the super close resemblance to The Housemaid, dragging out of the plot, and a very mediocre ending, I couldn’t give it more than 2 stars.
I rated this book a 2 out of 5 stars.
After reading the description for this book, I was incredibly excited to read this story. However, from the moment I started I felt a lack of desire to continue reading this book. The first couple chapters provide the reader with insight into why the main character was forced into the situation she is in when she begins to look for new housing and some kind of income. Personally, I did not think this was necessary. What took place in these beginning chapters could have been summed up in a well-written paragraph or two. The usage of multiple chapters just made the beginning drag on and lead to the lack of desire to continue reading.
When I get to the main chunk of the plot, it STRONGLY resembles The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. We have a female main character that becomes a nanny for a wealthy family after getting into a situation where she has no home and no steady source of income. When she gets to the house as the live-in nanny, she realizes her attraction for the father of the family. She tries to deny it at first but can’t help her growing feelings for him. When the two get into an affair, things are no longer what they seem. This is where Theo Baxter’s version of the story starts to veer into its own story. While this part of the plot was intriguing, it quickly became boring because I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over. Then, because of the repetition, I started to hate the FMC because I was frustrated that she let the same thing keep happening over and over again.
As for the ending, it felt very lackluster as well. I can see what the author was trying to do with the ending, but it was not written well enough to provide the twist that they were going for. I was not a very big fan of how this book ended at all. I think the ending happened too quickly for the dragging out of the plot that had happened for the previous 85% of the book, and the final twist happened in half a page with no real explanation as to what really happened or how that twist actually came to be.
All in all, I was not a big fan of this book. I could what the author was going for, but with the super close resemblance to The Housemaid, dragging out of the plot, and a very mediocre ending, I couldn’t give it more than 2 stars.
February 9, 2026
He is Mine by Theo Baxter is a thriller about a down in her luck women named Crystal who wants to be an actress. Crystal gets a live in nanny position with a family that seems perfect on the outside but there are many secrets held inside the house. The father, Daniel starts to pay Crystal more attention than appropriate and is pulling into the drama and needs to help Daniel divorce his wife Rose.
I rated this story a 3 as it really wasn’t my cup of tea in terms of writing style and personality of FMC but yet it was a good story. I would say give it a try, especially if you are new to thrillers, as the twists weren’t super predictable and tension was pretty good throughout.
The pacing was good in the beginning, dragged in the middle a bit then picked up at the end. I was suspicious of all characters so that was an entertaining journey.
The book is a thriller and while I enjoyed the premise of the book along with the actually suspense, the FMC was so naive throughout the whole thing that I was just kind of annoyed at her character. As a woman reading this was frustrating at times when she wouldn’t listen to her intution at all. Part of this naivety is in part to her age but she is continually seeking all validation and attention from external sources and not taking responsibility for her decisions.
I feel like I didn’t vibe with the FMC which hindered my experience within the story. While others may have a different experience, I found the description of being a nanny unrealistic in terms of energy needed to keep up with children that are four years old. I know I am being overly critical of this part but some of the actions of said 4 year olds weren’t indicative of where 4 year olds would be developmentally. I only say this as a mother with a four year old. Yes, children are all different but their actions and speech seemed more in line with a 7 year old in terms of independence. Long story short , this is one aspect that detracted from the story for me.
This book is for readers that enjoy a thriller book with good tension throughout and an easy engaging read. Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.
I rated this story a 3 as it really wasn’t my cup of tea in terms of writing style and personality of FMC but yet it was a good story. I would say give it a try, especially if you are new to thrillers, as the twists weren’t super predictable and tension was pretty good throughout.
The pacing was good in the beginning, dragged in the middle a bit then picked up at the end. I was suspicious of all characters so that was an entertaining journey.
The book is a thriller and while I enjoyed the premise of the book along with the actually suspense, the FMC was so naive throughout the whole thing that I was just kind of annoyed at her character. As a woman reading this was frustrating at times when she wouldn’t listen to her intution at all. Part of this naivety is in part to her age but she is continually seeking all validation and attention from external sources and not taking responsibility for her decisions.
I feel like I didn’t vibe with the FMC which hindered my experience within the story. While others may have a different experience, I found the description of being a nanny unrealistic in terms of energy needed to keep up with children that are four years old. I know I am being overly critical of this part but some of the actions of said 4 year olds weren’t indicative of where 4 year olds would be developmentally. I only say this as a mother with a four year old. Yes, children are all different but their actions and speech seemed more in line with a 7 year old in terms of independence. Long story short , this is one aspect that detracted from the story for me.
This book is for readers that enjoy a thriller book with good tension throughout and an easy engaging read. Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He Is Mine has all the right ingredients for a juicy psychological thriller, but the execution is uneven and a little too pleased with itself. Theo Baxter clearly knows how to hook a reader, yet this one settles firmly into the “fine but frustrating” category.
The premise is solid. Crystal, an aspiring actress turned nanny, steps into a glamorous Hollywood household and immediately into a minefield of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. The setup promises danger and moral rot beneath the shiny surface, and to be fair, the atmosphere does a lot of the heavy lifting. Los Angeles wealth and entitlement are always good fuel for suspense, and Baxter uses that backdrop well.
The problem is that the tension never quite sharpens. The power struggle between Crystal, Daniel, and Rose should feel volatile, but too often it just circles the same emotional beats. The pacing drags in places where it should tighten, while the big twists arrive wearing name tags. If you read a lot of domestic or psychological thrillers, you will see several of them coming well before the book seems to think you will.
Character motivations are another weak spot. Everyone is dramatic, secretive, and morally questionable, but not always in ways that feel earned. At times it feels like the characters act irrationally because the plot demands it, not because their psychology naturally leads them there. For a genre built on mind games, that is a noticeable letdown.
That said, it is not a bad book. It is readable, occasionally tense, and it will probably keep you turning pages even while you roll your eyes. Fans of Baxter’s work will recognize his familiar style, though this one does not hit as hard as his stronger titles.
He Is Mine is a serviceable thriller with flashes of intrigue that never fully commit to the chaos it hints at. Entertaining enough for a quick read, but ultimately forgettable once the final twist lands.
The premise is solid. Crystal, an aspiring actress turned nanny, steps into a glamorous Hollywood household and immediately into a minefield of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. The setup promises danger and moral rot beneath the shiny surface, and to be fair, the atmosphere does a lot of the heavy lifting. Los Angeles wealth and entitlement are always good fuel for suspense, and Baxter uses that backdrop well.
The problem is that the tension never quite sharpens. The power struggle between Crystal, Daniel, and Rose should feel volatile, but too often it just circles the same emotional beats. The pacing drags in places where it should tighten, while the big twists arrive wearing name tags. If you read a lot of domestic or psychological thrillers, you will see several of them coming well before the book seems to think you will.
Character motivations are another weak spot. Everyone is dramatic, secretive, and morally questionable, but not always in ways that feel earned. At times it feels like the characters act irrationally because the plot demands it, not because their psychology naturally leads them there. For a genre built on mind games, that is a noticeable letdown.
That said, it is not a bad book. It is readable, occasionally tense, and it will probably keep you turning pages even while you roll your eyes. Fans of Baxter’s work will recognize his familiar style, though this one does not hit as hard as his stronger titles.
He Is Mine is a serviceable thriller with flashes of intrigue that never fully commit to the chaos it hints at. Entertaining enough for a quick read, but ultimately forgettable once the final twist lands.
March 5, 2026
Crystal was kicked out by her flatmate, Lizzie, simply because she didn’t get along with Lizzie’s boyfriend. 😭 What kind of friend puts her boyfriend before her friends? 🙄
Determined to get back on her feet, Crystal tried everything she could to find a job and somewhere to live. 😰 Then she spotted an advert for a live-in nanny and realised it could be the perfect opportunity - she wouldn’t have to worry about rent or finding a place to stay. 🙌🏼
She soon moved into the Mosswood household, where she began caring for two little boys, Eddie and Aidan. Things were going wonderfully, and she got on like a house on fire with the boys. 🏡
But everything changed when she became involved with the man of the house - Daniel Mosswood. While his wife, Rose, was away, their secret affair began. Daniel showered Crystal with gifts, attention, and promises, and before long she found herself falling in love. 🥰
However, during the affair Crystal begins to discover that she may not be the only one. Daniel has a history - he had even slept with the housekeeper, Imelda, in the past. 😳
Now Daniel wants Crystal’s help to expose Rose for cheating so he can trigger the prenup and file for divorce. 😣
But is Daniel really the man he claims to be? Or is he simply using Crystal to get what he wants? 😬
And has Crystal walked into something far more dangerous than she ever expected? 🫣
The real question is: will Crystal ever get the happy ending she dreamed of - with Daniel and the boys? 🤔
OMG this book completely lived up to the hype!! I was obsessed from start to finish and kept needing to know what would happen next. 📖👀 The twist just past the halfway point was absolutely mind-blowing! I never saw it coming! 🤯 You know a book is that good when you finish it in just a few hours… and that’s exactly what happened to me! 😍
A huge thank you to Theo and Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on this tour! I was excited to be part of it and share my thoughts on this amazing read. ♥️
Determined to get back on her feet, Crystal tried everything she could to find a job and somewhere to live. 😰 Then she spotted an advert for a live-in nanny and realised it could be the perfect opportunity - she wouldn’t have to worry about rent or finding a place to stay. 🙌🏼
She soon moved into the Mosswood household, where she began caring for two little boys, Eddie and Aidan. Things were going wonderfully, and she got on like a house on fire with the boys. 🏡
But everything changed when she became involved with the man of the house - Daniel Mosswood. While his wife, Rose, was away, their secret affair began. Daniel showered Crystal with gifts, attention, and promises, and before long she found herself falling in love. 🥰
However, during the affair Crystal begins to discover that she may not be the only one. Daniel has a history - he had even slept with the housekeeper, Imelda, in the past. 😳
Now Daniel wants Crystal’s help to expose Rose for cheating so he can trigger the prenup and file for divorce. 😣
But is Daniel really the man he claims to be? Or is he simply using Crystal to get what he wants? 😬
And has Crystal walked into something far more dangerous than she ever expected? 🫣
The real question is: will Crystal ever get the happy ending she dreamed of - with Daniel and the boys? 🤔
OMG this book completely lived up to the hype!! I was obsessed from start to finish and kept needing to know what would happen next. 📖👀 The twist just past the halfway point was absolutely mind-blowing! I never saw it coming! 🤯 You know a book is that good when you finish it in just a few hours… and that’s exactly what happened to me! 😍
A huge thank you to Theo and Zooloo’s Book Tours for having me on this tour! I was excited to be part of it and share my thoughts on this amazing read. ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story starts with a struggling actress, Crystal, who is barely scraping by. She is trying to find as many gigs (and ways of upping her income) as possible, so she can catch up on her rent payments. She lives with her friend, Lizzie, who has been helping her out for the past couple of months. When Lizzie's boyfriend makes a pass at Crystal and Lizzie is confronted with this inrofmation, she tells Crystal that she needs to move out in 30 days. This event leads to Crystal looking for live-in nanny positions- one of which being with the Mosswoods. They seem picture perfect at first glance, with their two twin boys, but things are never as they seem online.
Overall, I would rate this story 3 stars. I was drawn in by the writing style and thought that it was off to a great start. I truly was feeling invested in Crystal and wondering what she would make of her life and career. The vibes in this book reminded me of the Housemaid, in a good way. Once I got to the 20% mark, I started to feel less invested. I thought that the plot was moving a little too quickly with the affair. I also found it odd that Lizzie was checking in on her after giving her the silent treatment for so long... it was unexpected and I wondered if she had alterior motives. She sure did seem to be approving of Crystal and Daniel! I was shocked with how willing Crystal was to go along with everything (for example, the gun range). I think it was also hard to tell how much time was passing by. Overall the pacing, flow, and ending felt a bit choppy and, at times, unrealistic.
Side note- I was intrigued by Imelda's character and was satisfied with how she tied in to the storyline. I couldn't quite guess what was going on with her.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for giving me an advanced reader's copy of He is Mine!
Overall, I would rate this story 3 stars. I was drawn in by the writing style and thought that it was off to a great start. I truly was feeling invested in Crystal and wondering what she would make of her life and career. The vibes in this book reminded me of the Housemaid, in a good way. Once I got to the 20% mark, I started to feel less invested. I thought that the plot was moving a little too quickly with the affair. I also found it odd that Lizzie was checking in on her after giving her the silent treatment for so long... it was unexpected and I wondered if she had alterior motives. She sure did seem to be approving of Crystal and Daniel! I was shocked with how willing Crystal was to go along with everything (for example, the gun range). I think it was also hard to tell how much time was passing by. Overall the pacing, flow, and ending felt a bit choppy and, at times, unrealistic.
Side note- I was intrigued by Imelda's character and was satisfied with how she tied in to the storyline. I couldn't quite guess what was going on with her.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for giving me an advanced reader's copy of He is Mine!
March 7, 2026
He is mine is a psychological thriller that is pretty fast past.
The pacing of the story is pretty on point and leaves flying through the pages. The thing that threw me in this story, was the main character Crystal. I just couldn't get behind her character. The decisions she kept making had me face palming myself so many times.
Crystal has a disagreement with her roommate. Her roommate was sort of feeling like Crystal was mooching off of her and not really pulling her weight financially. So Crystal decided she needs find a new job. She gets lucky with an opportunity for a live in position as a nanny to twin boys and their wealthy, well off parents, Daniel and Rose. But as always, the nanny and the husband develop an attraction for the other. Living with them, Crystal can see the cracks in their marriage. Daniel sneaks in time to spend with her, buys her gifts, implies that he wants out of his marriage with Rose, but due to an ironclad prenup, he can't just file for divorce. He needs solid proof that Rose is also cheating and asks Crystal to help get that proof. Daniels behavior is very red flag though and Crystal can tell something is off. Not to mention that the house keeper who is also present in the home keeps telling Crystal she needs to be careful of Daniel and his intentions. How does she know?? Because she also had a little fling with Daniel as well.
This story is messy domestication and while all that messiness makes for great drama, Crystal's character just... I guess rubbed me the wrong way.
All that being said, if you like messy, domestic drama with betrayal, this is a great read. The story is intriguing enough that you will want to finish it and I did. But maybe if some things had played out differently and I had seen Crystal as a better person, I would have liked it more.
The pacing of the story is pretty on point and leaves flying through the pages. The thing that threw me in this story, was the main character Crystal. I just couldn't get behind her character. The decisions she kept making had me face palming myself so many times.
Crystal has a disagreement with her roommate. Her roommate was sort of feeling like Crystal was mooching off of her and not really pulling her weight financially. So Crystal decided she needs find a new job. She gets lucky with an opportunity for a live in position as a nanny to twin boys and their wealthy, well off parents, Daniel and Rose. But as always, the nanny and the husband develop an attraction for the other. Living with them, Crystal can see the cracks in their marriage. Daniel sneaks in time to spend with her, buys her gifts, implies that he wants out of his marriage with Rose, but due to an ironclad prenup, he can't just file for divorce. He needs solid proof that Rose is also cheating and asks Crystal to help get that proof. Daniels behavior is very red flag though and Crystal can tell something is off. Not to mention that the house keeper who is also present in the home keeps telling Crystal she needs to be careful of Daniel and his intentions. How does she know?? Because she also had a little fling with Daniel as well.
This story is messy domestication and while all that messiness makes for great drama, Crystal's character just... I guess rubbed me the wrong way.
All that being said, if you like messy, domestic drama with betrayal, this is a great read. The story is intriguing enough that you will want to finish it and I did. But maybe if some things had played out differently and I had seen Crystal as a better person, I would have liked it more.
Review of advance copy
Review: He Is Mine by Theo Baxter
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
I went into this one expecting a standard "nanny falls for the boss" domestic thriller, but Theo Baxter clearly had much more sinister plans. If you enjoy stories where every character is at least 20% more sociopathic than they first appear, this is going to be your new obsession.
What I Loved
The atmosphere in that Hollywood Hills mansion is absolutely suffocating. From the moment Crystal enters the Mosswood home, I could feel the "powder keg" Baxter describes in the blurb.
• The Power Dynamics: I found myself screaming at Crystal to run, while simultaneously understanding why she stayed. She’s desperate for the "LA Dream," and Daniel is a master at dangling that carrot.
• The "Perfect" Couple: Daniel and Rose are fascinating. Watching their marriage unspool—and seeing how they both use Crystal as a weapon against the other—made for a genuinely tense read.
• The Pace: The first half builds the dread beautifully, but the second half is a total sprint. I finished the last 30% in one sitting because I had to know who was actually holding the strings.
My Take
I’ll admit, Crystal is a classic "naive protagonist," which can be frustrating at times. There were moments I wanted to shake her and tell her that movie producers don’t just hand out mansions out of the goodness of their hearts! However, that’s exactly the point—she’s out of her depth, and the book does a great job of making you feel that vulnerability.
Final Verdict: A twisty, dark, and highly addictive look at the price of ambition. It’s The Nanny Diaries meets Gone Girl, but with more expensive champagne and much deadlier secrets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
I went into this one expecting a standard "nanny falls for the boss" domestic thriller, but Theo Baxter clearly had much more sinister plans. If you enjoy stories where every character is at least 20% more sociopathic than they first appear, this is going to be your new obsession.
What I Loved
The atmosphere in that Hollywood Hills mansion is absolutely suffocating. From the moment Crystal enters the Mosswood home, I could feel the "powder keg" Baxter describes in the blurb.
• The Power Dynamics: I found myself screaming at Crystal to run, while simultaneously understanding why she stayed. She’s desperate for the "LA Dream," and Daniel is a master at dangling that carrot.
• The "Perfect" Couple: Daniel and Rose are fascinating. Watching their marriage unspool—and seeing how they both use Crystal as a weapon against the other—made for a genuinely tense read.
• The Pace: The first half builds the dread beautifully, but the second half is a total sprint. I finished the last 30% in one sitting because I had to know who was actually holding the strings.
My Take
I’ll admit, Crystal is a classic "naive protagonist," which can be frustrating at times. There were moments I wanted to shake her and tell her that movie producers don’t just hand out mansions out of the goodness of their hearts! However, that’s exactly the point—she’s out of her depth, and the book does a great job of making you feel that vulnerability.
Final Verdict: A twisty, dark, and highly addictive look at the price of ambition. It’s The Nanny Diaries meets Gone Girl, but with more expensive champagne and much deadlier secrets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He Is Mine is a deliciously tense and twisty read—one of those psychological thrillers that pulls you in with glamour and promise before revealing the rot beneath the surface. Theo Baxter crafts a world of Hollywood privilege that feels glossy on the outside and deeply unsettling once you step inside.
Crystal is a fascinating narrator: hopeful, ambitious, and painfully easy to root for, even as she makes choices you want to reach into the page and stop. Her dream of stardom, her loneliness, and her hunger for a better life make her vulnerable in ways that feel heartbreakingly real. When she becomes nanny to Daniel and Rose Mosswood, the cracks in their perfect façade appear quickly—and Baxter leans into that tension with expert timing.
Daniel’s charm is as intoxicating as it is dangerous, and watching Crystal fall under his spell is both compelling and deeply uncomfortable. Rose, meanwhile, is far more complex than she first appears, and the shifting power dynamics between the three of them give the novel its sharpest edge. Everyone is lying. Everyone is performing. And Crystal has no idea she’s wandered into a game she was never equipped to play.
The Hollywood Hills setting adds a wonderful sense of isolation and menace—sunlit pools, sprawling rooms, and a house where every corner seems to hold a secret. As the stakes rise, the story becomes a taut dance of manipulation, ambition, and survival.
Fast‑paced, atmospheric, and packed with tension, He Is Mine is a gripping psychological thriller about the cost of wanting more and the danger of trusting the wrong people. A compulsive read from start to finish.
My thanks to Theo Baxter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Crystal is a fascinating narrator: hopeful, ambitious, and painfully easy to root for, even as she makes choices you want to reach into the page and stop. Her dream of stardom, her loneliness, and her hunger for a better life make her vulnerable in ways that feel heartbreakingly real. When she becomes nanny to Daniel and Rose Mosswood, the cracks in their perfect façade appear quickly—and Baxter leans into that tension with expert timing.
Daniel’s charm is as intoxicating as it is dangerous, and watching Crystal fall under his spell is both compelling and deeply uncomfortable. Rose, meanwhile, is far more complex than she first appears, and the shifting power dynamics between the three of them give the novel its sharpest edge. Everyone is lying. Everyone is performing. And Crystal has no idea she’s wandered into a game she was never equipped to play.
The Hollywood Hills setting adds a wonderful sense of isolation and menace—sunlit pools, sprawling rooms, and a house where every corner seems to hold a secret. As the stakes rise, the story becomes a taut dance of manipulation, ambition, and survival.
Fast‑paced, atmospheric, and packed with tension, He Is Mine is a gripping psychological thriller about the cost of wanting more and the danger of trusting the wrong people. A compulsive read from start to finish.
My thanks to Theo Baxter, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He Is Mine – Theo Baxter
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC via NetGalley)
This was my first book by Theo Baxter, and while it wasn’t a new favorite for me, it was still an engaging psychological thriller.
The story follows Crystal, an aspiring actress who takes a live-in nanny job for a family that appears perfect on the surface. As she settles in, cracks begin to show, secrets start piling up, and boundaries are crossed—especially when the father of the household begins giving her attention that quickly turns inappropriate.
The tension was solid throughout, and I genuinely didn’t know who to trust. I was suspicious of pretty much every character, which made the reading experience entertaining. The pacing started strong, slowed a bit in the middle, and then picked back up toward the end. It’s also a quick read—I finished it in one sitting.
That said, I struggled with the FMC. Crystal’s constant need for validation and her repeated dismissal of her instincts made it hard for me to fully connect with her. I understand that her age and emotional vulnerability play into her choices, but her naivety became frustrating and pulled me out of the story at times.
I also found parts of the nanny dynamic unrealistic, particularly in how the children were portrayed, which stood out to me as a parent. While not a dealbreaker, it did affect my overall immersion.
Overall, this is a decent pick for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers, messy dynamics, and steady tension—especially if you’re newer to the genre. The twists weren’t overly predictable, and the ending wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC via NetGalley)
This was my first book by Theo Baxter, and while it wasn’t a new favorite for me, it was still an engaging psychological thriller.
The story follows Crystal, an aspiring actress who takes a live-in nanny job for a family that appears perfect on the surface. As she settles in, cracks begin to show, secrets start piling up, and boundaries are crossed—especially when the father of the household begins giving her attention that quickly turns inappropriate.
The tension was solid throughout, and I genuinely didn’t know who to trust. I was suspicious of pretty much every character, which made the reading experience entertaining. The pacing started strong, slowed a bit in the middle, and then picked back up toward the end. It’s also a quick read—I finished it in one sitting.
That said, I struggled with the FMC. Crystal’s constant need for validation and her repeated dismissal of her instincts made it hard for me to fully connect with her. I understand that her age and emotional vulnerability play into her choices, but her naivety became frustrating and pulled me out of the story at times.
I also found parts of the nanny dynamic unrealistic, particularly in how the children were portrayed, which stood out to me as a parent. While not a dealbreaker, it did affect my overall immersion.
Overall, this is a decent pick for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers, messy dynamics, and steady tension—especially if you’re newer to the genre. The twists weren’t overly predictable, and the ending wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a digital ARC of this book from Inkubator Books via NetGalley. When I read the premise of the story, I was immediately intrigued and excited to read what was described as a thriller. While there were some moments that pulled me into the fmc’s emotions, I unfortunately didn’t feel the suspense, curiosity, and excitement that I expected. Many of the scenes could have been elaborated and described in more detail. For example, I didn’t feel the attraction between the fmc and Daniel because there was no build-up of their growing interest in one another. The story would jump too drastically without much explanation or descriptive words to immerse you in the moment.
I appreciated the first person point of view and I could tell the fmc was truly struggling with all the dilemmas she was experiencing. However, there did come a point where almost every page had her asking herself a question. It became a little excessive. Also, it would’ve been nice to see the fmc figure some things on her own rather than always go to someone else for their advice (i.e., her best friend and the maid).
Overall, this thriller did not have that “thrill” factor. There weren’t really any shocking moments or suspenseful scenes. I needed more depth, build-up, and character development.
Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest feedback on this ARC.
I received a digital ARC of this book from Inkubator Books via NetGalley. When I read the premise of the story, I was immediately intrigued and excited to read what was described as a thriller. While there were some moments that pulled me into the fmc’s emotions, I unfortunately didn’t feel the suspense, curiosity, and excitement that I expected. Many of the scenes could have been elaborated and described in more detail. For example, I didn’t feel the attraction between the fmc and Daniel because there was no build-up of their growing interest in one another. The story would jump too drastically without much explanation or descriptive words to immerse you in the moment.
I appreciated the first person point of view and I could tell the fmc was truly struggling with all the dilemmas she was experiencing. However, there did come a point where almost every page had her asking herself a question. It became a little excessive. Also, it would’ve been nice to see the fmc figure some things on her own rather than always go to someone else for their advice (i.e., her best friend and the maid).
Overall, this thriller did not have that “thrill” factor. There weren’t really any shocking moments or suspenseful scenes. I needed more depth, build-up, and character development.
Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest feedback on this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC!
as ever, I feel bad giving ARCs one star, especially when they have this few reviews, but... I gotta be honest. and I really did not like this book at all, unfortunately. I think the opening chapters had some promise, some tension building up, and better writing than the rest of the book. unfortunately, it all fell apart after that. things happened at a breakneck pace, but not in a good thriller way, in a way where I was constantly saying, "well, that hasn't been established." when shit started going down, it was all incredibly predictable. the protagonist was just annoyingly dumb, between the trusting everyone and having long conversations about the serious flaws and misdeeds of her employers... right there in her employers' house. also had many moments of "I don't think the law works like that" toward the end.
there was also a certain writing style that popped up kind of a lot. once I saw it I couldn't stop seeing it. hopefully people know what I'm getting at here. but it could just be the author's style, idk.
I was going to give this two stars because the relationship between the protagonist and the two kids she nannied was really sweet and not something you see a lot in thrillers, but in the end, I felt that was brushed away too.
as ever, I feel bad giving ARCs one star, especially when they have this few reviews, but... I gotta be honest. and I really did not like this book at all, unfortunately. I think the opening chapters had some promise, some tension building up, and better writing than the rest of the book. unfortunately, it all fell apart after that. things happened at a breakneck pace, but not in a good thriller way, in a way where I was constantly saying, "well, that hasn't been established." when shit started going down, it was all incredibly predictable. the protagonist was just annoyingly dumb, between the trusting everyone and having long conversations about the serious flaws and misdeeds of her employers... right there in her employers' house. also had many moments of "I don't think the law works like that" toward the end.
there was also a certain writing style that popped up kind of a lot. once I saw it I couldn't stop seeing it. hopefully people know what I'm getting at here. but it could just be the author's style, idk.
I was going to give this two stars because the relationship between the protagonist and the two kids she nannied was really sweet and not something you see a lot in thrillers, but in the end, I felt that was brushed away too.
February 18, 2026
*He Is Mine* follows Crystal, a struggling aspiring actress who takes a live-in nanny job with a family that appears picture-perfect. Behind closed doors, though, the household is filled with secrets. The father, Daniel, begins giving Crystal inappropriate attention, pulling her deeper into the family’s unraveling marriage and a web of manipulation, jealousy, and deception.
The pacing started off strong and really hooked me in the beginning. The middle dragged a bit, but it did pick back up toward the end. I will say, I liked that I was suspicious of pretty much every character at some point — that made the journey entertaining and kept me guessing. That said, while I enjoyed the premise and the overall suspense, I struggled with the FMC. She was so naive throughout the story that it became frustrating. As a woman reading this, it was hard watching her ignore her intuition over and over again. I understand that some of it can be attributed to her age, but she constantly sought validation and attention from others instead of taking accountability for her choices. It made it difficult to root for her fully. Overall, it’s a decent thriller with an intriguing setup and some solid suspense, but the character frustration and a somewhat predictable ending kept it from being a standout for me.
Thank you, Inkubator Books and Netgallery, for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The pacing started off strong and really hooked me in the beginning. The middle dragged a bit, but it did pick back up toward the end. I will say, I liked that I was suspicious of pretty much every character at some point — that made the journey entertaining and kept me guessing. That said, while I enjoyed the premise and the overall suspense, I struggled with the FMC. She was so naive throughout the story that it became frustrating. As a woman reading this, it was hard watching her ignore her intuition over and over again. I understand that some of it can be attributed to her age, but she constantly sought validation and attention from others instead of taking accountability for her choices. It made it difficult to root for her fully. Overall, it’s a decent thriller with an intriguing setup and some solid suspense, but the character frustration and a somewhat predictable ending kept it from being a standout for me.
Thank you, Inkubator Books and Netgallery, for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 1, 2026
My Thoughts: I’ve got to the point with Theo’s books that I don’t even need to know what it’s about, if he’s written it I will read it
He has a way of drawing you in, in a way that you don’t even realise until you are so deep in the story that you just have to know where it goes. I loved this one from start to finish, none of the characters were perfect, even Crystal who was our main female character and the one we are all supposed to get behind was inherently flawed, nothing went her way ever, she has all these big dreams and even as she can see it all falling apart around her she tries to put a positive spin on things until she can’t.
So she can’t catch her break as an actress and needs the money and becomes a live in nanny, just a stop gap, until she can’t imagine her life without the adorable little boys & starts falling in love with their father & finds her self tangled in a web that she just can’t get out of.
It’s fast paced and exciting and leaves you feeling like there are no good guys in this story apart from the 2 little boys who are also caught in the middle.
Every where you turn there are secrets, lies and things being swept under the carpet, the deceit going on in this book almost felt suffocating, constantly trying to work out who knows more than they’re letting on and why are they hiding things.
I found the book so difficult to put down, I picked it up at 9pm with the intention of just reading a couple of chapters and before I knew it it was 1am and I had 60 pages left.
It’s addictive and I was totally hooked!
He has a way of drawing you in, in a way that you don’t even realise until you are so deep in the story that you just have to know where it goes. I loved this one from start to finish, none of the characters were perfect, even Crystal who was our main female character and the one we are all supposed to get behind was inherently flawed, nothing went her way ever, she has all these big dreams and even as she can see it all falling apart around her she tries to put a positive spin on things until she can’t.
So she can’t catch her break as an actress and needs the money and becomes a live in nanny, just a stop gap, until she can’t imagine her life without the adorable little boys & starts falling in love with their father & finds her self tangled in a web that she just can’t get out of.
It’s fast paced and exciting and leaves you feeling like there are no good guys in this story apart from the 2 little boys who are also caught in the middle.
Every where you turn there are secrets, lies and things being swept under the carpet, the deceit going on in this book almost felt suffocating, constantly trying to work out who knows more than they’re letting on and why are they hiding things.
I found the book so difficult to put down, I picked it up at 9pm with the intention of just reading a couple of chapters and before I knew it it was 1am and I had 60 pages left.
It’s addictive and I was totally hooked!
March 1, 2026
I was really excited to read He Is Mine based on the description, but unfortunately this one just didn’t click for me.
The beginning spends a lot of time setting up why the main character is in the position she’s in, and while I get why that was necessary, it felt way too drawn out. It made it hard for me to stay interested, and it honestly took me a long time to get through the book because I kept losing motivation to pick it back up.
Once the main plot kicked in, there were parts that were intriguing, but the middle started to feel very repetitive. The same situations kept happening with very little change, and after a while it became frustrating instead of suspenseful. Because of that, I also started to get really annoyed with the main character and the choices she kept making.
The ending was probably the biggest letdown for me. After such a slow and repetitive build, everything wrapped up very quickly, and the final twist didn’t feel fully explained or earned. I could see what the author was trying to do, but it just didn’t land for me.
Overall, this one wasn’t for me. I think the story had potential, but the pacing and execution kept me from fully enjoying it.
The beginning spends a lot of time setting up why the main character is in the position she’s in, and while I get why that was necessary, it felt way too drawn out. It made it hard for me to stay interested, and it honestly took me a long time to get through the book because I kept losing motivation to pick it back up.
Once the main plot kicked in, there were parts that were intriguing, but the middle started to feel very repetitive. The same situations kept happening with very little change, and after a while it became frustrating instead of suspenseful. Because of that, I also started to get really annoyed with the main character and the choices she kept making.
The ending was probably the biggest letdown for me. After such a slow and repetitive build, everything wrapped up very quickly, and the final twist didn’t feel fully explained or earned. I could see what the author was trying to do, but it just didn’t land for me.
Overall, this one wasn’t for me. I think the story had potential, but the pacing and execution kept me from fully enjoying it.
March 7, 2026
As ever, this authors writing promised so much and as ever, it certainly did.
When Crystal, an aspiring actress, after a huge fallout with her roommate, seems to land on her feet getting a job as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife Rose, she really should have known better. Appearances can be deceiving as her employers from the outside are the perfect couple, but at home the atmosphere is toxic. Although I did feel sorry in a way for Crystal, often I found myself thinking really? You’re believing everything he says? The tension slowly ramped up the further I progressed with the book and with the air of arguments, lies and way these affected Daniel and Rose’s small sons made it an almost claustrophobic home. There were also red herrings which led me to suspect one of the characters and their motives for acting the way they do. I raced through this book and was by the time I’d finished it, was completely stunned by the climax.
Again, with He Is Mine, Theo has created a believable world where normal people are thrown into abnormal circumstances, having to find the strength and determination to survive.
When Crystal, an aspiring actress, after a huge fallout with her roommate, seems to land on her feet getting a job as a nanny for film producer Daniel Mosswood and his wife Rose, she really should have known better. Appearances can be deceiving as her employers from the outside are the perfect couple, but at home the atmosphere is toxic. Although I did feel sorry in a way for Crystal, often I found myself thinking really? You’re believing everything he says? The tension slowly ramped up the further I progressed with the book and with the air of arguments, lies and way these affected Daniel and Rose’s small sons made it an almost claustrophobic home. There were also red herrings which led me to suspect one of the characters and their motives for acting the way they do. I raced through this book and was by the time I’d finished it, was completely stunned by the climax.
Again, with He Is Mine, Theo has created a believable world where normal people are thrown into abnormal circumstances, having to find the strength and determination to survive.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley, this is an honest review.
Thank you goes out to Inkubator Books four posting this book to read.
He As Mine is an absolute wild ride that author Theo Baxter weaves for Crystal Tannenbaum discovers taking a job as a nanny to a well off couple would spiral into something so much more dangerous.
Taking the job was a point of desperation as the desire to be an actress isn't panning our; and Crystal's back ground with children made the job easy to take on and Rose and Daniel seemed liked good people with young twin boys that Crystal could adore.
The more time spent with the family, the perfection seen on the surface hides a lot of trouble, Crystal finds herself getting embroiled into dark personal trauma that makes Crystal wonder how much more deeper she can dig herself into a position that could cost her everything that's being dangled in front of her... if Crystal is willing to do what's required to achieve it. And is she willing to accept the fiery consequences that come out from that.
Highly recommended.
Thank you goes out to Inkubator Books four posting this book to read.
He As Mine is an absolute wild ride that author Theo Baxter weaves for Crystal Tannenbaum discovers taking a job as a nanny to a well off couple would spiral into something so much more dangerous.
Taking the job was a point of desperation as the desire to be an actress isn't panning our; and Crystal's back ground with children made the job easy to take on and Rose and Daniel seemed liked good people with young twin boys that Crystal could adore.
The more time spent with the family, the perfection seen on the surface hides a lot of trouble, Crystal finds herself getting embroiled into dark personal trauma that makes Crystal wonder how much more deeper she can dig herself into a position that could cost her everything that's being dangled in front of her... if Crystal is willing to do what's required to achieve it. And is she willing to accept the fiery consequences that come out from that.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Theo Baxter and Inkubator Books for this free advanced copy all opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first Theo Baxter read and the premise caught my eye.
Immediately it was giving Housemaid vibes and maybe for me that was why it felt familiar and quite predictable.
The main character Crystal comes across as very naive and lurches from one poor decision to the next. She had me frustrated as she just seemed to be determined to walk into oncoming danger.
This book could have benefited from being a little longer in order to develop the other characters. As we only had Crystal's point of view, it was hard to form an unbiased opinion or even gain any rapport with them. I also feel a few characters were fairly redundant, like her best friend, who felt like a character of convenience.
I saw the twist coming from quite early on so I was not shocked. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I have heard such good things about this author though, so will be trying some of his other work in the future.
This is my first Theo Baxter read and the premise caught my eye.
Immediately it was giving Housemaid vibes and maybe for me that was why it felt familiar and quite predictable.
The main character Crystal comes across as very naive and lurches from one poor decision to the next. She had me frustrated as she just seemed to be determined to walk into oncoming danger.
This book could have benefited from being a little longer in order to develop the other characters. As we only had Crystal's point of view, it was hard to form an unbiased opinion or even gain any rapport with them. I also feel a few characters were fairly redundant, like her best friend, who felt like a character of convenience.
I saw the twist coming from quite early on so I was not shocked. Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I have heard such good things about this author though, so will be trying some of his other work in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
He Is Mine by Theo Baxter is... oh my, oh my, oh my!
I don't even know where to start.
If you know me as a reviewer, you know I’m usually very generous with stars and almost never give a 1-star rating out of respect for an author's effort, but I simply could not stomach this.
If this were a debut from an indie author, I might give 3 stars as a "good start" with feedback, but this is an established author I’ve given 4- and 5-stars to in the past—so this feels like a slap in the face.
I think I developed extra muscles from rolling my eyes and a deep-breathing habit just to get through it. There are stupid characters, and then there is Crystal Tannenbaum, the dumbest character I have ever met; she didn't have a single brain cell!
Honestly, for the first time ever, it felt like an author put some clichés into an AI tool and asked it to write a thriller. It was bad—really, really bad.
This might work if you're brand-new to the genre, but if you’re an experienced thriller reader, save your time. I never say this, but this book is not worth it. It is one sad star from me.
I don't even know where to start.
If you know me as a reviewer, you know I’m usually very generous with stars and almost never give a 1-star rating out of respect for an author's effort, but I simply could not stomach this.
If this were a debut from an indie author, I might give 3 stars as a "good start" with feedback, but this is an established author I’ve given 4- and 5-stars to in the past—so this feels like a slap in the face.
I think I developed extra muscles from rolling my eyes and a deep-breathing habit just to get through it. There are stupid characters, and then there is Crystal Tannenbaum, the dumbest character I have ever met; she didn't have a single brain cell!
Honestly, for the first time ever, it felt like an author put some clichés into an AI tool and asked it to write a thriller. It was bad—really, really bad.
This might work if you're brand-new to the genre, but if you’re an experienced thriller reader, save your time. I never say this, but this book is not worth it. It is one sad star from me.
February 28, 2026
At first, I really found the book similar to 'Housemaid', just another girl trying to find a job to stay afloat and somehow landing herself with the “perfect” family as their nanny. The difference here is that there’s another character who “allies” with her during her time there. The rest of them are kind of unhinged, not gonna lie. Another husband having an affair with her, and the wife turns out to be cheating on him too.
If I’m being completely honest, the whole story is VERY messy. I thought that with the ally she had, she could truly open her eyes and not get blinded by love, but of course, I was wrong. It’s proven that the FMC here is also pretty dumb in this sort of situation.
I do like the twist with how the story ended up with a trial and murder charges, but in the end, since the book is quite short, it felt very rushed.
But I devoured this in just about two hours max, very easy to read, which is a good thing. I do wish it could have been a bit longer at the end instead of having repetitive moments in the middle.
If I’m being completely honest, the whole story is VERY messy. I thought that with the ally she had, she could truly open her eyes and not get blinded by love, but of course, I was wrong. It’s proven that the FMC here is also pretty dumb in this sort of situation.
I do like the twist with how the story ended up with a trial and murder charges, but in the end, since the book is quite short, it felt very rushed.
But I devoured this in just about two hours max, very easy to read, which is a good thing. I do wish it could have been a bit longer at the end instead of having repetitive moments in the middle.
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