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His Voice
His voice makes her a better writer. It also makes her his prisoner.
Emily Chen’s career is stalling. Desperately seeking inspiration for a darker manuscript, she meets Dr. Alex McDonald. His honey-rough Scottish lilt doesn't just unlock her creativity—it becomes the only sound she wants to hear.
But as Emily’s apartment becomes a shrine to a man she’s never met, she misses the cracks in the symphony. She ignores her family's pleas. She doesn't see the warnings being sent from the shadows.
Because Alex McDonald isn't a muse. He’s a masterpiece of deception.
When Emily is lured to Edinburgh for a career-making meeting, she thinks she's heading toward her future. She doesn't realize she's following the same path as the women before her—women who are desperate to tell her that some voices should never be listened to.
"Until my voice finds you in the dark."
For readers of YOU and MY LOVELY WIFE—a searing exploration of obsession, artistic ambition, and the terrifying intimacy of being truly understood by someone who knows exactly how to destroy you.
Emily Chen’s career is stalling. Desperately seeking inspiration for a darker manuscript, she meets Dr. Alex McDonald. His honey-rough Scottish lilt doesn't just unlock her creativity—it becomes the only sound she wants to hear.
But as Emily’s apartment becomes a shrine to a man she’s never met, she misses the cracks in the symphony. She ignores her family's pleas. She doesn't see the warnings being sent from the shadows.
Because Alex McDonald isn't a muse. He’s a masterpiece of deception.
When Emily is lured to Edinburgh for a career-making meeting, she thinks she's heading toward her future. She doesn't realize she's following the same path as the women before her—women who are desperate to tell her that some voices should never be listened to.
"Until my voice finds you in the dark."
For readers of YOU and MY LOVELY WIFE—a searing exploration of obsession, artistic ambition, and the terrifying intimacy of being truly understood by someone who knows exactly how to destroy you.
- GenresPsychological Thriller
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2026
About the author
Sophie Penhaligon
10 books59 followersSophie Penhaligon is a Canadian author based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Originally from England, she has called Canada home for over twenty years.
Sophie began her publishing career writing contemporary romance, including her most successful title, Weekend Arrangement. After eight romance novels, she shifted her focus to darker, more psychologically complex fiction.
Her psychological suspense debut, His Voice, explores obsession, manipulation, and the dangerous intimacy of being truly understood by someone who knows exactly how to use that understanding as a weapon. The novel examines how predators exploit creative vulnerability and what happens when the voice that unlocks your artistic potential becomes impossible to escape.
Sophie holds a master's degree in education and works full-time while writing.
Visit Sophie's website at https://sophiepenhaligon.com to sign up for her mailing list and stay updated on new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 26, 2026
I absolutely loved His Voice by Sophie Penhaligon. It’s a psychological thriller with dark romance and a lot of suspense, and it really gets under your skin. It’s definitely one I shall remember.
It follows Emily, who’s a romance journalist living at home with her two cats, trying to push her writing into something darker. She ends up working with a psychiatrist who helps her for free while she writes her book, but it turns out he isn’t who he says he is. Alex, or “Dr Alexandra McDonald,” doesn’t actually exist, and what starts off feeling helpful slowly turns into something really disturbing.
The way he gets into her head is what stood out most to me. It’s not dramatic or obvious at first — it’s very gradual. His voice becomes something she relies on, like a comfort, and before she even realises it she’s waiting for his calls and putting him above everything else. She starts drifting away from her normal life, even ignoring important things like her mum being in hospital, which honestly made me feel quite frustrated and sad for her at the same time.
What’s so creepy is that he’s completely fake. No real records, no real identity, just someone creating this whole version of a person to manipulate her. And Emily doesn’t see it happening until she’s already deep in it.
There’s also this moment where she goes to meet a supposed publisher called Matthew, and of course it’s all connected back to him, which just makes everything feel even more trapped and controlled.
I also found Alex’s background really interesting, even though it doesn’t excuse anything. The fact he was groomed as a child by his own mother and raised in complete control explains why he is the way he is, but it still doesn’t make what he does any less unsettling.
Emily felt very real to me — like someone who just slowly gets pulled away from her own life without noticing it straight away. That’s what made it quite hard to read at times, because you can see it happening before she does.
The writing itself is really gripping and atmospheric. It builds tension slowly rather than relying on big shocks, and it’s more about that uncomfortable feeling of not being sure who to trust. I found it really addictive, but also quite unsettling, especially because it feels like something that could actually happen in a way.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and author Sophie Penhaligon for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: July 1st 2026
It follows Emily, who’s a romance journalist living at home with her two cats, trying to push her writing into something darker. She ends up working with a psychiatrist who helps her for free while she writes her book, but it turns out he isn’t who he says he is. Alex, or “Dr Alexandra McDonald,” doesn’t actually exist, and what starts off feeling helpful slowly turns into something really disturbing.
The way he gets into her head is what stood out most to me. It’s not dramatic or obvious at first — it’s very gradual. His voice becomes something she relies on, like a comfort, and before she even realises it she’s waiting for his calls and putting him above everything else. She starts drifting away from her normal life, even ignoring important things like her mum being in hospital, which honestly made me feel quite frustrated and sad for her at the same time.
What’s so creepy is that he’s completely fake. No real records, no real identity, just someone creating this whole version of a person to manipulate her. And Emily doesn’t see it happening until she’s already deep in it.
There’s also this moment where she goes to meet a supposed publisher called Matthew, and of course it’s all connected back to him, which just makes everything feel even more trapped and controlled.
I also found Alex’s background really interesting, even though it doesn’t excuse anything. The fact he was groomed as a child by his own mother and raised in complete control explains why he is the way he is, but it still doesn’t make what he does any less unsettling.
Emily felt very real to me — like someone who just slowly gets pulled away from her own life without noticing it straight away. That’s what made it quite hard to read at times, because you can see it happening before she does.
The writing itself is really gripping and atmospheric. It builds tension slowly rather than relying on big shocks, and it’s more about that uncomfortable feeling of not being sure who to trust. I found it really addictive, but also quite unsettling, especially because it feels like something that could actually happen in a way.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and author Sophie Penhaligon for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: July 1st 2026
July 1, 2026
Thank you Sophie Penhaligon and BookSirens for the advanced copy of this novel.
The story started off a little slow but when it picked up I was hooked and the ending was great!
It was an interesting narrative technique to put a story within a story. I enjoyed the development of the darker characters. Initially, the main female character, Emily's naivety made me want to pull my hair out but I think it was important to her character development.
Great read.
The story started off a little slow but when it picked up I was hooked and the ending was great!
It was an interesting narrative technique to put a story within a story. I enjoyed the development of the darker characters. Initially, the main female character, Emily's naivety made me want to pull my hair out but I think it was important to her character development.
Great read.
July 14, 2026
4.5
#ad much love for my finished copy
🅷🅸🆂 🆅🅾🅸🅲🅴
< @
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ ɪɴ ᴘᴀᴘᴇʀʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴."
Emily is a romance author desperate to break out of her usual romance books - but her agent is hard-set against it. Stick to what the readers want. I also love how this is true in life. The amount of thriller authors who have told me they were shot down when wanting to write something psychological is insane to me. Give us all the dark and dangerous things - we love it. Trust.
When her research for her book brings a @DrMindHunter into her orbit she doesn’t realize that soon she won’t need to research psychological aspects of the mind, because she’s about to learn the hard way. Possibly… I can’t give out all the secrets now.
I loved this book so much. The darker edges are what made this book for me. The writing was magnetic and once I began reading it I didn’t want to stop. I enjoyed the dual perspective changes - every other chapter alternates between Emily and Alex.
𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖:
Cats - Plot & Twist 👏🏼🥰 best names!
Still calling Twitter Twitter 👏🏼 - I’ll never call it X (that’s just ridiculous lol) I also feel we are stuck in our ways as we age anyways, so it’ll always be Twitter.
I loved how the mystery didn’t revolve around Alex - we already know his angle as the narrator tells us. This leaves the story playing out in a whole other way than you’d originally think. Loved that! Also enjoyed how the author used technology to help guide the deception deeper.
The book covers real topics and comes with an important message: you can be the smartest person in the world and it still won’t save you when someone is determined to play mind games with you. This is such an important message that gets lost in the details a lot. It doesn’t just happen to “stupid people,” but happens to even the smartest.
#ad much love for my finished copy
🅷🅸🆂 🆅🅾🅸🅲🅴
< @
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ ɪɴ ᴘᴀᴘᴇʀʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏ
"𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴."
Emily is a romance author desperate to break out of her usual romance books - but her agent is hard-set against it. Stick to what the readers want. I also love how this is true in life. The amount of thriller authors who have told me they were shot down when wanting to write something psychological is insane to me. Give us all the dark and dangerous things - we love it. Trust.
When her research for her book brings a @DrMindHunter into her orbit she doesn’t realize that soon she won’t need to research psychological aspects of the mind, because she’s about to learn the hard way. Possibly… I can’t give out all the secrets now.
I loved this book so much. The darker edges are what made this book for me. The writing was magnetic and once I began reading it I didn’t want to stop. I enjoyed the dual perspective changes - every other chapter alternates between Emily and Alex.
𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖:
Cats - Plot & Twist 👏🏼🥰 best names!
Still calling Twitter Twitter 👏🏼 - I’ll never call it X (that’s just ridiculous lol) I also feel we are stuck in our ways as we age anyways, so it’ll always be Twitter.
I loved how the mystery didn’t revolve around Alex - we already know his angle as the narrator tells us. This leaves the story playing out in a whole other way than you’d originally think. Loved that! Also enjoyed how the author used technology to help guide the deception deeper.
The book covers real topics and comes with an important message: you can be the smartest person in the world and it still won’t save you when someone is determined to play mind games with you. This is such an important message that gets lost in the details a lot. It doesn’t just happen to “stupid people,” but happens to even the smartest.
July 17, 2026
Beware
His Voice by Sophie Penhaligan was the hardest 10.5 hours I have ever listened to. It absolutely put me through the ringer. I almost quit before the halfway mark, and I nearly gave up again about three-quarters of the way through. It is not a bad book by any means, but it is the kind of dark, heavy story you have to step away from a few times just to catch your breath.
The psychological manipulation in this book is incredibly dark, and it sucks you in before you even realize what is happening. That is exactly what happens to the protagonist, Emily. It all starts with a voice on her laptop that is as smooth as honey—until he begins to manipulate and control her. While it sounds unbelievable on paper, the execution is terrifyingly realistic.
The story is told entirely through just two perspectives, a narrative choice I really enjoyed that kept the focus tight and intense. Sophie Penhaligan's writing is excellent, and narrator Colin Marshall did a fantastic job of being genuinely creepy. My only critique is with the narration itself: it was occasionally difficult to differentiate between the character voices.
Ultimately, I persevered and listened to the whole thing. If you are looking for a gripping, psychological thriller that will push you to your limits, this is it. Just prepare yourself for a dark ride.
His Voice by Sophie Penhaligan was the hardest 10.5 hours I have ever listened to. It absolutely put me through the ringer. I almost quit before the halfway mark, and I nearly gave up again about three-quarters of the way through. It is not a bad book by any means, but it is the kind of dark, heavy story you have to step away from a few times just to catch your breath.
The psychological manipulation in this book is incredibly dark, and it sucks you in before you even realize what is happening. That is exactly what happens to the protagonist, Emily. It all starts with a voice on her laptop that is as smooth as honey—until he begins to manipulate and control her. While it sounds unbelievable on paper, the execution is terrifyingly realistic.
The story is told entirely through just two perspectives, a narrative choice I really enjoyed that kept the focus tight and intense. Sophie Penhaligan's writing is excellent, and narrator Colin Marshall did a fantastic job of being genuinely creepy. My only critique is with the narration itself: it was occasionally difficult to differentiate between the character voices.
Ultimately, I persevered and listened to the whole thing. If you are looking for a gripping, psychological thriller that will push you to your limits, this is it. Just prepare yourself for a dark ride.
July 25, 2026
Manipulation and generational trauma with a twist!
Wow!!!! While this book is labeled as a psychological thriller, it definitely has thriller elements, but the main focus truly centers around the themes of gaslighting, manipulation, and catfishing on the internet.
This story is told from two different perspectives: Emily, the young woman being manipulated, and Matthew, the man whose hobby is taking advantage of women online. I think this book does an incredible job of highlighting how easy it is in the age of social media for something like this to happen to anyone, even those who believe it could never happen to them.
“I’m ready to tell the whole truth. Every complicated piece of it.”
Wow!!!! While this book is labeled as a psychological thriller, it definitely has thriller elements, but the main focus truly centers around the themes of gaslighting, manipulation, and catfishing on the internet.
This story is told from two different perspectives: Emily, the young woman being manipulated, and Matthew, the man whose hobby is taking advantage of women online. I think this book does an incredible job of highlighting how easy it is in the age of social media for something like this to happen to anyone, even those who believe it could never happen to them.
“I’m ready to tell the whole truth. Every complicated piece of it.”
July 21, 2026
Initially i thought that i was was worried about the female voice but about hal fway through the book it got so much better.
The story itself i felt was dark and it worked well. It kept me interested to find out why and how and that is always a sign of a good book, despite my frustrations in the beginning, given that the narration itself was good.
It was believable that it could happen, i know this is fiction but i could really believe that this would occur given the skills that are around
The story itself i felt was dark and it worked well. It kept me interested to find out why and how and that is always a sign of a good book, despite my frustrations in the beginning, given that the narration itself was good.
It was believable that it could happen, i know this is fiction but i could really believe that this would occur given the skills that are around
July 4, 2026
As a psychology fanatic, this story has such an interesting concept, I couldn't stop reading. The relationship between the author and mentor are described so perfectly. The escalation in obsession, the effects on the person. Beautiful little twists here and there. I ended up highlighting and saving quite a few more lines than I usually do for books as I could relate so well to what was written.
The only thing that didn't make it a 5 star for me is that it can get a little repetitive. That being said, I still will be talking about and recommending this book. It definitely will stay in my head for quite some time.
The only thing that didn't make it a 5 star for me is that it can get a little repetitive. That being said, I still will be talking about and recommending this book. It definitely will stay in my head for quite some time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up:
His voice makes her a better writer. It also makes her his prisoner.
Vancouver’s Emily Chen’s writing career is stalling. Her romance books aren’t doing well and she is seeking inspiration to move towards a darker manuscript. She asks for advice on Twitter from other writers who have moved across genres and she meets an online therapist, Dr Alex McDonald from Edinburgh, who offers her therapeutic guidance. His Scottish lilt doesn’t just unlock her creativity - it becomes the only sound she wants to hear.
But as Emily’s interest becomes an obsession, her life becomes a shrine to a mysterious man she has never met - or seen! She cannot see the flaws or red flags waving in front of her. She alters her life for him; wearing two watches to ensure she knows the exact time in Scotland, sleeping through the day to be available at night when he would be awake to speak. She ignores her family’s pleas, her agents concerns and also the little voice at the back of her head that send her warnings. What Emily sees as inspiration, is actually deceit. Because Dr Alex McDonald isn’t the muse she believes he is … he is a master manipulator. But while Alex becomes Emily’s whole world, she remains merely a subject to him, using techniques to gradually erode at her independence.
When Emily is lured to Edinburgh for a career-making meeting with an unrecognised literary agent, she thinks she is heading towards the next step in her future. She doesn’t realise she is following the same path as many women before her, many of whom are desperate to tell her that some voices should not be listened to! Her creativity has increased, but at what cost?
But as Alex meets his match in former ‘patient’ Jessica, he sees his manipulative games begins to implode and his risk of exposure has never been so high. The hunter has become the hunted. How far will he go to protect himself and the experiments he has been carrying out for years? Is Emily safe or has she made a grave mistake in trusting Alex?
A dark, gritty book about obsession, addiction and ambition, this story delves into lots of important themes, making it very layered. Emotional abuse, including manipulation and gaslighting, is at the forefront, with technology being a theme too. The book shows its use to harm others, in particular online linguistics analysis and digital monitoring showing that something that was created to make life easier - the computer - has been adapted to groom and cause distress. Trauma is another element that is discussed within the book and how this can ‘bind’ people.
SP uses incredible psychological techniques throughout the book and has clearly investigated and researched this subject thoroughly. Details such as carefully curated and strategic settings and accessories show the depth of Alex’s deception, but as a reader, makes the scenario feel very real and you can see why individuals fall pray to this type of fraud and abuse.
Unfortunately, there are some elements of this story are so unbelievable, such as his ‘men-in-black’ style security team and private nurses which spoiled it a little for me. We know he has money … but not this much. Also, the true aim of Matthew’s work is confusing. I understand he thrives on control but I’m unsure what he does with his results and ‘research’ so would have preferred clear reasoning, say financial, for this behaviour.
This is such an unnerving story in which Emily has become completely consumed by the idea of Alex. The premise was so interesting, the complex characters were so interesting and with such thought-provoking elements, it is the type of book that will leave you thinking after you finish the last page.
Thank you to NetGallery, Victory Editing and Sophie Penhaligon for the ARC of this book.
His voice makes her a better writer. It also makes her his prisoner.
Vancouver’s Emily Chen’s writing career is stalling. Her romance books aren’t doing well and she is seeking inspiration to move towards a darker manuscript. She asks for advice on Twitter from other writers who have moved across genres and she meets an online therapist, Dr Alex McDonald from Edinburgh, who offers her therapeutic guidance. His Scottish lilt doesn’t just unlock her creativity - it becomes the only sound she wants to hear.
But as Emily’s interest becomes an obsession, her life becomes a shrine to a mysterious man she has never met - or seen! She cannot see the flaws or red flags waving in front of her. She alters her life for him; wearing two watches to ensure she knows the exact time in Scotland, sleeping through the day to be available at night when he would be awake to speak. She ignores her family’s pleas, her agents concerns and also the little voice at the back of her head that send her warnings. What Emily sees as inspiration, is actually deceit. Because Dr Alex McDonald isn’t the muse she believes he is … he is a master manipulator. But while Alex becomes Emily’s whole world, she remains merely a subject to him, using techniques to gradually erode at her independence.
When Emily is lured to Edinburgh for a career-making meeting with an unrecognised literary agent, she thinks she is heading towards the next step in her future. She doesn’t realise she is following the same path as many women before her, many of whom are desperate to tell her that some voices should not be listened to! Her creativity has increased, but at what cost?
But as Alex meets his match in former ‘patient’ Jessica, he sees his manipulative games begins to implode and his risk of exposure has never been so high. The hunter has become the hunted. How far will he go to protect himself and the experiments he has been carrying out for years? Is Emily safe or has she made a grave mistake in trusting Alex?
A dark, gritty book about obsession, addiction and ambition, this story delves into lots of important themes, making it very layered. Emotional abuse, including manipulation and gaslighting, is at the forefront, with technology being a theme too. The book shows its use to harm others, in particular online linguistics analysis and digital monitoring showing that something that was created to make life easier - the computer - has been adapted to groom and cause distress. Trauma is another element that is discussed within the book and how this can ‘bind’ people.
SP uses incredible psychological techniques throughout the book and has clearly investigated and researched this subject thoroughly. Details such as carefully curated and strategic settings and accessories show the depth of Alex’s deception, but as a reader, makes the scenario feel very real and you can see why individuals fall pray to this type of fraud and abuse.
Unfortunately, there are some elements of this story are so unbelievable, such as his ‘men-in-black’ style security team and private nurses which spoiled it a little for me. We know he has money … but not this much. Also, the true aim of Matthew’s work is confusing. I understand he thrives on control but I’m unsure what he does with his results and ‘research’ so would have preferred clear reasoning, say financial, for this behaviour.
This is such an unnerving story in which Emily has become completely consumed by the idea of Alex. The premise was so interesting, the complex characters were so interesting and with such thought-provoking elements, it is the type of book that will leave you thinking after you finish the last page.
Thank you to NetGallery, Victory Editing and Sophie Penhaligon for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
His Voice is a genuinely unique entry in the psychological fiction genre — more thoughtful and layered than many of its contemporaries, with a plot that rewards patient reading.
The story follows a writer who becomes dangerously addicted to the voice of a man posing as a therapist, ostensibly helping her research psychological trauma for her book. What begins as an intriguing premise deepens considerably as the narrative unfolds, revealing that this man harbours a far darker agenda. The plot twist at the end is gripping and well-earned, landing with real impact.
What sets this book apart is its literary sensibility. It doesn’t lean solely on tension and pace the way much psychological fiction does — instead, it takes its time to explore ideas with depth and care. Readers who appreciate psychological fiction with a strong, distinctive narrative voice will find a lot to love here.
A compelling and absorbing read that lingers well after the final page.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title in exchange for an advance copy.
The story follows a writer who becomes dangerously addicted to the voice of a man posing as a therapist, ostensibly helping her research psychological trauma for her book. What begins as an intriguing premise deepens considerably as the narrative unfolds, revealing that this man harbours a far darker agenda. The plot twist at the end is gripping and well-earned, landing with real impact.
What sets this book apart is its literary sensibility. It doesn’t lean solely on tension and pace the way much psychological fiction does — instead, it takes its time to explore ideas with depth and care. Readers who appreciate psychological fiction with a strong, distinctive narrative voice will find a lot to love here.
A compelling and absorbing read that lingers well after the final page.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title in exchange for an advance copy.
July 18, 2026
*** I got this book as a free arc from soonabook.com ***
Oh wow. Where do I start? This book stayed with me long after I finished it. I picked it up expecting a psychological thriller, but I ended up reflecting on manipulation, emotional abuse, and how fragile our sense of identity can be.
The story is about Emily Chen. Her journey was heartbreaking because her downfall never felt unrealistic. Matthew Patterson doesn't rely on intimidation or violence. Instead, he slowly earns trust, isolates her, and reshapes the way she sees herself. That gradual unraveling felt disturbingly believable. I especially appreciated Jessica Mitchell's role in the story. Watching someone finally recognize the manipulation and fight back gave the novel a satisfying sense of hope without diminishing everything that came before. For me, this isn't just an entertaining thriller but a story that encourages readers to think critically about unhealthy relationships and emotional control.
A fantastic read!!
Oh wow. Where do I start? This book stayed with me long after I finished it. I picked it up expecting a psychological thriller, but I ended up reflecting on manipulation, emotional abuse, and how fragile our sense of identity can be.
The story is about Emily Chen. Her journey was heartbreaking because her downfall never felt unrealistic. Matthew Patterson doesn't rely on intimidation or violence. Instead, he slowly earns trust, isolates her, and reshapes the way she sees herself. That gradual unraveling felt disturbingly believable. I especially appreciated Jessica Mitchell's role in the story. Watching someone finally recognize the manipulation and fight back gave the novel a satisfying sense of hope without diminishing everything that came before. For me, this isn't just an entertaining thriller but a story that encourages readers to think critically about unhealthy relationships and emotional control.
A fantastic read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have a specific liking for sick mental people and their psychological games and this book gave me exactly that.
A struggling romance author who wants to write something darker connects online with a mysterious therapist who offers to help with her research. His voice and attention slowly pull her into a relationship that feels inspiring and dangerous.
His Voice was tense, addictive, and unsettling. I loved how it blurred the line between creativity, obsession, and manipulation. I kept reading a bit every day wanting to know how far things would go. The ending left me thinking about the story long after I finished. Liked this one! Solid 4 star read.
A struggling romance author who wants to write something darker connects online with a mysterious therapist who offers to help with her research. His voice and attention slowly pull her into a relationship that feels inspiring and dangerous.
His Voice was tense, addictive, and unsettling. I loved how it blurred the line between creativity, obsession, and manipulation. I kept reading a bit every day wanting to know how far things would go. The ending left me thinking about the story long after I finished. Liked this one! Solid 4 star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this book in 2 days over the weekend, and to be honest, I found it hard to put it down. It's a bit of a strange book from a genre perspective. I wouldn't say it's a thriller, but there is plenty of suspense. You can see the trap the protagonist is falling into, but you can also see why she can't stop herself. It's a very different read, a tad disturbing and gets under your skin a little, but it's very well done.
July 7, 2026
✨ARC Review - NetGalley ✨
This one was simply okay for me. I had a hard time liking Emily because many of her decisions were so frustrating, especially considering the impact they had on her family. Matthew was a HORRIBLE individual, and I just wanted to fight him at the end. Sarah ended up being my favorite person in this book, her and Gia honestly because they were the only two with any sense 😂😭. Because WHY would Emily go visit him in prison, why go back ?!
This one was simply okay for me. I had a hard time liking Emily because many of her decisions were so frustrating, especially considering the impact they had on her family. Matthew was a HORRIBLE individual, and I just wanted to fight him at the end. Sarah ended up being my favorite person in this book, her and Gia honestly because they were the only two with any sense 😂😭. Because WHY would Emily go visit him in prison, why go back ?!
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