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Strictly Between Us
Tamsin and Michelle have been inseparable since childhood. Even now they spend all their time together, along with Patrick, Michelle's handsome husband.
Except Tamsin's brilliant assistant Bea (without whom Tamsin's life would fall apart) has heard a nasty rumour that Patrick is playing away. Determined to uncover the truth, Tamsin devises a honey-trap to test his resolve, using Bea as bait. But she never counted on Bea having her own agenda . . .
Struggling to untangle the web of deceit, Patrick seems to be constantly one step ahead. Can Tamsin reveal the truth to Michelle without ruining everyone's life along the way?
Except Tamsin's brilliant assistant Bea (without whom Tamsin's life would fall apart) has heard a nasty rumour that Patrick is playing away. Determined to uncover the truth, Tamsin devises a honey-trap to test his resolve, using Bea as bait. But she never counted on Bea having her own agenda . . .
Struggling to untangle the web of deceit, Patrick seems to be constantly one step ahead. Can Tamsin reveal the truth to Michelle without ruining everyone's life along the way?
448 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2016
287 people are currently reading
2822 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fallon
23 books1,500 followersJane Fallon is an English producer and novelist, most famous for her work on popular series Teachers, 20 Things To Do Before You're 30, Eastenders and This Life. She is author of ten novels on the Sunday Times Bestseller List — Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back, Foursome, The Ugly Sister, Skeletons, Strictly Between Us, My Sweet Revenge, Faking Friends, Tell Me A Secret, and Queen Bee. In 2011, Foursome was nominated for the Melissa Nathan Award for Romantic Comedy Fiction, and in 2018, Faking Friends was nominated in the popular fiction category of the National Book Awards and in 2019 was long listed for the Comedy Women In Print prize.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
Fallon has been in a relationship with popular comedian Ricky Gervais since 1982, after they met while studying together at the University College London. The couple has lived together since 1984 and are based in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
March 16, 2022
Tamsin and Michelle have been best friends since childhood, and now Michelle is married to the hunky Patrick. No one is more surprised than Tomsin when she hears rumors that Patrick is not faithful to her friend. She decides to discover if the rumors are true before she confronts Michelle with the truth.
I was expecting Jane Fallon’s humor and charm that I found in My Sweet Revenge, but no. In MSW a wife gets sweet revenge on a cheating husband, and there were many laugh out loud moments, but here the wife is clueless and the best friend Tomsin oversteps her bounds in a big way. Then continually lies to her best friend. I won’t go into details of what Tamsin does but will simply say that with friends like these who needs enemies.
Everyone here has questionable morals, and no one is likable. I set it aside halfway through and then thought perhaps I didn’t give it a fair chance and Tomsin would get what she deserved so I picked it up again. But no. She supposedly gets a pass because she "sacrifices" something she wants for her friend. Just NO! No to cheating spouses and duplicitous best friends.
The flashes of Brit humor is the only thing that made this bearable. Otherwise I found it very distasteful.
I was expecting Jane Fallon’s humor and charm that I found in My Sweet Revenge, but no. In MSW a wife gets sweet revenge on a cheating husband, and there were many laugh out loud moments, but here the wife is clueless and the best friend Tomsin oversteps her bounds in a big way. Then continually lies to her best friend. I won’t go into details of what Tamsin does but will simply say that with friends like these who needs enemies.
Everyone here has questionable morals, and no one is likable. I set it aside halfway through and then thought perhaps I didn’t give it a fair chance and Tomsin would get what she deserved so I picked it up again. But no. She supposedly gets a pass because she "sacrifices" something she wants for her friend. Just NO! No to cheating spouses and duplicitous best friends.
The flashes of Brit humor is the only thing that made this bearable. Otherwise I found it very distasteful.
February 27, 2018
I have read a few of Jane Fallon's books by now, and though they very much follow the same formula, I enjoy them. She has sassy characters and even though I can guess where the story is going, it is usually fun and entertaining. I read a lot of crime fiction or historical fiction, but once in a while, I like to break out of those genres with something lighter and this book did the trick. I look forward to reading what she comes up with next!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
July 9, 2019
In my own opinion, Jane Fallon is one the best Chick lit authors with an edge to all her novels, she is one of my top favourite authors . I only knew that Jane had this book out Strictly Between Us because I see it in the newspaper, but if I had not bought the newspaper I would have been none the wiser that Jane Fallon had a new book out. This is where newsletters on authors websites let us readers know when a new book is coming out. At this point in time Jane Fallon has no newsletter.
About Strictly Between Us, I loved it all.
Why did I want to read Jane Fallons new book? That is simple I had read Foursome and Skeletons which I loved them equally.
So what happens in Strictly Between Us?
Michelle and Patrick are happy married aren't they? What happens when you suspect your husband is having an affair? He has his perfect excuse ready for you. Of course you believe him don't you?.
What about your best friend, you trust her don't you?
But your friend hears gossip that your loving husband has eyes for other women, so she plots a scheme using her work college to catch your husband in the act.
All in a day's work, P45's should be issued out to all the people for spreading the rumours keeping secrets and telling lies.
This is a must buy, must read. It is full of fun, surprises and shocks.
I am going to buy next to read Getting rid of Matthew and got you back.
About Strictly Between Us, I loved it all.
Why did I want to read Jane Fallons new book? That is simple I had read Foursome and Skeletons which I loved them equally.
So what happens in Strictly Between Us?
Michelle and Patrick are happy married aren't they? What happens when you suspect your husband is having an affair? He has his perfect excuse ready for you. Of course you believe him don't you?.
What about your best friend, you trust her don't you?
But your friend hears gossip that your loving husband has eyes for other women, so she plots a scheme using her work college to catch your husband in the act.
All in a day's work, P45's should be issued out to all the people for spreading the rumours keeping secrets and telling lies.
This is a must buy, must read. It is full of fun, surprises and shocks.
I am going to buy next to read Getting rid of Matthew and got you back.
February 25, 2016
This is the first Jane Fallon novel that I have read since "Getting rid of Matthew" which I really enjoyed so I am not sure why I haven't read any more before I saw all the publicity surrounding this new one! On a break from gritty crime thrillers, I needed some lighter reading and "Strictly Between Us" was the perfect choice. It's a witty but edgy romp through the relationship dramas of two friends with a modern twist of sharpness thrown in for good measure. In fact, this book was the equivalent of eating a lemon sherbet as underneath all that refreshing sharpness lies rather a sweet tale of the lengths that some people will go in the name of friendship.
Michelle and Tamsin have been besties since school. Happily single Tamsin hears on the grapevine that Patrick, Michelle's husband, has been fooling around with other women. Determined to find out if this is true, Tamsin decides to use her assistant Bea to set a "honey trap" but it looks like her plan may be opening up a whole hive of bees instead!
If you like your chick-lit a little darker and not so straight edged then Jane Fallon is the author for you. She has used her inside knowledge of tv to bring us a well researched novel, set in that industry, about the truth and how much do we really need or want to know. Tamsin is a complex character whom we come to see very differently throughout the novel when we watch her through others eyes but ultimately all she wants to do is to protect her friend even if her reasoning doesn't quite ring true at times! I loved the whole book (even that ending!!) and feel like I've said goodbye to a friend now that I've finished it. In fact I would love there to be a follow up as I think the cast of characters still have an awful lot to say! I do have to say though that one thing I didn't like was when a flat was described as having one and a half baths-not something I have heard any estate agents use in the UK before. Other than that it's a highly recommended 5* from me!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Michelle and Tamsin have been besties since school. Happily single Tamsin hears on the grapevine that Patrick, Michelle's husband, has been fooling around with other women. Determined to find out if this is true, Tamsin decides to use her assistant Bea to set a "honey trap" but it looks like her plan may be opening up a whole hive of bees instead!
If you like your chick-lit a little darker and not so straight edged then Jane Fallon is the author for you. She has used her inside knowledge of tv to bring us a well researched novel, set in that industry, about the truth and how much do we really need or want to know. Tamsin is a complex character whom we come to see very differently throughout the novel when we watch her through others eyes but ultimately all she wants to do is to protect her friend even if her reasoning doesn't quite ring true at times! I loved the whole book (even that ending!!) and feel like I've said goodbye to a friend now that I've finished it. In fact I would love there to be a follow up as I think the cast of characters still have an awful lot to say! I do have to say though that one thing I didn't like was when a flat was described as having one and a half baths-not something I have heard any estate agents use in the UK before. Other than that it's a highly recommended 5* from me!
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
September 1, 2018
4 stars.
This is one of those books, that fall neatly into a category of comfort reading. Exactly like comfort food - maybe not the best on the point of nutrition and serving, but it's nice and tastes delicious.
Same here -perhaps, no intellectual overload, not much to think about in the global scale of events, but fun to read, easy to relate and recognise the characters.
Surely, we all have "Michelle" nearby, for whom we'd do our best, who also brings the best features in us and makes us actually think "what kind of a person am I?..." we all know a "Bea" or two, those little nice-nicey who'd look for their own profit and comfort in any situation and will fool you so easily if you let your guard down even for second. And isn't there a "Patrick" around? Smooth and fun, as long as you keep him at arm's length.
Tam is really nice. She is not perfect, but she knows her faults and she has good intentions. She is always on the look out for her best friend Michelle. And when the rumours that Michelle's husband Patrick is playing around outside his home field surface too little too often, Tam decides to check the state of affairs for herself. What wouldn't you do for your best friend?
All good intended, Tam is very determined but her first slip happens in her own apartment when Patrick comes around for a chat but one too many glasses of wine make things more personal than a friendly chat...
Feeling guilty and agreed that it was a mistake which should never be known to anyone, Patrick and Tam both seem to have Michelle in mind, only for different reasons. From there on, everything happens quite quickly, and just like in real life, nothing goes according to the plan... ever.
Bittersweet ending was a little downside for me, but nevertheless I enjoyed the book. Very realistic, very well paced, lots happening, but without tumbling down into a confusing mess. It's funny, it's emotional and fun for a night with an ice cream and a book (hot chocolate and cake go just as well).
This was my second attempt with Jane Fallon's book and though my first book ("Faking Friends")by her ended up to be a miss, this one was a hit. I'm glad I gave a second chance to this author.
This is one of those books, that fall neatly into a category of comfort reading. Exactly like comfort food - maybe not the best on the point of nutrition and serving, but it's nice and tastes delicious.
Same here -perhaps, no intellectual overload, not much to think about in the global scale of events, but fun to read, easy to relate and recognise the characters.
Surely, we all have "Michelle" nearby, for whom we'd do our best, who also brings the best features in us and makes us actually think "what kind of a person am I?..." we all know a "Bea" or two, those little nice-nicey who'd look for their own profit and comfort in any situation and will fool you so easily if you let your guard down even for second. And isn't there a "Patrick" around? Smooth and fun, as long as you keep him at arm's length.
Tam is really nice. She is not perfect, but she knows her faults and she has good intentions. She is always on the look out for her best friend Michelle. And when the rumours that Michelle's husband Patrick is playing around outside his home field surface too little too often, Tam decides to check the state of affairs for herself. What wouldn't you do for your best friend?
All good intended, Tam is very determined but her first slip happens in her own apartment when Patrick comes around for a chat but one too many glasses of wine make things more personal than a friendly chat...
Feeling guilty and agreed that it was a mistake which should never be known to anyone, Patrick and Tam both seem to have Michelle in mind, only for different reasons. From there on, everything happens quite quickly, and just like in real life, nothing goes according to the plan... ever.
Bittersweet ending was a little downside for me, but nevertheless I enjoyed the book. Very realistic, very well paced, lots happening, but without tumbling down into a confusing mess. It's funny, it's emotional and fun for a night with an ice cream and a book (hot chocolate and cake go just as well).
This was my second attempt with Jane Fallon's book and though my first book ("Faking Friends")by her ended up to be a miss, this one was a hit. I'm glad I gave a second chance to this author.
February 25, 2017
8 de 10*
Desconhecia a autora Jane Fallon até à publicação de “Aqui Entre Nós”. Estive a pesquisar um pouco e descobri que é autora de vários romances, mas, se não estou em erro, apenas este foi traduzido para português. Até agora, esperemos...
Isto porque foi uma agradável surpresa!
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...
Desconhecia a autora Jane Fallon até à publicação de “Aqui Entre Nós”. Estive a pesquisar um pouco e descobri que é autora de vários romances, mas, se não estou em erro, apenas este foi traduzido para português. Até agora, esperemos...
Isto porque foi uma agradável surpresa!
Comentário completo em:
http://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.pt/...
February 1, 2023
Толкова обрати събрани на едно място - много неочаквано.
Имаше места на които е наивна тази история и малко скалъпена, но се чете бързо , нямаш търпение да разбереш какво ще се случи.
Отново история за най-близкия кръг от хора, и отново предателства и изневери.
Уви, това сме хората, слаби и непостоянни същества.
Имаше места на които е наивна тази история и малко скалъпена, но се чете бързо , нямаш търпение да разбереш какво ще се случи.
Отново история за най-близкия кръг от хора, и отново предателства и изневери.
Уви, това сме хората, слаби и непостоянни същества.
February 10, 2022
Strictly between us, I was surprised that Jane Fallon's "Strictly Between Us" didn't earn more 5-star reviews.
When author Jane Fallon is on, she's on.....and Jane Fallon was absolutely, positively "on" in this delightful and witty rom-com that boasted many, many LOL lines.
The author's characterizations were strong, plot twists were compelling and plentiful, and the dialogue was over-the-top.
This is my 7th Jane Fallon book (yes, I am a fan!) and, yet, this was the first Jane Fallon book that ALMOST came close to removing "My Sweet Revenge" from its #1 position on my "Jane Fallon's Best Books" list.
"My Sweet Revenge" was written in 2017 and "Strictly Between Us" was written in 2018, so those two years were definitely my favorite "sweet spot" years for this author.
It is rare to find an author who writes "fun" fiction that isn't silly, frivolous, and/or predictable, and Kudos to Jane Fallon for mastering the art and science of this genre.
I listened to the audiobook and the two narrators did a superb job with the narration.
This Jayne will always look forward to reading more "Jane" books.
When author Jane Fallon is on, she's on.....and Jane Fallon was absolutely, positively "on" in this delightful and witty rom-com that boasted many, many LOL lines.
The author's characterizations were strong, plot twists were compelling and plentiful, and the dialogue was over-the-top.
This is my 7th Jane Fallon book (yes, I am a fan!) and, yet, this was the first Jane Fallon book that ALMOST came close to removing "My Sweet Revenge" from its #1 position on my "Jane Fallon's Best Books" list.
"My Sweet Revenge" was written in 2017 and "Strictly Between Us" was written in 2018, so those two years were definitely my favorite "sweet spot" years for this author.
It is rare to find an author who writes "fun" fiction that isn't silly, frivolous, and/or predictable, and Kudos to Jane Fallon for mastering the art and science of this genre.
I listened to the audiobook and the two narrators did a superb job with the narration.
This Jayne will always look forward to reading more "Jane" books.
May 2, 2017
Gostei muito ! Um livro cheio de intrigas mas divertidas!
October 8, 2018
Добреее - интересна,с обрати и неочакван край...
January 13, 2016
Well, really, can somebody explain to me how come I've never read any Jane Fallon's novels before? I am so impressed with Strictly Between Us that I am absolutely going to treat myself to her previous books - quickly!
I immediately felt like a part of the book, like the part of Tamsin's world - the story was mostly told from Tamsin's point of view, especially at the beginning, and then the author allows all the other significant characters to speak - and this is the moment (the beginning of part 2) where the book truly took off, gained incredible speed and I couldn't put it down. Through the first person narration I felt as if the tale was told directly to me, and only me, and thanks to this way of narration I was able to learn the deepest thoughts of the characters, their own points of view and the way they were perceiving the same situations.
I can't write much in this review, as this book is so written that by slipping one unwary word I'd let you know the whole plot, so no way! But let me just tell you that you are going to be totally surprised, and that everything will look different, that you'll change your mind about the characters lots of times! The only person that I disliked from the beginning and didn't change my opinion about was Patrick - he was false, arrogant and just the type that you just want to slap hard. Altogether the characters were fantastic, true to life, behaving like real people, full of flaws, making mistakes and then trying to make up for those mistakes, usually only getting caught in the tangle of lies.
I am not judging the characters, I am only prizing the way the author has made them complex and genuine in their actions, and how she complicated their lives. I am always full of prizes for authors who choose the most difficult ways for their characters, who are not afraid to ask uncomfortable questions and who put the characters in very awkward, controversial positions, and are still able to pull everything off , to write a story that ends in a satisfying way - it must be the hardest job, and yet Jane Fallon has done it brilliantly. I am still impressed with all the twists in this novel, all the unexpected turns, and the way the plot has taken, taking me more than once, twice, hundred times by surprise, catching me off - guard and totally blind - siding me at the end of Part One.
This book has a brilliant and controversial plot, exploring friendship and relationships, and to what lengths we are able to go to protect our friends, and how long is it by rights protection? It was incredibly quickly paced, and you really can't be sure what's going to happen when you turn the page. And the ending! Oh my word, the end! I would never guess it, and I felt so, so sorry for Tamsin!
I think the reader shouldn't judge the characters and just go with the flow. The book is full of cheating, lying and dishonesty, and normally those are things that we say WTF? But this novel is written in such a brilliant way, believe me, that even with all those things you can fell for the characters, you can cheer them on or you want them to be severely punished. I think the most important thing is that we don't have to agree with the things the characters make, with their decisions, and yet we still agree with them. Even though their decisions were controversial, I found myself really getting them and supporting them.
So really, all in all Strictly Between Us can be seen as a comedy of errors, very easy to read and - as it starts rolling - unputdownable. It was a truly thought - provoking, plot - driven story with a confident voice - recommended!
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
July 29, 2023
It was nice to read something lighter for a change, and this kept me entertained - and I didn't guess the ending!!
May 3, 2016
It is such an easy breezy read, like sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee chatting away about someone she knows. It is interesting, and another good put me down not read, but I am left irritated with the main character who, while was looking out for her friend's best interest, had no right to meddle in her marital life nor have her work assistant be involved in any way. Needless to say how she handled the situation in the end angered me as well, poor gullible best friend must be really thick to have all this hoopla surrounding herself without her paying any notice!
Now my favorite part is how in the beginning you are reading the story from the nosy best friend's point of view and how highly she thinks of her assistant, then midway through the book the narrative change to Bea the assistant point of view and how you are faced with two different sides of the best friend's character! I suppose that's the way it is with most of us, how we think we are acting and what we mean by it vs how we are those actions being read and represented by the rest of the world! Lucky ones are those who have people in their lives to frankly mirror how they are reflected in the eyes of others, I'm babbling a bit but I hope you understand what I mean.
Good one, however it might irritates you at some points. Drags on for a bit in the end when you want to go and say out loud enough already get it over with, and the ending might not what you expect it to be.
Now my favorite part is how in the beginning you are reading the story from the nosy best friend's point of view and how highly she thinks of her assistant, then midway through the book the narrative change to Bea the assistant point of view and how you are faced with two different sides of the best friend's character! I suppose that's the way it is with most of us, how we think we are acting and what we mean by it vs how we are those actions being read and represented by the rest of the world! Lucky ones are those who have people in their lives to frankly mirror how they are reflected in the eyes of others, I'm babbling a bit but I hope you understand what I mean.
Good one, however it might irritates you at some points. Drags on for a bit in the end when you want to go and say out loud enough already get it over with, and the ending might not what you expect it to be.
February 5, 2016
I reckon this book is like bingeing on a five pack of jam donuts in one go - a massive sugar rush leaving you ultimately unsatisfied and a bit blah.
I borrowed it from the library, and ending up finishing it in several hours straight, reading on in fascinated horror.
Some of the plot twists were eminently predictable, although I didn't see the final, conscience appeasing diversion coming.
I borrowed it from the library, and ending up finishing it in several hours straight, reading on in fascinated horror.
Some of the plot twists were eminently predictable, although I didn't see the final, conscience appeasing diversion coming.
October 28, 2022
Jane Fallon gets me every time! Apparently, I can’t her enough of comeuppance stories. This one didn’t quite shine as brightly as some of her books, largely because I had a hard time liking any of the main characters. Talk about questionable values!! I was at a loss of whom to root for. Thankfully, there was a bit of redemption thrown in, so my faith in humanity wasn’t completely compromised.
March 25, 2018
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and I was very impressed. The narration was really good and kept me listening till the end.
A story of friendship a cheating husband and true love. Very well written light read that I really enjoyed. Recommended.
A story of friendship a cheating husband and true love. Very well written light read that I really enjoyed. Recommended.
April 8, 2017
A capa engana tanto! O que pensamos que vai ser um livro romântico e relaxante, é na verdade um livro, envolto em mentiras e traições.
Adorei este livro, não sei se diga do início ao fim , acho que começou muito bem, logo a primeira página faz-nos ficar ansiosos pelo que vem aí. A 1ª parte tornou-se um pouco secante, havia muito mistério no ar, mas nada que acontecesse realmente, embora quando começa a 2ª Parte sentimos que a história finalmente vai começar a desenvolver e aí não há hipótese de largamos o livro.
O livro está divido em 5 Partes tendo capítulos intercalados entre duas personagens Tamsin e Bea, que com as suas duas visões conseguimos captar melhor toda a história e as personagens, incluindo elas, levando com duas personalidades totalmente diferentes e isso leva a história a ficar mais atrativa.
A verdade é que preferia que a sinopse não desse tanto a entender a história, queria ter descoberto as coisas à medida que o livro ia desenvolvendo, mas com a sinopse havia coisas que fiquei a suspeitar e que depois vieram a ser comprovadas.
Fiquei apaixonada pelo... (continuar a ler aqui https://nerdechique.wordpress.com/201...)
Adorei este livro, não sei se diga do início ao fim , acho que começou muito bem, logo a primeira página faz-nos ficar ansiosos pelo que vem aí. A 1ª parte tornou-se um pouco secante, havia muito mistério no ar, mas nada que acontecesse realmente, embora quando começa a 2ª Parte sentimos que a história finalmente vai começar a desenvolver e aí não há hipótese de largamos o livro.
O livro está divido em 5 Partes tendo capítulos intercalados entre duas personagens Tamsin e Bea, que com as suas duas visões conseguimos captar melhor toda a história e as personagens, incluindo elas, levando com duas personalidades totalmente diferentes e isso leva a história a ficar mais atrativa.
A verdade é que preferia que a sinopse não desse tanto a entender a história, queria ter descoberto as coisas à medida que o livro ia desenvolvendo, mas com a sinopse havia coisas que fiquei a suspeitar e que depois vieram a ser comprovadas.
Fiquei apaixonada pelo... (continuar a ler aqui https://nerdechique.wordpress.com/201...)
February 3, 2018
Foi uma surpresa. Não sei exactamente o que é que me atraiu neste livro e talvez por isso ia sem grandes expectativas. Talvez esperasse uma história mais cor de rosa, com outro tipo de intrigas e mentiras. Vá, não é propriamente um livro profundo, mais uma sequência de acontecimentos desastrosos, com muito humor à mistura, contados num tom bem disposto. Não é um livro previsível, tem algumas reviravoltas pelo meio que apanharam-me por completo. Recomendo.
January 17, 2019
Jane Fallon is a new-to-me author, that I’ve meaning to read even since I read raves reviews for Faking Friends last year. When I read fantastic reviews for Tell Me A Secret recently, I knew it had to be sooner rather than later.
The story is told from Tamsin and Bea’s points of view and split into 5 parts. The audiobook is read by two narrators Antonia Beamish and Genevieve Swallow. I loved Tamsin right from the start with her self deprecating humour and sarcasm. I liked Bea at first, but as the story developed she really did irritate me. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out why that might me. Both narrators were perfect for this book, especially Antonia Beamish’s perfect portrayal of Tamsin, she was Tamsin for me as I listened.
Domestic dramas aren’t normally my genre as I usually find that most of the characters aren’t particularly likeable. Fortunately this book wasn’t like that, because although the situations the characters found themselves in, made for uncomfortable listening at times, this book really hooked me and I got really involved in the plot and the characters lives.
I found myself laughing out loud and shouting at the characters for the way they were behaving, really hoping that the plot was going to go the way I thought it should. I wasn’t disappointed and in fact I was quite surprised by how things turned out in the end.
If you enjoy domestic dramas you’ll definitely love this one.
The story is told from Tamsin and Bea’s points of view and split into 5 parts. The audiobook is read by two narrators Antonia Beamish and Genevieve Swallow. I loved Tamsin right from the start with her self deprecating humour and sarcasm. I liked Bea at first, but as the story developed she really did irritate me. You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out why that might me. Both narrators were perfect for this book, especially Antonia Beamish’s perfect portrayal of Tamsin, she was Tamsin for me as I listened.
Domestic dramas aren’t normally my genre as I usually find that most of the characters aren’t particularly likeable. Fortunately this book wasn’t like that, because although the situations the characters found themselves in, made for uncomfortable listening at times, this book really hooked me and I got really involved in the plot and the characters lives.
I found myself laughing out loud and shouting at the characters for the way they were behaving, really hoping that the plot was going to go the way I thought it should. I wasn’t disappointed and in fact I was quite surprised by how things turned out in the end.
If you enjoy domestic dramas you’ll definitely love this one.
June 24, 2016
Goodness, this just didn't grip me at all! I kept waiting for the read to take off, but at 100 pages, it was still waffling. Tamsin was really not at all likeable, and the whole reasoning as to how she had sex but didn't have sex with Patrick made me blink, as in, 'did that just happen?' and 'why? how? Did the author just insert that there totally unorganically just to move the story along?'
And speaking of unorganic, the flow didn't work for me. We're all with Tamsin throughout, then the POV starts switching, and that's when you get a glimpse that there's more than meets the eye. Sadly, it's also very late into arriving to that point so it's been all waffling and a lot of very uninteresting parts about Tamsin's TV job - I totally glossed over the parts where she talks of the meetings, what needed to be done for the shows, etc, wanting to get to the meat of the story, which was supposed to be the relationships.
But the atmosphere itself fell flat for me. The premise and cast somewhat reminded me of Adele Park's "Husbands", but where that book pulled you in, this one seemed to do everything to repel you from keeping going forward.
And speaking of unorganic, the flow didn't work for me. We're all with Tamsin throughout, then the POV starts switching, and that's when you get a glimpse that there's more than meets the eye. Sadly, it's also very late into arriving to that point so it's been all waffling and a lot of very uninteresting parts about Tamsin's TV job - I totally glossed over the parts where she talks of the meetings, what needed to be done for the shows, etc, wanting to get to the meat of the story, which was supposed to be the relationships.
But the atmosphere itself fell flat for me. The premise and cast somewhat reminded me of Adele Park's "Husbands", but where that book pulled you in, this one seemed to do everything to repel you from keeping going forward.
November 27, 2015
Jane Fallon, time after time, writes incredible books that are some of the strongest in the genre. Strictly Between Us is probably my favourite of her novels so far. The plot was fantastic, I was glued to the pages and managed to devour it in just a few sittings. The exploration of friendship was brilliant and was spot on in terms of feeling realistic. The characters were fresh, relateable and each had their flaws which kept them feeling real too (I think Adam was my favourite!) The pacing was perfect; the tension that Jane created grew in intensity as the plot progressed and the climax was brilliant. It was all just superb.
Strictly Between Us is a novel about friendship, infidelity and everything in between. I love diving into Jane Fallon's fictional worlds and I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
Strictly Between Us is a novel about friendship, infidelity and everything in between. I love diving into Jane Fallon's fictional worlds and I cannot recommend this novel highly enough.
January 9, 2016
Tamsin and Michelle have been best friends since childhood. When Tamsin hears rumours about Michelle's husband she wants to disprove them. She enlists the help of her PA, Bea.
They are all very interesting characters and it made for a real page turner. It's a tale of friendship, deceit and new romance. The working relationships add extra interest to the relationship dynamics.
I really enjoyed this one and would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
They are all very interesting characters and it made for a real page turner. It's a tale of friendship, deceit and new romance. The working relationships add extra interest to the relationship dynamics.
I really enjoyed this one and would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2017
Que livro tão confuso mas no bom sentido, a mania de meter-mos o nariz onde não somos chamados, com a desculpa que é para proteger os amigos, nem sempre corre bem.
Um livro com muitas peripécias,confusões e enganos, mas bastante divertido.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
Um livro com muitas peripécias,confusões e enganos, mas bastante divertido.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
July 12, 2017
3.5 or 4. I'm still thinking about it. I understand the end and how fair it was, but I was hoping for it to end in other way. I don't know. But I likes it
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April 4, 2018I think it took too long to get started and what I've read didn't make me want to know more.
August 16, 2023
A very entertaining and compelling read, the audiobook narrated by Natasha Little was brilliant.
May 5, 2022
É assim um 2,5 estrelas arredondado para as 3 estrelas. Não achei nada de especial e é grande demais o que faz com que tenha muita palha!
September 15, 2018
I absolutely loved this book and really struggled to put it down. The characters were absolutely brilliant and the plot itself was ridiculously clever. The only thing is that I'd encourage people who are about to read this book to not read the blurb - it contains an absolute spoiler for something that doesn't even happen until half way through the book! I've loved everything I've read by Jane Fallon but I think this one is my new favourite.
September 13, 2016
This book centres around Tamsin's worry over the fidelity of her, best friend, Michelle's husband. Is he / isn't he faithful? Tamsin is determined (almost annoyingly so) to find out.
Early on in the book the reader finds out that Tamsin ends up sleeping (or very close to it) with Michelle's husband. This is quite a predicament in terms of making Tamsin (the main character) likeable.
Although I enjoyed this novel, I do wish the ending was different. I was slightly disappointed in a romantic sense - but have no idea how Jane Fallon could have pulled the novel off without the reader hating Tamsin.
Still an enjoyable read.
Early on in the book the reader finds out that Tamsin ends up sleeping (or very close to it) with Michelle's husband. This is quite a predicament in terms of making Tamsin (the main character) likeable.
Although I enjoyed this novel, I do wish the ending was different. I was slightly disappointed in a romantic sense - but have no idea how Jane Fallon could have pulled the novel off without the reader hating Tamsin.
Still an enjoyable read.
February 20, 2016
I was giving this copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Jane Fallon has produced a colourful group of dysfunctional and controversial characters in Strictly Between Us. It has a dynamic opening, to the point and instantly engaging. The dialogue is sharp and witty, although a few times the writer allowed them to speak in Americanisms I wouldn't have expected for these people.
It was a real page turner for me and I found myself rooting for the truth to come out, rather than for any one particular character. I took an instant dislike to Tamsin and really wanted her to have her comeuppance, which I suppose Fallon achieves in the best way possible.
It was an intriguing plot with a comfortable amount of twists and turns. Fallon keeps us guessing until the last drop - I liked that.
If this book was read by a reading group there would be lots of points for discussion, especially given the themes covered in this book. All of them relevant to today's woman and all of them dealt with in an entertaining way.
I liked this book. It may not be one I'll rave about to friends and I'm not likely to read it again but it was a lively, well paced book and glad to have read it.
Jane Fallon has produced a colourful group of dysfunctional and controversial characters in Strictly Between Us. It has a dynamic opening, to the point and instantly engaging. The dialogue is sharp and witty, although a few times the writer allowed them to speak in Americanisms I wouldn't have expected for these people.
It was a real page turner for me and I found myself rooting for the truth to come out, rather than for any one particular character. I took an instant dislike to Tamsin and really wanted her to have her comeuppance, which I suppose Fallon achieves in the best way possible.
It was an intriguing plot with a comfortable amount of twists and turns. Fallon keeps us guessing until the last drop - I liked that.
If this book was read by a reading group there would be lots of points for discussion, especially given the themes covered in this book. All of them relevant to today's woman and all of them dealt with in an entertaining way.
I liked this book. It may not be one I'll rave about to friends and I'm not likely to read it again but it was a lively, well paced book and glad to have read it.
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