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Guest Bed
In this highly engaging debut novel, Luke P. Narlee intricately weaves romance, mystery, and psychological suspense as a marriage in trouble opens the door to temptation and turmoil.
Ron’s day is off to a bad start. Blinded by frustration after another argument with his wife, and heartbroken that his marriage may be over, he accidentally crashes his car on his way to work. Dazed, he takes the train the rest of the way, where he is quickly delighted by the presence of another rider, Courtney, whose smoldering smile makes him remember what it feels like to be wanted.
What seems like a new friendship quickly turns into temptation, leaving Ron torn with internal conflict and guilt. But when his new friend starts to seem a little off, he begins to question her motives. As one seemingly harmless favor leads to another, Ron soon finds himself wondering if Courtney really is who she says she is, or if she’s actually part of an elaborate setup.
Steep with tension, this roller coaster of emotions takes the reader behind closed doors to explore the conundrum of love, life, and the unexpected.
“In Guest Bed, Luke Narlee weaves a romantic tale that turns both tragic and comic, revealing the ins and outs of marriage, and how sometimes after you think you’ve known someone forever, they can still surprise you?” —Christopher Barzak, author of Wonders of the invisible world.
Ron’s day is off to a bad start. Blinded by frustration after another argument with his wife, and heartbroken that his marriage may be over, he accidentally crashes his car on his way to work. Dazed, he takes the train the rest of the way, where he is quickly delighted by the presence of another rider, Courtney, whose smoldering smile makes him remember what it feels like to be wanted.
What seems like a new friendship quickly turns into temptation, leaving Ron torn with internal conflict and guilt. But when his new friend starts to seem a little off, he begins to question her motives. As one seemingly harmless favor leads to another, Ron soon finds himself wondering if Courtney really is who she says she is, or if she’s actually part of an elaborate setup.
Steep with tension, this roller coaster of emotions takes the reader behind closed doors to explore the conundrum of love, life, and the unexpected.
“In Guest Bed, Luke Narlee weaves a romantic tale that turns both tragic and comic, revealing the ins and outs of marriage, and how sometimes after you think you’ve known someone forever, they can still surprise you?” —Christopher Barzak, author of Wonders of the invisible world.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2016
28 people are currently reading
1893 people want to read
About the author
Luke P. Narlee
3 books161 followersLuke P. Narlee is an American independent author from Baltimore, Maryland whose stories tend to focus on love, relationships, and the human condition; regardless of the genre. His first novel, Guest Bed, is a story about the daily struggles and joys of adulthood, marriage, and raising children with someone, while also serving as an entertaining mystery, full of suspense, twists and romance. His second novel, The Appointment: Lost & Found (Book one) is the start of a dystopian trilogy, which deals with a controlling government and a world that is slowly forgetting how to show emotion, and how sometimes we have to look back at the life experiences that have changed us in the past, in order to become who we need to be today. His latest book, This Can't Wait, works as both a novel and a collection of short stories. It captures a series of touching, heartfelt moments in several characters lives, and what they learn from not only how it affects them, but how it affects those around them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 10, 2016
UPDATE... THE GIFT that keeps on giving...,
This book is now only $2.99 today!!
It's GOOD!! It's really really good!
A note to select friends on Goodreads:
.....Do yourself a favor and grab this book!!!! It's a STEAL for $3.99!!!!
It's page turning "HIGHLY ENGAGING" ....just like the blurb says!!!! It's the truth!!!
Compulsive reading. Parts of the dialogue between this married couple will have the hairs on your arms standing up.
Kate and Ron meet in 1989. It's less than twenty- four hours away before their 12th
wedding anniversary.
Ron is a Senior-level engineer. They have 3 daughters - and a lovely 4 bedroom home.
The kids are at their grandparents for a few days --giving the luv-couple time to enjoy time alone.
Life is hectic with three kids- work schedules - doctor appointments- homework, baths, dishes, in the evenings for the kids-leaving little 'couple' time left over.... very little time for quality conversations… which Kate is craving.
Now that Ron and Kate have these few nights together with no little munchkins distracting them, Kate is in bed reading her e-book. Ron is playing on his iPhone. They are silently entertaining themselves. There is an aura of tension.
For the first time ever, Ron has nothing planned for Kate for their anniversary....no gifts, no romantic dinners. They are barely talking to one another.
They fall asleep. Ron plans to figure out a gift tomorrow.
Tomorrow comes. It's their anniversary. They can still have a wonderful evening. Ron can bring home a present after work - go out to dinner - make love to his wife.
They are in in Kitchen- having breakfast-( before Ron leaves for work)...having an explosive- riveting fight. Their arguing was so real, that I was exhausted. It could only be written by a person who is married.
Ron makes some promises to Kate that he will try to do better.... but nothing really gets resolved. He leaves for work.
Just 'try' to guess what happens next....ha!!!!! Better yet....don't even try!!! It's a trip!!!
I was shaking my head -- OH MY GOD... 'could a day get much worse?
Things get MESSY!!!! VERY MESSY!!!!
Juicy escape entertaining reading!!!! Wouldn't wanted to miss this much fun for the world!!!
This book is now only $2.99 today!!
It's GOOD!! It's really really good!
A note to select friends on Goodreads:
.....Do yourself a favor and grab this book!!!! It's a STEAL for $3.99!!!!
It's page turning "HIGHLY ENGAGING" ....just like the blurb says!!!! It's the truth!!!
Compulsive reading. Parts of the dialogue between this married couple will have the hairs on your arms standing up.
Kate and Ron meet in 1989. It's less than twenty- four hours away before their 12th
wedding anniversary.
Ron is a Senior-level engineer. They have 3 daughters - and a lovely 4 bedroom home.
The kids are at their grandparents for a few days --giving the luv-couple time to enjoy time alone.
Life is hectic with three kids- work schedules - doctor appointments- homework, baths, dishes, in the evenings for the kids-leaving little 'couple' time left over.... very little time for quality conversations… which Kate is craving.
Now that Ron and Kate have these few nights together with no little munchkins distracting them, Kate is in bed reading her e-book. Ron is playing on his iPhone. They are silently entertaining themselves. There is an aura of tension.
For the first time ever, Ron has nothing planned for Kate for their anniversary....no gifts, no romantic dinners. They are barely talking to one another.
They fall asleep. Ron plans to figure out a gift tomorrow.
Tomorrow comes. It's their anniversary. They can still have a wonderful evening. Ron can bring home a present after work - go out to dinner - make love to his wife.
They are in in Kitchen- having breakfast-( before Ron leaves for work)...having an explosive- riveting fight. Their arguing was so real, that I was exhausted. It could only be written by a person who is married.
Ron makes some promises to Kate that he will try to do better.... but nothing really gets resolved. He leaves for work.
Just 'try' to guess what happens next....ha!!!!! Better yet....don't even try!!! It's a trip!!!
I was shaking my head -- OH MY GOD... 'could a day get much worse?
Things get MESSY!!!! VERY MESSY!!!!
Juicy escape entertaining reading!!!! Wouldn't wanted to miss this much fun for the world!!!
December 29, 2016
Going in my DNF pile. Yep. That dirty acronym. I know, Haters gonna Hate.
So, here's the thing. I think I need to quit the thriller genre. As sad as this is, I just can't get a good fix. I know there are some who loved this and got the thrill, and I really wanted that as well. Really, I did. Instead I feel like a thwarted junkie.
The characters were too contrived and unlikeable and too many coincidences. A car breaks down, the attractive chick has no wallet, no keys, no phone?! And no fixed address. Hmm. Weak.
The dialogue made me dizzy - more action less talking ...please. And no substance. I'm not even sure what the plot was as I could not continue. I think another review had a spoiler and then I was like, nope. I'm done.
BUT, hey, I'm no literary expert. Far from it....SO, maybe it's just me....OR maybe it's the story. AND maybe, I want my money back. 1*
So, here's the thing. I think I need to quit the thriller genre. As sad as this is, I just can't get a good fix. I know there are some who loved this and got the thrill, and I really wanted that as well. Really, I did. Instead I feel like a thwarted junkie.
The characters were too contrived and unlikeable and too many coincidences. A car breaks down, the attractive chick has no wallet, no keys, no phone?! And no fixed address. Hmm. Weak.
The dialogue made me dizzy - more action less talking ...please. And no substance. I'm not even sure what the plot was as I could not continue. I think another review had a spoiler and then I was like, nope. I'm done.
BUT, hey, I'm no literary expert. Far from it....SO, maybe it's just me....OR maybe it's the story. AND maybe, I want my money back. 1*
November 8, 2016
Luke Narlee has kicked off his writing career with a most impressive debut novel entitled The Guest Bed. I would have never guessed this insightful take on modern marriage is written by a man!
The Guest Bed takes place over a couple of days. It is narrated by Ron, who is about to reach his 12th wedding anniversary with Kate. Ron and Kate, like so many other married couples, have started to stagnate in their relationship. Ron, especially, is taking his wife for granted, and Kate is very distressed by the inability to engage her husband in meaningful conversation anymore. They are just floating through life, and Kate has had enough. Ron, however, doesn’t really get it.
I found the setup a tad slow, which is probably to be expected, as this marriage is pretty unexciting. But then things start to happen. We are suddenly thrown into a tantalizing mystery, and the book becomes absolutely unputdownable! I read 3 days worth of book (as dictated by my real life responsibilities) in one day, totally messing up my chore schedule.
I think the crowning achievement of this novel is how true to life the characters are. These people could not have been written more realistically. I felt like a fly on the wall tuning in to the neighbors’ conversations. Added to that is the story itself. Gosh, I had no idea whatsoever where this was headed. The shockers and the multiple twists in the storyline make for a heady adventure and truly addictive reading. Not only that, but the theme of the tale, how not to take your spouse and marriage for granted, is so very well done. This is a very perceptive, wise, and heartfelt account of how to make a lifelong relationship work.
If there is one thing I am disappointed in, it’s the fact that Mr. Narlee is now writing a dystopian trilogy. Lucky for dysptopian fans, but I’m not one of them. I have been known to jump out of my comfort zone on occasion though and may do so for Mr. Narlee. In any event, I am hoping this brilliant author will again write something based in the real world. If he does, I will definitely be there.
The Guest Bed is highly recommended for all readers. Don’t miss out on this most engaging little sleeper of the year!
The Guest Bed takes place over a couple of days. It is narrated by Ron, who is about to reach his 12th wedding anniversary with Kate. Ron and Kate, like so many other married couples, have started to stagnate in their relationship. Ron, especially, is taking his wife for granted, and Kate is very distressed by the inability to engage her husband in meaningful conversation anymore. They are just floating through life, and Kate has had enough. Ron, however, doesn’t really get it.
I found the setup a tad slow, which is probably to be expected, as this marriage is pretty unexciting. But then things start to happen. We are suddenly thrown into a tantalizing mystery, and the book becomes absolutely unputdownable! I read 3 days worth of book (as dictated by my real life responsibilities) in one day, totally messing up my chore schedule.
I think the crowning achievement of this novel is how true to life the characters are. These people could not have been written more realistically. I felt like a fly on the wall tuning in to the neighbors’ conversations. Added to that is the story itself. Gosh, I had no idea whatsoever where this was headed. The shockers and the multiple twists in the storyline make for a heady adventure and truly addictive reading. Not only that, but the theme of the tale, how not to take your spouse and marriage for granted, is so very well done. This is a very perceptive, wise, and heartfelt account of how to make a lifelong relationship work.
If there is one thing I am disappointed in, it’s the fact that Mr. Narlee is now writing a dystopian trilogy. Lucky for dysptopian fans, but I’m not one of them. I have been known to jump out of my comfort zone on occasion though and may do so for Mr. Narlee. In any event, I am hoping this brilliant author will again write something based in the real world. If he does, I will definitely be there.
The Guest Bed is highly recommended for all readers. Don’t miss out on this most engaging little sleeper of the year!
November 8, 2016
I'd rate this 4.5 stars.
Ah, I love books that keep me guessing.
Ron isn't having a very good morning, to put it mildly. It's the day before his 12th wedding anniversary. When he finds his wife Kate cooking breakfast, he hopes they'll have a pleasant morning, or at least coexist reasonably peacefully. But his hopes are quickly dashed when his attempts at casual conversation turn into a huge argument. An argument like all the others they seem to be having lately.
Disheartened, angry, and figuring his marriage is on the verge of ending, Ron heads to the train station, only to get into a car accident on the way. On the way home from work, shaken up and bruised, he falls asleep on the train, and when he wakes up from a bizarre nightmare, he finds he is seated near a beautiful young woman named Courtney. The pair clearly have some chemistry, and as they flirt and talk during the train ride, Ron finds himself thinking about how pleasant it is to be appreciated by a beautiful woman, how good it feels to talk with someone who is clearly interested in what he has to say, feelings he hasn't had with Kate in some time.
The more time he spends with Courtney (when he is supposed to be home with Kate), the more drawn to her he becomes. And as she tempts him into some fairly reckless behavior, at the same time, Ron has flashes of conscience, moments when he wonders if all of this seems a little too good to be true. And then he readies himself for another miserable night with Kate, a night of accusations, arguments, and unhappiness.
I'll stop my plot summary here, because things certainly get more interesting! Having read many books and seen movies with a similar plot line, I definitely had expectations of how things would unfold, but Luke Narlee was having none of that! Guest Bed is surprising, tense, romantic, thought-provoking, and tremendously compelling.
As much as I've described Ron as a bit of a victim, Narlee doesn't allow his characters to be one-dimensional stereotypes. His characters are definitely more complex than they initially appear, and you're not sure which person to root for, or what conclusion you hope will occur. This is a book about the excitement of new love and how over time, it is often worn down and/or taken for granted because of the challenges of our everyday lives. It's also a story about trying to understand what happiness means to you, and how hard you're willing to fight to find it or keep it.
This is a quick, entertaining read, one which will draw you in pretty quickly and not let you go until the end!
The author and Take Exit 3 provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
Ah, I love books that keep me guessing.
Ron isn't having a very good morning, to put it mildly. It's the day before his 12th wedding anniversary. When he finds his wife Kate cooking breakfast, he hopes they'll have a pleasant morning, or at least coexist reasonably peacefully. But his hopes are quickly dashed when his attempts at casual conversation turn into a huge argument. An argument like all the others they seem to be having lately.
Disheartened, angry, and figuring his marriage is on the verge of ending, Ron heads to the train station, only to get into a car accident on the way. On the way home from work, shaken up and bruised, he falls asleep on the train, and when he wakes up from a bizarre nightmare, he finds he is seated near a beautiful young woman named Courtney. The pair clearly have some chemistry, and as they flirt and talk during the train ride, Ron finds himself thinking about how pleasant it is to be appreciated by a beautiful woman, how good it feels to talk with someone who is clearly interested in what he has to say, feelings he hasn't had with Kate in some time.
The more time he spends with Courtney (when he is supposed to be home with Kate), the more drawn to her he becomes. And as she tempts him into some fairly reckless behavior, at the same time, Ron has flashes of conscience, moments when he wonders if all of this seems a little too good to be true. And then he readies himself for another miserable night with Kate, a night of accusations, arguments, and unhappiness.
I'll stop my plot summary here, because things certainly get more interesting! Having read many books and seen movies with a similar plot line, I definitely had expectations of how things would unfold, but Luke Narlee was having none of that! Guest Bed is surprising, tense, romantic, thought-provoking, and tremendously compelling.
As much as I've described Ron as a bit of a victim, Narlee doesn't allow his characters to be one-dimensional stereotypes. His characters are definitely more complex than they initially appear, and you're not sure which person to root for, or what conclusion you hope will occur. This is a book about the excitement of new love and how over time, it is often worn down and/or taken for granted because of the challenges of our everyday lives. It's also a story about trying to understand what happiness means to you, and how hard you're willing to fight to find it or keep it.
This is a quick, entertaining read, one which will draw you in pretty quickly and not let you go until the end!
The author and Take Exit 3 provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
November 16, 2016
I am reminded of a New Year's Day about five or so years ago. It was still pretty mild in my little world and I had awoken to a beautiful soft snowfall. Big fluffy flakes drifting down and blanketing my little slice of Ontario pie. So beautiful, so silent, the world was celebrating a new beginning enveloped in whorls of white. A perfect time to cozy into my recliner with my coffee and the book du jour.
And then my downstairs neighbours woke up and immediately began to argue. Actually that sounds too polite, this was more like an all out fight, at full volume. So much for a quiet morning lost in my book. Within a heartbeat these two were yelling at each other at the top of their lungs, giving me access to things I simply did not want to know. I remember putting down my book, grabbing my coat and taking my coffee on out to the deck to escape the verbal artillery. Slam, bang, damn, they followed me out and the war raged on.
Ron is laying on his side in bed reflecting on last night’s near miss. Earlier in the night Kate's mother had come by and picked up the girls, giving Ron and Kate a precious few days to themselves as an anniversary present; their twelfth. They had hoped that the lack of distractions would be good, give them a chance to reconnect. But they have fallen into a rut and after sharing a tense meal and barely exchanging civil pleasantries for the balance of the evening, Kate takes herself off to bed before Ron has a chance to follow through with an attempt at a cuddle in the living room. No goodnight. No kiss.
And for the first time ever Ron has nothing planned for their anniversary, no sparkly gifts, no reservations….nothing. Still, he thinks as he steps tentatively into the kitchen where Kate is making breakfast, there is still time. What follows is an intense and explosive fight. The bacon is burning, tempers are sizzling, snap, crackle, pop, and all hell breaks loose. This reads so real I am transported; once again eavesdropping, albeit without intent, on my neighbour’s New Year's fight. Seriously only someone who has been married for a reasonable period of time could have written this. It just reads and feels so authentic, so palpable, and I like a fly on the wall, am privy to it all.
Kate feels alone, unappreciated and starving for a meaningful conversation with Ron. But he never seems accessible for that kind of talk, they seem to be just going through the motions. Hell he does not even remember that she has an appointment this morning or why. And even though he does not really get it, Ron makes promises to his wife to do better. Nothing is really resolved but they part for the day on civil terms.
Ron heads to the train station but on the way he crashes his car. Badly bruised and shaken he still makes it to work. Little does he know what the balance of this day still has in store for him. Bam! Add one more ingredient and things get messy. Hold onto your seats folks Narlee is about to take you on one wild ride. And just when you think you know where he’s going, guess again. No problem, you can practice. He is sure to do it again before your done.
Romantic, witty, intense, provocative and downright compelling Guest Bed is a pure escapist read that will leave you pondering some deeper issues.. As a debut novel it positively shines.
And then my downstairs neighbours woke up and immediately began to argue. Actually that sounds too polite, this was more like an all out fight, at full volume. So much for a quiet morning lost in my book. Within a heartbeat these two were yelling at each other at the top of their lungs, giving me access to things I simply did not want to know. I remember putting down my book, grabbing my coat and taking my coffee on out to the deck to escape the verbal artillery. Slam, bang, damn, they followed me out and the war raged on.
Ron is laying on his side in bed reflecting on last night’s near miss. Earlier in the night Kate's mother had come by and picked up the girls, giving Ron and Kate a precious few days to themselves as an anniversary present; their twelfth. They had hoped that the lack of distractions would be good, give them a chance to reconnect. But they have fallen into a rut and after sharing a tense meal and barely exchanging civil pleasantries for the balance of the evening, Kate takes herself off to bed before Ron has a chance to follow through with an attempt at a cuddle in the living room. No goodnight. No kiss.
And for the first time ever Ron has nothing planned for their anniversary, no sparkly gifts, no reservations….nothing. Still, he thinks as he steps tentatively into the kitchen where Kate is making breakfast, there is still time. What follows is an intense and explosive fight. The bacon is burning, tempers are sizzling, snap, crackle, pop, and all hell breaks loose. This reads so real I am transported; once again eavesdropping, albeit without intent, on my neighbour’s New Year's fight. Seriously only someone who has been married for a reasonable period of time could have written this. It just reads and feels so authentic, so palpable, and I like a fly on the wall, am privy to it all.
Kate feels alone, unappreciated and starving for a meaningful conversation with Ron. But he never seems accessible for that kind of talk, they seem to be just going through the motions. Hell he does not even remember that she has an appointment this morning or why. And even though he does not really get it, Ron makes promises to his wife to do better. Nothing is really resolved but they part for the day on civil terms.
Ron heads to the train station but on the way he crashes his car. Badly bruised and shaken he still makes it to work. Little does he know what the balance of this day still has in store for him. Bam! Add one more ingredient and things get messy. Hold onto your seats folks Narlee is about to take you on one wild ride. And just when you think you know where he’s going, guess again. No problem, you can practice. He is sure to do it again before your done.
Romantic, witty, intense, provocative and downright compelling Guest Bed is a pure escapist read that will leave you pondering some deeper issues.. As a debut novel it positively shines.
November 29, 2016
Throw a net on this one. It almost got away.
Marriage, in some cases, lifts open a box of dueling pistols marked His and Hers. Our couple, Ron and Kate, dodge bullets of grandiose dialogue that ricochet back and forth and back and forth. That's why this one almost got away. The overuse of cutting words spoken page after page may have served as a set-up technique, but it wore out its welcome initially. I stuck to my own guns, though, and plugged on.
Ron had his fill, too, and stormed out of the house leaving Kate to swim in her own discontent. He climbs into his car heading for the train station, but hits his head on the windshield while trying to avoid a cat. With a bloody bump on his forehead, Ron falls asleep on the train. Upon awakening, Ron spots a very attractive young woman sitting next to him. Small talk leads to introductions and Ron is smitten with Courtney. Oh, Ron. You are no longer in Kansas.
Luke P. Narlee spreads out a patchwork quilt here. You never know where the design is going to take you. The character of Ron experiences some very off the grid situations that shake the jar of reality. Narlee provides some very humorous problem solving techniques employed by Ron as he tries to avoid quite the entanglement with Courtney. You'll be asking yourself the question: Which end is up? Dreams or nightmares?
A slow start picks up speed. I almost wished that Narlee would have stayed the course with his injection of Twilight Zone. That's what grabbed me as the storyline progressed. Oh, well. This still was a very clever and entertaining read. Lesson learned: Don't fall asleep on the train.....
Marriage, in some cases, lifts open a box of dueling pistols marked His and Hers. Our couple, Ron and Kate, dodge bullets of grandiose dialogue that ricochet back and forth and back and forth. That's why this one almost got away. The overuse of cutting words spoken page after page may have served as a set-up technique, but it wore out its welcome initially. I stuck to my own guns, though, and plugged on.
Ron had his fill, too, and stormed out of the house leaving Kate to swim in her own discontent. He climbs into his car heading for the train station, but hits his head on the windshield while trying to avoid a cat. With a bloody bump on his forehead, Ron falls asleep on the train. Upon awakening, Ron spots a very attractive young woman sitting next to him. Small talk leads to introductions and Ron is smitten with Courtney. Oh, Ron. You are no longer in Kansas.
Luke P. Narlee spreads out a patchwork quilt here. You never know where the design is going to take you. The character of Ron experiences some very off the grid situations that shake the jar of reality. Narlee provides some very humorous problem solving techniques employed by Ron as he tries to avoid quite the entanglement with Courtney. You'll be asking yourself the question: Which end is up? Dreams or nightmares?
A slow start picks up speed. I almost wished that Narlee would have stayed the course with his injection of Twilight Zone. That's what grabbed me as the storyline progressed. Oh, well. This still was a very clever and entertaining read. Lesson learned: Don't fall asleep on the train.....
November 20, 2016
Holy Sh*t! This debut novel absolutely drove me crazy!
It began (for me) as a tedious and preposterous chick-lit read that almost became my first DNF of 2016, but I had this feeling I needed to stay with it, and am glad I did.
My next reaction to the plot was utter shock as I questioned what the hell had just happened!?!
As for the finale, well, I'll just say the story turns insanely intense and suspenseful, and well.......Just Read It!
HA! 4 Stars for Luke P. Narlee's first novel!
November 19, 2016
Great debut novel! Couldn't put it down! I had no idea what was going on.. poor Ron! That's all I'm going to say.
December 17, 2016
Who's been sleeping in your guest bed?
Ron and Kate, 12 years married, are no longer connecting with each other. Indeed, they can no longer even have a civil conversation. Bristling at the slightest word, barbed exchanges often segueing into full-scale shouting matches. Striking out with harsh words, familiarity making it easy to gouge and dig where the other is most vulnerable.
Still smarting from the hurtful things said in the latest argument with his wife, Ron catches the commuter train and is pleasantly surprised to find himself seated by a charming young woman named Courtney. They strike up a conversation, and Ron is enjoying the friendly banter, and doesn't blink an eye when it turns the corner and takes on a life of its own, outright flirtation full of promising innuendo. The timing makes this dangerous territory, and I thought But that wasn't it at all, was it?
The tension thrums in this debut novel. I was on tenterhooks for the most of it, wondering where in the world it was headed. Realistic dialogue and fine pacing make for a most enjoyable read.
Ron and Kate, 12 years married, are no longer connecting with each other. Indeed, they can no longer even have a civil conversation. Bristling at the slightest word, barbed exchanges often segueing into full-scale shouting matches. Striking out with harsh words, familiarity making it easy to gouge and dig where the other is most vulnerable.
Still smarting from the hurtful things said in the latest argument with his wife, Ron catches the commuter train and is pleasantly surprised to find himself seated by a charming young woman named Courtney. They strike up a conversation, and Ron is enjoying the friendly banter, and doesn't blink an eye when it turns the corner and takes on a life of its own, outright flirtation full of promising innuendo. The timing makes this dangerous territory, and I thought But that wasn't it at all, was it?
The tension thrums in this debut novel. I was on tenterhooks for the most of it, wondering where in the world it was headed. Realistic dialogue and fine pacing make for a most enjoyable read.
December 5, 2016
This extremely hard to put down novel gets a 5* rating from me! Very clever storyline with the best plot twist and message ever. GUEST BED by LUKE NARLEE was a fitting title which was executed perfectly from the husbands point of view. Loved it!
It was an engrossing, tense, and thought-provoking novel with an unexpected twist. It was very exciting and easy to follow along which I read in two sittings!
Thank you to my Goodreads friends and the author for introducing me to another great read!
It was a short, fast-paced, exciting, thought-provoking, quick, and easy read with an ending that was wrapped up perfectly which answered all my many questions. Highly recommend!!
http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
It was an engrossing, tense, and thought-provoking novel with an unexpected twist. It was very exciting and easy to follow along which I read in two sittings!
Thank you to my Goodreads friends and the author for introducing me to another great read!
It was a short, fast-paced, exciting, thought-provoking, quick, and easy read with an ending that was wrapped up perfectly which answered all my many questions. Highly recommend!!
http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
January 25, 2021
Maybe it's just me? Thirteen of my fifteen friends who have read this gave it 4 or 5 stars, yet I took an unprecedented twenty five days to get through it. That could be a record for me and speaks to how compelling I found this story. A combination of way too much (often cheesy) dialogue, a wildly unbelievable plot, and a silly, unsatisfying conclusion has me arriving at the dreaded 1 star rating. Additionally, though I would not classify this as a thriller, I figured out very early on what was going on, which is rarely the case. Perhaps it was meant to be somewhat obvious, perhaps this was meant to be more of a romantic mystery? Regardless, this one didn't work for me at all.
December 12, 2016
She was a new, vibrant color in what I had thought was a monochrome world.
I'd just like to get something out of the way really quick. Guest Bed is so unbelievably good and its author, Luke Narlee, is going to be somebody very soon on the grand landscape of fictional storytelling. I know that for a fact. How do I know that? Well, it's too well-written, too well-edited, and it's simply too well-done to be ignored by the constant mass of readers looking for a genuine quality in new voices. You can't deny the talent presented here.
There's a damn good reason why this book is catching fire so quickly on this site. It's because there is an irresistible nature to it. While you read it, you get sucked in. The story is incredibly engaging.
This novel is also my favorite book of 2016, by far. There. I feel better now that I've extracted all of that from my system.
Personal, relevant side note for you: I was securely married a little under three years ago, for what (at least to me) seemed to be a union heading toward a decade-long zone of numb comfort, but everything changed on the morning after Valentine's day of 2014. My then-wife asked for a divorce. Her reasoning was that we were both unhappy (we were) and that we should move on, before we'd end up much too old to even care anymore. Before we just gave up and settled for a conjoined lifetime of resentment and faraway what-ifs. It was true hell trying to realize that my world would be vastly improved without such a loveless anchor shackled to my ankle, but after months and months of internal grief, I came out of the wreckage much better off.
There were countless passages in this book that struck a chord in me, shaking me to my core. Like this one right here:
It’s a fine house, but we never intended to live in it for so long. It was supposed to be a starter home. These days I find myself hoping this is just a starter life.
You know, I remember buying a nice and spacious house in 2010, thinking that things would definitely change, that we could get something back together...that that "something" we once had would magically reappear. But it didn't. It only got worse as days passed.
Guest Bed, in many ways, has touched upon several aspects of my own failures, my own triumphs, and my own struggles to overcome a grueling, slow-burn separation.
When you think about it, we are all like Ron, like Kate, like Courtney. Just at different points in time. We all desire to be loved, to feel new again. The problem is that we're all fundamentally flawed. It's extremely hard to hold onto that mysterious something with someone; that special something which we all strive to latch onto forever is always shapeshifting. Is it not?
I sincerely cannot say enough great things about this book. It ends in such a place with its characters that you are implored to THINK about the previous actions, emotions, and possible consequences going forward in this predicament strangely created. An amazing novel is supposed to leave you wanting a whole lot more, and this one has certainly done that for me.
If Mr. Narlee isn't a NY Times Bestselling author within the next five years, I swear that I'll eat my hat. I will eat all of my hats, actually. And I have quite a few of them...since my follicles are receding.
I conclude this review with yet another quote from the book—a particularly beautiful area that made me think of those irreplaceable firsts for all the optimistic lovers out there—those moments in time that you can never seem to get back, no matter how much you try to...
“Sounds perfect,” said Kate. She blinked, and like magic, her eyes sparkled, reflecting both the stars and the moon. It was all right there. An entire galaxy of hopes and dreams resting comfortably in her eyes.
I'd just like to get something out of the way really quick. Guest Bed is so unbelievably good and its author, Luke Narlee, is going to be somebody very soon on the grand landscape of fictional storytelling. I know that for a fact. How do I know that? Well, it's too well-written, too well-edited, and it's simply too well-done to be ignored by the constant mass of readers looking for a genuine quality in new voices. You can't deny the talent presented here.
There's a damn good reason why this book is catching fire so quickly on this site. It's because there is an irresistible nature to it. While you read it, you get sucked in. The story is incredibly engaging.
This novel is also my favorite book of 2016, by far. There. I feel better now that I've extracted all of that from my system.
Personal, relevant side note for you: I was securely married a little under three years ago, for what (at least to me) seemed to be a union heading toward a decade-long zone of numb comfort, but everything changed on the morning after Valentine's day of 2014. My then-wife asked for a divorce. Her reasoning was that we were both unhappy (we were) and that we should move on, before we'd end up much too old to even care anymore. Before we just gave up and settled for a conjoined lifetime of resentment and faraway what-ifs. It was true hell trying to realize that my world would be vastly improved without such a loveless anchor shackled to my ankle, but after months and months of internal grief, I came out of the wreckage much better off.
There were countless passages in this book that struck a chord in me, shaking me to my core. Like this one right here:
It’s a fine house, but we never intended to live in it for so long. It was supposed to be a starter home. These days I find myself hoping this is just a starter life.
You know, I remember buying a nice and spacious house in 2010, thinking that things would definitely change, that we could get something back together...that that "something" we once had would magically reappear. But it didn't. It only got worse as days passed.
Guest Bed, in many ways, has touched upon several aspects of my own failures, my own triumphs, and my own struggles to overcome a grueling, slow-burn separation.
When you think about it, we are all like Ron, like Kate, like Courtney. Just at different points in time. We all desire to be loved, to feel new again. The problem is that we're all fundamentally flawed. It's extremely hard to hold onto that mysterious something with someone; that special something which we all strive to latch onto forever is always shapeshifting. Is it not?
I sincerely cannot say enough great things about this book. It ends in such a place with its characters that you are implored to THINK about the previous actions, emotions, and possible consequences going forward in this predicament strangely created. An amazing novel is supposed to leave you wanting a whole lot more, and this one has certainly done that for me.
If Mr. Narlee isn't a NY Times Bestselling author within the next five years, I swear that I'll eat my hat. I will eat all of my hats, actually. And I have quite a few of them...since my follicles are receding.
I conclude this review with yet another quote from the book—a particularly beautiful area that made me think of those irreplaceable firsts for all the optimistic lovers out there—those moments in time that you can never seem to get back, no matter how much you try to...
“Sounds perfect,” said Kate. She blinked, and like magic, her eyes sparkled, reflecting both the stars and the moon. It was all right there. An entire galaxy of hopes and dreams resting comfortably in her eyes.
May 28, 2017
Wow, this book is really different. I almost DNF it in the first few chapters because all the back and forth dialogue was driving me crazy! BUT thank goodness I gave it a chance because suddenly.....WHAT just happened? Oh no, I can't put this book down now. I need to see what just happened. OK, let me just stay up and read some more because I am so intrigued! I didn't see the twist coming and enjoyed the rest of the book very much! If you read it....don't get frustrated....just keep going because the insanity is coming..........
December 4, 2016
Starting reading Guest Bed just before bed. I was getting sleepy, going to put it down and then a twist. I was wide awake and read till I finished.
Guest bed is a short, fast read and perfect for one or two sittings. I found Guest Bed to be interestingly written and a very satisfying read. Just what I needed.
Guest bed is a short, fast read and perfect for one or two sittings. I found Guest Bed to be interestingly written and a very satisfying read. Just what I needed.
August 30, 2023
Wow. Engaging at first, but maybe a tad too predictable. A 12-year marriage is told from the husband’s point of view. Relatable at times, but a little disturbing and moves fast towards the end. 4 stars
December 5, 2016
4 Stars. Very enjoyable read.
December 3, 2016
Wow what can I say I really loved the realism portrayed in the characters they felt so real! I love nothing more than a domestic psychological drama and this had it in spades so this was particularly to my taste. The dialogue and every conversation felt so familiar and intimate almost to the point I felt like I was eavesdropping. I have to give a shout out to Linda for recommending this book to me as I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had me gripped and reading way past my bedtime and I know I'm really loving a book when I'm not counting down the pages until the end. Great writing, with a screwy plot that drove me bonkers trying to work it out, I was definitely sweating it out as much as poor Ron by the end...I will definitely seek out further material from this debut writer. Please write more Luke I think you have yourself a solid fan base already :)
November 26, 2016
Mr. Narlee sure can write a lightning-fast read, to say the least. In between reading, I was sharing the storyline with my husband, son, Thanksgiving guests--even my cats were privy to comments, when no one else was available. One of my guests asked if I'd be finished with the book so he could read it on his flight back home.
I've not known a year filled with so many wonderful books and talented authors that I've been privileged to experience. "Guest Bed" holds its own with the best of them. Great debut novel!
It would have been a five-star read for me, if it weren't for the ending. Seriously, I'm still sitting here pondering...
I most definitely recommend this book.
I've not known a year filled with so many wonderful books and talented authors that I've been privileged to experience. "Guest Bed" holds its own with the best of them. Great debut novel!
It would have been a five-star read for me, if it weren't for the ending. Seriously, I'm still sitting here pondering...
I most definitely recommend this book.
December 8, 2016
This is a quick read but you will find yourself totally immersed in this story. Ron is not having a good day, it is the day before his 12th wedding anniversary and he has had a major argument with his wife, these seem to be happening more and more lately. He heads of to work distracted by these events when he has a car accident. With no other way to get to work Ron heads for the train station and falls asleep on the train. When he awakes, he finds himself next to a gorgeous looking woman named Courtney. Against his better judgement, and conflicting emotions, he spends time with Courtney when he is meant to be doing other things. After a while Ron notices some things about Courtney that seem a little strange, who is this woman really? I will not say anymore so I do not give any of the plot away but this is a totally captivating story and I loved every minute of it.
February 10, 2017
Getting through as many books as I do, it's always nice to find something that is a bit different. Unlike the protagonists' stale marriage, Luke P. Narlee's debut novel, Guest Bed, was fresh and exciting. Told in the first-person, this is the story of Ron who is about to celebrate his 12th wedding anniversary with his wife Kate. But there is no festive, romantic atmosphere. Kate is unhappy. She doesn't think she is appreciated. Ron feels constantly criticized. They clash on just about everything. After another argument during breakfast, Ron heads off to work contemplating the fact that he doesn't enjoy being married anymore. That evening, commuting back home on the train, he meets a radiant young woman, Courtney. Any more and I'd probably give something away.
The plot took off at a faster pace after this and it got to the stage that I didn't want to put this down because I had to find out where it was going to lead. It became mysterious and more than surprising. There were several "No way!" and "Oh, come oooonnn!!" moments where the plot stretched credibility, and if you know me, you'll know I don't usually cope well with that. The author took great care to make sure the hows and whys were explained in the end, but I nevertheless felt various scenarios were a bit too convenient. Despite this, I really enjoyed this compelling, tense, and in parts thought-provoking but also bizarre tale. Luke Narlee's writing style was completely engaging and his exploration of a relationship that has decayed over the years immensely perceptive. Kate and Ron and their dialogue were portrayed in such a believable and relatable manner. Great debut novel! Grateful to Goodreads friends whose reviews put this on my radar.
The plot took off at a faster pace after this and it got to the stage that I didn't want to put this down because I had to find out where it was going to lead. It became mysterious and more than surprising. There were several "No way!" and "Oh, come oooonnn!!" moments where the plot stretched credibility, and if you know me, you'll know I don't usually cope well with that. The author took great care to make sure the hows and whys were explained in the end, but I nevertheless felt various scenarios were a bit too convenient. Despite this, I really enjoyed this compelling, tense, and in parts thought-provoking but also bizarre tale. Luke Narlee's writing style was completely engaging and his exploration of a relationship that has decayed over the years immensely perceptive. Kate and Ron and their dialogue were portrayed in such a believable and relatable manner. Great debut novel! Grateful to Goodreads friends whose reviews put this on my radar.
August 1, 2018
Holy cow!!! I had not read any reviews on this so I was pleasantly surprised with this one!! This is the author’s debut novel and let’s just say he had me on the edge of my seat! It’s a quick little book too and I liked that!!
October 29, 2016
3.99 Kindle Special
It's the late 80's, Ron and Kate have been married twelve years and have three daughters. Their marriage has lost its spark, some things they used to love about their spouse have now become annoying. Let's say the honeymoon is over. This book has the best plot twist and I love that the story is told from a mans point of view! I loved it! its a steal at 3.99 for those of you that enjoy psychological suspense/thrillers, every married couple needs to read it.
The author has a dystopia/sci fi coming out next year.
It's the late 80's, Ron and Kate have been married twelve years and have three daughters. Their marriage has lost its spark, some things they used to love about their spouse have now become annoying. Let's say the honeymoon is over. This book has the best plot twist and I love that the story is told from a mans point of view! I loved it! its a steal at 3.99 for those of you that enjoy psychological suspense/thrillers, every married couple needs to read it.
The author has a dystopia/sci fi coming out next year.
July 13, 2017
Ron has been married to Kate for 12 years and then he meets Courtney, a stranger who sits next to him on a train.
I found Guest Bed to be a brilliant read and it gave me all I wanted from a book. Guest Bed is told in the first person and as a married man myself, I found Ron extremely easy to relate to. Luke had the dialogue between Kate and Ron spot on, as I believe ALL married women talk like that! There was a great psychological tension running through this novel and I really felt for Ron.
Through his writing, Luke shows he really understands not only the dynamics of marriage but also how men relate to ALL women. Forget the concept of only one woman in the world for every man but consider women as job seekers where many are suitable for the vacancy.
Ron is a likeable character and you can't help feeling sorry for the troubles he has wandered into. Although this book is fiction, this sort of thing can happen in real life. As you read through this book the fear builds that these problems could happen to you. Throw in a few beers whilst your wife's friends are around and this book becomes very, very real.
I found Guest Bed to be a very engaging read for all men. I suspect women will enjoy this book but am not foolish enough to discuss it with my wife! I thought Guest Bed was a VERY GOOD read and reading it was a thrill. I can find nothing wrong with this book, so it gets the top score of 5 stars from me.
Guest Bed is Luke's debut novel but from reading it, you would never guess. This man has great talent, he can write a great tale and understands what makes men tick.
Guest Bed was written in 2016 and is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook.
I found Guest Bed to be a brilliant read and it gave me all I wanted from a book. Guest Bed is told in the first person and as a married man myself, I found Ron extremely easy to relate to. Luke had the dialogue between Kate and Ron spot on, as I believe ALL married women talk like that! There was a great psychological tension running through this novel and I really felt for Ron.
Through his writing, Luke shows he really understands not only the dynamics of marriage but also how men relate to ALL women. Forget the concept of only one woman in the world for every man but consider women as job seekers where many are suitable for the vacancy.
Ron is a likeable character and you can't help feeling sorry for the troubles he has wandered into. Although this book is fiction, this sort of thing can happen in real life. As you read through this book the fear builds that these problems could happen to you. Throw in a few beers whilst your wife's friends are around and this book becomes very, very real.
I found Guest Bed to be a very engaging read for all men. I suspect women will enjoy this book but am not foolish enough to discuss it with my wife! I thought Guest Bed was a VERY GOOD read and reading it was a thrill. I can find nothing wrong with this book, so it gets the top score of 5 stars from me.
Guest Bed is Luke's debut novel but from reading it, you would never guess. This man has great talent, he can write a great tale and understands what makes men tick.
Guest Bed was written in 2016 and is available as an Amazon Kindle eBook.
January 4, 2021
Thanks Elyse for recommending this!!! I never read a book in one week, nor wake up in the middle of the night to read! It gets you from the start and doesn't let go til the end !
November 22, 2016
This book is weird, yo! I'm not sure what I think about this book. I will say that it kept my interest and the pace was fast. It was totally bizarre though, and I'm not sure how I would categorize it. Going in, I thought it was a thriller, but it's not. I'm not really sure what it is. If you want to read a strange and improbable little book with fast pacing, this may be a good book for you. I'll give it 3 stars.
November 16, 2016
Picked this up on an Amazon deal and read it over the weekend. Sorry, but I didn't end up feeling this one like everyone else did. Ron and Kate who are about to celebrate their 12th anniversary have problems in their marriage. Kate is feeling that Ron never really hears where she's coming from, that their relationship is no longer a priority proven by the fact that they have not been intimate in awhile. Ron feels that no matter what he does or says it never pleases Kate. As I was reading this I felt the anguish and frustration of this relationship gone wrong that no longer seemed salvageable. After an argument and an accident on his way to work Ron meets Courtney, aka Kay or K as she later is known. Courtney is an attractive woman whom Ron strikes up a conversation with on the train, she's witty, she's charming something his wife no longer seems to be. Here's where this takes a turn for me, Ron is practically ready to throw in the towel on his marriage rather too quickly and this story begins a few odd twists and turns that I don't want to ruin for others who want to read this. I didn't care for the freaky sort of game that involved Kate's co-workers, a game that was kind of outlandish and almost cruel if you ask me. Sorry, but this one ended up a disappointment for me.
November 6, 2016
That was really something!! I just loved this book. My head is spinning right now.
Review to follow
Review to follow
April 1, 2017
Ron and his wife of 12 years, Kate, can’t seem to get along lately. They got married young and have three young children, and the things that initially attracted them to each other are gone. After a huge fight with Kate, Ron heads to work and on the way home, meets a stranger on the train. The stranger happens to be a beautiful, funny, put together woman, and Ron finds himself instantly attracted to her. After he car won’t start, he offers to drive her home. Ron finds himself wondering what his life would be like if he had married Courtney instead of Kate. Would he be happier? This temptation leads him to do everything he can to help Courtney the night her car broke down, until he starts wondering if she’s hiding things from him…is Courtney really who he thinks she is?
I had to sit and think for a while about how I wanted to rate this book. I loved all of Part 1, and was really intrigued to see what Coutney’s deal was, especially since the book was positioned as a psychological suspense. That said, when Part 2 started, I was constantly asking myself “what the hell is going on?” (and I’m sure the main character, Ron, was thinking the same thing). I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into specifics, but I found myself not quite buying the explanations that were coming. I had to suspend disbelief a lot, and that took away from me liking the story as much as I liked Part 1. It just felt like there was NO WAY that things would happen the way they supposedly did in the book.
I liked Part 3 a lot better than Part 2, because we were able to get some answers, but as mentioned before, it was hard for me to believe the resolutions. I kept thinking “there’s no way this would happen”, so what started off as a 5 star read for me ended up with a lower rating.
What I did love about the book was seeing Ron and Kate’s relationship. It was hard to read sometimes because they were fighting so much and you sometimes wanted to shake one or the other of them. It’s easy to fall into a routine in a long term relationship and lose the spark that drew two people together, and I enjoy reading about the ups and downs of marriage, so I loved that part. I also really liked the ending – just not how we got there.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this one. I’m giving this one 3.5 stars. If you’re okay reading a book where the storyline seems implausible, this will be a great read for you! I did really like the writing style, so I’m eager to check out what else Luke P. Narlee has to offer!
I had to sit and think for a while about how I wanted to rate this book. I loved all of Part 1, and was really intrigued to see what Coutney’s deal was, especially since the book was positioned as a psychological suspense. That said, when Part 2 started, I was constantly asking myself “what the hell is going on?” (and I’m sure the main character, Ron, was thinking the same thing). I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into specifics, but I found myself not quite buying the explanations that were coming. I had to suspend disbelief a lot, and that took away from me liking the story as much as I liked Part 1. It just felt like there was NO WAY that things would happen the way they supposedly did in the book.
I liked Part 3 a lot better than Part 2, because we were able to get some answers, but as mentioned before, it was hard for me to believe the resolutions. I kept thinking “there’s no way this would happen”, so what started off as a 5 star read for me ended up with a lower rating.
What I did love about the book was seeing Ron and Kate’s relationship. It was hard to read sometimes because they were fighting so much and you sometimes wanted to shake one or the other of them. It’s easy to fall into a routine in a long term relationship and lose the spark that drew two people together, and I enjoy reading about the ups and downs of marriage, so I loved that part. I also really liked the ending – just not how we got there.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this one. I’m giving this one 3.5 stars. If you’re okay reading a book where the storyline seems implausible, this will be a great read for you! I did really like the writing style, so I’m eager to check out what else Luke P. Narlee has to offer!
November 9, 2016
OMG, I loved this book, I could not put this down. I have to say I could relate to this couple incredibly, they are so real its scary. I had to keep reading because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
Kate & Ron are like so many young couples, the urges are there but do you listen to them or ignore them? This is a fast paced excellent read, I liked it better than Girl on a Train and I liked that but LOVED this. Incredible novel for an author's debut. I guarantee you'll be hooked and be so glad you read it. This gets 5 stars !!!
Kate & Ron are like so many young couples, the urges are there but do you listen to them or ignore them? This is a fast paced excellent read, I liked it better than Girl on a Train and I liked that but LOVED this. Incredible novel for an author's debut. I guarantee you'll be hooked and be so glad you read it. This gets 5 stars !!!
November 18, 2016
This was an engaging quick read - perfect for the commute to and from work.
Kate and Ron have been married for 12 years, the dialogue between them is very real, but their interactions are fairly stereotypically male / female - she seems overly emotional and critical while he seems a little too clueless and innocent to me.
Overall, it was enjoyable reading and they live happily ever after - or do they?
Kate and Ron have been married for 12 years, the dialogue between them is very real, but their interactions are fairly stereotypically male / female - she seems overly emotional and critical while he seems a little too clueless and innocent to me.
Overall, it was enjoyable reading and they live happily ever after - or do they?
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