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Pretty Revenge
The name of the game is revenge—no matter the cost—in this emotionally charged thriller reminiscent of The Wife Between Us and The Perfect Nanny.
Kerrie O’Malley, jobless and in an unfulfilling relationship, can isolate the singular moment in her life when things veered off course—the night she was irrevocably wronged by someone she looked up to. Eighteen years later, when Kerrie sees the very woman who destroyed her life on television, a fire ignites inside her. The stakes are high. The risks are perilous. But she’ll stop at nothing to achieve the retribution she deserves.
Jordana Pierson is a gilded New Yorker who appears to have it all: wealth, glamour, a successful and handsome husband, and a thriving wedding concierge business. Her record is spotless. Her business is flourishing. No one knows the truth about her and the dark shadows of her past.
No one, that is, except Kerrie.
Exploring just how far someone will go for vengeance, Pretty Revenge is a riveting, compulsively readable novel bursting with twists and turns and plenty of suspense.
Kerrie O’Malley, jobless and in an unfulfilling relationship, can isolate the singular moment in her life when things veered off course—the night she was irrevocably wronged by someone she looked up to. Eighteen years later, when Kerrie sees the very woman who destroyed her life on television, a fire ignites inside her. The stakes are high. The risks are perilous. But she’ll stop at nothing to achieve the retribution she deserves.
Jordana Pierson is a gilded New Yorker who appears to have it all: wealth, glamour, a successful and handsome husband, and a thriving wedding concierge business. Her record is spotless. Her business is flourishing. No one knows the truth about her and the dark shadows of her past.
No one, that is, except Kerrie.
Exploring just how far someone will go for vengeance, Pretty Revenge is a riveting, compulsively readable novel bursting with twists and turns and plenty of suspense.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
331 people are currently reading
7498 people want to read
About the author
Emily Liebert
13 books986 followersEmily Liebert is the USA TODAY Bestselling Author of seven books.
PERFECTLY FAMOUS, her newest novel, was released on June 2, 2020. Prior to that, PRETTY REVENGE published on July 2, 2019. Both with Gallery/Simon& Schuster.
Her first narrative non-fiction book, FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES, is available across the globe.
In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN, which published on September 3, 2013. Her second novel, WHEN WE FALL, published on September 2, 2014. THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, her third novel, released on June 2, 2015, and her fourth novel, SOME WOMEN, came out on April 5, 2016, all with Penguin Random House.
Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson Cooper, FOX News, Good Day New York, The Couch, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, OK!, Nylon, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s World, WWD, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and The Huffington Post.
She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.
PERFECTLY FAMOUS, her newest novel, was released on June 2, 2020. Prior to that, PRETTY REVENGE published on July 2, 2019. Both with Gallery/Simon& Schuster.
Her first narrative non-fiction book, FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES, is available across the globe.
In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN, which published on September 3, 2013. Her second novel, WHEN WE FALL, published on September 2, 2014. THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, her third novel, released on June 2, 2015, and her fourth novel, SOME WOMEN, came out on April 5, 2016, all with Penguin Random House.
Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson Cooper, FOX News, Good Day New York, The Couch, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, InStyle, OK!, Nylon, Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s World, WWD, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and The Huffington Post.
She has also served as a spokesperson for Microsoft, appearing on TV and radio stations nationwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 429 reviews
July 3, 2020
Revenge is best served...
To what lengths would you go to seek revenge on someone you felt wronged you in the past? Change your life in order to destroy theirs? Is it worth it? When all is said and done will it give you the peace you seek, or destroy you in the end?
Kerrie’s life has never been easy. Her parents died very young and the only family left was her grandmother. Kerrie grew up with a white-hot hatred for Jordan, known better in the upper-crust of New York as Jordana. She’s decided now is the time to exact revenge on her arch-enemy.
A fun thriller that I toggled back and forth between the written and audio version. I highly recommend the audio, as it included one of my absolute favorite narrator, Erin Mallon.
Of course, you’ll need to suspend some believability. If you can manage that you’re in for the perfect summer weekend read.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster.
To what lengths would you go to seek revenge on someone you felt wronged you in the past? Change your life in order to destroy theirs? Is it worth it? When all is said and done will it give you the peace you seek, or destroy you in the end?
Kerrie’s life has never been easy. Her parents died very young and the only family left was her grandmother. Kerrie grew up with a white-hot hatred for Jordan, known better in the upper-crust of New York as Jordana. She’s decided now is the time to exact revenge on her arch-enemy.
A fun thriller that I toggled back and forth between the written and audio version. I highly recommend the audio, as it included one of my absolute favorite narrator, Erin Mallon.
Of course, you’ll need to suspend some believability. If you can manage that you’re in for the perfect summer weekend read.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster.
July 1, 2019
3.5 stars
I had a good time reading this one, but it's not the type of story you want to take too seriously. It has a bit of a soap opera like quality and it's best to just roll with it and not get caught up in whether or not a person really would go to extreme lengths just for revenge.
The story opens with Kerrie O’Malley, currently unemployed and not that into her boyfriend, making the decision now is the time to finally get even with Jordana Pierson who wronged her so many years ago. So Kerrie does what any sane person would do and packs up and moves to New York City and begins working as Jordana's assistant. And of course Jordana doesn't recognize the person she hired at her wedding planning business is someone from her past because Kerrie is no longer a child, she dyed her hair and got a nose job. (Like I said, just go with it and trust me it's more believable than the current storyline on Days of Our Lives with Kristen just whipping on a mask and pretending to be Nicole and everyone buying it except poor Maggie who everyone thinks is drinking again). So will Kerrie finally get her revenge and utterly destroy everything Jordana has worked for and expose her lies to the rest of the world?
The story certainly has some holes in it but it was fun, mindless entertainment which I especially like in the summertime as it's the type of book you are meant to relax with on a chaise lounge by the pool.
I like how the story alternated between the perspectives of Kerrie and Jordana. The only slight criticism I have is when I finally learned just why Kerrie is so ticked off at Jordana, I was left feeling underwhelmed.
Overall a decent book to keep you entertained for awhile.
I won an advance copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I had a good time reading this one, but it's not the type of story you want to take too seriously. It has a bit of a soap opera like quality and it's best to just roll with it and not get caught up in whether or not a person really would go to extreme lengths just for revenge.
The story opens with Kerrie O’Malley, currently unemployed and not that into her boyfriend, making the decision now is the time to finally get even with Jordana Pierson who wronged her so many years ago. So Kerrie does what any sane person would do and packs up and moves to New York City and begins working as Jordana's assistant. And of course Jordana doesn't recognize the person she hired at her wedding planning business is someone from her past because Kerrie is no longer a child, she dyed her hair and got a nose job. (Like I said, just go with it and trust me it's more believable than the current storyline on Days of Our Lives with Kristen just whipping on a mask and pretending to be Nicole and everyone buying it except poor Maggie who everyone thinks is drinking again). So will Kerrie finally get her revenge and utterly destroy everything Jordana has worked for and expose her lies to the rest of the world?
The story certainly has some holes in it but it was fun, mindless entertainment which I especially like in the summertime as it's the type of book you are meant to relax with on a chaise lounge by the pool.
I like how the story alternated between the perspectives of Kerrie and Jordana. The only slight criticism I have is when I finally learned just why Kerrie is so ticked off at Jordana, I was left feeling underwhelmed.
Overall a decent book to keep you entertained for awhile.
I won an advance copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
July 2, 2019
Kerrie is out of work and not happy with her relationship. She will never forget the one thing that happened in her life that changed everything for her... It all traces back to Jordana.
Unlike Kerrie, Jordana has it all. She’s happily married and wildly successful. She also has a closet full of secrets, of which Kerrie is aware.
If you love a revenge story, this one is for you! It’s addictively readable, compelling, with twists and turns. I loved hearing from both Kerrie and Jordana because it amps up the tension and suspense.
I’ve read and loved Emily Liebert’s other books, but her first thriller is a fun, a touch campy, and an entertaining success and perfect for those beach totes!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My review can also be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Unlike Kerrie, Jordana has it all. She’s happily married and wildly successful. She also has a closet full of secrets, of which Kerrie is aware.
If you love a revenge story, this one is for you! It’s addictively readable, compelling, with twists and turns. I loved hearing from both Kerrie and Jordana because it amps up the tension and suspense.
I’ve read and loved Emily Liebert’s other books, but her first thriller is a fun, a touch campy, and an entertaining success and perfect for those beach totes!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My review can also be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 12, 2019
Okay... So hear me out: This book bridges the gap of women’s fiction and domestic thriller genres!
Let me explain why! The plot isn't geared toward your typical thriller/suspense vibe - no one’s getting murdered and there’s no blood and guts. It plays out as a domestic drama with some twists. Predominantly, you're in it for the revenge game. And on a whole, that's entirely what this plotline is - a huge vengeance cat and mouse game. (There are totally subplots that include family backstories, marital drama, and hints of a love story.)
But what really makes this book is the two main characters - because both Jordana and Olivia are ON POINT!! I just devoured Olivia's character. She's smart, cunning, but still human in all her deception. Liebert wrote her to perfection! She was relatable which was so surprising because my personality isn't driven by one-upping someone. But Olivia made you wanna try and out-smart your biggest nemesis!
I also appreciated that this wasn't a fluffy ending. There were two critical plot points that could have turned into real "eh" moments - one was a death and the other was the ending. I found both authentic and probable (probability is high on my "well that's a nope" for me scale).
So my suggestion to you fellow readers is: walk into this book knowing it's domestic drama/thriller. It will be so much more satisfying!
Let me explain why! The plot isn't geared toward your typical thriller/suspense vibe - no one’s getting murdered and there’s no blood and guts. It plays out as a domestic drama with some twists. Predominantly, you're in it for the revenge game. And on a whole, that's entirely what this plotline is - a huge vengeance cat and mouse game. (There are totally subplots that include family backstories, marital drama, and hints of a love story.)
But what really makes this book is the two main characters - because both Jordana and Olivia are ON POINT!! I just devoured Olivia's character. She's smart, cunning, but still human in all her deception. Liebert wrote her to perfection! She was relatable which was so surprising because my personality isn't driven by one-upping someone. But Olivia made you wanna try and out-smart your biggest nemesis!
I also appreciated that this wasn't a fluffy ending. There were two critical plot points that could have turned into real "eh" moments - one was a death and the other was the ending. I found both authentic and probable (probability is high on my "well that's a nope" for me scale).
So my suggestion to you fellow readers is: walk into this book knowing it's domestic drama/thriller. It will be so much more satisfying!
July 2, 2019
Pretty Revenge by Emily Liebert is being marketed as “a riveting, compulsively readable novel bursting with twists and turns and plenty of suspense.” I, however, have a hard time thinking of this as a thriller or having a ton of twists and turns. It seemed a pretty straightforward case of revenge leaving it more with a contemporary feel or slightly suspenseful drama.
Kerrie O’Malley has spent the past eighteen years dwelling on the day she felt her life had been ripped away from her in the blink of an eye. Kerrie’s parents had both died when she was little leaving her with her grandmother raising her. One night Kerrie offered help to a teenage neighbor she looked up to and that became the biggest mistake of her life.
Now almost two decades later that teen Kerrie had tried to help is now known as Jordana Pierson. Not only had Jordana married a rich man but she runs her own business and lives a life featured in magazines. After all this time Kerrie has changed her looks and her name and plans to work her way into Jordana’s life for the revenge she deserves.
The book started off strong enough with nice writing that flowed well and was easy to comprehend bringing a reader into the story. The thing was though for me I just kept waiting for something shocking or something other than the plan unfolding to surprise me. When finished I also felt the end just kind of fizzled out leaving me with one of those meh, it’s alright feelings.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Kerrie O’Malley has spent the past eighteen years dwelling on the day she felt her life had been ripped away from her in the blink of an eye. Kerrie’s parents had both died when she was little leaving her with her grandmother raising her. One night Kerrie offered help to a teenage neighbor she looked up to and that became the biggest mistake of her life.
Now almost two decades later that teen Kerrie had tried to help is now known as Jordana Pierson. Not only had Jordana married a rich man but she runs her own business and lives a life featured in magazines. After all this time Kerrie has changed her looks and her name and plans to work her way into Jordana’s life for the revenge she deserves.
The book started off strong enough with nice writing that flowed well and was easy to comprehend bringing a reader into the story. The thing was though for me I just kept waiting for something shocking or something other than the plan unfolding to surprise me. When finished I also felt the end just kind of fizzled out leaving me with one of those meh, it’s alright feelings.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 2, 2019
Follow Book Nation by Jen for all reviews and recommendations.
Reading, Writing and Pretty Revenge with Author Emily Liebert: women’s fiction with a healthy dose of psychological suspense is sure to grab you!
You will surely be hooked from the get go when you dive in to Emily Liebert’s upcoming emotional thriller, Pretty Revenge! Eighteen years ago, Kerrie’s life was turned upside down. Hurt by the betrayal and disappointment she once felt, and having never fully recovered, she is stuck in a bad relationship with no job and feeling disappointed. After coming across the person she blames for her sad life on tv, old memories rise to the surface and retaliation becomes her goal. She takes a job and reestablishes her life in the city with the sole purpose of revenge.
Jordana is a sophisticated New Yorker who seems to have it all. She is a sought after wedding expert with a handsome, wealthy, successful husband and a beautiful apartment in the best part of town. With dark secrets, she is running from her past while keeping herself busy with wedding plans for her wealthy clients. When the job demands become overwhelming, she hires a much needed assistant who is agreeable to everything she is asked to do and seems to be extremely competent. Focused on the details of expensive weddings and client management, the two women seem to develop a solid working relationship; but are they truly who they say they are, and how well do they really know each other?
With women and secrets, lies and deceit, friendships and forgiveness, Pretty Revenge delivers a suspenseful dose of crazy you won’t want to miss! From her bestselling women’s novels focused on complex female relationships to this psychologically thrilling suspense, where we see a slightly darker side of those relationships…Liebert’s new spin is a huge success! Easy to read with humorous, witty language, the novel’s impending dread constantly builds as it brings us to the truth, and appealing to my pollyanna side, we are lead to believe everything will tie up in a bow after the last page – perfect for a weekend away! A most enjoyable read – available July 2019 – preorder a copy so you can have your own Pretty Revenge this summer!
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Q and A with Emily Liebert
You have been greatly successful with your women’s fiction novels, what made you decide to try psychological suspense this time?
EL: Writing women’s fiction novels was fun and fulfilling, but—ultimately—I wanted something edgier to sink my teeth into. I started reading a lot of psychological suspense and became motivated to challenge myself to try something new and bigger. With that said, I think both PRETTY REVENGE and the novel I’m writing now still have a women’s fiction element to them. I’m not going too far to the dark side, at least not yet! I also moved publishing houses to Simon & Schuster for these next two books, which I hope will be a major relaunch for me.
Are your characters in Pretty Revenge based on anyone you know? Do you think people you know have recreated themselves and are hiding big secrets?
EL: I rarely base my characters directly on people I know, but there are always circumstances and stories from my life or from my friends’ lives that meander their way in. I don’t believe I know anyone who’s hidden his/her past life and is pretending to be someone else. I do, however, believe that everyone has at least one secret, some bigger than others.
The cheating husband of the woman who appears to have it all is not a new idea…why do you think we love to read about those types?
EL: Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason, and I think people relate to them. They see their own lives reflected in the characters and plot. I always say, even if it’s not a revolutionary idea, there’s a fresh spin on it.
I was a fan of Kerrie’s from the get go but I felt compassion toward Jordana as her real life was revealed. Who did you root for in Pretty Revenge, Jordana or Kerrie?
EL: As the author of the book and the creator of the characters, I have to say I was rooting for both of them in different ways. You think Kerrie is the underdog at first and you understand why she wants revenge. But then, my hope, is that people will realize how broken and vulnerable Jordana is too.
Your writing is very witty and fun to read. Do you add descriptive phrases and detail afterward or does it just come out on the page as we see it?
EL: I love this question, and I get asked often about the humor in my writing. That is me! I’m funny (if I do say so myself). Also, I think you have to be able to laugh in life, even when it may not seem like the right moment. A big bucket list item for me would be to do standup comedy just once. I imagine it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m not sure I’d be able to go through with it, but stay tuned!
When you are starting a new book, do you develop your characters first, assigning them a past, present and future, or do you write the storyline and their details develop along with the plot?
EL: There’s always a nugget of an idea to begin with and maybe one character who I assign to that. Then, as I start fleshing out the idea, I’ll establish who the 2-3 main characters are and begin defining their personalities. After that, I’d say the storyline and the characters’ pasts/presents/futures unravel together.
What 3 books have you read lately that you recommend and what is on your nightstand right now?
EL: Three books I’ve loved recently are advanced copies of The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine and The Night Before by Wendy Walker (both pub in May), and Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. On my nightstand are an advanced copy of Jane Green’s The Friends We Keep and Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty.
Reading, Writing and Pretty Revenge with Author Emily Liebert: women’s fiction with a healthy dose of psychological suspense is sure to grab you!
You will surely be hooked from the get go when you dive in to Emily Liebert’s upcoming emotional thriller, Pretty Revenge! Eighteen years ago, Kerrie’s life was turned upside down. Hurt by the betrayal and disappointment she once felt, and having never fully recovered, she is stuck in a bad relationship with no job and feeling disappointed. After coming across the person she blames for her sad life on tv, old memories rise to the surface and retaliation becomes her goal. She takes a job and reestablishes her life in the city with the sole purpose of revenge.
Jordana is a sophisticated New Yorker who seems to have it all. She is a sought after wedding expert with a handsome, wealthy, successful husband and a beautiful apartment in the best part of town. With dark secrets, she is running from her past while keeping herself busy with wedding plans for her wealthy clients. When the job demands become overwhelming, she hires a much needed assistant who is agreeable to everything she is asked to do and seems to be extremely competent. Focused on the details of expensive weddings and client management, the two women seem to develop a solid working relationship; but are they truly who they say they are, and how well do they really know each other?
With women and secrets, lies and deceit, friendships and forgiveness, Pretty Revenge delivers a suspenseful dose of crazy you won’t want to miss! From her bestselling women’s novels focused on complex female relationships to this psychologically thrilling suspense, where we see a slightly darker side of those relationships…Liebert’s new spin is a huge success! Easy to read with humorous, witty language, the novel’s impending dread constantly builds as it brings us to the truth, and appealing to my pollyanna side, we are lead to believe everything will tie up in a bow after the last page – perfect for a weekend away! A most enjoyable read – available July 2019 – preorder a copy so you can have your own Pretty Revenge this summer!
Unknown.png
Q and A with Emily Liebert
You have been greatly successful with your women’s fiction novels, what made you decide to try psychological suspense this time?
EL: Writing women’s fiction novels was fun and fulfilling, but—ultimately—I wanted something edgier to sink my teeth into. I started reading a lot of psychological suspense and became motivated to challenge myself to try something new and bigger. With that said, I think both PRETTY REVENGE and the novel I’m writing now still have a women’s fiction element to them. I’m not going too far to the dark side, at least not yet! I also moved publishing houses to Simon & Schuster for these next two books, which I hope will be a major relaunch for me.
Are your characters in Pretty Revenge based on anyone you know? Do you think people you know have recreated themselves and are hiding big secrets?
EL: I rarely base my characters directly on people I know, but there are always circumstances and stories from my life or from my friends’ lives that meander their way in. I don’t believe I know anyone who’s hidden his/her past life and is pretending to be someone else. I do, however, believe that everyone has at least one secret, some bigger than others.
The cheating husband of the woman who appears to have it all is not a new idea…why do you think we love to read about those types?
EL: Stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason, and I think people relate to them. They see their own lives reflected in the characters and plot. I always say, even if it’s not a revolutionary idea, there’s a fresh spin on it.
I was a fan of Kerrie’s from the get go but I felt compassion toward Jordana as her real life was revealed. Who did you root for in Pretty Revenge, Jordana or Kerrie?
EL: As the author of the book and the creator of the characters, I have to say I was rooting for both of them in different ways. You think Kerrie is the underdog at first and you understand why she wants revenge. But then, my hope, is that people will realize how broken and vulnerable Jordana is too.
Your writing is very witty and fun to read. Do you add descriptive phrases and detail afterward or does it just come out on the page as we see it?
EL: I love this question, and I get asked often about the humor in my writing. That is me! I’m funny (if I do say so myself). Also, I think you have to be able to laugh in life, even when it may not seem like the right moment. A big bucket list item for me would be to do standup comedy just once. I imagine it would be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m not sure I’d be able to go through with it, but stay tuned!
When you are starting a new book, do you develop your characters first, assigning them a past, present and future, or do you write the storyline and their details develop along with the plot?
EL: There’s always a nugget of an idea to begin with and maybe one character who I assign to that. Then, as I start fleshing out the idea, I’ll establish who the 2-3 main characters are and begin defining their personalities. After that, I’d say the storyline and the characters’ pasts/presents/futures unravel together.
What 3 books have you read lately that you recommend and what is on your nightstand right now?
EL: Three books I’ve loved recently are advanced copies of The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine and The Night Before by Wendy Walker (both pub in May), and Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. On my nightstand are an advanced copy of Jane Green’s The Friends We Keep and Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty.
July 2, 2019
Revenge can be all consuming, and once Kerrie saw Jordana on the news, she decided to move to New York and take back what Jordana took from her all those years ago.
Out of work and with some money from her grandmother, Kerrie, using her new name - Olivia, makes the move and lands an interview with Jordana who owns a wedding planner business that caters to the wealthy and important.
Kerrie - the new Olivia - gets the job in a quick and easy interview. Was it too easy? Did Jordana really not know who Kerrie was?
After Kerrie was successful at obtaining the job, the excitement wore off almost immediately, and she was worried she didn’t make the right decision.
We follow both women as they play their roles and we wonder what had happened between them that made Olivia want to ruin Jordana.
Learning about their pasts and their childhoods gave insight into what happened eighteen years ago and what made them who they were today.
I actually liked both Jordana and Olivia even though they both were pretending to be someone they were not.
I also liked the light story line and learning the ins and outs and stresses of a wedding-planning business for the rich and famous.
It took a chapter or two to get me hooked, but PRETTY REVENGE was an enjoyable read despite what I had thought was a sinister-sounding title and cover. I didn't think it was going to be as tame as it was.
This book actually was on the delightful side.
If you are a fashionista, love New York, wonder how friendships go wrong, believe that you can be happy, and find characters you can love and hate at the same time, you won’t want to miss PRETTY REVENGE. 5/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Out of work and with some money from her grandmother, Kerrie, using her new name - Olivia, makes the move and lands an interview with Jordana who owns a wedding planner business that caters to the wealthy and important.
Kerrie - the new Olivia - gets the job in a quick and easy interview. Was it too easy? Did Jordana really not know who Kerrie was?
After Kerrie was successful at obtaining the job, the excitement wore off almost immediately, and she was worried she didn’t make the right decision.
We follow both women as they play their roles and we wonder what had happened between them that made Olivia want to ruin Jordana.
Learning about their pasts and their childhoods gave insight into what happened eighteen years ago and what made them who they were today.
I actually liked both Jordana and Olivia even though they both were pretending to be someone they were not.
I also liked the light story line and learning the ins and outs and stresses of a wedding-planning business for the rich and famous.
It took a chapter or two to get me hooked, but PRETTY REVENGE was an enjoyable read despite what I had thought was a sinister-sounding title and cover. I didn't think it was going to be as tame as it was.
This book actually was on the delightful side.
If you are a fashionista, love New York, wonder how friendships go wrong, believe that you can be happy, and find characters you can love and hate at the same time, you won’t want to miss PRETTY REVENGE. 5/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2019
I received a free copy of Pretty Revenge by Emily Liebert from Goodreads for my honest opinion.
A twisted thriller that shows just how far someone will go to get Revenge.
Kerrie O’Malley had a terrible childhood and she blames everything bad that has ever happened to her in life to the person who is responsible. Kerrie is in a so so relationship, has no career and has a very boring life.
One day, while watching TV, she is shocked when she sees the person she feels is to blame for her horrible life. That person is Jordana Pierson. She is a wedding planner who is rich, beautiful and living it up in New York City.
Now Kerrie has a plan. She is going to reinvent herself and organize a plan to take Jordana down.
I really enjoyed the different point of views. Seeing how each of them dealt with the pain they were deal in life. The strangest part if you grow to enjoy both characters. But the question it who will win and who will loose.
A twisted thriller that shows just how far someone will go to get Revenge.
Kerrie O’Malley had a terrible childhood and she blames everything bad that has ever happened to her in life to the person who is responsible. Kerrie is in a so so relationship, has no career and has a very boring life.
One day, while watching TV, she is shocked when she sees the person she feels is to blame for her horrible life. That person is Jordana Pierson. She is a wedding planner who is rich, beautiful and living it up in New York City.
Now Kerrie has a plan. She is going to reinvent herself and organize a plan to take Jordana down.
I really enjoyed the different point of views. Seeing how each of them dealt with the pain they were deal in life. The strangest part if you grow to enjoy both characters. But the question it who will win and who will loose.
July 14, 2019
This one was tricky for me to rate, because it did hold my attention from the very beginning, and I flew through it, but it also felt sort of...icky? The whole premise is centered around Kerry wanting revenge on someone from her past, so she changed her name and identity to make that happen. She lies to everyone, even people who didn't know her in the past and are innocent in this whole thing, and doesn't care whose life she ruins in the process of seeking revenge, so that was tricky. I was rooting for her in the beginning, but ultimately it felt childish and immature, and like she should have moved on in a healthy way a long time ago.
That all aside, the book read like a Lifetime movie, and I loved that. It was quick and easy to get through. It kept me engrossed the entire time, wanting to know what happened in the past that got us to this point, and then wanting to know how it would all end. The end did feel a little disappointing - like things ended too easily. I expected something more explosive, especially since this is not a book with twists and turns - it's straightforward, and what you see is what you get. Because of that, I expected more drama at the end.
All in all, I rated this one 3.5 stars and rounded up to 4 because I WAS engaged in it the entire time. I'd like to thank Gallery Books for my copy of the novel. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
That all aside, the book read like a Lifetime movie, and I loved that. It was quick and easy to get through. It kept me engrossed the entire time, wanting to know what happened in the past that got us to this point, and then wanting to know how it would all end. The end did feel a little disappointing - like things ended too easily. I expected something more explosive, especially since this is not a book with twists and turns - it's straightforward, and what you see is what you get. Because of that, I expected more drama at the end.
All in all, I rated this one 3.5 stars and rounded up to 4 because I WAS engaged in it the entire time. I'd like to thank Gallery Books for my copy of the novel. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
June 30, 2019
I absolutely LOVE a story about revenge.... and I was in LOVE with this cover.
This was such a wickedly juicy and fun book to read!! Pretty Revenge is juicy, delicious, and the perfect thriller to have on your side by the summer beachside!
Kerrie has been wronged in her life and is determined to get her revenge on Jordan. Kerrie soon moves to NYC to find Jordan to ultimately give her the revenge she deserves. This is where the game plays out between this two women... jumping from dual POV.
This was such a fast read for me and devoured in a little over 2 days. I definitely had fun with this one... my only issue was that I was a tad disappointed in how the ending played. I was hoping for a bit more devious revenge feeling.
4 stars
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 7/2/19
Published to GR: 6/30/19
This was such a wickedly juicy and fun book to read!! Pretty Revenge is juicy, delicious, and the perfect thriller to have on your side by the summer beachside!
Kerrie has been wronged in her life and is determined to get her revenge on Jordan. Kerrie soon moves to NYC to find Jordan to ultimately give her the revenge she deserves. This is where the game plays out between this two women... jumping from dual POV.
This was such a fast read for me and devoured in a little over 2 days. I definitely had fun with this one... my only issue was that I was a tad disappointed in how the ending played. I was hoping for a bit more devious revenge feeling.
4 stars
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Gallery/Scout Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: 7/2/19
Published to GR: 6/30/19
July 24, 2019
I received a free copy of Pretty Revenge by Emily Liebert from Goodreads for my honest review.
A story of sweet and simple revenge. Two women (Kerrie and Jordana) with a shared past ended up living very different lives. Kerrie’s life was not going so well. Then one day she Jordana on a morning TV show. Kerrie thinks Jordana destroyed her life. Jordana is living in Manhattan. She has a rich husband and an amazing business in which she runs a wedding concierge business. Jordana's life is amazing.
Kerrie, on the other hand, lost her job and her relationship and is struggling to find her way in life.
Kerrie and Jordana alternate telling their stories. With each and every chapter you will learn more about each of them, their pasts and why now, present day that Kerrie wants revenge.
A story of sweet and simple revenge. Two women (Kerrie and Jordana) with a shared past ended up living very different lives. Kerrie’s life was not going so well. Then one day she Jordana on a morning TV show. Kerrie thinks Jordana destroyed her life. Jordana is living in Manhattan. She has a rich husband and an amazing business in which she runs a wedding concierge business. Jordana's life is amazing.
Kerrie, on the other hand, lost her job and her relationship and is struggling to find her way in life.
Kerrie and Jordana alternate telling their stories. With each and every chapter you will learn more about each of them, their pasts and why now, present day that Kerrie wants revenge.
July 2, 2019
Wow - my first approved book on Edelweiss and it was a cracker! Pretty Revenge is the first book by Emily Liebert that I have read and I loved it. I will certainly be looking out for more from this writer. This book was twisty, funny and read like a soap opera at times! I was intrigued to find out what Kerrie wanted revenge for and you don't find out until close to the end. This book kept me interested all the way, but I was a little disappointed with the ending. I was hoping for something a bit more dramatic. But overall I really enjoyed this book and read it very quickly.
Kerrie has just lost her job, doesn't really have a lot invested in her relationship and is heading nowhere. Until one day she sees the woman that she holds responsible for ruining her life as a child on TV and comes up with a plan for revenge. She re-invents herself completely, changes for her name and gets a job working for that woman - known as Jordana now. Jordana is a New Yorker with it all - she is rich, gorgeous husband and a thriving business in wedding planning. Bit by bit Kerrie sets out to sabotage her new boss and get her revenge.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Gallery Books for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Kerrie has just lost her job, doesn't really have a lot invested in her relationship and is heading nowhere. Until one day she sees the woman that she holds responsible for ruining her life as a child on TV and comes up with a plan for revenge. She re-invents herself completely, changes for her name and gets a job working for that woman - known as Jordana now. Jordana is a New Yorker with it all - she is rich, gorgeous husband and a thriving business in wedding planning. Bit by bit Kerrie sets out to sabotage her new boss and get her revenge.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Gallery Books for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
April 28, 2019
Kerri O'Malley was just laid off from her job, and is not optimistic about her future plans with her boyfriend/friend with benefits. When she turns on the local news, she sees Jordana Pierson speaking about her wedding planning company. Shocked to see the woman who ruined Kerri's life years ago, she has found the urge of what she wants to do. Kerri wants to seek revenge on this woman and show her what her actions ended up doing to her. Jordana is married to a successful hedge fund manager, and is living the life many only dream of. She knows what she did to Kerri years ago is unforgivable, but she did so to provide herself the future she deserves. With her past behind her, Jordana is looking towards the future. However, she doesn't know that Kerri is coming to get what's hers.
Go into Emily Liebert's Pretty Revenge with an open mind, and you'll enjoy it as much as I did. This page turner is fast-paced, fun, and straightforward. No mystery or twist to provide shock value, but just good ole' fashion revenge. I didn't necessarily love any of the characters, but I found the story so amusing! I see a lot of mixed reviews, but I think it you go in knowing the banter is light and the story is focused on Kerri and Jordana's dynamic, you'll totally be on board with it. If you enjoyed Jessica Knoll's The Luckiest Girl Alive, you'll definitely LOVE this story.
Go into Emily Liebert's Pretty Revenge with an open mind, and you'll enjoy it as much as I did. This page turner is fast-paced, fun, and straightforward. No mystery or twist to provide shock value, but just good ole' fashion revenge. I didn't necessarily love any of the characters, but I found the story so amusing! I see a lot of mixed reviews, but I think it you go in knowing the banter is light and the story is focused on Kerri and Jordana's dynamic, you'll totally be on board with it. If you enjoyed Jessica Knoll's The Luckiest Girl Alive, you'll definitely LOVE this story.
April 4, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
Pretty Revenge.
Pretty Revenge was pretty lame.
This was my first book from this author and its going to be my last.
This was silly, ridiculous, and one of the most boring books about revenge I've ever read.
The narrative was populated with copious brand name dropping; privileged, entitled, shallow white people with more bucks than brains and two of the lamest female main characters I've read so far this year, and the year is young.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
The plot is bare bones simple: Kerrie seeks revenge on a former next door neighbor named Jordan, who 'ruined' her life nearly two decades ago.
When an opportunity allows Kerrie to insinuate herself into Jordan's life, she takes the chance and slowly and stupidly begins to screw up Jordan's life in the dumbest way possible.
Okay, greedy, pompous one dimensional characters notwithstanding, the author builds up a cliche background for Jordan meant to make us sympathetic toward her.
She is now married to a disgustingly wealthy man who demeans her and has no idea of her previous life, in which she escaped an abusive childhood from a psychotic father and a doormat mother.
Boo-hoo. Life is tough. The way Kerrie acts, she would have you believing she’s the only one who has endured and survived a terrible childhood.
Kerrie is no better; yeah, she's an orphan and she lost her beloved grandmother, but she's two bricks short of a pile herself.
The writing is insipid, immature and I had to remind myself over and over that Kerrie and Jordan are in their 30s, not teens in a YA book because that's how trite the writing and characters are.
The reason for Kerrie's revenge is Lifetime laughable.
I mean, its funny. Like ha ha 'I'm Sideshow Bob and Krusty just threw a pie in my face’ funny.
After you've been hit in the face, then you're just the loser with pie in his or her face.
When I think revenge, I think John Wick, I think Gone Girl.
I will go medieval on the person who has done me wrong, no holds barred. Rome will fall. I will destroy you. You will wish you had never been born. That's my type of revenge.
Here, it's just dumb. Like Kerrie and Jordan.
Revenge acts include deleting emails (oh, dear!), miscommunication (gosh darn!) and screwing up vendor orders (shocking!).
Where's the darkness, the twists, the devilish machinations???
Instead, I got petty silliness and the cliche love interest. Sigh.
The 'plot' (and I use the word VERY lightly) is filled with fluff and filler like details about Jordan's past and Kerrie falling in love with a client (wow, I never saw this coming). #sarcasm
Kerrie's coup de grace is (conveniently) finding information that will ruin Jordan's life, as well as her husband and father-in law.
The inability to suspend disbelief is off the charts here.
I mean, earthquake shattering, so much so you stop rolling your eyes and saying "Like that would ever happen" and you start wondering what outlandish scenario the author is cramming down your throat to force you to believe in.
1. Kerrie's makeover and how fortuitous that she is able to go unrecognized now that she is no longer an ugly duckling
2. Her helpful inheritance that allows her to start over in one of the most expensive cities in the world
3. But most important! There is NO WAY Jordan would have been able to travel and leave the city, much less the country.
Once her husband was busted, the feds would have been interrogating the heck out of her to make sure she wasn't part of his scheme.
Her assets would have been frozen. She would have obtained a lawyer, most likely surrendered her passport because she ain't going nowhere.
She would have been subjected to numerous interviews by federal authorities for as long as her husband's case was pending.
4. And signing over her company to Kerrie?
Uh...no. For the reasons above, any assets Jordan had would have been seized and thoroughly investigated.
Look, if the author wants to craft wacky scenarios for us to believe in, you do need reality as a framework to build upon.
This ending was just as phony and cornball as the revenge portion of this tale.
You don't have to be a lawyer to know the details listed above; I'm definitely no attorney.
I do watch a lot of Law & Order and I didn't believe a word of Pretty (crap) Revenge.
Pretty Revenge was pretty lame.
This was my first book from this author and its going to be my last.
This was silly, ridiculous, and one of the most boring books about revenge I've ever read.
The narrative was populated with copious brand name dropping; privileged, entitled, shallow white people with more bucks than brains and two of the lamest female main characters I've read so far this year, and the year is young.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
The plot is bare bones simple: Kerrie seeks revenge on a former next door neighbor named Jordan, who 'ruined' her life nearly two decades ago.
When an opportunity allows Kerrie to insinuate herself into Jordan's life, she takes the chance and slowly and stupidly begins to screw up Jordan's life in the dumbest way possible.
Okay, greedy, pompous one dimensional characters notwithstanding, the author builds up a cliche background for Jordan meant to make us sympathetic toward her.
She is now married to a disgustingly wealthy man who demeans her and has no idea of her previous life, in which she escaped an abusive childhood from a psychotic father and a doormat mother.
Boo-hoo. Life is tough. The way Kerrie acts, she would have you believing she’s the only one who has endured and survived a terrible childhood.
Kerrie is no better; yeah, she's an orphan and she lost her beloved grandmother, but she's two bricks short of a pile herself.
The writing is insipid, immature and I had to remind myself over and over that Kerrie and Jordan are in their 30s, not teens in a YA book because that's how trite the writing and characters are.
The reason for Kerrie's revenge is Lifetime laughable.
I mean, its funny. Like ha ha 'I'm Sideshow Bob and Krusty just threw a pie in my face’ funny.
After you've been hit in the face, then you're just the loser with pie in his or her face.
When I think revenge, I think John Wick, I think Gone Girl.
I will go medieval on the person who has done me wrong, no holds barred. Rome will fall. I will destroy you. You will wish you had never been born. That's my type of revenge.
Here, it's just dumb. Like Kerrie and Jordan.
Revenge acts include deleting emails (oh, dear!), miscommunication (gosh darn!) and screwing up vendor orders (shocking!).
Where's the darkness, the twists, the devilish machinations???
Instead, I got petty silliness and the cliche love interest. Sigh.
The 'plot' (and I use the word VERY lightly) is filled with fluff and filler like details about Jordan's past and Kerrie falling in love with a client (wow, I never saw this coming). #sarcasm
Kerrie's coup de grace is (conveniently) finding information that will ruin Jordan's life, as well as her husband and father-in law.
The inability to suspend disbelief is off the charts here.
I mean, earthquake shattering, so much so you stop rolling your eyes and saying "Like that would ever happen" and you start wondering what outlandish scenario the author is cramming down your throat to force you to believe in.
1. Kerrie's makeover and how fortuitous that she is able to go unrecognized now that she is no longer an ugly duckling
2. Her helpful inheritance that allows her to start over in one of the most expensive cities in the world
3. But most important! There is NO WAY Jordan would have been able to travel and leave the city, much less the country.
Once her husband was busted, the feds would have been interrogating the heck out of her to make sure she wasn't part of his scheme.
Her assets would have been frozen. She would have obtained a lawyer, most likely surrendered her passport because she ain't going nowhere.
She would have been subjected to numerous interviews by federal authorities for as long as her husband's case was pending.
4. And signing over her company to Kerrie?
Uh...no. For the reasons above, any assets Jordan had would have been seized and thoroughly investigated.
Look, if the author wants to craft wacky scenarios for us to believe in, you do need reality as a framework to build upon.
This ending was just as phony and cornball as the revenge portion of this tale.
You don't have to be a lawyer to know the details listed above; I'm definitely no attorney.
I do watch a lot of Law & Order and I didn't believe a word of Pretty (crap) Revenge.
May 13, 2019
“The name of the game is revenge—no matter the cost” - The first line of the synopsis of Emily Liebert’s Pretty Revenge - and it certainly sets the stage! The best way to describe Pretty Revenge is delicious campy fun! And Liebert hits it out of the ballpark in this respect!
Early on, we learn that Jordan stole something invaluable from Kerrie at a young age and this event shaped the future for Kerrie tremendously. Fast forward 18 years, Jordan is now Jordana, a wealthy & glamorous wedding planner who appears to have it all. Kerrie is living in a small drab apartment in Connecticut with her loser boyfriend when she discovers Jordana needs an assistant - hence Kerrie reinventing herself as Olivia and applying for the job, determined to get justice for what happened all those years prior.
With each of the women, Liebert creates a distinct voice, both of which are smart, sharp and enjoyable to read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to follow Olivia’s revenge unfold and wonder if Jordana would catch her first. In this fun game of cat & mouse, filled with extravagant weddings, horrible husbands, and even more horrible mothers of the bride, Pretty Revenge is entertaining and enjoyable from start to finish. Throw this one in your beach bag this summer and thank me later!
Thank you to Gallery Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Early on, we learn that Jordan stole something invaluable from Kerrie at a young age and this event shaped the future for Kerrie tremendously. Fast forward 18 years, Jordan is now Jordana, a wealthy & glamorous wedding planner who appears to have it all. Kerrie is living in a small drab apartment in Connecticut with her loser boyfriend when she discovers Jordana needs an assistant - hence Kerrie reinventing herself as Olivia and applying for the job, determined to get justice for what happened all those years prior.
With each of the women, Liebert creates a distinct voice, both of which are smart, sharp and enjoyable to read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to follow Olivia’s revenge unfold and wonder if Jordana would catch her first. In this fun game of cat & mouse, filled with extravagant weddings, horrible husbands, and even more horrible mothers of the bride, Pretty Revenge is entertaining and enjoyable from start to finish. Throw this one in your beach bag this summer and thank me later!
Thank you to Gallery Books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
July 3, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Pretty Revenge by Emily Liebert ended up being not at all what I expected, but that was no problem because I really enjoyed it!
What it's about: Kerrie O'Malley can remember exactly when her life took a turn for the worse, and it was when the older girl she looked up to stole everything she had left. So when Kerrie sees her former idol on TV seemingly with everything she lacks, she decides it is time to exact her revenge...
I loved the pacing of Pretty Revenge, and I read it incredibly quickly since it only took me just shy of 3 hours and 49 minutes. I also loved the switches between Kerrie and Jordana's point of views because I thought it helped the pacing, which already seemed fast due to the short chapters.
I wouldn't say I particularly loved either Kerrie or Jordana, but I did become more endeared to both of them by the time the book ended. Both of them are dealing with some pretty heavy issues and you can't help but feel sorry for them as the truth comes out.
I thought the beginning chapter endings repeated themselves a little in Kerrie's viewpoint, but that quickly stopped and I didn't feel like anything else was repetitive.
Song/s the book brought to mind: A mix of Better Than Revenge and Speak Now, both by Taylor Swift.
Final Thought: I wanted to keep this review short and sweet which were my exact feelings about this book. If you are looking for a quick, binge-worthy read that focuses on retribution then I highly recommend reading Pretty Revenge. I loved Liebert's writing style and while this might be my first time reading her novels, it definitely will not be my last!
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Pretty Revenge by Emily Liebert ended up being not at all what I expected, but that was no problem because I really enjoyed it!
What it's about: Kerrie O'Malley can remember exactly when her life took a turn for the worse, and it was when the older girl she looked up to stole everything she had left. So when Kerrie sees her former idol on TV seemingly with everything she lacks, she decides it is time to exact her revenge...
I loved the pacing of Pretty Revenge, and I read it incredibly quickly since it only took me just shy of 3 hours and 49 minutes. I also loved the switches between Kerrie and Jordana's point of views because I thought it helped the pacing, which already seemed fast due to the short chapters.
I wouldn't say I particularly loved either Kerrie or Jordana, but I did become more endeared to both of them by the time the book ended. Both of them are dealing with some pretty heavy issues and you can't help but feel sorry for them as the truth comes out.
I thought the beginning chapter endings repeated themselves a little in Kerrie's viewpoint, but that quickly stopped and I didn't feel like anything else was repetitive.
Song/s the book brought to mind: A mix of Better Than Revenge and Speak Now, both by Taylor Swift.
Final Thought: I wanted to keep this review short and sweet which were my exact feelings about this book. If you are looking for a quick, binge-worthy read that focuses on retribution then I highly recommend reading Pretty Revenge. I loved Liebert's writing style and while this might be my first time reading her novels, it definitely will not be my last!
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 24, 2019
The name of the game is revenge--no matter the cost.
Maybe it's just the way my brain works anymore, after decades of reading twisty, psychological thrillers...but every time I turned a page in this novel, I found myself hoping something big would happen. Anything.
Nothing ever did.
So, my fellow readers, if you're looking for a fast-paced stunner...this isn't the book for you. However, if what you crave is a slow-burning, character driven story which begins and ends EXACTLY as you'd expect it to, you've found it.
The writing is decent, the characters are well-developed, and the plot promises intrigue. I frantically kept turning pages to see how everything would play out...and was so disappointed by the anti-climatic, almost mundane, conclusion.
I wanted more.
More suspense, more drama, more depth, and most certainly, a more fiery finale. Pretty Revenge would rate mild on the pepper heat intensity scale. Having said that, with a few tweaks, I think this could be a very, very worthwhile read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: July 2, 2019
Review published on Goodreads: June 30, 2019
Maybe it's just the way my brain works anymore, after decades of reading twisty, psychological thrillers...but every time I turned a page in this novel, I found myself hoping something big would happen. Anything.
Nothing ever did.
So, my fellow readers, if you're looking for a fast-paced stunner...this isn't the book for you. However, if what you crave is a slow-burning, character driven story which begins and ends EXACTLY as you'd expect it to, you've found it.
The writing is decent, the characters are well-developed, and the plot promises intrigue. I frantically kept turning pages to see how everything would play out...and was so disappointed by the anti-climatic, almost mundane, conclusion.
I wanted more.
More suspense, more drama, more depth, and most certainly, a more fiery finale. Pretty Revenge would rate mild on the pepper heat intensity scale. Having said that, with a few tweaks, I think this could be a very, very worthwhile read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication date: July 2, 2019
Review published on Goodreads: June 30, 2019
July 21, 2019
3.5 stars
"The words listen and silent share all the same letters."
This sentence stood on during my reading of Pretty Revenge. If we took the time to just stop for a moment and pay attention to what's around us and really listen to things going around us, we might not be so surprised at what is coming our way.
Kerrie/Olivia and Jordan/Jordana come from the same home time but one night causes them to go in separate directions. While Jordana leads a successful and prominent life in NYC, she still has her own set of problems... but none compared to what Olivia has planned for her. Revenge is best served cold and Olivia is pure ice.
This is a fun and entertaining ride. There are several mentions throughout the read where Olivia states how Jordana took everything from her so you're on the edge of your seat for the reveal of what exactly happened to cause this thirst for revenge. I did find the reveal and the ending to be a bit underwhelming and flat compared to the build up around it. However, this did not take away from the entertainment value throughout. Regardless of their very interesting and different characters, you did manage to feel for both of them. The little bow tie at the end, though I knew was coming, was still a little bit of a *sigh*.... but you can't help but love this book the way you would love that Lifetime movie goodness.
Take this book with a grain of salt.. on the lip of your margarita glass.. and enjoy the ride.
"The words listen and silent share all the same letters."
This sentence stood on during my reading of Pretty Revenge. If we took the time to just stop for a moment and pay attention to what's around us and really listen to things going around us, we might not be so surprised at what is coming our way.
Kerrie/Olivia and Jordan/Jordana come from the same home time but one night causes them to go in separate directions. While Jordana leads a successful and prominent life in NYC, she still has her own set of problems... but none compared to what Olivia has planned for her. Revenge is best served cold and Olivia is pure ice.
This is a fun and entertaining ride. There are several mentions throughout the read where Olivia states how Jordana took everything from her so you're on the edge of your seat for the reveal of what exactly happened to cause this thirst for revenge. I did find the reveal and the ending to be a bit underwhelming and flat compared to the build up around it. However, this did not take away from the entertainment value throughout. Regardless of their very interesting and different characters, you did manage to feel for both of them. The little bow tie at the end, though I knew was coming, was still a little bit of a *sigh*.... but you can't help but love this book the way you would love that Lifetime movie goodness.
Take this book with a grain of salt.. on the lip of your margarita glass.. and enjoy the ride.
March 10, 2019
Old wounds reopen with a vengeance in the latest from Emily Liebert, an irresistible page turner set against the glamorous backdrop of moneyed New York. Pretty Revenge twists its way through a riveting tale of blame and obsession, where revenge isn’t as neat or pretty as it seems. The perfect summer beach read.
June 26, 2019
I love a story about about revenge, seeing how far someone will go to get the vengeance they feel is deserved never ceases to intrigue me and with the word revenge in the title I knew this would be a perfect addition to my summer TBR! I was right, I can’t think of a better book to read poolside, this one was juicy and wickedly fun.
Right away to learn that Jordana has somehow wronged Kerrie in the past, you don’t find out until much later what the transgression was, and it really didn’t matter much in the end because the entire ride to to the truth is where the fun lies. You hear from both women in alternating chapters and watching Kerrie plot and scheme against an unknowing Jordana was all sorts of entertaining. Throw in some juicy interesting secrets from them both and you have the perfect recipe for a summer read. This is fun, Fast and dives into the obsessive side of female friendships in a really campy and dramatic manner.
Pretty Revenge in three words: Addictive, Delicious and Wicked
Right away to learn that Jordana has somehow wronged Kerrie in the past, you don’t find out until much later what the transgression was, and it really didn’t matter much in the end because the entire ride to to the truth is where the fun lies. You hear from both women in alternating chapters and watching Kerrie plot and scheme against an unknowing Jordana was all sorts of entertaining. Throw in some juicy interesting secrets from them both and you have the perfect recipe for a summer read. This is fun, Fast and dives into the obsessive side of female friendships in a really campy and dramatic manner.
Pretty Revenge in three words: Addictive, Delicious and Wicked
February 11, 2019
Another winner from Emily Liebert. Could not put it down!
February 1, 2021
This was a very fast read but didn't think it had enough "meat" to the story to sink my teeth in. Didn't quite get the suspension with the revenge plot but was an okay read.
May 16, 2019
The synopsis of this novel sounded intriguing and had some elements of mystery, so I was definitely excited to check it out. What was inside kept me turning the pages, as I just had to find out what would happen.
I will admit that I was expecting this novel to be a psychological thriller, but it really wasn't. It was really just a straight-up revenge story. I liked seeing the dual perspectives, as both stories were compelling. Knowing the truth behind the past events made me feel bad for Jordana, however. Even so, I just had to know if Kerrie would pull off her revenge plan. All the wedding drama from demanding people was amusing and gave the story a Devil Wears Prada feel. There was even a romantic subplot.
My only minor issue is that the ending seemed to happen really quickly after all the buildup.
Pretty Revenge is a fast-paced story that I breezed through, as I couldn't put it down. I look forward to seeing what Emily Liebert comes up with next and am reminded that I need to go back and pick up the novels of hers that I missed.
Movie casting suggestions:
Kerrie: Teresa Palmer
Jordana: Rebecca Ferguson
William: Max Minghella
Sara: Aubrey Plaza
John: John Slattery
Ethel: Bebe Neuwirth
I will admit that I was expecting this novel to be a psychological thriller, but it really wasn't. It was really just a straight-up revenge story. I liked seeing the dual perspectives, as both stories were compelling. Knowing the truth behind the past events made me feel bad for Jordana, however. Even so, I just had to know if Kerrie would pull off her revenge plan. All the wedding drama from demanding people was amusing and gave the story a Devil Wears Prada feel. There was even a romantic subplot.
My only minor issue is that the ending seemed to happen really quickly after all the buildup.
Pretty Revenge is a fast-paced story that I breezed through, as I couldn't put it down. I look forward to seeing what Emily Liebert comes up with next and am reminded that I need to go back and pick up the novels of hers that I missed.
Movie casting suggestions:
Kerrie: Teresa Palmer
Jordana: Rebecca Ferguson
William: Max Minghella
Sara: Aubrey Plaza
John: John Slattery
Ethel: Bebe Neuwirth
May 11, 2019
How have I not heard of this lovely author before??? Now I am going to gobble up every book she has written! This novel literally sucked me in from the beginning as I love women/friendship/frenemies plot lines and this one has it all! As a twelve-year-old, Kerrie admired Jordan as she appeared to have it all--a nice house and adoring parents. So when the opportunity arose to help Jordan, she was there to be a friend...but something went horribly wrong. Fast-forward eighteen years later as Kerrie sees Jordan (now Jordana) on television as the famous Wedding Concierge sought out by celebrity couples, and she is determined to seek revenge on the woman she believes ruined her life. What's not to like about this plot? Of course both women are flawed, both frauds in their own ways, but somehow they are both lovable as their childhood/adolescent stories are slowly revealed and we see their concealed pain and their attempts to rise above their upbringing. Enough said. Just read this book and you won't be disappointed! Many surprises, no simple "happy endings" tied up in a neat little bow; it's just a heartwarming/heartbreaking novel that I loved!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 18, 2019
Ohhh woow this book is really good, I adore feminine revenge specially when the author is very smart and trying different ways to get the revenge very smart and clever
June 1, 2020
This is a tough book to review because the beginning had such potential, and it was well-written and funny and I liked the characters. Unfortunately nothing ever really happened. For a revenge book there is...very little revenge. This was almost a DNF for me but I just kept waiting for the big reveal. When it came, it was underwhelming. I think this author is talented, but this book was not really a thriller (though it was marketed as one) and it was hard for me to like or root for what the main character was doing throughout. Her motivation was not revealed until about 75 percent through, and then you were like, "That's it? That's what she's seeking revenge for?" With all the buildup I was expecting something much more crazy or overtly evil.
There were also a whole lot of logical holes in this book. I can handle a few of those if the rest of the book is exciting, but that wasn't the case here.
On the plus side, the audiobook performance was really good and is what probably helped me stick with it till the end. I would give this author another try, but give this book a pass.
There were also a whole lot of logical holes in this book. I can handle a few of those if the rest of the book is exciting, but that wasn't the case here.
On the plus side, the audiobook performance was really good and is what probably helped me stick with it till the end. I would give this author another try, but give this book a pass.
December 13, 2020
❐ Overall Rating 4¼ | Narration 5
❐ Narrated by Erin Mallon & Natalie Naudus
❐ Listening Length: 7H 20M
❐ Part Contemporary Revenge Thriller
❐ Part Woman's Fiction with a Domestic feel to it
❐ Dual POV's
❐ A hint of romance
A highly engaging story about getting revenge on someone who you believe wronged you in a way that was unforgivable. The audio narration was performed to perfection, the writing was captivating and the characters were perfect in their roles. My only issue with this story overall...is Olivia comes off as someone who is motivated, smart, and likable...so much so it's difficult to believe that she couldn't have gotten her life on track before she went down the revenge path. I don't know...maybe, she just needed the right push.
❐ Narrated by Erin Mallon & Natalie Naudus
❐ Listening Length: 7H 20M
❐ Part Contemporary Revenge Thriller
❐ Part Woman's Fiction with a Domestic feel to it
❐ Dual POV's
❐ A hint of romance
A highly engaging story about getting revenge on someone who you believe wronged you in a way that was unforgivable. The audio narration was performed to perfection, the writing was captivating and the characters were perfect in their roles. My only issue with this story overall...is Olivia comes off as someone who is motivated, smart, and likable...so much so it's difficult to believe that she couldn't have gotten her life on track before she went down the revenge path. I don't know...maybe, she just needed the right push.
January 31, 2020
I enjoyed reading this ebook, it's not a story you should take as a serious physiological thriller. It has some fun character and I just went with it to see where things would come out. Whether a person would go to the lengths Olivia was willing to just for revenge, I'm not so sure. But it was a quick read and I liked it!
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