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Because You're Mine
An “insidious, suspenseful tale” (J.T. Ellison) with a “shocker of an ending you won’t see coming” (Michele Campbell), Because You're Mine by Rea Frey, the author who “brings to mind Jodi Picoult” (Booklist) and “will appeal to readers of Green Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen” (Sally Hepworth) is a novel about how the truth will set you free.
But it’s the lies that keep you safe.
Single mother Lee has the daily routine down to a science: shower in six minutes. Cut food into perfect squares. Never leave her on-the-spectrum son Mason in someone else’s care. She’ll do anything—anything—to keep his carefully constructed world from falling apart. Do anything to keep him safe.
But when her best friend Grace convinces her she needs a small break from motherhood to recharge her batteries, Lee gives in to a weekend trip. Surely a long weekend away from home won’t hurt?
Noah, Mason’s handsome, bright, charismatic tutor—the first man in ages Lee’s even noticed—is more than happy to stay with him.
Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.
But not all is as it seems. Noah may be more than who he claims to be. Grace has a secret—one that will destroy Lee. Lee has secrets of her own that she will do anything to keep hidden.
As the dominoes begin to fall and the past comes to light, perhaps it's no mystery someone is gone after all…
Because You're Mine is a breathtaking novel of domestic drama and suspense.
Prepare to stay up all night.
But it’s the lies that keep you safe.
Single mother Lee has the daily routine down to a science: shower in six minutes. Cut food into perfect squares. Never leave her on-the-spectrum son Mason in someone else’s care. She’ll do anything—anything—to keep his carefully constructed world from falling apart. Do anything to keep him safe.
But when her best friend Grace convinces her she needs a small break from motherhood to recharge her batteries, Lee gives in to a weekend trip. Surely a long weekend away from home won’t hurt?
Noah, Mason’s handsome, bright, charismatic tutor—the first man in ages Lee’s even noticed—is more than happy to stay with him.
Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.
But not all is as it seems. Noah may be more than who he claims to be. Grace has a secret—one that will destroy Lee. Lee has secrets of her own that she will do anything to keep hidden.
As the dominoes begin to fall and the past comes to light, perhaps it's no mystery someone is gone after all…
Because You're Mine is a breathtaking novel of domestic drama and suspense.
Prepare to stay up all night.
358 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2019
298 people are currently reading
8057 people want to read
About the author
Rea Frey
16 books1,007 followersRea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of several suspense, thriller, and contemporary fiction novels.
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 744 reviews
March 3, 2019
Rea Frey's sophomore effort is nothing like her first book, with one exception, it's a FANTASTICALLY COMPULSIVE READ.
There are three main characters in this book... Lee, her son's tutor, Noah and her best friend, Grace. Every character is remarkably fleshed out, even Lee's son, Mason. Mason as a character was a pleasure to get to know and I'm so glad he held such an important role in this story.
It becomes obvious early on in this story that all three of these people have deep hidden secrets. The reader is left trying to decipher these secrets as well as how these mysteries connect the lives of these characters.
Secrets are slowly revealed, many, if not most, are guessable prior to their reveal. I don't know if this was on purpose or not but it definetly served the atmosphere of the story well.
So well that it allows you to get comfortable.
Too comfortable.
So comfortable that when everything you thought you knew is hurled out the window and you're left with that "Sixth Sense" moment, it's all the more jarring.
Definetly a book you'll want to re-read just so you can try to find any hints that you clearly missed the first time around.
4.5 Stars ⭐ rounded up
Thank you thank you thank you Jordan Hanley with St Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.💖
There are three main characters in this book... Lee, her son's tutor, Noah and her best friend, Grace. Every character is remarkably fleshed out, even Lee's son, Mason. Mason as a character was a pleasure to get to know and I'm so glad he held such an important role in this story.
It becomes obvious early on in this story that all three of these people have deep hidden secrets. The reader is left trying to decipher these secrets as well as how these mysteries connect the lives of these characters.
Secrets are slowly revealed, many, if not most, are guessable prior to their reveal. I don't know if this was on purpose or not but it definetly served the atmosphere of the story well.
So well that it allows you to get comfortable.
Too comfortable.
So comfortable that when everything you thought you knew is hurled out the window and you're left with that "Sixth Sense" moment, it's all the more jarring.
Definetly a book you'll want to re-read just so you can try to find any hints that you clearly missed the first time around.
4.5 Stars ⭐ rounded up
Thank you thank you thank you Jordan Hanley with St Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.💖
October 10, 2019
4 Compulsive, Deeply Hidden Secrets and Ultimate Revenge Stars!
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't blown away by Frey's first book, Not Her Daughter. BUT this book - it definitely blew me away! I love a gotcha that was right there all along and yet I simply didn't connect the dots enough to see it. After turning the last few pages - I literally screamed out loud - How did I NOT see that? The breadcrumbed were all there. Well done Rea Frey, you got me! You got me and I loved every second of it! 😉
The story centers around 4 main characters - Single mom Lee, her on-the-spectrum son Mason (whom I absolutely adored above all others!), Lee's best friend Grace and Mason's tutor, Noah. All the adults have secrets they are hiding. Secrets are slowly revealed in a past & present plot line. There are diary entries that had me riveted - who's diary and thoughts was it? Such dark, warped thoughts. You know one of the characters was an unreliable narrator but honestly, you'll suspect them all. After all, lies are best kept hidden, aren't they? You will be hooked by this story and the ending - such a deliciously devious twist! This book is a definite must read friends!!!
Thank you Rea Frey, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book.
I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't blown away by Frey's first book, Not Her Daughter. BUT this book - it definitely blew me away! I love a gotcha that was right there all along and yet I simply didn't connect the dots enough to see it. After turning the last few pages - I literally screamed out loud - How did I NOT see that? The breadcrumbed were all there. Well done Rea Frey, you got me! You got me and I loved every second of it! 😉
The story centers around 4 main characters - Single mom Lee, her on-the-spectrum son Mason (whom I absolutely adored above all others!), Lee's best friend Grace and Mason's tutor, Noah. All the adults have secrets they are hiding. Secrets are slowly revealed in a past & present plot line. There are diary entries that had me riveted - who's diary and thoughts was it? Such dark, warped thoughts. You know one of the characters was an unreliable narrator but honestly, you'll suspect them all. After all, lies are best kept hidden, aren't they? You will be hooked by this story and the ending - such a deliciously devious twist! This book is a definite must read friends!!!
Thank you Rea Frey, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book.
September 20, 2019
A much anticipated weekend getaway with friends. Time to relax, let your hair down and kick up some dust! What could go wrong....right!? 🤷🏻♀️
Lee is a single mom raising her son Mason who is on the spectrum. Her entire day...or more accurately, her entire life revolves around her son. Thankfully, her dear friend Grace lends a helping hand when she can. And equally, Lee could not be more grateful for Noah, Mason’s tutor.
Only when secrets start to unravel it becomes apparent to everyone that there’s a lot more going on within this group of friends!
I’m starting to think I’m in a bit of a thriller slump. This book lacked that special ‘something’ that creates curiosity and grabs you and holds your focus tight from start to finish. I found this read to be somewhat predictable and a little too slow moving.
I saw some fantastic reviews for this book and maybe just got my hopes up a little too much. Perhaps you’ll find a diamond in the rough with this read!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Rea Frey for an ARC to read and review.
Lee is a single mom raising her son Mason who is on the spectrum. Her entire day...or more accurately, her entire life revolves around her son. Thankfully, her dear friend Grace lends a helping hand when she can. And equally, Lee could not be more grateful for Noah, Mason’s tutor.
Only when secrets start to unravel it becomes apparent to everyone that there’s a lot more going on within this group of friends!
I’m starting to think I’m in a bit of a thriller slump. This book lacked that special ‘something’ that creates curiosity and grabs you and holds your focus tight from start to finish. I found this read to be somewhat predictable and a little too slow moving.
I saw some fantastic reviews for this book and maybe just got my hopes up a little too much. Perhaps you’ll find a diamond in the rough with this read!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Rea Frey for an ARC to read and review.
August 1, 2019
The story is told from the points of view of single mother Lee, who we know is dead very early in the book, her best friend Grace, and Noah, tutor and therapist of Mason, Lee's son. We know that something horrible and fatal happened on a retreat that included Lee, Grace, and their two close women friends. The story thing goes back over the last forty eight hours, as we find out what led up to Lee's death.
At lot of improbable things have to occur for this story to even happen the way it does so at times I had to hold down my tendency to roll my eyes. Still, I couldn't help wanting to know what was going on in this book because it was easy for me to tell that Lee had stability problems that might be making her on-the-spectrum son's problems worse, we know Grace has a secret that she's not telling at the moment, and Noah is holding something back, also. Grace seemed to let every little thing stop her from blurting out her very important secret that she knew would upset Lee, while Lee was trying to push a relationship on to Noah, when he was obviously not interested in a relationship with Lee. Both Lee and Noah allude to shameful secrets in their pasts while Grace seems to have her life mostly in control, just holding in her secret that she knows will probably destroy her relationship with Lee.
The entire time, we aren't sure who is telling the truth and even if the person relating their point of view is telling US the truth. There is at least one unreliable narrator in this story, along with facts withheld for the shock value later in the book. Overall I enjoyed the ride, especially if I didn't stop and think about things too closely.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
At lot of improbable things have to occur for this story to even happen the way it does so at times I had to hold down my tendency to roll my eyes. Still, I couldn't help wanting to know what was going on in this book because it was easy for me to tell that Lee had stability problems that might be making her on-the-spectrum son's problems worse, we know Grace has a secret that she's not telling at the moment, and Noah is holding something back, also. Grace seemed to let every little thing stop her from blurting out her very important secret that she knew would upset Lee, while Lee was trying to push a relationship on to Noah, when he was obviously not interested in a relationship with Lee. Both Lee and Noah allude to shameful secrets in their pasts while Grace seems to have her life mostly in control, just holding in her secret that she knows will probably destroy her relationship with Lee.
The entire time, we aren't sure who is telling the truth and even if the person relating their point of view is telling US the truth. There is at least one unreliable narrator in this story, along with facts withheld for the shock value later in the book. Overall I enjoyed the ride, especially if I didn't stop and think about things too closely.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 9, 2019
3.5 stars
But it’s the lies that keep you safe.
Lee is a single mother who has a carefully crafted life. Everything is timed to the minute. She does this for her on-the-spectrum son, Mason. She works from home; he is schooled from home. Their lives are constructed and stable. When Lee is invited to go on a weekend away with her friends, she wants to go, and eventually is talked into going by her best friend, Grace. Noah, Mason's tutor, agrees's to watch Mason for the weekend and provide hourly updates. When asked, Mason tells his mother he is comfortable staying with Noah for the weekend. So, as the synopsis tells us, four friends go away, but only three come back. One is dead - but who and why?
This book is told through the POV's both past and present of the three main characters - Lee, Grace and Noah. Through their voices the reader learns about what brought each character to where he/she is today. That is if they are all telling the truth, because there are entries in this book which brag about lying and doing so great a job at lying that no one knows. Who wrote those entries?
“Lying comes as easily to me as breathing. Everyone believes me. I’m good. I’m safe. I’m trustworthy. Most people like me. Which is why no one suspects me of lying.”
I thought I had this book figured out approximately halfway through. One twist I was extremely confident about, I was wrong. The Author does a good job at leaving clues both reliable and unreliable through the book. There are quite a few twists and turns in this book and it proved to be a fast compelling read. I found that the alternating POV's both past and present worked nicely for the storytelling. The writing is wonderful and as I was getting to the end, I wondered when the reveal is going to happen and then it did. I have mixed feelings on the ending. One hand, it felt as if it came out of left field but on the other hand, I do recall the character making mention of one thing toward the beginning of the book so then I thought, well maybe no so left field after all.
So, I am teetering with this one. I enjoyed the book all the way through and I enjoyed Frey's writing and use of POV chapters. I thought she did a great job with her clues and use of lies in the book. I found the book to be perfectly paced especially with the reveals but toward the end, things really sped up and I would have liked a couple more pages. But at the end, I felt a little underwhelmed. Instead of being shocked by the ending, I just "okay, so that is how it ends." I did enjoy this one quite a bit hence the 3.5 stars.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
But it’s the lies that keep you safe.
Lee is a single mother who has a carefully crafted life. Everything is timed to the minute. She does this for her on-the-spectrum son, Mason. She works from home; he is schooled from home. Their lives are constructed and stable. When Lee is invited to go on a weekend away with her friends, she wants to go, and eventually is talked into going by her best friend, Grace. Noah, Mason's tutor, agrees's to watch Mason for the weekend and provide hourly updates. When asked, Mason tells his mother he is comfortable staying with Noah for the weekend. So, as the synopsis tells us, four friends go away, but only three come back. One is dead - but who and why?
This book is told through the POV's both past and present of the three main characters - Lee, Grace and Noah. Through their voices the reader learns about what brought each character to where he/she is today. That is if they are all telling the truth, because there are entries in this book which brag about lying and doing so great a job at lying that no one knows. Who wrote those entries?
“Lying comes as easily to me as breathing. Everyone believes me. I’m good. I’m safe. I’m trustworthy. Most people like me. Which is why no one suspects me of lying.”
I thought I had this book figured out approximately halfway through. One twist I was extremely confident about, I was wrong. The Author does a good job at leaving clues both reliable and unreliable through the book. There are quite a few twists and turns in this book and it proved to be a fast compelling read. I found that the alternating POV's both past and present worked nicely for the storytelling. The writing is wonderful and as I was getting to the end, I wondered when the reveal is going to happen and then it did. I have mixed feelings on the ending. One hand, it felt as if it came out of left field but on the other hand, I do recall the character making mention of one thing toward the beginning of the book so then I thought, well maybe no so left field after all.
So, I am teetering with this one. I enjoyed the book all the way through and I enjoyed Frey's writing and use of POV chapters. I thought she did a great job with her clues and use of lies in the book. I found the book to be perfectly paced especially with the reveals but toward the end, things really sped up and I would have liked a couple more pages. But at the end, I felt a little underwhelmed. Instead of being shocked by the ending, I just "okay, so that is how it ends." I did enjoy this one quite a bit hence the 3.5 stars.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 29, 2019
2.5 Stars (rounded down)
No one is ever who you think they are.. at least when it comes to Fiction!
Lee and Grace are the best of friends and feel extremely grateful to have each other to lean on. Lee is a single mother of Mason who is autistic, while Grace’s son Luca is healthy and happy, thus Lee is always struggling, to take care of Mason, to make ends meet, to do everything, while in comparison, Grace seemingly has it easy.
That is where Noah comes in - he is Mason’s tutor and is a godsend. Introduced by Grace, who has known him for years, he quickly becomes integral to Lee and Mason’s life. Due to the fact that things are so hard for Lee, Grace and the other women in their neighborhood, plan a weekend away and with Noah around, she realizes that she can finally make time for herself. A Girls Trip, it’s exactly what she needs! Late nights, drinking by the fire, chatting, reading and sleeping late. It’s pure perfection! One night Grace and Lee have a chat. Little do they know that it’s one that alters the course of their lives forever.
Secrets and lies. Those are the themes behind “Because You’re Mine” by Rea Frey. Funny, my friends and I have entirely different relationships with each other!
Told from the points of view of Lee, Grace and Noah, this storyline quickly ran amuck for me as so much of the plot was easy to guess from very early on, especially seeing as every secret kept was somewhat unbelievable. The last “surprise” - if you could call it that, was ridiculously far-fetched and left me rolling my eyes uncontrollably.
For me, this novel simply left me unsatisfied. I had such high hopes for it given the reviews I’d seen and in the end, this novel just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Another buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Rea Frey for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 8.28.19.
No one is ever who you think they are.. at least when it comes to Fiction!
Lee and Grace are the best of friends and feel extremely grateful to have each other to lean on. Lee is a single mother of Mason who is autistic, while Grace’s son Luca is healthy and happy, thus Lee is always struggling, to take care of Mason, to make ends meet, to do everything, while in comparison, Grace seemingly has it easy.
That is where Noah comes in - he is Mason’s tutor and is a godsend. Introduced by Grace, who has known him for years, he quickly becomes integral to Lee and Mason’s life. Due to the fact that things are so hard for Lee, Grace and the other women in their neighborhood, plan a weekend away and with Noah around, she realizes that she can finally make time for herself. A Girls Trip, it’s exactly what she needs! Late nights, drinking by the fire, chatting, reading and sleeping late. It’s pure perfection! One night Grace and Lee have a chat. Little do they know that it’s one that alters the course of their lives forever.
Secrets and lies. Those are the themes behind “Because You’re Mine” by Rea Frey. Funny, my friends and I have entirely different relationships with each other!
Told from the points of view of Lee, Grace and Noah, this storyline quickly ran amuck for me as so much of the plot was easy to guess from very early on, especially seeing as every secret kept was somewhat unbelievable. The last “surprise” - if you could call it that, was ridiculously far-fetched and left me rolling my eyes uncontrollably.
For me, this novel simply left me unsatisfied. I had such high hopes for it given the reviews I’d seen and in the end, this novel just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Another buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Rea Frey for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 8.28.19.
August 29, 2019
”The truth will set you three, but it is the lies that will keep you safe.
Rea Frey has written a compelling tale brimming with secrets and lies, mystery and deceit. I was completely grip from the first page to the shocking end. Lee is a single mother to Mason a charming boy on the autism spectrum. Grace is her BFF newly divorced and has a son the same age as Mason. Noah is Mason’s tutor/therapist, Grace’s friend and Lee’s secret crush. The story bounces between these three character’s points of view as well as present and past. If you are a fan of the unreliable narrator, you will be thrilled to know you get three in this book. Lee, Grace, and Noah all have secrets to hide, all cover them up with lots of lies, and you never know quite how deep the deception runs.
This book was perfectly paced. The twists were revealed throughout the story, keeping you on high alert throughout. Someone is killed early in the book, leading to even more questions. But I truly thought I had all this figured out. Several twist were revealed and I was thinking Yep I’ve got this. BUT then things started to go a little sideways and I realized I didn’t have much of anything figured out. So well told! And yes there were a few unbelievable coincidences, but hey this is fiction! And I loved it! And can I just say that ending! Well done!
This book in three emoji’s: 💇🏻♀️ ⛰ 👩👦
🎧🎧🎧 The audio is narrated by Samantha Desz. This is my first time listening to an audio narrated by Samantha and she did a really good job, especially with the different voices and perspectives. Would definitely listen to another book narrated by her.
*** Big thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for my copy of this book ***
Rea Frey has written a compelling tale brimming with secrets and lies, mystery and deceit. I was completely grip from the first page to the shocking end. Lee is a single mother to Mason a charming boy on the autism spectrum. Grace is her BFF newly divorced and has a son the same age as Mason. Noah is Mason’s tutor/therapist, Grace’s friend and Lee’s secret crush. The story bounces between these three character’s points of view as well as present and past. If you are a fan of the unreliable narrator, you will be thrilled to know you get three in this book. Lee, Grace, and Noah all have secrets to hide, all cover them up with lots of lies, and you never know quite how deep the deception runs.
This book was perfectly paced. The twists were revealed throughout the story, keeping you on high alert throughout. Someone is killed early in the book, leading to even more questions. But I truly thought I had all this figured out. Several twist were revealed and I was thinking Yep I’ve got this. BUT then things started to go a little sideways and I realized I didn’t have much of anything figured out. So well told! And yes there were a few unbelievable coincidences, but hey this is fiction! And I loved it! And can I just say that ending! Well done!
This book in three emoji’s: 💇🏻♀️ ⛰ 👩👦
🎧🎧🎧 The audio is narrated by Samantha Desz. This is my first time listening to an audio narrated by Samantha and she did a really good job, especially with the different voices and perspectives. Would definitely listen to another book narrated by her.
*** Big thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for my copy of this book ***
July 10, 2019
2.5 stars
Really bummed this wasn't a winner for me because I had been looking forward to reading it for months. It started off promising and held my interest but I slowly started having problems with the characters and everything just went downhill from there. I think some of the characters and storylines were not fully developed and I just couldn't buy into them.
Lee has a lot on her plate. She works hard to make ends meet as a hair stylist and is a single mom to her son Mason who is on the autism spectrum. Thankfully, Mason is making good progress with the help of his tutor, Noah. But even though she trusts Noah, (and has the hots for him) she still is very nervous about leaving Mason with him for a few days while she goes on a girls' trip with her best friend, Grace, and some other ladies. And here is where I will lay it on the line, everyone has a secret, and someone is going to wind up dead.
Sometimes a shocking ending can go a long ways in saving a story. Unfortunately that was not the case here because I had figured out some of the connections and had a good inkling where the story was headed early on. But even having a heads up still did not make the story entirely believable. I felt like so many things were just glossed over (pretty much everything related to the adjustment after the death) or were so underdeveloped that it was difficult to buy into some of the actions of characters.
So basically, good idea for a story, but in my opinion needed a bit more work for me to enjoy it.
I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Really bummed this wasn't a winner for me because I had been looking forward to reading it for months. It started off promising and held my interest but I slowly started having problems with the characters and everything just went downhill from there. I think some of the characters and storylines were not fully developed and I just couldn't buy into them.
Lee has a lot on her plate. She works hard to make ends meet as a hair stylist and is a single mom to her son Mason who is on the autism spectrum. Thankfully, Mason is making good progress with the help of his tutor, Noah. But even though she trusts Noah, (and has the hots for him) she still is very nervous about leaving Mason with him for a few days while she goes on a girls' trip with her best friend, Grace, and some other ladies. And here is where I will lay it on the line, everyone has a secret, and someone is going to wind up dead.
Sometimes a shocking ending can go a long ways in saving a story. Unfortunately that was not the case here because I had figured out some of the connections and had a good inkling where the story was headed early on. But even having a heads up still did not make the story entirely believable. I felt like so many things were just glossed over (pretty much everything related to the adjustment after the death) or were so underdeveloped that it was difficult to buy into some of the actions of characters.
So basically, good idea for a story, but in my opinion needed a bit more work for me to enjoy it.
I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
August 2, 2019
At the beginning of the book a woman dies leaving her child motherless. Who is she? what kind of secrets and frustrations made her go on the fateful mountain climb alone?
And so our guessing game begins as soon as we meet Lee, a single mom of Mason, a gifted child with a sensory processing disorder, which means Lee has to work from home, while Mason is homeschooled. We also meet Grace, her best friend a divorced mother of seven year old Luca. Lee became friends with a few playground mothers long time ago when Mason was still asymptomatic. They all have their strengths and roles, they all want to help Lee, but it is Grace she confides in and feels safe around. It does help that Grace loves and understands Mason better than anybody else.
Lee's life is full of relentless responsibilities, so when her friends suggest a weekend away, she doesn't even take it into serious consideration. Eventually, she is persuaded to go by Grace, as Noah, Mason's tutor and occupational therapist is willing to stay with him for the weekend.
We get several points of view in this book (Grace, Lee and Noah), as well as two timelines. Fairly quickly we realise that all main characters are keeping secrets from each other, secrets that they are not willing or not ready to share.
Rea Frey's writing is compelling and you get drawn into the book from page one. We see that the narrators are unreliable for various reasons, and the clues left by the author may or may not be leading us to the truth. I must admit I didn't see the final revelation coming, which made it all even more fascinating, although not entirely believable.
A well-crafted domestic thriller with twists and turns that will keep you reading compulsively.
Thank you to Edelweiss and St.Martin's Griffin for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
And so our guessing game begins as soon as we meet Lee, a single mom of Mason, a gifted child with a sensory processing disorder, which means Lee has to work from home, while Mason is homeschooled. We also meet Grace, her best friend a divorced mother of seven year old Luca. Lee became friends with a few playground mothers long time ago when Mason was still asymptomatic. They all have their strengths and roles, they all want to help Lee, but it is Grace she confides in and feels safe around. It does help that Grace loves and understands Mason better than anybody else.
Lee's life is full of relentless responsibilities, so when her friends suggest a weekend away, she doesn't even take it into serious consideration. Eventually, she is persuaded to go by Grace, as Noah, Mason's tutor and occupational therapist is willing to stay with him for the weekend.
We get several points of view in this book (Grace, Lee and Noah), as well as two timelines. Fairly quickly we realise that all main characters are keeping secrets from each other, secrets that they are not willing or not ready to share.
Rea Frey's writing is compelling and you get drawn into the book from page one. We see that the narrators are unreliable for various reasons, and the clues left by the author may or may not be leading us to the truth. I must admit I didn't see the final revelation coming, which made it all even more fascinating, although not entirely believable.
A well-crafted domestic thriller with twists and turns that will keep you reading compulsively.
Thank you to Edelweiss and St.Martin's Griffin for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 5, 2019
I loved, “Not Her Daughter “ (5 stars) by Rea Frey, so when the publisher invited me to read an advance copy of “Because You’re Mine”, I jumped at the chance!
Lee is a single mother, raising Mason, who is on the Autism Spectrum. She can really use a break, so when her best friend, Grace, along with their other friends, Carol and Alice, invite her to join them on a weekend getaway, AND her son’s tutor Noah, agrees to care for Mason, while they are gone, she allows herself to be persuaded to say “yes”.
One woman will not survive the weekend.
The book alternates between “one week before the fall” to the past, and then back to the present again, flipping between the two until the secrets and lies of Lee, Grace and Noah are finally revealed.
There are also chapters interspersed which are written in italics, and are meant to be “diary entries”...they were my favorites...
Excerpt from one:
“Lying comes as easily to me as breathing. Everyone believes me. I’m good. I’m safe. I’m trustworthy. Most people like me. Which is why no one suspects me of lying.”
Sounds like a book that I would normally love, right?
So what went wrong?
I FELT LIKE THIS BOOK COULD NOT FIND ITS IDENTITY.
The SYNOPSIS and DIARY ENTRIES read like a “psychological thriller or suspense novel” but the main body of the book is not consistent with that genre, reading more like women’s fiction or chick lit with detailed sex scenes and silly conversations between friends.
More than once, I found myself thinking... What are the odds of THAT happening?”
And, don’t get me started on the page and a half I had to endure, learning about how chicken is processed for consumption (beware chapter 35) to demonstrate how Mason is fascinated, not repulsed by this.....(unnecessary filler that I have ZERO interest in reading about) 🐥 Author pushing a vegetarian agenda?
And, then the ending! NOPE-can’t buy into this one!
YOU may be a better fit for this one if you love surprising twists and you don’t care if they come out of left field.
Those don’t work for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley, and St. Martin’s Griffin Publishing for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This book will be available on Aug. 6, 2019.
Lee is a single mother, raising Mason, who is on the Autism Spectrum. She can really use a break, so when her best friend, Grace, along with their other friends, Carol and Alice, invite her to join them on a weekend getaway, AND her son’s tutor Noah, agrees to care for Mason, while they are gone, she allows herself to be persuaded to say “yes”.
One woman will not survive the weekend.
The book alternates between “one week before the fall” to the past, and then back to the present again, flipping between the two until the secrets and lies of Lee, Grace and Noah are finally revealed.
There are also chapters interspersed which are written in italics, and are meant to be “diary entries”...they were my favorites...
Excerpt from one:
“Lying comes as easily to me as breathing. Everyone believes me. I’m good. I’m safe. I’m trustworthy. Most people like me. Which is why no one suspects me of lying.”
Sounds like a book that I would normally love, right?
So what went wrong?
I FELT LIKE THIS BOOK COULD NOT FIND ITS IDENTITY.
The SYNOPSIS and DIARY ENTRIES read like a “psychological thriller or suspense novel” but the main body of the book is not consistent with that genre, reading more like women’s fiction or chick lit with detailed sex scenes and silly conversations between friends.
More than once, I found myself thinking... What are the odds of THAT happening?”
And, don’t get me started on the page and a half I had to endure, learning about how chicken is processed for consumption (beware chapter 35) to demonstrate how Mason is fascinated, not repulsed by this.....(unnecessary filler that I have ZERO interest in reading about) 🐥 Author pushing a vegetarian agenda?
And, then the ending! NOPE-can’t buy into this one!
YOU may be a better fit for this one if you love surprising twists and you don’t care if they come out of left field.
Those don’t work for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley, and St. Martin’s Griffin Publishing for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This book will be available on Aug. 6, 2019.
November 9, 2020
3.5 stars!
Lee is a single mom, and she has a tightly scheduled routine. Her son, Mason, is on the autism spectrum. Her consistent routine is what Mason needs, and she ensures he has it.
Lee’s best friend, Grace, has prodded her for a while to take a weekend away, and Lee finally agrees. It’s just one weekend, right? Noah is Mason’s tutor, and he agrees to stay with him.
Unfortunately, within forty-eight hours someone has died. Grace has secrets. Lee has secrets. Noah has secrets. Eventually, the past can no longer be hidden, and the truth comes out.
Just as with Not Her Daughter, the pacing of Because You’re Mine is strong and compelling with nonstop action. I really loved Mason’s character. He felt authentic and genuine. Frey did a great job developing all the characters, actually.
While I could figure out where some of the book was headed, the ending surprised me. And even if I did have theories about where it was going, the writing made me doubt myself the entire time, and I loved that.
Overall, Rea Frey has written another compelling, well-placed thriller, and I’ll be back for more.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagam.com/tarheelreader
Lee is a single mom, and she has a tightly scheduled routine. Her son, Mason, is on the autism spectrum. Her consistent routine is what Mason needs, and she ensures he has it.
Lee’s best friend, Grace, has prodded her for a while to take a weekend away, and Lee finally agrees. It’s just one weekend, right? Noah is Mason’s tutor, and he agrees to stay with him.
Unfortunately, within forty-eight hours someone has died. Grace has secrets. Lee has secrets. Noah has secrets. Eventually, the past can no longer be hidden, and the truth comes out.
Just as with Not Her Daughter, the pacing of Because You’re Mine is strong and compelling with nonstop action. I really loved Mason’s character. He felt authentic and genuine. Frey did a great job developing all the characters, actually.
While I could figure out where some of the book was headed, the ending surprised me. And even if I did have theories about where it was going, the writing made me doubt myself the entire time, and I loved that.
Overall, Rea Frey has written another compelling, well-placed thriller, and I’ll be back for more.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagam.com/tarheelreader
July 21, 2022
Rea Frey’s books always have interesting characters and shocking surprises. It is revealed in the prologue that someone dies, but not who. After that, the book jumps back a week, and we see what led up to that event.
Lee and Grace are best friends. Lee is the mother to Mason, her seven-year-old son with sensory processing issues. He receives physical therapy from Noah, who (just to complicate things), Lee has a crush on, and tries to kiss. Both Lee and Grace are keeping a lot of secrets. Grace wants Lee to come on a camping trip with her. I love a thriller with lots of drama and good juicy twists.
Lee and Grace are best friends. Lee is the mother to Mason, her seven-year-old son with sensory processing issues. He receives physical therapy from Noah, who (just to complicate things), Lee has a crush on, and tries to kiss. Both Lee and Grace are keeping a lot of secrets. Grace wants Lee to come on a camping trip with her. I love a thriller with lots of drama and good juicy twists.
July 18, 2019
This book is almost impossible to talk about without giving up too much information but I’m going to do it. There’s Lee, the single mother of 7-year old Mason who is brilliant and on the spectrum. Lee’s a hair stylist with a salon setup in her home and she keeps to a strict regimen everyday. Noah is his in-home tutor who has an amazing rapport with Mason and helps keep tension to a minimum. Grace is a successful businesswoman, a divorced mother of 7-year old Luca, and who’s Lee’s best friend. They have two other friends in their circle but Lee and Grace have a close bond. When a girls weekend is planned, Lee is faced with being away from her son for the very first time.
I started this story blind but because of the seemingly meandering start, I read the synopsis after about the 30% mark. The prologue sets the stage for what’s to come but I just wasn’t certain where it was leading. It was interesting, very much so, but the point felt elusive. Then it took a turn and I literally couldn’t put the book down. I was so hooked that I grumbled when I had to pause to celebrate my husband’s birthday with friends but came back and continued to the finish in the wee hours.
I’m used to unreliable narrators but this story took that concept to a new level. It became impossible to decipher truth and lies so I just rolled with it, absorbing it all and reflecting in the moment. Then came that WTH moment in the end that I never, ever saw coming and threw everything up in the air. I rarely get fooled this bad so kudos to the author for a rocking twist.
This was also a buddy read with Tina @ Reading Between the Pages and I’m so happy we agreed to pair up because I needed to discuss this along the way with someone. We were both feeling the same emotions and thoughts at pivotal junctions, no surprise as she’s one of my book twins. I highly recommend this book as a buddy, group or book club read because there’s so much to digest and sort out. I loved it.
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin & NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I started this story blind but because of the seemingly meandering start, I read the synopsis after about the 30% mark. The prologue sets the stage for what’s to come but I just wasn’t certain where it was leading. It was interesting, very much so, but the point felt elusive. Then it took a turn and I literally couldn’t put the book down. I was so hooked that I grumbled when I had to pause to celebrate my husband’s birthday with friends but came back and continued to the finish in the wee hours.
I’m used to unreliable narrators but this story took that concept to a new level. It became impossible to decipher truth and lies so I just rolled with it, absorbing it all and reflecting in the moment. Then came that WTH moment in the end that I never, ever saw coming and threw everything up in the air. I rarely get fooled this bad so kudos to the author for a rocking twist.
This was also a buddy read with Tina @ Reading Between the Pages and I’m so happy we agreed to pair up because I needed to discuss this along the way with someone. We were both feeling the same emotions and thoughts at pivotal junctions, no surprise as she’s one of my book twins. I highly recommend this book as a buddy, group or book club read because there’s so much to digest and sort out. I loved it.
(Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin & NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 30, 2019
Having read Not Her Daughter by Rea Frey and absolutely loving it I was excited when I saw Because You’re Mine. One always hopes to find another hit when it’s an author you’ve enjoyed before but also something similar to that first book however Because You’re Mine seemed totally different from the start, was that bad? No way, the two had one thing in common in the fact both were definitely page turners.
Because You’re Mine is more of a domestic drama again than a thriller with one big mystery to solve as you sort through all the lies and drama. The story is told by changing the point of view between three main characters, Lee, a single mother with an autistic son who takes up all of her time, Noah, Lee’s son’s handsome tutor that Lee has a crush on, and Grace, Lee’s best friend.
Grace had invited Lee to join her and a couple of other friends on a weekend away since she knew Lee needed the break. Despite Lee’s fears of leaving her son she convinces herself time away is normal and the Mason would be perfectly safe with Noah, his tutor. What Lee didn’t know however was she would end up the one that wasn’t safe and that before the weekend is over Lee’s body will be found.
Being the type of story that gives you a character’s ending before even really beginning Because You’re Mine ended up having me hooked from the opening pages. As the book then takes you back and begins to build up to the exciting opening everyone becomes suspect and it’s incredibly hard to put down as the lies unravel page after page. Definitely will be interested in what Ms. Frey writes next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Because You’re Mine is more of a domestic drama again than a thriller with one big mystery to solve as you sort through all the lies and drama. The story is told by changing the point of view between three main characters, Lee, a single mother with an autistic son who takes up all of her time, Noah, Lee’s son’s handsome tutor that Lee has a crush on, and Grace, Lee’s best friend.
Grace had invited Lee to join her and a couple of other friends on a weekend away since she knew Lee needed the break. Despite Lee’s fears of leaving her son she convinces herself time away is normal and the Mason would be perfectly safe with Noah, his tutor. What Lee didn’t know however was she would end up the one that wasn’t safe and that before the weekend is over Lee’s body will be found.
Being the type of story that gives you a character’s ending before even really beginning Because You’re Mine ended up having me hooked from the opening pages. As the book then takes you back and begins to build up to the exciting opening everyone becomes suspect and it’s incredibly hard to put down as the lies unravel page after page. Definitely will be interested in what Ms. Frey writes next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 30, 2019
Thanks St. Martin's Press and Jordan Hanley for the invitation to check out this digital galley via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review.
OMG! Rea Frey has written one heck of a novel. Having enjoyed her previous novel,Not Her Daughter, I knew that there was absolutely no way that I was going to wait until August to read this ARC. Since publication is so many months away, I shall make my review brief and vague. Narrated by several characters, the story involves the before and after of a tragic incident. Like its predecessor, I am sure that this book is going to be on the lips of many readers for many months to come.
Because You're Mine set me into a tailspin because the synopsis really throws the reader for a loop. I thought I had it all figured out, but I really hadn't and I imagine Rea Frey is probably in a room somewhere yelling "Gotcha!" But I shall forgive her because this is certainly a favorite of 2019.
Goodreads review published 27/03/19
Publication Date 09/08/19
OMG! Rea Frey has written one heck of a novel. Having enjoyed her previous novel,Not Her Daughter, I knew that there was absolutely no way that I was going to wait until August to read this ARC. Since publication is so many months away, I shall make my review brief and vague. Narrated by several characters, the story involves the before and after of a tragic incident. Like its predecessor, I am sure that this book is going to be on the lips of many readers for many months to come.
Because You're Mine set me into a tailspin because the synopsis really throws the reader for a loop. I thought I had it all figured out, but I really hadn't and I imagine Rea Frey is probably in a room somewhere yelling "Gotcha!" But I shall forgive her because this is certainly a favorite of 2019.
Goodreads review published 27/03/19
Publication Date 09/08/19
August 15, 2019
Ugh, this book. I am so frustrated. It was going along nicely--compulsively readable, and a solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, but then...that ending. This author committed what I consider to be an absolute cardinal sin when it comes to twisty thrillers. I can't really say much about what I didn't like without spoiling it, so...
General spoiler about what the author did that I absolutely hated:
And specifics:
General spoiler about what the author did that I absolutely hated:
And specifics:
August 1, 2019
A group of friends go on a girls' weekend getaway. Two of the women are Lee and Grace - best friends who are keeping secrets from one another. At the end of the weekend, someone is dead.
Told with alternating points of view and timelines. The three points of view are Lee, Grace, and Noah. Lee is a single mother. She is protective of her autistic son Mason, and all her actions revolve around providing for him. Grace is Lee's best friend, and also a single mother. Grace is keeping something from Lee that threatens their relationship. Noah is Mason's tutor, who Lee has a crush on. Most of the novel takes place in the present time, but there are chapters from the past that fill in the blanks to explain current actions of the characters.
Domestic suspense that is slow-building and captivating. Lee and Grace are both single mothers raising sons. They formed a friendship and have confided in one another over the years, but they have been keeping their darkest secrets hidden. Flawed and unreliable characters with intriguing backstories. A story with dark and unpredictable turns. Fantastic ending.
Because You're Mine is Rea Frey's second book, and I found it slightly better than Not Her Daughter. Both are good books though, and I recommend them to readers who enjoy a combination of women's fiction and domestic suspense.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told with alternating points of view and timelines. The three points of view are Lee, Grace, and Noah. Lee is a single mother. She is protective of her autistic son Mason, and all her actions revolve around providing for him. Grace is Lee's best friend, and also a single mother. Grace is keeping something from Lee that threatens their relationship. Noah is Mason's tutor, who Lee has a crush on. Most of the novel takes place in the present time, but there are chapters from the past that fill in the blanks to explain current actions of the characters.
Domestic suspense that is slow-building and captivating. Lee and Grace are both single mothers raising sons. They formed a friendship and have confided in one another over the years, but they have been keeping their darkest secrets hidden. Flawed and unreliable characters with intriguing backstories. A story with dark and unpredictable turns. Fantastic ending.
Because You're Mine is Rea Frey's second book, and I found it slightly better than Not Her Daughter. Both are good books though, and I recommend them to readers who enjoy a combination of women's fiction and domestic suspense.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2019
I received a free e-copy of Because You're Mine by Rea Frey from NetGalley for my honest review.
A thrilling, twisted and suspenseful read.
Lee is a single mom and has a special needs child named Mason. Mason is autistic and Lee doesn't ever feel like she can trust anyone to help with Mason. Lee is getting ready to leave and go on holiday with her friends but is scared to leave Mason behind. She does end up going and Mason is under the care of Noah. Noah, however, has his own agenda. But then someone ends up dead. What happened? Was it an accident or murder?
Everyone has secrets. It's just a matter of time before all the secrets are exposed.
A thrilling, twisted and suspenseful read.
Lee is a single mom and has a special needs child named Mason. Mason is autistic and Lee doesn't ever feel like she can trust anyone to help with Mason. Lee is getting ready to leave and go on holiday with her friends but is scared to leave Mason behind. She does end up going and Mason is under the care of Noah. Noah, however, has his own agenda. But then someone ends up dead. What happened? Was it an accident or murder?
Everyone has secrets. It's just a matter of time before all the secrets are exposed.
September 30, 2019
2.5/5 stars
After absolutely loving Frey's first suspense novel that I binge read in one day last year, Not Her Daughter, I am more than disappointed with this one.
Here's the thing - the writing is quite on point, I also binge read this in one day, and whoever edited this did an amazing job, because for an arc copy this was flawless (grammatically, and it always makes me so happy), but either the topic, or the execution of this is horribly wrong.
If I sound like I'm not sure, it's because I'm not. I just don't know what the author was going for, honestly. And I can only hope that she wasn't going for what I'm hoping she wasn't going for. Makes sense, no? Good. I don't want to spoil anything till the book comes out on August 6th, 2019.
Sure, Because You're Mine is compulsive and readable, but when you stop and actually think about it - it’s just a huge mess, with a very far fetched twist that only works if you consider ALL of the narrators completely unreliable.
If you believe all of the narrators then the whole book and the part when the twists happens (the very ending) are two very separate things that lack cohesiveness. It would have worked if the twist was tied together to something substantial at the beginning. Maybe an anonymous opening by that person - so the reader can actually be on track with the events and when the twist does come, it wouldn't feel like something thought of at the very last second, but a plot all along.
Sure, there are hints, but the narration itself contradicts them. Also, the way everything ended made me think that the author condones that kind of behavior? Don't get me wrong, I love a dark novel told from a psychotic perspective - it's chillingly refreshing, just read Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent. That book is a great example of how very, very bad people are presented very, very well. Because you're Mine just left a very bad taste in my mouth after I was done with it.
Structure wise, I was very annoyed with the age old trick of "hey this character has a secret, but I'm not going to reveal it until later one so you will just have to keep reading". The novel didn't give you anything but empty promises and filler material till 38%. Many people would have given up by that point. Speaking of filler, the book is full of it. Some chapters were nothing but filler, that were only there to postpone the big reveals, to stretch the page count.
I loved the character of Mason, he's so pure and hilarious, but by the end of the story the focus shifted so far away from him, that I was left wondering - was his "condition" just for the diversity check point? Why wasn't it explained more, especially when the past was brought up?
I will be able to divulge more into details (especially on who I think was the true victim of this story) and spoilers after the book is published in the end of summer of 2019. Big thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press for an early digital copy of the book provided via NetGalley.
My WEBSITE
My BOOKSTAGRAM
After absolutely loving Frey's first suspense novel that I binge read in one day last year, Not Her Daughter, I am more than disappointed with this one.
Here's the thing - the writing is quite on point, I also binge read this in one day, and whoever edited this did an amazing job, because for an arc copy this was flawless (grammatically, and it always makes me so happy), but either the topic, or the execution of this is horribly wrong.
If I sound like I'm not sure, it's because I'm not. I just don't know what the author was going for, honestly. And I can only hope that she wasn't going for what I'm hoping she wasn't going for. Makes sense, no? Good. I don't want to spoil anything till the book comes out on August 6th, 2019.
Sure, Because You're Mine is compulsive and readable, but when you stop and actually think about it - it’s just a huge mess, with a very far fetched twist that only works if you consider ALL of the narrators completely unreliable.
If you believe all of the narrators then the whole book and the part when the twists happens (the very ending) are two very separate things that lack cohesiveness. It would have worked if the twist was tied together to something substantial at the beginning. Maybe an anonymous opening by that person - so the reader can actually be on track with the events and when the twist does come, it wouldn't feel like something thought of at the very last second, but a plot all along.
Sure, there are hints, but the narration itself contradicts them. Also, the way everything ended made me think that the author condones that kind of behavior? Don't get me wrong, I love a dark novel told from a psychotic perspective - it's chillingly refreshing, just read Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent. That book is a great example of how very, very bad people are presented very, very well. Because you're Mine just left a very bad taste in my mouth after I was done with it.
Structure wise, I was very annoyed with the age old trick of "hey this character has a secret, but I'm not going to reveal it until later one so you will just have to keep reading". The novel didn't give you anything but empty promises and filler material till 38%. Many people would have given up by that point. Speaking of filler, the book is full of it. Some chapters were nothing but filler, that were only there to postpone the big reveals, to stretch the page count.
I loved the character of Mason, he's so pure and hilarious, but by the end of the story the focus shifted so far away from him, that I was left wondering - was his "condition" just for the diversity check point? Why wasn't it explained more, especially when the past was brought up?
I will be able to divulge more into details (especially on who I think was the true victim of this story) and spoilers after the book is published in the end of summer of 2019. Big thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press for an early digital copy of the book provided via NetGalley.
My WEBSITE
My BOOKSTAGRAM
August 2, 2019
After having read Rea Frey’s debut novel
Not Her Daughter
last year – a book that I had enjoyed for its good writing, fast-moving plot, and emotionally resonant story — I was excited to get my hands on her second novel,
Because You’re Mine
, which comes out this month. While I did enjoy this one well enough, I prefer her previous novel way more, as there was much more depth to the story and the characters in that one, which I didn’t find with this one. With that said, one thing I thought worked well was having each chapter alternately narrated by the three main characters of Lee, Grace, and Noah, and weaving their backstories from the past into what was happening in the present. Even so, I couldn’t really relate to any of the characters and found it difficult to feel anything for them despite some of the things that happen — it’s hard to pinpoint exactly but I felt like something was off with some of the character portrayals that made it difficult for me to connect with them emotionally. In terms of the story, I think this one tried a bit harder to go the thriller / suspense route than her previous book did, which worked fine overall, but at times, I felt like it tried a little too hard in that the story didn’t really flow naturally in some places -- it was as though some “obligatory” elements were added to make things come across more suspenseful or heighten the atmosphere when technically it wasn’t necessary to do so. Towards the middle of the story, the plot did drag a little, with some overly descriptive sections that I felt weren’t necessary either, and at one point, the story seemed to veer off course a little, leaving me wondering where things were actually headed. The ending too I mostly figured out early on, so the “twist” wasn’t much of a shock to me, though the way it took place could have been handled a little better.
All in all, I would say that this was a decent second effort by Rea Frey – definitely pales in comparison to her debut, but still quite readable. The concept of the story was a good one, but I think if the writing was cleaned up a bit, with focus on tightening the plot (especially leaving out some of the unnecessary descriptions) and developing the characters so that they were more relatable, this would have a lot of potential -- as it is written right now though, definitely leaves a lot to be desired. With all that said, I still look forward to reading Frey’s next work, I just hope that the experience will be more in-line with her first book rather than this one.
Received ARC from St. Martin’s Griffin via NetGalley.
All in all, I would say that this was a decent second effort by Rea Frey – definitely pales in comparison to her debut, but still quite readable. The concept of the story was a good one, but I think if the writing was cleaned up a bit, with focus on tightening the plot (especially leaving out some of the unnecessary descriptions) and developing the characters so that they were more relatable, this would have a lot of potential -- as it is written right now though, definitely leaves a lot to be desired. With all that said, I still look forward to reading Frey’s next work, I just hope that the experience will be more in-line with her first book rather than this one.
Received ARC from St. Martin’s Griffin via NetGalley.
August 25, 2019
“I can handle the truth. It’s the lies that kill me.”
—ANONYMOUS
secret [see-krit]
adjective
1. done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others
2. kept from the knowledge of any but the initiated or privileged
Sometimes, I wonder if we ever really know the people in our lives: their layers, their hidden truths, their complexities, their lies.
I wonder how many secrets each of us juggles.
Are we afraid of not being liked?
Are we afraid of being judged?
Are we afraid of consequences?
I know I am.
I’ve always been good at keeping secrets—other people’s secrets, friends’ secrets, family secrets, strangers’ secrets. But I’m even better at creating secrets.
No one ever guesses them … even if I beg them to try.
********
Because You're Mine is a high speed race to discover the truth! Rea Frey builds dynamic characters who are believable and alive with personality!
But everyone has secrets.......Who will you believe?
I absolutely devoured this book! Life interrupted me several times but I couldn't wait to delve back into it every chance I got! I easily could have finished this in one sitting!
And the conclusion? It knocked me clean out of my tree!
I want to mention that I really love the covers of the books by this author!
This is the second book I've read by Rea Frey. The first was a five star mystery/thriller, Not Her Daughter. This book puts her solidly on my shelf of favorite authors!
It's appears that she has a new mystery/thriller, Until I Find You, coming out in August of 2020. I can't wait!
Many thanks and appreciation to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and Rea Frey
for my advanced digital copy to read and review.
—ANONYMOUS
secret [see-krit]
adjective
1. done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others
2. kept from the knowledge of any but the initiated or privileged
Sometimes, I wonder if we ever really know the people in our lives: their layers, their hidden truths, their complexities, their lies.
I wonder how many secrets each of us juggles.
Are we afraid of not being liked?
Are we afraid of being judged?
Are we afraid of consequences?
I know I am.
I’ve always been good at keeping secrets—other people’s secrets, friends’ secrets, family secrets, strangers’ secrets. But I’m even better at creating secrets.
No one ever guesses them … even if I beg them to try.
********
Because You're Mine is a high speed race to discover the truth! Rea Frey builds dynamic characters who are believable and alive with personality!
But everyone has secrets.......Who will you believe?
I absolutely devoured this book! Life interrupted me several times but I couldn't wait to delve back into it every chance I got! I easily could have finished this in one sitting!
And the conclusion? It knocked me clean out of my tree!
I want to mention that I really love the covers of the books by this author!
This is the second book I've read by Rea Frey. The first was a five star mystery/thriller, Not Her Daughter. This book puts her solidly on my shelf of favorite authors!
It's appears that she has a new mystery/thriller, Until I Find You, coming out in August of 2020. I can't wait!
Many thanks and appreciation to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and Rea Frey
for my advanced digital copy to read and review.
August 13, 2023
Check out my Q&A Elevator Interview with Rea! Meet the powerhouse author, learn more about the inspiration behind the book, plus fun facts about the author and more!
HOLY MOLY!!! 🙌 Shut the front door! "Smart and taut..” BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE is a twisted deliciously evil game of REVENGE. Top Books of 2019
After NOT HER DAUGHTER (a hit debut), a movie deal, and this? Rea Frey is setting the domestic suspense genre on FIRE! I loved every page. The diary notations were "knock-out."
Rea Frey "wowed" us with her award-winning smashing debut in 2018, NOT HER DAUGHTER, soon to be a major motion picture 🎬 Top Books of 2018. The author returns with another "knock-out" thriller which will blow you away —BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE.
Highly creative, unpredictable, intense, and brilliantly crafted— a "thrill ride" cat-and-mouse game that will keep you guessing until the final explosive page. 👏 Cannot wait for you to meet Lee, Grace, Mason (love this boy) and Noah.
I can handle the truth. It’s the lies that kill me.”
BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE is both plot-driven as well as character-driven. Fast-paced nerve-racking suspense.
Unpredictable. Taut. Wicked. Twisty. Emotionally-Charged!
SECRET: “Done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others. “
Meet the Characters:
• LEE, a single mom of Mason with SPD. She is highly protective and never leaves him with anyone except a select few. She is aware she must keep his life on schedule with no changes.
• GRACE is her best friend with a son, which always lends a helping hand who wants her to get away for a much-needed break.
• NOAH, the caring, handsome, bright, charismatic tutor which adores Mason.
Lee is a dedicated helicopter single mom, and rightly so with her son’s condition, but she borders on obsessive. She never takes time away from him. She has a secret crush on Noah but not sure he feels the same.
Noah is tormented by his past and a reason why he chose this profession. Lee seems like the perfect friend always there to help out, and she seems to love Mason.
Grace seems much stronger than Lee, who appears plagued by constant fear. Fear of making the wrong choice and constant worrying about her son.
Lee and Noah encourage her to go away on a fun girl’s weekend trip to the mountains. Four girls and no children. It sounds like heaven to Lee. Mason loves Noah, and he will take care of him.
Only two days. Can leave Mason? She has never left him overnight. She is a single mom. She is his world. However, when it is time to go, she begins to worry and second-guess herself. Will she change her mind?
Trouble is ahead, and someone will wind up dead on this little girls getaway. Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.
Who will get away with murder? What is the motive?
Each character has dark hidden secrets from the past. No one shares this with the other. The tension builds to a crescendo. A revenge plot like no other. Not sure which character has the dirtiest secret.
From past to present, told from one week before the fall to the fall. We receive chilling diary entries and thoughts, but whose are they? Someone is struggling with reality, loyalty, guilt, devotion, sacrifice.
Rea opens the book with a special note to readers. It is personal, intimate, and emotional. There are many highly-charged topics and themes explored in the novel, aside from the major ones of sexual abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. There is motherhood, friendship, siblings, and plenty of lies, secrets, guilt, love, anger, hate, obsession, revenge, murder, and betrayal.
An array of unreliable narrators, your loyalties will change through the book to the explosive ending.
LESSON: Watch your back!
“I lie to protect myself.
I lie to protect the people I love.
I lie because I’m biding my time.
I lie, so you have no idea what’s coming next.”
Wow! you never know who you can trust in this fake world we live in, as we see here in the fictional account. Fingers crossed for another 🎬 movie or TV series.
A great job with the research and Sensory processing disorder (SPD). The dialogue was spot-on. I also enjoyed the scenic Black Mountain/Asheville, NC setting. Been there many times and it is beautiful.
A perfect choice for book clubs and further discussions. For fans of family drama: Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, Liane Moriarty, Sally Hepworth, Mary Kubica, Kimberly Belle, and Paula Treick Deboard.
Highly Recommend. A spellbinding "must-read" domestic suspense, for this summer.
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for a digital and print ARC.
HOLY MOLY!!! 🙌 Shut the front door! "Smart and taut..” BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE is a twisted deliciously evil game of REVENGE. Top Books of 2019
After NOT HER DAUGHTER (a hit debut), a movie deal, and this? Rea Frey is setting the domestic suspense genre on FIRE! I loved every page. The diary notations were "knock-out."
Rea Frey "wowed" us with her award-winning smashing debut in 2018, NOT HER DAUGHTER, soon to be a major motion picture 🎬 Top Books of 2018. The author returns with another "knock-out" thriller which will blow you away —BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE.
Highly creative, unpredictable, intense, and brilliantly crafted— a "thrill ride" cat-and-mouse game that will keep you guessing until the final explosive page. 👏 Cannot wait for you to meet Lee, Grace, Mason (love this boy) and Noah.
I can handle the truth. It’s the lies that kill me.”
BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE is both plot-driven as well as character-driven. Fast-paced nerve-racking suspense.
Unpredictable. Taut. Wicked. Twisty. Emotionally-Charged!
Expect the unexpected.
Watch your back.
You will be blindsided.
Jaw-dropping.
Friends are not always friends.
You will question every person and their motives.
TRUST NO ONE! Lies on top of lies.
WARNING: when you start reading—block out the time.
"It is unputdownable!" THAT ENDING. 😜
SECRET: “Done, made, or conducted without the knowledge of others. “
Meet the Characters:
• LEE, a single mom of Mason with SPD. She is highly protective and never leaves him with anyone except a select few. She is aware she must keep his life on schedule with no changes.
• GRACE is her best friend with a son, which always lends a helping hand who wants her to get away for a much-needed break.
• NOAH, the caring, handsome, bright, charismatic tutor which adores Mason.
Lee is a dedicated helicopter single mom, and rightly so with her son’s condition, but she borders on obsessive. She never takes time away from him. She has a secret crush on Noah but not sure he feels the same.
Noah is tormented by his past and a reason why he chose this profession. Lee seems like the perfect friend always there to help out, and she seems to love Mason.
Grace seems much stronger than Lee, who appears plagued by constant fear. Fear of making the wrong choice and constant worrying about her son.
Lee and Noah encourage her to go away on a fun girl’s weekend trip to the mountains. Four girls and no children. It sounds like heaven to Lee. Mason loves Noah, and he will take care of him.
Only two days. Can leave Mason? She has never left him overnight. She is a single mom. She is his world. However, when it is time to go, she begins to worry and second-guess herself. Will she change her mind?
Trouble is ahead, and someone will wind up dead on this little girls getaway. Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.
Who will get away with murder? What is the motive?
Each character has dark hidden secrets from the past. No one shares this with the other. The tension builds to a crescendo. A revenge plot like no other. Not sure which character has the dirtiest secret.
From past to present, told from one week before the fall to the fall. We receive chilling diary entries and thoughts, but whose are they? Someone is struggling with reality, loyalty, guilt, devotion, sacrifice.
Rea opens the book with a special note to readers. It is personal, intimate, and emotional. There are many highly-charged topics and themes explored in the novel, aside from the major ones of sexual abuse, alcoholism, and suicide. There is motherhood, friendship, siblings, and plenty of lies, secrets, guilt, love, anger, hate, obsession, revenge, murder, and betrayal.
An array of unreliable narrators, your loyalties will change through the book to the explosive ending.
LESSON: Watch your back!
“I lie to protect myself.
I lie to protect the people I love.
I lie because I’m biding my time.
I lie, so you have no idea what’s coming next.”
Wow! you never know who you can trust in this fake world we live in, as we see here in the fictional account. Fingers crossed for another 🎬 movie or TV series.
A great job with the research and Sensory processing disorder (SPD). The dialogue was spot-on. I also enjoyed the scenic Black Mountain/Asheville, NC setting. Been there many times and it is beautiful.
A perfect choice for book clubs and further discussions. For fans of family drama: Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, Liane Moriarty, Sally Hepworth, Mary Kubica, Kimberly Belle, and Paula Treick Deboard.
Highly Recommend. A spellbinding "must-read" domestic suspense, for this summer.
JDCMustReadBooks
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for a digital and print ARC.
January 22, 2019
BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE is an edge-of-your-seat voyage that swirls around the sudden death of a young mother. From the opening scene to the final, surprising reveal, I was lost in Grace, Lee and Noah's story and the way their lives intersected. Each of them is holding a deep, dark, secret, but only one of them is hiding their true self. Who that person is is the answer to the riveting mystery at the core of this novel.
June 13, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up
I really enjoy Rea Frey's writing... looking forward to her next book!
I really enjoy Rea Frey's writing... looking forward to her next book!
July 11, 2019
3.5 stars
Whew-there is a lot going on here.
It all comes together with an ending that I wish I hadn’t seen coming, because it’s a nice twist. Unfortunately there was just too much predictability leading up to it, that the reveal fell short for me,
Still a solid mystery that kept me turning the pages!
ARC provided by NetGalley
Whew-there is a lot going on here.
It all comes together with an ending that I wish I hadn’t seen coming, because it’s a nice twist. Unfortunately there was just too much predictability leading up to it, that the reveal fell short for me,
Still a solid mystery that kept me turning the pages!
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 5, 2019
Very interesting title for a very different, but good read. When you see the title, you are going to think it’s going to be a romance, but it is far from that.
We meet Grace and Lee. Both are single and both have sons the same age. Lee appears to have more baggage than Grace, but they both are overwhelmed.
Both of them seem to be hiding something.
Then we add in Lee’s son’s teacher Noah who also has a secret.
All three characters are connected through Mason, and the connection goes deep. Everything appears to be good for once for the most part until Lee goes on a weekend trip with her girlfriends, and one of the girls turns up dead.
Many subtle hints are given in every chapter about what's going on but nothing is revealed, but there is an undertone of menace throughout.
BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE is filled with characters with secrets and characters with private burdens. It also deals with friendship issues, decisions, grief, and drug and alcohol use.
BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE will appeal to those readers who enjoy subtle suggestions of what is going on with the characters and readers who would like to get to know the characters better because you really aren’t sure what’s making them tick or who is telling the truth.
The book actually was depressing at times, but you will want to continue reading to see what happens to the characters and what the real truths are.
The ending will have you saying “what?” 4/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Grace and Lee. Both are single and both have sons the same age. Lee appears to have more baggage than Grace, but they both are overwhelmed.
Both of them seem to be hiding something.
Then we add in Lee’s son’s teacher Noah who also has a secret.
All three characters are connected through Mason, and the connection goes deep. Everything appears to be good for once for the most part until Lee goes on a weekend trip with her girlfriends, and one of the girls turns up dead.
Many subtle hints are given in every chapter about what's going on but nothing is revealed, but there is an undertone of menace throughout.
BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE is filled with characters with secrets and characters with private burdens. It also deals with friendship issues, decisions, grief, and drug and alcohol use.
BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE will appeal to those readers who enjoy subtle suggestions of what is going on with the characters and readers who would like to get to know the characters better because you really aren’t sure what’s making them tick or who is telling the truth.
The book actually was depressing at times, but you will want to continue reading to see what happens to the characters and what the real truths are.
The ending will have you saying “what?” 4/5
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2020
Never for one moment did I envision how this book would end – never.
Because You’re Mine is the intriguing story of the interwoven lives of three people and one charming young boy who is on the spectrum. Mom, Lee, who works her butt off to provide a loving, comfortable and safe home for her son, Mason. His tutor, Noah, for whom Lee has a growing interest but tries to quell it in order not to upset Mason’s routine and Grace, the dutiful and caring friend. The story is told from each of their perspectives and we get glimpses into each of their lives, thoughts and concerns but primarily it all revolves around Lee and Mason. When Grace convinces Lee to get away for a weekend with two other friends, leaving Mason in Noah’s care, it seems that Lee finally will get some much needed time for herself. However, as the weekend progresses, secrets are revealed and only three of the friends come away alive. Sounds familiar, right? Wrong! Because You’re Mine is a unique twist on this theme and it is one that I’m sure you find interesting.
Because You’re Mine is the intriguing story of the interwoven lives of three people and one charming young boy who is on the spectrum. Mom, Lee, who works her butt off to provide a loving, comfortable and safe home for her son, Mason. His tutor, Noah, for whom Lee has a growing interest but tries to quell it in order not to upset Mason’s routine and Grace, the dutiful and caring friend. The story is told from each of their perspectives and we get glimpses into each of their lives, thoughts and concerns but primarily it all revolves around Lee and Mason. When Grace convinces Lee to get away for a weekend with two other friends, leaving Mason in Noah’s care, it seems that Lee finally will get some much needed time for herself. However, as the weekend progresses, secrets are revealed and only three of the friends come away alive. Sounds familiar, right? Wrong! Because You’re Mine is a unique twist on this theme and it is one that I’m sure you find interesting.
February 22, 2019
I loved Frey's first book Not My Daughter. So when I got an early copy of Because Your Mine I was so excited. I loved every page and I don't want to give away anything but I did not see it coming. I was like OMG at the ending.
Don't miss this book it is fabulous and the out come you will not see coming! Such a good read! I can't wait for her next book!
Don't miss this book it is fabulous and the out come you will not see coming! Such a good read! I can't wait for her next book!
August 1, 2019
I do believe I’ve found my newest autobuy author! I adored Not Her Daughter and now I ADORE this book. During part 1, I wasn't sure how I was feeling about this book. Lee was getting on my nerves, I already found Mason adorable and I couldn't grasp where this book was heading. Then, about 100 pages in, part 2 hits me across the face with a big old forceful slap and I didn’t stop reading after that. Halfway I was like ok I found the big twist. Omg I’m BRILLIANT. Yes! But no. And then WHAT. Though certain things seem blazingly obvious, you stay with it to see how it is all going to unfold... and you're glad that you do because what's obvious becomes a bit hazy and not exactly what you bargained for.
I have only one thing that I was like waiiiit a minute but I don’t even care. I was involved. I was IN IT. (Have you read this? Can we discuss please??) Just when I think I know what's happening, I get side lined with that last chapter. I was NOT expecting that. Believable? Not believable? I.do.not.care. This kept me hooked. There are certainly some scenes that are cringe worthy and depressing but those are what drew me in even further if I'm being completely honest about it. I do wish some of the characters were a *little* more developed so I had a deeper understanding of them though.
Alright alright alright, Frey. I’m obsessed with you now. Lawd help me and my TBR pile because as of this point, I will read whatever you put in front of me. This domestic drama cake topped with some suspense icing will give you the goods.
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for this copy <3
I have only one thing that I was like waiiiit a minute but I don’t even care. I was involved. I was IN IT. (Have you read this? Can we discuss please??) Just when I think I know what's happening, I get side lined with that last chapter. I was NOT expecting that. Believable? Not believable? I.do.not.care. This kept me hooked. There are certainly some scenes that are cringe worthy and depressing but those are what drew me in even further if I'm being completely honest about it. I do wish some of the characters were a *little* more developed so I had a deeper understanding of them though.
Alright alright alright, Frey. I’m obsessed with you now. Lawd help me and my TBR pile because as of this point, I will read whatever you put in front of me. This domestic drama cake topped with some suspense icing will give you the goods.
Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for this copy <3
July 29, 2019
I really really struggled with this book and what to rate it. I had to sit on this for a few days.
So, on my hand I loved Rea's writing style and devoured this book in a little over a day. But, something was just missing for me and the ending fell extremely flat for me.
I felt that it was a tad unbelievable and just missed the mark for me. I feel like this has been a pattern for me with her books... that they're unbelievable, predictable, and the ending just comes out of left field.
I love surprising twists but you have to have the meat in the sandwich to deliver that final twist.
I enjoyed the multiple/dual POV and felt her writing was very strong. I think this is definitely one of her strengths in all her books!
I have seen many high 4 and 5 star reviews for this one so please don't let that deter you from reading. But, I do have to say this book has a lot going on... and it delivers a ride that many won't see coming.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars for me on this one
Pub day: 8/6/19
Published to GR: 7/28/19
So, on my hand I loved Rea's writing style and devoured this book in a little over a day. But, something was just missing for me and the ending fell extremely flat for me.
I felt that it was a tad unbelievable and just missed the mark for me. I feel like this has been a pattern for me with her books... that they're unbelievable, predictable, and the ending just comes out of left field.
I love surprising twists but you have to have the meat in the sandwich to deliver that final twist.
I enjoyed the multiple/dual POV and felt her writing was very strong. I think this is definitely one of her strengths in all her books!
I have seen many high 4 and 5 star reviews for this one so please don't let that deter you from reading. But, I do have to say this book has a lot going on... and it delivers a ride that many won't see coming.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars for me on this one
Pub day: 8/6/19
Published to GR: 7/28/19
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