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The Honeymoon
‘I’m your husband, Chloe. We’re a partnership now and we do what’s best for us as a couple. Staying here is going to be the best option.’ He picked up his drink and took a sip. ‘It’s not open for discussion. We’re not going home.’
Chloe had the dream wedding. Dan is her perfect man. They haven’t known each other for long, but as she walked down the aisle and saw him standing by the altar, tears glistening in his eyes, she knew this was forever.
Later, as they relax on a beautiful island, settling in to their new married life together, they congratulate themselves on their lovely wedding day, and Dan jokes that he’d like them to stay there forever.
But as the honeymoon goes on, he becomes increasingly adamant. They shouldn’t leave. In fact, he won’t let her…
An utterly gripping psychological thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn, Clare Mackintosh, and The Wife Between Us.
Chloe had the dream wedding. Dan is her perfect man. They haven’t known each other for long, but as she walked down the aisle and saw him standing by the altar, tears glistening in his eyes, she knew this was forever.
Later, as they relax on a beautiful island, settling in to their new married life together, they congratulate themselves on their lovely wedding day, and Dan jokes that he’d like them to stay there forever.
But as the honeymoon goes on, he becomes increasingly adamant. They shouldn’t leave. In fact, he won’t let her…
An utterly gripping psychological thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn, Clare Mackintosh, and The Wife Between Us.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2019
1452 people are currently reading
3569 people want to read
About the author
Rona Halsall
20 books530 followersRona is the #1 best selling author of twisty psychological thrillers and loves to create mayhem in her characters' lives to keep her readers guessing. She lives halfway up a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales with her three dogs - Maid, Evie and Sandy who are the writing support team.
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
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Go on... hit that Follow button!
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews
June 5, 2024
‘I’m your husband, Chloe. We’re a partnership now and we do what’s best for us as a couple. Staying here is going to be the best option.’ He picked up his drink and took a sip. ‘It’s not open for discussion. We’re not going home.’
After a whirlwind romance- we are talking a month or two here - Chloe and Dan decide to get married. They are in love. They are soulmates. They are going to live happily ever after. Or are they?
That is the premise here. There are many books out there that ask the question, "How well do you know someone?" Can you really know someone in a months or two time so much so that you marry them and are off on your dream honeymoon - except, it turns out to not be a dream – It’s more like a nightmare.
This book had some twists and turns and lots of warning bells went off in my head while reading this. This was a fun, escapism book which didn't disappoint. At the very beginning of the book, some bells and whistles go off as I read along as the Chloe experiences her honeymoon. It's not the honeymoon she always dreamed about. Chloe and Dan both had secrets going into their marriage, and both are haunted by them.
This proved to be a fast read which kept me on my toes. The characters were interesting. With this book, the reader will see things unraveling and yet, the Author still pulled off more twists at the end. Sure, some of the "relationship issues: we have seen before (I wont name them to avoid spoilers) but this book still felt fresh. There is one twist toward the end, which had the “Oh come on” light going off over my head, but overall, an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, 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.
After a whirlwind romance- we are talking a month or two here - Chloe and Dan decide to get married. They are in love. They are soulmates. They are going to live happily ever after. Or are they?
That is the premise here. There are many books out there that ask the question, "How well do you know someone?" Can you really know someone in a months or two time so much so that you marry them and are off on your dream honeymoon - except, it turns out to not be a dream – It’s more like a nightmare.
This book had some twists and turns and lots of warning bells went off in my head while reading this. This was a fun, escapism book which didn't disappoint. At the very beginning of the book, some bells and whistles go off as I read along as the Chloe experiences her honeymoon. It's not the honeymoon she always dreamed about. Chloe and Dan both had secrets going into their marriage, and both are haunted by them.
This proved to be a fast read which kept me on my toes. The characters were interesting. With this book, the reader will see things unraveling and yet, the Author still pulled off more twists at the end. Sure, some of the "relationship issues: we have seen before (I wont name them to avoid spoilers) but this book still felt fresh. There is one twist toward the end, which had the “Oh come on” light going off over my head, but overall, an enjoyable read.
Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, 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.
June 9, 2019
ᴡᴏʀsᴛ. ʜᴏɴᴇʏᴍᴏᴏɴ. ᴇᴠᴇʀ.
This was a fast-paced addictive read that left my head spinning! Girl meets boy. Girl goes out with boy. Girl falls in love with boy. Girl marries boy after only knowing him for two months. And what follows is the honeymoon from hell! Chloe and Dan Mary after a two month whirlwind romance. What transpires is Chloe on an island with a man she doesn’t even know. Her sweet loving fiancé has turned into a controlling husband, and he claims it is for her own safety. But what is true and what is a lie? Chloe knows way too much about secrets because she has one of her own.
If your child ever comes home wanting to marry somebody after only knowing them for a short time hand them this book, they will probably change their mind. Dan what a weirdo! I had no idea what his agenda was, what he was up to, if he was telling the truth or telling lies, but something about him just gave me the heebie-jeebies. Chloe I felt so bad for her. She was caring around so much guilt and that really made her so vulnerable, so right for the picking. For the majority of this book I had no idea what direction it was going in. Every time it zigged or zagged I was surprised. I and just when I thought everything was all good... Think again!
A wonderful quick absorbing story, perfect for those lazy afternoons by the pool. A wild tale full of crazy characters that will completely intrigue you!
*** Big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
This was a fast-paced addictive read that left my head spinning! Girl meets boy. Girl goes out with boy. Girl falls in love with boy. Girl marries boy after only knowing him for two months. And what follows is the honeymoon from hell! Chloe and Dan Mary after a two month whirlwind romance. What transpires is Chloe on an island with a man she doesn’t even know. Her sweet loving fiancé has turned into a controlling husband, and he claims it is for her own safety. But what is true and what is a lie? Chloe knows way too much about secrets because she has one of her own.
If your child ever comes home wanting to marry somebody after only knowing them for a short time hand them this book, they will probably change their mind. Dan what a weirdo! I had no idea what his agenda was, what he was up to, if he was telling the truth or telling lies, but something about him just gave me the heebie-jeebies. Chloe I felt so bad for her. She was caring around so much guilt and that really made her so vulnerable, so right for the picking. For the majority of this book I had no idea what direction it was going in. Every time it zigged or zagged I was surprised. I and just when I thought everything was all good... Think again!
A wonderful quick absorbing story, perfect for those lazy afternoons by the pool. A wild tale full of crazy characters that will completely intrigue you!
*** Big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
June 10, 2019
I loved this book so much! Where do I even start?! My absolutely favorite type of book is a fast paced psychological thriller. You know the type of book that you can't stand to put down. When you do in fact have to put it down you can't stop thinking about it. Well this book checked all those boxes!
Chloe and Dan take the plunge and get married after only two months of knowing each other. What could go wrong? Everything...the answer is every single thing can go wrong. As Dan whisks his new bride off with the promise of the most romantic honeymoon ever it quickly turns into a nightmare. I was terrified for Chloe as Dan seemingly turned into a different person overnight. Who the hell did Chloe just marry? This is not the guy we met earlier in the book or was he just that good at hiding who he really was?
This book had me from page one as it grabbed me and pulled me in. I found I was fascinated with their relationship as I struggled to determine what was the truth. Dan seems to have a great deal of secrets, yet Chloe perhaps has some of her own. Twist after twist had me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out yet more shocking twists threw me for a loop.
I jumped at the chance to read The Honeymoon as I adored her last book I read, Love You Gone. This book was just as good. Her writing style is so easy to read that I flew right through this book. I often struggle with the star rating system but this one was hands down 5 stars without even thinking about it!
Chloe and Dan take the plunge and get married after only two months of knowing each other. What could go wrong? Everything...the answer is every single thing can go wrong. As Dan whisks his new bride off with the promise of the most romantic honeymoon ever it quickly turns into a nightmare. I was terrified for Chloe as Dan seemingly turned into a different person overnight. Who the hell did Chloe just marry? This is not the guy we met earlier in the book or was he just that good at hiding who he really was?
This book had me from page one as it grabbed me and pulled me in. I found I was fascinated with their relationship as I struggled to determine what was the truth. Dan seems to have a great deal of secrets, yet Chloe perhaps has some of her own. Twist after twist had me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out yet more shocking twists threw me for a loop.
I jumped at the chance to read The Honeymoon as I adored her last book I read, Love You Gone. This book was just as good. Her writing style is so easy to read that I flew right through this book. I often struggle with the star rating system but this one was hands down 5 stars without even thinking about it!
June 8, 2019
A whirlwind romance, a dream honeymoon…but what if that dream turns out to be a nightmare?
I have to say, UK psychological thrillers are always wild rides, and this one was no exception! The characters in this are really something, and at one point I truly had NO idea what I thought was going on. A total mind-trip!
I’m going to keep this short because I want to stop before any twists (and let me say, there are a LOT of twists!). Chloe and Dan have only known each other for two months when the story begins with them on their way to their honeymoon.
Chloe instantly falls for Dan. Chloe has a broken family life. Her mother passed away, her siblings can barely stand her, and though she tries to take care of her Gran, it’s clear to her that her Gran can’t forgive her for what happened…
Chloe’s family are really a puzzle in this book! I was so intrigued—why are her siblings so mad at her? Well, trust me, you will find out! And her gran also seems to not really like Chloe all that much, even though Chloe does everything she can to care for her.
When Dan comes along, it is easy to understand why Chloe falls hard and fast. Dan clearly loves her, and Chloe is so alone. She has almost no friends, and her family is less than supportive of her.
I really loved Chloe! But every other character in the entire book I was suspicious of at one point. And that’s a fun part about psychological thrillers, right? You either trust everyone and are surprised at the reveal, or you trust no one and are still surprised at the reveal!
I read this one with my friend Berit and we both had that same feeling of “what is going on and why is everyone in Chloe’s life acting so bizarre??”
And the twists through the book and at the end—fun, delightful, and wild! Do not skip this one!
Thank you to Bookouture for my copy. Opinions are my own.
I have to say, UK psychological thrillers are always wild rides, and this one was no exception! The characters in this are really something, and at one point I truly had NO idea what I thought was going on. A total mind-trip!
I’m going to keep this short because I want to stop before any twists (and let me say, there are a LOT of twists!). Chloe and Dan have only known each other for two months when the story begins with them on their way to their honeymoon.
Chloe instantly falls for Dan. Chloe has a broken family life. Her mother passed away, her siblings can barely stand her, and though she tries to take care of her Gran, it’s clear to her that her Gran can’t forgive her for what happened…
Chloe’s family are really a puzzle in this book! I was so intrigued—why are her siblings so mad at her? Well, trust me, you will find out! And her gran also seems to not really like Chloe all that much, even though Chloe does everything she can to care for her.
When Dan comes along, it is easy to understand why Chloe falls hard and fast. Dan clearly loves her, and Chloe is so alone. She has almost no friends, and her family is less than supportive of her.
I really loved Chloe! But every other character in the entire book I was suspicious of at one point. And that’s a fun part about psychological thrillers, right? You either trust everyone and are surprised at the reveal, or you trust no one and are still surprised at the reveal!
I read this one with my friend Berit and we both had that same feeling of “what is going on and why is everyone in Chloe’s life acting so bizarre??”
And the twists through the book and at the end—fun, delightful, and wild! Do not skip this one!
Thank you to Bookouture for my copy. Opinions are my own.
June 12, 2019
The Honeymoon by Rona Halsall is a thriller that totally should be marketed as a handbook on why you don’t rush into marriage. Sure, there’s the rare occasion a whirlwind romance may work out but how often is that really? Rush to the alter and what you get is what we have in this thriller, two people who do not know one another at all.
Chloe was at a place in her life that romance was not on her radar at all. After some bad relationships combined with the death of her mother, who Chloe, herself and her family blamed for her mother’s death, Chloe had settled into her career as a physical therapist and taking care of her own ailing grandmother.
One day however when going out to great her next patient Chloe comes across Dan who had come with his own mother for treatment. The two of them hit it off right away so when Dan asks Chloe out she of course accepts. What come next is spending every moment they can together for a month when Dan pops the question and a short month later they are married and off to start their honeymoon.
The Honeymoon was a fairly fast paced thriller that drew me in right away not waiting any time at all to start the doubts and suspicion. I couldn’t help but think how crazy are you to marry this guy when we find Chloe harbors her own secrets and lies but with each twist and turn I couldn’t put the book down until finding out how it would all tie together in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Chloe was at a place in her life that romance was not on her radar at all. After some bad relationships combined with the death of her mother, who Chloe, herself and her family blamed for her mother’s death, Chloe had settled into her career as a physical therapist and taking care of her own ailing grandmother.
One day however when going out to great her next patient Chloe comes across Dan who had come with his own mother for treatment. The two of them hit it off right away so when Dan asks Chloe out she of course accepts. What come next is spending every moment they can together for a month when Dan pops the question and a short month later they are married and off to start their honeymoon.
The Honeymoon was a fairly fast paced thriller that drew me in right away not waiting any time at all to start the doubts and suspicion. I couldn’t help but think how crazy are you to marry this guy when we find Chloe harbors her own secrets and lies but with each twist and turn I couldn’t put the book down until finding out how it would all tie together in the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 19, 2021
An island honeymoon with the sparkling water & the sand between your toes plus the beautiful sunshine, sounds just what the doctor ordered right. Well that's what Chloe thought when she married Dan who she had only known for 2 months. Everything was fine between them until Dan changed their honey moon destination from the Maldives to Menorca , well this infuriates Chloe as she had her heart set on the Maldives , but he rushes her through the airport terminal to get the flight, Chloe doesn't know why they were pushing through.
When they get there the house is impeccable with views out to the ocean, but things changed very quickly when Dan tells her she cannot leave the house he locked the windows & doors told her not to go out alone he wanted her to be safe BUT with another woman she thinks he has been here before but he denies this but when she sees the same woman & child she thinks he had a baby with this woman. Chloe confronts him as her rage is starting to consume her but no answers.
in the end he tells her that they cannot leave she cannot go back to Brighton She is caring for her grandmother who is left with Janelle Who Chloe left her to look after her plus she has a job as a Physiotherapist to go back to but Cannot!! I will say there are twists & turns in this novel that i didn't see coming i loved everything about this book I cannot speak more highly of Rona Halsall i just could not put it down.
The stakes get higher as Chloe sees Dan
When they get there the house is impeccable with views out to the ocean, but things changed very quickly when Dan tells her she cannot leave the house he locked the windows & doors told her not to go out alone he wanted her to be safe BUT with another woman she thinks he has been here before but he denies this but when she sees the same woman & child she thinks he had a baby with this woman. Chloe confronts him as her rage is starting to consume her but no answers.
in the end he tells her that they cannot leave she cannot go back to Brighton She is caring for her grandmother who is left with Janelle Who Chloe left her to look after her plus she has a job as a Physiotherapist to go back to but Cannot!! I will say there are twists & turns in this novel that i didn't see coming i loved everything about this book I cannot speak more highly of Rona Halsall i just could not put it down.
The stakes get higher as Chloe sees Dan
June 13, 2019
Can we have a moment of silence in appreciation of that absolutely stunning cover?! Take me there! Actually, maybe not because Chloe’s dream honeymoon may not actually be as picturesque as that cover depicts. People often joke that they wish they could stay on their vacation indefinitely but what if you wanted to go home to your life and your new spouse wouldn’t allow you to leave? That’s exactly what happens to Chloe and is just the tip of the iceberg of what turns out to be a nightmare.
This was one of those books that had my full attention immediately, it was fast paced, things moved along almost as quickly as Chloe and Dan’s whirlwind engagement and marriage. Both Chloe and Dan hiding things from each other and I was desperate to know what their secrets were. There was a great sense of paranoia and doubt running throughout and I found this to be highly unpredictable, which is truly difficult to pull off lately. I was totally wrapped up in the story and read it in two sittings, I would’ve read it in just one but my family needed my attention. (How rude!)
Definitely recommended by me, it was a great read and full of surprises, the twists just kept coming and they were all well executed! Add this one to your summer TBR but maybe don’t read it if you yourself are involved in a whirlwind courtship 🤪
The Honeymoon in three words: Twisty, Quick and Tense
This was one of those books that had my full attention immediately, it was fast paced, things moved along almost as quickly as Chloe and Dan’s whirlwind engagement and marriage. Both Chloe and Dan hiding things from each other and I was desperate to know what their secrets were. There was a great sense of paranoia and doubt running throughout and I found this to be highly unpredictable, which is truly difficult to pull off lately. I was totally wrapped up in the story and read it in two sittings, I would’ve read it in just one but my family needed my attention. (How rude!)
Definitely recommended by me, it was a great read and full of surprises, the twists just kept coming and they were all well executed! Add this one to your summer TBR but maybe don’t read it if you yourself are involved in a whirlwind courtship 🤪
The Honeymoon in three words: Twisty, Quick and Tense
June 13, 2019
Looking at other G.R reviews , I appear to be in the minority . This book read as one of those cheesy mid day movies you’d come across when you were home from work/ school !
May 2, 2019
When we first meet Chloe. Life couldn’t be better. She has met the man of her dreams and is setting off on her honeymoon to a fabulous destination. It isn’t long though before alarm bells started going off in my head, or in Chloe’s for that matter!
I really don’t want to say to much about the story as think it would spoil others enjoyment to do so. Dan is a character though who I just couldn’t work out. On the outside he seems a really caring and lovely guy who wants the best for Chloe, but like her, I was starting to have some serious doubts.
The story takes some unexpected turns as the tension mounts. I was guessing at all sorts as to why Dan is being the way he is. This is a story that really goes to show about how much you really know about the one you love.
The Honeymoon is an enthralling read packed full of secrets and lies. It’s one of those books that draws you straight in from picking it up and making it very hard to put back down again. Will certainly keep you on your toes and have you on the edge of you seat when things start to unravel. Another great read by the author.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I really don’t want to say to much about the story as think it would spoil others enjoyment to do so. Dan is a character though who I just couldn’t work out. On the outside he seems a really caring and lovely guy who wants the best for Chloe, but like her, I was starting to have some serious doubts.
The story takes some unexpected turns as the tension mounts. I was guessing at all sorts as to why Dan is being the way he is. This is a story that really goes to show about how much you really know about the one you love.
The Honeymoon is an enthralling read packed full of secrets and lies. It’s one of those books that draws you straight in from picking it up and making it very hard to put back down again. Will certainly keep you on your toes and have you on the edge of you seat when things start to unravel. Another great read by the author.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 23, 2021
Another exciting read by author Rona Halsall that had me rapidly turning the pages in anticipation.
Chloe had a world wind romance when she met Dan, she was sure he was the perfect man for her. A short courtship followed by a dream wedding and an honeymoon on a sun drenched island. Dan jokes that he’d like them to stay there forever and as the honeymoon goes on he becomes increasingly adamant that they should remain, in fact, he won’t let her leave.
This is another fast paced page turner which appears to be the norm for this author. I don’t think it was quite as good as my previous reads of this author but still enjoyable. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Chloe had a world wind romance when she met Dan, she was sure he was the perfect man for her. A short courtship followed by a dream wedding and an honeymoon on a sun drenched island. Dan jokes that he’d like them to stay there forever and as the honeymoon goes on he becomes increasingly adamant that they should remain, in fact, he won’t let her leave.
This is another fast paced page turner which appears to be the norm for this author. I don’t think it was quite as good as my previous reads of this author but still enjoyable. 3.5 stars rounded up.
May 6, 2019
Well the cover was definitely the initial draw to this book for me, along with the title, after all I do like a book featuring a holiday. I then read the blurb, and was so convinced I had an idea of what would happen before I even started reading, that surely it was a mere formality?
Well I couldn't have been more wrong, nor so delighted to admit it - this is a twisty book, full of surprises, and just when you think you know everything you need to know, something else happens and shakes up all your beliefs all over again.
I mean that whole last section of the book, I couldn't put down even if I tried, I was reading practically open mouthed at the way the finale picked up pace (well what I thought was the finale!). And still the shocks kept on coming, all the way to the last page.
This is so so much better than I could have imagined and although this is the first book I've read by the author, I have a very strong feeling I will be paying her new releases a lot closer attention in the future.
From the first few pages I was gripped, and it was a lovely easy writing style. I had read the first 20% in the bath and then in bed, before realising I'd better try to sleep or I'd be up all night. But given how little time I'd spent on the book, I knew for sure it was going to be a great and quick to read story.
This is a book that just shows how little you know anyone, and far more importantly that no matter how much you think you love someone, getting married within two months of meeting them, is potentially not the smartest move you will ever make - especially if you are the main characters of a psychological thriller!
If the blurb even slightly intrigues you for this book, I would definitely suggest giving it a read, I'm delighted that I did and I don't read the genre that much, but found it to be a fabulous book and one I'm overjoyed that I had the time to devour in one day.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Well I couldn't have been more wrong, nor so delighted to admit it - this is a twisty book, full of surprises, and just when you think you know everything you need to know, something else happens and shakes up all your beliefs all over again.
I mean that whole last section of the book, I couldn't put down even if I tried, I was reading practically open mouthed at the way the finale picked up pace (well what I thought was the finale!). And still the shocks kept on coming, all the way to the last page.
This is so so much better than I could have imagined and although this is the first book I've read by the author, I have a very strong feeling I will be paying her new releases a lot closer attention in the future.
From the first few pages I was gripped, and it was a lovely easy writing style. I had read the first 20% in the bath and then in bed, before realising I'd better try to sleep or I'd be up all night. But given how little time I'd spent on the book, I knew for sure it was going to be a great and quick to read story.
This is a book that just shows how little you know anyone, and far more importantly that no matter how much you think you love someone, getting married within two months of meeting them, is potentially not the smartest move you will ever make - especially if you are the main characters of a psychological thriller!
If the blurb even slightly intrigues you for this book, I would definitely suggest giving it a read, I'm delighted that I did and I don't read the genre that much, but found it to be a fabulous book and one I'm overjoyed that I had the time to devour in one day.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 28, 2019
My third book by Rona Halsall, the cover ensnared me like you wouldn't believe it. The book brought out the adage in an apt manner
Marry in haste, repent in waste
Chloe married Dan after knowing him for less than two months. And would you believe what happened next... Yeah.. you guessed it, she went for her honeymoon to Maldives. But therein lay a twist.. As she was about to board, she saw that the tickets were to an isolated godforsaken place in Menorca. And her problems started there. Her passport and phone were taken away, she was kept locked in the house, and Dan wanted to stay forever on that island to supposedly protect her.... Did she escape?
Rona's writing was superfluous, I loved the way she kept me thinking who was a liar and who was the psycho. Emotions of claustrophobia literally trapped me in place, stuck to my kindle. But Rona made a way out for her, and Chloe escaped. But found everything changed... She had to come back to Menorca.
Husband Dan was written with quicksilver moods sometimes loving and tender then controlling and ruthless. I never could decide who he was till the end of the story. I liked how the chapters unfurled, pulling the fly into the spider's web. Was I the fly? I wondered...
My niggles flew in soon. Chloe was a pendulum, insecure and non-confident, never keeping to her decisions. She kept swaying in every chapter. He loves me, he loves me not!! And she was supposed to be an independent physiotherapist. Ah well, love does this to sane women, make us all insane!!
A plot line which changed in every chapter kept me hopping through the story. It took me only three hours to get through it. A fast fun read.
Marry in haste, repent in waste
Chloe married Dan after knowing him for less than two months. And would you believe what happened next... Yeah.. you guessed it, she went for her honeymoon to Maldives. But therein lay a twist.. As she was about to board, she saw that the tickets were to an isolated godforsaken place in Menorca. And her problems started there. Her passport and phone were taken away, she was kept locked in the house, and Dan wanted to stay forever on that island to supposedly protect her.... Did she escape?
Rona's writing was superfluous, I loved the way she kept me thinking who was a liar and who was the psycho. Emotions of claustrophobia literally trapped me in place, stuck to my kindle. But Rona made a way out for her, and Chloe escaped. But found everything changed... She had to come back to Menorca.
Husband Dan was written with quicksilver moods sometimes loving and tender then controlling and ruthless. I never could decide who he was till the end of the story. I liked how the chapters unfurled, pulling the fly into the spider's web. Was I the fly? I wondered...
My niggles flew in soon. Chloe was a pendulum, insecure and non-confident, never keeping to her decisions. She kept swaying in every chapter. He loves me, he loves me not!! And she was supposed to be an independent physiotherapist. Ah well, love does this to sane women, make us all insane!!
A plot line which changed in every chapter kept me hopping through the story. It took me only three hours to get through it. A fast fun read.
June 12, 2019
A lesson is not marrying someone you dont know!!
Chloe falls head over heels with Dan and they get married within weeks, both have secrets but Dan seems especially sneeky and when they get to the airport he has changed the honeymoon from the Maldives to Menorca!! ( could have been worse I guess and been Morecombe 😎 ), things really go from bad to worse from that point and Chloe after unburdening herself of her ‘secret’ realises Dan isent going to and plans her escape.....the story then continues with the aftermath of this and Dan’s secret is exposed and all the choas it brings, I enjoyed more the first 50% of the book and the last 25% of the book but all of it kept me wanting to go back and find out what, why, how and when!!
Chloe was at times annoying, do these lead girls not read any books and realise NEVER get involved with someone who has no friends, its a giveaway that all is not well, am kinda joking but.....she kept forgiving things most of us would have ‘jumped on’ immediately and known all was not well!
Dan was controlling and I didnt warm to him at all
I liked Chloe’s miserable Gran although her sharp retorts had me wincing ( and smiling )
The ending was three fold and imo well done
The writing was easy style and all in all a perfectly reasonable psychological thriller that maybe you had to take some things that happened with a pinch of salt but I did enjoy it
8/10 4 Stars
May 22, 2019
Ooh, I love him - but does he love me as much? Ooh, he smiled - but wait; his lip curled ever so slightly. What did I do to make him angry? Oh, silly me - a bug must have flown up his nose. But why didn't he tell me, and why didn't I see it fly out? I know I'd have sneezed, so why didn't he? Silly me again because I still love him. Don't I? Ah, but if he lied about a bug, what else is he hiding from me?
And there you have it - at least two-thirds of this book. So suffice it to say that with a main character this insecure, it'll never make it to my list of favorites. But bear with me: There's also a pretty good story in here - a thrilling one, even - it's just that after the first chapter, all I cared about was throttling Chloe's incessant second-guessing to the point of hoping that Dan not only wanted to do her in, but would be successful. Put another way, if my new (or in my case, old) husband treated me anywhere near the way Dan treats Chloe, he'd be toast. And waste even a second worrying whether his self-centered, controlling behavior toward me was MY fault? Fuhgettaboutit!
Still, the writing is excellent, and done in such a way that it's very easy to read. There's a rather chilling plot, beginning with Chloe's whirlwind marriage to the man of her dreams (well, depending on which hour you ask her) and a honeymoon that takes her away from her physical therapist job and caring for an ailing grandmother who would rather she didn't. But her longed-for honeymoon could put things right; that is, until Dan pulls a last-minute hustle that takes her to a place she didn't know they were going and doesn't want to be. And then, for reasons he doesn't want to reveal, he insists that they stay there. Forever.
Clearly, Dan isn't the man Chloe thought she married - and now she fears the worst (that part's nothing new; I'm sure she'd have feared the worst even if he'd taken her to Disneyland). And putting the blame on him goes only so far; it seems she's brought a few secrets of her own to their secluded location. Twists and turns as the end nears add some spark - once I got to the last quarter of the book, I didn't put it down till I got to the last page.
Overall, then, it does have thriller appeal - and I'm sure many readers of this genre will love it. Even if it's not quite my cup of tea, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
And there you have it - at least two-thirds of this book. So suffice it to say that with a main character this insecure, it'll never make it to my list of favorites. But bear with me: There's also a pretty good story in here - a thrilling one, even - it's just that after the first chapter, all I cared about was throttling Chloe's incessant second-guessing to the point of hoping that Dan not only wanted to do her in, but would be successful. Put another way, if my new (or in my case, old) husband treated me anywhere near the way Dan treats Chloe, he'd be toast. And waste even a second worrying whether his self-centered, controlling behavior toward me was MY fault? Fuhgettaboutit!
Still, the writing is excellent, and done in such a way that it's very easy to read. There's a rather chilling plot, beginning with Chloe's whirlwind marriage to the man of her dreams (well, depending on which hour you ask her) and a honeymoon that takes her away from her physical therapist job and caring for an ailing grandmother who would rather she didn't. But her longed-for honeymoon could put things right; that is, until Dan pulls a last-minute hustle that takes her to a place she didn't know they were going and doesn't want to be. And then, for reasons he doesn't want to reveal, he insists that they stay there. Forever.
Clearly, Dan isn't the man Chloe thought she married - and now she fears the worst (that part's nothing new; I'm sure she'd have feared the worst even if he'd taken her to Disneyland). And putting the blame on him goes only so far; it seems she's brought a few secrets of her own to their secluded location. Twists and turns as the end nears add some spark - once I got to the last quarter of the book, I didn't put it down till I got to the last page.
Overall, then, it does have thriller appeal - and I'm sure many readers of this genre will love it. Even if it's not quite my cup of tea, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
May 28, 2019
When I first saw the cover of THE HONEYMOON and then the plot description, I knew I had to read this book! And that tagline just grabbed me - marry in haste, repent at leisure. I knew I was in for an emotionally thrilling ride. I was not wrong!
Honeymoons are meant to be beautiful romantic getaways from reality in the post-wedded bliss of getting to know each other. But for Chloe it was anything but. She had met Dan just two months ago when he brought his mother in for physiotherapy and theirs was a whirlwind romance. A month after meeting, he proposed. Another month after that, they were married. A bit too soon? Chloe didn't think so...at the time.
Chloe is a physiotherapist working and living in Brighton. She is a part time carer for her gran, who was prone to chest infections, and Chloe stopped by twice a day - before and after work - for physiotherapy and to make her tea. After the death of her mother almost a decade before, Chloe has been racked with guilt that it was her fault. Her brother and sister also blame her for their mother's death and have not spoken in years. So in an attempt to relieve some of that guilt she looks after her gran, whose barbed comments seem to reflect that she too blames Chloe for her mother's death. She was, after all, her gran's daughter. It only reiterates Chloe's guilt.
Then Chloe meets Dan. It isn't long before she is besotted with him. And after a whirlwind romance, they marry. While she organises the wedding, she leaves the honeymoon in Dan's capable hands. He is, after all, paying for it so it only seemed fair. But Chloe had one stipulation. She had always dreamed of a honeymoon in the Maldives (I don't blame her - I would too) and white sandy beaches with huts on stilts, being waited on in paradise. So when they arrive at the airport and she discovers at the boarding gate their destination is Menorca, she is confused. But Dan reassures her it was a last minute change and they will have a great time at the secluded villa he has rented in Menorca.
But things begin to happen that makes Chloe question how well does she really know Dan? Not long after their arrival, she discovers she has lost her phone. Despite looking everywhere, even where she knew she kept it, she can't find it. And Dan seems to have morphed into another persona. Since their arrival at the villa, he keeps Chloe a virtual prisoner but tells her he is doing so to keep her safe. And then he announces they are not returning to the UK but are staying in Menorca. End of discussion. What is going on? Does she even know Dan at all?
Chloe begins to plan her escape. When Dan is asleep one night, she stealthily tosses a few things into her rucksack, ensuring she has her passport and money, climbs out an open window (because the door is locked) and hurries to the village where she has a taxi waiting. She doesn't relax until she is on-board the plane and in the air bound for home.
But once she gets there, things only get more puzzling. Her key won't fit in the lock of her apartment. When she calls the estate agent they inform her that they received notification that she was vacating and the locks were changed, which was normal procedure. But what about all her belongings? But the place was empty when they took possession, so where is her stuff? She tries to make a purchase; card declined. She goes to the cash-point (ATM) to withdraw cash; it takes her card. She calls the bank; that account was closed and all funds were transferred to another account. What the? And then when she calls her work, she discovers they had received an email from her last Monday to say she would not be returning to work. Is this Dan's doing? She knows he wants them to move to Menorca, but would he go this far?
Then when she calls Dan's number she is informed that the number is no longer available. Her social media accounts have all disappeared, as has Dan's. All her online accounts, her emails - everything. GONE! It seems she no longer exists. And when her gran informs her doesn't want her living there Chloe realises she is homeless with no money, no job - nothing. What is going on?
Her gran says there is only one thing to do. She must go back and stand up to him. Find out what's going on. Chloe can stay the night and her gran will pay for her return with a little extra money the next morning. All the alarm bells started going off in my head and I was screaming at her - DON'T GO!!
But when she married him after only two months, it was never going to end well, was it?
I liked Chloe. She reminds me a bit of me. She is not a strong person, but she has strong ethics and moral code. Her questioning of Dan's motives did niggle at me a bit because I didn't trust the man, but I guess in her position we'd probably think and feel the same...wanting to believe the best in people. Dan, I didn't like. I didn't trust him the moment he started exerting control. I don't like someone who thinks they know best by cutting off all their means, despite protests. He claimed they were now married and a partnership, yet he showed no signs of a partnership but rather a dominant over a subordinate. And that alone rings alarms bells for me. But then...it wouldn't be a very interesting psychological thriller if he didn't exert some of "the bad guy". Even if to throw us off scent...or not.
THE HONEYMOON may be one honeymoon you don't want to take, but you won't be able to put the book down! It is thrilling, engaging and utterly intriguing. Filled with secrets and lies, it shows you how little you can know someone and that no matter how much you think you know them, it makes you question how well you really do.
I was 60% through THE HONEYMOON before I called it a night at 3am then picked it up the next day to finish...and what a race to the end it was! The style was easy to read, despite the excessive description (which I don't normally favour) rather than dialogue, but I still surprisingly found it an easy read. And by the time the big reveal came, I admit I was a little disappointed by the reality of it (as I was hoping for another outcome), but it soon made up for it as the shocks and the twists kept coming long after that. And that ending!! WOW! Way to go, girlfriend!!
THE HONEYMOON is the first book by Rona Halsall I've read but if this book is anything to go by, I will paying a lot closer attention to her in the future. Definitely recommend!
I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHoneymoon in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Honeymoons are meant to be beautiful romantic getaways from reality in the post-wedded bliss of getting to know each other. But for Chloe it was anything but. She had met Dan just two months ago when he brought his mother in for physiotherapy and theirs was a whirlwind romance. A month after meeting, he proposed. Another month after that, they were married. A bit too soon? Chloe didn't think so...at the time.
Chloe is a physiotherapist working and living in Brighton. She is a part time carer for her gran, who was prone to chest infections, and Chloe stopped by twice a day - before and after work - for physiotherapy and to make her tea. After the death of her mother almost a decade before, Chloe has been racked with guilt that it was her fault. Her brother and sister also blame her for their mother's death and have not spoken in years. So in an attempt to relieve some of that guilt she looks after her gran, whose barbed comments seem to reflect that she too blames Chloe for her mother's death. She was, after all, her gran's daughter. It only reiterates Chloe's guilt.
Then Chloe meets Dan. It isn't long before she is besotted with him. And after a whirlwind romance, they marry. While she organises the wedding, she leaves the honeymoon in Dan's capable hands. He is, after all, paying for it so it only seemed fair. But Chloe had one stipulation. She had always dreamed of a honeymoon in the Maldives (I don't blame her - I would too) and white sandy beaches with huts on stilts, being waited on in paradise. So when they arrive at the airport and she discovers at the boarding gate their destination is Menorca, she is confused. But Dan reassures her it was a last minute change and they will have a great time at the secluded villa he has rented in Menorca.
But things begin to happen that makes Chloe question how well does she really know Dan? Not long after their arrival, she discovers she has lost her phone. Despite looking everywhere, even where she knew she kept it, she can't find it. And Dan seems to have morphed into another persona. Since their arrival at the villa, he keeps Chloe a virtual prisoner but tells her he is doing so to keep her safe. And then he announces they are not returning to the UK but are staying in Menorca. End of discussion. What is going on? Does she even know Dan at all?
Chloe begins to plan her escape. When Dan is asleep one night, she stealthily tosses a few things into her rucksack, ensuring she has her passport and money, climbs out an open window (because the door is locked) and hurries to the village where she has a taxi waiting. She doesn't relax until she is on-board the plane and in the air bound for home.
But once she gets there, things only get more puzzling. Her key won't fit in the lock of her apartment. When she calls the estate agent they inform her that they received notification that she was vacating and the locks were changed, which was normal procedure. But what about all her belongings? But the place was empty when they took possession, so where is her stuff? She tries to make a purchase; card declined. She goes to the cash-point (ATM) to withdraw cash; it takes her card. She calls the bank; that account was closed and all funds were transferred to another account. What the? And then when she calls her work, she discovers they had received an email from her last Monday to say she would not be returning to work. Is this Dan's doing? She knows he wants them to move to Menorca, but would he go this far?
Then when she calls Dan's number she is informed that the number is no longer available. Her social media accounts have all disappeared, as has Dan's. All her online accounts, her emails - everything. GONE! It seems she no longer exists. And when her gran informs her doesn't want her living there Chloe realises she is homeless with no money, no job - nothing. What is going on?
Her gran says there is only one thing to do. She must go back and stand up to him. Find out what's going on. Chloe can stay the night and her gran will pay for her return with a little extra money the next morning. All the alarm bells started going off in my head and I was screaming at her - DON'T GO!!
But when she married him after only two months, it was never going to end well, was it?
I liked Chloe. She reminds me a bit of me. She is not a strong person, but she has strong ethics and moral code. Her questioning of Dan's motives did niggle at me a bit because I didn't trust the man, but I guess in her position we'd probably think and feel the same...wanting to believe the best in people. Dan, I didn't like. I didn't trust him the moment he started exerting control. I don't like someone who thinks they know best by cutting off all their means, despite protests. He claimed they were now married and a partnership, yet he showed no signs of a partnership but rather a dominant over a subordinate. And that alone rings alarms bells for me. But then...it wouldn't be a very interesting psychological thriller if he didn't exert some of "the bad guy". Even if to throw us off scent...or not.
THE HONEYMOON may be one honeymoon you don't want to take, but you won't be able to put the book down! It is thrilling, engaging and utterly intriguing. Filled with secrets and lies, it shows you how little you can know someone and that no matter how much you think you know them, it makes you question how well you really do.
I was 60% through THE HONEYMOON before I called it a night at 3am then picked it up the next day to finish...and what a race to the end it was! The style was easy to read, despite the excessive description (which I don't normally favour) rather than dialogue, but I still surprisingly found it an easy read. And by the time the big reveal came, I admit I was a little disappointed by the reality of it (as I was hoping for another outcome), but it soon made up for it as the shocks and the twists kept coming long after that. And that ending!! WOW! Way to go, girlfriend!!
THE HONEYMOON is the first book by Rona Halsall I've read but if this book is anything to go by, I will paying a lot closer attention to her in the future. Definitely recommend!
I would like to thank #RonaHalsall, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheHoneymoon in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 16, 2020
I feel a little bit torn about "The honeymoon". On the one hand I really liked the premise and the plot. On the other one I really disliked the characters, specially Chloe and Dan (but Granny, you're there too!).
We have Chloe, that for the most part of the book has a whiny and childish attitude, making excuses for everything and everyone, blaming herself for something I really can't see how she's to blame and then accepting to be treated like a doormat by her siblings and granny because she thinks she deserves it for what she did. And don't make me get started on how she is with Dan! I couldn't stand how she rationalized everything he did, so submissive. She suspects him of doing lots of terrible things to her but still she asks herself "I do still love him, though, don't I?" and then goes back to him instead of calling the police. Honey, are you blind?? Or just plain stupid?? NOT ACCEPTABLE!!! It came a point I was so fed up with her attitude that I was cheering for the bad guy! Thankfully, towards the end, she finally wakes up (but it takes a murder to happen for her to do it and she even rationalizes that...”hey, it was quick, didn't suffer, so it couln't be so bad"
And then we have Dan, with this macho attitude of "I'm here to protect you", "everything I do is for your own safety", blah, blah, blah... If you really wanna protect me TALK TO ME and don't hide things for 2/3 of the book!. He puts her in danger knowingly and when she almost dies because something he did, he tells her it's HER fault for not listening to him. Really?? (massive eye roll).
But not only both main characters have cuestionable behaviors. Can Granny be more selfish?? Her grandchild's life is in tatters supposedly because of her husband and her "advice" to her is "I don't want you here, go back to him". I think the only character that shows a bit of common sense in the book is granny's caregiver.
The mystery resolution was so out of the blue that I couldn't care less when it happened. And the villain's motive was a bit far fetched in my opinion. In spite of this, the book managed to hold my interest throughout, being fast paced and quick to read, and with a final twist that almost redeems Chloe.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
We have Chloe, that for the most part of the book has a whiny and childish attitude, making excuses for everything and everyone, blaming herself for something I really can't see how she's to blame and then accepting to be treated like a doormat by her siblings and granny because she thinks she deserves it for what she did. And don't make me get started on how she is with Dan! I couldn't stand how she rationalized everything he did, so submissive. She suspects him of doing lots of terrible things to her but still she asks herself "I do still love him, though, don't I?" and then goes back to him instead of calling the police. Honey, are you blind?? Or just plain stupid?? NOT ACCEPTABLE!!! It came a point I was so fed up with her attitude that I was cheering for the bad guy! Thankfully, towards the end, she finally wakes up (but it takes a murder to happen for her to do it and she even rationalizes that...”hey, it was quick, didn't suffer, so it couln't be so bad"
And then we have Dan, with this macho attitude of "I'm here to protect you", "everything I do is for your own safety", blah, blah, blah... If you really wanna protect me TALK TO ME and don't hide things for 2/3 of the book!. He puts her in danger knowingly and when she almost dies because something he did, he tells her it's HER fault for not listening to him. Really?? (massive eye roll).
But not only both main characters have cuestionable behaviors. Can Granny be more selfish?? Her grandchild's life is in tatters supposedly because of her husband and her "advice" to her is "I don't want you here, go back to him". I think the only character that shows a bit of common sense in the book is granny's caregiver.
The mystery resolution was so out of the blue that I couldn't care less when it happened. And the villain's motive was a bit far fetched in my opinion. In spite of this, the book managed to hold my interest throughout, being fast paced and quick to read, and with a final twist that almost redeems Chloe.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Genre: Mystery Thriller
The Honeymoon, marry in haste, repent at leisure! This was a fantastic suspense thriller. Kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Chloe is a physiotherapist who meets Dan, falls in love with him & in a very short period of time they get married & decide to go on a honeymoon. They both keep secrets from each other, but Chloe gradually feels that her husband is not the man she thought he was!
Pros:
- Great writing style. This is the first book I read for Rona Halsall & I really enjoyed her style of storytelling. I need to grab her other books now.
- The story is unpredictable. Every time I felt that the story was going to go in a cliche direction the author proved me wrong by going a different way which I appreciate very much. In the beginning, I thought that the story was going to be like B.A. Paris' Behind Closed Doors but it didn't. This is offering lots of new things. Lots of secrets & lies.
- Although we don't have many characters here the main characters stand out very well. They have a depth to them & lots of grey shades.
- Let us not forget to mention how gorgeous the cover is. Perfect design for the story.
Cons:
- Some actions of the characters cannot be justified, but that does not mean real people won't do them. While reading you may ask why the main characters did something instead of doing something else. This is not a big con because people are different in real life & they have different perspectives.
Final Thought:
Grab this book when it is going to be released (7th June 2019), I highly recommend it for anybody who loves a gripping story.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy. This is my honest & unbiased review.
Genre: Mystery Thriller
The Honeymoon, marry in haste, repent at leisure! This was a fantastic suspense thriller. Kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Chloe is a physiotherapist who meets Dan, falls in love with him & in a very short period of time they get married & decide to go on a honeymoon. They both keep secrets from each other, but Chloe gradually feels that her husband is not the man she thought he was!
Pros:
- Great writing style. This is the first book I read for Rona Halsall & I really enjoyed her style of storytelling. I need to grab her other books now.
- The story is unpredictable. Every time I felt that the story was going to go in a cliche direction the author proved me wrong by going a different way which I appreciate very much. In the beginning, I thought that the story was going to be like B.A. Paris' Behind Closed Doors but it didn't. This is offering lots of new things. Lots of secrets & lies.
- Although we don't have many characters here the main characters stand out very well. They have a depth to them & lots of grey shades.
- Let us not forget to mention how gorgeous the cover is. Perfect design for the story.
Cons:
- Some actions of the characters cannot be justified, but that does not mean real people won't do them. While reading you may ask why the main characters did something instead of doing something else. This is not a big con because people are different in real life & they have different perspectives.
Final Thought:
Grab this book when it is going to be released (7th June 2019), I highly recommend it for anybody who loves a gripping story.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy. This is my honest & unbiased review.
May 27, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
I wanted to read The Honeymoon because of that beautiful cover. After reading it, the cover is still my favorite part.
I thought the concept for the book was really interesting. It sounded like great, soapy drama and I was crossing my fingers for some crazy twists. Unfortunately, it left my pretty disappointed. There were some things that I *think* were supposed to be twists, but they all seemed pretty cliched and obvious to me.
I thought the pace was far too slow for about the first 75% of the story. There were several chapters where pretty much nothing happened but Chloe wondering what Dan is lying about and how dare he lie to her and how she’s trapped. Just around and around with absolutely zero happening to move the plot forward. I also kept waiting for Chloe to be revealed as a real psycho. From the very beginning she comes across as a pretty unstable person and I thought it was all building up for her to do something crazy, but it never really went where I wanted it to.
Overall, The Honeymoon just wasn’t for me. It had a gorgeous cover and a promising concept, but the story was pretty underwhelming. However, I have seen some good reviews on it, so it might still be worth the read for some.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars
I wanted to read The Honeymoon because of that beautiful cover. After reading it, the cover is still my favorite part.
I thought the concept for the book was really interesting. It sounded like great, soapy drama and I was crossing my fingers for some crazy twists. Unfortunately, it left my pretty disappointed. There were some things that I *think* were supposed to be twists, but they all seemed pretty cliched and obvious to me.
I thought the pace was far too slow for about the first 75% of the story. There were several chapters where pretty much nothing happened but Chloe wondering what Dan is lying about and how dare he lie to her and how she’s trapped. Just around and around with absolutely zero happening to move the plot forward. I also kept waiting for Chloe to be revealed as a real psycho. From the very beginning she comes across as a pretty unstable person and I thought it was all building up for her to do something crazy, but it never really went where I wanted it to.
Overall, The Honeymoon just wasn’t for me. It had a gorgeous cover and a promising concept, but the story was pretty underwhelming. However, I have seen some good reviews on it, so it might still be worth the read for some.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars
June 14, 2019
When I heard Rona Halsall had a new book coming out, I had to read it. I have read her previous two books Love you Gone and Keep you safe and I loved them, so I was excited to get my hands on a copy.
Chloe has been living with guilt after the death of her mother. So, to try and relieve some of that guilt she looks after her grandmother. Her brother and sister also blame her for their mother’s death so much, that they do not talk to each other.
Chole meets Dan and after a world wind two-month romance they marry. Choe is dreaming of her honeymoon in the Maldives but they arrive at the airport she realises they are going to Menorca instead. Dan reassures her that they will have a great time in Menorca. But things happen that makes Chloe wonder if she really knows who Dan is. Dan virtually keeps her prisoner and then tells her that he is doing it to keep her safe. Chloe must virtually blackmail him to find out what really is going on. She found out that he is protecting her from something he did in his past.
This is a cleverly written novel from Rona Halsall that gripped me from the start. It had a great plot and characters. Although a bit unrealistic towards the end, it had a good twist that I wasn’t expecting. 4 stars from me.
Chloe has been living with guilt after the death of her mother. So, to try and relieve some of that guilt she looks after her grandmother. Her brother and sister also blame her for their mother’s death so much, that they do not talk to each other.
Chole meets Dan and after a world wind two-month romance they marry. Choe is dreaming of her honeymoon in the Maldives but they arrive at the airport she realises they are going to Menorca instead. Dan reassures her that they will have a great time in Menorca. But things happen that makes Chloe wonder if she really knows who Dan is. Dan virtually keeps her prisoner and then tells her that he is doing it to keep her safe. Chloe must virtually blackmail him to find out what really is going on. She found out that he is protecting her from something he did in his past.
This is a cleverly written novel from Rona Halsall that gripped me from the start. It had a great plot and characters. Although a bit unrealistic towards the end, it had a good twist that I wasn’t expecting. 4 stars from me.
June 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Net Galley and publisher Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
Oh boy, this was a rough read. If you ever want a textbook definition of 'idiot plot', then sadly this is it. I was pretty excited to read this book because it sounded like a brilliant atmospheric thriller. Having married a man after only two months with him, Chloe goes on her honeymoon and things take a scary dive. I expected from the blurb that this would be a book about a husband holding his new wife hostage and, while that's kind of true, that's not what the focus of the plot is on. Instead of a hostage story you kind of get a back and forth between Chloe being determined to try and make her marriage work and her almost freaking out at her new husband's behaviour.
I say 'almost' because the biggest problem this book has is without a doubt the characters. Not a single character acted how a real person would and it made everything very hard to swallow. So Chloe has just married Dan, a man she doesn't know very well. Immediately after their wedding, he changes their honeymoon destination without telling her. He then takes away her phone, refuses to let her open the windows and behaves very oddly in general. Chloe chronically undereacts to everything. Even when pretty life-altering stuff is happening later on in the plot, she never reacts more than someone would to discovering they were out of milk. This is not, as I first thought, an attempt to accurately portray how some women can act in an abusive situation. This is just poor characterisation.
The same goes for Dan. He repeatedly claims that he needs to 'keep Chloe safe' but refuses to explain anything to her, just so the reader can go on wondering if he's paranoid or if he really is a good guy. There is zero romantically appealing about him and that makes it tough to sympathise with Chloe to any degree. Chloe also has a gran who is possibly one of the most selfish people ever. When Chloe seeks her out having had some pretty awful things happen to her, her gran just waves her off back to her new husband and tells her to leave her alone. Granted her gran isn't meant to be ideal but she's a lot worse than the narrative seems to imply she is.
The real unbelievable nature of it all comes to light with the sheer amount of insanity that happens in the last few chapters. In the space of a few pages You keep expecting the story to end since it feels like it has come to its natural conclusion and then another thing forces the plot to keep on going.
Overall, I would sadly not recommend this thriller. Maybe it could have worked with stronger writing or characterisation but the plot itself is fairly weak and I'm not sure it would be worth salvaging. It's a shame because I love summer-themed thrillers but there are far better examples out there than this one.
Overall Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Oh boy, this was a rough read. If you ever want a textbook definition of 'idiot plot', then sadly this is it. I was pretty excited to read this book because it sounded like a brilliant atmospheric thriller. Having married a man after only two months with him, Chloe goes on her honeymoon and things take a scary dive. I expected from the blurb that this would be a book about a husband holding his new wife hostage and, while that's kind of true, that's not what the focus of the plot is on. Instead of a hostage story you kind of get a back and forth between Chloe being determined to try and make her marriage work and her almost freaking out at her new husband's behaviour.
I say 'almost' because the biggest problem this book has is without a doubt the characters. Not a single character acted how a real person would and it made everything very hard to swallow. So Chloe has just married Dan, a man she doesn't know very well. Immediately after their wedding, he changes their honeymoon destination without telling her. He then takes away her phone, refuses to let her open the windows and behaves very oddly in general. Chloe chronically undereacts to everything. Even when pretty life-altering stuff is happening later on in the plot, she never reacts more than someone would to discovering they were out of milk. This is not, as I first thought, an attempt to accurately portray how some women can act in an abusive situation. This is just poor characterisation.
The same goes for Dan. He repeatedly claims that he needs to 'keep Chloe safe' but refuses to explain anything to her, just so the reader can go on wondering if he's paranoid or if he really is a good guy. There is zero romantically appealing about him and that makes it tough to sympathise with Chloe to any degree. Chloe also has a gran who is possibly one of the most selfish people ever. When Chloe seeks her out having had some pretty awful things happen to her, her gran just waves her off back to her new husband and tells her to leave her alone. Granted her gran isn't meant to be ideal but she's a lot worse than the narrative seems to imply she is.
The real unbelievable nature of it all comes to light with the sheer amount of insanity that happens in the last few chapters. In the space of a few pages You keep expecting the story to end since it feels like it has come to its natural conclusion and then another thing forces the plot to keep on going.
Overall, I would sadly not recommend this thriller. Maybe it could have worked with stronger writing or characterisation but the plot itself is fairly weak and I'm not sure it would be worth salvaging. It's a shame because I love summer-themed thrillers but there are far better examples out there than this one.
Overall Rating: 1.5/5 stars
May 28, 2019
When Chloe met Dan, she thought all her dreams were finally coming true. After years of guilt from her past and feeling unlovable, Chloe saw her life taking a step in a positive direction with Dan.
Their romance was whirlwind and within weeks of dating, Dan and Chloe became engaged. And not long after, they had a small wedding ceremony. Chloe always dreamed of honeymooning in the Maldives and was thrilled when Dan took the reigns to plan their trip there. But when they get onto the plane, Chloe learns they’re headed not to the Maldives, but to Spain. Leaving Chloe with no time to process this information, she has to make a split-second decision and she chooses to trust her new husband.
But in Spain, Chloe sees a new side of Dan. A scary, possessive, paranoid and aggressive side. She questions just how much she knew Dan before marrying him. And now Chloe might be paying the price for her naïveté, or maybe it’s payback for what she did all those years ago. But one thing is for sure: this is a honeymoon Chloe will surely never forget.
The Honeymoon is Rona Halsall’s latest thriller. Chloe’s experience is every newlywed’s nightmare and we get to see her situation turn from bad to worse. I felt like I was watching a movie where you’re yelling at the tv, telling the woman to not go into the woods alone—I kept wanting Chloe to make different, smarter decisions, but alas, she kept going deeper into the metaphorical woods. This was a fun, short thriller. Nothing “wowed” me, but I enjoyed it and am interested to read more by this author. 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rona Halsall for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Their romance was whirlwind and within weeks of dating, Dan and Chloe became engaged. And not long after, they had a small wedding ceremony. Chloe always dreamed of honeymooning in the Maldives and was thrilled when Dan took the reigns to plan their trip there. But when they get onto the plane, Chloe learns they’re headed not to the Maldives, but to Spain. Leaving Chloe with no time to process this information, she has to make a split-second decision and she chooses to trust her new husband.
But in Spain, Chloe sees a new side of Dan. A scary, possessive, paranoid and aggressive side. She questions just how much she knew Dan before marrying him. And now Chloe might be paying the price for her naïveté, or maybe it’s payback for what she did all those years ago. But one thing is for sure: this is a honeymoon Chloe will surely never forget.
The Honeymoon is Rona Halsall’s latest thriller. Chloe’s experience is every newlywed’s nightmare and we get to see her situation turn from bad to worse. I felt like I was watching a movie where you’re yelling at the tv, telling the woman to not go into the woods alone—I kept wanting Chloe to make different, smarter decisions, but alas, she kept going deeper into the metaphorical woods. This was a fun, short thriller. Nothing “wowed” me, but I enjoyed it and am interested to read more by this author. 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rona Halsall for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2024
Chloe, Chloe, Chloe! Count the red flags girl, count the red flags! Dan seems to be a dream come true except for countless peculiar things Chloe found difficult to wrap her mind around. Needless to say, I was totally invested in Chloe’s journey. There were times when my heart went out to Chloe and other times I shook my head at some of her choices. I love it when a thriller is able to evoke a range of emotions which is no easy feat. The narrator of the audiobook masterfully brought the plot to life while adding emotion and intensity. Her voice also had a soothing quality that made listening of the book addictive and extremely enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
June 12, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up. I have such a hard time overlooking a “stupid, overly trusting girl” trope. It grates me 😩 the entire time I’m yelling at this novel “why wouldn’t he just tell her!!” And “how could you trust this man”. Whyyyyy does she go back!?! Ahh!!!
All that being said. It was very quickly paced, which I love and I was intrigued enough to finish it in like 24 hours. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
All that being said. It was very quickly paced, which I love and I was intrigued enough to finish it in like 24 hours. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
November 30, 2023
I would have to work hard to name a book with every character I disliked more.
June 27, 2024
This high quality audio is a fast paced physiological thriller. It leads you to become the character as the story is narrated and told mainly from chloe's point of view.
At times it felt like there was an underlying attempt to deal with complex issues such as coercion, , gaslighting and quick romance. It was written in such a way you were compelled to carry on listen. The twists and turns grabbed my attention and compelled me to continue. The ending was brilliant and was s fitting end to the character arc of chloe snd women in general.. it was a powerful read
Highly recommended to all thrillers lovers. Hiwever be warned there were times in the middle when it appears on be lost and becoming practicable but it's worth sticking with it. Loved yhe narrator
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this cracking 5 star listen
At times it felt like there was an underlying attempt to deal with complex issues such as coercion, , gaslighting and quick romance. It was written in such a way you were compelled to carry on listen. The twists and turns grabbed my attention and compelled me to continue. The ending was brilliant and was s fitting end to the character arc of chloe snd women in general.. it was a powerful read
Highly recommended to all thrillers lovers. Hiwever be warned there were times in the middle when it appears on be lost and becoming practicable but it's worth sticking with it. Loved yhe narrator
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this cracking 5 star listen
June 18, 2019
Marry in haste, repent in leisure.
The Honeymoon by Rona Halsall is a fast-paced, and tension-filled book I couldn't keep down. Having recently returned from a honeymoon myself, I found the contents of this book to be terrifying!
Chloe, a physiotherapist meets Dan and falls head-over-heels with him, After a whirlwind romance, Dan pops the question and Chloe says yes. On their honeymoon to idyllic Menorca, Chloe starting noticing Dan behaving weirdly. He makes important life decisions without consulting with her. He keeps telling her that he's gotta keep her 'safe'. He has violent nightmares. He doesn't let her out of her sight. All this - Chloe had no idea of before the wedding. All Dan tells her, without so much as an explanation is that she's not to leave Menorca and be away from his sight. Does she really know the man she married? Is it an elaborate ruse to keep her under his thumb and away from her friends and family? Or is the threat to their lives real?
I liked both the characters and the plot of this book. However, the entire 'reason' behind Dan's crazy behavior was something difficult to understand. Although I got frustrated with Chloe and her naiveness I thought her behavior was realistic. On the other hand, I hoped to see what made Dan tick, what his childhood was like, why did he fall in love with Chloe, etc. He's a mystery character, right from the start to the finish with the curtain raised just a little bit for a tiny peek. All said and done, I loved the ending! Also, what a wonderful cover!
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Rona Halsall for an arc!
The Honeymoon by Rona Halsall is a fast-paced, and tension-filled book I couldn't keep down. Having recently returned from a honeymoon myself, I found the contents of this book to be terrifying!
Chloe, a physiotherapist meets Dan and falls head-over-heels with him, After a whirlwind romance, Dan pops the question and Chloe says yes. On their honeymoon to idyllic Menorca, Chloe starting noticing Dan behaving weirdly. He makes important life decisions without consulting with her. He keeps telling her that he's gotta keep her 'safe'. He has violent nightmares. He doesn't let her out of her sight. All this - Chloe had no idea of before the wedding. All Dan tells her, without so much as an explanation is that she's not to leave Menorca and be away from his sight. Does she really know the man she married? Is it an elaborate ruse to keep her under his thumb and away from her friends and family? Or is the threat to their lives real?
I liked both the characters and the plot of this book. However, the entire 'reason' behind Dan's crazy behavior was something difficult to understand. Although I got frustrated with Chloe and her naiveness I thought her behavior was realistic. On the other hand, I hoped to see what made Dan tick, what his childhood was like, why did he fall in love with Chloe, etc. He's a mystery character, right from the start to the finish with the curtain raised just a little bit for a tiny peek. All said and done, I loved the ending! Also, what a wonderful cover!
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture & Rona Halsall for an arc!
August 7, 2024
Chloe is a physiotherapist, very dedicated to her work. That’s where she meets Dan, who brings in his mother for her appointment with Chloe.
A brief romance ensues, followed by very quick nuptials.
Dan is a perfect man on paper: attentive, caring, and protective. Chloe always wanted a honeymoon in the Maldives; it was her childhood dream, and she was sure to tell Dan this on more than one occasion.
Dan promised they were heading to the Maldives. He even showed her the hotel they were booked into.
Imagine her shock at the airport when she discovers they are headed for… Menorca.
Yes, you read it correctly.
Menorca, not Maldives.
Chloe is shocked and hurt because Dan lied to her. He gives her reasons as to why they should be in Menorca and assures her they will have a fabulous time.
When they get there, Dan becomes fixated on Chloe’s safety. His behaviour turns erratic, and he is adamant that the two of them are staying on the island and aren’t returning to the UK.
What is going on?
I really enjoyed this tense psychological thriller.
I was annoyed at Chloe, especially at how quickly she married Dan. She knew nothing about him and his past. As Chloe’s Gran used to say, ‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure’. No truer words have ever been spoken!
I think that Chloe’s past, losing her parents and being estranged from her two siblings, made her lonely and vulnerable to Dan’s charm. She wanted to have someone in her life that wasn’t her Gran, who was quite unhappy with her on most occasions.
This audiobook is beautifully narrated by Naomi Frederick. I definitely recommend it.
A brief romance ensues, followed by very quick nuptials.
Dan is a perfect man on paper: attentive, caring, and protective. Chloe always wanted a honeymoon in the Maldives; it was her childhood dream, and she was sure to tell Dan this on more than one occasion.
Dan promised they were heading to the Maldives. He even showed her the hotel they were booked into.
Imagine her shock at the airport when she discovers they are headed for… Menorca.
Yes, you read it correctly.
Menorca, not Maldives.
Chloe is shocked and hurt because Dan lied to her. He gives her reasons as to why they should be in Menorca and assures her they will have a fabulous time.
When they get there, Dan becomes fixated on Chloe’s safety. His behaviour turns erratic, and he is adamant that the two of them are staying on the island and aren’t returning to the UK.
What is going on?
I really enjoyed this tense psychological thriller.
I was annoyed at Chloe, especially at how quickly she married Dan. She knew nothing about him and his past. As Chloe’s Gran used to say, ‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure’. No truer words have ever been spoken!
I think that Chloe’s past, losing her parents and being estranged from her two siblings, made her lonely and vulnerable to Dan’s charm. She wanted to have someone in her life that wasn’t her Gran, who was quite unhappy with her on most occasions.
This audiobook is beautifully narrated by Naomi Frederick. I definitely recommend it.
June 11, 2024
"It's all about guilt...the poisonous emotion was the common denominator, a deadly catalyst..."
Dan Marsden woos and marries Chloe in a whirlwind courtship that lasts about 2 months. The first signs of trouble appear as the two are boarding their plane for the honeymoon. Chloe had dreamed of the Maldives but suddenly she learns that they are actually going to Menorca. What?? Turns out that this is not the first time Dan has taken her by surprise, and when they arrive at their destination, Chloe finds out that nothing is anything like what she had expected. Dan has just informed Chloe that they are not going back home to Brighton after all. NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed the fast pace and the writing in the first half of the book as tension built and I was trying to figure out what was actually going on. It was fun guessing about Dan's motives and getting annoyed with Chloe because she's got to be pretty stupid as she dithers about and makes the dumbest choices a woman could make. Since I couldn't relate to any of the characters and the whole crazy plot, I really had a hard time at the end as everything is revealed. Unbelievable to a degree that defies even my superpowers of suspension of disbelief when reading psychological fiction. Alas, I was disappointed with the explanations and the conclusion. The most interesting part of the novel was the description of the island as I had to go find it on a map. It definitely was a book that begs to be read in a single sitting.
I've read other books by this author, and I'll give her next book a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Dan Marsden woos and marries Chloe in a whirlwind courtship that lasts about 2 months. The first signs of trouble appear as the two are boarding their plane for the honeymoon. Chloe had dreamed of the Maldives but suddenly she learns that they are actually going to Menorca. What?? Turns out that this is not the first time Dan has taken her by surprise, and when they arrive at their destination, Chloe finds out that nothing is anything like what she had expected. Dan has just informed Chloe that they are not going back home to Brighton after all. NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed the fast pace and the writing in the first half of the book as tension built and I was trying to figure out what was actually going on. It was fun guessing about Dan's motives and getting annoyed with Chloe because she's got to be pretty stupid as she dithers about and makes the dumbest choices a woman could make. Since I couldn't relate to any of the characters and the whole crazy plot, I really had a hard time at the end as everything is revealed. Unbelievable to a degree that defies even my superpowers of suspension of disbelief when reading psychological fiction. Alas, I was disappointed with the explanations and the conclusion. The most interesting part of the novel was the description of the island as I had to go find it on a map. It definitely was a book that begs to be read in a single sitting.
I've read other books by this author, and I'll give her next book a try. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review.
April 18, 2020
This was ridiculous from start to finish. Imagine meeting someone who proposes 4 weeks after meeting and because you're idiotic(Chloe) you say yes. 4 weeks later you tie the knot because you're idiotic and to make matters worse your lifelong dream of having a Honeymoon in the Maldives changes because your husband(Dan) changes all the arrangements without discussing anything with you and whisks you off to Menorca instead at the airport. Here he keeps you prisoner having taken your phone and passport and keeping all windows and doors locked. By some unbelievable miracle you manage to escape and return to Brighton where you discover that someone has on your behalf resigned you from your job, emptied your bank account, given notice on your flat, deleted your social media accounts. Do you go to the police. No. Because you're an idiot. Instead of using the small amount of money your indecently wealthy grandmother gives you to rent a place, you head straight back to Menorca and repeat the dysfunctional behaviour with Dan all over again. This was just a painful read from start to finish. 1 star!
May 13, 2019
I absolutely 100% loved this book! A 5 star read....wish I could say the same for that vacation destination LOL. I don't think that island will be getting any 5 star reviews...BAD things happen there AHAHA! :-)
The Honeymoon had it all...twists, turns, a beautiful setting, characters we want to hate and ones we want to love, paranoia, and a sense of something bad about to happen.
I really like Rona Halsall's writing and the way her mind works. She made a picture perfect love on a picture perfect tropical island into all things CRAZY AND TWISTED! Yet, I knew I would love this book from the description which was probably the most enticing description I have ever read. And the cover is just amazing. It has a 3D feel to it and as beautiful as it is, something ominous is rolling in with that tide...
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and the publisher #bookcouture for this 5 star ARC book!!
The Honeymoon had it all...twists, turns, a beautiful setting, characters we want to hate and ones we want to love, paranoia, and a sense of something bad about to happen.
I really like Rona Halsall's writing and the way her mind works. She made a picture perfect love on a picture perfect tropical island into all things CRAZY AND TWISTED! Yet, I knew I would love this book from the description which was probably the most enticing description I have ever read. And the cover is just amazing. It has a 3D feel to it and as beautiful as it is, something ominous is rolling in with that tide...
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and the publisher #bookcouture for this 5 star ARC book!!
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