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La maestra bugiarda
Pippa ha superato i trent’anni e nonostante il suo matrimonio sia naufragato, sente di meritare una seconda occasione. La sua vita però è in stallo: il lavoro di insegnante non le regala più alcuna soddisfazione, il suo primo libro è stato un totale insuccesso e non trova l’ispirazione per iniziare un nuovo romanzo. Finché non bussa alla sua porta Ryan Marks. È un venditore porta a porta, e lei rimane subito folgorata dai suoi occhi azzurri, così decide di lasciarlo entrare. Anche Ryan è un uomo in fuga dal suo passato, ma giura di essere cambiato. Potrebbe essere la chiave per l’inizio della nuova vita che Pippa desiderava? Dopotutto, è sempre stata brava a riconoscere una bugia. Se la sua vita fosse in pericolo, se ne accorgerebbe di sicuro… oppure no?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2018
1034 people are currently reading
1798 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Lynes
20 books829 followersS. E. Lynes is the #1 Amazon best selling author of THE HOUSEWARMING, and 'intelligent and haunting' psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? and HER SISTER'S SECRET
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
August 2, 2019
A chilling, very chilling book. I found this one very hard to put down.
It starts out with Pippa, a struggling author, facing a deadline with no real inspiration as to what to write. Then comes a knock on her door. A down on his luck ex-con is on the other side, selling cleaning products to make ends meet. He seems ok, maybe just a little off, so Pippa invites him in, offering him money to tell her his life story.
So begins a deeply twisted and shocking story. It starts out innocently enough, but soon escalates into a suspenseful and gripping novel. I really don't want to say too much as I don't want to give anything away. You'll just have to read it for yourselves....
I recommend this book to all lovers of psychological thrillers and suspense.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It starts out with Pippa, a struggling author, facing a deadline with no real inspiration as to what to write. Then comes a knock on her door. A down on his luck ex-con is on the other side, selling cleaning products to make ends meet. He seems ok, maybe just a little off, so Pippa invites him in, offering him money to tell her his life story.
So begins a deeply twisted and shocking story. It starts out innocently enough, but soon escalates into a suspenseful and gripping novel. I really don't want to say too much as I don't want to give anything away. You'll just have to read it for yourselves....
I recommend this book to all lovers of psychological thrillers and suspense.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2018
3 Stars
Pippa is dead. Or at least that is what her first private journal entry exclaims if it is being read by members of the public. The reasons? The contents thereof.
Sounds intriguing.
Pippa is a romance novelist. Albeit not a very successful one, according to book sales and reviewers - and we all know how harsh those can be! She is also a divorcee in her mid-thirties, whose attempts at dating have been epic failures.
When a man shows up at her door, she recognizes a opportunity instantly. Ryan is an ex-con selling door to door cleaning products and she has a proposition for him. Tell me your story she says - and that my friends is where it gets interesting.
This novel is told via Pippa’s private journal entries and blog posts, which unfortunately, I found a bit hard to follow. The character of Pippa is certainly a pip and her actions are wild, while also being a bit frustrating at times. The suspense is ratcheted up high with this novel and well, it just might kill you, if it doesn’t kill her first.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and SE Lynes for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.22.18.
Pippa is dead. Or at least that is what her first private journal entry exclaims if it is being read by members of the public. The reasons? The contents thereof.
Sounds intriguing.
Pippa is a romance novelist. Albeit not a very successful one, according to book sales and reviewers - and we all know how harsh those can be! She is also a divorcee in her mid-thirties, whose attempts at dating have been epic failures.
When a man shows up at her door, she recognizes a opportunity instantly. Ryan is an ex-con selling door to door cleaning products and she has a proposition for him. Tell me your story she says - and that my friends is where it gets interesting.
This novel is told via Pippa’s private journal entries and blog posts, which unfortunately, I found a bit hard to follow. The character of Pippa is certainly a pip and her actions are wild, while also being a bit frustrating at times. The suspense is ratcheted up high with this novel and well, it just might kill you, if it doesn’t kill her first.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and SE Lynes for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.22.18.
September 27, 2018
Brilliant! Madness! Magnificent!
This book was a complete mind F***and I loved it! And if you love crazy you will love it too! It’s the kind of book that you read the ending of twice, because your just looking like 🤯 what the actual f??? I generally do not curse in my reviews, but this book.... there are no words!
From the moment that Pippa opened the door to Ryan I was on the crazy train with these two! Neither of these characters were likable, neither of these characters were relatable, but wow were they addicting! I had no idea what these characters were going to do next or what direction this book was going to take.... it was like walking through a hall of mirrors, because nothing was ever quite as it seemed....Pippa was the perfect unreliable narrator, because she was even lying to herself most of the time.... or maybe she wasn’t lying, maybe she was really that out of touch with reality....
Even the structure of this book added to the overall madness of the puzzle to the book.... with blog posts and journal entries and audio recordings it was as disjointed and disconcerting as everything else about the book.... but for me this was part of the brilliance of this book.... seriously at times I felt as mad as these characters were!
I’ve been purposefully vague about the plot anything you need to know is in the blurb... all you need to know is this is a crazy rollercoaster of a book... it will twist, it will turn, it will flip you upside down, it will leave you feeling a little dizzy, a little uncomfortable, but most of all it will leave you exhilarated, and leave you wanting more!
Absolutely recommend to fans of a dark psychological thriller with characters that are a few stops south of Cray Cray!
*** A huge thanks to Bookouture for my copy ***
This book was a complete mind F***and I loved it! And if you love crazy you will love it too! It’s the kind of book that you read the ending of twice, because your just looking like 🤯 what the actual f??? I generally do not curse in my reviews, but this book.... there are no words!
From the moment that Pippa opened the door to Ryan I was on the crazy train with these two! Neither of these characters were likable, neither of these characters were relatable, but wow were they addicting! I had no idea what these characters were going to do next or what direction this book was going to take.... it was like walking through a hall of mirrors, because nothing was ever quite as it seemed....Pippa was the perfect unreliable narrator, because she was even lying to herself most of the time.... or maybe she wasn’t lying, maybe she was really that out of touch with reality....
Even the structure of this book added to the overall madness of the puzzle to the book.... with blog posts and journal entries and audio recordings it was as disjointed and disconcerting as everything else about the book.... but for me this was part of the brilliance of this book.... seriously at times I felt as mad as these characters were!
I’ve been purposefully vague about the plot anything you need to know is in the blurb... all you need to know is this is a crazy rollercoaster of a book... it will twist, it will turn, it will flip you upside down, it will leave you feeling a little dizzy, a little uncomfortable, but most of all it will leave you exhilarated, and leave you wanting more!
Absolutely recommend to fans of a dark psychological thriller with characters that are a few stops south of Cray Cray!
*** A huge thanks to Bookouture for my copy ***
October 22, 2018
The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…
The opening sentence of the book is enough to pull you straight in the story and keep you hooked right till the end.
The Proposal is the story of Pippa, a struggling writer, who is running out of ideas and time for her next book. Recently divorced and unhappy at work, things are not going right for her on the personal front as well. Desperate for a story, she invites Ryan (someone with a dark past) in her house to narrate his story. What starts as a harmless interview, soon spirals into an unending nightmare.
This novel is told via private journal entries and blog posts alternatively. There is also an audio transcript which tells you the other part of the story. Keeping track of all the storylines takes a while & If you are not a romance reader, some parts of the book may not appeal to you. The story builds up slowly and gathers momentum in the second half. So it requires a bit of patience. But the author manages to write a uniquely dark & twisted story.
Pippa as a protagonist is reckless, selfish and not even particularly likable. Pippa’s actions are irrational and even absurd at times. (I do understand that the characters in the book are not expected to behave as you expect them to or even rationally). But that is why perhaps, why the story felt so closer to reality. Having read many true stories of perfectly rational people doing irrational things, this story felt entire believable to me.
The story for most parts is rather dark but what is truly terrifying is the ending. The final chapter with the little ‘inconsistencies’, when added backwards will really blow your mind. Overall, If you like reading a dark psychological thriller, you will enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and SE Lynes for the ARC.
The opening sentence of the book is enough to pull you straight in the story and keep you hooked right till the end.
The Proposal is the story of Pippa, a struggling writer, who is running out of ideas and time for her next book. Recently divorced and unhappy at work, things are not going right for her on the personal front as well. Desperate for a story, she invites Ryan (someone with a dark past) in her house to narrate his story. What starts as a harmless interview, soon spirals into an unending nightmare.
This novel is told via private journal entries and blog posts alternatively. There is also an audio transcript which tells you the other part of the story. Keeping track of all the storylines takes a while & If you are not a romance reader, some parts of the book may not appeal to you. The story builds up slowly and gathers momentum in the second half. So it requires a bit of patience. But the author manages to write a uniquely dark & twisted story.
Pippa as a protagonist is reckless, selfish and not even particularly likable. Pippa’s actions are irrational and even absurd at times. (I do understand that the characters in the book are not expected to behave as you expect them to or even rationally). But that is why perhaps, why the story felt so closer to reality. Having read many true stories of perfectly rational people doing irrational things, this story felt entire believable to me.
The story for most parts is rather dark but what is truly terrifying is the ending. The final chapter with the little ‘inconsistencies’, when added backwards will really blow your mind. Overall, If you like reading a dark psychological thriller, you will enjoy this book. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and SE Lynes for the ARC.
September 8, 2018
Definition of psychological thriller: The Proposal by S.E. Lynes
Holy book hangover! I stayed up until 5 am reading this book, telling myself just one more chapter. It was so worth it.
Pippa Gates is newly divorced, a teacher and has published her first book, that failed miserably. She tends to have a very impulsive, self destructive personality. Always setting herself up for possible failure, living a bit on the wild side. Pippa is distraught that her publisher is demanding a rough draft of her second book by tonight. She has not even a clue as to what she is going to write about. Then the doorbell rings...
Ryan Marks is selling cleaning products door to door. Pippa is aware that most of these guys are ex convicts. This doesn't deter Pippa from inviting him in, sharing a bottle of wine and food with him. Asking him for his life story. Then Pippa gains herself a stalker. I almost think Pippa on some subconscious level enjoys being stalked. Let's see what you think.
This is my first book by S.E. Lynes and I was completely surprised at how quickly this turned into a dark, crazy read. It went from a girl gets a creepy stalker book to a hold onto your seat, this is one crazy ride. I loved it! Now that I have "discovered" S.E. Lynes I can't wait to read the rest of her books. I have Valentina waiting for me on my Kindle. Fantastic, chilling, creepy 5 stars from me! This is my kind of book!
Thank you so much to S.E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I loved it!
Holy book hangover! I stayed up until 5 am reading this book, telling myself just one more chapter. It was so worth it.
Pippa Gates is newly divorced, a teacher and has published her first book, that failed miserably. She tends to have a very impulsive, self destructive personality. Always setting herself up for possible failure, living a bit on the wild side. Pippa is distraught that her publisher is demanding a rough draft of her second book by tonight. She has not even a clue as to what she is going to write about. Then the doorbell rings...
Ryan Marks is selling cleaning products door to door. Pippa is aware that most of these guys are ex convicts. This doesn't deter Pippa from inviting him in, sharing a bottle of wine and food with him. Asking him for his life story. Then Pippa gains herself a stalker. I almost think Pippa on some subconscious level enjoys being stalked. Let's see what you think.
This is my first book by S.E. Lynes and I was completely surprised at how quickly this turned into a dark, crazy read. It went from a girl gets a creepy stalker book to a hold onto your seat, this is one crazy ride. I loved it! Now that I have "discovered" S.E. Lynes I can't wait to read the rest of her books. I have Valentina waiting for me on my Kindle. Fantastic, chilling, creepy 5 stars from me! This is my kind of book!
Thank you so much to S.E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I loved it!
October 24, 2018
EXCERPT: My heart pounded. Sweat salty on my top lip. He was a stranger. He was a man. Men overpowered women. That was why I raced home from the station at night, why I half died of fright every time I grabbed a minicab, why my pulse ran wild whenever I followed some guy I barely knew back to his flat.
Heart thumping, chest tight, I grabbed the envelope and squeezed it in my fist. Fingertips to the handle of the cutlery drawer, I pictured the carving knife in its protective sheath. The light darkened, a fraction of a shade. I looked up to find him standing in the doorway, backlit by the hall light, in shadow.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…
Teacher Pippa wants a second chance. Recently divorced and unhappy at work, she uproots her life and moves to the countryside, determined to make a fresh start. But Pippa soon realises: your troubles are never far behind.
When Pippa meets blue-eyed Ryan Marks, he is funny and charming. He is haunted by his past – but insists he is a changed man.
He might just be the answer to all of her problems. And Pippa can tell the truth from lies. She’d know if she were in danger. Wouldn’t she?
MY THOUGHTS: A brilliant page turner (I couldn't put this down) about perception vs reality. Ms Lynes has written a unique and disturbing take on how greatly the reality of our lives can differ from what we present to other people, what they perceive about us from what we choose to share with them.
The Proposal is an excellent example of how it is possible to not like, in fact to detest, the characters in a book, but to love the book. Pippa is self-absorbed. Totally. She uses people then discards them until they may be of some use again. Ryan/Gary is criminally insane. When these two meet, the shock waves are far reaching and unimaginable.
I can't describe how this book made me feel, other than I couldn't get enough of it. The morning after finishing, I am sitting here shaking my head. The Proposal is two sides of the same coin. One bright and sunny and living the dream, the other dark and disturbing, haunting. Where does the reality lay?
This, in my humble opinion, is Lynes' best book yet. It certainly won't be to everyone's taste. But I loved it.
💖💖💖💖💖
THE AUTHOR: S E Lynes is the Amazon best selling author of psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL.
After graduating from Leeds University, S E Lynes lived in London before moving to Aberdeen where she worked as a programme producer at the BBC before moving with her husband, Paul, and two young children to Rome.
In Rome, she began to write while her children attended nursery. After the birth of her third child and upon her return to the UK, she gained an MA in Creative Writing from Kingston University.
She now combines writing with lecturing at Richmond Adult Community College and bringing up her three children. She has also published two children's books in Italy.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Proposal by S E Lynes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
Heart thumping, chest tight, I grabbed the envelope and squeezed it in my fist. Fingertips to the handle of the cutlery drawer, I pictured the carving knife in its protective sheath. The light darkened, a fraction of a shade. I looked up to find him standing in the doorway, backlit by the hall light, in shadow.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…
Teacher Pippa wants a second chance. Recently divorced and unhappy at work, she uproots her life and moves to the countryside, determined to make a fresh start. But Pippa soon realises: your troubles are never far behind.
When Pippa meets blue-eyed Ryan Marks, he is funny and charming. He is haunted by his past – but insists he is a changed man.
He might just be the answer to all of her problems. And Pippa can tell the truth from lies. She’d know if she were in danger. Wouldn’t she?
MY THOUGHTS: A brilliant page turner (I couldn't put this down) about perception vs reality. Ms Lynes has written a unique and disturbing take on how greatly the reality of our lives can differ from what we present to other people, what they perceive about us from what we choose to share with them.
The Proposal is an excellent example of how it is possible to not like, in fact to detest, the characters in a book, but to love the book. Pippa is self-absorbed. Totally. She uses people then discards them until they may be of some use again. Ryan/Gary is criminally insane. When these two meet, the shock waves are far reaching and unimaginable.
I can't describe how this book made me feel, other than I couldn't get enough of it. The morning after finishing, I am sitting here shaking my head. The Proposal is two sides of the same coin. One bright and sunny and living the dream, the other dark and disturbing, haunting. Where does the reality lay?
This, in my humble opinion, is Lynes' best book yet. It certainly won't be to everyone's taste. But I loved it.
💖💖💖💖💖
THE AUTHOR: S E Lynes is the Amazon best selling author of psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT and THE PROPOSAL.
After graduating from Leeds University, S E Lynes lived in London before moving to Aberdeen where she worked as a programme producer at the BBC before moving with her husband, Paul, and two young children to Rome.
In Rome, she began to write while her children attended nursery. After the birth of her third child and upon her return to the UK, she gained an MA in Creative Writing from Kingston University.
She now combines writing with lecturing at Richmond Adult Community College and bringing up her three children. She has also published two children's books in Italy.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Proposal by S E Lynes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
October 3, 2018
"The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…..."
Bam! That's the opening line of the book and I'm hooked immediately.
What you need to know is that this isn't a pretty story. The main characters I can only describe as raw, unfiltered, selfish and manipulative.
How they meet and what transpires after their first encounter is nothing less than a game of cat and mouse...only which one is which?
This is where the author shines. The relationship that ensues kept me off balance the entire read, waiting for the next shoe to drop. What is innocent versus intentional? Who is innocent versus victim?
I highly recommend this off-kilter thriller, and can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!
ARC provided by NetGalley
Bam! That's the opening line of the book and I'm hooked immediately.
What you need to know is that this isn't a pretty story. The main characters I can only describe as raw, unfiltered, selfish and manipulative.
How they meet and what transpires after their first encounter is nothing less than a game of cat and mouse...only which one is which?
This is where the author shines. The relationship that ensues kept me off balance the entire read, waiting for the next shoe to drop. What is innocent versus intentional? Who is innocent versus victim?
I highly recommend this off-kilter thriller, and can't wait to see what this author comes up with next!
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 19, 2018
The Proposal by S E Lynes is a psychological thriller that hooks you in and keeps you reading.
Pippa is a teacher who dreams of being a full time author, she has had one book published but is having writers block and her agent wants a draft of her new book.
Ryan is a ex con selling cleaning products door to door. Pippa makes him a proposal that she will pay him for his life story so she can use it for her book.
Ryan becomes infatuated with Pippa and starts to stalk her and she is worried that he may do something to harm her.
This book is a roller coaster ride and I didn't know what was going to happen next.
A strangely enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pippa is a teacher who dreams of being a full time author, she has had one book published but is having writers block and her agent wants a draft of her new book.
Ryan is a ex con selling cleaning products door to door. Pippa makes him a proposal that she will pay him for his life story so she can use it for her book.
Ryan becomes infatuated with Pippa and starts to stalk her and she is worried that he may do something to harm her.
This book is a roller coaster ride and I didn't know what was going to happen next.
A strangely enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2018
U N I Q U E
End of review...
Joking but if I had to sum this book up it would be with that word
And then about a hundred others!!!
This author writes brilliant books but this book is unlike anything I have ever read ( hence the unique)
Its difficult to describe it to do it justice tbh.....Pippa is an author, failed author, she uses Tinder and has nothing in her fridge...there is a knock at the door...its a salesman, down on his luck, call me ‘Ryan’ he says......after a while she invites him in, flippantly almost, she needs ‘a story’ and boy DOES SHE GET ONE, and we do...many times over....
The book is written via a journal by Pippa and....well am saying no more as it could give it away, although it would be impossible for anyone to fore-guess what happens in this book.....
It felt the author was writing to me and the ‘chatty’ parts were uncanny as the author answered what you were thinking, AS YOU WERE THINKING IT!!!!!!
It includes a healthy dose of dark humour which had me guiltily laughing ( out loud )
Really really REALLY different and I would say everyone who reads it will be stunned and will never forget it
Never an easier 10/10 5 stars
September 13, 2018
Pippa works as a teacher, but dreams of writing a best seller. That proves to be harder than she imagined, especially when she can’t even come up with a first draft for her new book. Enter Ryan, a down on his luck ex-con and door-to-door salesman. When he knocks on Pippa’s door, they have a connection, which leads to a story for her book.
Told from Pippa’s point of view using journal entries and blog posts. She is recently divorced and a little unhappy with her life. She is also impulsive, which sometimes results in questionable decisions on her part.
I was hooked from the opening line, “The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead.” With an opener like that, I just had to know what happened to Pippa. Clever, dark, and disturbing.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told from Pippa’s point of view using journal entries and blog posts. She is recently divorced and a little unhappy with her life. She is also impulsive, which sometimes results in questionable decisions on her part.
I was hooked from the opening line, “The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead.” With an opener like that, I just had to know what happened to Pippa. Clever, dark, and disturbing.
I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2018
This was quite a unique book. As I write this I am still unsure of how I am going to rate it. I'm still not sure how I feel about it.
Aspiring writer Pippa answers the door one day and finds charming salesman Ryan at her door. Stuck in a writing slump, she asks him to be her inspiration for her next book, and gets him to tell her his life story. What she discovers and the cataclysm of events that follow will change her life forever.
I enjoyed the story, but as I said, I am still not sure what to make of it. It was like a twisted romantic-thriller... Kinda...
The book is set out in journal entries, blog posts and transcripts from voice recordings which I thought was quite clever. The story began to weave itself together into a few big twists that I thought were well imagined.
Unfortunately I just didn't gel with main character Pippa. I didn't like her, wasn't captivated by her story. And I felt the same about Ryan. I thought his little ramblings were a bit disjointed and meaningless.
Overall I had a bit of trouble getting into the story. I found my attention waning and the whole thing left me feeling rather neutral. Not dissatisfied by any means.. But not particularly satisfied either.
Would I recommend The Proposal?
I think the premise was really unique and twisted, it just lost me a bit in the execution. However other trusted friends have given it 5/5 so perhaps I am just in the minority! I would say try it and see how you go.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy of The Proposal for me to read and review.
For more reviews check out my:
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Aspiring writer Pippa answers the door one day and finds charming salesman Ryan at her door. Stuck in a writing slump, she asks him to be her inspiration for her next book, and gets him to tell her his life story. What she discovers and the cataclysm of events that follow will change her life forever.
I enjoyed the story, but as I said, I am still not sure what to make of it. It was like a twisted romantic-thriller... Kinda...
The book is set out in journal entries, blog posts and transcripts from voice recordings which I thought was quite clever. The story began to weave itself together into a few big twists that I thought were well imagined.
Unfortunately I just didn't gel with main character Pippa. I didn't like her, wasn't captivated by her story. And I felt the same about Ryan. I thought his little ramblings were a bit disjointed and meaningless.
Overall I had a bit of trouble getting into the story. I found my attention waning and the whole thing left me feeling rather neutral. Not dissatisfied by any means.. But not particularly satisfied either.
Would I recommend The Proposal?
I think the premise was really unique and twisted, it just lost me a bit in the execution. However other trusted friends have given it 5/5 so perhaps I am just in the minority! I would say try it and see how you go.
Many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for a copy of The Proposal for me to read and review.
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
September 19, 2018
'The Proposal' is Amazon bestselling author SE Lynes's fifth psychological thriller, and it is every bit as alluring, intelligent and haunting as the previous four. Told from the perspective of main character Pippa Gates in the form of blog posts, her private diary entries and occasional injections from baddie Ryan. This is one of those novels that is deeply ominous and that sense of foreboding continues from first page until the last. The premise is fascinating and original, and I am always a sucker for something new and unique. Not only that but the author avoids classic crime tropes altogether AND crucially her plot surrounds events that could happen to any of us, so believability and authenticity is super high.
If you enjoy complex, intricate stories with original ideas executed extremely well then look no further! The writing was sound and had me interested and invested rapidly, and the pace was superb. I would also highly recommend it to those who appreciate unreliable narrators.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
If you enjoy complex, intricate stories with original ideas executed extremely well then look no further! The writing was sound and had me interested and invested rapidly, and the pace was superb. I would also highly recommend it to those who appreciate unreliable narrators.
Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 12, 2020
I enjoyed it this more then i even expected! I saw some so-so reviews that mentioned how unlikeable certain characters were- & I get it, but I was still drawn in. Their attitudes (& behavior) may have been despicable at times, but it rang true to me. I bought it, is what I’m trying to say. & I just couldn’t imagine wth was going on?! The beginning grabbed me & yeah I guess the middle may have been drawn out some, but honestly I enjoyed it the way I enjoy a creepy, quirky character study. & the last third or so?! Whoa! Totally new elements for me & I was there for it!! This author has quickly become a stand out for me & this 1 did not disappoint!
August 18, 2018
Excerpt from Pippa Gates: Private Journal
The first thing you should know, dear reader is that I am dead. Not now, writing this, here at the farm, obviously. But if you are reading these words, then the most likely reason is that this journal has been published posthumously.
Pippa Gates is the author of a romance novel. Not well reviewed, but published and the deadline for her second novel is looming. She has writer’s block. So when a traveling salesman, hard on his luck, knocks on her door one night, she offers him a “proposal”- that he tells her the story of his life in exchange for a one time payment.
As he shares his story, she learns that Ryan is an ex-con. She tries not to let this make her nervous. She tries to remember that he is a human being, and when her heart starts to hammer, and trickles of sweat begin to roll down her back, she tells herself that it is her own prejudice that is causing this to happen.
To be polite, she smiles when she should. She laughs when it seems appropriate.
She offers him food, and wine.
She should’ve listened to her gut.
I FELT THE TERROR!
The story continues through journal entries, blog posts, and audio excerpts.
It is a story of obsession.
Be sure to read Chapter 31-Letter from the editor. IT is the true ending of the book. A 5 Star ending!
The only reason I gave the book 4 stars, is because the book got a bit bogged down in the middle for me. Also, if you did not read Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, the “Mrs. Danvers” references could be a bit confusing.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and SE Lynes for the ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This book will be available on Sept 21, 2018! Pre-order now!
The first thing you should know, dear reader is that I am dead. Not now, writing this, here at the farm, obviously. But if you are reading these words, then the most likely reason is that this journal has been published posthumously.
Pippa Gates is the author of a romance novel. Not well reviewed, but published and the deadline for her second novel is looming. She has writer’s block. So when a traveling salesman, hard on his luck, knocks on her door one night, she offers him a “proposal”- that he tells her the story of his life in exchange for a one time payment.
As he shares his story, she learns that Ryan is an ex-con. She tries not to let this make her nervous. She tries to remember that he is a human being, and when her heart starts to hammer, and trickles of sweat begin to roll down her back, she tells herself that it is her own prejudice that is causing this to happen.
To be polite, she smiles when she should. She laughs when it seems appropriate.
She offers him food, and wine.
She should’ve listened to her gut.
I FELT THE TERROR!
The story continues through journal entries, blog posts, and audio excerpts.
It is a story of obsession.
Be sure to read Chapter 31-Letter from the editor. IT is the true ending of the book. A 5 Star ending!
The only reason I gave the book 4 stars, is because the book got a bit bogged down in the middle for me. Also, if you did not read Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, the “Mrs. Danvers” references could be a bit confusing.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and SE Lynes for the ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This book will be available on Sept 21, 2018! Pre-order now!
June 5, 2023
being teacher/writer pipa
easy to relate to, she brings
metaliterary ironical aspects
to this otherwise lacking of
sense weird little story. :/
easy to relate to, she brings
metaliterary ironical aspects
to this otherwise lacking of
sense weird little story. :/
October 1, 2018
If I could choose anywhere in the world to spend a day it would be inside this author's head. I absolutely devoured this book and found myself equally entranced by Pippa as I was by Ryan. There are enough reviews detailing the plot so mine will focus on the writing. There is an honesty to this author's work that I find irresistible. She takes me into the minds of seriously disturbed characters and lays them bare for my consumption. I don't have to like them, she doesn't try to make me, so I feel like she is simply allowing me to see their story, their core warts and all. She makes me think I'm making my own decisions but actually she's guiding me exactly where she wants me to go. The tone of the book is dark, menacing and intense (with expertly added lighter moments too) but above all I found the book compelling, tense and unputdownable. If you like your psychological thrillers dark with an extra portion of twisty then you should read this book now!!
August 15, 2018
W.... T..... F!! I’m not even sure where to begin with this review. Me, speechless - that never - ever happens (just ask my husband!)
So..... where to begin with this one..... well, how can I paint a picture for you? How about I just say The Proposal is a double scoop of intensity triple dipped in psycho! Lynes is brilliant. As you read - hell the first chapter - she sucks you in and then at the end she spits you out leaving you shaken, sweaty and short of breath. What more can I say other than - love!❤️ 5 stars and a new addition to my favorites list
So..... where to begin with this one..... well, how can I paint a picture for you? How about I just say The Proposal is a double scoop of intensity triple dipped in psycho! Lynes is brilliant. As you read - hell the first chapter - she sucks you in and then at the end she spits you out leaving you shaken, sweaty and short of breath. What more can I say other than - love!❤️ 5 stars and a new addition to my favorites list
September 6, 2018
When the opening line of a book is "The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead" you know that you are in for a good one. I have read SE Lynes last 2 books with her first on my kindle waiting to be read and I am definitely a fan. This book was an addictive story with a main character that was very much unlikeable. I struggled to see how it was going to end which is always a good thing in my opinion.
The Proposal is the story of Pippa, a dreadfully unhappy newly divorced woman. She is a teacher by day and a writer of romance. Her publisher is on her back for a new book and she is having a blank. She spends her evenings having casual hook ups with random men. One night there is a stranger at her door selling cleaning products. He is attractive and funny and on a whim Pippa invites Ryan in. Over a glass of wine he tells her his life story which she uses as inspiration for her new book. But that is not the last she sees of Ryan, with him becoming obsessed and not in a good way.
It definitely sucked me in . Great psychological thriller. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
The Proposal is the story of Pippa, a dreadfully unhappy newly divorced woman. She is a teacher by day and a writer of romance. Her publisher is on her back for a new book and she is having a blank. She spends her evenings having casual hook ups with random men. One night there is a stranger at her door selling cleaning products. He is attractive and funny and on a whim Pippa invites Ryan in. Over a glass of wine he tells her his life story which she uses as inspiration for her new book. But that is not the last she sees of Ryan, with him becoming obsessed and not in a good way.
It definitely sucked me in . Great psychological thriller. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
September 28, 2018
Pippa is an unhappy divorcee who works as a teacher by day and dreams of being a full time romance novel writer. Receiving an ultimatum from her editor and suffering from writer's block Pippa offers an ex con Ryan money to share his story.But her inspiration becomes her nightmare as now Ryan is obsessed with her and Pippa has a full fledged stalker at hand
The Proposal is fast moving psychological thriller that sucked me in with the first sentence . Narrated via Pippa‘s journal entries and blog posts it’s an intriguing story that has me guessing till the end
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Proposal is fast moving psychological thriller that sucked me in with the first sentence . Narrated via Pippa‘s journal entries and blog posts it’s an intriguing story that has me guessing till the end
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 15, 2018
Pippa works as a teacher as well as being an author. Her first book hasn't done well but that all changes when she meets Ryan. I really liked Pippa though I did find her quite selfish when it came to her best friend. She is a bit of a free spirit and doesn't really think of the consequences of her actions. There was just something about her though and her lifestyle that fascinated me.
The story flicks between her blog posts and her journal. I loved the blog posts of an idyllic life of which I'm sure many of us would envy.
Ryan, from first meeting him, I was as fascinated about his background as well as Pippa. Saying that though, there was something about him that worried me also. I definitely had mixed feelings when it came to him. I was torn between wanting Pippa to steer well clear to giving him a chance.
The Proposal is a story that drew me in and held me there. I became fully engrossed and couldn't turn the pages quick enough wanting to know what was going to happen next. The story certainly takes some unexpected turns and I loved the overall feel that it gave me. I was full of apprehension whilst being thrilled with the direction the story was taking. A very cleverly written book that readers are going to love.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story flicks between her blog posts and her journal. I loved the blog posts of an idyllic life of which I'm sure many of us would envy.
Ryan, from first meeting him, I was as fascinated about his background as well as Pippa. Saying that though, there was something about him that worried me also. I definitely had mixed feelings when it came to him. I was torn between wanting Pippa to steer well clear to giving him a chance.
The Proposal is a story that drew me in and held me there. I became fully engrossed and couldn't turn the pages quick enough wanting to know what was going to happen next. The story certainly takes some unexpected turns and I loved the overall feel that it gave me. I was full of apprehension whilst being thrilled with the direction the story was taking. A very cleverly written book that readers are going to love.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 3, 2018
This book is totally different from what I expected “The proposal” to be about and I didn’t have a clue what was about to be sprung on me!!
The story of Pippa Gates an Author who is struggling to come up with an idea for her next book, meets Ryan a travelling salesman and an ex con down on his luck. She offers him money to hear his life story and stupidly invites him into her home. There the story goes from weird to bizarre!!
This book did intrigue me as to how it would end but it wasn’t a book that gripped me. The Authors letter at the end was definitely worth reading and ended this book perfectly.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
The story of Pippa Gates an Author who is struggling to come up with an idea for her next book, meets Ryan a travelling salesman and an ex con down on his luck. She offers him money to hear his life story and stupidly invites him into her home. There the story goes from weird to bizarre!!
This book did intrigue me as to how it would end but it wasn’t a book that gripped me. The Authors letter at the end was definitely worth reading and ended this book perfectly.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
September 24, 2018
This is one of the most difficult reviews I would have probably written. The book was so different, gruesome in places that I had no idea of what I was reading. The story started innocently enough about a not so successful author Pippa opening the door for the ex-criminal salesman, Ryan/Gary, and then putting forth a proposal to him - his life story for 200 bucks. Then came obsession with Pippa, stalking, ultimately death.
My first book by S. E. Lynes, and I am not sure what I felt about this book. Pippa was totally unreliable, she destroyed every good thing in her life. I thought she liked when Ryan became obsessed with her. Ryan, on the other hand, had his own dark secret. I felt both the characters were damaged enough that they deserved each other.
The narration of the book was in three formats, blog posts, audio excerpt by Ryan, and Pippa's journal entry - a unique concept.
My niggles are just that I didn't like the book, I couldn't connect with the characters, their emotions, their darkness. I felt I lived so far away from them in a land of sanity. The darkness pervaded too much!!
The book was fascinating, the reason I say this is though I didn't like anything, I couldn't put it down. Sometimes things can be so gross, that one had to know how this ended. I read this in one breath with widening eyes and thumping heart!! No more of such stories.
My first book by S. E. Lynes, and I am not sure what I felt about this book. Pippa was totally unreliable, she destroyed every good thing in her life. I thought she liked when Ryan became obsessed with her. Ryan, on the other hand, had his own dark secret. I felt both the characters were damaged enough that they deserved each other.
The narration of the book was in three formats, blog posts, audio excerpt by Ryan, and Pippa's journal entry - a unique concept.
My niggles are just that I didn't like the book, I couldn't connect with the characters, their emotions, their darkness. I felt I lived so far away from them in a land of sanity. The darkness pervaded too much!!
The book was fascinating, the reason I say this is though I didn't like anything, I couldn't put it down. Sometimes things can be so gross, that one had to know how this ended. I read this in one breath with widening eyes and thumping heart!! No more of such stories.
September 28, 2018
Psychological thrillers can be rather predictable these days, so I'm always thrilled when I read one that makes me think, "Well...that was new!" And The Proposal certainly fell into that category. It starts out slowly and reasonably enough, as writer Pippa Gates, on the eve of a book proposal deadline for which she has no ideas, invites an oily door-to-door salesman into her home and offers to pay him for his life story, which she will use as inspiration for her book. And from there, it slowly and progressively gets TRULY BONKERS. I can't say much more about the plot without spoiling anything, but I was riveted. Truth be told, by the end it was so uncomfortably crazy that I almost took a star off, but the very last bit brought it together in a way that made some semblance of sense to me, and, well, it really was a wild ride. Would definitely recommend if you want to dive into something different and somewhat insane, but don't fixate on any expectations of how it will will turn out.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2018
I went into this book not knowing much about it. It is about Pippa Gates a teacher who wants to write a best seller and lead the life she has always dreamed of. Her first book is a flop and pressure in on to write a second. While desperately trying to come up with a thread an ex-con, Ryan, knocks on her door. He is trying to get back on his feet selling cleaning goods door to door. Pippa at the last moment puts an idea to him and this becomes the pivotal point in the story.
Pippa is the most infuriating main character. I found her quite unlikeable, she is selfish, immature and no one measures up to her expectations. She does not think much of her friends or colleagues and seems to think the world should revolve around her.
There are many twists in this book but none of them really surprised me except for one right at the end. To be honest this is a book I could take or leave, interesting but not exactly a thriller for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.
Pippa is the most infuriating main character. I found her quite unlikeable, she is selfish, immature and no one measures up to her expectations. She does not think much of her friends or colleagues and seems to think the world should revolve around her.
There are many twists in this book but none of them really surprised me except for one right at the end. To be honest this is a book I could take or leave, interesting but not exactly a thriller for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.
September 21, 2018
So, where to start? This is a crazy, roller-coaster ride of a read. I was exhausted by the final chapters, but oh my goodness, it's such an entertaining and carefully thought out story.
It's fair to say that I'm a huge fan of the the unlikeable narrator, and Pippa Gate is one of the most complicated, confusing and sometimes really annoying characters that I've come across in a long while.
The story is quite complex, narrated in different forms; Pippa's personal journal, entries from a blog and a few excerpts from an audio tape. I won't lie, it did take me a while to sort these out in my head, but once I'd figured them out, I soon settled into the story.
Pippa is a teacher, she's also an author and is struggling to meet the deadline for her latest novel. She has no idea what to write, she thinks about watching the news for inspiration but is saved by a caller at the front door. Enter Ryan, an ex-con who is trying to get his life together by selling cleaning products door-to-door. Pippa is curious about Ryan; he doesn't seem like your average offender. He is articulate and interesting and she's certain that he has a story. It's not long before she's handed over £200 in return for Ryan's story.
To write any more about the actual storyline would give too much away, so I won't. What I will say is that The Proposal was a bit of a jaw-dropper. I love the author's writing style, it's very modern with a dry humour that runs throughout, and to be honest, a few laughs were needed to offset all of the breath-holding and gasping that I did.
Expect the unexpected when you read The Proposal; it's not what I expected at all, and has been a really pleasant surprise. Do make sure that you read right through to the end, don't miss the 'Letter From The Editor' right at the end, it's a superb final touch and made me smile in wonder and genuine admiration for the author.
It's fair to say that I'm a huge fan of the the unlikeable narrator, and Pippa Gate is one of the most complicated, confusing and sometimes really annoying characters that I've come across in a long while.
The story is quite complex, narrated in different forms; Pippa's personal journal, entries from a blog and a few excerpts from an audio tape. I won't lie, it did take me a while to sort these out in my head, but once I'd figured them out, I soon settled into the story.
Pippa is a teacher, she's also an author and is struggling to meet the deadline for her latest novel. She has no idea what to write, she thinks about watching the news for inspiration but is saved by a caller at the front door. Enter Ryan, an ex-con who is trying to get his life together by selling cleaning products door-to-door. Pippa is curious about Ryan; he doesn't seem like your average offender. He is articulate and interesting and she's certain that he has a story. It's not long before she's handed over £200 in return for Ryan's story.
To write any more about the actual storyline would give too much away, so I won't. What I will say is that The Proposal was a bit of a jaw-dropper. I love the author's writing style, it's very modern with a dry humour that runs throughout, and to be honest, a few laughs were needed to offset all of the breath-holding and gasping that I did.
Expect the unexpected when you read The Proposal; it's not what I expected at all, and has been a really pleasant surprise. Do make sure that you read right through to the end, don't miss the 'Letter From The Editor' right at the end, it's a superb final touch and made me smile in wonder and genuine admiration for the author.
May 17, 2019
The Proposal started off with our main character, Pippa, in a jam with her latest book. She owes her editor an outline at the very minimum, but doesn't even have an idea for a story. After pushing the deadline off several times, she knows she has to turn something in. When a traveling salesman shows up at her door, she gets a glimpse into his troubled past, and thinks his life story would be a great idea for her next novel...thus, The Proposal is born. She offers to pay him for his life story, but she gets to use it for her book.
When Ryan agrees, Pippa thinks all of her problems are solved, until Ryan starts acting a little strangely. She finds it hard to get him to leave her house, but thinks everything will be fine. The beginning of the book started off great, and really held my interest. I was interested to learn more about Ryan's backstory, and see how everything played out, given his creep factor.
Unfortunately, I found the middle of the book lacking. I felt like the plot was progressing slowly up until the end, where things got really good again. For some reason, it just wasn't holding my attention, and I found my mind wandering. This might have been because I disliked both of our lead characters, so I was less invested in them until something big was happening.
I struggled rating this one, because I really enjoyed the beginning and ending of the book, and also enjoyed the format, in that it was told partly through blog posts, which is something I always enjoy. There was enough good in the book that I landed on a solid three star rating. If you're a fan of domestic thrillers with elements of stalking, and flawed main characters, you may want to give this one a shot. I'd like to thank Bookouture for my copy of the book. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
When Ryan agrees, Pippa thinks all of her problems are solved, until Ryan starts acting a little strangely. She finds it hard to get him to leave her house, but thinks everything will be fine. The beginning of the book started off great, and really held my interest. I was interested to learn more about Ryan's backstory, and see how everything played out, given his creep factor.
Unfortunately, I found the middle of the book lacking. I felt like the plot was progressing slowly up until the end, where things got really good again. For some reason, it just wasn't holding my attention, and I found my mind wandering. This might have been because I disliked both of our lead characters, so I was less invested in them until something big was happening.
I struggled rating this one, because I really enjoyed the beginning and ending of the book, and also enjoyed the format, in that it was told partly through blog posts, which is something I always enjoy. There was enough good in the book that I landed on a solid three star rating. If you're a fan of domestic thrillers with elements of stalking, and flawed main characters, you may want to give this one a shot. I'd like to thank Bookouture for my copy of the book. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
April 5, 2022
The Proposal is a gripping psychological thriller by S.E. Lynes.
Her Novels Include:
Valentina (2016)
Mother (2017)
The Pact (2018)
The Proposal (2018)
The Women (2019)
The Lies We Hide (2019)
Can You See Her? (2020)
The Housewarming (2020)
Her Sister's Secret (2021)
The Baby Shower (2022)
This is my review of The Proposal.
The novel opens with:” The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…” What an opening! I was hooked!
The truth about the Wiltshire Murders.
Thirty-four-year-old divorcee, Pippa Gates, is a romantic novelist who used to live in south London as an English teacher before moving to Cairn Farm, Wiltshire, to make a fresh start.
Pippa’s editor was hounding her for her draft of her novel as the extension deadline was hours away. And she had nothing in the works! She was desperate.
Then there was a knock at the door, a stranger selling cleaning products. She asks Ryan Marks, an ex-con into her house and over a glass of wine listens to his life story which she uses as a basis for her new book. But that is not the last she sees of Ryan, with him becoming obsessed with her.
But what was Ryan’s story?
So was Ryan’s story the answer to all of her problems?
You will have to read it to find out!
The novel is told mainly from Pippa Gates in the form of blog posts, her private diary entries and Ryan comments.
The Proposal is a suspenseful gripping thriller about the lengths we will go to for someone we love.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
Her Novels Include:
Valentina (2016)
Mother (2017)
The Pact (2018)
The Proposal (2018)
The Women (2019)
The Lies We Hide (2019)
Can You See Her? (2020)
The Housewarming (2020)
Her Sister's Secret (2021)
The Baby Shower (2022)
This is my review of The Proposal.
The novel opens with:” The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…” What an opening! I was hooked!
The truth about the Wiltshire Murders.
Thirty-four-year-old divorcee, Pippa Gates, is a romantic novelist who used to live in south London as an English teacher before moving to Cairn Farm, Wiltshire, to make a fresh start.
Pippa’s editor was hounding her for her draft of her novel as the extension deadline was hours away. And she had nothing in the works! She was desperate.
Then there was a knock at the door, a stranger selling cleaning products. She asks Ryan Marks, an ex-con into her house and over a glass of wine listens to his life story which she uses as a basis for her new book. But that is not the last she sees of Ryan, with him becoming obsessed with her.
But what was Ryan’s story?
So was Ryan’s story the answer to all of her problems?
You will have to read it to find out!
The novel is told mainly from Pippa Gates in the form of blog posts, her private diary entries and Ryan comments.
The Proposal is a suspenseful gripping thriller about the lengths we will go to for someone we love.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
August 9, 2018
I first read Valentina what now seems like a billion years ago, when it was only two years ago, and I have since read every book by this author. Some were hits, some were misses. Then we get to this one and I am at loss with what to say. (Not really otherwise I would've just clicked rate and not wrote a review).
Bringing back what I loved about Valentina is that I didn't feel like I was reading a book, but more like listening to internal dialogue. I am by no means a writer, and my process is a little bit like the character in the movie Hush...I write what I am thinking and don't care about grammar, syntax, and all that other "I majored in English literature so adore me" jargon some authors chose to use.
This book. Seriously....I will be thinking about it for a long time. I laughed, I cried, and tensed up to a ball of "what the fuck is going on...I need to know NOW".
Unique. Chilling. Horrifying. Yet, also a love story for the ages.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture...you once again allowed me to read a winner.
Bringing back what I loved about Valentina is that I didn't feel like I was reading a book, but more like listening to internal dialogue. I am by no means a writer, and my process is a little bit like the character in the movie Hush...I write what I am thinking and don't care about grammar, syntax, and all that other "I majored in English literature so adore me" jargon some authors chose to use.
This book. Seriously....I will be thinking about it for a long time. I laughed, I cried, and tensed up to a ball of "what the fuck is going on...I need to know NOW".
Unique. Chilling. Horrifying. Yet, also a love story for the ages.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture...you once again allowed me to read a winner.
November 22, 2020
I recently read 'The Housewarming' by this author and loved it so was eager to read another novel. This psychological thriller was well written but didn't capture my imagination in the same way as the previous one.
I find this a difficult one to review, I did enjoy it but perhaps I am unfairly comparing it with 'The Housewarming' which I enjoyed so much more. It was an enjoyable read and the characters were certainly interesting but something just didn't gel with me.
Pippa is a struggling author who is searching for inspiration for a new novel. Impulsively she invites Ryan, an ex convict who is selling door to door into her house to tell her his life story. She is hoping that this will be the spark to her next top selling book. The books is told mainly through Pippa's journals and social media posts and steadily builds the suspense up throughout the novel.
A very different read but sometimes not easy to follow. Lots of positives in the writing and a decent read.
I find this a difficult one to review, I did enjoy it but perhaps I am unfairly comparing it with 'The Housewarming' which I enjoyed so much more. It was an enjoyable read and the characters were certainly interesting but something just didn't gel with me.
Pippa is a struggling author who is searching for inspiration for a new novel. Impulsively she invites Ryan, an ex convict who is selling door to door into her house to tell her his life story. She is hoping that this will be the spark to her next top selling book. The books is told mainly through Pippa's journals and social media posts and steadily builds the suspense up throughout the novel.
A very different read but sometimes not easy to follow. Lots of positives in the writing and a decent read.
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