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The Stranger in My Bed
‘We have a patient who has been involved in a serious accident. We believe he’s your husband.’
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. He bought her roses every week, booked surprise trips to sun-soaked destinations, and showed her affection like she’d never experienced before. But over time the dream had become a violent nightmare. And now Freya is packing her bags, knowing it’s time she escaped their increasingly broken marriage.
But then Freya gets a visit from the police. Phil’s been in a horrific car crash and – as he comes around – it becomes clear that he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon two years before, back when their relationship was perfect. All he wants is to be happily married again.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous. But now he’s the one who needs her, it’s a chance to turn the tables, and to change the outcome of their relationship once and for all. After all, he will only know what she chooses to tell him…
But what really happened during those two years of marriage? And as they start over again, who is safe? And whose life is in danger?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2020
1930 people are currently reading
2199 people want to read
About the author
Karen King
135 books268 followersKaren King is an Amazon international bestselling author of psychological suspense and women's fiction.
Her 7th psychological suspense novel, Don't Trust Him, was published on 3 April 2025 by Bookouture and her 'golden years' novel, The Runaway Wives, was published by Boldwood on 24th March 2025. This was her 12th woman's fiction novel.
Karen has also had 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines published. Her early writing career was spent working on various teenage and children's magazines.
Her suspense novels The Mother In Law, The Perfect Stepmother and The Stranger in my Bed and her romantic novel The Cornish Hotel by the Sea all became International Amazon bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
December 15, 2020
Think about your douchebag husband you plan to leave who has real anger management issues nearly dies at a car accident, opening his eyes with an erased memory, giving you angelic looks as if your volatile arguments and screaming matches have never been happened!
Would you decide to leave his sorry ass because once a controlling abuser is always an abuser even though he suffers from short term memory loss or would you give it a chance to your marriage to have a fresh start?
I actually choose the first option. But our heroine Freya does the opposite by putting herself in risk to live with absentminded abuser. Poor Freya, you shouldn’t be so kind, forgiving, nice because as I continue to read the flashback parts of your relationship, i clenched my fists and I wanted to beat the sh*t of your aggressive husband!
I always support the romance author’s decision to write a book in a different genre. And this is solid, well-written, riveting story. I like to read more thrillers of the author in near future.
But the book’s ending and perpetrator were so obvious from the beginning. Without using my spidey spider senses which I sent to a vacation as soon as I found who cut the brakes of the car, I can think a few chapters further and I know what’s gonna happen next which me feel like a clairvoyant!
No surprise, no twist and so foreseeable conclusion made me cut my points! I’m giving my three fair, mediocre, definitely not bad and promising stars! It was easy to read and it helped me to clear my head by focusing the story. It never bored me. But I’m so sure the author is so talented and she will give us better thrillers. This one is just her first try and results are still good enough!
So much thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Would you decide to leave his sorry ass because once a controlling abuser is always an abuser even though he suffers from short term memory loss or would you give it a chance to your marriage to have a fresh start?
I actually choose the first option. But our heroine Freya does the opposite by putting herself in risk to live with absentminded abuser. Poor Freya, you shouldn’t be so kind, forgiving, nice because as I continue to read the flashback parts of your relationship, i clenched my fists and I wanted to beat the sh*t of your aggressive husband!
I always support the romance author’s decision to write a book in a different genre. And this is solid, well-written, riveting story. I like to read more thrillers of the author in near future.
But the book’s ending and perpetrator were so obvious from the beginning. Without using my spidey spider senses which I sent to a vacation as soon as I found who cut the brakes of the car, I can think a few chapters further and I know what’s gonna happen next which me feel like a clairvoyant!
No surprise, no twist and so foreseeable conclusion made me cut my points! I’m giving my three fair, mediocre, definitely not bad and promising stars! It was easy to read and it helped me to clear my head by focusing the story. It never bored me. But I’m so sure the author is so talented and she will give us better thrillers. This one is just her first try and results are still good enough!
So much thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
May 6, 2021
The Galactic Idiot loses his mind in this one. Oh, wait, that wasn't his mind, that was just memory. As for the mind, no one in this book ever had much of that stuff, so... Nevermind.
OMG, Phil's such a fucking moron. A philandering fucking moron. The hair gel and pepper freak. An insufferable poser who seemed to be always in some or other hystrionics. What a clusterfuck of a character!
I have no idea how Freya managed to stand his sorry ass for a millisecond, let alone marry him.
Q: ‘I’ve booked us a week in a luxury hotel in Dubai,’ he announced. (c) 'Seri-frakkin-ously? What the fuck for? I'm busy! Who would've guessed that to have a romantic outing with your own two you needed a hotel? Go fuck yourself you dundlehead! And better not come back until you grow a decent set of brain cells! Blam! ' <- That should've been Freya's response. She might've even weaned him off his dundleheaded ways.
Like, oh, she needs to drop all her frakking plans and go to wherever he wants her to go at a minute's warning. Hah! A brainless idiot who can't even plan his own vacation. Moron.
Q: Phil worked part-time as a lecturer on the journalism course at the university and had finished his sessions now until September, although of course he still had his articles to write. He freelanced for the local newspaper and several magazines. (c) A basically careeless guy. No wonder he worked only part-time. Who ever in their sweet sane mind would've wanted such an employee? Or a hubby? BrrrrrrrRRRRR! And considering his philandering ways... its a wonder anyone put up with him.
Q:
The disappointment on his face made her feel so guilty – and angry. (c) Of-frakking course it did. It made me angry!
Q:
You should have checked with me before you booked. (c) Definitely. Moron. Like I said.
Q:
‘For Christ’s sake, Freya, you’re not bloody indispensable. (c) Of course she is. Indispensable. At least to herself. As she should be to him.
Q:
Her mum was always telling her that she was lucky to have Phil, that she shouldn’t be so confrontational, that she should learn to back down. (c) Darn. Her mom should've married him herself, if that's the case.
Q:
‘Look after Phil. Men like being looked after.' (c) What are they supposed to be? Dogs or idiots? Goash, that's the way clueless men happen.
Q:
She’d blame Freya, of course. (c) Yeah, right. Do blame Freya.
Q:
If they split up, he would tell her, then there would be a queue of women ready to take her place. (c) She really should've packed him off to them in a hurry. They are ready and waiting and ... Good riddance!
Q:
Phil had told her how all his life his parents had made him feel worthless, and he’d confessed that Freya made him feel like that sometimes too. (c) Why could that be? Oh, yeah! 'Cause he's actually worthless!
Q:
Fergus came as a woman with bright red hair and a short dress, stockings and suspenders.’ Fergus was another lecturer at the university. (c) Now, that's a nice uni they've got over there. And the courseload seems interesting.
Q:
‘How could I forget the two most important years of our lives?’ (c) Oh, god, so melodramatic. There would be plenty more if he just grew up.
Q:
‘Please be honest with me, Freya, even if you think it might hurt me. You’re the only one I can trust. You said I… hit you.’ He swallowed. ‘Was it bad? Did I ever really hurt you?’
...
‘It was frightening, and I had some bruises, a cut lip, but nothing that needed treatment if that’s what you mean.’
...
‘I’m so sorry.... I can’t believe I could have done that to you. I love you so much. I’m really, really sorry.’
‘I know you are. It’s okay. It’s in the past,’
...
‘Do you know anyone who might have a grudge against me?’
...
‘I’m as flummoxed as you are, Phil. I have no idea why anyone would mess with the brakes of your car.’ (c) LOL! Now, isn't that a delusional discussion?
Q:
‘What have I done that’s so awful someone wants me dead?’ (c) What beats me is how Freya not murdered him over all his temper tantrums?
Q:
Phil could get so angry, and although he always blamed her, telling her that she ‘pushed his buttons’... (c) Might've been a fun idea to cut off all the buttons on all his clothes as response to these claims. 'Darling, no possible. I cut off and threw away all your buttons so as not to push them.' Amen.
Ok, I'm docking a couple of points here since well, there isn't any problem here to be thrilled about. While the author tried to make it all look like there was a PLOT, maybe even some mystery, it's not like there actually was any of those. The wifey should've thrown her hubby out of the house. End of problem / story / plot. Mark should've done the same. But no, the protagonists felt the need to suffer and suffer some more and, you know, prolong their suffering since it's all so in vogue...
The only nifty twist about it is in the very last phrase.
Q:
‘But do keep on trying with the broadsheets – you should never give up on your dream.’
‘I won’t. I’m stubborn like that,’ he told her.
‘Determined, not stubborn,’ she corrected lightly. ‘Determined is a good trait; stubborn isn’t always.’
‘And are you… determined too?’
‘Oh no, I’m stubborn. That’s how I know it isn’t a good trait.’ (c)
OMG, Phil's such a fucking moron. A philandering fucking moron. The hair gel and pepper freak. An insufferable poser who seemed to be always in some or other hystrionics. What a clusterfuck of a character!
I have no idea how Freya managed to stand his sorry ass for a millisecond, let alone marry him.
Q: ‘I’ve booked us a week in a luxury hotel in Dubai,’ he announced. (c) 'Seri-frakkin-ously? What the fuck for? I'm busy! Who would've guessed that to have a romantic outing with your own two you needed a hotel? Go fuck yourself you dundlehead! And better not come back until you grow a decent set of brain cells! Blam! ' <- That should've been Freya's response. She might've even weaned him off his dundleheaded ways.
Like, oh, she needs to drop all her frakking plans and go to wherever he wants her to go at a minute's warning. Hah! A brainless idiot who can't even plan his own vacation. Moron.
Q: Phil worked part-time as a lecturer on the journalism course at the university and had finished his sessions now until September, although of course he still had his articles to write. He freelanced for the local newspaper and several magazines. (c) A basically careeless guy. No wonder he worked only part-time. Who ever in their sweet sane mind would've wanted such an employee? Or a hubby? BrrrrrrrRRRRR! And considering his philandering ways... its a wonder anyone put up with him.
Q:
The disappointment on his face made her feel so guilty – and angry. (c) Of-frakking course it did. It made me angry!
Q:
You should have checked with me before you booked. (c) Definitely. Moron. Like I said.
Q:
‘For Christ’s sake, Freya, you’re not bloody indispensable. (c) Of course she is. Indispensable. At least to herself. As she should be to him.
Q:
Her mum was always telling her that she was lucky to have Phil, that she shouldn’t be so confrontational, that she should learn to back down. (c) Darn. Her mom should've married him herself, if that's the case.
Q:
‘Look after Phil. Men like being looked after.' (c) What are they supposed to be? Dogs or idiots? Goash, that's the way clueless men happen.
Q:
She’d blame Freya, of course. (c) Yeah, right. Do blame Freya.
Q:
If they split up, he would tell her, then there would be a queue of women ready to take her place. (c) She really should've packed him off to them in a hurry. They are ready and waiting and ... Good riddance!
Q:
Phil had told her how all his life his parents had made him feel worthless, and he’d confessed that Freya made him feel like that sometimes too. (c) Why could that be? Oh, yeah! 'Cause he's actually worthless!
Q:
Fergus came as a woman with bright red hair and a short dress, stockings and suspenders.’ Fergus was another lecturer at the university. (c) Now, that's a nice uni they've got over there. And the courseload seems interesting.
Q:
‘How could I forget the two most important years of our lives?’ (c) Oh, god, so melodramatic. There would be plenty more if he just grew up.
Q:
‘Please be honest with me, Freya, even if you think it might hurt me. You’re the only one I can trust. You said I… hit you.’ He swallowed. ‘Was it bad? Did I ever really hurt you?’
...
‘It was frightening, and I had some bruises, a cut lip, but nothing that needed treatment if that’s what you mean.’
...
‘I’m so sorry.... I can’t believe I could have done that to you. I love you so much. I’m really, really sorry.’
‘I know you are. It’s okay. It’s in the past,’
...
‘Do you know anyone who might have a grudge against me?’
...
‘I’m as flummoxed as you are, Phil. I have no idea why anyone would mess with the brakes of your car.’ (c) LOL! Now, isn't that a delusional discussion?
Q:
‘What have I done that’s so awful someone wants me dead?’ (c) What beats me is how Freya not murdered him over all his temper tantrums?
Q:
Phil could get so angry, and although he always blamed her, telling her that she ‘pushed his buttons’... (c) Might've been a fun idea to cut off all the buttons on all his clothes as response to these claims. 'Darling, no possible. I cut off and threw away all your buttons so as not to push them.' Amen.
Ok, I'm docking a couple of points here since well, there isn't any problem here to be thrilled about. While the author tried to make it all look like there was a PLOT, maybe even some mystery, it's not like there actually was any of those. The wifey should've thrown her hubby out of the house. End of problem / story / plot. Mark should've done the same. But no, the protagonists felt the need to suffer and suffer some more and, you know, prolong their suffering since it's all so in vogue...
The only nifty twist about it is in the very last phrase.
Q:
‘But do keep on trying with the broadsheets – you should never give up on your dream.’
‘I won’t. I’m stubborn like that,’ he told her.
‘Determined, not stubborn,’ she corrected lightly. ‘Determined is a good trait; stubborn isn’t always.’
‘And are you… determined too?’
‘Oh no, I’m stubborn. That’s how I know it isn’t a good trait.’ (c)
November 11, 2020
A new author to me, this is Karen King’s first psychological thriller after publishing Romance novels
You are abused by your partner, you’ve had enough and pack your case to leave, getting as far as putting it in your car when the Police arrive and inform you your husband, your abuser, is in a life threatening state after his car was in a terrible accident
Dutifully you go to the hospital and wait by his bed, he improves, you are free to leave BUT then he has amnesia, he remembers nothing of the previous 2 years ( conveniently has to be said the amount of time they had been married ) and you wonder if your marriage can be saved, will this have changed him
So you stay
The book then charts his recovery and their next few weeks/months together as little by little secrets raise their ugly head and people from the past come hurtling back, and the accident, well it was no accident, someone wanted Phil dead, Freya has some major decisions to make but has she left it too long
My main first thought as Freya goes back through the abusive marriage is that she was mad to stay with such a manipulative bloke and time and again he abused, she cried, he apologised, she forgave BUT love isn’t simple as that I guess so once got over that this was a good, readable, well written and easy to get into thriller with quite a few shocks and surprises to keep your interest, Freya does natter on a bit in her thoughts and at times I thought ‘get on with it then’ but being more charitable she did have a lot to cope with
Well played characters, not ones to love have to say but ones that suited the context of the book
A great beginning that had you from page 1 and a good ending, although maybe a tad rushed and then an epilogue with an eyebrow raising last sentence
Yep a good psychological read, some of the content is regularly done in books but this was all brought together and done well
8/10
4 Stars
You are abused by your partner, you’ve had enough and pack your case to leave, getting as far as putting it in your car when the Police arrive and inform you your husband, your abuser, is in a life threatening state after his car was in a terrible accident
Dutifully you go to the hospital and wait by his bed, he improves, you are free to leave BUT then he has amnesia, he remembers nothing of the previous 2 years ( conveniently has to be said the amount of time they had been married ) and you wonder if your marriage can be saved, will this have changed him
So you stay
The book then charts his recovery and their next few weeks/months together as little by little secrets raise their ugly head and people from the past come hurtling back, and the accident, well it was no accident, someone wanted Phil dead, Freya has some major decisions to make but has she left it too long
My main first thought as Freya goes back through the abusive marriage is that she was mad to stay with such a manipulative bloke and time and again he abused, she cried, he apologised, she forgave BUT love isn’t simple as that I guess so once got over that this was a good, readable, well written and easy to get into thriller with quite a few shocks and surprises to keep your interest, Freya does natter on a bit in her thoughts and at times I thought ‘get on with it then’ but being more charitable she did have a lot to cope with
Well played characters, not ones to love have to say but ones that suited the context of the book
A great beginning that had you from page 1 and a good ending, although maybe a tad rushed and then an epilogue with an eyebrow raising last sentence
Yep a good psychological read, some of the content is regularly done in books but this was all brought together and done well
8/10
4 Stars
November 30, 2020
Favorite Quote:
‘Determined, not stubborn,’ she corrected lightly. ‘Determined is a good trait; stubborn isn’t always.’
My Review:
This is the type of story that has me wanting the shake sense into the characters and give them a good pinch for being so obtuse they annoy me. The women knew better, yet they still fell repeatedly for the Irish charm. The intriguing storylines were twisty, well-paced, and taut with impending peril, domestic abuse, family drama, lies, betrayals, and secrets aplenty. This was my introduction to Ms. King’s work and I was astounded to see her Goodreads listings packed with multiple genres including children’s books, rom-coms, suspense, poetry, and even some naughty erotica. Oh, my. I do believe further research into this talented scribe is now required.
‘Determined, not stubborn,’ she corrected lightly. ‘Determined is a good trait; stubborn isn’t always.’
My Review:
This is the type of story that has me wanting the shake sense into the characters and give them a good pinch for being so obtuse they annoy me. The women knew better, yet they still fell repeatedly for the Irish charm. The intriguing storylines were twisty, well-paced, and taut with impending peril, domestic abuse, family drama, lies, betrayals, and secrets aplenty. This was my introduction to Ms. King’s work and I was astounded to see her Goodreads listings packed with multiple genres including children’s books, rom-coms, suspense, poetry, and even some naughty erotica. Oh, my. I do believe further research into this talented scribe is now required.
November 22, 2020
The Stranger in My Bed is King’s first foray into writing psychological thrillers and at its heart, this is a domestic suspense novel. After a whirlwind romance part-time Birmingham University lecturer and journalist Phil Keegan and marketing consultant for graphic design firm IPA, Freya Swinton, who are both smitten with each other, decide to wed in haste, and we all know what a big mistake that can be. They settle into married life but it doesn't take long for the cracks to show and for Phil to change from a seemingly kind and loving partner into a physically and mentally abusive monster. And to top it all off he not only gaslights her but plays the victim too, like so many abusive narcissists. They met in a chance encounter in a coffee shop and had to share a table as there wasn't much space. Phil had been busy writing an article for the local Telegraph newspaper that was due to be published the following day. At first, he isn't best pleased when Freya asks if the seat is taken but they swiftly begin to exchange small talk and he is struck by her jade-gree eyes, chestnut locks and bright red lips. They exchange numbers and, as they say, the rest is history.
Fast forward to 2 years into their married life and Freya has plucked up the courage to leave her awful husband but before she can he has a serious car accident. The book opens with a prologue written from the perspective of an unnamed character who claims to have stripped the brakes of his BMW in order to precipitate a crash and kill him. Freya rushes to her husband's bedside after being informed by the police and told his car has been totalled. She decides to give him another chance when she finds he can't remember anything about their past 2 years together, but can a leopard really change its spots? This is a hard-hitting, compelling and devastating look at the havoc abuse can wreak on those subjected to it and the lasting trauma and damage domestic abuse can really do. It's well written, twisty and there's an underlying sense of sinister tension throughout the narrative. I really felt for Freya and her dire situation, she was so likeable and the humanity she shows when the man she hates is injured is incredible. An absorbing, emotional and compulsive read from beginning to end.
Fast forward to 2 years into their married life and Freya has plucked up the courage to leave her awful husband but before she can he has a serious car accident. The book opens with a prologue written from the perspective of an unnamed character who claims to have stripped the brakes of his BMW in order to precipitate a crash and kill him. Freya rushes to her husband's bedside after being informed by the police and told his car has been totalled. She decides to give him another chance when she finds he can't remember anything about their past 2 years together, but can a leopard really change its spots? This is a hard-hitting, compelling and devastating look at the havoc abuse can wreak on those subjected to it and the lasting trauma and damage domestic abuse can really do. It's well written, twisty and there's an underlying sense of sinister tension throughout the narrative. I really felt for Freya and her dire situation, she was so likeable and the humanity she shows when the man she hates is injured is incredible. An absorbing, emotional and compulsive read from beginning to end.
December 3, 2020
The Stranger in my Bed is a quick read with twists throughout. Although very predictable, I was interested in finding out how events would come to fruition. It wasn’t the worst thriller, but definitely not the best either. I’m not closing the door on reading future books from Karen King, This book had its thrilling moments, but few and far between. 2.5 stars rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
The Stranger in my Bed is a quick read with twists throughout. Although very predictable, I was interested in finding out how events would come to fruition. It wasn’t the worst thriller, but definitely not the best either. I’m not closing the door on reading future books from Karen King, This book had its thrilling moments, but few and far between. 2.5 stars rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
The Stranger in my Bed is a quick read with twists throughout. Although very predictable, I was interested in finding out how events would come to fruition. It wasn’t the worst thriller, but definitely not the best either. I’m not closing the door on reading future books from Karen King, This book had its thrilling moments, but few and far between. 2.5 stars rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2020
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. But over time the dream had become a violent nightmare. Now Freya is packing her bags, knowing it's time to escape their increasingly broken marriage. But then Freya gets a visit from the police. Phil has been in a horrific car crash. When Phil eventually comes round, it's clear he remembers nothing since their honeymoon two years ago. Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous.
This is a real slow burner. It was about 60% before the pace picked up. The story covers domestic abuse and infidelity. It also shows how the abuser used coercion . I didn't like any of the characters. It was also a bit predictable and a little repetitive. The story did keep my attention. There were a few rwists. Overall it was an interesting read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KarenKing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a real slow burner. It was about 60% before the pace picked up. The story covers domestic abuse and infidelity. It also shows how the abuser used coercion . I didn't like any of the characters. It was also a bit predictable and a little repetitive. The story did keep my attention. There were a few rwists. Overall it was an interesting read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #KarenKing for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2020
Freya and Phil have been married just over two years, things haven't always been a bed of roses between the two of them.
With the marriage in turmoil and Phil becoming violent Freya decides to pack her bags and plans to leave, after another row Phil storms out and is involved in a car crash. As Phil comes round he has no memory since they got married can Freya put it all behind her and start again.?
I was pleasantly surprised by this read, I really enjoyed this I was hooked straight away and was really engaged all the way though, thinking who was playing who, kept me page turning and intrigued.
Highly reccomended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With the marriage in turmoil and Phil becoming violent Freya decides to pack her bags and plans to leave, after another row Phil storms out and is involved in a car crash. As Phil comes round he has no memory since they got married can Freya put it all behind her and start again.?
I was pleasantly surprised by this read, I really enjoyed this I was hooked straight away and was really engaged all the way though, thinking who was playing who, kept me page turning and intrigued.
Highly reccomended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 5, 2020
If I had a quarter for every sentence in this book that ends with a question mark, I swear I'd have enough money to replace the roof on our house. Good grief!
Both Freya and her husband of a couple of years, Phil, are facing uncertainties; for personal reasons, Freya has made the decision to leave Phil - or so she says in the beginning. But then Phil is seriously injured in an auto accident that's left him with no memory of anything prior to the return from what he recalls as a happy honeymoon. As she sits with Phil next to his hospital bed, Freya starts to question her motives for leaving and whether she should give the marriage another shot. For his part, Phil seems to have undergone a personality change for the better, but as he begins to learn what he was like pre-accident, he, too, begins to question what will happen from here on out.
And question. And question. Some paragraphs, in fact, are comprised of nothing but questions as chapters switch from the perspectives of the main characters. It's a never-ending string of woulda, coulda, shoulda, what ifs and if onlys that have no real answers until the very end, when the true story is revealed.
But make no mistake: There isa story here - quite an intriguing and meaningful one, in fact, that highlights a couple of important social issues. Readers learn that there's much more going on that it appears at first blush, with Freya, Phil and, occasionally, Freya's older sister Daisy, all of whom are frustrated to some degree or other by Phil's inability to remember (especially things that don't jibe with the way he sees himself now). But for readers - and the characters themselves - it's hard to determine who is to be believed. Each new chapter adds details that build suspense, if predictably (with the exception of one detail at the very end).
As far as I'm concerned, what woulda shoulda happened - not long after the honeymoon - is that Freya kept that suitcase packed and carried it, and herself, as far away from Phil as she could get with no forwarding address (it was clear early on that something was amiss in their marriage). Not that she's a very relatable character, mind you - none of them is, as far as I'm concerned - but of the lot, she seemed to have the most going for her. It just took her far too long for her to come to that conclusion as well.
Honestly, this book doesn't get a really high score from me, but that's almost entirely because of those incessant questions. I'd love to see the same story told in a more straightforward manor - those above-mentioned issues deserve to be told and retold until they're no longer issues. Meantime, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review it.
Both Freya and her husband of a couple of years, Phil, are facing uncertainties; for personal reasons, Freya has made the decision to leave Phil - or so she says in the beginning. But then Phil is seriously injured in an auto accident that's left him with no memory of anything prior to the return from what he recalls as a happy honeymoon. As she sits with Phil next to his hospital bed, Freya starts to question her motives for leaving and whether she should give the marriage another shot. For his part, Phil seems to have undergone a personality change for the better, but as he begins to learn what he was like pre-accident, he, too, begins to question what will happen from here on out.
And question. And question. Some paragraphs, in fact, are comprised of nothing but questions as chapters switch from the perspectives of the main characters. It's a never-ending string of woulda, coulda, shoulda, what ifs and if onlys that have no real answers until the very end, when the true story is revealed.
But make no mistake: There isa story here - quite an intriguing and meaningful one, in fact, that highlights a couple of important social issues. Readers learn that there's much more going on that it appears at first blush, with Freya, Phil and, occasionally, Freya's older sister Daisy, all of whom are frustrated to some degree or other by Phil's inability to remember (especially things that don't jibe with the way he sees himself now). But for readers - and the characters themselves - it's hard to determine who is to be believed. Each new chapter adds details that build suspense, if predictably (with the exception of one detail at the very end).
As far as I'm concerned, what woulda shoulda happened - not long after the honeymoon - is that Freya kept that suitcase packed and carried it, and herself, as far away from Phil as she could get with no forwarding address (it was clear early on that something was amiss in their marriage). Not that she's a very relatable character, mind you - none of them is, as far as I'm concerned - but of the lot, she seemed to have the most going for her. It just took her far too long for her to come to that conclusion as well.
Honestly, this book doesn't get a really high score from me, but that's almost entirely because of those incessant questions. I'd love to see the same story told in a more straightforward manor - those above-mentioned issues deserve to be told and retold until they're no longer issues. Meantime, thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review it.
November 23, 2020
I love the title of this book and the subtle double entendre. I can’t imagine any woman in an abusive or coercive (and so often the two go hand-in-hand) hasn’t, at some point, wondered who the stranger the man she’s married or living with has become when the abuse starts. Suddenly, or perhaps subtly over a period of time, he’s become a monster. I say he. I’m aware that this can work both ways and that men are often on the receiving end of similar such bewildering and destructive behaviour. In Freya, I see someone who is bewildered, utterly. The thing about manipulation is that it is just that. So often you might start out wondering what it is that is wrong in you that is making this sometimes loving and caring person into that monster – and of course that is reinforced, repeatedly. Freya finally allows herself to realise it is not her, that the blame is not hers and that she’s okay, and makes up her mind to leave. This is by far the bravest thing any woman in such a relationship can do – think about it, you are so manipulated you may have nowhere TO go, no financial independence, children to consider, their upheaval, their schooling. Yes, the alternative may be to expose them to an abusive relationship, but if it happens behind closed doors you pray they don’t see it. Would she stay when he was injured, when the part of the man she fell in love with might come to the fore? I think, yes, because through all of her mixed emotions, her caring gene would come to the fore. To be caring, a fundamentally nice person, is not to be weak, but it can cause so much inner conflict. So, did Phil deserve what happened to him, did he deserve to die, as the narrator of the epilogue hoped he did. Did Freya wish him dead? This compelling story explores emotion at its rawest within abusive relationships. I would highly recommend it. The ending is most satisfying!
November 14, 2020
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. He bought her roses and showed her affection like she’d never experienced before. But over time the dream had become a violent nightmare.
Finally, when Freya decides it’s time she escaped their increasingly broken marriage, she gets a visit from the police. Phil’s been in a horrific car crash and when he regains conscious, he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon two years before, back when their relationship was perfect. All he wants is to be happily married again.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous but Phil needs her. Can they start over again?
This is a suspenseful read with a few twists in the plot.
It was interesting concept which gets you thinking about Phil’s changed personality and memory loss after the accident. Coming to Freya’s predicament, on one hand she needs to be there for Phil as his wife especially since he remembers only the good memories but on the other hand, she can’t actually forget nor forgive his past actions because there is no guarantee that it won’t happen again in the future. Personally, I felt that she should have just gone ahead and left him because he seemed as quite a shady character right from the start.
The plot was well narrated through the viewpoints of both Freya and Phil. Even though the reveal at the end was good, the overall conclusion was slightly rushed. While it was an easy read, it wasn’t as exciting or thrilling as I had hoped it would be.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
Finally, when Freya decides it’s time she escaped their increasingly broken marriage, she gets a visit from the police. Phil’s been in a horrific car crash and when he regains conscious, he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon two years before, back when their relationship was perfect. All he wants is to be happily married again.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous but Phil needs her. Can they start over again?
This is a suspenseful read with a few twists in the plot.
It was interesting concept which gets you thinking about Phil’s changed personality and memory loss after the accident. Coming to Freya’s predicament, on one hand she needs to be there for Phil as his wife especially since he remembers only the good memories but on the other hand, she can’t actually forget nor forgive his past actions because there is no guarantee that it won’t happen again in the future. Personally, I felt that she should have just gone ahead and left him because he seemed as quite a shady character right from the start.
The plot was well narrated through the viewpoints of both Freya and Phil. Even though the reveal at the end was good, the overall conclusion was slightly rushed. While it was an easy read, it wasn’t as exciting or thrilling as I had hoped it would be.
Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
November 23, 2020
Appearances are not always what they seem. Phil and Freya Keegan are the idyllic married couple. They have a nice house with a charming yard befitting Phil's handsome looks and Freya's stunning figure. From all appearances, they have the perfect marriage. But when Phil is involved in an "supposed" accident that nearly costs him his life, we find that their idyllic marriage isn't that idyllic after all; and that perhaps Phill wasn't the best person to be married to.
A Stranger in My Bed is a gripping read with a well developed small cast of characters. The narrative is well executed with plot twists that will keep you on your toes. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers. Four stars. I really liked it.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
A Stranger in My Bed is a gripping read with a well developed small cast of characters. The narrative is well executed with plot twists that will keep you on your toes. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers. Four stars. I really liked it.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 25, 2020
i so enjoyed this very addictive .Freya s husband Phil is seriously injured in a car accident .and when he wakes up has forgotten the last 2 years he thinks they have just got married . but that night Freya was going to leave him . she tells her sister Daisy that he is abusive her sister is shocked . but Daisy has a secret that she does not want anyone to find out but the police say it was not an accident someone wanted him died the twists in this book so good
October 22, 2020
Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for the provided ARC. Please keep in mind while reading this review that this is an ARC I've read.
The Stranger In My Bed is a title that immediately drew my attention. I absolutely love thrillers and the description of this book made me feel intrigued.
Freya is a young woman whose marriage is on the rocks and she is about to leave her abusive husband when he gets into a serious accident and loses his memory of the last two years. This makes Freya hopeful, perhaps too hopeful, that she and her husband might have a second chance at love. However, not all is as it seems and along the way you start asking yourself, who is the true abuser here and what secrets that have been buried in the mud for quite some time will come uncovered?
I think I would've given this book five stars if I hadn't struggled with the writing style so much. A lot of speech is repetitive, especially in the beginning and at first I felt as if I was reading a children's book. The use of vocabulary, the short sentences, the repetitive speech etc. It got a lot better when the book progressed and when the tension starts building up. I love how the author plays tricks on your mind, you keep second guessing whether Freya is as innocent as she claims to be, whether someone like Phil could be an abuser. At first we only get Freya's POV but later in the book we also get POV from Phil and Daisy. The author has crafted an intricate spiderweb with twists and turns and towards the end of the book there is a big built up with quite the stunning reveal.
I do think it felt a slightly bit rushed towards the end and perhaps with some more elaboration on some chapters it would have felt more wrapped up but I definitely recommend this book for mystery and thriller fans. I think Karin King does a wonderful job of capturing the reader's attention and the book is really engrossing.
The Stranger In My Bed is a title that immediately drew my attention. I absolutely love thrillers and the description of this book made me feel intrigued.
Freya is a young woman whose marriage is on the rocks and she is about to leave her abusive husband when he gets into a serious accident and loses his memory of the last two years. This makes Freya hopeful, perhaps too hopeful, that she and her husband might have a second chance at love. However, not all is as it seems and along the way you start asking yourself, who is the true abuser here and what secrets that have been buried in the mud for quite some time will come uncovered?
I think I would've given this book five stars if I hadn't struggled with the writing style so much. A lot of speech is repetitive, especially in the beginning and at first I felt as if I was reading a children's book. The use of vocabulary, the short sentences, the repetitive speech etc. It got a lot better when the book progressed and when the tension starts building up. I love how the author plays tricks on your mind, you keep second guessing whether Freya is as innocent as she claims to be, whether someone like Phil could be an abuser. At first we only get Freya's POV but later in the book we also get POV from Phil and Daisy. The author has crafted an intricate spiderweb with twists and turns and towards the end of the book there is a big built up with quite the stunning reveal.
I do think it felt a slightly bit rushed towards the end and perhaps with some more elaboration on some chapters it would have felt more wrapped up but I definitely recommend this book for mystery and thriller fans. I think Karin King does a wonderful job of capturing the reader's attention and the book is really engrossing.
January 3, 2021
Freya and Phil have been married two years. What started as a fairy-tale marriage has turned into something quite different. Phil definitely needs anger management .... he has emotionally and physically abused Freya. And she has done the last thing she'd ever thought she would ... her bags are packed and in the car.
She's interrupted when police show at her door. Seems like Phil's been involved in a terrible auto accident and is in a coma in the hospital. She stays by his side until he wakes from his coma ... he remembers nothing after the honeymoon.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous. But now he’s the one who needs her, it’s a chance to turn the tables, and to change the outcome of their relationship once and for all. After all, he will only know what she chooses to tell him…
What really happened during those two years of marriage? Who's lying .. who's telling the truth? Who's safe ... and who isn't? And who is leaving Phil threatening notes?
This is a well written look at domestic abuse and the challenges of making the right decisions at the right time. I have to confess ... I did not like Phil one iota. I felt sympathy for Freya who's torn between trying to save her marriage and running like crazy and getting away as fast as she can. Twists and turns make this a real page-turner. Suspense starts on the very first page and only increases until the unexpected, surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
She's interrupted when police show at her door. Seems like Phil's been involved in a terrible auto accident and is in a coma in the hospital. She stays by his side until he wakes from his coma ... he remembers nothing after the honeymoon.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous. But now he’s the one who needs her, it’s a chance to turn the tables, and to change the outcome of their relationship once and for all. After all, he will only know what she chooses to tell him…
What really happened during those two years of marriage? Who's lying .. who's telling the truth? Who's safe ... and who isn't? And who is leaving Phil threatening notes?
This is a well written look at domestic abuse and the challenges of making the right decisions at the right time. I have to confess ... I did not like Phil one iota. I felt sympathy for Freya who's torn between trying to save her marriage and running like crazy and getting away as fast as she can. Twists and turns make this a real page-turner. Suspense starts on the very first page and only increases until the unexpected, surprising conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 26, 2020
3.5
I enjoyed this very creative plot.
Freya and Phil have a tumultuous marriage. After an argument regarding a last minute trip to Dubai, Phil storms out of the house and drives away. A few moments later Phil crashes into a lorry - and remains in a coma for a few days. Upon waking, Phil believes he and Freya have just returned from their honeymoon, thus missing his last two years of memories.
This story is told from several perspectives - Freya provides current details as well as insight into the last two years of her marriage. Phil proved himself to be quite a narcissist - this latest argument only cementing Freya's conviction she must leave her abusive marriage. Yet she remains torn - as Phil is struggling to adapt to life outside of the hospital. The question remains - can people change?
Phil allows for an interesting perspective as he struggles to reclaim his memories. Can he trust Freya? Who tampered with his brakes? What could he have done to warrant the menacing notes left on his study desk?
The person who tampered with Phil's breaks also lends a voice, creepy and threatening; enhancing the mystery surrounding Phil's behavior and conveniently missing memories.
Finally Daisy - she had an affair with Phil, who of course has no memory of using his charm, claiming Freya was abusive and granting some excitement in her average life.
At times, I struggled to remember what perspective spoke in the chapters. Though some chapters are named with the character, I struggled occasionally to carry over the detail.
I enjoyed this story - again very creative. The different perspectives allowed for an in-depth reflection and character building.
I enjoyed this very creative plot.
Freya and Phil have a tumultuous marriage. After an argument regarding a last minute trip to Dubai, Phil storms out of the house and drives away. A few moments later Phil crashes into a lorry - and remains in a coma for a few days. Upon waking, Phil believes he and Freya have just returned from their honeymoon, thus missing his last two years of memories.
This story is told from several perspectives - Freya provides current details as well as insight into the last two years of her marriage. Phil proved himself to be quite a narcissist - this latest argument only cementing Freya's conviction she must leave her abusive marriage. Yet she remains torn - as Phil is struggling to adapt to life outside of the hospital. The question remains - can people change?
Phil allows for an interesting perspective as he struggles to reclaim his memories. Can he trust Freya? Who tampered with his brakes? What could he have done to warrant the menacing notes left on his study desk?
The person who tampered with Phil's breaks also lends a voice, creepy and threatening; enhancing the mystery surrounding Phil's behavior and conveniently missing memories.
Finally Daisy - she had an affair with Phil, who of course has no memory of using his charm, claiming Freya was abusive and granting some excitement in her average life.
At times, I struggled to remember what perspective spoke in the chapters. Though some chapters are named with the character, I struggled occasionally to carry over the detail.
I enjoyed this story - again very creative. The different perspectives allowed for an in-depth reflection and character building.
October 17, 2020
This is a great read. The plot twists and turns and keeps you guessing right until the last page. Not only is this an engrossing thriller, but it's a good exploration of what it means to be in a violent relationship. I will definitely read this author again.
November 22, 2020
This was a great psychological thriller which put me on a rollicking ride from the beginning to end. Author Karen King’s writing kept in smooth in its pace and convoluted in its plotlines, where I was in a conundrum about who was telling me the truth.
A dream marriage broken by violence, Freya had had enough. She’d packed her bags and was about to leave when the cops visited her. Her husband had been in an accident and was critical.
In the hospital, she barely had time to make a tough decision when she came to know Phil had lost his memory of the past 2 years of marriage. He didn’t remember the abuse. Hoping for the best this time around, she went home with him. But things started to happen around the house, and tempers started rising.
I read the first few pages and thought I had figured it out. But no, the author flummoxed me completely and my theories were shattered. The story kept playing me like a yo-yo and I didn’t know which way to turn. This was told in Freya and Phil’s POV with input from others.
Freya’s dilemma, her sister Daisy’s support, Phil’s confusion and his slow transformation kept me hooked to my kindle. Having been in Freya’s place where I knew I was not being treated well yet stayed in the relationship, I could identify with her.
The story had its dips and highs leading to a expectedly unexpected finish. The book was UNPUTDOWNABLE as it kept me completely engrossed in the prose.
P. S. Traumatic brain injury and coma could cause death of certain centers in the brain and cause a personality change in patients.
A dream marriage broken by violence, Freya had had enough. She’d packed her bags and was about to leave when the cops visited her. Her husband had been in an accident and was critical.
In the hospital, she barely had time to make a tough decision when she came to know Phil had lost his memory of the past 2 years of marriage. He didn’t remember the abuse. Hoping for the best this time around, she went home with him. But things started to happen around the house, and tempers started rising.
I read the first few pages and thought I had figured it out. But no, the author flummoxed me completely and my theories were shattered. The story kept playing me like a yo-yo and I didn’t know which way to turn. This was told in Freya and Phil’s POV with input from others.
Freya’s dilemma, her sister Daisy’s support, Phil’s confusion and his slow transformation kept me hooked to my kindle. Having been in Freya’s place where I knew I was not being treated well yet stayed in the relationship, I could identify with her.
The story had its dips and highs leading to a expectedly unexpected finish. The book was UNPUTDOWNABLE as it kept me completely engrossed in the prose.
P. S. Traumatic brain injury and coma could cause death of certain centers in the brain and cause a personality change in patients.
November 28, 2020
Holy Hell! What did I just read. This was amazing!
When Freya gets a visit from the police informing her that her husband, Phil, has been in a car accident and is in a coma, Freya rushes to his side. But, is Freya making the right decision to stand by her husband when he wakes up with amnesia, not remembering the two years they have been married? Is Freya taking a chance with an abusive husband hoping things will turn out differently? Or is Phil really the abusive husband Freya claims him to be?
Reading this story will leave you mightily confused, but in a good way. Who is telling the truth and who is telling lies? At one point it seems both are unreliable narrators especially when the truth seems to get muddled in with misdirection. Which one are you going to trust? Is it Freya, the supposedly battered wife or Phil, the supposedly loving husband who wants nothing more than to get to the truth. Going back and forth between the both of them will leave your head spinning as you race to the end trying to figure it all out.
Make no mistake, there are some heavy trigger warnings during the course of this story in regards to physical and emotional abuse. At times, they become very heavy and not easy to read and I found myself getting angry. I may have even let out a few curse words! Okay, more than just “may” I definitely let drop a few F bombs and “what the F’s.” I have such a potty mouth!
Will the reader figure some things out on their own? Sure. But boy oh boy that ending rocked! I definitely did not expect that. I think my jaw dropped open! Simply brilliant!
This is definitely a book that you surely do not want to miss! A definite five star read for me!
When Freya gets a visit from the police informing her that her husband, Phil, has been in a car accident and is in a coma, Freya rushes to his side. But, is Freya making the right decision to stand by her husband when he wakes up with amnesia, not remembering the two years they have been married? Is Freya taking a chance with an abusive husband hoping things will turn out differently? Or is Phil really the abusive husband Freya claims him to be?
Reading this story will leave you mightily confused, but in a good way. Who is telling the truth and who is telling lies? At one point it seems both are unreliable narrators especially when the truth seems to get muddled in with misdirection. Which one are you going to trust? Is it Freya, the supposedly battered wife or Phil, the supposedly loving husband who wants nothing more than to get to the truth. Going back and forth between the both of them will leave your head spinning as you race to the end trying to figure it all out.
Make no mistake, there are some heavy trigger warnings during the course of this story in regards to physical and emotional abuse. At times, they become very heavy and not easy to read and I found myself getting angry. I may have even let out a few curse words! Okay, more than just “may” I definitely let drop a few F bombs and “what the F’s.” I have such a potty mouth!
Will the reader figure some things out on their own? Sure. But boy oh boy that ending rocked! I definitely did not expect that. I think my jaw dropped open! Simply brilliant!
This is definitely a book that you surely do not want to miss! A definite five star read for me!
October 19, 2020
Thank you Bookouture, Karen King and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Freya is leaving her Husband after two years in an abusive marriage. She is walking out the door with her suitcases when she learns her Husband has been in a terrible car accident. She rushes to the hospital where she learns he has forgotten the last two years of her life. Does she stay? Does she go?
However, not all is as it seems. All along this thrill ride of a Novel, the Reader questions what he/she thinks is going to happen as it is never what it seems to be. There is infidelity, abuse, lies and even a question of whether Freya is the abuser and who is actually telling the truth.
I loved the premise of this book. The abuser has amnesia. The wife about to leave him decides to give him a second chance. Brilliant! The ending of the book tied everything up quite nicely. Karen King has done a fantastic job with this and I can't wait to read her other Novels!
Freya is leaving her Husband after two years in an abusive marriage. She is walking out the door with her suitcases when she learns her Husband has been in a terrible car accident. She rushes to the hospital where she learns he has forgotten the last two years of her life. Does she stay? Does she go?
However, not all is as it seems. All along this thrill ride of a Novel, the Reader questions what he/she thinks is going to happen as it is never what it seems to be. There is infidelity, abuse, lies and even a question of whether Freya is the abuser and who is actually telling the truth.
I loved the premise of this book. The abuser has amnesia. The wife about to leave him decides to give him a second chance. Brilliant! The ending of the book tied everything up quite nicely. Karen King has done a fantastic job with this and I can't wait to read her other Novels!
October 14, 2020
Freya and Phil had a whirlwind romance and became married. They had a tumultuous marriage and Phil had a horrible car accident the night Freya had enough of Phil's abuse and decided to leave him, Then there was a terrible turn to Freya's situation, What should she do now? Should she stay or leave? I'm not sure what I would have done but I couldn't read fast enough to see what unfolds. There are twists that will leave you wondering what is really going on? Who can you believe? Everyone in the book has something to hide and it all ties together with one shocking twist at the end! I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the authors other work.
October 13, 2020
Thank you Net Galley for granting me this book in return for an honest review. I do not want to give the story away - it’s covered in the synopsis but I would say this is the first book I have read by this author and enjoyed it immensely. I loved the style of writing how it covered the different characters and their feelings and from page one was hooked by the drama within.
I did not want to put it down and could not wait for the next chapter totally absorbing and would highly recommend.
I did not want to put it down and could not wait for the next chapter totally absorbing and would highly recommend.
March 19, 2021
Who would want Phil dead? Has he actually lost his memory? Is he truly abusive?
I think #KarenKing did a great job with her first #psychologicalthriller! I would definitely read another by her! This book is short, written in multiple POV, unreliable narrators, and has a few great twists.
I think #KarenKing did a great job with her first #psychologicalthriller! I would definitely read another by her! This book is short, written in multiple POV, unreliable narrators, and has a few great twists.
November 23, 2020
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Karen King's debut psychological thriller THE STRANGER IN MY BED.
WOW! What a thrill ride! I simply devoured this book in a matter of hours not knowing who was lying, who was telling the truth and who was bluffing. This one had me blinkered till not quite the end and - BAM! Everything fell into place and it all started to make sense. But holy moly...this is one addictive read!!
The story opens with an unidentified person watching the subject of their hate storm out of the house, unlock his car and drive off at speed. They follow him...watching, waiting...wanting to see the moment he realises the brakes on his car have failed and he can't stop. And then - BOOM! They watch as the lorry pulls out of a side road and smash into his car. And though they don't want anyone else to get hurt...they hope HE dies.
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. He bought her different coloured roses to signify his love and showed her affection like she had never known before. Within a few months, they jet-setted to Barbados where they married and honeymooned and enjoyed the first two weeks of married bliss. Freya could not be happier.
But over time that dream became a violent nightmare. Their last row was over a holiday he surprised her with to Dubai, expecting her to drop everything and take the next week off. When Freya told him she was in the middle of a big presentation for a major client and couldn't leave now, Phil switched from loving husband to a raging monster in a matter of seconds. Accusing her of being a selfish cow who spoiled for a fight every time he tried to do something nice, of always pushing his buttons, before throwing the newly presented roses in the vase that had been a wedding present at her hitting the wall and smashing into pieces on impact. He then stormed out of the house, jumped in his car and sped away.
Freya knew now she had to get away. He was never going to change; he just became more unpredictable and more violent that she now feared for her safety. Packing her bags and stuffing them into the boot of her Ford Fiesta, she is about to leave their broken marriage when the police knock on her door. Phil has been involved in an horrific car accident and has been transported to hospital in a coma.
Now three days later, Freya sits at his bedside hoping and praying that he will wake up. She may not want to remain married to him but she doesn't want him dead. Her older sister Daisy has been a real support to her, sitting with her and driving her to the hospital. Although the sisters have never really been close, Freya doesn't know what she would have done without Daisy over the last few days. Then when Phil regains consciousness it soon becomes clear that he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon...two years ago. Is his amnesia real? Or is he faking it?
He senses Freya's reticence and is troubled by it but all he wants is to be happily married again. However, Freya knows that giving him another chance could be dangerous. But Phil needs her...she can't leave him now. Is it possible they can start over again? She has never confided in anyone about the abuse she has suffered at Phil's hands and thinks it's time to ask her sister for her thoughts. Daisy tells her that if Phil is indeed violent, she should not ever go back. But Freya can see the man she fell in love with. Maybe he is a changed man and the fact that he can no longer remember the horrible times in their marriage means that they can start again. Besides, he needs her just now. She can't just leave him when he is so vulnerable and has no idea why. But Daisy has her promise that at the first sign of violence she must leave.
Meanwhile, the police are investigating the car accident and have discovered that the brakes have been tampered with. Someone wanted Phil injured...or worse still, to die. But who?
When Phil comes home, the couple work at rebuilding their lives together...all the while Freya keeping an eye out for the return of his previous disturbing and abusive behaviour. But then strange things start happening. The back doors are found open one morning and Freya thinks the stress in trying to recall his forgotten memories has caused Phil to begin sleepwalking again. When they are found open again a few more times, Freya continues to put it down to sleepwalking...but Phil knows it isn't. Upon every occasion the doors have been found open, Phil has then found a note left for him in his study. Threatening notes saying "You will pay for what you did" and the like. But there is no sign of a break-in, which means someone has a key to their home. Feeling especially uneasy, he convinces Freya they should invest in a bolt for the doors...to stop him from opening them in the night.
So who is coming into their home at night? Watching them sleep? Leaving threatening notes? Is it the same person who sabotaged his brakes? If only he could remember, he might be able to recall any enemies.
However, not all is as it seems. Everything is smoke and mirrors and you start to wonder who is the abuser and who is the victim? What secrets are they trying to hide? As Phil begins to recover from his injuries is he also beginning to recover his lost memories? Or did he never lose them to begin with? As secrets start to come to light, the past comes back to haunt them leaving Freya with some major decisions to make. But has she left it too long?
My first thought as Freya gives her marriage a second chance is that she's deluded...but then I remember when I was in the same situation and I know that it is never as simple as that. She genuinely loves her husband and wants the man she married back and is hopeful that his amnesia will give them both that second chance. But what happens if and when Phil's memories start to return? What happens when she does something or says something he doesn't agree with? What happens when she sees that rage build in him again and another row ensues? What happens when that row becomes violent and he begins to blame her for his bursts of anger again? Can she excuse them as his frustration at his lost memories? Or will she see them for what they are? But by then will it be too late to leave him?
The cycle of abuse is the same in any language. They row, he accuses her of imagined slights, they row some more, he becomes violent, she cries, he apologises - usually with bouquets of roses - and she forgives him...again. And so it continues. Abuse comes in many forms and in Phil it is manipulative and coercive control that leaves Freya feeling that she is to blame for his temper. After all, she's the only one who does this to him...so he says.
BUT in an interesting twist, he has told Daisy that Freya was the abuser and HE was fearful of HER. Since he has no recollection of the past two years, he wonders could this actually be true? And so, Phil begins to keep things from Freya wondering if he can truly trust her. Or is that just an act?
Usually I can sense who is up to no good and who is may be doing what but THE STRANGER IN MY BED had me flummoxed. I couldn't trust either Freya or Phil as I honestly wasn't sure which one of them was telling the truth...or if they both were. I did tend to side with Freya, as a former domestic abuse victim myself, and found her to be more believable. But then it wouldn't be a psychological thriller if the possibilty of her actually being the abuser wasn't considered either...just to turn things on their head a little. In the end, I wasn't sure who to believe, although my spidey senses told me not to trust Phil. And then that had me questioning if his amnesia was real or not. It was a complete mind***!
Despite being a slow burn, I was hooked from the absolute beginning, as the story generated enough tension and suspense throughout to keep me engaged as I tried to nitpick my way through the debris of Freya and Phil's marriage. As I pondered the two mysteries within this story - the one surrounding the alleged abuse and that of the unidentified person who watched and waited until the right time to reveal themselves - I couldn't wait to see how the two stories would collide.
Told in the narratives of Freya and Phil initially and the sporadic inclusion of the mysterious watcher, we also get Daisy's perspective further down the track as THE STRANGER IN MY BED is tightly woven into a tangled web of secrets, lies and abuse. I had my suspicions throughout about a character or two which in part turned out to be correct. But I was still discombobulated about who was actually telling the truth. Many others have claimed there to be no real twist but final summation does give us a rather stunning reveal, which I found to be a clever twist.
When I turned the final page on my kindle I let out of sigh of WOW! What a book! I was left breathless throughout most of the book and by the time I read those final words...I was speechless.
The author may be knew to this genre but I believe she has perfected it well. Ditch the romance and keep churning out these thrillers. If THE STRANGER IN MY BED is anything to go by, Karen King has a promising future as a psychological thriller author. I look forward to seeing what she can WOW us with next!
I would like to thank #KarenKing, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheStrangerInMyBed in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
WOW! What a thrill ride! I simply devoured this book in a matter of hours not knowing who was lying, who was telling the truth and who was bluffing. This one had me blinkered till not quite the end and - BAM! Everything fell into place and it all started to make sense. But holy moly...this is one addictive read!!
The story opens with an unidentified person watching the subject of their hate storm out of the house, unlock his car and drive off at speed. They follow him...watching, waiting...wanting to see the moment he realises the brakes on his car have failed and he can't stop. And then - BOOM! They watch as the lorry pulls out of a side road and smash into his car. And though they don't want anyone else to get hurt...they hope HE dies.
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. He bought her different coloured roses to signify his love and showed her affection like she had never known before. Within a few months, they jet-setted to Barbados where they married and honeymooned and enjoyed the first two weeks of married bliss. Freya could not be happier.
But over time that dream became a violent nightmare. Their last row was over a holiday he surprised her with to Dubai, expecting her to drop everything and take the next week off. When Freya told him she was in the middle of a big presentation for a major client and couldn't leave now, Phil switched from loving husband to a raging monster in a matter of seconds. Accusing her of being a selfish cow who spoiled for a fight every time he tried to do something nice, of always pushing his buttons, before throwing the newly presented roses in the vase that had been a wedding present at her hitting the wall and smashing into pieces on impact. He then stormed out of the house, jumped in his car and sped away.
Freya knew now she had to get away. He was never going to change; he just became more unpredictable and more violent that she now feared for her safety. Packing her bags and stuffing them into the boot of her Ford Fiesta, she is about to leave their broken marriage when the police knock on her door. Phil has been involved in an horrific car accident and has been transported to hospital in a coma.
Now three days later, Freya sits at his bedside hoping and praying that he will wake up. She may not want to remain married to him but she doesn't want him dead. Her older sister Daisy has been a real support to her, sitting with her and driving her to the hospital. Although the sisters have never really been close, Freya doesn't know what she would have done without Daisy over the last few days. Then when Phil regains consciousness it soon becomes clear that he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon...two years ago. Is his amnesia real? Or is he faking it?
He senses Freya's reticence and is troubled by it but all he wants is to be happily married again. However, Freya knows that giving him another chance could be dangerous. But Phil needs her...she can't leave him now. Is it possible they can start over again? She has never confided in anyone about the abuse she has suffered at Phil's hands and thinks it's time to ask her sister for her thoughts. Daisy tells her that if Phil is indeed violent, she should not ever go back. But Freya can see the man she fell in love with. Maybe he is a changed man and the fact that he can no longer remember the horrible times in their marriage means that they can start again. Besides, he needs her just now. She can't just leave him when he is so vulnerable and has no idea why. But Daisy has her promise that at the first sign of violence she must leave.
Meanwhile, the police are investigating the car accident and have discovered that the brakes have been tampered with. Someone wanted Phil injured...or worse still, to die. But who?
When Phil comes home, the couple work at rebuilding their lives together...all the while Freya keeping an eye out for the return of his previous disturbing and abusive behaviour. But then strange things start happening. The back doors are found open one morning and Freya thinks the stress in trying to recall his forgotten memories has caused Phil to begin sleepwalking again. When they are found open again a few more times, Freya continues to put it down to sleepwalking...but Phil knows it isn't. Upon every occasion the doors have been found open, Phil has then found a note left for him in his study. Threatening notes saying "You will pay for what you did" and the like. But there is no sign of a break-in, which means someone has a key to their home. Feeling especially uneasy, he convinces Freya they should invest in a bolt for the doors...to stop him from opening them in the night.
So who is coming into their home at night? Watching them sleep? Leaving threatening notes? Is it the same person who sabotaged his brakes? If only he could remember, he might be able to recall any enemies.
However, not all is as it seems. Everything is smoke and mirrors and you start to wonder who is the abuser and who is the victim? What secrets are they trying to hide? As Phil begins to recover from his injuries is he also beginning to recover his lost memories? Or did he never lose them to begin with? As secrets start to come to light, the past comes back to haunt them leaving Freya with some major decisions to make. But has she left it too long?
My first thought as Freya gives her marriage a second chance is that she's deluded...but then I remember when I was in the same situation and I know that it is never as simple as that. She genuinely loves her husband and wants the man she married back and is hopeful that his amnesia will give them both that second chance. But what happens if and when Phil's memories start to return? What happens when she does something or says something he doesn't agree with? What happens when she sees that rage build in him again and another row ensues? What happens when that row becomes violent and he begins to blame her for his bursts of anger again? Can she excuse them as his frustration at his lost memories? Or will she see them for what they are? But by then will it be too late to leave him?
The cycle of abuse is the same in any language. They row, he accuses her of imagined slights, they row some more, he becomes violent, she cries, he apologises - usually with bouquets of roses - and she forgives him...again. And so it continues. Abuse comes in many forms and in Phil it is manipulative and coercive control that leaves Freya feeling that she is to blame for his temper. After all, she's the only one who does this to him...so he says.
BUT in an interesting twist, he has told Daisy that Freya was the abuser and HE was fearful of HER. Since he has no recollection of the past two years, he wonders could this actually be true? And so, Phil begins to keep things from Freya wondering if he can truly trust her. Or is that just an act?
Usually I can sense who is up to no good and who is may be doing what but THE STRANGER IN MY BED had me flummoxed. I couldn't trust either Freya or Phil as I honestly wasn't sure which one of them was telling the truth...or if they both were. I did tend to side with Freya, as a former domestic abuse victim myself, and found her to be more believable. But then it wouldn't be a psychological thriller if the possibilty of her actually being the abuser wasn't considered either...just to turn things on their head a little. In the end, I wasn't sure who to believe, although my spidey senses told me not to trust Phil. And then that had me questioning if his amnesia was real or not. It was a complete mind***!
Despite being a slow burn, I was hooked from the absolute beginning, as the story generated enough tension and suspense throughout to keep me engaged as I tried to nitpick my way through the debris of Freya and Phil's marriage. As I pondered the two mysteries within this story - the one surrounding the alleged abuse and that of the unidentified person who watched and waited until the right time to reveal themselves - I couldn't wait to see how the two stories would collide.
Told in the narratives of Freya and Phil initially and the sporadic inclusion of the mysterious watcher, we also get Daisy's perspective further down the track as THE STRANGER IN MY BED is tightly woven into a tangled web of secrets, lies and abuse. I had my suspicions throughout about a character or two which in part turned out to be correct. But I was still discombobulated about who was actually telling the truth. Many others have claimed there to be no real twist but final summation does give us a rather stunning reveal, which I found to be a clever twist.
When I turned the final page on my kindle I let out of sigh of WOW! What a book! I was left breathless throughout most of the book and by the time I read those final words...I was speechless.
The author may be knew to this genre but I believe she has perfected it well. Ditch the romance and keep churning out these thrillers. If THE STRANGER IN MY BED is anything to go by, Karen King has a promising future as a psychological thriller author. I look forward to seeing what she can WOW us with next!
I would like to thank #KarenKing, #NetGalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheStrangerInMyBed in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 10, 2021
The Stranger in my Bed by Karen King
Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense
Published: 23rd November 2020
★★★★★ 5 stars
DESCRIPTION:
‘We have a patient who has been involved in a serious accident. We believe he’s your husband.’
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. He bought her roses every week, booked surprise trips to sun-soaked destinations, and showed her affection like she’d never experienced before. But over time the dream has become a violent nightmare. And now Freya is packing her bags, knowing it’s time she escaped their increasingly broken marriage.
But then Freya gets a visit from the police. Phil’s been in a horrific car crash and – as he comes around – it becomes clear that he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon two years before, back when their relationship was perfect. All he wants is to be happily married again.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous. But now he’s the one who needs her, it’s a chance to turn the tables, and to change the outcome of their relationship once and for all. After all, he will only know what she chooses to tell him…
But what really happened during those two years of marriage? And as they start over again, who is safe? And whose life is in danger?
Fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and Date Night, who are looking for a dark, gripping psychological suspense novel, will love The Stranger in My Bed.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stranger In My bed' by Karen King.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 23rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover its intriguing synopsis. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 58 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the UK 🇬🇧.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Freya, Phil and Daisy. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!!! Well fair play the first thing I must say is congratulations to Karen King for a HUGE success on what I would have never guessed was your first psychological thriller!!! Absolutely fantastic!! I never did work out who had did what and that is quite a feat considering it is quite hard to shock me now thay I have read so many suspense and thrillers yet I never did see that coming!! Anyway on with my review....
As you can tell from the above I loved it!!! This book is very well and smoothly written it just drags you straight into the storyline and keeps you in there under you have finished. A true page turner this book has an absolutely compelling and addictive storyline that kept me guessing throughout. I was continuously questioning who did what and who the victim was. I loved the ending and thought it fitted perfectly. The storyline is, sadly, very realistic and domestic abuse and gas lighting happens daily. I, myself have been in several abusive relationships as have several of my friends and know from first hand experience how easy it is to question yourself if your the one who has done wrong. Karen King has really got it perfect in this book, whether from experience or from research I don't know but either way it was written perfectly. Great descriptions throughout the book really putting the reader in the story and getting a good feel of what is going on.
The characters were very realistic and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The narration gave a really good in depth view of Freya and Phil's relationship. It is very thought provoking and makes the reader question what they would do in that situation.
I am looking forward to reading more psychological thrillers by this very talented author. Going from romances to psychological thrillers cannot have been an easy feat but you absolutely smashed it!!
Overall a page turning addictive psychological thriller that will have your heart racing.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Gone Girl' and anyone looking for an excellent solid read.
295 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStrangerInMyBed #Bookouture #KarenKing #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KarenKing @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Let’s Get to Know Karen King
Karen King is a multi-published bestselling author of fiction for both adults and children. She has also written several short stories for women’s magazines.
Currently published by Bookouture and Headline. Karen has recently signed a two-book deal with Bookouture to write psychological thrillers. The first one will be out in November, and the second one in 2021. She is also contracted to write three romance novels for Headline, which will be out in 2021 and 2022
Stay up to date with Karen’s work by visiting her website and looking her on this social media accounts.
http://www.karenking.net/
https://m.facebook.com/KarenKingAuthor/
https://mobile.twitter.com/karen_king
BUY YOUR COPY HERE :
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08GKRRPWHSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/u5Po50B8dyr
Kobo: http://ow.ly/RvQb50B8dwv
Google: http://ow.ly/1IPa50B8lnh
Genre: Psychological thriller, Domestic thriller, Suspense
Published: 23rd November 2020
★★★★★ 5 stars
DESCRIPTION:
‘We have a patient who has been involved in a serious accident. We believe he’s your husband.’
When Freya first met Phil, she thought he was the man of her dreams. He bought her roses every week, booked surprise trips to sun-soaked destinations, and showed her affection like she’d never experienced before. But over time the dream has become a violent nightmare. And now Freya is packing her bags, knowing it’s time she escaped their increasingly broken marriage.
But then Freya gets a visit from the police. Phil’s been in a horrific car crash and – as he comes around – it becomes clear that he remembers nothing since their blissful honeymoon two years before, back when their relationship was perfect. All he wants is to be happily married again.
Freya knows giving him another chance could be dangerous. But now he’s the one who needs her, it’s a chance to turn the tables, and to change the outcome of their relationship once and for all. After all, he will only know what she chooses to tell him…
But what really happened during those two years of marriage? And as they start over again, who is safe? And whose life is in danger?
Fans of The Girl on the Train, Behind Closed Doors and Date Night, who are looking for a dark, gripping psychological suspense novel, will love The Stranger in My Bed.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stranger In My bed' by Karen King.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 23rd November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover its intriguing synopsis. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 58 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the UK 🇬🇧.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Freya, Phil and Daisy. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow!!! Well fair play the first thing I must say is congratulations to Karen King for a HUGE success on what I would have never guessed was your first psychological thriller!!! Absolutely fantastic!! I never did work out who had did what and that is quite a feat considering it is quite hard to shock me now thay I have read so many suspense and thrillers yet I never did see that coming!! Anyway on with my review....
As you can tell from the above I loved it!!! This book is very well and smoothly written it just drags you straight into the storyline and keeps you in there under you have finished. A true page turner this book has an absolutely compelling and addictive storyline that kept me guessing throughout. I was continuously questioning who did what and who the victim was. I loved the ending and thought it fitted perfectly. The storyline is, sadly, very realistic and domestic abuse and gas lighting happens daily. I, myself have been in several abusive relationships as have several of my friends and know from first hand experience how easy it is to question yourself if your the one who has done wrong. Karen King has really got it perfect in this book, whether from experience or from research I don't know but either way it was written perfectly. Great descriptions throughout the book really putting the reader in the story and getting a good feel of what is going on.
The characters were very realistic and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The narration gave a really good in depth view of Freya and Phil's relationship. It is very thought provoking and makes the reader question what they would do in that situation.
I am looking forward to reading more psychological thrillers by this very talented author. Going from romances to psychological thrillers cannot have been an easy feat but you absolutely smashed it!!
Overall a page turning addictive psychological thriller that will have your heart racing.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Noir Fiction, Psychological Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Gone Girl' and anyone looking for an excellent solid read.
295 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStrangerInMyBed #Bookouture #KarenKing #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@KarenKing @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Let’s Get to Know Karen King
Karen King is a multi-published bestselling author of fiction for both adults and children. She has also written several short stories for women’s magazines.
Currently published by Bookouture and Headline. Karen has recently signed a two-book deal with Bookouture to write psychological thrillers. The first one will be out in November, and the second one in 2021. She is also contracted to write three romance novels for Headline, which will be out in 2021 and 2022
Stay up to date with Karen’s work by visiting her website and looking her on this social media accounts.
http://www.karenking.net/
https://m.facebook.com/KarenKingAuthor/
https://mobile.twitter.com/karen_king
BUY YOUR COPY HERE :
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08GKRRPWHSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/u5Po50B8dyr
Kobo: http://ow.ly/RvQb50B8dwv
Google: http://ow.ly/1IPa50B8lnh
October 13, 2020
Karen King’s debut psychological thriller, The Stranger In My Bed, to be published November 23, 2020, explores the darker side of relationships. Cleverly told from multiple points of view, the expertly woven storyline keeps readers guessing which partner is the abusive one and which partner is in danger. Told gently, as only an accomplished children’s writer could do, King’s thriller highlights the complexity of abusive relationships and why many victims choose to remain.
Freya and Phil Keegan haven’t been getting along for quite a while now. Surely the bruises, remnants of broken china and guiltily gifted bouquets reflect that something is wrong in their seemingly perfect marriage. One of them has had enough – the bags are packed and in the car. Then the unimaginable happens. Phil is in a near-fatal car accident and, although recovering, seems to have amnesia. How convenient. With no memory of the abuse, can the Keegans start over? Should they?
Readers familiar with the traits of an abusive relationship will instantly recognize one of the Keegans gaslighting the other. One of them will try to deny any knowledge of fights and even go so far as to play the victim. But you won’t be fooled. Will you? See for yourself. You’ve been warned: there are unexpected twists!
Amazon has a deal for you right now: $1.99 if you pre-order this thriller. At less than the cost of a great coffee, will you deny yourself the chance to sniff out who’s lying?
I can't wait to read King's second thriller available in 2021!
Thanks to Karen King, Netgalley and Bookouture for a great gift of an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Freya and Phil Keegan haven’t been getting along for quite a while now. Surely the bruises, remnants of broken china and guiltily gifted bouquets reflect that something is wrong in their seemingly perfect marriage. One of them has had enough – the bags are packed and in the car. Then the unimaginable happens. Phil is in a near-fatal car accident and, although recovering, seems to have amnesia. How convenient. With no memory of the abuse, can the Keegans start over? Should they?
Readers familiar with the traits of an abusive relationship will instantly recognize one of the Keegans gaslighting the other. One of them will try to deny any knowledge of fights and even go so far as to play the victim. But you won’t be fooled. Will you? See for yourself. You’ve been warned: there are unexpected twists!
Amazon has a deal for you right now: $1.99 if you pre-order this thriller. At less than the cost of a great coffee, will you deny yourself the chance to sniff out who’s lying?
I can't wait to read King's second thriller available in 2021!
Thanks to Karen King, Netgalley and Bookouture for a great gift of an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
I had to read this one, just for the cover alone and the blurb it sounded too good to miss and I was right. A brilliant read. Gripping devoured it in two days. I didn't want to put it down. A book that made me think what would I do if I was Freya? It's a tough one. Why those two forgotton years come back?
Brilliantly written, fast paced, intriguing and real page turner. A story about a marriage but not a happy one, amnesia and two lost years. Kept me guessing if the tides would turn or not. I was hooked up to the last page. A really good read. I enjoyed it. A new author to me aswell. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars.
Brilliantly written, fast paced, intriguing and real page turner. A story about a marriage but not a happy one, amnesia and two lost years. Kept me guessing if the tides would turn or not. I was hooked up to the last page. A really good read. I enjoyed it. A new author to me aswell. Highly recommend. A well deserved four stars.
May 19, 2024
I found this rather boring for its repetitiveness. It was well-written, if too wordy (again, repetitiveness). Freya is constantly going back and forth about whether to leave the clearly abusive Phil. Girl, get the hell out of there already.
October 14, 2020
Great title,
Attractive blurb
BUT
Predictable plot, not immersive much for me.
I kept DNFing it and finally gave in to DNFing it after 55%, nothing much happens, tad bit repetitive.
It is an okay read which can be overlooked if you are looking for an adrenaline filled, rollercoaster of a book which twists your mind and keeps you guessing.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Attractive blurb
BUT
Predictable plot, not immersive much for me.
I kept DNFing it and finally gave in to DNFing it after 55%, nothing much happens, tad bit repetitive.
It is an okay read which can be overlooked if you are looking for an adrenaline filled, rollercoaster of a book which twists your mind and keeps you guessing.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2020
In the beginning, the story was really slow paced. We get to meet Freya and her side of a story, but in the middle of a book everything changes.
I loved how we get to know the story of almost every character included.
I admit, I was bored about 60% into the book, but then everything became more twisty and interesting. And the end - omg!
Thank you NetGalley, Karen King and Bookouture for this ARC.
I loved how we get to know the story of almost every character included.
I admit, I was bored about 60% into the book, but then everything became more twisty and interesting. And the end - omg!
Thank you NetGalley, Karen King and Bookouture for this ARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews