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The Marriage
Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.
Ten years ago my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong, handsome boy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo I carried with me everywhere.
But today I’m finally close to finding happiness again. My ash-blonde hair has been curled into ringlets. Carefully placed white flowers frame my delicate features. The small, drab chapel has been prettied up with white satin, and there are tiny red hearts scattered on the small table where I will soon sign the register with my new husband.
The man who killed my son.
My friends and family can’t understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?
They don’t really know me at all…
Ten years ago my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong, handsome boy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo I carried with me everywhere.
But today I’m finally close to finding happiness again. My ash-blonde hair has been curled into ringlets. Carefully placed white flowers frame my delicate features. The small, drab chapel has been prettied up with white satin, and there are tiny red hearts scattered on the small table where I will soon sign the register with my new husband.
The man who killed my son.
My friends and family can’t understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?
They don’t really know me at all…
322 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2021
6598 people are currently reading
8901 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Slater
47 books4,767 followersKim is the number one bestselling author of sixteen psychological crime thrillers. She has sold over two million copies of her books worldwide. She has also written four Carnegie-nominated Young Adult novels as Kim Slater for Macmillan Children’s Books. Kim has an MA in Creative Writing and lives with her husband in a small Nottinghamshire village.
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
Publishers: Bookouture, Sphere, Grand Central, Audible
Agent: Camilla Bolton at Darley Anderson
Author website: www.KLSlaterAuthor.com
Twitter: @KimLSlater
Facebook: KL Slater Author
Instagram: KLSlaterAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,468 reviews
November 2, 2021
Oh my gosh! This is stunningly genius, shocking, provocative and one of the daring plot line I’ve ever read: Bridget at age 48 is ready to tie the knot with her 20 years younger groom. The age difference could be least of their problems. Because her young groom Tom was calling her aunt Bridget when he was wearing short pants and playing with her son Jesse. And now her groom is about to release from prison after 10 years later. What? Is he a criminal? What did he do? He killed her son and now she’s marrying with her son’s murderer because they learn to let bygones be bygones and the magic of restrictive justice program not only help them get through their traumas, it also push them fall for each other?
Is your mouth wide open now? I guess your answer is yes! I felt the same after reading a few chapters and asking myself if it could be for real.
My suspicious mind and spider spider senses push me question Bridget’s ulterior motives: could she really fall in love with the boy she took care of like her own son, the very same boy who has taken her own son’s life! Does she have secret agenda to make pay Tom’s family Jill and Robert who turned their backs to her after the murder and blamed her to raise a wild son who triggered Tom into a big fight, carrying a knife which ended up with Tom’s prisoning when only thing he did was defending himself.
Is Tom looking for mother figure who truly understands trauma he’s been suffering. Or has he been really platonically in love with Bridget for years? Could he have killed Jesse intentionally and now paying the price of his crime by marrying her?
And what about Tom’s family: Jill stopped living her life when her son arrested and put behind the bars for ten years, waiting for his release to provide him safe and sound life. And his father Robert who estranged for his mother is more agitated and hostile around him, reminding him of his mistakes over and over. Could they approve the marriage? You can guess their outrageous reactions and tremendous shock, can’t you?
And let’s not forget Coral who was Jess’ pregnant girlfriend when he died, raising her ten years old son Ellis who has hard time to understand the weird family dynamics because Bridget and Tom married in prison and they want both parties accept their marriage and adjust the new normal.
But of course the resentments, untold opinions, boiled frustrations will escalate. As the secrets and web of lies will reveal, somebody will get truly hurt!
I like the original, juicy, outstanding storyline idea and execution of it was also well crafted with impeccable characterization.
The ending was also made me laughed and reminded me of dear karma is truly b*tch!
K.L. Slater is one of the talented authors made you read her amazing, heart pounding, smart, fast pacing works in one sit.
This is one of the most provocative, dazzling, outstanding works of her I advised to go blind and enjoy!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Is your mouth wide open now? I guess your answer is yes! I felt the same after reading a few chapters and asking myself if it could be for real.
My suspicious mind and spider spider senses push me question Bridget’s ulterior motives: could she really fall in love with the boy she took care of like her own son, the very same boy who has taken her own son’s life! Does she have secret agenda to make pay Tom’s family Jill and Robert who turned their backs to her after the murder and blamed her to raise a wild son who triggered Tom into a big fight, carrying a knife which ended up with Tom’s prisoning when only thing he did was defending himself.
Is Tom looking for mother figure who truly understands trauma he’s been suffering. Or has he been really platonically in love with Bridget for years? Could he have killed Jesse intentionally and now paying the price of his crime by marrying her?
And what about Tom’s family: Jill stopped living her life when her son arrested and put behind the bars for ten years, waiting for his release to provide him safe and sound life. And his father Robert who estranged for his mother is more agitated and hostile around him, reminding him of his mistakes over and over. Could they approve the marriage? You can guess their outrageous reactions and tremendous shock, can’t you?
And let’s not forget Coral who was Jess’ pregnant girlfriend when he died, raising her ten years old son Ellis who has hard time to understand the weird family dynamics because Bridget and Tom married in prison and they want both parties accept their marriage and adjust the new normal.
But of course the resentments, untold opinions, boiled frustrations will escalate. As the secrets and web of lies will reveal, somebody will get truly hurt!
I like the original, juicy, outstanding storyline idea and execution of it was also well crafted with impeccable characterization.
The ending was also made me laughed and reminded me of dear karma is truly b*tch!
K.L. Slater is one of the talented authors made you read her amazing, heart pounding, smart, fast pacing works in one sit.
This is one of the most provocative, dazzling, outstanding works of her I advised to go blind and enjoy!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
April 18, 2021
I read this book completely because of its scandalous blurb!
........Ten years ago he killed my son.
Today I married him.
My friends and family can't understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?
They don't know me at all........
That premise is just so twisted (or as one of the characters calls it - obsene) that I had to know how the story was gonna play out.
The weather has been so nice this weekend and this was a great book to take outside, have a cocktail with, and get lost in the crazy. 3.5⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Available May 20th.
........Ten years ago he killed my son.
Today I married him.
My friends and family can't understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?
They don't know me at all........
That premise is just so twisted (or as one of the characters calls it - obsene) that I had to know how the story was gonna play out.
The weather has been so nice this weekend and this was a great book to take outside, have a cocktail with, and get lost in the crazy. 3.5⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Available May 20th.
May 19, 2021
Tom Billinghurst and Jesse Wilson were long-time best friends from childhood. Their moms, Jill and Bridget, respectively, were also best friends. Their lives were intertwined in the way that happens when another’s child is as much your own as yours by virtue of their constant presence in your life. Sounds rather idyllic, doesn’t it?
Flash forward to Tom and Jesse at 18-years-old at a club. Drinks have flown freely - at least for Jesse. Words have been spoken that the reader isn’t privy to. Tempers flare. A potential weapon is pulled. A punch is thrown. Now Jesse is dead and Tom is in prison. What happened?
Now jump ahead again 10 years. Bridget and Jill, bitterly divided by this horrible event a decade prior find themselves in the most unique and bizarre situation: Bridget has married Tom - the man who killed her son.
Excuse me … WHAT???!
If that wasn’t the mother of all complications - no pun intended - throw in Ellis, the now 9-year old son of Jesse and his one-time girlfriend, Coral, who can’t understand why his beloved grandmother has married the guy who killed his father.
Needless to say it’s a mess, as is every character in this book. Dive deeper and there are secrets, betrayals and darker truths at work, as all parties cast a suspicious eye on the other, trying to figure out why they’ve been thrust back into each others’ lives, and what potential motives are at work.
For 90 percent of the book, I was entranced. What are these characters up to? Is there a more sinister plan afoot? Who can I trust? What’s real and what isn’t? K.L. Slater strung me along and left me grasping for truth at every step and I was there for it! Whereas I don’t normally love a book full of unlikable characters, these were so compelling I wanted to follow their every step and figure out what and who I could trust. The use of the ever-changing POV, switching between Jill, Bridget, Tom, and several others allowed me to see the story from multiple angles, which I loved. As for the big reveal - I only put it together in the last moment before the reader is shown, and it was GOOD.
Now - here’s where the story lost a ½ star: the part after the big reveal. In the big picture, this is a minor complaint, since I’ll walk away from this book having thoroughly enjoyed it, but the wrap-up felt way too convenient and “clean” after such a twisted journey. I had a hard time believing the characters would end up where they did after so much complicated history together, and the tone felt too abruptly different from the rest of the book. As I said, a minor gripe and certainly not one that should put anyone off from reading this taut, compelling story!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author K.L. Slater for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. It will be published tomorrow: May 20th, 2021
Flash forward to Tom and Jesse at 18-years-old at a club. Drinks have flown freely - at least for Jesse. Words have been spoken that the reader isn’t privy to. Tempers flare. A potential weapon is pulled. A punch is thrown. Now Jesse is dead and Tom is in prison. What happened?
Now jump ahead again 10 years. Bridget and Jill, bitterly divided by this horrible event a decade prior find themselves in the most unique and bizarre situation: Bridget has married Tom - the man who killed her son.
Excuse me … WHAT???!
If that wasn’t the mother of all complications - no pun intended - throw in Ellis, the now 9-year old son of Jesse and his one-time girlfriend, Coral, who can’t understand why his beloved grandmother has married the guy who killed his father.
Needless to say it’s a mess, as is every character in this book. Dive deeper and there are secrets, betrayals and darker truths at work, as all parties cast a suspicious eye on the other, trying to figure out why they’ve been thrust back into each others’ lives, and what potential motives are at work.
For 90 percent of the book, I was entranced. What are these characters up to? Is there a more sinister plan afoot? Who can I trust? What’s real and what isn’t? K.L. Slater strung me along and left me grasping for truth at every step and I was there for it! Whereas I don’t normally love a book full of unlikable characters, these were so compelling I wanted to follow their every step and figure out what and who I could trust. The use of the ever-changing POV, switching between Jill, Bridget, Tom, and several others allowed me to see the story from multiple angles, which I loved. As for the big reveal - I only put it together in the last moment before the reader is shown, and it was GOOD.
Now - here’s where the story lost a ½ star: the part after the big reveal. In the big picture, this is a minor complaint, since I’ll walk away from this book having thoroughly enjoyed it, but the wrap-up felt way too convenient and “clean” after such a twisted journey. I had a hard time believing the characters would end up where they did after so much complicated history together, and the tone felt too abruptly different from the rest of the book. As I said, a minor gripe and certainly not one that should put anyone off from reading this taut, compelling story!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author K.L. Slater for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. It will be published tomorrow: May 20th, 2021
April 19, 2021
3.5 STARS
I'm a Slater fan and I'm always happy to read her entertaining mysteries filled with secrets and domestic drama!
The characters came to life and the story took me on a twisted litte journey. A shocking premise of a woman who married a man in prison for killing her son. Why would she even do that?! One character really got on my nerves!! Could that be the one who gets it in the end?
A fast, easy read with some surprising twists, drama, and that karma that delivers!
Thanks Bookouture and NG for my review copy. OUT on May 20, 2021
I'm a Slater fan and I'm always happy to read her entertaining mysteries filled with secrets and domestic drama!
The characters came to life and the story took me on a twisted litte journey. A shocking premise of a woman who married a man in prison for killing her son. Why would she even do that?! One character really got on my nerves!! Could that be the one who gets it in the end?
A fast, easy read with some surprising twists, drama, and that karma that delivers!
Thanks Bookouture and NG for my review copy. OUT on May 20, 2021
April 18, 2021
In April 2019 Bridget, 48, marries 28 year old Tom. In HMP Nottingham. Tom has served ten years for the manslaughter of Bridget’s son Jesse. Say what?? Yes, it’s true, they keep their marriage secret until Toms release and then you can imagine the fireworks.
I like KL Slater’s books because they always take you on an interesting and twisty journey. The premise of this one is really good and gives huge scope for examining the ensuing family dynamics and testing relationships especially after a tragedy. This premise arises out of the Restorative Justice programme for examining fault and blame in the hope of acceptance and making amends where applicable. The characters are good and there’s a balanced mix of likeable and others definitely not so much. Bridget really intrigues me as her background is a tough one, there’s definitely steel going through her core but long before she marries Tom she has made something good out of Jesse’s death. She seems to have deep love for Tom although you do find yourself questioning the truth of it and not totally trusting it. The impact and shock of Tom’s conviction and imprisonment on his parents is very well done as is their reaction to the marriage. There’s a lot going on in the novel, there are elements of control, a multitude of secrets and lies and the deeper you go the more unsettling it gets and you waver in your thoughts on characters, witnessing illusions, delusions and knowing that scales need to fall from eyes. There are plenty of twists, some are surprising and it’s probably best to just suspend disbelief and go with the flow for an enjoyable read. I really do like the ultimate end as there’s some sort of justice there and also the black humour of it!
There are one or two issues with the timelines jumping about a lot which is somewhat confusing at times and there are a lot of different points of view which leads to some repetition. However, when seen as a whole these are small points as the positives greatly outweigh the negatives.
Overall, another entertaining domestic noir with plenty of thoughtful elements especially with how individuals cope when tragedy strikes and coping when a family member goes to prison.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I like KL Slater’s books because they always take you on an interesting and twisty journey. The premise of this one is really good and gives huge scope for examining the ensuing family dynamics and testing relationships especially after a tragedy. This premise arises out of the Restorative Justice programme for examining fault and blame in the hope of acceptance and making amends where applicable. The characters are good and there’s a balanced mix of likeable and others definitely not so much. Bridget really intrigues me as her background is a tough one, there’s definitely steel going through her core but long before she marries Tom she has made something good out of Jesse’s death. She seems to have deep love for Tom although you do find yourself questioning the truth of it and not totally trusting it. The impact and shock of Tom’s conviction and imprisonment on his parents is very well done as is their reaction to the marriage. There’s a lot going on in the novel, there are elements of control, a multitude of secrets and lies and the deeper you go the more unsettling it gets and you waver in your thoughts on characters, witnessing illusions, delusions and knowing that scales need to fall from eyes. There are plenty of twists, some are surprising and it’s probably best to just suspend disbelief and go with the flow for an enjoyable read. I really do like the ultimate end as there’s some sort of justice there and also the black humour of it!
There are one or two issues with the timelines jumping about a lot which is somewhat confusing at times and there are a lot of different points of view which leads to some repetition. However, when seen as a whole these are small points as the positives greatly outweigh the negatives.
Overall, another entertaining domestic noir with plenty of thoughtful elements especially with how individuals cope when tragedy strikes and coping when a family member goes to prison.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 20, 2021
Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.
Juicy!
So juicy that I recommend going in blind. The blurb tells you everything you need to know. Tom and Jesse were best friends who went to a bar one night and one was left dead and another sentenced to ten years in prison. When Tom is released, everyone is shocked when he announces that he has married his dead friends’ mother.
A whole lot of juicy.
But that is only the beginning. This is a tangled web that slowly unravels and gets juicer by the page.
If you think you have things figured out, think again!
This was a pleasing (juicy) tale which did not disappoint! This book is full of likeable and unlikeable characters. Each has his/her own issues. Each has a tale to tell. Some characters are sympathetic, some not so much. Some I wanted to shake and some I did not trust.
There is a lot of food for thought here. A woman marries her son's killer. A young man married his dead friend's mother. A mother fears that her son made a wrong decision. Another mother wants to protect her child. The characters here really did save that drama for their mama. Whew!
Be warned, the book jumps around in time. The chapters are headed with the character who is giving POV and year, but if you are too busy flipping the pages to find out what is going to happen, you may miss it.
Jumping timelines aside, this was a fast entertaining read. Pure drama. As the plot unfolds, the pace picks up and I was turning the pages at breakneck speed. Karma is everything, my friends.
Another winner from K.L. Slater
Dramatic, entertaining, and Juicy.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Juicy!
So juicy that I recommend going in blind. The blurb tells you everything you need to know. Tom and Jesse were best friends who went to a bar one night and one was left dead and another sentenced to ten years in prison. When Tom is released, everyone is shocked when he announces that he has married his dead friends’ mother.
A whole lot of juicy.
But that is only the beginning. This is a tangled web that slowly unravels and gets juicer by the page.
If you think you have things figured out, think again!
This was a pleasing (juicy) tale which did not disappoint! This book is full of likeable and unlikeable characters. Each has his/her own issues. Each has a tale to tell. Some characters are sympathetic, some not so much. Some I wanted to shake and some I did not trust.
There is a lot of food for thought here. A woman marries her son's killer. A young man married his dead friend's mother. A mother fears that her son made a wrong decision. Another mother wants to protect her child. The characters here really did save that drama for their mama. Whew!
Be warned, the book jumps around in time. The chapters are headed with the character who is giving POV and year, but if you are too busy flipping the pages to find out what is going to happen, you may miss it.
Jumping timelines aside, this was a fast entertaining read. Pure drama. As the plot unfolds, the pace picks up and I was turning the pages at breakneck speed. Karma is everything, my friends.
Another winner from K.L. Slater
Dramatic, entertaining, and Juicy.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 25, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and K.L. Slater for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 5.21!!**
Could the man who haunts your nightmares become the man of your dreams?
Bridget is about to find out. 10 years ago, her son Jesse was killed by an unusually powerful punch from his best friend Tom after a rowdy night out at a local nightclub. Tom was imprisoned for his misstep and has spent the past decade paying for his crime...and forming an unusually close bond with the mother of his childhood best friend through a rehabilitation course offered as part of his sentence. Fearing the obvious recrimination from both families, they take the leap and get married at the prison prior to Tom's release. Once that day hits, however, not only does this pair have that issue to contend with, but all of the secondary players in both of their lives have something to say about the match...not to mention a trove of secrets and a tangle of mysteries that lead back to the night of Jesse's murder. Has Bridget found the perfect way to move on...or has she set herself in a carefully- laid trap to become an unwitting victim herself?
I always look for certain boxes to be checked when I read K.L Slater: fast read, enjoyable characters, interesting premises, and a fun twist or two. The Marriage hits all of these points, and although some people might find the setup a bit TOO unbelievable, Slater did draw her inspiration from reality, once again proving that truth can be stranger than fiction! This was a bit of an up and down read for me, but once I was about 65% of the way through, the pace picked up and I was buckled in and ready for the ride! Slater's characters were solid as always, and one in particular packs a significant punch (no pun intended) in the final twist! I did miss the presence of younger children in this book, only because Slater writes really adorable child characters and they are a joy to read, but they wouldn't have served this plot at all, so I'll just have to wait for her next book! Honestly, for me, this is one example of a book where the last chapter takes it up a notch and the twist makes EVERYTHING worth it, in the best possible way.
This was a marked step up from the last Slater book I read, Little Whispers, and reminded me why she quickly became a must-read author for me after my first read. This is perfect pool-side entertainment to go with your favorite summer beverage of choice! 🍹
4 ⭐
Could the man who haunts your nightmares become the man of your dreams?
Bridget is about to find out. 10 years ago, her son Jesse was killed by an unusually powerful punch from his best friend Tom after a rowdy night out at a local nightclub. Tom was imprisoned for his misstep and has spent the past decade paying for his crime...and forming an unusually close bond with the mother of his childhood best friend through a rehabilitation course offered as part of his sentence. Fearing the obvious recrimination from both families, they take the leap and get married at the prison prior to Tom's release. Once that day hits, however, not only does this pair have that issue to contend with, but all of the secondary players in both of their lives have something to say about the match...not to mention a trove of secrets and a tangle of mysteries that lead back to the night of Jesse's murder. Has Bridget found the perfect way to move on...or has she set herself in a carefully- laid trap to become an unwitting victim herself?
I always look for certain boxes to be checked when I read K.L Slater: fast read, enjoyable characters, interesting premises, and a fun twist or two. The Marriage hits all of these points, and although some people might find the setup a bit TOO unbelievable, Slater did draw her inspiration from reality, once again proving that truth can be stranger than fiction! This was a bit of an up and down read for me, but once I was about 65% of the way through, the pace picked up and I was buckled in and ready for the ride! Slater's characters were solid as always, and one in particular packs a significant punch (no pun intended) in the final twist! I did miss the presence of younger children in this book, only because Slater writes really adorable child characters and they are a joy to read, but they wouldn't have served this plot at all, so I'll just have to wait for her next book! Honestly, for me, this is one example of a book where the last chapter takes it up a notch and the twist makes EVERYTHING worth it, in the best possible way.
This was a marked step up from the last Slater book I read, Little Whispers, and reminded me why she quickly became a must-read author for me after my first read. This is perfect pool-side entertainment to go with your favorite summer beverage of choice! 🍹
4 ⭐
November 2, 2021
This is a 3 if I went in blind without reading the blurb. Having read the blurb this is actually a 2.
Quick Summary: “Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.”
I don't think I've been this excited from a blurb since Th1rt3en! If you know of any crazy ones please let me know!!
Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind:
- Drama with a side of mystery (does get a tad soapy but not too bad)
Thoughts:
Overall it was ok. Its not a bad book but nothing ground breaking. My low rating is because I went in with different expectations so I was pretty disappointed.
I enjoyed the first third more because I was curious about the premise and tagline until I realised it wasn’t what I thought...If you’re on the fence about reading this and don’t mind a spoiler in that you’ll know what not to expect then read the spoiler below. It would take the surprise out of finding out what Bridget is doing (or not doing haha). If I had known I wouldn’t have read this book.
What I didn’t enjoy:
I’m all about crazy books but this was too unbelievable and far-fetched! The relationships really weirded me out. Bridget married her son’s murderer, Tom. She even introduced him to her daughter in law and grandson, killer of their husband and father?!
There were multiple points of views and timelines. However they weren’t really delved into deep enough to reveal much or to learn something. The most I learned was that people were keeping secrets haha.
Quick Summary: “Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.”
I don't think I've been this excited from a blurb since Th1rt3en! If you know of any crazy ones please let me know!!
Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind:
- Drama with a side of mystery (does get a tad soapy but not too bad)
Thoughts:
Overall it was ok. Its not a bad book but nothing ground breaking. My low rating is because I went in with different expectations so I was pretty disappointed.
I enjoyed the first third more because I was curious about the premise and tagline until I realised it wasn’t what I thought...If you’re on the fence about reading this and don’t mind a spoiler in that you’ll know what not to expect then read the spoiler below. It would take the surprise out of finding out what Bridget is doing (or not doing haha). If I had known I wouldn’t have read this book.
What I didn’t enjoy:
I’m all about crazy books but this was too unbelievable and far-fetched! The relationships really weirded me out. Bridget married her son’s murderer, Tom. She even introduced him to her daughter in law and grandson, killer of their husband and father?!
There were multiple points of views and timelines. However they weren’t really delved into deep enough to reveal much or to learn something. The most I learned was that people were keeping secrets haha.
May 7, 2021
I had an idea about how this book would go - I was SO wrong, in a good way.
After the prologue the book starts with the wedding of Bridgett and Tom. How sweet, until you realise that Bridgett is 20 years older than Tom and the wedding is taking place in prison where Tom is serving 10 years for the manslaughter of.........................Bridgett’s son Jesse, her only child. What, what? For the last two years they had been part of the restorative justice program and Bridgett had been visiting Tom regularly. Jesse’s death was an accident and Tom is totally remorseful. Gradually they fell in love. You do wonder though if Bridgett has an ulterior motive for marrying Tom! They didn’t tell anyone about the wedding, correctly predicting negative reactions. But they underestimated just how negative.
Tom’s mum, Jill Billinghurst, is one of those people who likes to control everything and she has planned for Tom’s release to the nth degree. She has bought him clothes, organised a flat for him to inspect and teed up a job at the library. When his parents pick him up, it is all very awkward. And they still don’t know. Bridgett, or Brid as he calls her, is to come around later and they will break the news. Oh dear, it couldn’t have gone worse.
At Brid’s end it’s a similar story. Brid has been supporting Coral these last ten years. Coral was Jesse’s girlfriend and was pregnant when he died. Brid took care of both of them, her grandson Ellis being her only remaining link to Jesse. But Coral has turned the boy against Tom, he only knows that Tom killed his dad and he hates him.
It is clear that Jill is not the only person in this sorry saga who wants to control things. Bridgett, too, has her own ideas about how things should go and you wonder again about her motives for marrying Tom! Everything gets thrown into even more turmoil though when someone is killed in a hit and run accident. Tom knows he will be the main suspect and so it is time for some old secrets to come out.
I’m pleased to report that I saw none of the twists coming so I really enjoyed the run up to the ending and the ultimate reveal. Despite Jesse’s death being an accident, he was not really that nice a person as you will learn. Both of the mothers had faults too although I did find myself rooting for Brid - until I started questioning her motives. There were a couple of other characters who acted questionably. Robert, Tom’s father, was a total jerk and Audrey, Jill’s friend, did some pretty underhand things. Jill was totally unreasonable and mean and even Coral was quite manipulative and not very nice. As to the secrets - you will have to read the book to find out. I ended up really enjoying this twisty domestic noir. Thanks to Netgalley who provided an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After the prologue the book starts with the wedding of Bridgett and Tom. How sweet, until you realise that Bridgett is 20 years older than Tom and the wedding is taking place in prison where Tom is serving 10 years for the manslaughter of.........................Bridgett’s son Jesse, her only child. What, what? For the last two years they had been part of the restorative justice program and Bridgett had been visiting Tom regularly. Jesse’s death was an accident and Tom is totally remorseful. Gradually they fell in love. You do wonder though if Bridgett has an ulterior motive for marrying Tom! They didn’t tell anyone about the wedding, correctly predicting negative reactions. But they underestimated just how negative.
Tom’s mum, Jill Billinghurst, is one of those people who likes to control everything and she has planned for Tom’s release to the nth degree. She has bought him clothes, organised a flat for him to inspect and teed up a job at the library. When his parents pick him up, it is all very awkward. And they still don’t know. Bridgett, or Brid as he calls her, is to come around later and they will break the news. Oh dear, it couldn’t have gone worse.
At Brid’s end it’s a similar story. Brid has been supporting Coral these last ten years. Coral was Jesse’s girlfriend and was pregnant when he died. Brid took care of both of them, her grandson Ellis being her only remaining link to Jesse. But Coral has turned the boy against Tom, he only knows that Tom killed his dad and he hates him.
It is clear that Jill is not the only person in this sorry saga who wants to control things. Bridgett, too, has her own ideas about how things should go and you wonder again about her motives for marrying Tom! Everything gets thrown into even more turmoil though when someone is killed in a hit and run accident. Tom knows he will be the main suspect and so it is time for some old secrets to come out.
I’m pleased to report that I saw none of the twists coming so I really enjoyed the run up to the ending and the ultimate reveal. Despite Jesse’s death being an accident, he was not really that nice a person as you will learn. Both of the mothers had faults too although I did find myself rooting for Brid - until I started questioning her motives. There were a couple of other characters who acted questionably. Robert, Tom’s father, was a total jerk and Audrey, Jill’s friend, did some pretty underhand things. Jill was totally unreasonable and mean and even Coral was quite manipulative and not very nice. As to the secrets - you will have to read the book to find out. I ended up really enjoying this twisty domestic noir. Thanks to Netgalley who provided an advance review copy for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2021
EXCERPT: Bridget - April 2019
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my new ivory silk dress. Simple and classy, it skimmed my curves but crucially remained demure in all the right places.
I'd had a salon spray tan. My moisturised skin looked smooth and youthful, but when I pinched the top of my hand, the skin did not spring back immediately. I'd curled my hair and pinned it up, adding a tiny sprig of fresh gypsophila here and there to soften my look, and applied a pretty pink lipstick, the latest spring shade according to the sales assistant at the department store make-up counter.
Peering closer to the mirror, I studied my reflection. Tiny lines fanned out from the corners of my eyes and lips. My cheeks gave way to a soft sagging that spoiled the razor-sharp jawline I'd enjoyed in my thirties.
In two years time I would be fifty years old, but age was just a number. Today, I felt young, vibrant and free. I'd planned this fresh start for what felt like a very long time.
Today I would start a new life with a man twenty years younger than me.
In one hour's time, I would marry the man I loved.
The same man who ten years earlier had killed my only son.
ABOUT 'THE MARRIAGE': Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.
Ten years ago my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong, handsome boy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo I carried with me everywhere.
But today I’m finally close to finding happiness again. My ash-blonde hair has been curled into ringlets. Carefully placed white flowers frame my delicate features. The small, drab chapel has been prettied up with white satin, and there are tiny red hearts scattered on the small table where I will soon sign the register with my new husband.
The man who killed my son.
My friends and family can’t understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?
They don’t really know me at all…
MY THOUGHTS: K.L. Slater can sure write a good twisty domestic drama. The Marriage is not what I would call a psychological thriller. It does, however, have an excellent plot, well-crafted characters and plenty of surprising twists and turns. It certainly didn't go where I thought it was going, and I loved that!
I have long been a fan of this author, and she doesn't disappoint with this quick, rewarding read that challenges our preconceptions of relationships. I was drawn in from the first chapter and Slater kept me guessing right to the end, both with the enticing main storyline, and the unexpected subplot which had me thinking that everyone was guilty of something!
So, did Bridget marry Tom for love? Or is she hell-bent on a convoluted plan for revenge? If you want to know the answer, one that I was not expecting, one that surprised and delighted me, you'll have to read The Marriage.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheMarriage #Bookouture
I: @KLSlaterAuthor @bookouture
T: @KimLSlater @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #crime #mystery
THE AUTHOR: For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Marriage by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my new ivory silk dress. Simple and classy, it skimmed my curves but crucially remained demure in all the right places.
I'd had a salon spray tan. My moisturised skin looked smooth and youthful, but when I pinched the top of my hand, the skin did not spring back immediately. I'd curled my hair and pinned it up, adding a tiny sprig of fresh gypsophila here and there to soften my look, and applied a pretty pink lipstick, the latest spring shade according to the sales assistant at the department store make-up counter.
Peering closer to the mirror, I studied my reflection. Tiny lines fanned out from the corners of my eyes and lips. My cheeks gave way to a soft sagging that spoiled the razor-sharp jawline I'd enjoyed in my thirties.
In two years time I would be fifty years old, but age was just a number. Today, I felt young, vibrant and free. I'd planned this fresh start for what felt like a very long time.
Today I would start a new life with a man twenty years younger than me.
In one hour's time, I would marry the man I loved.
The same man who ten years earlier had killed my only son.
ABOUT 'THE MARRIAGE': Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.
Ten years ago my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong, handsome boy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo I carried with me everywhere.
But today I’m finally close to finding happiness again. My ash-blonde hair has been curled into ringlets. Carefully placed white flowers frame my delicate features. The small, drab chapel has been prettied up with white satin, and there are tiny red hearts scattered on the small table where I will soon sign the register with my new husband.
The man who killed my son.
My friends and family can’t understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?
They don’t really know me at all…
MY THOUGHTS: K.L. Slater can sure write a good twisty domestic drama. The Marriage is not what I would call a psychological thriller. It does, however, have an excellent plot, well-crafted characters and plenty of surprising twists and turns. It certainly didn't go where I thought it was going, and I loved that!
I have long been a fan of this author, and she doesn't disappoint with this quick, rewarding read that challenges our preconceptions of relationships. I was drawn in from the first chapter and Slater kept me guessing right to the end, both with the enticing main storyline, and the unexpected subplot which had me thinking that everyone was guilty of something!
So, did Bridget marry Tom for love? Or is she hell-bent on a convoluted plan for revenge? If you want to know the answer, one that I was not expecting, one that surprised and delighted me, you'll have to read The Marriage.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheMarriage #Bookouture
I: @KLSlaterAuthor @bookouture
T: @KimLSlater @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #crime #mystery
THE AUTHOR: For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Marriage by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
April 29, 2021
Twitter |
Goodreads |
Blog |
Instagram |
What first pulled me in on this one was not only was it written by K L Slater but look at the first blurb line.
She married the killer, the killer of her son.
Totally enthusiastic to get to this one.
So many questions running around in my head.
Was I disappointed?
No
Not at all did this book release me to go off doing something else or thinking of something else, the words on the pages just kept on delivering and I was totally lost in it.
It’s a 5* for me as just lately with so much going on in my life this took my thoughts from it, it delivered just what I needed.
A great storyline that hooked me.
Fast enough pace so it didn’t lag.
Characters that were totally and utterly believable.
Goodreads |
Blog |
Instagram |
What first pulled me in on this one was not only was it written by K L Slater but look at the first blurb line.
She married the killer, the killer of her son.
Totally enthusiastic to get to this one.
So many questions running around in my head.
Was I disappointed?
No
Not at all did this book release me to go off doing something else or thinking of something else, the words on the pages just kept on delivering and I was totally lost in it.
It’s a 5* for me as just lately with so much going on in my life this took my thoughts from it, it delivered just what I needed.
A great storyline that hooked me.
Fast enough pace so it didn’t lag.
Characters that were totally and utterly believable.
July 20, 2024
The Marriage was a pleasant surprise and better than I expected when I first started listening. The plot is exceptionally clever and unique as it revolves around a woman who marries her son's killer while he is still in prison. I thought I knew exactly where the storyline would take us by its conclusion. Not unsurprisingly, K.L. Slater proved me very wrong. The characters are all extremely interesting and multi-dimensional. Just when I thought I had an understanding of any one of them they would do something I could not have predicted.
Narrator Lucy Price-Lewis does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life for the listener.
An excellent choice for a fun and pause-resisting reality break.
Narrator Lucy Price-Lewis does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life for the listener.
An excellent choice for a fun and pause-resisting reality break.
April 15, 2021
WOW what a story, read and experience ‘The Marriage’ was/is
Imagine marrying the man who 10 years ago murdered you’re son....well this is what Bridget does and you can imagine all the probz, recriminations and ‘talk’ it brings
But this, believe it or not is just the start of a web tangled weave of events, past and present that explode and get more and more exciting as each page turns
The characters are superb, the interactions between families deliciously ‘I can’t look’ especially when Tom is released from prison and tells his Mum n Dad about Bridget, the meal they all have as a ‘peace making’ effort between the families is one of the best scene with dialogues read
The whole thing is a full on readers dream, everything you want is here and the unexpected just keeps on happening
I have read all of Kim Slaters books, they are a mainstay of my reading enjoyment but this, for me, is her best yet ( and that’s saying something as loved them all )
Make a date for the wedding of the year on May 20th and make sure you are a guest at what is a truly unforgettable story
10/10
5 Stars
Imagine marrying the man who 10 years ago murdered you’re son....well this is what Bridget does and you can imagine all the probz, recriminations and ‘talk’ it brings
But this, believe it or not is just the start of a web tangled weave of events, past and present that explode and get more and more exciting as each page turns
The characters are superb, the interactions between families deliciously ‘I can’t look’ especially when Tom is released from prison and tells his Mum n Dad about Bridget, the meal they all have as a ‘peace making’ effort between the families is one of the best scene with dialogues read
The whole thing is a full on readers dream, everything you want is here and the unexpected just keeps on happening
I have read all of Kim Slaters books, they are a mainstay of my reading enjoyment but this, for me, is her best yet ( and that’s saying something as loved them all )
Make a date for the wedding of the year on May 20th and make sure you are a guest at what is a truly unforgettable story
10/10
5 Stars
March 5, 2022
The blurb of this book is obviously questionable and scandalous but I loved it.
Bridget’s son, Jesse, was accidentally killed by his bestfriend in a bar fight 10 years ago. Today, she is marrying his killer.
K.L. Slater slowly stole my heart because of her clever and interesting plotlines like this one. Some readers would find the story completely outrageous and far-fetched but I enjoyed it nonetheless simply because of the character’s individualities. The author was able to present a variety of dispositions and motives which made everyone suspicious and unrealiable.
It came to a point where I just couldn’t make sense of where the story is heading because it was full of red herrings and everytime I thought I had it all figured out, K.L. would throw me in another direction and I’m completely clueless again. Just amazing!
Bridget’s son, Jesse, was accidentally killed by his bestfriend in a bar fight 10 years ago. Today, she is marrying his killer.
K.L. Slater slowly stole my heart because of her clever and interesting plotlines like this one. Some readers would find the story completely outrageous and far-fetched but I enjoyed it nonetheless simply because of the character’s individualities. The author was able to present a variety of dispositions and motives which made everyone suspicious and unrealiable.
It came to a point where I just couldn’t make sense of where the story is heading because it was full of red herrings and everytime I thought I had it all figured out, K.L. would throw me in another direction and I’m completely clueless again. Just amazing!
May 20, 2021
Oh, where do I start with this book? It reeled me in from the very first page. I was hooked and little else got done while I was reading it. As ever, the writing was impeccable and the characters expertly drawn. There were so many times that I thought I had it all figured out only to be taken in another completely different direction. I became so involved with the characters in this story I messaged the author to ask for the ending I hoped I was going to get. The moment I pick up a book by this author I know I’m in safe hands and that I am going to be taken on a twisty, turny, thrilling journey with an ending I won’t see coming. Totally recommended as are all the books written by KL Slater.
May 23, 2021
Audio - 4.25 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
Great twist towards the end, but the delivery of the story overall was a bit too soap opera-ish for me.
Story - 3.5 Stars
Great twist towards the end, but the delivery of the story overall was a bit too soap opera-ish for me.
May 18, 2021
Ten years ago, Bridget Wilson thought her own life was over when her eighteen-year-old son, Jesse, was killed by a single punch issued by his best friend, Tom Billinghurst, also eighteen. Six months ago, Bridget and Tom secretly married in a special ceremony at HMP Nottingham, and now Jesse’s killer is her husband.
Wow...It's hard to believe anyone could fall in love with the person who killed their son. This domestic thriller follows the complex situation and is filled with enough twists to make your head spin. I thought I had the storyline figured out. Nope! Once the secrets start surfacing, it is a wild ride.
I’m a fan of Ms. Slater and was drawn to the cover and the outrageous synopsis. I'm glad I stuck through the sluggish beginning because once the pace picked up it was hard to put down.
The story follows numerous characters, along with jumping between the past and present, but flows pretty smoothly between POV’s once you become familiar with all the personalities.
By all rights, Jesse’s death seems like a tragic accident. But Tom still gets sentenced to 10 years in prison. During his sentence, he enters the Restorative Justice program; thus spending a lot of time with Jesse’s mother.
During their time together, they somehow fall in love and end up married just before he completes his sentence...despite the expected backlash from their families.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Ms. Slater for the opportunity to read this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: May 20th 2021 by Bookouture
Pages: 356
Recommend: Absolutely!
@KimLSlater @bookouture #NetGalley #TheMarriage
#InExchangeForReview #domesticthriller #NoRulesJustThrills #MustRead #BigTwist
Wow...It's hard to believe anyone could fall in love with the person who killed their son. This domestic thriller follows the complex situation and is filled with enough twists to make your head spin. I thought I had the storyline figured out. Nope! Once the secrets start surfacing, it is a wild ride.
I’m a fan of Ms. Slater and was drawn to the cover and the outrageous synopsis. I'm glad I stuck through the sluggish beginning because once the pace picked up it was hard to put down.
The story follows numerous characters, along with jumping between the past and present, but flows pretty smoothly between POV’s once you become familiar with all the personalities.
By all rights, Jesse’s death seems like a tragic accident. But Tom still gets sentenced to 10 years in prison. During his sentence, he enters the Restorative Justice program; thus spending a lot of time with Jesse’s mother.
During their time together, they somehow fall in love and end up married just before he completes his sentence...despite the expected backlash from their families.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Ms. Slater for the opportunity to read this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: May 20th 2021 by Bookouture
Pages: 356
Recommend: Absolutely!
@KimLSlater @bookouture #NetGalley #TheMarriage
#InExchangeForReview #domesticthriller #NoRulesJustThrills #MustRead #BigTwist
June 15, 2021
I received a free e-copy of The Marriage by K.L. Slater from Netgalley for my honest review.
K.L. Slater has become one of my favorite authors. I haven't read a book that I haven't loved.
This book blew my mind. A Suspenseful and shocking book from page one. You must read this book!
K.L. Slater has become one of my favorite authors. I haven't read a book that I haven't loved.
This book blew my mind. A Suspenseful and shocking book from page one. You must read this book!
February 12, 2022
Don't judge a book by it's tagline.... you can throw that old adage out the window here because you absolutely should judge The Marriage by it's tagline.
"Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him."
I knew I had to read this because it was too batshit crazy to pass up. Welllllll it was, in fact, crazy but not in the juicy, entertaining way that I had hoped.
To be honest, every character here is guilty of making inconceivable decisions that don't come within a Texas mile of resembling anything remotely close to reality. This could've played out a number of different ways. But at each turn, this went in the completely wrong direction presumably to avoid being labeled predictable.
2.5 stars, rounding up because I was entertained and Slater had me turning those pages. I just wasn't thrilled with the direction this went.
"Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him."
I knew I had to read this because it was too batshit crazy to pass up. Welllllll it was, in fact, crazy but not in the juicy, entertaining way that I had hoped.
To be honest, every character here is guilty of making inconceivable decisions that don't come within a Texas mile of resembling anything remotely close to reality. This could've played out a number of different ways. But at each turn, this went in the completely wrong direction presumably to avoid being labeled predictable.
2.5 stars, rounding up because I was entertained and Slater had me turning those pages. I just wasn't thrilled with the direction this went.
May 7, 2021
Ten years ago, my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong handsome buy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo i carried with me everywhere. But today I'm finally close to finding happiness again. Today I will sign the register with my new husband, the man who killed my son.
Tom is serving a prison sentence for killing one of his friends. Jesse was hit by a single blow and two families were torn apart. After Tom's decade long prison sentence, Bridget, Jessie's mum. marries his killer. The story is mainly told from Bridget and Jill's, Tom's mum, perspectives. Bridget and Jill had also been friends. When Tom is liberated, secrets threaten to surface that will have far reaching consequences and could destroy everything people think they knew. I found this story a bit creepy with lots going on. The story is told in the past and present day format. There's some really tense moments. Does Bridget really love Tom? Or has she a hidden agenda.
Tom is serving a prison sentence for killing one of his friends. Jesse was hit by a single blow and two families were torn apart. After Tom's decade long prison sentence, Bridget, Jessie's mum. marries his killer. The story is mainly told from Bridget and Jill's, Tom's mum, perspectives. Bridget and Jill had also been friends. When Tom is liberated, secrets threaten to surface that will have far reaching consequences and could destroy everything people think they knew. I found this story a bit creepy with lots going on. The story is told in the past and present day format. There's some really tense moments. Does Bridget really love Tom? Or has she a hidden agenda.
May 20, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Stars and I give very few 5 star ratings!
The novel is on the TOP of my 2021 ‘Fav’ list
I read and loved Ms. Slater's dark and creep The Apartment and was anxious I read another of her stories.
This story is describes by a reader I like ~ as genius, provocative and one of the most
daring plot line she has ever read.
Story starts out Mavis, a retired school teacher has found that night time walking her dog Harry seems helps with her insomnia and she is able to sleep when she returns. One evening as she and Harry are near “Movers” the local nightclub, she hears loud music as the door is flung open and two men are fighting. . When her eyes adjust she sees they aren’t men but high school seniors and former students Tom Billinghurst and Jesse Wilson. Tom is a bright young man from a good family. Jesse a bit on the wild side and his single mother Bridget has her hands full. As a teacher has dealt with school yard fights but since these two have been drinking, she decided it best to call the police. When they arrive they find Jesse down and injured. He later dies in the hospital. Tom a professional middleweight boxer is arrested for murder. His fists are considered a lethal weapon and he is sent to prison. The family has been close friends. While in prison Bridget Jesse’s mother vests Tom and tells him she has forgiven him.
Now Bridget is preparing for her upcoming wedding. Yep Tom is her soon to be husband and is 20 years younger. He is about to be released from prison now 10 years after the incident with her son. ~ I know you knew this as it is on the book jacket! This had me worried, it seems Bridget profited from her son’s death. The GoFundMe brought in $$ that she invested ~ Hmm!
I read enough psychological thrillers so I know three things:
be suspicious of everyone
expect twists and twist and turns
and expect a secret or two.
These three points ran through my mind plus these characters~
Bridget ~ Hmmm she had my ‘Spidey’ concerns on high alert but she is too obvious.
Jill’s friend Aubrey ~ Yep there is a secret or two going on there.
Tom ~ Aww Tom I certainly didn’t want him to disappoint me!
I always love reading the ‘Author’s Note’ and acknowledgements’. In this case ‘A Letter from K.L. Slater’ was great reading the inside scoop on where she got her idea for this story. I certain am looking forward to reading another of her stories!!!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 20, 2021
The novel is on the TOP of my 2021 ‘Fav’ list
I read and loved Ms. Slater's dark and creep The Apartment and was anxious I read another of her stories.
This story is describes by a reader I like ~ as genius, provocative and one of the most
daring plot line she has ever read.
Story starts out Mavis, a retired school teacher has found that night time walking her dog Harry seems helps with her insomnia and she is able to sleep when she returns. One evening as she and Harry are near “Movers” the local nightclub, she hears loud music as the door is flung open and two men are fighting. . When her eyes adjust she sees they aren’t men but high school seniors and former students Tom Billinghurst and Jesse Wilson. Tom is a bright young man from a good family. Jesse a bit on the wild side and his single mother Bridget has her hands full. As a teacher has dealt with school yard fights but since these two have been drinking, she decided it best to call the police. When they arrive they find Jesse down and injured. He later dies in the hospital. Tom a professional middleweight boxer is arrested for murder. His fists are considered a lethal weapon and he is sent to prison. The family has been close friends. While in prison Bridget Jesse’s mother vests Tom and tells him she has forgiven him.
Now Bridget is preparing for her upcoming wedding. Yep Tom is her soon to be husband and is 20 years younger. He is about to be released from prison now 10 years after the incident with her son. ~ I know you knew this as it is on the book jacket! This had me worried, it seems Bridget profited from her son’s death. The GoFundMe brought in $$ that she invested ~ Hmm!
I read enough psychological thrillers so I know three things:
be suspicious of everyone
expect twists and twist and turns
and expect a secret or two.
These three points ran through my mind plus these characters~
Bridget ~ Hmmm she had my ‘Spidey’ concerns on high alert but she is too obvious.
Jill’s friend Aubrey ~ Yep there is a secret or two going on there.
Tom ~ Aww Tom I certainly didn’t want him to disappoint me!
I always love reading the ‘Author’s Note’ and acknowledgements’. In this case ‘A Letter from K.L. Slater’ was great reading the inside scoop on where she got her idea for this story. I certain am looking forward to reading another of her stories!!!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 20, 2021
April 14, 2022
Nothing overly memorable, but a quick entertaining read. 3.5 stars.
April 13, 2022
Unlikable characters, poor choices, a bit ridiculous and also dragged in places. Definitely not as enthralling as the summary suggests. But, I still kept turning the pages to find out how it ended!
April 27, 2021
K.L. Slater is one of my favourite authors and have always found her books addictive and excellent reads so it is a big surprise to me that I didn’t particularly enjoy this one as much. It is obvious looking at the other reviews that I am in the minority and perhaps I am being a little bit harsh giving it a 3 star rating. I did enjoy it but it just didn’t grip me in the way that all her other books have.
Bridget’s son Jesse was killed by his best friend Tom following a fight outside a nightclub. While Tom served ten years in prison he received visits from Bridget and they fell in love and got married. Now Tom has been released he must face his mother and tell her his secret so he can start a new life. All this time Tom has kept his marriage a big secret from her but he is not the only person keeping secrets.
Like all of this authors books it is fast paced, interesting characters and a page turner but I just felt a little too far fetched this time. I am sure many others will enjoy it and she remains one of my must reads in the future.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Bridget’s son Jesse was killed by his best friend Tom following a fight outside a nightclub. While Tom served ten years in prison he received visits from Bridget and they fell in love and got married. Now Tom has been released he must face his mother and tell her his secret so he can start a new life. All this time Tom has kept his marriage a big secret from her but he is not the only person keeping secrets.
Like all of this authors books it is fast paced, interesting characters and a page turner but I just felt a little too far fetched this time. I am sure many others will enjoy it and she remains one of my must reads in the future.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
(2.5 stars). Sooooo….. the book blurb/summary was definitely way better than the book was. In fact, I couldn’t wait to read this ‘crazy’ story! I mean how many women marry the man that murdered their son?! I thought the character of Bridget would put a whole new meaning to the term “cougar”, but that never happened.
This book did start off strong and it was definitely interesting enough, but unfortunately as the story went on it became so repetitive and redundant. I literally couldn’t wait for this “marriage” to be over.
The “shocking” twist at the end wasn’t all that shocking either. Or maybe by this point I was so fed up with the repetition that I just didn’t really care.
I see many people have loved this book, and I had been wanting to read a K.L. Slater book for a long time and I’m glad that I took a chance. For me, this may not have been the best Slater book to start off with, but I do plan on reading something else from her.
This book did start off strong and it was definitely interesting enough, but unfortunately as the story went on it became so repetitive and redundant. I literally couldn’t wait for this “marriage” to be over.
The “shocking” twist at the end wasn’t all that shocking either. Or maybe by this point I was so fed up with the repetition that I just didn’t really care.
I see many people have loved this book, and I had been wanting to read a K.L. Slater book for a long time and I’m glad that I took a chance. For me, this may not have been the best Slater book to start off with, but I do plan on reading something else from her.
April 19, 2021
I was shocked when I read the blurb about this book and had to pick it up because I just couldn't picture this scenario - still can't. "Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him." After reading the book, I still can't imagine this scenario! But, I couldn't put the book down even though it gave me the creeps.
As I turned the pages I found surprise after surprise. Nothing was what it seemed. Tom and Jesse were best friends, then Tom killed Jesse. Was it an accident or did he intend to kill him? Bridget was Jesse's mother. Then she marries Tom. Tom's mother, Jill was best friends with Jesse's mother, Bridget - until Tom killed Jesse. And then there's Coral who was pregnant with Jesse's son at the time he died. That's a whole other story.
This is told from different points of view and different timelines as well. The characters are over the top. The plot moved swiftly, keeping me on edge. Great thriller, K. L. Slater!
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
As I turned the pages I found surprise after surprise. Nothing was what it seemed. Tom and Jesse were best friends, then Tom killed Jesse. Was it an accident or did he intend to kill him? Bridget was Jesse's mother. Then she marries Tom. Tom's mother, Jill was best friends with Jesse's mother, Bridget - until Tom killed Jesse. And then there's Coral who was pregnant with Jesse's son at the time he died. That's a whole other story.
This is told from different points of view and different timelines as well. The characters are over the top. The plot moved swiftly, keeping me on edge. Great thriller, K. L. Slater!
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
February 17, 2025
Bridget & Jill were friends when their respective sons (Jesse & Tom) were small. The boys grew up and spent a lot of time in their respective parents’ homes.
One night after a heated argument between Jesse & Tom, it ends with Jesse dying and Tom going to prison for ten years for the murder. Just after the prison sentence Coral, Jesse’s girlfriend, has a child, Ellis who Bridget loves and supports Coral as she is the mother of her grandson.
During Tom’s prison term Jesse’s mum, Bridget spends time with Tom. They fall in love and marry within the prison. Tom is released and Jill is looking forward to having him home with her and her husband Robert. Things don’t go according to plan and Jill is unhappy with the marriage of her son to her former best friend.
Tempers fly and there follows schemes to try and scupper the relationship between Tom and Bridget.
The novel is split into chapters written through the eyes of a number of characters, which keeps it interesting.
One night after a heated argument between Jesse & Tom, it ends with Jesse dying and Tom going to prison for ten years for the murder. Just after the prison sentence Coral, Jesse’s girlfriend, has a child, Ellis who Bridget loves and supports Coral as she is the mother of her grandson.
During Tom’s prison term Jesse’s mum, Bridget spends time with Tom. They fall in love and marry within the prison. Tom is released and Jill is looking forward to having him home with her and her husband Robert. Things don’t go according to plan and Jill is unhappy with the marriage of her son to her former best friend.
Tempers fly and there follows schemes to try and scupper the relationship between Tom and Bridget.
The novel is split into chapters written through the eyes of a number of characters, which keeps it interesting.
September 28, 2021
Thought I had this one all figured out...😅 Love it when I am wrong. Another great book from KL Slayer.
February 2, 2024
Ok I got caught again with this author, I was so into this story I would wake up in the middle of the night to read this book, it was so hard to put down and so easy to pick up.
This because I can never be sure if i'm right about the plot twist.
Extremely well thought out plot twists and excellent writing to keep you on edge of your sit till the end.
Happy Reading 📙📓📗📚📙📕📚📓📘📒📓📗📚📙📕📓📒📘📔📗📒📓📚📙📕📗📘📔📒📓📚📙📕📖
This because I can never be sure if i'm right about the plot twist.
Extremely well thought out plot twists and excellent writing to keep you on edge of your sit till the end.
Happy Reading 📙📓📗📚📙📕📚📓📘📒📓📗📚📙📕📓📒📘📔📗📒📓📚📙📕📗📘📔📒📓📚📙📕📖
May 16, 2021
The Marriage by K.L. Slater is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Bridget had a hard life as a single mom to Jesse, but she was a very determined woman, and would do anything to make sure Jesse had the best life he could.
Jill and Robert had a young child named Tom. They were better off than Bridget, but Jill befriended Bridget at a playground one day, and soon became close. The boys grew up to be great friends.
All was good until the day that Tom killed Jesse, and he ended up going to prison. Both women were devastated. Both women lost their sons. Bridget reached out to Jill, but was rejected, so both women dealt with their loss on their own.
Ten years have passed. Tom is getting out of prison, and his mother is in for a shock. Jill is unaware that things have changed. Tom is now married.....to Bridget.
Yes, Bridget has married the man who killed her son. No one understands how or why this could happen.
My Opinions:
Well, that was all the blurb promised it would be. The book is about secrets, and lies, and revenge. Everyone has an agenda, and they are often at cross-purposes. There are no true innocents in this book, and the premise is a little "out-there".
The story goes back and forth over various time-lines, and is told from multiple perspectives.
The plot was definitely unique, and although most of the motive behind each individuals behaviour was somewhat predictable, a couple surprised me. Unfortunately, I didn't really like any of the characters, which made the book hard to get into. However, as the book progressed, I found myself growing more interested in each one of them.
Overall, it was a fast and entertaining read, and although I started out worrying if it was going to earn even 3 stars, I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
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