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The Rented Family: A riveting psychological thriller

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Stella Marigold traded her suburban life to live on the road for a reason.

But getting offered an innocent-sounding job as a motherly figure to a young girl seems like a rewarding role that’s hard to pass up. And the paycheck will allow Stella to pay for repairs and get back to van life.

Jhor Farrow—the girl’s uncle and the one who hired Stella—keeps a watchful eye on them. But as time drags on and Stella’s van needs longer to repair, unsettling events take place.

While the money is helpful and the child might need a mentor, Stella begins to be afraid for their safety. Jhor isn’t what he seems, and the more Stella uncovers the truth, the more fearful she becomes as she realizes he’ll stop at nothing to protect his dark secrets.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2021

69 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

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Leliz Andiz

3 books5 followers

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5 stars
89 (40%)
4 stars
66 (29%)
3 stars
48 (21%)
2 stars
14 (6%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
43 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2021
Not great

It was pretty good for the first maybe two-thirds of the book, albeit with a lot of missused words, but then it just kept dragging on and on, like the author couldn't figure out how to end it.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,125 reviews
May 6, 2023
This was conceptually good—there’s an exciting story here, and it did grip me early in. The female lead is living van-life, how fun! One of those things I don’t want to do myself, but love following others who do.

But early in, the continuity issues started to occur and they never let up. I’d started noting them down in order to list them here, in case the author or publisher reads reviews. However, it got too excessive for this—I’m not trying to spend more time on this book than its own author/production team did. It’s really frustrating when reading a book and coming to the realization that its author completely had no care in what they produced.

A few examples off the top of my head:
After just a few dinners w/ the family, Stella is shown to the reader observing that her body and face are “fuller”. Didn’t seem realistic.
Stella describes the laptop Jhor bought her as “the latest MacBook Pro” , yet later described it as costing “a thousand dollars”. (Though, if you know where I can get the latest MacBook Pro for only a grand, please do tell!)
Jhor admits to having stalked Stella since he was 12 or so … then shames her for not figuring out he’d only started his company “a couple years ago” (as in it couldn’t have been all about her). It certainly could with that timeline, obviously. (Lots of contradictions like this arose, and these details were crucial to the plot.)
We see Stella have 1 glass of wine, and it even turns into a big event when it’s fought about later that evening. Yet, a day or two later, she tells the reader “it’s been a while” since she’s had any wine, as she treats herself to some.

There are lots of things like this, they end up occurring throughout. There are literally millions of amazing books to spend my time, money and energy on and I prefer to put those resources into books written by authors who care about the quality of the work they’re putting out.

Plausibility was at times, an issue also:
For example, why was Stella’s mother at a yacht party that was thrown by/ for Stella’s husband’s work? If this were the only thing, sure, I’d just accept it, but when the whole book contains little things like this / and lacks continuity, it just comes off poor planning / lack of professionalism on the author’s part.

There are also many instances of poor grammar. This author either doesn’t use an editing team, or is being preyed upon by someone claiming to be an editor.

I strongly suggest this author consider using editors and beta readers, so that their end product packs plausibility and continuity, along with the fun stories they’ve dreamed up.

There’s poor character development / poor continuity among individual character personalities. A developmental editor could’ve helped with this, or even just a critique from another author, or beta readers.

One thing the author did well: the antagonist was sufficiently depicted as a creep, pretty much from the get-go. Were they to put this much attention into any other aspects of the book, it’d at least be as good as a low-budget Lifetime movie, however, it falls short of even that, sadly.

Overall:
Would I consider any other reads by this author, based on this one? I’m not sure. Conceptually, I liked the story, so they may have potential. Realistically though, I struggle with supporting indie and small-press authors who publish books which lack professionalism, because they’re what gives the entire industry the bad rap.
But I may be open to it, if it were produced later than this one, because certainly the author could’ve honed their skills and/or begun using a professional team. So short answer, I guess, is: maybe.

Ultimately, this book for me is 1 star. For a good story idea, but a terrible execution. If the author/publisher had bothered to care about quality, it could’ve easily been at least 4 out of 5 stars.

Also: I recommend not stealing other people’s quotations & acting like they’re your own words. Again, a professional team would’ve likely advised the author of this. Twice, her male lead said, “I can’t remember what you said, but I do remember how you made me feel.”

“...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel…” —Maya Angelou
(I could be wrong of course, but I feel like everyone knows this quote.)

⭐️

Audio:
The narrator has a great voice, but more reads robotically than performs the book. She does use different voices for different characters, and I think if she’d refrain from sounding like AI, she’d be amazing.

Production-wise there are some issues … it’s mostly smooth, but there are a lot of instances where entire sentences are read twice. Also in between chapters, sometimes the pause is so long, I’d be reaching for my phone to be sure the book was still open. 3-stars on the narrator / production front.
42 reviews
February 27, 2022
Kept me reading

Start this book early or break prepared to stay up until at midnight! I couldn't put it down. One of the best.
39 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
I received this book from Voraciousreadersonly.com to read and review. Let me begin by saying what a rollercoaster read it was. My normal genre is horror and supernatural as well as some intense psychological novels.
"The rented family" took me on a ride where the who and what weren't hidden; however the author had a way of hooking you and drawing you in, to the point where putting the book down to do other things wasn't even an option.
Without getting into the plot of the book, as previously stated my genres of preference are usually the type of novels that would give others nightmares. However, the night that I finished reading this book, I woke up due to a nightmare. I was shocked! In the nightmare, I was returned to being in my bad marriage and I couldn't get out. That is how moved and engrossed in this book I had become.
I'm a new fan and look forward to other reads from such an author!!!
Profile Image for Pamela Long.
131 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2022
I was quite intrigued by the synopsis of the story. And it didn't disappoint me at all. Stella Marigold is hired thru a new app where you can rent a person to be part of your family or as a friend. She is to eat dinner with Jhor and his daughter and earn some money. Who could resist that, right? Simple, right? Well, not so simple, as Stella finds out. Lots of intrigue and suspense. And not everyone makes it out alive. Good story with a satisfying ending. Definitely recommend this book.
860 reviews22 followers
April 19, 2022
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

A twisted thriller with deception at its best. All sounds intriguing to Stella and being paid will help with her chosen lifestyle. What starts out as dinner and company for with a child takes a viscious turn.
An entertaining read
5 reviews
March 3, 2022
Twists

I started reading and the next time I looked up , I'd
finished the book. Bravery, deceit, and a whole lot more.
Profile Image for Shannon.
1,112 reviews51 followers
July 22, 2025
This was giving really bad Lifetime movie thriller but in that way where it's so terrible that it's actually weirdly entertaining. The entire set-up was bizarre with the main character's decision making. However, it was the romantic relationship between Stella and Jhor that was the worst. Like, this man was creepy red flag after red flag and somehow Stella wasn't bothered in the least. Aside from him being rich, there was nothing appealing in the slightest in his personality or the way he spoke to her. The minute she realized he had a hidden camera recording her in the guest house, it should've been a wrap.

No joke, the main character Stella had to be one of the dumbest protagonists that I've ever read. Zero awareness or concern for her own safety. She finds out the laptop Jhor's bought her is covered in spyware. He's basically watching everything she does, and she has little to no reaction and decides to go on as things are normal/no big deal. In particular, I almost died at the part where she found the USB that showed he was stalking her for a year and her ass still went back to the house and baked some cod for dinner. Then, she proceeds to confront him with no thought at all. Just blurts it out instead of strategically figuring out how to deal with someone that is clearly unstable. I mean, at some point, you make enough bad decisions and you kind of deserve whatever happens to you.

Also, that ending— maybe it makes me a trash person, but, oh Bia misses her uncle and wants to go home? Yeah, the way I would've thrown that little girl so quick onto an airplane alone because there's no chance in hell I would've gone back to that house and put myself within reach of that psycho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
489 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2023
The Rented Family

By: Leliz Andiz
Narrated by: Danielle Fliller

Creeped Me Out Beautifully!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-24-23

Freelance writer Stella Marigold’s been living the life of an independent free spirit, but when her funds run low, the offer of short term employment from entrepreneur Jhor Farrow seems like a gift from the heavens! However, it’s not long before Stella realizes Jhor isn’t who he seems, and THIS opportunity is sourced from a place considerably warmer than heaven! “The Rented Family” is a gripping psychological thriller! The main characters are finely developed with complete backstories, and believable personalities. I LOVE that it’s not immediately clear who are the good and who are the evil! Discovering who fits where was part of the mystery, and part of the fun! I guessed wrong on a few, but when ALL was revealed, it made sense to me. The plot had more than a few surprises as well, raising my eyebrows, causing a few excited utterances, pushing me to the edge of my seat, but through it’s entirety, holding my interest! I’m going to keep hush on that the details so as not to play spoiler! The narration was truly a delight! I was able to clearly understand every word! I loved the voicing choices, and the pacing was perfect. I loved that nothing felt rushed! I really enjoyed everything about “The Rented Family”. It creeped me out, and with a psychological thriller, that is a very good thing indeed! Five fantastic stars!
Profile Image for DIANA ✧.*.
9 reviews
August 25, 2024
In this story, we follow Stella Marigold, a journalist who used to be married and lived in the suburbs but traded it for van life. As part of her job, she researches Meridian Connect, a company that lets you rent friends, family, etc. While interviewing the company's owner, he offers her a job to play a motherly figure to a little girl. The pay is excellent, and Stella needs the money for van repairs, so she plans to stay only long enough to save up. However, as she starts to fall for the girl's uncle, she realizes he's actually really creepy, and she should probably get there f out of there before it’s too late.

I get that insta-love is a trope, but this felt a bit too rushed especially with the red flags popping up left and right !! Despite all this, I found myself getting really hooked around the 50-70% mark. The plot picked up speed, and I was genuinely invested in figuring out what was going on—The suspense had me questioning even whether Stella could be trusted. Unfortunately, my interest started to dwindle again as I approached the 73% mark. The pacing slowed down, and, by the time I reached the ending, I was left feeling a bit let down; it was anticlimactic and didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for. On the plus side, some of the scarier scenes really got my heart racing, so the book definitely has its moments. Overall, it was a decent read—fast-paced with a gripping middle section.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,535 reviews
Read
October 22, 2023
free ebook

she was living in her van, working as a writer
she gets a interview and the man wants to rent her to be the mom to have family dinners with him and his niece. there are rules she is to follow like not mentioning the girls mother

the first few days he has a chef come cook the dinners, but she doesnt come back. the lady is not a good cook but she is trying

she was supposed to stay in the guest house but found a camera in a painting. he hired someone to 'scan ' the place and took the camera away

she moved into the main house and into his bed. he shaved his head. her x husband is missing. she found out her best friend is seeing her husband and stopped talking to her

he gives her a new laptop, he knows what she googles on there
he also knows what shes looking at in the bathroom
hes trying to control her

her van in the shop is not getting fixed quickly so she cant leave

turns out he knew and liked her in hs, he was younger and she defended him against some bullies

so she hits on the head with the laptop and runs away with the girl to the other side of the country. but the lady helping her made her come back, he was in a car accident (she hit him) and she brought the girl back. the caretaker was killed, she was shot, the police came before he could killer, but she got to keep the girl and raise her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,667 reviews6 followers
September 11, 2025
It had the opportunity to be something but it was boring. Stella needed to get her van-home in working order so she need a job and fast. She stumbles on a site that partners people in need and finds a listing to "rent a family." She will be given full range for the most part of the main home and live in the guest home while she "pretends to be new mommy." There are a few rules some of them are normal others are a bit strange but she needs the money so she agrees.

Almost instantly she is breaking the rules and getting in bed with the Father figure of the house who seems to want nothing but the best for her until she starts questioning his good intentions. This book seemed to drag on forever and give me nothing to be excited for.

Stella's overall character is annoying and i just want to strangle her myself and when she finally gets a brain and decides to leave after saying i cant trust anyone she turns to the chef like person to help her escape. THEN SHE COMES BACK, oh its safe to come back now he has amnesia and doesn't remember a thing dear. LIKE hell i would come back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather.
13 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2024
Overall, it's a good story concept, but the execution left me a little disappointed.

The basis behind the story I loved and the first half of the book was great. But then it started to become repetitive and frustrating. The main character had qualities that I liked and could see myself rooting for her. But far too often, she would do things that just made no sense and made me roll my eyes. Here we go ....AGAIN!

The climax of the story felt rushed and kind of sloppy. On one page, it said the main character dropped an item from her hand, and then a couple of paragraphs later referenced it still being in her hand. I read it 3 times to make sure I wasn't crazy or missed something. But nope. Dropped but then magically still in her hand. It took away from the "thrill" in that moment.

To conclude, it's not a bad read. But also not one I would jump and immediately recommend either. It just left me wanting more .... due to the lack of what was presented.
778 reviews9 followers
March 22, 2022
I enjoyed this book. There were some moments where I didn’t understand why she didn’t listen to her intuition more but I guess we all blow off our gut instincts when we think we are overreacting over nothing. I enjoyed the twists and how the author fully explained how everything occurred and the characters’ motives.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Profile Image for Julie.
262 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2022
I received a complementary ebook through the voracious readers only website. It was brilliant, with many twists and turns. A young woman takes up an unusual position in a household and gradually realises all is not what it seems. I'm not going to spoil it, but I'll promise you that this book is hard to put down.
Profile Image for Emmeline Everdeen.
357 reviews13 followers
May 14, 2022
So perfect book to read on Friday 13th! This was spooky, unsettling and full of twists and turns. It was an exciting ride for sure! I felt like I was on edge the whole time. Totally loved it!!!!!!
I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
Profile Image for Anne Chinn.
42 reviews
April 25, 2024
Loved this book!

I read this book in less than a day and a half! It was hard to put down! Sensational writing! This is the first book I read by this author. I'll be keeping my eyes open for more from her!!
25 reviews
October 7, 2025
What a great read

This book had slot of twists and turns. Almost thought it was a love story but wow, it took quite the turn and you just didn't know what would happen. Glad I read this one. No regrets!
Profile Image for Priyanka.
51 reviews
January 14, 2024
Not a major twist.
The main plot was predictable.
didn't enjoy it much.
29 reviews
April 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book as it had an interesting storyline and it kept me guessing as to what would happen next.
102 reviews
August 5, 2025
Honestly, the first half of the book was pretty good. They could have done so much more with the story. The thrill twist part was a let down because I guessed early on.
Profile Image for Sandy.
629 reviews
October 16, 2025
This was a really good read. I hadn’t read a good thriller in a while and enjoyed this one very much! I would recommend.
1,084 reviews21 followers
January 5, 2026
I did enjoy this story. World building was good. Characters worked well together. New author for me.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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