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Behind Her Lives
Secrets, suspense, and a missing sister—who may not want to be found—are at the center of Brianna Cole’s latest enthralling multicultural drama. Will appeal to fans of psychological suspense, gritty drama, and readers of De’Nesha Diamond, Kiki Swinson, Saundra, Wahida Clark, Ashley & JaQuavis, Victoria Christopher Murray, and Shelly Ellis.
“That’s not my sister.” Overwhelmed by shock and relief, those are the only words Deven can muster when she is called to identify the body of a suicide victim. A body she was informed was her sister, Kennedy. But as she stares at the lifeless stranger, she’s filled with questions: Who is this woman? Why was Deven listed as family? And most important, where is Kennedy? Her intuition tells her just one thing: this can’t be a total coincidence.
Desperate to put the pieces together, Deven launches her own investigation. Soon, she finds herself tangled in a web of secrets and lies so twisted that it blurs the lines between fact and fiction. And between the sister she thought she knew and the one who seems to have many hidden, dangerous lives. But only Kennedy would have the answers to increasingly urgent questions. Just one possibility is clear: Kennedy isn’t missing. Maybe she just doesn’t want to be found. And maybe you can never truly know another person. Even your own sister.
“That’s not my sister.” Overwhelmed by shock and relief, those are the only words Deven can muster when she is called to identify the body of a suicide victim. A body she was informed was her sister, Kennedy. But as she stares at the lifeless stranger, she’s filled with questions: Who is this woman? Why was Deven listed as family? And most important, where is Kennedy? Her intuition tells her just one thing: this can’t be a total coincidence.
Desperate to put the pieces together, Deven launches her own investigation. Soon, she finds herself tangled in a web of secrets and lies so twisted that it blurs the lines between fact and fiction. And between the sister she thought she knew and the one who seems to have many hidden, dangerous lives. But only Kennedy would have the answers to increasingly urgent questions. Just one possibility is clear: Kennedy isn’t missing. Maybe she just doesn’t want to be found. And maybe you can never truly know another person. Even your own sister.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
155 people are currently reading
3029 people want to read
About the author
Briana Cole
17 books300 followersKnown as "The Literary Drama Queen," Briana Cole is a multi-talented entertainment mogul in both the book and film industries. Authoring six novels, including the critically-acclaimed Unconditional series, Briana has also published two novels under Carl Weber with her pseudonym Brielle Montgomery. Briana is the co-Screenwriter and Associate Producer for two urban films, and she has written, executive produced, and co-starred in her own feature film, Pseudo, which was recently acquired by Damon Dash. She has been recognized in a number of popular blogs and magazines, the most prominent being Sophisticate's Hair Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, Popsugar, and Sheen. In addition to this, Briana is a motivational speaker, mother of three, and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
February 5, 2023
3.5⭐ rounded up for the audiobook.
Featuring ~ dual 1st & 3rd person POV, dual timeline, suicide references, miscarriage, secrets, lies, drama, step-siblings
Deven thinks she's at the morgue to identify her sisters body, but it turns out not to be her. But where is Kennedy then, if this dead girl is not her. As she investigates her sister's disappearance she slowly starts to realize that maybe she doesn't know her as well as she thought she did. There's the added fact that they're step-siblings, with the same mom and different father's, that causes some drama.
We have the before and present timeline, and childhood diary entries, that keep the story flowing along nicely. I felt invested and wanted to know what was up with Kennedy. I wasn't overly in love with Deven, or many of the characters, but the epilogue was great!
Narrated by Diana Blue for 9 hours and 28 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. She did a nice job.
*Thanks to Tantor Audio, the author and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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Featuring ~ dual 1st & 3rd person POV, dual timeline, suicide references, miscarriage, secrets, lies, drama, step-siblings
Deven thinks she's at the morgue to identify her sisters body, but it turns out not to be her. But where is Kennedy then, if this dead girl is not her. As she investigates her sister's disappearance she slowly starts to realize that maybe she doesn't know her as well as she thought she did. There's the added fact that they're step-siblings, with the same mom and different father's, that causes some drama.
We have the before and present timeline, and childhood diary entries, that keep the story flowing along nicely. I felt invested and wanted to know what was up with Kennedy. I wasn't overly in love with Deven, or many of the characters, but the epilogue was great!
Narrated by Diana Blue for 9 hours and 28 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. She did a nice job.
*Thanks to Tantor Audio, the author and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
August 28, 2023
Deven receives some Earth-shatteringly bad news. Her sister Kennedy has died of an apparent drug overdose. Deven thinks she knows her little sister well enough to say that she believes she would never do drugs. If this was a suicide, why the hell would Kennedy have done this?
She is asked to identify the body, but once arriving at the morgue, she is taken-aback, and left with even more questions than answers.
She is certain the body is not Kennedy. So who the hell is this woman and why has she been identified as her sister? Where is the real Kennedy?
I could have read Behind Her Lives even quicker than I did, because I was busy and finishing up other reads, it is fast-paced!
There are many twists and turns - the ending is satisfying but sometimes it does feel like, as a reader, you are being thrown all over the place.
Wouldn’t say this is the best or the worst thriller I have ever read, I’d say standard & middle of the road! If the premise intrigues you, then check it out!
3.4 Stars
She is asked to identify the body, but once arriving at the morgue, she is taken-aback, and left with even more questions than answers.
She is certain the body is not Kennedy. So who the hell is this woman and why has she been identified as her sister? Where is the real Kennedy?
I could have read Behind Her Lives even quicker than I did, because I was busy and finishing up other reads, it is fast-paced!
There are many twists and turns - the ending is satisfying but sometimes it does feel like, as a reader, you are being thrown all over the place.
Wouldn’t say this is the best or the worst thriller I have ever read, I’d say standard & middle of the road! If the premise intrigues you, then check it out!
3.4 Stars
July 2, 2022
Behind Her Lives is a spectacular psychological thriller by Briana Cole. Really! Briana Cole is still being Briana Cole. Fabulous!
Deven and Kennedy are the closest of sisters, until Kennedy’s body is found. Deven doesn’t believe it. She knows her sister, or does she?
Briana Cole takes the reader on a roller coaster ride in Behind Her Lives. This plot turns on itself multiple times. Cole drops enough clues for the reader to figure it out but takes you on a fantastic voyage to get there. The timeline is nonlinear and interspersed with diary entry excerpts, but is easy to read and follow. The characters are fully-developed and dynamic. The dialogue is vibrant. I give it 5 out of 5 enthusiastic stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy a good psychological read.
My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Deven and Kennedy are the closest of sisters, until Kennedy’s body is found. Deven doesn’t believe it. She knows her sister, or does she?
Briana Cole takes the reader on a roller coaster ride in Behind Her Lives. This plot turns on itself multiple times. Cole drops enough clues for the reader to figure it out but takes you on a fantastic voyage to get there. The timeline is nonlinear and interspersed with diary entry excerpts, but is easy to read and follow. The characters are fully-developed and dynamic. The dialogue is vibrant. I give it 5 out of 5 enthusiastic stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy a good psychological read.
My thanks to Kensington Books, Dafina, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
November 17, 2023
November Book Club Pick
I K Y F L
Yep that about sums up this book. Briana Cole had me wondering what the hell was coming next. The suspense was killing me so I just went on and finished the book early🤣.
The way I wanted to just fight everybody. Deven finds out her sister Kennedy is “Dead” & she is determined to find out what really happened to her. The whole book until about 80% I had not a clue where this book was going. I did guess the very last pot twist but I was still screaming because Girl how did you even come up with this ?? I definitely need to read part two I have questions. 😩
I K Y F L
Yep that about sums up this book. Briana Cole had me wondering what the hell was coming next. The suspense was killing me so I just went on and finished the book early🤣.
The way I wanted to just fight everybody. Deven finds out her sister Kennedy is “Dead” & she is determined to find out what really happened to her. The whole book until about 80% I had not a clue where this book was going. I did guess the very last pot twist but I was still screaming because Girl how did you even come up with this ?? I definitely need to read part two I have questions. 😩
October 24, 2022
I didn’t love this or hate this. I felt like the characters were built up but certain ones seemed inauthentic at times. There were some interesting moments in the plot and the suspense was there but the ending did not work for me. I did not find it at all believable and was a bit of a letdown.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Books and Briana Cole for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Books and Briana Cole for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2022
Canoodling Cannolis! 😳😯🤯😳😯
I'm sorry what?! Hold my dog! What in the fluffer fluffiest fluffness?! I can't even put into words of how warped this was! Frick sakes. Another fabulous thriller novel by a fabulous African American author I'll now be adding to my list of favourite authors! I adored the insane ride of this psychological thriller. Seriously think the game Twister, but for your brain! I freakin' lapped this up like it was morning coffee - survival & satisfaction.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: When Deven is told by the police that her younger sister, Kennedy, was found dead of an accidental overdose, she can't believe it. When she's shown a picture of the body, she's firm in her belief that it is NOT her, albeit the similarities are extremely close. Deven decides to embark on her own investigating to find out what's happened to her sister, but she'll come to realize she's nothing of what she was led to believe. And the journey to the truth could be more sinister and dangerous than she imagined. Did she ever know Kennedy? & just what was she involved in?
My word almighty that ending was beyond a tailspin! Even though I had it figured out, Cole did brilliance in how she unveiled everything, dished it out & wrapped it up! I was left with one very open and sore jaw. Such an amazingly twisted thriller Cole has done! My word almighty. I need more from her like this! Trust me when I say, set aside a piece of your favourite desert / chocolate because you're going to need it at the end of this scrumptious twisted fluffed up ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Briana Cole herself for reaching out & giving me this ARC.
Release Date: October 25, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
I'm sorry what?! Hold my dog! What in the fluffer fluffiest fluffness?! I can't even put into words of how warped this was! Frick sakes. Another fabulous thriller novel by a fabulous African American author I'll now be adding to my list of favourite authors! I adored the insane ride of this psychological thriller. Seriously think the game Twister, but for your brain! I freakin' lapped this up like it was morning coffee - survival & satisfaction.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: When Deven is told by the police that her younger sister, Kennedy, was found dead of an accidental overdose, she can't believe it. When she's shown a picture of the body, she's firm in her belief that it is NOT her, albeit the similarities are extremely close. Deven decides to embark on her own investigating to find out what's happened to her sister, but she'll come to realize she's nothing of what she was led to believe. And the journey to the truth could be more sinister and dangerous than she imagined. Did she ever know Kennedy? & just what was she involved in?
My word almighty that ending was beyond a tailspin! Even though I had it figured out, Cole did brilliance in how she unveiled everything, dished it out & wrapped it up! I was left with one very open and sore jaw. Such an amazingly twisted thriller Cole has done! My word almighty. I need more from her like this! Trust me when I say, set aside a piece of your favourite desert / chocolate because you're going to need it at the end of this scrumptious twisted fluffed up ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Briana Cole herself for reaching out & giving me this ARC.
Release Date: October 25, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
January 25, 2023
I trudged through this book waiting for it to get more interesting, it just never did. The premise was great, but it was just boring all around. And actually pretty sad when you learn the truth of the “dead” sister.
October 22, 2022
First of all a big thanks to the author for reaching out and sending me a copy of Behind Her Lives to read. It is published on October 25th and is well worth a read. I read it in 2 sittings, an absolute page turner. You might think that you know what is going on but think again. Nothing is as it seems.
Devan is woken early one morning by police knocking on her door. They are there to tell her that her sister, Kennedy, has been found dead in her apartment. An apparent drug overdose. She refuses to believe it, her sister doesn’t do drugs, and she knows her better than anybody. Even when she gets to the morgue to identify the body, he is adamant it is not Kennedy. But why can’t she get hold of her, and why hasn’t anybody seen her. She is determined to get to the bottom of this and find her sister.
This is where things get interesting. She starts to learn about a whole other life that her sister lead, and none of it is good. It was an addictive read and I felt for Devan. Life was not being kind to her and things just kept getting worse.
An intense thriller that will keep you invested til the very end. Highly recommend
Devan is woken early one morning by police knocking on her door. They are there to tell her that her sister, Kennedy, has been found dead in her apartment. An apparent drug overdose. She refuses to believe it, her sister doesn’t do drugs, and she knows her better than anybody. Even when she gets to the morgue to identify the body, he is adamant it is not Kennedy. But why can’t she get hold of her, and why hasn’t anybody seen her. She is determined to get to the bottom of this and find her sister.
This is where things get interesting. She starts to learn about a whole other life that her sister lead, and none of it is good. It was an addictive read and I felt for Devan. Life was not being kind to her and things just kept getting worse.
An intense thriller that will keep you invested til the very end. Highly recommend
November 2, 2022
BEHIND HER LIVES started out strong and I was really into the story, but then things fell flat during the middle, and I wasn't a fan of the ending.
In the beginning, I was hooked. I enjoyed getting to learn about the story and the characters, and I couldn't put it down. I was always looking forward to reading and finding out more.
In the middle, I felt like things stalled and weren't going anywhere. It was drawn out and there were so many red herrings to try to throw off the reader, which I'm fine with a couple, but there were a lot in this book.
Lastly, the ending seemed like it came out of nowhere, which I felt let down. After everything I read and the things thrown at me, I was hoping for a better ending than the one I read.
I'd like to read another thriller by this author in the future to see if I enjoy her work. I can't base it off one book.
In the beginning, I was hooked. I enjoyed getting to learn about the story and the characters, and I couldn't put it down. I was always looking forward to reading and finding out more.
In the middle, I felt like things stalled and weren't going anywhere. It was drawn out and there were so many red herrings to try to throw off the reader, which I'm fine with a couple, but there were a lot in this book.
Lastly, the ending seemed like it came out of nowhere, which I felt let down. After everything I read and the things thrown at me, I was hoping for a better ending than the one I read.
I'd like to read another thriller by this author in the future to see if I enjoy her work. I can't base it off one book.
October 23, 2022
What if everything you thought to be true was turned upside down?
This new thriller from Briana Cole threw several plot twists at me that kept me guessing for most of the book. Every now and then, I did guess a few of the twists, but definitely not the major one at the end.
Devan is the main character, and it is primarily her POV that this story is told. There are a few sections that share parts of her sister's diary entries. The story is primarily in the present, but there are flashbacks to her past with her parents and her sister. We don't learn the full story of her sister and why they lost touch for so many years until much later as the story is unravelling.
I sympathized with Devan, but at the same time, she let herself be taken advantage of by the people in her life. She let her boyfriend take advantage of her. Personally, I think he was a narcissist. But not to worry, he gets his later in the book. There are people that care about her, but it takes her a little while to fully trust them and their motives. Actually, there are many characters that are hard to trust, and for good reason, as you will learn.
While Devan's world is turned upside down, she also learns more about herself and that she is stronger than she realizes.
There is so much more that could possibly be told in this story, but unless there is a sequel, we will just have to make up our own future for Devan and the rest.
We give this book 4 paws up.
This new thriller from Briana Cole threw several plot twists at me that kept me guessing for most of the book. Every now and then, I did guess a few of the twists, but definitely not the major one at the end.
Devan is the main character, and it is primarily her POV that this story is told. There are a few sections that share parts of her sister's diary entries. The story is primarily in the present, but there are flashbacks to her past with her parents and her sister. We don't learn the full story of her sister and why they lost touch for so many years until much later as the story is unravelling.
I sympathized with Devan, but at the same time, she let herself be taken advantage of by the people in her life. She let her boyfriend take advantage of her. Personally, I think he was a narcissist. But not to worry, he gets his later in the book. There are people that care about her, but it takes her a little while to fully trust them and their motives. Actually, there are many characters that are hard to trust, and for good reason, as you will learn.
While Devan's world is turned upside down, she also learns more about herself and that she is stronger than she realizes.
There is so much more that could possibly be told in this story, but unless there is a sequel, we will just have to make up our own future for Devan and the rest.
We give this book 4 paws up.
August 16, 2023
I have only read one prior book by Briana Cole and I loved it, so I was excited when she reached out and asked if I would like to read and review a copy of her debut psychological thriller. Deven and Kennedy are sisters, and the book starts off with Deven having to go and identify Kennedy’s body, except she knows said body is not Kennedy’s. Confused as to what is happening, this sets her off on her own investigation and she soon realizes Kennedy may not actually be missing, she may not want to be found. And that Deven may not have known who her sister truly was.
My goodness this was twisty, intense, and did not end in any sort of way that I thought it would. It was a one sitting read that I enjoyed so very much. I listened to this via audio and thought it was really good this way.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
My goodness this was twisty, intense, and did not end in any sort of way that I thought it would. It was a one sitting read that I enjoyed so very much. I listened to this via audio and thought it was really good this way.
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the digital copy to review.
February 12, 2024
The suspense had me flipping these pages so fast!
I loved the therapy representation here!
Grief, illness, miscarriage, parental relationships, sibling relationship, situationships.. great read!
Ahh 💔 for Kennedy, are we gonna see more of Deuce & Benji? Will Iris and Keith materialize?
Did Justin piss anyone else off, boy bye. I was so skeptical of Paul. Hope there is healing for Deven.
I loved the therapy representation here!
Grief, illness, miscarriage, parental relationships, sibling relationship, situationships.. great read!
Ahh 💔 for Kennedy, are we gonna see more of Deuce & Benji? Will Iris and Keith materialize?
Did Justin piss anyone else off, boy bye. I was so skeptical of Paul. Hope there is healing for Deven.
December 4, 2022
being the eldest sister is exhausting. i know it. you know it. deven reynolds knows it. she especially knows it after the police come knocking on her door to notify deven of her sister’s passing.
as soon as the words hit deven’s ears she had the sneaking suspicion that something was amiss. so imagine her surprise when she goes to identify the body and it’s NOT her little sister kennedy laying in the morgue. i mean they look almost identical but deep down in her soul, deven knows that’s not the sister she grew up with. from there deven finds herself going down a road with so many twist and turns trying her hardest to find out what REALLY happened to her sister.
i haven’t read a thriller in sooooo long. i forgot how bad they stress me out. it made me realize i have to read them in one sitting because my mind will obsess about what’s gonna happen next when i’m supposed be sleep. i lost the battle and the plot 😂 but hey, the book was entertaining so it was worth it.
as soon as the words hit deven’s ears she had the sneaking suspicion that something was amiss. so imagine her surprise when she goes to identify the body and it’s NOT her little sister kennedy laying in the morgue. i mean they look almost identical but deep down in her soul, deven knows that’s not the sister she grew up with. from there deven finds herself going down a road with so many twist and turns trying her hardest to find out what REALLY happened to her sister.
i haven’t read a thriller in sooooo long. i forgot how bad they stress me out. it made me realize i have to read them in one sitting because my mind will obsess about what’s gonna happen next when i’m supposed be sleep. i lost the battle and the plot 😂 but hey, the book was entertaining so it was worth it.
March 15, 2024
3.5ish ⭐️ after reading this book I felt sad. It wasn’t what I expected. It was like Lifetime Movie Network but without the predictable ending.
May 15, 2023
In Behind Her Lives, Deven is told her sister is dead. Except the woman in the morgue is not her sister.
Thoughts:
Deven is not a likable character. She made a few weird decisions throughout the book that had me side eying her. However, the story has the right blend of suspense & mystery. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. I could not wait until I got to the end to find out where is Kennedy.
I have mixed feelings about the ending. How was April able to pass for Kennedy and no one noticed? In the book, Kennedy moves out of her mom's house at the age of twelve. She returns home around the age of sixteen. Do you mean to tell me no one noticed something was off? I enjoyed reading this book. But the ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
Thoughts:
Deven is not a likable character. She made a few weird decisions throughout the book that had me side eying her. However, the story has the right blend of suspense & mystery. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. I could not wait until I got to the end to find out where is Kennedy.
I have mixed feelings about the ending. How was April able to pass for Kennedy and no one noticed? In the book, Kennedy moves out of her mom's house at the age of twelve. She returns home around the age of sixteen. Do you mean to tell me no one noticed something was off? I enjoyed reading this book. But the ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
Early one morning, Deven receives disturbing news that her younger sister Kennedy has been found dead. Upon identifying the body, she firmly stayed that it's not her sister. In order to prove the authorities wrong, she begins her own search, and what she finds, will not only leave her troubled, but also in danger.
From page three, this book takes you on an emotional roller coaster…one that you don't want to get off, until you see it to the end! Packed full of secrets, scandal and drama, the touch on mental illness was pure genius. Just when you think you've seen and heard it all…here comes another piece to the puzzle. My favorite character was Paul. He was a genuine friend to Deven, even after discovering that was a pawn in the sick game, whereas my least favorite character was Justin. I was so happy to see him go, because I felt like he had a lot of buried secrets, as well.
This, by far, is the best psychological thriller that I've read this year. It will soon make an appearance on my Best Read of 2022, so stay tuned. Another stellar job by @bcoleauthor!
From page three, this book takes you on an emotional roller coaster…one that you don't want to get off, until you see it to the end! Packed full of secrets, scandal and drama, the touch on mental illness was pure genius. Just when you think you've seen and heard it all…here comes another piece to the puzzle. My favorite character was Paul. He was a genuine friend to Deven, even after discovering that was a pawn in the sick game, whereas my least favorite character was Justin. I was so happy to see him go, because I felt like he had a lot of buried secrets, as well.
This, by far, is the best psychological thriller that I've read this year. It will soon make an appearance on my Best Read of 2022, so stay tuned. Another stellar job by @bcoleauthor!
December 26, 2022
Behind Her Lives
Briana Cole
Intense
Addictive
Fast Paced
I enjoyed this fast paced page turner that was suspenseful and thrilling. Briana Cole’s writing is so immersive that from the first chapter, I have to know what is happening with Devan as she receives news about her sister’s death and the circumstances surrounding this. As we learn more and get deeper into the story, the craziness of the situation is what pulls me I. To turn the pages as fast as I can.
Overall this is such a fun thriller read. I want to read more of Cole’s books. Her writing is simply enthralling.
Briana Cole
Intense
Addictive
Fast Paced
I enjoyed this fast paced page turner that was suspenseful and thrilling. Briana Cole’s writing is so immersive that from the first chapter, I have to know what is happening with Devan as she receives news about her sister’s death and the circumstances surrounding this. As we learn more and get deeper into the story, the craziness of the situation is what pulls me I. To turn the pages as fast as I can.
Overall this is such a fun thriller read. I want to read more of Cole’s books. Her writing is simply enthralling.
January 31, 2023
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
• medium paced
• mystery thriller
• this books had twists and turns in almost every chapter! i could not put it down. i read it in one sitting!
• this book is about a woman who is told her sister is dead, but she doesn’t believe it & goes on to find her sister.
• this book had me on the edge of my seat. i felt such a strong connection with the characters.
• medium paced
• mystery thriller
• this books had twists and turns in almost every chapter! i could not put it down. i read it in one sitting!
• this book is about a woman who is told her sister is dead, but she doesn’t believe it & goes on to find her sister.
• this book had me on the edge of my seat. i felt such a strong connection with the characters.
July 23, 2022
Behind Her Lives by Briana Cole. Thanks to the author, @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Deven is told her sister died, she doesn’t believe it. Sure, it looks a bit like her sister, but it’s not. As she tracks down her missing sister, many questions about who she was arise.
Some of my favorite thrillers are family thrillers, especially about sisters. This one was suspenseful and full of mystery. I really like Deven and how she dove right into the case. Amateur investigations are also a favorite of mine. There were some slow moments due to the dual-timelines, but in the end it was all worth it because it helped build the suspense.
“Her therapist had been correct. When someone dies, they’re don’t die once. They die over and over again. And that cyclical anguish was crippling.”
Behind Her Lives comes out 10/25.
When Deven is told her sister died, she doesn’t believe it. Sure, it looks a bit like her sister, but it’s not. As she tracks down her missing sister, many questions about who she was arise.
Some of my favorite thrillers are family thrillers, especially about sisters. This one was suspenseful and full of mystery. I really like Deven and how she dove right into the case. Amateur investigations are also a favorite of mine. There were some slow moments due to the dual-timelines, but in the end it was all worth it because it helped build the suspense.
“Her therapist had been correct. When someone dies, they’re don’t die once. They die over and over again. And that cyclical anguish was crippling.”
Behind Her Lives comes out 10/25.
October 25, 2022
Behind Her Lives was a good suspense thriller story. It definitely took me on a journey and I was eager to see what would happen next. I liked the characters but I was definitely suspicious of every single person. Nobody was really innocent to me. I think that the plot twists were timely but I felt like the ending didn’t necessarily answer all of my questions. I was completely wrong about what would happen and I can appreciate that because it means that I didn’t see any hints throughout the story. Good read for me. I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
DNF @ 16%. This one just wasn't working for me.
The characters were all unlikable and I couldn't connect to them.
Thanks to the author, Kensinton books & Netgalley for advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were all unlikable and I couldn't connect to them.
Thanks to the author, Kensinton books & Netgalley for advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2022
I am speechless I can’t even explain how I feel about this book.
This was amazing I was intrigued from the very first moment I started listening it and it was so hard to put it down. I definitely just found a new book to add to my favorites list.
This is a mystery thriller about a missing sister who may not want to be found. They think she is dead but when Deven called to identify the body of a suicide victim she isn’t her sister.
This story was so interesting and shocking.
I felt so close to this not the missing sister concept but the losing a loved one. It was so hard to listen the end of the book for me I cried so much. You never realize how important a person to you until you lose it…
This was my first book by Briana Cole but definitely not the last I’m so glad I requested this audiobook and was able to read it.
The book is already been released so please check it out I highly recommend it! Also the audiobook was really good to listen!
Thank you so much to @netgalley and the publisher for providing me a AudioARC of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
This was amazing I was intrigued from the very first moment I started listening it and it was so hard to put it down. I definitely just found a new book to add to my favorites list.
This is a mystery thriller about a missing sister who may not want to be found. They think she is dead but when Deven called to identify the body of a suicide victim she isn’t her sister.
This story was so interesting and shocking.
I felt so close to this not the missing sister concept but the losing a loved one. It was so hard to listen the end of the book for me I cried so much. You never realize how important a person to you until you lose it…
This was my first book by Briana Cole but definitely not the last I’m so glad I requested this audiobook and was able to read it.
The book is already been released so please check it out I highly recommend it! Also the audiobook was really good to listen!
Thank you so much to @netgalley and the publisher for providing me a AudioARC of this amazing book in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
September 6, 2022
4.5/5 stars!
I really enjoyed this family thriller. I was instantly grabbed and wanted to know what the heck was going on!
Synopsis: When Deven is told her sister, Kennedy, has passed away she doesn't believe it. The person being shown to her, while she does look like Kennedy, is not her sister. So, where is Kennedy? What has happened to her? Why is everyone saying, this woman is her?
I really wish I had the words to express how much I was drawn into how Briana Cole uses her words. She doesn't get cliche, she doesn't force things to happen, and there's nothing gratuitous. Everything flows seamlessly and a "no way!" type of story unfolds! This was my first Briana Cole story but I will definitely be picking up more.
Thank you to Briana Cole and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
I really enjoyed this family thriller. I was instantly grabbed and wanted to know what the heck was going on!
Synopsis: When Deven is told her sister, Kennedy, has passed away she doesn't believe it. The person being shown to her, while she does look like Kennedy, is not her sister. So, where is Kennedy? What has happened to her? Why is everyone saying, this woman is her?
I really wish I had the words to express how much I was drawn into how Briana Cole uses her words. She doesn't get cliche, she doesn't force things to happen, and there's nothing gratuitous. Everything flows seamlessly and a "no way!" type of story unfolds! This was my first Briana Cole story but I will definitely be picking up more.
Thank you to Briana Cole and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
September 24, 2024
Deven really thought she was the FBI with her investigations. But she knew something wasn’t right. I was able to figure out what was going on towards the end. But I thought it was overall a good book and I enjoyed it.
Read
December 3, 2022Opening the door to the police before 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning can never lead to anything good, a truism confirmed to Deven Reyonlds when she’s told that her younger sister, Kennedy, is dead by suicide and she’s needed to identify the body. But when shown a picture of the women found in Kennedy’s apartment, Deven is relieved to announce that the person is not her sister. The ME, the police, even her sometimes-boyfriend Justin think she is in the denial stage of grief, but Deven knows she’s right. That doesn’t explain though why the woman was found in Kennedy’s apartment or why Deven can’t locate Kennedy.
If Kennedy has disappeared, she must be in trouble, and Deven is determined to find her and protect her. She just never thought that Kennedy might want to remain hidden. Deven’s investigation reveals a chain of secrets and lies spiraling back decades that makes her question everything she knew about their relationship. The closer she gets to the truth, though, the dangerous the quest for answers becomes.
Because Deven’s grief about her sister and a previous loss color her reactions, she is a believable but unreliable character. At times, I wanted to redirect her from her poor decisions, but I admired her loyalty. She was further tested because her father had passed not too long before and her mother, in assisted living, was beginning to have fewer and fewer good days due to dementia.
The book was suspenseful and propulsive, and had interesting side characters who operated on the illicit side of the law. Fans of psychological thrillers such as those by Shanora Williams, Rachel Howzell Hall, and Shelly Ellis will enjoy this page turner!
CW: suicide, drug use, pregnancy loss, dementia
Thank you to @kensingtonbooks, @letstalkbookpromo, and @netgalley for providing an DRC of this title which went on sale October 25, 2022.
If Kennedy has disappeared, she must be in trouble, and Deven is determined to find her and protect her. She just never thought that Kennedy might want to remain hidden. Deven’s investigation reveals a chain of secrets and lies spiraling back decades that makes her question everything she knew about their relationship. The closer she gets to the truth, though, the dangerous the quest for answers becomes.
Because Deven’s grief about her sister and a previous loss color her reactions, she is a believable but unreliable character. At times, I wanted to redirect her from her poor decisions, but I admired her loyalty. She was further tested because her father had passed not too long before and her mother, in assisted living, was beginning to have fewer and fewer good days due to dementia.
The book was suspenseful and propulsive, and had interesting side characters who operated on the illicit side of the law. Fans of psychological thrillers such as those by Shanora Williams, Rachel Howzell Hall, and Shelly Ellis will enjoy this page turner!
CW: suicide, drug use, pregnancy loss, dementia
Thank you to @kensingtonbooks, @letstalkbookpromo, and @netgalley for providing an DRC of this title which went on sale October 25, 2022.
September 28, 2022
This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Briana Cole and her writing is fantastic - I feel like the build up in this story was impeccable. I do feel like the climax was a little overwhelming when we didnt see any repercussions happening … either way, I’d recommend this book to someone else.
September 19, 2022
I flew through this book. From the moment Deven was on the page, I found her to be relatable. The diary entries from a young Kennedy, also gave a perspective to the sister who allegedly committed suicide. Deven knew her sister, or did she? From the beginning, Deven had her doubts her sister would die the way she did. I admired Deven’s determination and presistance to investigate the case, and find answers.
This was an easy story to binge, and I loved the sister aspect to the story. Briana Cole created a story I was immersed in. I had so many questions: was it Kennedy? What happened to Kennedy? Was Kennedy in on this? Not only did Deven not know her sister as well she thought, the author dropped clues throughout along the way to a satisfying conclusion. Me, the thriller queen didn’t see the twist coming, so that says a lot! I thoroughly enjoyed this mysterious, suspenseful read, and you should all get a copy on October 25th!
This was an easy story to binge, and I loved the sister aspect to the story. Briana Cole created a story I was immersed in. I had so many questions: was it Kennedy? What happened to Kennedy? Was Kennedy in on this? Not only did Deven not know her sister as well she thought, the author dropped clues throughout along the way to a satisfying conclusion. Me, the thriller queen didn’t see the twist coming, so that says a lot! I thoroughly enjoyed this mysterious, suspenseful read, and you should all get a copy on October 25th!
March 19, 2023
Ima bout ready to pull my hair out. This book has stressed me out more than TMZ and Kevin did Britney in the early 00’s.
Lights cigarette 🚬 ** I don’t even smoke
Imagine you go view a body of who’s supposed to be your sister, only it’s not your sister, so you need to find your REAL sister, to find out why the morgue girl looks so much like your sister 😂😂😂 on top of that. Ya momma got dementia, ya dead or not dead sister boyfriend is sexy AF and you getting side tracked, but also you can’t trust him cause he YTE and rich. And to top all of this, your no good BF is just on your last nerve all in your way while you trying to find your dead or not dead sister. HE YA BIGGEST OPP HERE IF YA ASK ME 🥴
By the time I got done with this book, I was side eyeing everyone I knew all day long. I’m so glad I don’t have a damn sister. Shat!
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lights cigarette 🚬 ** I don’t even smoke
Imagine you go view a body of who’s supposed to be your sister, only it’s not your sister, so you need to find your REAL sister, to find out why the morgue girl looks so much like your sister 😂😂😂 on top of that. Ya momma got dementia, ya dead or not dead sister boyfriend is sexy AF and you getting side tracked, but also you can’t trust him cause he YTE and rich. And to top all of this, your no good BF is just on your last nerve all in your way while you trying to find your dead or not dead sister. HE YA BIGGEST OPP HERE IF YA ASK ME 🥴
By the time I got done with this book, I was side eyeing everyone I knew all day long. I’m so glad I don’t have a damn sister. Shat!
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Dafina, and Briana Cole for the advanced copy of Behind Her Lives in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 stars rounded up!
This is an extremely well-written thriller with some very unique and fun twists and turns. Without giving too much away, the element of grief is heavily prevalent for our main character, Deven. Briana Cole writes about grief so well the emotions just lift off the page. I know unfortunately she writes it beautifully because she has experienced it so deeply, so I hope it is a cathartic experience to get to write about it.
This fast-paced, twisty book is a super quick read, highly recommend to fellow thriller lovers!
Behind Her Lives will be on bookshelves October 25.
4.5 stars rounded up!
This is an extremely well-written thriller with some very unique and fun twists and turns. Without giving too much away, the element of grief is heavily prevalent for our main character, Deven. Briana Cole writes about grief so well the emotions just lift off the page. I know unfortunately she writes it beautifully because she has experienced it so deeply, so I hope it is a cathartic experience to get to write about it.
This fast-paced, twisty book is a super quick read, highly recommend to fellow thriller lovers!
Behind Her Lives will be on bookshelves October 25.
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