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Unforgivable
Your ex-wife didn’t leave you because of me. She didn’t abandon her little girl because of a couple of love notes in your jeans pocket. She left because she’s twisted, and she wanted to punish you. And she’s not finished yet. You have to believe me. If you don’t, there’s no knowing what she’ll do next…
Becoming a stepmother is the best thing that ever happened to me. My favorite part of every day is picking Charlie up from school, watching her little rucksack bounce behind her as she skips over for a hug. I love the feel of those thin freckled arms around my waist. After a few rocky months of panic attacks when her mother deserted her, Charlie is flourishing. But the day Charlie’s mother Bronwyn returns without warning—showering Charlie with gifts and making promises she can’t keep—fear ripples through me.
When I raise my concerns, no one wants to listen. I know I sound like the jealous new wife, but nothing is more important to me than Charlie’s safety. Me and Bronwyn have history. We both have dark secrets in our past, and I know the dangerous lengths she will go to get what she wants.
But Bronwyn doesn’t know me as well as I know her.
She doesn’t know just how far I will go to protect that little girl…
Becoming a stepmother is the best thing that ever happened to me. My favorite part of every day is picking Charlie up from school, watching her little rucksack bounce behind her as she skips over for a hug. I love the feel of those thin freckled arms around my waist. After a few rocky months of panic attacks when her mother deserted her, Charlie is flourishing. But the day Charlie’s mother Bronwyn returns without warning—showering Charlie with gifts and making promises she can’t keep—fear ripples through me.
When I raise my concerns, no one wants to listen. I know I sound like the jealous new wife, but nothing is more important to me than Charlie’s safety. Me and Bronwyn have history. We both have dark secrets in our past, and I know the dangerous lengths she will go to get what she wants.
But Bronwyn doesn’t know me as well as I know her.
She doesn’t know just how far I will go to protect that little girl…
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2022
1731 people are currently reading
1953 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Barelli
12 books2,416 followersYou will usually find Natalie Barelli reading a book, and that book will more likely than not be a psychological thriller. When not absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, Natalie rides motorcycles, knits very badly and spends far too much time at the computer. She lives in Australia.
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August 24, 2022
Unforgivable by Natalie Barelli
Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya
There is all kinds of crazy going on in this story but who is crazy and who isn't crazy? Who is paranoid and who has every right to be paranoid? Who is conniving and who is getting the wool pulled over their eyes? I really wasn't sure until the end and I was pretty sure I was being gaslighted by somebody. By the end of the story, I wanted to say, "I knew that!" but did I really?
Art curator, Laura, is engaged to Jack. Charlie is Jack's eight year old daughter and Laura would do anything for her. She's already helped Charlie to get through panic attacks because her mother, Bronwyn, abandoned her. Now Bronwyn has told Jack that she is going to be coming home from overseas, where she has been living with her lover, and Bronwyn is going to be staying at Jack's house, the house where Laura lives with Jack and Charlie, now. The house that used to be the home of Bronwyn before she left the marriage and her daughter.
Bronwyn, has a list of requirements for her visit and in the midst of so much going on at work, it's up to Laura to make sure the requirements are met. Jack's out of work but doesn't seem up to doing what needs to be done. Charlie's acting out is back again, triggered by Bronwyn's impending arrival. And Laura knows that Bronwyn is coming to stir up trouble even though she is supposed to be coming to finalize her divorce from Jack.
Laura is a frantic mess and then things get worse. She is often acting like a raving lunatic, paranoid beyond belief, it's as if she doesn't trust anyone. Ready to bite anyone's head off, rarely able to act the least bit reasonable. Is she nuts or does she know something we don't?
The audiobook narration is great and is perfect for this story. Bronwyn's so put together, she makes Laura look like she's lost her marbles. Nothing Laura does is right, Charlie worships her mother and Bronwyn is putting a wedge between Laura and Charlie. Jack just wants to lay low and not ruffle any feathers, or at least not Bronwyn's feathers. Things start out unsettled and then ramp up to chaotic and it's hard to know who might be trustworthy and who might be blowing smoke in our faces.
Pub: July 26, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya
There is all kinds of crazy going on in this story but who is crazy and who isn't crazy? Who is paranoid and who has every right to be paranoid? Who is conniving and who is getting the wool pulled over their eyes? I really wasn't sure until the end and I was pretty sure I was being gaslighted by somebody. By the end of the story, I wanted to say, "I knew that!" but did I really?
Art curator, Laura, is engaged to Jack. Charlie is Jack's eight year old daughter and Laura would do anything for her. She's already helped Charlie to get through panic attacks because her mother, Bronwyn, abandoned her. Now Bronwyn has told Jack that she is going to be coming home from overseas, where she has been living with her lover, and Bronwyn is going to be staying at Jack's house, the house where Laura lives with Jack and Charlie, now. The house that used to be the home of Bronwyn before she left the marriage and her daughter.
Bronwyn, has a list of requirements for her visit and in the midst of so much going on at work, it's up to Laura to make sure the requirements are met. Jack's out of work but doesn't seem up to doing what needs to be done. Charlie's acting out is back again, triggered by Bronwyn's impending arrival. And Laura knows that Bronwyn is coming to stir up trouble even though she is supposed to be coming to finalize her divorce from Jack.
Laura is a frantic mess and then things get worse. She is often acting like a raving lunatic, paranoid beyond belief, it's as if she doesn't trust anyone. Ready to bite anyone's head off, rarely able to act the least bit reasonable. Is she nuts or does she know something we don't?
The audiobook narration is great and is perfect for this story. Bronwyn's so put together, she makes Laura look like she's lost her marbles. Nothing Laura does is right, Charlie worships her mother and Bronwyn is putting a wedge between Laura and Charlie. Jack just wants to lay low and not ruffle any feathers, or at least not Bronwyn's feathers. Things start out unsettled and then ramp up to chaotic and it's hard to know who might be trustworthy and who might be blowing smoke in our faces.
Pub: July 26, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 13, 2022
Unforgiveable was the title and unexceptional was the sentiment after reading. A book that stretched plausibility and a writing style that did not connect with the story. Unfortunately.
So welcome to the madhouse
The plot revolves around four main characters. Laura who is engaged to Jack. Jack who is father to eight-year-old Charlie, and Charlie who has been suffering from panic attacks since her mother Bronwyn abandoned her for a new life in Italy.
Bronwyn is back from Italy and guess where she wants to stay – yes you got it. With Laura, Jack, and Charley at their home!!! Really as if any woman would entertain such an arrangement.
Well, the believability did not get any better than that, as the past and present collide and wrongdoings from the past come back to haunt.
The ‘unforgivables’ in the story
Plausibility - I thought it was inconceivable to allow the soon to be ex-wife stay at the home you were building with your fiancé, who by the way is not actually divorced yet? Meanwhile, the twists in the story that should have created the drama felt far fetched.
Character dislikes within the madhouse!!!
- Laura has to be one of the dumbest female protagonists I have come across which made her hard to connect with.
- Jack was someone who lacked purpose and backbone and therefore did not add much to the story.
- Bronwyn was just unlikeable but not the ‘deliciously evil’ kind of characters I enjoy in stories. Although I would not like to be friends with them.
- The only agreeable character was 8-year-old Charlie, who brought some light-hearted moments and humour.
The plot was very predictable even with the twists that were intended to heighten the suspense, but the biggest disappointment was the writing style.
I felt the transition between the sentences was weak which made the story feel choppy. Now I realise how much I like a story to flow, because I started to feel irritated with this book that was so awkwardly constructed in parts.
So, not for me. The premise was good (so rounding up to 2), but the execution could have been a lot better. Please read other reviews because many people enjoyed this more than I did.
So welcome to the madhouse
The plot revolves around four main characters. Laura who is engaged to Jack. Jack who is father to eight-year-old Charlie, and Charlie who has been suffering from panic attacks since her mother Bronwyn abandoned her for a new life in Italy.
Bronwyn is back from Italy and guess where she wants to stay – yes you got it. With Laura, Jack, and Charley at their home!!! Really as if any woman would entertain such an arrangement.
Well, the believability did not get any better than that, as the past and present collide and wrongdoings from the past come back to haunt.
The ‘unforgivables’ in the story
Plausibility - I thought it was inconceivable to allow the soon to be ex-wife stay at the home you were building with your fiancé, who by the way is not actually divorced yet? Meanwhile, the twists in the story that should have created the drama felt far fetched.
Character dislikes within the madhouse!!!
- Laura has to be one of the dumbest female protagonists I have come across which made her hard to connect with.
- Jack was someone who lacked purpose and backbone and therefore did not add much to the story.
- Bronwyn was just unlikeable but not the ‘deliciously evil’ kind of characters I enjoy in stories. Although I would not like to be friends with them.
- The only agreeable character was 8-year-old Charlie, who brought some light-hearted moments and humour.
The plot was very predictable even with the twists that were intended to heighten the suspense, but the biggest disappointment was the writing style.
I felt the transition between the sentences was weak which made the story feel choppy. Now I realise how much I like a story to flow, because I started to feel irritated with this book that was so awkwardly constructed in parts.
So, not for me. The premise was good (so rounding up to 2), but the execution could have been a lot better. Please read other reviews because many people enjoyed this more than I did.
July 18, 2022
Laura is engaged to her fiancé Jack. And while not married quite yet she still considers herself the stepmom to his daughter, Charlie. And if we’re nit-picking here I should mention that Jack isn’t actually divorced yet either.
When Jack informs Laura that Charlie’s birth mom (the estranged wife) will be returning for a visit from Europe, Laura is on edge. Just wait Laura, It gets better than this! The estranged, soon to be ex will be staying in their home! What? That’s right, it’s gonna’ be one big happy family! NOT!
I’m all for originality in my thrillers. But this was just too much of a stretch for me.
At first I felt for Laura and her situation. Until…well … until I watched her character become as despicable as the rest.🤣
I’ve read several other books from this author and always enjoyed. This may be just a one-off for me. But, I’ll still be reaching for her next.
A buddy 🎧 with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media
When Jack informs Laura that Charlie’s birth mom (the estranged wife) will be returning for a visit from Europe, Laura is on edge. Just wait Laura, It gets better than this! The estranged, soon to be ex will be staying in their home! What? That’s right, it’s gonna’ be one big happy family! NOT!
I’m all for originality in my thrillers. But this was just too much of a stretch for me.
At first I felt for Laura and her situation. Until…well … until I watched her character become as despicable as the rest.🤣
I’ve read several other books from this author and always enjoyed. This may be just a one-off for me. But, I’ll still be reaching for her next.
A buddy 🎧 with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media
August 4, 2022
Unforgivable will likely be quickly forgettable.
This was my first by the author. I enjoyed parts, but this felt like a family melodrama with a bunch of Looney Tunes whose actions were super irrational. I wanted someone with some active brain cells to root for. I did enjoy the daughter Charlie, who was more with it than the adults.
The soon to be ex-wife, Bronwyn blows in on her broomstick, demanding to stay and visit her daughter. She turned the home that Laura had created for little Charlie and her fiance, Jack upside down. Who would even stand for this? The drama between them made me c-r-a-z-y!
I'm okay with a over the top story, but I wanted out of Laura's head and fast! First person pov, didn't work for me this time. I'm open to reading more from the author, so we'll see!
Check out other reviews as I'm a bit of an outlier here.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. Released July 26, 2022
This was my first by the author. I enjoyed parts, but this felt like a family melodrama with a bunch of Looney Tunes whose actions were super irrational. I wanted someone with some active brain cells to root for. I did enjoy the daughter Charlie, who was more with it than the adults.
The soon to be ex-wife, Bronwyn blows in on her broomstick, demanding to stay and visit her daughter. She turned the home that Laura had created for little Charlie and her fiance, Jack upside down. Who would even stand for this? The drama between them made me c-r-a-z-y!
I'm okay with a over the top story, but I wanted out of Laura's head and fast! First person pov, didn't work for me this time. I'm open to reading more from the author, so we'll see!
Check out other reviews as I'm a bit of an outlier here.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. Released July 26, 2022
September 20, 2024
If you just go with the flow this is a very fun read with some delightful (though unlikely) surprises.
July 13, 2022
Entertaining, but nothing new here in the land of psychological thrillerverse.
Laura is an art curator who is engaged to Jack, who recently lost his job. They’re raising his young daughter, Charlie, together. Charlie’s mom, Bronwyn, left Jack and Charlier a few years ago and only makes sporadic visits…until now.
Suddenly Bronwyn is back in the picture. She decides to visit and stay in the family home and show her love to her daughter. Laura isn’t buying it, and knows Bronwyn isn’t the sweet woman people perceive her to be. They have a shared past…which wasn’t pretty. Laura also thinks that Bronwyn wants to get back together with Jack.
Laura will do anything to protect her family.
If this sounds like standard fare, it’s because it is. However, I wouldn’t let that deter you if you’re looking for a few hours of entertainment and fantastic writing.
Author Natalie Barelli is one of my faves, and I always pick up her books as soon as I see them available. This one doesn’t quite measure up to her others because it’s really not shocking, and follows the standard thriller formula for the most part. However, the writing is top notch and the characters are intriguing from start to finish. Even if I wasn’t completely blown away by the time I reached the ending, I can’t pretend that it wasn’t a fun ride.
If you are new to the work of Natalie Barelli, I highly recommend the two books in her Emma Fern series. They are darkly humorous and deliciously wicked. I know I’ll be wowed by her again, and I can’t wait!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 7/26/22.
Laura is an art curator who is engaged to Jack, who recently lost his job. They’re raising his young daughter, Charlie, together. Charlie’s mom, Bronwyn, left Jack and Charlier a few years ago and only makes sporadic visits…until now.
Suddenly Bronwyn is back in the picture. She decides to visit and stay in the family home and show her love to her daughter. Laura isn’t buying it, and knows Bronwyn isn’t the sweet woman people perceive her to be. They have a shared past…which wasn’t pretty. Laura also thinks that Bronwyn wants to get back together with Jack.
Laura will do anything to protect her family.
If this sounds like standard fare, it’s because it is. However, I wouldn’t let that deter you if you’re looking for a few hours of entertainment and fantastic writing.
Author Natalie Barelli is one of my faves, and I always pick up her books as soon as I see them available. This one doesn’t quite measure up to her others because it’s really not shocking, and follows the standard thriller formula for the most part. However, the writing is top notch and the characters are intriguing from start to finish. Even if I wasn’t completely blown away by the time I reached the ending, I can’t pretend that it wasn’t a fun ride.
If you are new to the work of Natalie Barelli, I highly recommend the two books in her Emma Fern series. They are darkly humorous and deliciously wicked. I know I’ll be wowed by her again, and I can’t wait!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 7/26/22.
July 26, 2022
Laura loves being a stepmum to delightful Charlie (Charlotte) but there’s a big black cloud looming on the horizon. That would be Bronwyn, the soon-to-be ex-wife who buzzed off to Italy when she got a better offer and now she’s returning for a visit. What’s more to stay with Laura, Jack and Charlie. What, I hear you cry? Yes indeedy and what’s more she’s making demands for her stay to be a more comfortable one. Everyone loves entitled Bronwyn, well, everyone except Laura. They have history from school days and it’s not pretty unlike Bronwyn. So, how will it play out as this is a cuckoo, nest and all that jazz scenario and who indeed is the cuckoo ? Or should that be IS cuckoo?
Well, I barrel(ed or should that be Barelli(d)??) through this one at a rate of knots as it’s so deliciously and devilishly entertaining. There are so many different shades of unforgivable you real from one revelatory act to the next in the intensely building drama. Frankly, if Laura doesn’t ring Bronwyn‘s neck then I will, then I want to yell at Laura for not standing up for herself and as for Jack, well least said and there’s poor Charlie in the centre of the many shenanigans.
There’s an awful lot of button pressing and sitting back in anticipatory glee at the fireworks, some people sure know how to hold grudges and act on them in an over the top way!
It’s a truly twisted sister tale, reserve your judgements on the characters, cringe your way through some of the conversations as you’re meant to and then watch as it plays out into a bonkers, insanely dramatic end which makes your jaw drop. What a ride.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Well, I barrel(ed or should that be Barelli(d)??) through this one at a rate of knots as it’s so deliciously and devilishly entertaining. There are so many different shades of unforgivable you real from one revelatory act to the next in the intensely building drama. Frankly, if Laura doesn’t ring Bronwyn‘s neck then I will, then I want to yell at Laura for not standing up for herself and as for Jack, well least said and there’s poor Charlie in the centre of the many shenanigans.
There’s an awful lot of button pressing and sitting back in anticipatory glee at the fireworks, some people sure know how to hold grudges and act on them in an over the top way!
It’s a truly twisted sister tale, reserve your judgements on the characters, cringe your way through some of the conversations as you’re meant to and then watch as it plays out into a bonkers, insanely dramatic end which makes your jaw drop. What a ride.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2022
3.5 stars
First off, I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job!
This book was entertaining and read like a nighttime soap. It is equally entertaining and dramatic. There is a lot going on in this book. In short, Laura is engaged and living with Jack and his daughter, Charlie. She is happy and working in an art gallery. Jack's soon to be ex-wife, Bronwyn, is coming back to town and will be staying with them. What!?! Are you serious????? From this alone, I knew that things were going to get messy. Especially, now that Bronwyn wants to be a part of her daughter's life - a daughter she left behind. She also is chummy, chummy with Jack taking all kinds of special pics during the outings......Laura is nervous and worried, who wouldn't be? Jack's soon to be ex-wife is living in their home with them. UGH!
Plus, things are getting crazy at work for Laura who appears to have impulse control issues and acts without thinking....
Just when I thought I knew what was going on in the book, the author turned the tables and threw in a twist. Dramatic!
This was an enjoyable, fast read/listen which I enjoyed. I believe the narrator made the book even more enjoyable.
#Unforgivable #NetGalley.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media 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
First off, I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job!
This book was entertaining and read like a nighttime soap. It is equally entertaining and dramatic. There is a lot going on in this book. In short, Laura is engaged and living with Jack and his daughter, Charlie. She is happy and working in an art gallery. Jack's soon to be ex-wife, Bronwyn, is coming back to town and will be staying with them. What!?! Are you serious????? From this alone, I knew that things were going to get messy. Especially, now that Bronwyn wants to be a part of her daughter's life - a daughter she left behind. She also is chummy, chummy with Jack taking all kinds of special pics during the outings......Laura is nervous and worried, who wouldn't be? Jack's soon to be ex-wife is living in their home with them. UGH!
Plus, things are getting crazy at work for Laura who appears to have impulse control issues and acts without thinking....
Just when I thought I knew what was going on in the book, the author turned the tables and threw in a twist. Dramatic!
This was an enjoyable, fast read/listen which I enjoyed. I believe the narrator made the book even more enjoyable.
#Unforgivable #NetGalley.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media 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
August 1, 2022
Well this one was a pleasant surprise. The story was catchy, the characters really rich and full of life and that ending totally blows you away if, like me, you didn't expect it.
One character I wanted to see more of was Summer. She actually plays a very important roll and didn't see enough of her to fully bring that side of her character to life.
I really liked the dual timelines as it gives that bit of insight into Bronwyn and Laura's friendship. Overall a really good book and another author to watch for sure! Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
One character I wanted to see more of was Summer. She actually plays a very important roll and didn't see enough of her to fully bring that side of her character to life.
I really liked the dual timelines as it gives that bit of insight into Bronwyn and Laura's friendship. Overall a really good book and another author to watch for sure! Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
July 25, 2022
4.5 rounded up
What a cracking book! Thanks for bringing it to my attention Mark. I’ve read a couple of her books but this was next level!
The story is told from Laura’s POV. Laura and Jack are living in happily pre-wedding bliss. Jack just has to have his divorce finalised. Charlie is his 7 year old daughter and Laura loves her to bits. This book is NOT about an evil step-mother. Jack’s ex Bronwyn left him over an alleged affair and took up with a wealthy Italian man. Happiness all round - or not.
Things go pear shaped when Bronwyn announces she is coming to London to spend some time with her daughter and she will be staying at Jack and Laura’s house (technically still half Bronwyn’s. The trouble starts immediately with Bronwyn undermining and gaslighting Laura, in the politest way possible. And Jack is largely mentally ‘not there’ - he has lost his job and, apparently, his personality as well. At this point I hate Jack!
Poor Laura feels a deepening sense of paranoia and there is a sense of growing dread. We soon learn that there is more than one unreliable narrator, everyone (with the exception of the delightful Charlie) has secrets, and your loyalties start to constantly shift. It’s like quicksand.
This a slow motion train wreck of a story but you cannot look away. Of course it’s bonkers but fabulously so. As we approach the end you get whiplash and I’m going “what?” “What the…?”
Natalie Barelli did an awesome job with this one. She writes bad characters so deliciously well. Ultimately they are all pretty unlikeable for various reasons - except for Charlie. The plot was tight and the pace was crisp until it went into overdrive. In this case it all worked extremely well and I loved this story. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
What a cracking book! Thanks for bringing it to my attention Mark. I’ve read a couple of her books but this was next level!
The story is told from Laura’s POV. Laura and Jack are living in happily pre-wedding bliss. Jack just has to have his divorce finalised. Charlie is his 7 year old daughter and Laura loves her to bits. This book is NOT about an evil step-mother. Jack’s ex Bronwyn left him over an alleged affair and took up with a wealthy Italian man. Happiness all round - or not.
Things go pear shaped when Bronwyn announces she is coming to London to spend some time with her daughter and she will be staying at Jack and Laura’s house (technically still half Bronwyn’s. The trouble starts immediately with Bronwyn undermining and gaslighting Laura, in the politest way possible. And Jack is largely mentally ‘not there’ - he has lost his job and, apparently, his personality as well. At this point I hate Jack!
Poor Laura feels a deepening sense of paranoia and there is a sense of growing dread. We soon learn that there is more than one unreliable narrator, everyone (with the exception of the delightful Charlie) has secrets, and your loyalties start to constantly shift. It’s like quicksand.
This a slow motion train wreck of a story but you cannot look away. Of course it’s bonkers but fabulously so. As we approach the end you get whiplash and I’m going “what?” “What the…?”
Natalie Barelli did an awesome job with this one. She writes bad characters so deliciously well. Ultimately they are all pretty unlikeable for various reasons - except for Charlie. The plot was tight and the pace was crisp until it went into overdrive. In this case it all worked extremely well and I loved this story. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
April 17, 2023
4.5⭐ rounded up
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV
There was so much going on my head was spinning. I went from having it all figured out, to being clueless, back and forth and all over the place with my thoughts. An abundance of twists and turns that kept the story flowing along at a delightfully engaging and quick pace.
Our main characters are:
Laura ~ engaged to Jack, already acts as a stepmom to Charlie
Jack ~ father to Charlie, engaged to Laura
Bronwyn ~ absentee mother to Charlie, ex-wife of Jack, childhood friend of Laura
Bronwyn is back in town after living in Italy and she wants back in Charlie's life. Jack has no choice but to allow it, but did he really think it would be a good idea to allow his ex-wife to stay in his home. Crazy talk! and why would Laura be okay with it? I mean it's her house too and she's the only one paying the bills right now as Jack takes an awfully long time looking for a new job while he drinks up a storm.
Side note ~ I was very frustrated with how much money they continued to spend when they were obviously getting their selves further and further into debt.
There were times I both loved and hated each character ~ except for the adorable, Charlie, she was always lovable. I did not like what Laura asked Summer to do ~ in what world was this a good idea? No world, that's where.
CW ~ about Charlie
Jennifer Jill Araya did a wonderful job narrating for 9 hours and 38 minutes. She really gave proper emotion to each characters voice. To the frantic, at times, voice of Laura, to the condescending voice of Bronwyn and everyone in between ~ it was just perfect.
I believe I've read similar plots, but this was on a different level of thrillingness.
This is my second time reading Natalie's work (the first was Missing Molly, I tagged it as 4.5⭐, but wasn't writing reviews at that time). I will for sure put her on my list to read again and again.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Natalie Barelli and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV
There was so much going on my head was spinning. I went from having it all figured out, to being clueless, back and forth and all over the place with my thoughts. An abundance of twists and turns that kept the story flowing along at a delightfully engaging and quick pace.
Our main characters are:
Laura ~ engaged to Jack, already acts as a stepmom to Charlie
Jack ~ father to Charlie, engaged to Laura
Bronwyn ~ absentee mother to Charlie, ex-wife of Jack, childhood friend of Laura
Bronwyn is back in town after living in Italy and she wants back in Charlie's life. Jack has no choice but to allow it, but did he really think it would be a good idea to allow his ex-wife to stay in his home. Crazy talk! and why would Laura be okay with it? I mean it's her house too and she's the only one paying the bills right now as Jack takes an awfully long time looking for a new job while he drinks up a storm.
Side note ~ I was very frustrated with how much money they continued to spend when they were obviously getting their selves further and further into debt.
There were times I both loved and hated each character ~ except for the adorable, Charlie, she was always lovable. I did not like what Laura asked Summer to do ~ in what world was this a good idea? No world, that's where.
CW ~ about Charlie
Jennifer Jill Araya did a wonderful job narrating for 9 hours and 38 minutes. She really gave proper emotion to each characters voice. To the frantic, at times, voice of Laura, to the condescending voice of Bronwyn and everyone in between ~ it was just perfect.
I believe I've read similar plots, but this was on a different level of thrillingness.
This is my second time reading Natalie's work (the first was Missing Molly, I tagged it as 4.5⭐, but wasn't writing reviews at that time). I will for sure put her on my list to read again and again.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Natalie Barelli and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
October 26, 2022
3.5 Stars
Told in single POV, 1st person, it can be read as a standalone. Unforgivable is a bit far-fetched and I didn’t like Laura that much. She let herself to be fooled easily and made some questionable decisions. My other issue is with Jack. Why he couldn’t stand up for himself and especially for Laura, why he didn’t believe in Laura. My opinion of him is a total loser! All in all, it was an ok read and hope you enjoy it more than me.
Told in single POV, 1st person, it can be read as a standalone. Unforgivable is a bit far-fetched and I didn’t like Laura that much. She let herself to be fooled easily and made some questionable decisions. My other issue is with Jack. Why he couldn’t stand up for himself and especially for Laura, why he didn’t believe in Laura. My opinion of him is a total loser! All in all, it was an ok read and hope you enjoy it more than me.
November 13, 2022
As this thriller states the devil wears many disguises and may be right in front of you without being detected. The big challenge is determining who is the real devil with so many possibilities. Bronwyn looks like an Angel and is adored and cherished by all. Well, almost all that is except Laura. Laura comes off as paranoid, frantic and at times a bit unhinged. Are Laura’s thoughts about Bronwyn valid, or is she a victim of her own bias and jealousy? This intense, nailbiting thriller will have you second-guessing yourself every step of the way through its journey of deception, revenge, and utter insanity. I highly recommend this twisted, deranged, suspenseful thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy. . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 30, 2022
I have not found a Natalie Barelli book that I haven’t enjoyed. I always jump at the chance to read her books and Unforgivable was another binge worthy read. I read the whole thing on a rainy Sunday afternoon. My head was spinning, my thoughts in the characters changing with almost every new chapter. I love not knowing what is going on and who can be believed.
Laura is happy with her fiancé Jack. She loves being step mother to Charlie and would do anything for her. Charlie’s mother Bronwyn announces that she is coming to see her daughter for her birthday and would be staying with them. Laura and Bronwyn have a history and tensions is high in the household. Laura knows that Bronwyn has an hidden agenda. Why is is her new partner not with her? Why is she hesitant to sign the divorce papers? Laura is convinced that she wants Jack back and does everything she can to stop her.
Now, you really need to just go with this one. The characters make a lot of questionable decisions that will have you shaking your head. It is hard to know who to trust, who’s truth do you believe, the ending was 🤯🤯🤯
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published July 26th.
Laura is happy with her fiancé Jack. She loves being step mother to Charlie and would do anything for her. Charlie’s mother Bronwyn announces that she is coming to see her daughter for her birthday and would be staying with them. Laura and Bronwyn have a history and tensions is high in the household. Laura knows that Bronwyn has an hidden agenda. Why is is her new partner not with her? Why is she hesitant to sign the divorce papers? Laura is convinced that she wants Jack back and does everything she can to stop her.
Now, you really need to just go with this one. The characters make a lot of questionable decisions that will have you shaking your head. It is hard to know who to trust, who’s truth do you believe, the ending was 🤯🤯🤯
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published July 26th.
July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this one!
Barelli is superb at crafting her novels- unreliable people everywhere you look and a plot and reveal that is so intricately thought out, some of it just passes you by!
The characters here are all fantastic, the reader has no clue who to trust- which is something I love!
The plot was fast paced and I read this in just a couple of days.
The ending didn't surprise me all that much, I had my suspicions who was culpable, but I definitely loved the way it was revealed.
Barelli is superb at crafting her novels- unreliable people everywhere you look and a plot and reveal that is so intricately thought out, some of it just passes you by!
The characters here are all fantastic, the reader has no clue who to trust- which is something I love!
The plot was fast paced and I read this in just a couple of days.
The ending didn't surprise me all that much, I had my suspicions who was culpable, but I definitely loved the way it was revealed.
August 14, 2022
Laura is engaged to Jack and is helping him raise his young daughter, Charlie, since her mom has been mostly out of the picture. Jack recently lost his job and is still looking for work. Charlie has been having behavioral issues since her mom, Bronwyn, left to relocate to Italy with her new husband. All of a sudden Bronwyn decides to come for an extended visit and wants to stay at Laura and Jack's house. As you can see, that is the perfect set up for a whole bunch of drama.
This book is full of unlikable adult characters, I didn't care for any of them. I did, however, feel bad for Charlie being a pawn in the middle of all of their nonsense. While Unforgivable is a quick and entertaining listen, it won't necessarily be a memorable one. You just have to kind of go along for the ride and don't overthink it. Laura makes some very questionable decisions and the ending was a bit over the top for me, but I enjoyed this author's previous book that I read, and while I didn't love this one, I didn't hate it, so I will continue to check out her work. 3 stars.
This book is full of unlikable adult characters, I didn't care for any of them. I did, however, feel bad for Charlie being a pawn in the middle of all of their nonsense. While Unforgivable is a quick and entertaining listen, it won't necessarily be a memorable one. You just have to kind of go along for the ride and don't overthink it. Laura makes some very questionable decisions and the ending was a bit over the top for me, but I enjoyed this author's previous book that I read, and while I didn't love this one, I didn't hate it, so I will continue to check out her work. 3 stars.
July 24, 2022
Unrealistic and predictable.
Engaged to be married, Laura’s life was almost perfect, until Bronwyn, the ex-wife of her fiancé returned. No one sees Bronwyn for who she is, except Laura, that is.
Part mystery, part domestic suspense, this novel played on Laura looking unreliable and Bronwyn looking purely perfect. Who is who?
All I can say is that Natalie Barelli left me a little underwhelmed. I found the storyline to be both extremely predictable, and quite outlandish at the same time though, I'm sure a lot of readers will find this story to be wholly entertaining. In the end, I chalk this up to my being the wrong reader for this author's novels.
A buddy listen with Kaceey.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the alc.
Engaged to be married, Laura’s life was almost perfect, until Bronwyn, the ex-wife of her fiancé returned. No one sees Bronwyn for who she is, except Laura, that is.
Part mystery, part domestic suspense, this novel played on Laura looking unreliable and Bronwyn looking purely perfect. Who is who?
All I can say is that Natalie Barelli left me a little underwhelmed. I found the storyline to be both extremely predictable, and quite outlandish at the same time though, I'm sure a lot of readers will find this story to be wholly entertaining. In the end, I chalk this up to my being the wrong reader for this author's novels.
A buddy listen with Kaceey.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the alc.
July 21, 2022
Oh I LOVE a cuckoo, you can’t go wrong with one, craftily get themselves into lives and houses and situations, winning the good folk over and usually there’s the one person who knows what’s really happening can’t get anyone to believe them, it’s reading heaven for me and I tear through the book (s) waiting for that delicious moment when ‘all is revealed’ and the baddie is known
And that’s what I expected and got with this book, until…until it went further and messed ( in a good way ) with my head 😎😂 this was a whole new level of Cuckoo and so cleverly done, so engineered by the author that you on multiple occasions thought ‘that’s it’ only to realise it was a red herring and you had been wrong
Brilliant, honestly as you know I read a lot but this is a romper of a tale, so well done, so exciting to read and so all encompassing a story you will want to finish to find out who is the baddie, you wont be able to stop yourself
Awesome read
10/10
5 Stars
And that’s what I expected and got with this book, until…until it went further and messed ( in a good way ) with my head 😎😂 this was a whole new level of Cuckoo and so cleverly done, so engineered by the author that you on multiple occasions thought ‘that’s it’ only to realise it was a red herring and you had been wrong
Brilliant, honestly as you know I read a lot but this is a romper of a tale, so well done, so exciting to read and so all encompassing a story you will want to finish to find out who is the baddie, you wont be able to stop yourself
Awesome read
10/10
5 Stars
July 13, 2022
Why haven’t I read more books by Natalie Barelli? This one kept me guessing till the very end. When I thought I figured things out, nope, I was wrong. Bronwyn drove me crazy!!! She was a piece of work! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published July 2022.
July 11, 2022
Title: Unforgivable
Author: Natalie Barelli
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: July 26, 2022
My Rating: 4+ Stars
Laura an art exhibitions director with the hopes of being a curator; she is also looking forward to marrying Jack Blackman and being the stepmother to his seven year old daughter Charlotte ~ nicknamed Charlie.
Jack’s first wife Bronwyn, an uncaring as well as an absent mother, is now engaged to a Plastic Surgeon and decides it is time to sign the divorce papers. She arrives at the home of Laura and Jack (which was also her home when she was married to Jack) and for some reason feel she is entitled to stay in the guest room. While there she showers little Charlie with gifts and promises we doubt she will keep. She acts like she is on vacation while Laura is her servant.
Hmmm ~ Turns out that she and Laura have history ~ they were actually friends in middle school when a nasty thing happened. Now it seems Bronwyn believe Laura stole her husband and it out to punish her.
Another Hmmm . . . . . I love psychological thrillers ~
I know/expect
There will be secrets and
There will be twists and turns!
Yep! The twists & turns kicked in and secrets were revealed!
This psychological thriller is great! Natalie Barelli does a great job of messing with us. She creating a suspicion that seems clear-cut and then it doesn’t.
Who is the real Psycho ~ Bronwyn or is it Laura?
Awww you need to read this story and find out!
As always I enjoy the author’s notes and/or Acknowledgements. In this case ~ A Letter from Natalie.
She tells us when she started this story she has a completely different plot in mind but the characters had a different idea!
BTW: A personal side of Natalie is that she lives in Australia, rides motorcycles, knits, and states she spends far too much time on her computer.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 26, 2022
Author: Natalie Barelli
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: July 26, 2022
My Rating: 4+ Stars
Laura an art exhibitions director with the hopes of being a curator; she is also looking forward to marrying Jack Blackman and being the stepmother to his seven year old daughter Charlotte ~ nicknamed Charlie.
Jack’s first wife Bronwyn, an uncaring as well as an absent mother, is now engaged to a Plastic Surgeon and decides it is time to sign the divorce papers. She arrives at the home of Laura and Jack (which was also her home when she was married to Jack) and for some reason feel she is entitled to stay in the guest room. While there she showers little Charlie with gifts and promises we doubt she will keep. She acts like she is on vacation while Laura is her servant.
Hmmm ~ Turns out that she and Laura have history ~ they were actually friends in middle school when a nasty thing happened. Now it seems Bronwyn believe Laura stole her husband and it out to punish her.
Another Hmmm . . . . . I love psychological thrillers ~
I know/expect
There will be secrets and
There will be twists and turns!
Yep! The twists & turns kicked in and secrets were revealed!
This psychological thriller is great! Natalie Barelli does a great job of messing with us. She creating a suspicion that seems clear-cut and then it doesn’t.
Who is the real Psycho ~ Bronwyn or is it Laura?
Awww you need to read this story and find out!
As always I enjoy the author’s notes and/or Acknowledgements. In this case ~ A Letter from Natalie.
She tells us when she started this story she has a completely different plot in mind but the characters had a different idea!
BTW: A personal side of Natalie is that she lives in Australia, rides motorcycles, knits, and states she spends far too much time on her computer.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 26, 2022
July 2, 2022
Jack’s wife, Bronwyn, leaves him and their daughter, Charlie. Perfect for Laura to offer support and be part of their lives. Now engaged, Bronwyn walks back in! Secrets, revenge - it starts out a bit slow, but this had me guessing til the end! Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a gifted copy.
June 23, 2022
Don't Get All Flittered! 😳😯🤯
Flittery Flappy Wings! For geese honks crying out loud! This was one absolutely messed up, crazy ride of a plot! I was sucked in, provoked and felt major urges to throw my phone at how frustrated I was with these characters (in the best way!!) I cannot believe how much I was irked and irritated by Bronwyn! To say I despised her is an understatement! I loved to dislike, be irritated and abhor at times some of these characters and the decisions they made.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: After Bronwyn left her husband Jack, & little girl Charlie, Laura stepped up and stepped in. Soon Jack and Laura have become a couple and engaged giving Charlie stability over the past few years. But now, Bronwyn has come back to spend time and reconnect with Charlie. With Laura fiercely protective of Charlie, she knows this is all a non-lasting ruse. No one can see what Bronwyn is trying to do slowly and subtly. With each harbouring dark secrets of a shared history, each willing to go to undeniable lengths to get what they want, just who's motherly love will be stronger? And what will it cost for each of them?
This dark, devious, dishful book was like eating a midnight snack of the last slice of your favourite cake, at someone else's home. The thrills, suspense and endless cat and mouse game keep you intrigued from start to finish. And don't get me started on that ending. Fluffers! I think I need a piece of my GOOD chocolate after this!
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: July 26, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
Flittery Flappy Wings! For geese honks crying out loud! This was one absolutely messed up, crazy ride of a plot! I was sucked in, provoked and felt major urges to throw my phone at how frustrated I was with these characters (in the best way!!) I cannot believe how much I was irked and irritated by Bronwyn! To say I despised her is an understatement! I loved to dislike, be irritated and abhor at times some of these characters and the decisions they made.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: After Bronwyn left her husband Jack, & little girl Charlie, Laura stepped up and stepped in. Soon Jack and Laura have become a couple and engaged giving Charlie stability over the past few years. But now, Bronwyn has come back to spend time and reconnect with Charlie. With Laura fiercely protective of Charlie, she knows this is all a non-lasting ruse. No one can see what Bronwyn is trying to do slowly and subtly. With each harbouring dark secrets of a shared history, each willing to go to undeniable lengths to get what they want, just who's motherly love will be stronger? And what will it cost for each of them?
This dark, devious, dishful book was like eating a midnight snack of the last slice of your favourite cake, at someone else's home. The thrills, suspense and endless cat and mouse game keep you intrigued from start to finish. And don't get me started on that ending. Fluffers! I think I need a piece of my GOOD chocolate after this!
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC.
Release Date: July 26, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊
July 31, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscapes Media for an advanced audio copy of this book. This is not a solid three star rating. It is more a two and three-quarters rounded up. Laura, the heroine of the story, is an art gallery curator. She is soon to be married to Jack, an out-of-work consultant. Jack’s soon to be ex, Bronwyn, is also Laura’s former friend and now arch rival. Let’s throw in a seven year old named Charlotte and you get the idea. Laura pays her assistant, Summer, to flirt with Jack to see if he will be faithful. Bronwyn meanwhile is in Seattle from Italy, where she is engaged to a plastic surgeon named Leon. Bronwyn and Laura fight like cats and dogs and Jack seems oblivious. He is also drinking too much. Recipe for disaster. The book wasn’t bad, it just didn’t really have anything that jumped out at me. Another annoying thing was the misuse of “I” and “me”. (It isn’t hard and the editor should’ve caught it!!). Put this in your “If I don’t have anything else to read” pile.
July 27, 2022
This was such an entertaining ride! So many twists and turns with handfuls of gaslighting and deceit but for me it was somewhat predictable as I figured out the culprit early on. The ending left my head spinning and I felt completely fulfilled with the journey.
I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. This was my first book by Barelli and I plan on check out some of her prior work.
***** Many thanks to Dreamscape Media, Natalie Barelli, and NetGalley for the gifted copy as it was provided to me in turn for my honest opinion.
Rating it 3.5 stars on goodreads but rounding up to 4 stars
I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. This was my first book by Barelli and I plan on check out some of her prior work.
***** Many thanks to Dreamscape Media, Natalie Barelli, and NetGalley for the gifted copy as it was provided to me in turn for my honest opinion.
Rating it 3.5 stars on goodreads but rounding up to 4 stars
July 10, 2022
Natalie Barelli’s latest book, Unforgivable, is a true psychological thriller in every sense of the word.
Laura, an art curator, and Jack, an out of work engineer, are engaged and living together but most importantly, she’s become a big part of his daughter’s life. All she wants is a family to call her own but when Jack’s ex, Bronwyn, comes back to town to reclaim a place in her child’s life, things get tricky and Laura becomes insecure. Add to that, a new employee that could be friend or foe, along with a break-in that resulted in the loss of a $14,000 piece of art and Laura has no safe place.
Is someone putting her through the ringer or is she overreacting and imagining things? I honestly didn’t know. This kept me guessing until the very end. I was back and forth so much it was dizzying! In a good way of course.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen and review. The narration was also great!
Laura, an art curator, and Jack, an out of work engineer, are engaged and living together but most importantly, she’s become a big part of his daughter’s life. All she wants is a family to call her own but when Jack’s ex, Bronwyn, comes back to town to reclaim a place in her child’s life, things get tricky and Laura becomes insecure. Add to that, a new employee that could be friend or foe, along with a break-in that resulted in the loss of a $14,000 piece of art and Laura has no safe place.
Is someone putting her through the ringer or is she overreacting and imagining things? I honestly didn’t know. This kept me guessing until the very end. I was back and forth so much it was dizzying! In a good way of course.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen and review. The narration was also great!
December 17, 2022
This was a fun one, and is the 2nd book I have read and enjoyed by this author. The story centers on Laura, who is a stepmom to Charlie. Charlie’s actual mom, Bronwyn, a former friend of Laura’s, returns to town and shakes up the life that Laura is trying to build with her new family.
Firstly, no character in this book is likable. It was sometimes hard to root for Laura when she kept doing so many stupid things. That being said, she had a horrible support system around her that didn’t help matters. Though I did figure out what was really going on early in the book, Laura didn’t, and I enjoyed the red herrings she chased until she finally caught up; it made for a fast-paced read. I found the ending of the book mostly satisfying though I still didn’t like any of the characters.
Overall, fun and quick story that I’d recommend to those who like psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange doe an honest review.
Firstly, no character in this book is likable. It was sometimes hard to root for Laura when she kept doing so many stupid things. That being said, she had a horrible support system around her that didn’t help matters. Though I did figure out what was really going on early in the book, Laura didn’t, and I enjoyed the red herrings she chased until she finally caught up; it made for a fast-paced read. I found the ending of the book mostly satisfying though I still didn’t like any of the characters.
Overall, fun and quick story that I’d recommend to those who like psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange doe an honest review.
August 17, 2022
Wow wow wow
Laura thinks she has the perfect life. Perfect Job, perfect fiancé, perfect step daughter. She should think that. She has her dream job, her dream man, and her daughters biological mother hasn't really been there in two years........ Then Bronwyn returns for Charlie's birthday.
Bronwen is perfect. Comes in in a swoosh and suddenly Charlie is a completely different child. Once a Tomboy now a princess. Her Fiance is becoming more and more distant and then asks to put off the wedding. Her job becomes in jeopardy.
I couldn't stop reading. Not only did it hit home, being a step mother myself, but the characters were so well thought out and evolved it was easy to feel what they must be feeling. Barelli is a master at her craft!
Laura thinks she has the perfect life. Perfect Job, perfect fiancé, perfect step daughter. She should think that. She has her dream job, her dream man, and her daughters biological mother hasn't really been there in two years........ Then Bronwyn returns for Charlie's birthday.
Bronwen is perfect. Comes in in a swoosh and suddenly Charlie is a completely different child. Once a Tomboy now a princess. Her Fiance is becoming more and more distant and then asks to put off the wedding. Her job becomes in jeopardy.
I couldn't stop reading. Not only did it hit home, being a step mother myself, but the characters were so well thought out and evolved it was easy to feel what they must be feeling. Barelli is a master at her craft!
August 5, 2024
"Unforgivable" should have been called "Unbelievable".
What happens when an estranged ex-wife suddenly demands to have a presence in her daughter's life?
SPOILER ALERT:
She is invited to live with her ex-husband's family.
(Huh??????)
Let the battle of the wives begin!
SPOILER ALERT #2:
My eyes were rolling so frequently that they actually started to hurt.
I listened to the audiobook read by Jennifer Jill Araya, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
I am a huge fan of this author, so perhaps my expectations were set too high.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
Unforgivable
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 7/26/22
Author: Natalie Barelli
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya
GR: 4.01
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Becoming a stepmother is the best thing that ever happened to me. After a few rocky months of panic attacks when her mother deserted her, Charlie is flourishing. But the day Charlie’s mother Bronwyn returns without warning—showering Charlie with gifts and making promises she can’t keep—fear ripples through me. When I raise my concerns, no one wants to listen. Me and Bronwyn have history. We both have dark secrets in our past, and I know the dangerous lengths she will go to get what she wants. Bronwyn doesn’t know just how far I will go to protect that little girl…
My Thoughts: Barelli weaves another twisty thriller as things start out a little unsettling and ramp up into total craziness, it is hard what characters you can and cannot trust, which makes for an epic thrilling read! The storyline is a bit of a stretch, but any good work of fiction is. The story is narrated in first person POV, by Laura. This was not Barelli’s best work but it was good and kept me engaged. The narrator of this story did a great job with the characters, really gave them ‘character’ and left you feeling like you were there, just a fly on the wall. The characters were pretty flushed out, well developed, had some depth, mysterious, and creatively written. At first, I loved Laura’s character, but as the story went on, I started to dislike her, that was likely the point of the story. The author’s writing style was complex, suspenseful, twisty, and intriguing. I do recommend this audiobook that was released in July, it was a great book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 7/26/22
Author: Natalie Barelli
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya
GR: 4.01
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Becoming a stepmother is the best thing that ever happened to me. After a few rocky months of panic attacks when her mother deserted her, Charlie is flourishing. But the day Charlie’s mother Bronwyn returns without warning—showering Charlie with gifts and making promises she can’t keep—fear ripples through me. When I raise my concerns, no one wants to listen. Me and Bronwyn have history. We both have dark secrets in our past, and I know the dangerous lengths she will go to get what she wants. Bronwyn doesn’t know just how far I will go to protect that little girl…
My Thoughts: Barelli weaves another twisty thriller as things start out a little unsettling and ramp up into total craziness, it is hard what characters you can and cannot trust, which makes for an epic thrilling read! The storyline is a bit of a stretch, but any good work of fiction is. The story is narrated in first person POV, by Laura. This was not Barelli’s best work but it was good and kept me engaged. The narrator of this story did a great job with the characters, really gave them ‘character’ and left you feeling like you were there, just a fly on the wall. The characters were pretty flushed out, well developed, had some depth, mysterious, and creatively written. At first, I loved Laura’s character, but as the story went on, I started to dislike her, that was likely the point of the story. The author’s writing style was complex, suspenseful, twisty, and intriguing. I do recommend this audiobook that was released in July, it was a great book.
July 26, 2022
Although this book was a little crazy, I really struggled with the actions and reactions of most of the characters, which really frustrated me.
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