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The Perfect Holiday
Would you kill to be here?
Olivia and Julian are enjoying lazy days in their Spanish villa, a well deserved break from their busy lives. Especially for Julian, who after a lifetime as a carer was thrust into the public eye following the tragic murder of his first wife.
The languid heat and peace of the villa is broken only by clifftop walks, sun drenched lunches and cooling swims. Until a chance encounter with Gabriel - an attractive man, many years their junior - changes everything.
Soon their idyllic break turns into a dangerous, high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Will any of them get out alive?
Olivia and Julian are enjoying lazy days in their Spanish villa, a well deserved break from their busy lives. Especially for Julian, who after a lifetime as a carer was thrust into the public eye following the tragic murder of his first wife.
The languid heat and peace of the villa is broken only by clifftop walks, sun drenched lunches and cooling swims. Until a chance encounter with Gabriel - an attractive man, many years their junior - changes everything.
Soon their idyllic break turns into a dangerous, high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Will any of them get out alive?
Hardcover
First published April 20, 2022
930 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Emerson
7 books70 followersThis author is also published under Tracey Emerson.
Tracey’s latest psychological thriller, The Perfect Holiday, is published by Boldwood Books. Before writing fiction, she worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in healthcare settings, focusing on adults with mental health issues. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and literary magazines, and her feature writing has appeared in Stella magazine, Woman’s Own and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her first psychological thriller, She Chose Me, was published by Legend Press in 2018.
She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for art and community projects.
Tracey’s latest psychological thriller, The Perfect Holiday, is published by Boldwood Books. Before writing fiction, she worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in healthcare settings, focusing on adults with mental health issues. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and literary magazines, and her feature writing has appeared in Stella magazine, Woman’s Own and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her first psychological thriller, She Chose Me, was published by Legend Press in 2018.
She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for art and community projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
April 20, 2022
This book was bland and predictable. The only burning sensation came from the hot temperatures in the book as this novel failed to sizzle me with suspense.
I thought there would be a lot more tension simmering in the pages. Instead, I felt bored and as languid as Olivia and Julian after suffering from the extreme hot temperatures they are experiencing whilst on holiday in Mallorca. I disliked Julian’s character immensely and I don’t know if there were any qualities that Emerson wanted readers to sympathise with. True, he has had a tough life but honestly, I thought he needed to get a reality check and stop being so selfish.
The story is divided into ‘Before’ and ‘After’. The past narrative details Julian’s life with his first wife, as he cares for her after a car accident left her paralysed. I think Emerson portrays the strain on carers really successfully and I could easily picture how difficult Julian would have found his responsibility. However, a chance meeting with lone traveller, Gabriel, sends Julian’s life spinning in a different direction. Readers witness a completely different side to Julian and this is rediscovered after the friends reunite in Mallorca.
Unbeknownst to his second wife, Olivia, Julian and Gabriel have more of a past than she realises. The secrecy that is between the two men drives the narrative and I found this far too obvious to be believable. Indeed, the ‘After’ section in Mallorca felt slower than when the story focused on Julian’s first marriage. I think this is because it felt like there was more drive to the narrative; afterwards, it is a case of how far Julian seems to be duped by Gabriel and his charms.
To be honest, I thought this book would have more mystery and murder than what was actually delivered. As the chapters progressed, I increasingly disliked Julian and was desperate to see the novel conclude. The final chapter was satisfying but, unfortunately, merely proved what I had foreseen far too many chapters previously. In this case, I felt like the writer had left too many obvious clues as to how the plot would develop, thereby reducing the suspense to next to nothing.
Having read so many books, I would say this is not the greatest example of a psychological thriller. It was mundane and obvious and I thought the main redeeming feature was Olivia’s patience: she has the patience of a saint to put up with a man like Julian! For the rest of it, I was frustrated with Julian’s naivety and selfish behaviour, desiring him to face consequences for his duplicitous behaviour.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought there would be a lot more tension simmering in the pages. Instead, I felt bored and as languid as Olivia and Julian after suffering from the extreme hot temperatures they are experiencing whilst on holiday in Mallorca. I disliked Julian’s character immensely and I don’t know if there were any qualities that Emerson wanted readers to sympathise with. True, he has had a tough life but honestly, I thought he needed to get a reality check and stop being so selfish.
The story is divided into ‘Before’ and ‘After’. The past narrative details Julian’s life with his first wife, as he cares for her after a car accident left her paralysed. I think Emerson portrays the strain on carers really successfully and I could easily picture how difficult Julian would have found his responsibility. However, a chance meeting with lone traveller, Gabriel, sends Julian’s life spinning in a different direction. Readers witness a completely different side to Julian and this is rediscovered after the friends reunite in Mallorca.
Unbeknownst to his second wife, Olivia, Julian and Gabriel have more of a past than she realises. The secrecy that is between the two men drives the narrative and I found this far too obvious to be believable. Indeed, the ‘After’ section in Mallorca felt slower than when the story focused on Julian’s first marriage. I think this is because it felt like there was more drive to the narrative; afterwards, it is a case of how far Julian seems to be duped by Gabriel and his charms.
To be honest, I thought this book would have more mystery and murder than what was actually delivered. As the chapters progressed, I increasingly disliked Julian and was desperate to see the novel conclude. The final chapter was satisfying but, unfortunately, merely proved what I had foreseen far too many chapters previously. In this case, I felt like the writer had left too many obvious clues as to how the plot would develop, thereby reducing the suspense to next to nothing.
Having read so many books, I would say this is not the greatest example of a psychological thriller. It was mundane and obvious and I thought the main redeeming feature was Olivia’s patience: she has the patience of a saint to put up with a man like Julian! For the rest of it, I was frustrated with Julian’s naivety and selfish behaviour, desiring him to face consequences for his duplicitous behaviour.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
3.5 🌟’s
This psychological thriller is the book version of Jillian’s trainwreck of a life. Granted, some of it is bad luck. But Jillian is one of those characters that can’t make the right decision to save his life.
It all starts innocent enough. Jillian’s life changes drastically when he and his wife are in a car accident. Helen is seriously injured and needs a caretaker for the remainder of her life.
Then Jillian meets Gabriel and life begins to look up. Gabriel might be the guardian angel that Jillian didn’t know he needed.
This was interesting and would be a great poolside or beach read.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this complimentary ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#theperfectholiday #tjemerson #boldwoodbooks #netgalley
This psychological thriller is the book version of Jillian’s trainwreck of a life. Granted, some of it is bad luck. But Jillian is one of those characters that can’t make the right decision to save his life.
It all starts innocent enough. Jillian’s life changes drastically when he and his wife are in a car accident. Helen is seriously injured and needs a caretaker for the remainder of her life.
Then Jillian meets Gabriel and life begins to look up. Gabriel might be the guardian angel that Jillian didn’t know he needed.
This was interesting and would be a great poolside or beach read.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this complimentary ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#theperfectholiday #tjemerson #boldwoodbooks #netgalley
April 20, 2022
I’m teetering on a 3-3.5 rating out of 5, but I’ll go with a 3 for now.
April 16, 2022
First of all,Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book has an interesting concept, however it failed to surprise me because the big secret is revealed sooner than it should have been. To me a great mystery keeps the reader guessing until the end of the story. Why bother writing one if you would only reveal what should have been the most important part of the story? Adding more chapters after that doesn't really help at all because it's a poor attempt to prolong the story. Also, there are topics that are discussed throughout the story that made me uncomfortable.
This book has an interesting concept, however it failed to surprise me because the big secret is revealed sooner than it should have been. To me a great mystery keeps the reader guessing until the end of the story. Why bother writing one if you would only reveal what should have been the most important part of the story? Adding more chapters after that doesn't really help at all because it's a poor attempt to prolong the story. Also, there are topics that are discussed throughout the story that made me uncomfortable.
March 23, 2022
The book sounded really good, great cover and biog, however I find it hard to review. I really enjoyed the first 40% which I raced through and it seemed fairly plausible regarding Julian's life as a carer for his wife and how he went away on holiday with his current wife. I was intrigued when Gabriel first turned up.
For me it went downhill when Gabriel turned up in Spain and then proceeded to freeload himself on to Julian and Olivia and stay with them, but went right downhill when Julian seemed to turn from a caring man into a nasty piece of work prepared to cheat on his wife with the attractive but often sweaty with stale, cigarette and alcohol smelling breath - (Why did the author need to put this in so often - its gross) freeloader Gabriel, also half his age). Not sure why he didn't see him as the freeloader he really was.
I didn't enjoy the second half of the book, but did get through it and was pleased with the ending though was a little quick.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For me it went downhill when Gabriel turned up in Spain and then proceeded to freeload himself on to Julian and Olivia and stay with them, but went right downhill when Julian seemed to turn from a caring man into a nasty piece of work prepared to cheat on his wife with the attractive but often sweaty with stale, cigarette and alcohol smelling breath - (Why did the author need to put this in so often - its gross) freeloader Gabriel, also half his age). Not sure why he didn't see him as the freeloader he really was.
I didn't enjoy the second half of the book, but did get through it and was pleased with the ending though was a little quick.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
I love vacation setting thriller and this beautiful setting and thrilling plot does not disappoint.
Olivia and Julian are spending quiet time relaxing in a Spanish Villa. Olivia is an heiress slowly giving away her trust while Julian is fairly famous for caring for his ill wife before she was murdered.
In their fairly new marriage they needed some time away. The days are long and meld together until they happen along Gabriel in the village. Gabriel is young, attractive and a lovely houseguest but it seems he might never leave.
What does Gabriel know? And what will it take to get him out? if you love vacations -gone-wrong and domestic thriller set it beautiful places then #ThePerfectHoliday is for you! #Boldwoodbooks #netGalley #NetGalleyReads
Olivia and Julian are spending quiet time relaxing in a Spanish Villa. Olivia is an heiress slowly giving away her trust while Julian is fairly famous for caring for his ill wife before she was murdered.
In their fairly new marriage they needed some time away. The days are long and meld together until they happen along Gabriel in the village. Gabriel is young, attractive and a lovely houseguest but it seems he might never leave.
What does Gabriel know? And what will it take to get him out? if you love vacations -gone-wrong and domestic thriller set it beautiful places then #ThePerfectHoliday is for you! #Boldwoodbooks #netGalley #NetGalleyReads
July 28, 2024
Olivia en Julian genieten van luie dagen in hun Spaanse villa, een welverdiende onderbreking van hun drukke leven. Vooral voor Julian, die in de publieke belangstelling kwam te staan na de tragische moord op zijn eerste vrouw, is deze vakantie een welkome afleiding.
De lome warmte en rust van de villa wordt alleen doorbroken door wandelingen op de rotsen, zonovergoten lunches en verkoelende zwempartijen. Tot een toevallige ontmoeting met Gabriel, een aantrekkelijke man die vele jaren jonger is, alles verandert.
Al snel verandert hun idyllische vakantie in een gevaarlijk kat-en-muisspel. Zal een van hen er levend uitkomen?
'De perfecte vakantie' draait om Julian. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat hij zijn vrouw is verloren. Niet aan een ongeluk of een ziekte. Nee, zijn vrouw Helen is vermoord.
Inmiddels is Julian weer gelukkig met zijn nieuwe vrouw: Olivia. Samen hebben ze een villa in Spanje en op een dag komt Julian een man tegen. Hij heet Gabriel en is heel erg charmant. Gabriel raakt steeds meer betrokken bij het leven van Julian en Olivia. En de vraag is of dit nu wel zo verstandig is...
Vervolgens maak je een sprong naar het verleden. De vrouw van Julian is dan ook nog in leven en je leest meer over de relatie van dit tweetal. Uiteindelijk lees je dan ook over de moord op Helen
Hierna speelt het verhaal zich weer in het heden af. Ik vond de sprong naar het verleden erg interessant, want hierdoor werden bepaalde dingen meteen duidelijker.
De schrijfstijl van T.J. Emerson vond ik heel prettig, maar wel moet ik eerlijk zeggen dat ik het hoofdpersonage behoorlijk naïef vond. Een heleboel keuzes en handelingen vond ik dan ook niet al te slim. Wel komt er op het einde nog een redelijk verrassende plottwist.
Of dit een echte thriller is weet ik niet, maar ik vond het een prima en makkelijk te lezen verhaal voor tussendoor.
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
De lome warmte en rust van de villa wordt alleen doorbroken door wandelingen op de rotsen, zonovergoten lunches en verkoelende zwempartijen. Tot een toevallige ontmoeting met Gabriel, een aantrekkelijke man die vele jaren jonger is, alles verandert.
Al snel verandert hun idyllische vakantie in een gevaarlijk kat-en-muisspel. Zal een van hen er levend uitkomen?
'De perfecte vakantie' draait om Julian. Al snel wordt duidelijk dat hij zijn vrouw is verloren. Niet aan een ongeluk of een ziekte. Nee, zijn vrouw Helen is vermoord.
Inmiddels is Julian weer gelukkig met zijn nieuwe vrouw: Olivia. Samen hebben ze een villa in Spanje en op een dag komt Julian een man tegen. Hij heet Gabriel en is heel erg charmant. Gabriel raakt steeds meer betrokken bij het leven van Julian en Olivia. En de vraag is of dit nu wel zo verstandig is...
Vervolgens maak je een sprong naar het verleden. De vrouw van Julian is dan ook nog in leven en je leest meer over de relatie van dit tweetal. Uiteindelijk lees je dan ook over de moord op Helen
Hierna speelt het verhaal zich weer in het heden af. Ik vond de sprong naar het verleden erg interessant, want hierdoor werden bepaalde dingen meteen duidelijker.
De schrijfstijl van T.J. Emerson vond ik heel prettig, maar wel moet ik eerlijk zeggen dat ik het hoofdpersonage behoorlijk naïef vond. Een heleboel keuzes en handelingen vond ik dan ook niet al te slim. Wel komt er op het einde nog een redelijk verrassende plottwist.
Of dit een echte thriller is weet ik niet, maar ik vond het een prima en makkelijk te lezen verhaal voor tussendoor.
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
April 28, 2022
This is described as a psychological thriller, but I wasn't that thrilled. It was an okay story that I finished and thought it was okay, but I was not gripped like I often am when reading thrillers. Jillian’s life changes drastically when he and his wife are in a car accident. Helen is seriously injured and needs a caretaker for the remainder of her life. Julian commits his life to being her caregiver and does everything he can to make her life as good as possible. When he is told to take a weekend to relax and rejuvenate, he meets Gabriel, a twenty something wanderer, who he spends a couple of nights with in an intimate way. Gabriel follows him to London and he and Julian agree that he will put Helen out of her misery and allow Julian freedom. The story picks up years later and Julian has remarried to a wealthy woman. They both run different foundations and Julian is well respected. He has written a memoir, runs his foundation that supports caretakers and is a sought after speaker. While on vacation, Gabriel reenters his life and things go off the rail.
This book has an interesting concept, however it failed to surprise me because the big secret is revealed sooner than it should have been. Much of the story was about Julian's and Gabriel's illicit affair. I felt bad for Olivia, who is on her third marriage and really thought Julian was the one to make her happy. She was a nice character who was using her parent's money for good. I will say I grew tired of her body constantly being referred to, especially the size of her chest. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that the plot picked up and a couple of twists were thrown in. I did think the ending gave all the characters what they deserved. Overall, this story was just okay for me.
This book has an interesting concept, however it failed to surprise me because the big secret is revealed sooner than it should have been. Much of the story was about Julian's and Gabriel's illicit affair. I felt bad for Olivia, who is on her third marriage and really thought Julian was the one to make her happy. She was a nice character who was using her parent's money for good. I will say I grew tired of her body constantly being referred to, especially the size of her chest. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that the plot picked up and a couple of twists were thrown in. I did think the ending gave all the characters what they deserved. Overall, this story was just okay for me.
March 7, 2022
I’ve heard it said before that there are no bad books, just books who haven’t found the right reader. Sadly, I’m not the right reader for this book. It would be a great book for those who don’t mind reading about gay hook-ups between two men; one old enough to be the other's father.
I received this advance copy from T. J. Emerson, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I received this advance copy from T. J. Emerson, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 19, 2022
Finished reading: March 18th 2022
DNF at 46% (155 pages)
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
April 25, 2022
The only thing perfect about this book was the fact that it ended,
Talk about a wet noodle of a book.
Julian the main character had zero personality, like zero.
His wife Olivia also was a blah, lounged around all day, NO chemistry between the two even though we have to read through very descriptive "encounters" between the two. GROSS
Gabirel is just nasty. He always referred to Julian as "Big guy" uhh it was so annoying.
The male on male action is just a big no in my book.
Every chapter was Julian would wake up go for a swim. Olivia goes for a walk. Gabriel sleeps in (recovering from a hangover usually) entices Julian to do illegal stuff--he acted like a 17 year old boy. They would go out for expensive dinners . We would have to relive Julian being such a great guy taking care of his previously deceased wife Helen.
I honestly wonder who approved this book. The plot was so boring. Nothing happened.
Ultimately I think TJ Emerson just wanted to write a bunch of male love scenes. So if thats your thing.....go for it.
I would like to thank Netgalley for this advanced copy reading of this book. I have not been enticed or reimburse for my honest review.
Talk about a wet noodle of a book.
Julian the main character had zero personality, like zero.
His wife Olivia also was a blah, lounged around all day, NO chemistry between the two even though we have to read through very descriptive "encounters" between the two. GROSS
Gabirel is just nasty. He always referred to Julian as "Big guy" uhh it was so annoying.
The male on male action is just a big no in my book.
Every chapter was Julian would wake up go for a swim. Olivia goes for a walk. Gabriel sleeps in (recovering from a hangover usually) entices Julian to do illegal stuff--he acted like a 17 year old boy. They would go out for expensive dinners . We would have to relive Julian being such a great guy taking care of his previously deceased wife Helen.
I honestly wonder who approved this book. The plot was so boring. Nothing happened.
Ultimately I think TJ Emerson just wanted to write a bunch of male love scenes. So if thats your thing.....go for it.
I would like to thank Netgalley for this advanced copy reading of this book. I have not been enticed or reimburse for my honest review.
April 27, 2022
Perfect Holidays yes the surrandings there are wonderful. It is hard to express my self without spoilers here. The fact is that the couple in vacation is not married for long and a man come across and pretends it is a coincidence but it is obvious that it is not. We get to know what happened in the past, how they met, what they did. Maybe it was obvious that this is a cat mouse game but we could not know what whould happened in the end. And if I was sometimes a little anoyed at some parts but the ending was my kind.
I could understand someone is lost and feel alone but to fall so deep like one of the main characters was really incredible. How we can be manipulated by an other persons was crazy. But that was also ok, I wanted to go on and see how this involments would be solved. And I was quite right of what was going on behind the scenes and was glade I was this time. Nothing very deep about but an easy reading. If you need that is really a perfect book.
Thank you Bookandtonic and Netgalley for thos opportunity.
I could understand someone is lost and feel alone but to fall so deep like one of the main characters was really incredible. How we can be manipulated by an other persons was crazy. But that was also ok, I wanted to go on and see how this involments would be solved. And I was quite right of what was going on behind the scenes and was glade I was this time. Nothing very deep about but an easy reading. If you need that is really a perfect book.
Thank you Bookandtonic and Netgalley for thos opportunity.
September 17, 2023
Julian and Olivia are holidaying in their beautiful Spanish villa, from the outside they look like the perfect match. Olivia is wealthy and Julian is well known for caring for his ex wife who had been paralysed after a car crash. Her murder was a shock but Julian had a cast iron alibi and is now the face of the charitable foundation set up in her name.
The married couple meet Gabriel a younger man, and they start to spend time with him, he has a secret history with Julian. The three become entangled in more than one way, but is he a threat and will this perfect holiday turn into a nightmare.
Soon their idyllic break turns into a dangerous game. Will any of them get out alive?
A bit too slow paced for myself and I was expecting it to be more thrilling.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
The married couple meet Gabriel a younger man, and they start to spend time with him, he has a secret history with Julian. The three become entangled in more than one way, but is he a threat and will this perfect holiday turn into a nightmare.
Soon their idyllic break turns into a dangerous game. Will any of them get out alive?
A bit too slow paced for myself and I was expecting it to be more thrilling.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2022
An interesting mystery that begins with a heartbreaking event for our Main Character which opens up new opportunities and many new questions for the reader.
As the months go by, the past comes back around to interrupt the present. And the ending was very satisfying!
As the months go by, the past comes back around to interrupt the present. And the ending was very satisfying!
March 14, 2022
I’m a bit torn about how I feel about this book. On the one hand, I was gripped and enjoyed the story. I’ve even been thinking about it since I finished, which is always a good sign. On the other hand, the ending was terrible and wasn’t worth reading this book for.
A lot of the other reviewers have said they found the story too slow going, and I agree with this to a certain extent. There was a lot of repetition with the day to day of Olivia and Julian’s holiday. They kept visiting the same places and lying by the pool a lot. This didn’t help the story move at a swift pace. However, I did pick up an undertone of malice and intrigue going on. I couldn’t quite figure out what Gabriel’s motive, plan or direction in the story would be. This is what helped me get through the book; it kept me moving through it and wanting to pick it up again to find out how the story would be brought together.
Julian as a character was very morose, and it was hard to root for him or want the best for him. I know he’d had a bad life, but this gave him an air of entitlement. Olivia was very astute; she was picking up everything small thing that was said, so it was made quite evident that nothing was getting past her.
I was expecting to be shocked and appalled at the end as this is what it seemed to be leading to. I was neither. I was just disappointed, and I needed more from this story to have made it worthwhile. The ‘big twist’ was a little too obvious, and the fate of the characters just seemed pointless after I’d invested so much time in their lives. I needed more on the Gabriel side of things as well; an epilogue from his perspective would have worked well. As it stands, the epilogue from Olivia’s point of view was just dull.
For me, the best part about the book was the ‘before’ section when Julian meets Gabriel. Some of the reviewers felt the sex scenes were too full on. I didn’t find this at all, and I think I can be a bit of a prude when it comes to these types of things. However, I found it to be relatively tame.
So, overall, I do feel like I wasted my time reading this, but I did enjoy the majority of it whilst reading. So, a tough one to score, I think I will settle on a middle ground of three stars. I don’t think I will be rushing to read anything else by this author anytime soon. It just wasn’t innovative enough for my liking.
A lot of the other reviewers have said they found the story too slow going, and I agree with this to a certain extent. There was a lot of repetition with the day to day of Olivia and Julian’s holiday. They kept visiting the same places and lying by the pool a lot. This didn’t help the story move at a swift pace. However, I did pick up an undertone of malice and intrigue going on. I couldn’t quite figure out what Gabriel’s motive, plan or direction in the story would be. This is what helped me get through the book; it kept me moving through it and wanting to pick it up again to find out how the story would be brought together.
Julian as a character was very morose, and it was hard to root for him or want the best for him. I know he’d had a bad life, but this gave him an air of entitlement. Olivia was very astute; she was picking up everything small thing that was said, so it was made quite evident that nothing was getting past her.
I was expecting to be shocked and appalled at the end as this is what it seemed to be leading to. I was neither. I was just disappointed, and I needed more from this story to have made it worthwhile. The ‘big twist’ was a little too obvious, and the fate of the characters just seemed pointless after I’d invested so much time in their lives. I needed more on the Gabriel side of things as well; an epilogue from his perspective would have worked well. As it stands, the epilogue from Olivia’s point of view was just dull.
For me, the best part about the book was the ‘before’ section when Julian meets Gabriel. Some of the reviewers felt the sex scenes were too full on. I didn’t find this at all, and I think I can be a bit of a prude when it comes to these types of things. However, I found it to be relatively tame.
So, overall, I do feel like I wasted my time reading this, but I did enjoy the majority of it whilst reading. So, a tough one to score, I think I will settle on a middle ground of three stars. I don’t think I will be rushing to read anything else by this author anytime soon. It just wasn’t innovative enough for my liking.
July 15, 2024
Julian has spent his whole life as a carer, ever since his mother left when he was a child. First, looking after his father and then caring for his wife after she was seriously injured in a car accident.
Now he is on holiday in his wealthy new wife's villa, reflecting on his outwardly privileged existence, when he bumps into an old acquaintance on the beach.
He first met this man when he had a short respite break, shortly before his first wife was killed during a burglary. He is just as mesmerising now as he was then. Julian is terrified of what might be revealed if this man comes into their life, but he can't drag himself away.
Now working for the charity he set up, Julian dreams of living a life just for himself, being able to finally stop thinking about caring for other people, and to spend his time and money as he wishes.
With Gabriel on the scene and driven by lust, Julian is faced with another opportunity to make a terrible choice.
Now he is on holiday in his wealthy new wife's villa, reflecting on his outwardly privileged existence, when he bumps into an old acquaintance on the beach.
He first met this man when he had a short respite break, shortly before his first wife was killed during a burglary. He is just as mesmerising now as he was then. Julian is terrified of what might be revealed if this man comes into their life, but he can't drag himself away.
Now working for the charity he set up, Julian dreams of living a life just for himself, being able to finally stop thinking about caring for other people, and to spend his time and money as he wishes.
With Gabriel on the scene and driven by lust, Julian is faced with another opportunity to make a terrible choice.
April 30, 2022
This book was not my cup of tea. I did not connect with the characters at all and was honestly more annoyed with Julian than anything. I felt that the book was predictable, although I did enjoy the twist at the very end. I also would not categorize this as a psychological thriller, as it is currently categorized, as I did not feel any thrill until the last chapter. I’m sure there is an audience who would appreciate and enjoy this book, unfortunately it fell flat for me. I am giving this 2.5 stars, rounding up to 3.
Thank you to NetGalley, Baldwood Books, and T.J. Emerson for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Baldwood Books, and T.J. Emerson for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2022
Olivia and Julian are a busy couple. Finally, they're able to rest and relax while holidaying at their Spanish villa. But when Gabriel, Julian's old friend, spontaneously shows up, their perfect holiday starts to take a dangerous turn. Will they all make it out alive?
This was a good book but I think because I could predict what was going to happen next (several times!), I didn't find it overly thrilling. It was an easy and quick read though. This book would suit a beginner mystery/thriller reader.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good book but I think because I could predict what was going to happen next (several times!), I didn't find it overly thrilling. It was an easy and quick read though. This book would suit a beginner mystery/thriller reader.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2024
*3.5 Stars
The Perfect Holiday is a story about a couple that go out of town for a summer holiday. It delves into the past and present of both the husband and wife.
When the husband's past comes knocking, quite relentlessly, the story is weaved of what happens and how what we thought was going on behind the scenes may not have been all that it seemed.
The plot twist towards the end of the book was one of the most delightful things I experienced in this book and I would definitely, highly recommend this for a thrilling thriller.
The Perfect Holiday is a story about a couple that go out of town for a summer holiday. It delves into the past and present of both the husband and wife.
When the husband's past comes knocking, quite relentlessly, the story is weaved of what happens and how what we thought was going on behind the scenes may not have been all that it seemed.
The plot twist towards the end of the book was one of the most delightful things I experienced in this book and I would definitely, highly recommend this for a thrilling thriller.
July 26, 2025
2.75⭐️
August 13, 2025
DNF OP 60%
April 24, 2022
I absolutely love discovering new authors and T. J. Emerson is certainly a new author for me. I read the synopsis for ‘The Perfect Holiday’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I love- a psychological thriller with twists and turns throughout. Well I was spot on because I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Perfect Holiday’ but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn to this book by the synopsis alone and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was going to become addicted to reading this story. I was spot on too. I had initially picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two to make a start but I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The characters intrigued me and I got the distinct impression that things weren’t as they first appeared. I seemed to fly through the story. I found ‘The Perfect Holiday’ to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Perfect Holiday’ is well written. T. J. Emerson has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and take them on what proves to be one hell of a journey. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. The story is written in the format of biographical notes by the male lead character, Julian, chapters are written detailing events from the past and chapters are written detailing events as they are happening in the present day. The different methods of telling the tale interlink and the story flows seamlessly. Reading ‘The Perfect Holiday’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Perfect Holiday’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I was drawn to this book by the synopsis alone and the story within the book’s covers sealed the deal as it were. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was going to become addicted to reading this story. I was spot on too. I had initially picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two to make a start but I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. The characters intrigued me and I got the distinct impression that things weren’t as they first appeared. I seemed to fly through the story. I found ‘The Perfect Holiday’ to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Perfect Holiday’ is well written. T. J. Emerson has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and take them on what proves to be one hell of a journey. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fast pace throughout. The story is written in the format of biographical notes by the male lead character, Julian, chapters are written detailing events from the past and chapters are written detailing events as they are happening in the present day. The different methods of telling the tale interlink and the story flows seamlessly. Reading ‘The Perfect Holiday’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Perfect Holiday’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 13, 2022
Whilst I enjoyed the read, it didn't quite hit the mark for me to rate it higher.
The story line kept me engaged with the narrative, primarily focusing on Julian. Julian has gained prominence after writing a memoir telling of his life as an unpaid carer to his late wife Helen. Now married to Olivia, his life is devoted to charity and bringing attention and support to the carer fraternity. On "the perfect holiday" with Olivia, they run into Gabriel, a man from Julian's past.
So I loved the set up, and I enjoyed the cat and mouse scenario involving Gabriel and Julian. However, I just felt the middle section went on a little too long and was impatient for the story to progress as the tension that I initially felt didn't hold - In hindsight, I feel it needed to be "ramped" up more than it was.
I did get a surprise where the narrative led to, however in contrast to the middle section going on too long, the ending felt a bit rushed. I think this scenario could have been played out a little longer, with greater tension, and more cat and mouse here. And one aspect of the finale was a little too convenient for my liking.
The story line kept me engaged with the narrative, primarily focusing on Julian. Julian has gained prominence after writing a memoir telling of his life as an unpaid carer to his late wife Helen. Now married to Olivia, his life is devoted to charity and bringing attention and support to the carer fraternity. On "the perfect holiday" with Olivia, they run into Gabriel, a man from Julian's past.
So I loved the set up, and I enjoyed the cat and mouse scenario involving Gabriel and Julian. However, I just felt the middle section went on a little too long and was impatient for the story to progress as the tension that I initially felt didn't hold - In hindsight, I feel it needed to be "ramped" up more than it was.
I did get a surprise where the narrative led to, however in contrast to the middle section going on too long, the ending felt a bit rushed. I think this scenario could have been played out a little longer, with greater tension, and more cat and mouse here. And one aspect of the finale was a little too convenient for my liking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 5, 2023The premise sounded really good and initially, I was quite intrigued to see where it would take me to, but the story never seemed to deliver, and I quickly became bored. First of all, I never warmed up to Julian and felt he came across as a whiner and kept thinking he's up to something. Also, the death of his first wife seemed to be all wrapped up too neatly for my liking. His marriage to Olivia didn't ring true for me, either. There didn't feel like any romance or chemistry between them. Perhaps it's due to the story jumping ahead to them already married.
And then there was Gabriel, who didn't add anything meaningful to the story for me, besides more ewww. The ending seemed OK but felt too rushed. Weak story and unlikable characters left me with a lot of indifference for what would happen.
And then there was Gabriel, who didn't add anything meaningful to the story for me, besides more ewww. The ending seemed OK but felt too rushed. Weak story and unlikable characters left me with a lot of indifference for what would happen.
April 14, 2022
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review.
Sadly this one didn't really hit the mark for me. All the characters were unlikeable and the story didn't grip me enough for me to care.
Sadly this one didn't really hit the mark for me. All the characters were unlikeable and the story didn't grip me enough for me to care.
April 11, 2022
★★ 2.5 stars
Vacation thrillers tend to be a little hit and miss for me and I've found I've generally only really enjoyed those written by a favourite author. But this one intrigued me...sadly, that was all it did. And that was just in the premise because the story itself did not live up to its promise, I feel. In fact, I almost DNF by the time I reached 30% and instead I ploughed on and really wish I hadn't. Maybe I should have just left it where it was...stuck in a caravan in remote Perthshire in the bouts of hot sex while his invalid wife was back in Edinburgh.
The perfect book of the perfect holiday? I don't think so. In fact I didn't really warm to Julian's wife Olivia while Julian himself seemed a little distant that I had to wonder what was going on here in the opening chapters because they didn't seem at all devoted to one another.
Julian and Olivia are holidaying in their Mallorca villa, having escaped London for the summer. Or should I say, Olivia's villa? Because let's face it, it really was Olivia's villa. She inherited it from her incredibly wealthy parents leaving her as equally incredibly wealthy. And a villa in Spain is just one of the perks of being that wealthy.
Olivia is Julian's second wife, his first having been murdered in her sleep in their pokey little council flat in Edinburgh while he was out at a Young Carers event. The police put it down to a burglary gone wrong and they panicked and smothered the invalid Helen, incapacitated and brain injured as a result of a car accident ten years before. Julian had been her sole carer throughout that whole time. After she died, he set up an Award foundation in her name. And it is through this he met Olivia and after a brief romance, the couple married. To live happily ever after...or not.
Enter Gabriel. On a hot dun drenched beach in Mallorca all cheery and matey...and Julian knew then that there was no escape. And things just went downhill from there. However, the only saving grace was the delicious little twist at the very end. But that is all it was...it certainly didn't redeem this psychological chaos that was meant to entertain.
And then there was the sex scenes. OK, so I don't have a problem with gay characters or even couples...but I really don't want to read graphic sex scenes giving me a detailed account of their coupling. Just no. And how it all began was a little out of nowhere and somewhat random. Locked away in a grotty little caravan, where Julian was meant to be taking time out for himself - a respite break - from his 24/7 care of wife Helen. Instead, he picks up hitchhiker Gabriel and they end up rolling around in the sheets together...and thensome. Like I said...random. And then Gabriel just wouldn't go away, even after he did. So when he turned up in Mallorca, and his presence was then explained in the "Before" chapters after his initial appearance in Spain, I am just like...here we go again. But the plot just got worse. Enter a full blown love triangle, cheating on his second wife Helen with freeloader Gabriel who, really, is just in it for whatever he can get out of it.
I didn't like any of the characters. I know Gabriel was meant to be unlikeable but so was Julian. If the reader was meant to feel sorry for him in his life as a carer, I didn't. He came across as morose, self-pitying and something else I can't quite put my finger on. But I didn't like him at all. And Olivia? Well, she was astute but she felt a little shallow to me as well. Born into money, raised with money, living with money...she took it all for granted a bit, I thought. And even Julian, as well. I kind of felt like she saw him as a kind of pet project. "There, there. Good boy, Julian." It was nauseating.
There is also a lot of useless information in the story that I feel doesn't really need to be there. For example the excessive inclusion of a character's toileting - do we really need a rundown on what he's doing in there? We get the picture without having one painted, please. There should also be a warning as to the gay content because not everyone wants gay sex played out for them. As this is such a focal point of the story it should be in the LGBT category, giving readers fair notice.
Added to that, the story was a real slow burn that didn't really go anywhere interesting. It doesn't even really fit into the psychological thriller genre. As I said, the final twist at the end was the book's saving grace, but not enough to earn it more than 2.5 stars.
I would like to thank #TJEmerson, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ThePerfectHoliday in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Vacation thrillers tend to be a little hit and miss for me and I've found I've generally only really enjoyed those written by a favourite author. But this one intrigued me...sadly, that was all it did. And that was just in the premise because the story itself did not live up to its promise, I feel. In fact, I almost DNF by the time I reached 30% and instead I ploughed on and really wish I hadn't. Maybe I should have just left it where it was...stuck in a caravan in remote Perthshire in the bouts of hot sex while his invalid wife was back in Edinburgh.
The perfect book of the perfect holiday? I don't think so. In fact I didn't really warm to Julian's wife Olivia while Julian himself seemed a little distant that I had to wonder what was going on here in the opening chapters because they didn't seem at all devoted to one another.
Julian and Olivia are holidaying in their Mallorca villa, having escaped London for the summer. Or should I say, Olivia's villa? Because let's face it, it really was Olivia's villa. She inherited it from her incredibly wealthy parents leaving her as equally incredibly wealthy. And a villa in Spain is just one of the perks of being that wealthy.
Olivia is Julian's second wife, his first having been murdered in her sleep in their pokey little council flat in Edinburgh while he was out at a Young Carers event. The police put it down to a burglary gone wrong and they panicked and smothered the invalid Helen, incapacitated and brain injured as a result of a car accident ten years before. Julian had been her sole carer throughout that whole time. After she died, he set up an Award foundation in her name. And it is through this he met Olivia and after a brief romance, the couple married. To live happily ever after...or not.
Enter Gabriel. On a hot dun drenched beach in Mallorca all cheery and matey...and Julian knew then that there was no escape. And things just went downhill from there. However, the only saving grace was the delicious little twist at the very end. But that is all it was...it certainly didn't redeem this psychological chaos that was meant to entertain.
And then there was the sex scenes. OK, so I don't have a problem with gay characters or even couples...but I really don't want to read graphic sex scenes giving me a detailed account of their coupling. Just no. And how it all began was a little out of nowhere and somewhat random. Locked away in a grotty little caravan, where Julian was meant to be taking time out for himself - a respite break - from his 24/7 care of wife Helen. Instead, he picks up hitchhiker Gabriel and they end up rolling around in the sheets together...and thensome. Like I said...random. And then Gabriel just wouldn't go away, even after he did. So when he turned up in Mallorca, and his presence was then explained in the "Before" chapters after his initial appearance in Spain, I am just like...here we go again. But the plot just got worse. Enter a full blown love triangle, cheating on his second wife Helen with freeloader Gabriel who, really, is just in it for whatever he can get out of it.
I didn't like any of the characters. I know Gabriel was meant to be unlikeable but so was Julian. If the reader was meant to feel sorry for him in his life as a carer, I didn't. He came across as morose, self-pitying and something else I can't quite put my finger on. But I didn't like him at all. And Olivia? Well, she was astute but she felt a little shallow to me as well. Born into money, raised with money, living with money...she took it all for granted a bit, I thought. And even Julian, as well. I kind of felt like she saw him as a kind of pet project. "There, there. Good boy, Julian." It was nauseating.
There is also a lot of useless information in the story that I feel doesn't really need to be there. For example the excessive inclusion of a character's toileting - do we really need a rundown on what he's doing in there? We get the picture without having one painted, please. There should also be a warning as to the gay content because not everyone wants gay sex played out for them. As this is such a focal point of the story it should be in the LGBT category, giving readers fair notice.
Added to that, the story was a real slow burn that didn't really go anywhere interesting. It doesn't even really fit into the psychological thriller genre. As I said, the final twist at the end was the book's saving grace, but not enough to earn it more than 2.5 stars.
I would like to thank #TJEmerson, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #ThePerfectHoliday in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 3, 2022
The Perfect Holiday is a book that tries very hard to throw you off the scent. There are clues throughout that what we’re seeing isn’t the full picture, but by the time we got to the end I just recall feeling pleased that at least something was going to happen.
Julian and Olivia are holidaying in their beautiful villa. They are, on the surface, the ideal couple. Olivia has money, and Julian is the perfect gentleman who has become known for caring for his ex-wife for years. Her murder was a shock, but Julian had a cast-iron alibi and has since become the face of the charitable foundation set up in her name.
While on their regular foray into the little town nearby, the couple meet Gabriel. There is a story behind his presence, and it soon becomes clear that he is more closely linked to Julian than they might want to admit.
For much of the book the focus is on Julian sneaking around with Gabriel. There’s lots of talk of love and a desire to plan a future together. Unfortunately, for a relationship so skewed - and firmly placed on the foundations of their tangled past - it never quite gelled.
As the book continues we learn more about Julian and his past. Things appear to be heading firmly in one direction and I found myself waiting for the twist that seemed so inevitable. Sure enough it came, but by this time I just felt relieved that at last we were getting an escape.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
Julian and Olivia are holidaying in their beautiful villa. They are, on the surface, the ideal couple. Olivia has money, and Julian is the perfect gentleman who has become known for caring for his ex-wife for years. Her murder was a shock, but Julian had a cast-iron alibi and has since become the face of the charitable foundation set up in her name.
While on their regular foray into the little town nearby, the couple meet Gabriel. There is a story behind his presence, and it soon becomes clear that he is more closely linked to Julian than they might want to admit.
For much of the book the focus is on Julian sneaking around with Gabriel. There’s lots of talk of love and a desire to plan a future together. Unfortunately, for a relationship so skewed - and firmly placed on the foundations of their tangled past - it never quite gelled.
As the book continues we learn more about Julian and his past. Things appear to be heading firmly in one direction and I found myself waiting for the twist that seemed so inevitable. Sure enough it came, but by this time I just felt relieved that at last we were getting an escape.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
April 18, 2022
Olivia and Julian are spending time together on holiday relaxing in their Spanish villa. Olivia is an heiress, while Julian cared for his ill wife, Helen before she was murdered. The married couple meets Gabriel whilst out and about and they start to spend time with him. He is an acquaintance from the past, but is he a threat?
Set in Mallorca, the characters are the type you love to hate, perfect for this menacing tale. Tracey Emerson highlights the challenges involved in becoming a full time caregiver with realism. The chapters move between the present - the holiday setting - and Julian's memoir which details his life as Helen's caregiver. Some narrative is disorienting but this is cleverly done, resulting in high intrigue, leaving me with a pressing desire to read on. A dark tale with a gratifying ending, I highly recommend Tracey Emerson's, The Perfect Holiday.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Set in Mallorca, the characters are the type you love to hate, perfect for this menacing tale. Tracey Emerson highlights the challenges involved in becoming a full time caregiver with realism. The chapters move between the present - the holiday setting - and Julian's memoir which details his life as Helen's caregiver. Some narrative is disorienting but this is cleverly done, resulting in high intrigue, leaving me with a pressing desire to read on. A dark tale with a gratifying ending, I highly recommend Tracey Emerson's, The Perfect Holiday.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 24, 2022
3.5★
The Perfect Holiday by T.J. Emerson is a psychological thriller about Olivia and Julian, who’s vacation goes wrong in quite the scary way!
I think the strongest aspect of this novel is the characters. Julian and Olivia are convincing and their lives feel realistic. When Gabriel enters the scene, the atmosphere shifts and it is very clear he is not what he seems.
The part I had a little trouble with was the pacing. I think there were moments that could have been cut to allow the story to move a little quicker. I did like the ending, though and the overall plot was compelling.
Overall, I enjoyed The Perfect Holiday. It’s an entertaining thriller set in a beautiful vacation spot. And it did make me think twice about going on vacation!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Read more of my reviews: jessicabelmont.com
The Perfect Holiday by T.J. Emerson is a psychological thriller about Olivia and Julian, who’s vacation goes wrong in quite the scary way!
I think the strongest aspect of this novel is the characters. Julian and Olivia are convincing and their lives feel realistic. When Gabriel enters the scene, the atmosphere shifts and it is very clear he is not what he seems.
The part I had a little trouble with was the pacing. I think there were moments that could have been cut to allow the story to move a little quicker. I did like the ending, though and the overall plot was compelling.
Overall, I enjoyed The Perfect Holiday. It’s an entertaining thriller set in a beautiful vacation spot. And it did make me think twice about going on vacation!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Read more of my reviews: jessicabelmont.com
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