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Second Guess
Landon Shriver is on cloud nine. He is an art gallery owner, comes from a wealthy family, and is married to successful debonair real estate agent Theo Parks. Nothing could possibly burst Landon’s picture-perfect lifestyle bubble until one fatal night, that is.
A burglary turned homicide attempt in the middle of the night at their new home proves to cause so much angst and turmoil between the couple. But was this home invasion a random attack, or was it pre-meditated? So many entangled webs of lies, secrets, and deceit come to the surface that puts Landon and Theo’s entire marriage in jeopardy.
Is everyone who they claim to be? And does everyone really know who they are in a relationship with? No matter what the answer, one thing is for certain. When a murder happens that close to home, it always leaves everyone second-guessing.
A burglary turned homicide attempt in the middle of the night at their new home proves to cause so much angst and turmoil between the couple. But was this home invasion a random attack, or was it pre-meditated? So many entangled webs of lies, secrets, and deceit come to the surface that puts Landon and Theo’s entire marriage in jeopardy.
Is everyone who they claim to be? And does everyone really know who they are in a relationship with? No matter what the answer, one thing is for certain. When a murder happens that close to home, it always leaves everyone second-guessing.
- GenresThrillerM M Romance
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 24, 2023
Okay, can I start by talking about what a perfect marriage the two main characters had? For once I was supporting marriages (Long story.). But, as the title says, I had to second guess it too. At least the burglary brought me back to my senses 😂
Husbands Theo and Landon are successful both in their respective careers and in their marriage. They have everything that couples desire - a house, money and success along with each other's love. Their friends are in awe of them. All of this love, support and respect comes to a standstill when a "burglary" is attempted at their house one night in which the "burglar" is killed in self defense and everything becomes doubtful.
This book was a page turner. There were secrets and twists and turns. I liked the plot development of this story. I liked the thrill and the doubts. And I liked the execution of it all. How can we be with someone all our lives and not truly know them? Inversely, how can we be with someone all our lives and doubt what we know about them? Definitely recommended.
Husbands Theo and Landon are successful both in their respective careers and in their marriage. They have everything that couples desire - a house, money and success along with each other's love. Their friends are in awe of them. All of this love, support and respect comes to a standstill when a "burglary" is attempted at their house one night in which the "burglar" is killed in self defense and everything becomes doubtful.
This book was a page turner. There were secrets and twists and turns. I liked the plot development of this story. I liked the thrill and the doubts. And I liked the execution of it all. How can we be with someone all our lives and not truly know them? Inversely, how can we be with someone all our lives and doubt what we know about them? Definitely recommended.
January 13, 2023
Theo Parks and Landon Shriver are on top of the world. Landon, a successful art gallery owner, and Theo, real estate agent extraordinaire, are crazy in love with each other, passionate about their respective careers, own a beautiful home, and have the type of picture-perfect marriage that causes their friends to refer to them as “The Golden Couple.” Late one evening while Theo and Landon were in bed, a would-be burglar breaks into their home, and a homicide takes places. Their perfect world, their ideal bubble, is shattered, leaving the couple in total chaos. Was this a random burglary attempt, or a premeditated attack? So many secrets, lies, and betrayals come to the surface as police investigate, using circumstantial evidence to pit one husband against the other, endangering their marriage and relationship. Are they each who they claim to be? Can this marriage go back to the perfect match it once was? Homicide has a funny way of making people mistrust and second-guess each other.
This is quite a storyline. It resembles another famous book that I won’t mention for fear of giving the plot away…but it’s also hard to dance around it without even a whiff of a clue. I think it is a smartly written crime thriller, and completely believable, and I was hooked all the way through. There are some editing omissions, grammatical errors, words that were misused, and adages that were misquoted. These inaccuracies took me out of the story as I found and silently corrected them. That being said, this is no sappy romance book—it is quite dark in places. Overall, “Second Guess” is very readable and exciting, especially the reveals and their aftermath. I would warn the reader about explicit sex and language; if that’s not your thing, you may not want to delve into this novel. If you are okay with that, then you won’t be disappointed.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, B.J. Irons, and Spectrum Books for the ability to read and review this ARC.
This is quite a storyline. It resembles another famous book that I won’t mention for fear of giving the plot away…but it’s also hard to dance around it without even a whiff of a clue. I think it is a smartly written crime thriller, and completely believable, and I was hooked all the way through. There are some editing omissions, grammatical errors, words that were misused, and adages that were misquoted. These inaccuracies took me out of the story as I found and silently corrected them. That being said, this is no sappy romance book—it is quite dark in places. Overall, “Second Guess” is very readable and exciting, especially the reveals and their aftermath. I would warn the reader about explicit sex and language; if that’s not your thing, you may not want to delve into this novel. If you are okay with that, then you won’t be disappointed.
I’d like to thank BookSirens, B.J. Irons, and Spectrum Books for the ability to read and review this ARC.
September 13, 2022
Landon and Theo, if you want complicated then you’ll find it here!!
I am in 2 minds about this story and it’s hard to write a review as I don’t want to spoil it. On one hand it’s genius and on the other I wanted more fierceness in the ending.
It’s certainly cleverly written and it’s a lot of angst and drama in the plot that constantly runs throughout the story. I’m glad you get a dual POV. If you want full on angsty romance where you constantly are being challenged in your thoughts then this is the book. There isn’t really any steam and is heavily plot driven in case that bothers you.
I am in 2 minds about this story and it’s hard to write a review as I don’t want to spoil it. On one hand it’s genius and on the other I wanted more fierceness in the ending.
It’s certainly cleverly written and it’s a lot of angst and drama in the plot that constantly runs throughout the story. I’m glad you get a dual POV. If you want full on angsty romance where you constantly are being challenged in your thoughts then this is the book. There isn’t really any steam and is heavily plot driven in case that bothers you.
February 7, 2024
2 stars
-Spoilers-
This book wasn't what I expected.
The story is told from both Landon's and Theo's POV.
It was quite interesting to read about how both men look at their marriage. HOWEVER, I can't stand cheaters, and I would've skipped this book if I had known beforehand. Anyways, they are both crazy and they deserve each other.
The overall story is alright, if a bit bland and detached. Irons also took too much time describing clothes and wine, which distracts from the story.
-Spoilers-
This book wasn't what I expected.
The story is told from both Landon's and Theo's POV.
It was quite interesting to read about how both men look at their marriage. HOWEVER, I can't stand cheaters, and I would've skipped this book if I had known beforehand. Anyways, they are both crazy and they deserve each other.
The overall story is alright, if a bit bland and detached. Irons also took too much time describing clothes and wine, which distracts from the story.
September 14, 2022
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Second Guess by B J Irons. Landon Shriver has it all—his dream career, wealth and Theo Parks, his handsome and successful husband. They are living the dream until one fatal night when everything tragically changes. In the middle of the night an intruder enters their home and attempts to murder Landon, but he manages to fend off the burglar who, in self-defense, is killed. Was this a random home invasion, or was it premeditated? A tangle of lies and secrets is uncovered, and Landon and Theo’s perfect marriage is left dangling by a thread. Does anyone truly know the person they are married to?⠀
⠀
Second Guess is a thriller in every sense of the word. The story is a high octane adrenaline rush that will have you racing through the chapters. Make sure you have enough time when you begin this book because it is literally impossible to put down. The plot is brilliantly and painstakingly constructed, and a new secret or new lie can be found at every turn. This novel has everything you could possibly want in a superb thriller—suspense, drama, romance and the perfect touch of steam heat. B J Irons seems to outdo himself with every new release. The one thing you should never do is “second guess” reading anything from this amazingly talented author. ⠀
⠀
Second Guess is a thriller in every sense of the word. The story is a high octane adrenaline rush that will have you racing through the chapters. Make sure you have enough time when you begin this book because it is literally impossible to put down. The plot is brilliantly and painstakingly constructed, and a new secret or new lie can be found at every turn. This novel has everything you could possibly want in a superb thriller—suspense, drama, romance and the perfect touch of steam heat. B J Irons seems to outdo himself with every new release. The one thing you should never do is “second guess” reading anything from this amazingly talented author. ⠀
September 15, 2022
Title says it all! Will make you second guess what you read!
This was a very entertaining book to read. It starts as a very basic story line of Theo and Landon meeting, falling in love, marrying, and living an ideal life. All is well until it isn’t. A catastrophic event happens that puts their lives at risk along with their relationship. As a reader I was interested and found the direction the story was taking thought-provoking. Then I advanced to the next chapter and I began second guessing what I had previously read, asking what is going on? Did I misunderstand one of the earlier chapters? Everything that I thought I understood and liked about the characters is now in question. Irons does an excellent job of weaving a web that the reader is slowly entwined within. I was drawn to the story line, finding myself wanting to get back to reading the book to find out what would happen next. And then as I passed the midpoint of the book I could not put it down! I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.
This was a very entertaining book to read. It starts as a very basic story line of Theo and Landon meeting, falling in love, marrying, and living an ideal life. All is well until it isn’t. A catastrophic event happens that puts their lives at risk along with their relationship. As a reader I was interested and found the direction the story was taking thought-provoking. Then I advanced to the next chapter and I began second guessing what I had previously read, asking what is going on? Did I misunderstand one of the earlier chapters? Everything that I thought I understood and liked about the characters is now in question. Irons does an excellent job of weaving a web that the reader is slowly entwined within. I was drawn to the story line, finding myself wanting to get back to reading the book to find out what would happen next. And then as I passed the midpoint of the book I could not put it down! I was provided a copy of this book by the author, and am leaving this review that reflects my opinion of the book voluntarily.
September 11, 2022
Yikes! Thriller I couldn't put down.
Will try to keep spoilers in this review at the end.
4.5 stars. I reserve full 5 star ratings for books and MCs I fall head over heels for AND will read again. Plus, a couple of editing issues (Marcia Clark?) really stood out.
This book hooked me completely. Near the beginning, I almost DNF'd it because I didn't like Landon, one of the MCs, very much. But I kept reading and by 20% in,I was struggling to not sneak a peek at the ending. I was all-in at that point and hanging on every word. There were times I wondered about the reality of police and legal procedure but decided to suspend belief and keep reading and I'm glad I did.
Is it a romance? Yes, based on HEA, but... Maybe? It's an interesting question that would definitely be a spoiler to include here. Definitely a page-turner and I recommend it.
Possible spoiler below...
I've not read or seen Gone Girl. Would readers who have feel differently as they're reading this story?
Will try to keep spoilers in this review at the end.
4.5 stars. I reserve full 5 star ratings for books and MCs I fall head over heels for AND will read again. Plus, a couple of editing issues (Marcia Clark?) really stood out.
This book hooked me completely. Near the beginning, I almost DNF'd it because I didn't like Landon, one of the MCs, very much. But I kept reading and by 20% in,I was struggling to not sneak a peek at the ending. I was all-in at that point and hanging on every word. There were times I wondered about the reality of police and legal procedure but decided to suspend belief and keep reading and I'm glad I did.
Is it a romance? Yes, based on HEA, but... Maybe? It's an interesting question that would definitely be a spoiler to include here. Definitely a page-turner and I recommend it.
Possible spoiler below...
I've not read or seen Gone Girl. Would readers who have feel differently as they're reading this story?
October 5, 2022
When I start a B. J. Irons book, I never know what I'm going to get. It could be a sweet funny romance or a dark twisted story where it's hard to like one (or more) of the main characters. Second Guess was not a sweet funny romance, and I loved every minute of it!
Landon, an art gallery owner and his husband Theo, a top real estate agent seemingly have everything until an intruder breaks into their home in the middle of the night and tries to murder Landon. Landon begins to question everything he ever knew about Theo and the evidence backs up the police theory that Theo was behind the attempted murder. There were lots of twists and turns and while most of the book was told from Landon's point of view, I appreciated that Theo got a few chapters, so that the reader could get a glimpse of his viewpoint.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I stayed up way too late finishing it because I couldn't put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Landon, an art gallery owner and his husband Theo, a top real estate agent seemingly have everything until an intruder breaks into their home in the middle of the night and tries to murder Landon. Landon begins to question everything he ever knew about Theo and the evidence backs up the police theory that Theo was behind the attempted murder. There were lots of twists and turns and while most of the book was told from Landon's point of view, I appreciated that Theo got a few chapters, so that the reader could get a glimpse of his viewpoint.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I stayed up way too late finishing it because I couldn't put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is difficult to write about without revealing some of the twists and turns but I will atempt not to give too much away.
There are whole sections written as if London is writing and other whole sections as if Theo is writing. There also is a jump back to five years, three years etc. as background so to keep ahead of where the author is going is not always easy and yet it makes sense at the end of the book.
Even though the book ends up on a positive for the marriage and monetary success, I found the moral compass in the book to be horrible. That is why I hesitate to give my wholehearted recommendation.
This book is difficult to write about without revealing some of the twists and turns but I will atempt not to give too much away.
There are whole sections written as if London is writing and other whole sections as if Theo is writing. There also is a jump back to five years, three years etc. as background so to keep ahead of where the author is going is not always easy and yet it makes sense at the end of the book.
Even though the book ends up on a positive for the marriage and monetary success, I found the moral compass in the book to be horrible. That is why I hesitate to give my wholehearted recommendation.
September 12, 2022
This maybe one of the most enjoyable books I have read in a while but I must admit I was so tired from reading it. It has so may twists, lies, changing directions, etc…but is also a love story too. Landon and Theo are living life to the fullest till their lives are suddenly disrupted. I got to say from page one I was “all in”, and could not put the book down. I had to finish it in one sitting cause if not I was so afraid I would have just gone to the end as for sure I could not figure it out. You will be hooked so carve out time to read this wonderfully entertaining book. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
September 27, 2022
Landon and Theo 😳.
This review is going to be vague, I'd hate to spoil anything...this one is a must read to understand, let's just put it that way.
Holy suspense!!! I did not see this one coming....I'm not sure this was exactly a romance (even though we followed a couple) but it was thrilling, intriguing, and most definitely thought provoking 😳 it had just the right amount of steam with a side of wth did I just read...it was tasty and I loved it!!! I would recommend, especially for fans of thrillers that mess with your head 😜
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
This review is going to be vague, I'd hate to spoil anything...this one is a must read to understand, let's just put it that way.
Holy suspense!!! I did not see this one coming....I'm not sure this was exactly a romance (even though we followed a couple) but it was thrilling, intriguing, and most definitely thought provoking 😳 it had just the right amount of steam with a side of wth did I just read...it was tasty and I loved it!!! I would recommend, especially for fans of thrillers that mess with your head 😜
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
September 28, 2022
Sit back, relax and prepare to distrust everyone in this story, everything you are told and maybe even some things you think you see, lol. The blurb gives an idea of how the plot starts and from there the reader is taken on a wild ride. I admit that I had to go and read the last few chapters of this one because I just couldn't stand not knowing. The only other author I've ever done that with is Tal Bauer and even with those books I'm sure there will be an HEA. I wasn't sure about that here and I'm not about to spoil it for you. Do not miss this one, the characters are as twisty and well developed as the plot.
October 15, 2022
After reading chapter 1 and then by passing every chapter after that was set in the past I almost decided to not go any farther. After finally getting to stay in the present it turned out to be a really good book besides the last part where it went over the whole story showing that Landon was behind it. I figured that out the moment Theo stated about being picked up for a showing. Really didn't need the whole story to find out who actually was behind the "so called" murder plot. Received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
November 9, 2022
This was a fun read. I do have mixed feelings about this being based around Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. There was really good parts and parts that wasn't so "amazing". I did love the character dynamics but other than that and the twist at the end, it was pretty predictable. The only critique I have for this is the grammar. specifically !? when it should be ?!. Overall great story though. 3.5 Stars. I would still recommend this to others who like twists that are pretty much domestic and so forth.
September 26, 2022
This review is difficult to write as I don't want to give away any spoilers. Wow! What a ride this book takes the reader on.
Second Chance is a crazy wild ride of a thriller that will keep you turning page after page.
Nothing is what it seems in this story. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing right up until the very end.
Be warned...you will be sucked in and not get out until you finish this book!
Second Chance is a crazy wild ride of a thriller that will keep you turning page after page.
Nothing is what it seems in this story. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing right up until the very end.
Be warned...you will be sucked in and not get out until you finish this book!
September 27, 2022
This is the story of Theo and Langdon. This book is absolutely amazing. It is filled with secrets, mystery and action. The to top it off it has a few nice surprises. Please do yourself a favour and read this book. Amazing characters that will have you loving and hating them, but the perfect soul mate for the other. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
September 18, 2022
Keeps You Guessing
I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure I was really going to get into it with it going back and forth with the years but, it didn't take too long to pique my interest. Getting the different perspective part of the way through was a touch and the ending is great.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure I was really going to get into it with it going back and forth with the years but, it didn't take too long to pique my interest. Getting the different perspective part of the way through was a touch and the ending is great.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
September 27, 2022
He has everything including a great marriage to a great man and in a new home. A burglar has entered their home and a murder is attempted. Now things are going wrong and he is struggling to cope with it all. What is going to happen for them? How can they deal with it all? See just what is going to happen for them
March 6, 2023
Theo is a real estate agent, Landon is an art gallery owner. This is a frightful story about what some people will do for love, or save a marriage. This book actually gave me chills as I was reading. The characters are extravagant, and eccentric in their own ways. They each have flaws, but are good people. The ending actually surprised me, great story.
September 19, 2022
This book was awesome. I’m a big BJ Irons fan and his latest does not disappoint. Nothing is what it seems with this book. The plot is well paced with plenty of twists and turns and shifts in tone. I thought I had it figured out like five times! Well done!
October 3, 2022
Absolutely entertaining!!
I loved Landon and Theo's meet cute. Their story was adorable.
The plot was interesting and the world building was unique and beautiful.
This is a new to me Author and I look forward to reading more from them
I loved Landon and Theo's meet cute. Their story was adorable.
The plot was interesting and the world building was unique and beautiful.
This is a new to me Author and I look forward to reading more from them
October 19, 2022
This is the first novel I’ve read from B.J. Irons and I loved it.
I was genuinely surprised at several points throughout the story (I’ve not seen Gone Girl - which I believe this plays homage to).
Second Guess was fast-paced, with great characters and a dynamic plot.
I loved it!
I was genuinely surprised at several points throughout the story (I’ve not seen Gone Girl - which I believe this plays homage to).
Second Guess was fast-paced, with great characters and a dynamic plot.
I loved it!
Read
September 24, 2022DNF I just don t care ab what happens from 25% on
August 23, 2023
This nearly became a DNF by the 3rd chapter - the MC came across as highly opinionated, judgemental and unlikable. Some judicious FF'ding across the book led to an OK finish, where I still did not have any feels for the MC and his friends. 1.5 stars rounded up to 2 in the end.
November 12, 2022
I love to be surprised! Second Chance is a crazy wild ride of a thriller and very much like a crash… I saw it coming but couldn’t pull my eyes away. It had my full attention from start to finish.
Some thoughts:
This is NOT a romance… no fluffy characters or formula relationship. The only thing we can say about the unredeemable Landon and Theo is they are 100% soul mates and belong together.
Don’t get bogged down with whether the written legal proceeding is authentic… just go with it.
I love how this author writes flawed men that you love to hate… simultaneously want to see their fall but still tip your hat and respect how they unapologetically live their best life.
Brilliant and fun! Love the pop culture references.
Some thoughts:
This is NOT a romance… no fluffy characters or formula relationship. The only thing we can say about the unredeemable Landon and Theo is they are 100% soul mates and belong together.
Don’t get bogged down with whether the written legal proceeding is authentic… just go with it.
I love how this author writes flawed men that you love to hate… simultaneously want to see their fall but still tip your hat and respect how they unapologetically live their best life.
Brilliant and fun! Love the pop culture references.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews