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Once Upon a Lie
Mia Strauss is trying to be a good mother. She’s worked hard to build a stable life since losing her memory at eighteen when the assailant, who shot and killed her famous father, pushed her from the third-story landing of their gold coast mansion. But lately, Mia is losing control and feels she’s being watched wherever she goes. The eyes…they are everywhere. She is trying to keep herself together and is taking more and more of her prescription drugs to quiet the rising panic and anxiety. But when her husband, Alexander, comes home to find her face down on their living room floor, she’ll need to make some drastic changes, or risk losing her girls.
Alexander Strauss, neurologist and professor at Columbia University, can no longer trust his wife. Her behavior and moods have grown evermore erratic since the birth of their twin girls six years ago. She has lost too much weight, covers herself from head to toe in only black clothing, and has removed every mirror from their home. She has a cadre of doctors that supply plenty of medications but don’t help her make any progress. She has become a danger to herself, and their children. It has long been believed that Mia will never be able to remember her life prior to the assault, but Alexander has other ideas. Based on her recent brain images, and the things she says in her sleep, Alexander is confident Mia’s continued amnesia is purely psychological. Whatever the reason, she doesn’t want to remember. He gives her an ultimatum, either she gets real help, or he’ll leave her and take the girls.
Desperate to save her marriage and keep her family intact, Mia signs up for one of the few therapies she’s never tried before--an experimental treatment that hypothesizes psilocybin may help traumatized patients process and recover their forgotten lives. But as Mia makes progress and her history begins to take shape, it becomes apparent that those closest to Mia never want her to remember what happened that night.
And they’ll do whatever it takes to stop the truth from being uncovered.
Alexander Strauss, neurologist and professor at Columbia University, can no longer trust his wife. Her behavior and moods have grown evermore erratic since the birth of their twin girls six years ago. She has lost too much weight, covers herself from head to toe in only black clothing, and has removed every mirror from their home. She has a cadre of doctors that supply plenty of medications but don’t help her make any progress. She has become a danger to herself, and their children. It has long been believed that Mia will never be able to remember her life prior to the assault, but Alexander has other ideas. Based on her recent brain images, and the things she says in her sleep, Alexander is confident Mia’s continued amnesia is purely psychological. Whatever the reason, she doesn’t want to remember. He gives her an ultimatum, either she gets real help, or he’ll leave her and take the girls.
Desperate to save her marriage and keep her family intact, Mia signs up for one of the few therapies she’s never tried before--an experimental treatment that hypothesizes psilocybin may help traumatized patients process and recover their forgotten lives. But as Mia makes progress and her history begins to take shape, it becomes apparent that those closest to Mia never want her to remember what happened that night.
And they’ll do whatever it takes to stop the truth from being uncovered.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
220 people are currently reading
4528 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Taylor
10 books514 followersRebecca Taylor is a licensed psychologist and author of bestselling women's psychological fiction. Her book The Secret Next Door was a bestselling title in Target stores throughout the USA, a #1 bestselling book on Amazon, and a Book of the Month selection on Apple Books. Her book Her Perfect Life was the winner of the Women's Fiction Writer's STAR award. Her previous titles have won the Colorado Book Award and been nominated for the RWA RITA award. She lives in Colorado but currently spends most of her time on airplanes, writing and traveling all over the world.
Learn more at:
www.rebeccataylorbooks.com
@RebeccaTaylorPage (Facebook)
@RebeccaTaylorBooks (Instagram)
Learn more at:
www.rebeccataylorbooks.com
@RebeccaTaylorPage (Facebook)
@RebeccaTaylorBooks (Instagram)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 28, 2023
Didn’t want to put it down.
I was excited to dive right in, the minute this dropped into my, Kindle, library. It was everything I hoped it would be. It grabbed my attention right from the start and kept me engaged right up to the last page. Not going to lie, I’m hoping for book number two on this riveting story.
Well paced and thoroughly entertaining. Set aside a weekend, because you won’t want to put it down.
I was excited to dive right in, the minute this dropped into my, Kindle, library. It was everything I hoped it would be. It grabbed my attention right from the start and kept me engaged right up to the last page. Not going to lie, I’m hoping for book number two on this riveting story.
Well paced and thoroughly entertaining. Set aside a weekend, because you won’t want to put it down.
March 28, 2023
I always feel so much anger and despair reading books covering these sorts of topics……whilst they may be ‘fiction’ books I am reading, I suspect for far, far too many it is ‘life’….. 😔
I do, however, have enormous respect for authors that are able to evoke so many strong emotions with their words….
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🌟 💫
I am guessing Dominique started out as Denise? 😉
I do, however, have enormous respect for authors that are able to evoke so many strong emotions with their words….
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🌟 💫
I am guessing Dominique started out as Denise? 😉
June 25, 2023
WOW! Rebecca Taylor, The author of “Once Upon a Lie,” has written a suspenseful, thrilling, and intense novel that will have you on pins and needles. I finished this in one sitting. There are twists and turns and unexpected plot changes. The genres for this novel are Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, and Fiction. The author vividly describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex, complicated, dysfunctional, and flawed. In this novel, it seems that most characters do lie. The question is, perhaps, who is the biggest liar?
Mia Strauss is now the mother of twin girls and the wife of a Neuropsychologist and Professor. She wears her scars, literally and figuratively. He father was killed, and someone pushed her from the third floor of her families”s home. Her sister Holly seems to provide emotional support for her. Holly volunteers to rehabilitate abused dogs. Only Mia seems to be less stable and more unbalanced.
After a tragic incident, Mia’s husband gives her the ultimatum to find help, or he will leave and take his daughters. Mia can’t remember what happened in her life when her father was killed. She decides to try a trial experimental treatment to help her get her memories back.
Unfortunately, as Mia starts to remember, the loved ones in her life seem determined that her memories don’t surface. There seems to be gaslighting, lies, and betrayals. Some characters are not who they say they are. I highly recommend this intense and edgy novel to other readers.
Mia Strauss is now the mother of twin girls and the wife of a Neuropsychologist and Professor. She wears her scars, literally and figuratively. He father was killed, and someone pushed her from the third floor of her families”s home. Her sister Holly seems to provide emotional support for her. Holly volunteers to rehabilitate abused dogs. Only Mia seems to be less stable and more unbalanced.
After a tragic incident, Mia’s husband gives her the ultimatum to find help, or he will leave and take his daughters. Mia can’t remember what happened in her life when her father was killed. She decides to try a trial experimental treatment to help her get her memories back.
Unfortunately, as Mia starts to remember, the loved ones in her life seem determined that her memories don’t surface. There seems to be gaslighting, lies, and betrayals. Some characters are not who they say they are. I highly recommend this intense and edgy novel to other readers.
August 26, 2023
TITLE: ONCE UPON A LIE
AUTHOR: Rebecca Taylor
PUB DATE: 03.18.2023 Now Available
I am a huge Rebecca Taylor fan, after reading The Secret Next Door and Her Perfect Life - both of which are amazing psychological thrillers to check out if you enjoy a strong female protagonist, twisty, thrilling, and fast-paced, unputdownable.
In ONCE UPON A LIE, we meet Mia Strauss at the lowest point of her life, as she continues to unsuccessfully live being a wife and mother to her twins. A very traumatic childhood assault caused her amnesia when her fathers’ killer pushes her off their mansion. She lives her life under medications and struggles to keep forgetting what happened that night. In this intense, slow burn suspenseful psychological thriller, I enjoyed how the story and the characters are slowly fleshed out to reveal what many are wanting to keep hidden.
AUTHOR: Rebecca Taylor
PUB DATE: 03.18.2023 Now Available
I am a huge Rebecca Taylor fan, after reading The Secret Next Door and Her Perfect Life - both of which are amazing psychological thrillers to check out if you enjoy a strong female protagonist, twisty, thrilling, and fast-paced, unputdownable.
In ONCE UPON A LIE, we meet Mia Strauss at the lowest point of her life, as she continues to unsuccessfully live being a wife and mother to her twins. A very traumatic childhood assault caused her amnesia when her fathers’ killer pushes her off their mansion. She lives her life under medications and struggles to keep forgetting what happened that night. In this intense, slow burn suspenseful psychological thriller, I enjoyed how the story and the characters are slowly fleshed out to reveal what many are wanting to keep hidden.
March 30, 2023
This was a pretty solid read. I think it certainly helped that the author is a licensed psychologist who is writing psychological fiction. It definitely added an interesting perspective. And with all of the current discussion about psilocybin as treatment for various disorders, I'd call this novel a timely one as well.
August 10, 2023
This is the story of Mia, a woman who experienced a life-changing accident in her childhood home, and left her unable to remember anything prior to that time. Gradually, after self-medicating and under threat of her marriage dissolving, she enrolls in a clinical trial in hopes of uncovering her past. We are privy to Mia’s perspective, as well as those of her husband and her sister. But, it quickly becomes apparent that those closest to Mia have their own motives for keeping her secrets buried, or uncovering them for personal gain.
This was an engaging, and unsettling psychological drama with many layers. I loved the slow reveal and Mia’s growth through the story. In the end, most things were tied up, in a burst of short chapters that I couldn’t devour fast enough!
This was an engaging, and unsettling psychological drama with many layers. I loved the slow reveal and Mia’s growth through the story. In the end, most things were tied up, in a burst of short chapters that I couldn’t devour fast enough!
July 29, 2025
This suspenseful novel is slow burn. I enjoyed the feeling of the tension rising. The case study using psilocybin as a psychedelic therapy to try and bring out her memories was an interesting approach to healing and also a last resort. The story does venture back in time near the end and I appreciated the glimpse into the past to understand the present and bring about a satisfying conclusion.
September 27, 2023
spellbinding
What an exceptional book.
Twists and turns and complicated plot.
The characters seemed so real.
I could hardly put this book down.
Loved it! (And I hardly ever write glowing reviews!)
What an exceptional book.
Twists and turns and complicated plot.
The characters seemed so real.
I could hardly put this book down.
Loved it! (And I hardly ever write glowing reviews!)
April 18, 2023
Twisted
The more you read the darker it gets. A clever and well thought out story with so many twists. It starts out simply enough. Then once the first domino falls the story gets going and is a total rollercoaster of emotions.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
The more you read the darker it gets. A clever and well thought out story with so many twists. It starts out simply enough. Then once the first domino falls the story gets going and is a total rollercoaster of emotions.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
November 19, 2023
Solid 4.5 stars. This book had me intrigued from the beginning and every chapter left you wanting more.
I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books.
I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books.
April 13, 2023
I received this book from Goodreads giveaways. It was my first win and I enjoyed it quite a bit!
I love how flushed out the characters are in the story. I feel like we know them all quite well, even the twin daughters which aren't crucial to the story. As a mom I loved reading about their personalities and their interactions with the dogs.
Speaking of the dogs the parallels between Stevie and Mia were beautiful. They were great reminders that we are not products of what happens to us and we get to choose our own way.
Solid 4 stars. I would have liked more snippets of Mia's memory throughout the story instead of getting it all at the end, but overall a good book.
I love how flushed out the characters are in the story. I feel like we know them all quite well, even the twin daughters which aren't crucial to the story. As a mom I loved reading about their personalities and their interactions with the dogs.
Speaking of the dogs the parallels between Stevie and Mia were beautiful. They were great reminders that we are not products of what happens to us and we get to choose our own way.
Solid 4 stars. I would have liked more snippets of Mia's memory throughout the story instead of getting it all at the end, but overall a good book.
September 22, 2023
"The truth can be dangerous. It can hurt us and twist us and completely upend our lives. But without it, it's impossible to make sense of who we really are."
This book is a collection of firsts for me.
The first complete book I read in english (that I remember of). The first book I read on Kindle. The first book I'm reviewing here, hence the first review I'm writing in english (so bear with me as I try to wright something on other than my first language).
I got this one on STYKD on the very day that my Kindle arrived, and started reading it without knowing anything about the story, the genre, the author... and let me say... It was simply awesome. The heavy story hit me twice as hard since I had zero clue about the plot.
It's a book that does a very good job on grabbing your attention, I was devouring it so that I could get to the revelation at the end and know what the story was truly about. WELL, I ALMOST WISH I DIDN'T But I guess I can say it was a book that made me feel something.
The only thing that kinda bothered me was that I didn't feel as attached to the characters and what was going on on their lives until like 50% of the book, so at the beggining it was kind of hard to be as interested as I was on the second half of the book.
But that's it. I believe this book is bound to be remembered by me since it was the first in so many instances. And I definetely will go after some more works from Rebecca Taylor to read.
This book is a collection of firsts for me.
The first complete book I read in english (that I remember of). The first book I read on Kindle. The first book I'm reviewing here, hence the first review I'm writing in english (so bear with me as I try to wright something on other than my first language).
I got this one on STYKD on the very day that my Kindle arrived, and started reading it without knowing anything about the story, the genre, the author... and let me say... It was simply awesome. The heavy story hit me twice as hard since I had zero clue about the plot.
It's a book that does a very good job on grabbing your attention, I was devouring it so that I could get to the revelation at the end and know what the story was truly about. WELL, I ALMOST WISH I DIDN'T But I guess I can say it was a book that made me feel something.
The only thing that kinda bothered me was that I didn't feel as attached to the characters and what was going on on their lives until like 50% of the book, so at the beggining it was kind of hard to be as interested as I was on the second half of the book.
But that's it. I believe this book is bound to be remembered by me since it was the first in so many instances. And I definetely will go after some more works from Rebecca Taylor to read.
July 27, 2023
This is one domestic thriller that turns dark and twisty and is a binge read worthy.
The cover may have the pretty flowers, but look closely at those thorns to get a real sense of the depth of this read.
There are so many perfectly written secondary characters in this book…
Alexander is Mia’s husband. He is a college professor and neuropsychologist. He has already benefitted off Mia once by writing a best selling novel. He now is going through a midlife crisis and fantasizing about a student in his class.
Holly is Mia’s sister. All memories of Mia’s past are controlled by Holly. Holly rescues dogs and has a soft spot for those that are cast aside.
Pixlie is Mia’s mom. She still lives in the family home where the crimes took place and watches herself in old movies all day.
Rebecca does the memory loss story perfectly and gives small hints along the way but never over reveals until just the right time.
If you are a thriller lover like me, then I highly recommend this book.
Mia Strauss lost her memory 18 years ago. When Mia was 18, her father, who was a famous director, was shot and killed in his home. Mia fell 3 stories off the stairs that night in her family home and sustained traumatic brain injury. The crime is still unsolved.
Now at 36, Mia only has the memories that her older sister Holly tells her about. Mia covers up her scar, her body and her trauma with pills and alcohol.
When Mia’s husband, Alexander, finds her passed out and their 6 year old twin daughters trying to cook dinner unsupervised, he gives her an ultimatum….Try something to remember or he is leaving and taking the girls.
What will happen once Mia begins regaining her memories?
The cover may have the pretty flowers, but look closely at those thorns to get a real sense of the depth of this read.
There are so many perfectly written secondary characters in this book…
Alexander is Mia’s husband. He is a college professor and neuropsychologist. He has already benefitted off Mia once by writing a best selling novel. He now is going through a midlife crisis and fantasizing about a student in his class.
Holly is Mia’s sister. All memories of Mia’s past are controlled by Holly. Holly rescues dogs and has a soft spot for those that are cast aside.
Pixlie is Mia’s mom. She still lives in the family home where the crimes took place and watches herself in old movies all day.
Rebecca does the memory loss story perfectly and gives small hints along the way but never over reveals until just the right time.
If you are a thriller lover like me, then I highly recommend this book.
Mia Strauss lost her memory 18 years ago. When Mia was 18, her father, who was a famous director, was shot and killed in his home. Mia fell 3 stories off the stairs that night in her family home and sustained traumatic brain injury. The crime is still unsolved.
Now at 36, Mia only has the memories that her older sister Holly tells her about. Mia covers up her scar, her body and her trauma with pills and alcohol.
When Mia’s husband, Alexander, finds her passed out and their 6 year old twin daughters trying to cook dinner unsupervised, he gives her an ultimatum….Try something to remember or he is leaving and taking the girls.
What will happen once Mia begins regaining her memories?
April 2, 2023
Lots of twists and turns! I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. Will definitely be reading other books by this author.
October 16, 2023
Wow! What did I just read?! I literally could not put this book down from the moment I got it on my Kindle until the last page. I had to put my life on pause because of this captivating story and its unexpected twists. The author's ability to keep me guessing and engaged throughout the book was truly remarkable.
This book was an exhilarating journey, filled with surprising events and turns that left me eager for more. I can confidently say that I'll be delving into more works by this author. The experience of reading this book even got me pondering whether I've stumbled upon a new book genre that I might come to love. That's the mark of an exceptional read – when it not only entertains but also opens the door to new literary horizons. Highly recommended!
This book was an exhilarating journey, filled with surprising events and turns that left me eager for more. I can confidently say that I'll be delving into more works by this author. The experience of reading this book even got me pondering whether I've stumbled upon a new book genre that I might come to love. That's the mark of an exceptional read – when it not only entertains but also opens the door to new literary horizons. Highly recommended!
August 26, 2023
This book kept me guessing the entire time.I love the amnesia trope in psychological thrillers and this one delivered. As Mia begins to remember things about her past it is different from what she was told after the accident. It does have a slow burn feel but still a pretty fast read. I loved that we got to know Mia, Alexander, and Holly all pretty well. They all had something they were hiding from one another and I loved trying to piece it all together. The twists and the end and how everything came together made the slow burn 100% worth it. The past reveal does come almost all at once but it fills in all the blanks and makes me feel even more emotion from the characters.
Thank you @rebeccataylorbooks and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy
Thank you @rebeccataylorbooks and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy
August 26, 2023
Mia is trying to hold it together and be a good mother. At eighteen Mia suffered a traumatic injury that caused her to lose her memory. It occurred at an event where her famous father was shot and she was pushed off a third-floor landing in their home.
Recently, though, she has felt paranoid and panicky. She uses prescription drugs to soothe and calm herself. But when Alexander, her husband, finds her passed out, not watching the kids, he says she must get help. In fact, he doesn’t believe her memory loss is from a trauma, but it’s all psychological.
This really is a genre mash-up, as Mia and Alexander’s marriage is a mess. Alexander is a Neuropsychologist and a college professor who is making a name for himself by writing books about Mia’s condition and the fact that she’s from a famous family only helps. He’s just a jerk all around.
Mia also has a sister, Holly. She rescues dogs, which I love, but Holly is also trying to rescue Mia by controlling many of Mia’s memories. You can see how this is a family affair, right… but you have no idea!
This begins like a dysfunctional family story, but as Mia starts to put the pieces of her past together, it turns dark, twisted, and heartbreaking.
So gripping - this is a psychological domestic suspense novel you don’t want to miss!
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @rebeccataylorbooks for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
Recently, though, she has felt paranoid and panicky. She uses prescription drugs to soothe and calm herself. But when Alexander, her husband, finds her passed out, not watching the kids, he says she must get help. In fact, he doesn’t believe her memory loss is from a trauma, but it’s all psychological.
This really is a genre mash-up, as Mia and Alexander’s marriage is a mess. Alexander is a Neuropsychologist and a college professor who is making a name for himself by writing books about Mia’s condition and the fact that she’s from a famous family only helps. He’s just a jerk all around.
Mia also has a sister, Holly. She rescues dogs, which I love, but Holly is also trying to rescue Mia by controlling many of Mia’s memories. You can see how this is a family affair, right… but you have no idea!
This begins like a dysfunctional family story, but as Mia starts to put the pieces of her past together, it turns dark, twisted, and heartbreaking.
So gripping - this is a psychological domestic suspense novel you don’t want to miss!
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @rebeccataylorbooks for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
July 23, 2023
"The truth can be dangerous. It can hurt us and twist us and completely upend our lives. But without it, it's impossible to make sense of who we really are. - Rebecca Taylor
This was a great suspense read! Mia lost her memory at eighteen after a terrible accident caused her to hit her head. But lately things have been feeling different. Her neuropsychologist husband has become really distant again, she is getting snippets of things that she is not sure are memories or just dreams and the answers her sister gives to her questions just don't feel right. Something is off and when Mia is forced to get help, the past that has eluded her is about to come forward and there are some who have done everything they can to prevent that. Just what is the truth of what happened the night of her accident and what all led up to it. Can her sister keep her secrets, can her husband force her to get help or will his secrets also threaten everything that is at stake. This was a great read fast paced read. I really was not sure who to trust, who was really trying to help her and loved how the author brought it all together even though it didn't seem like there was enough pages left in the story! I will be looking forward to reading more novels by this author. Thank you to the author for the free book and to Suzy Approved Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
This was a great suspense read! Mia lost her memory at eighteen after a terrible accident caused her to hit her head. But lately things have been feeling different. Her neuropsychologist husband has become really distant again, she is getting snippets of things that she is not sure are memories or just dreams and the answers her sister gives to her questions just don't feel right. Something is off and when Mia is forced to get help, the past that has eluded her is about to come forward and there are some who have done everything they can to prevent that. Just what is the truth of what happened the night of her accident and what all led up to it. Can her sister keep her secrets, can her husband force her to get help or will his secrets also threaten everything that is at stake. This was a great read fast paced read. I really was not sure who to trust, who was really trying to help her and loved how the author brought it all together even though it didn't seem like there was enough pages left in the story! I will be looking forward to reading more novels by this author. Thank you to the author for the free book and to Suzy Approved Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
July 29, 2023
Once Upon a Lie by Rebecca Taylor is an incredible work of women's fiction but with definite elements of suspense and mystery.
I really loved this book; it was so hard to put down. I was immediately invested in the characters and their story.
There are twists and turns I was not expecting at all. The plot moved along quickly but perfectly paced and did I say twisty?
The characters are complex, complicated, flawed and often unreliable.
Mia and her sister Holly are great characters. Poor Mia has endured so much in her life, and it appears that Holly is helpful to her.
Mia's husband is not so supportive and is really pushing her to get help or he is leaving and taking the kids.
There are a lot of gaslighting, secrets, and manipulation.
This is really a well written, complex story with characters that I became attached to.
Highly recommend!
I really loved this book; it was so hard to put down. I was immediately invested in the characters and their story.
There are twists and turns I was not expecting at all. The plot moved along quickly but perfectly paced and did I say twisty?
The characters are complex, complicated, flawed and often unreliable.
Mia and her sister Holly are great characters. Poor Mia has endured so much in her life, and it appears that Holly is helpful to her.
Mia's husband is not so supportive and is really pushing her to get help or he is leaving and taking the kids.
There are a lot of gaslighting, secrets, and manipulation.
This is really a well written, complex story with characters that I became attached to.
Highly recommend!
January 12, 2024
Low 3-star rating. Overall, this was a good book. Often, it was hard to put down because some chapters were so short, and I wanted to know what happened next. And 80% in after the huge buildup to the final reveals of what really happened had me thinking "oh..that's it? Well Ok" vs gasping in shock. What lowered my rating are two things. 1) how did she not know she was a twin? Daughters of SUCH FAMOUS people and nothing is online about them? She didn't look it up or her hoity-toity friend didn't know? 2) Alexander acting like he was getting ready for an affair had me feeling such second-hand embarrassment for him. I also yelled, "You're not even that handsome!" at one point as we was going on and on with an imaginary scenario of a future affair. Sir....just stop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2023
This suspenseful novel is all about the slow burn and gradually adding in pieces of information that parallel Mia's experience in remembering her past. I enjoyed the feeling of the tension rising as I turned the pages and became more and more invested in the outcome. The case study using psilocybin as a psychedelic therapy to try and bring out her memories was an interesting approach to healing and also a last resort. The story does venture back in time near the end and I appreciated the glimpse into the past to understand the present and bring about a satisfying conclusion.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2024
This book was a definite slow burn in the beginning with a very captivating, fast paced middle to ending.
Following Mia’s story of regaining her lost memory made me both intrigued and angry. I hated her husband’s character and wanted to slap him silly most of the time, but finding out some true intentions related to the situation made it kind of worth it. And as annoying and rash that her sister Holly was, I can now understand why she did what she did.
I really enjoyed the bits and pieces when Mia was starting to remember bits and pieces, it almost felt like a movie playing out.
Really nice read, and would definitely recommend.
Following Mia’s story of regaining her lost memory made me both intrigued and angry. I hated her husband’s character and wanted to slap him silly most of the time, but finding out some true intentions related to the situation made it kind of worth it. And as annoying and rash that her sister Holly was, I can now understand why she did what she did.
I really enjoyed the bits and pieces when Mia was starting to remember bits and pieces, it almost felt like a movie playing out.
Really nice read, and would definitely recommend.
May 17, 2024
ohhh this was a really good, fast-paced book that had me wracking my brain the entire time with so many questions. i just wanted to know what happened! like why/how Mia can’t seem to get her memory back and also why she’s not trying harder to remember, why her family was lying to her and hiding stuff from her to prevent her from remembering, who killed her famous father, and what her creepy husband’s intentions were.
the ending was something i did NOT see coming. the entire book had you thinking one thing and the end was just…a mixed bag of emotions. i felt so sad for Mia, though.
overall, i would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast read and one that has you pointing fingers thinking you know what happened and who did what, but you don’t haha - there is a TW in here, i just think if i said what it was, it would be a spoiler…so, i guess go into it with caution if you are sensitive that TW subjects.
the ending was something i did NOT see coming. the entire book had you thinking one thing and the end was just…a mixed bag of emotions. i felt so sad for Mia, though.
overall, i would definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast read and one that has you pointing fingers thinking you know what happened and who did what, but you don’t haha - there is a TW in here, i just think if i said what it was, it would be a spoiler…so, i guess go into it with caution if you are sensitive that TW subjects.
January 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐ for sure! Captivating and suspenseful, this psychological thriller has it all. As you weave your way through the mystery of Mia's head injury induced amnesia after the murder of her father, you begin to learn more and more just as she does. Dark family secrets build and show up, intertwining and revealing what really happened those many years ago.
Great character development and shocks and twists. I breezed through this one, not wanting to put it down.
The twists and paths that cross are well done.
I found the characters could have used a bit more depth and emotion, but this novel builds and builds pieces together and leaves you with quite a story by the end.
Well done!
Great character development and shocks and twists. I breezed through this one, not wanting to put it down.
The twists and paths that cross are well done.
I found the characters could have used a bit more depth and emotion, but this novel builds and builds pieces together and leaves you with quite a story by the end.
Well done!
March 30, 2025
This book is a bit difficult to read due to several triggers. The plot was pretty interesting to the point that I literally couldn't put it down. There were some chapters which seemed to be a bit rushed but either way, the storyline is pretty exciting.
I might start checking out more of Rebecca Taylor's work in the future.
No spoilers in this review, and I'm no expert in deducing the exact genre of books, but to me it felt like the theme is for the young adult to adult fiction as it covers conflicts which are relatable to these age groups.
I might start checking out more of Rebecca Taylor's work in the future.
No spoilers in this review, and I'm no expert in deducing the exact genre of books, but to me it felt like the theme is for the young adult to adult fiction as it covers conflicts which are relatable to these age groups.
October 1, 2023
I like psychological thrillers so I picked up this book. What a pleasant surprise to find that this author who I was not familiar with wrote such a well written and intriguing book.
The characters were well rounded and the story was everything you would expect from this genre.
We follow Mia, a deeply disturbed mother of two and wife to a university professor who is undergoing a mid-life crisis. A trauma in the past caused her to lose her memory. The story develops in such a way that all will eventually be revealed.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
The characters were well rounded and the story was everything you would expect from this genre.
We follow Mia, a deeply disturbed mother of two and wife to a university professor who is undergoing a mid-life crisis. A trauma in the past caused her to lose her memory. The story develops in such a way that all will eventually be revealed.
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
June 18, 2023
𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘺!
A twisty story, full of secrets and lies? Yes please! I read it in one sitting because it was impossible to put down. Engaging, fast-paced and easy to read.
Thank you Suzyapproved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗲 by Rebecca Taylor released March 23, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
A twisty story, full of secrets and lies? Yes please! I read it in one sitting because it was impossible to put down. Engaging, fast-paced and easy to read.
Thank you Suzyapproved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗲 by Rebecca Taylor released March 23, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
August 23, 2023
There was a lot to love about this book - - a main character with amnesia; so many lies and family secrets; Beaumar Manor, the family home with so much history; bonded twins; many rescue dogs (including one that many have given up on) plus so much more. I love a book that keeps me guessing and this one did that throughout. I absolutely devoured this book!
September 30, 2023
Explosive
So much tension (in a good way) & so very many twists that I had to take several breaks for my mind to cope with the suspense. You won't see the truth or the way it ends until the last few pages. Rebecca Taylor is a phenomenal psychological thriller author & master story teller.
So much tension (in a good way) & so very many twists that I had to take several breaks for my mind to cope with the suspense. You won't see the truth or the way it ends until the last few pages. Rebecca Taylor is a phenomenal psychological thriller author & master story teller.
October 1, 2023
4.25 stars. My first book by this author and I did really appreciate her writing. The story was interesting, different, and kept me interested. I wouldn’t call it a total page turner though, and I felt like the plot was a bit disjointed. I never felt very invested in any of the characters. Some of the twists surprised me, while I guessed others. Ultimately I liked it, but didn’t totally love it.
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