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After Dark
She’s a pariah with a killer past. Her bid to escape it is nothing short of terrifying in a heart-pounding novel of suspense by Washington Post and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.
Afton Teachout has been an outcast in her small town for twenty years—ever since she was accused of murdering her mother’s lover in a blackout fit of rage. That is, if one believes the malicious lies.
Living with her grandmother, working a hotel night shift, and relying on pills to get a day’s sleep, Afton is due a little luck. It comes in the form of an unexpected financial windfall. With her newfound wealth, Afton sets a secret plan in motion to help her only friend, Sydney, flee a toxic husband. But the best intentions soon spin out of control.
Afton is getting unsettling calls from a restricted number, and someone has been lingering outside her home. As Sydney’s troubled marriage comes into focus, so does Afton’s past. Her second chance—for herself and for Sydney—isn’t what she dreamed of at all. In fact, it’s becoming a nightmare.
Afton Teachout has been an outcast in her small town for twenty years—ever since she was accused of murdering her mother’s lover in a blackout fit of rage. That is, if one believes the malicious lies.
Living with her grandmother, working a hotel night shift, and relying on pills to get a day’s sleep, Afton is due a little luck. It comes in the form of an unexpected financial windfall. With her newfound wealth, Afton sets a secret plan in motion to help her only friend, Sydney, flee a toxic husband. But the best intentions soon spin out of control.
Afton is getting unsettling calls from a restricted number, and someone has been lingering outside her home. As Sydney’s troubled marriage comes into focus, so does Afton’s past. Her second chance—for herself and for Sydney—isn’t what she dreamed of at all. In fact, it’s becoming a nightmare.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
1549 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 651 reviews
September 29, 2023
Afton is doing all she can to move on from her past. But the tiny town she grew up in won’t let her forget.
As a teen, Afton went on trial for the murder of her mother’s boyfriend. Just to complicate things even more, this man was also her best friend Sydney’s father! And did I mention he was still married to Sydney’s mom Charlotte? What a mess!🤦♀️
Charlotte and Sydney have always believed in Afton’s innocence even if the rest of the town didn’t.
But now, Afton is suffering from unexplainable blackout moments and hallucinations. And she's no longer sure what’s real anymore, as her world is spiraling!
Minka Kent has been a go-to author for me, and once again she didn’t disappoint. The final reveal was a big surprise. I concocted several theories but THAT wasn’t one of them! Uh-oh…my detective skills need some sharpening!
My one small issue…I think I a bit of research into medical jargon and actual medications would have added an air of authenticity to the story. (It’s the nurse in me!)
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
As a teen, Afton went on trial for the murder of her mother’s boyfriend. Just to complicate things even more, this man was also her best friend Sydney’s father! And did I mention he was still married to Sydney’s mom Charlotte? What a mess!🤦♀️
Charlotte and Sydney have always believed in Afton’s innocence even if the rest of the town didn’t.
But now, Afton is suffering from unexplainable blackout moments and hallucinations. And she's no longer sure what’s real anymore, as her world is spiraling!
Minka Kent has been a go-to author for me, and once again she didn’t disappoint. The final reveal was a big surprise. I concocted several theories but THAT wasn’t one of them! Uh-oh…my detective skills need some sharpening!
My one small issue…I think I a bit of research into medical jargon and actual medications would have added an air of authenticity to the story. (It’s the nurse in me!)
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer
August 23, 2023
“My mother always says that inside each of us is a stranger - someone who looks like us and sounds like us, but is anything but. She calls it our shadow self. It’s where we keep our anger, our shame, our guilt, our darkness.”
A fantastic standalone psychological thriller!
Don’t you often wonder how authors come up with names for characters? I’d love to know how Minka Kent arrived at ‘Afton Teachout’ for her protagonist. Even more puzzling than the FMC’s name is her ‘friendship’ with her best friend and her family after allegedly killing Sydney’s dad. How can you remain friendly after you see your bestie with a bloodied knife and your dad dead? I was hooked - especially after learning that Sydney’s dad was Afton’s mom’s boyfriend! What toxic relationships.
What follows is a dual timeline revealing Afton’s friendship with Sydney; it’s dark and full of secrets! The author examines mental health and questions whether a deferred sentence really means freedom or if it’s just as limiting as a conviction. Sometimes, second chances aren’t all they are cracked up to be….even after a windfall! Even after boring shifts at the Grantwell Hotel in Shelter Rock. Just ask Afton! I had to suspend disbelief for a few moments and I didn’t know whether to trust the narrator, but I was on the edge of my seat and I was entertained.
You’ll have to read this well-paced quick read to get an inside look into the strangers, the ‘shadow self,’ within Afton and Sydney. Know this, you’ll have plenty of questions unanswered!
Anyone else need a sequel?
I was gifted this copy Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
A fantastic standalone psychological thriller!
Don’t you often wonder how authors come up with names for characters? I’d love to know how Minka Kent arrived at ‘Afton Teachout’ for her protagonist. Even more puzzling than the FMC’s name is her ‘friendship’ with her best friend and her family after allegedly killing Sydney’s dad. How can you remain friendly after you see your bestie with a bloodied knife and your dad dead? I was hooked - especially after learning that Sydney’s dad was Afton’s mom’s boyfriend! What toxic relationships.
What follows is a dual timeline revealing Afton’s friendship with Sydney; it’s dark and full of secrets! The author examines mental health and questions whether a deferred sentence really means freedom or if it’s just as limiting as a conviction. Sometimes, second chances aren’t all they are cracked up to be….even after a windfall! Even after boring shifts at the Grantwell Hotel in Shelter Rock. Just ask Afton! I had to suspend disbelief for a few moments and I didn’t know whether to trust the narrator, but I was on the edge of my seat and I was entertained.
You’ll have to read this well-paced quick read to get an inside look into the strangers, the ‘shadow self,’ within Afton and Sydney. Know this, you’ll have plenty of questions unanswered!
Anyone else need a sequel?
I was gifted this copy Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 9, 2023
This was my first Minka Kent book. This is an easy read as I finished it in under 24 hours. I would compare her to Daniel Hurst or Freida McFadden.
Afton was accused of killing her best friend's father twenty years ago during a blackout. She claims she had no memory of what happened that night. Years later her friend, Sydney still supports her and remains loyal to their friendship. On top of that, even Sydney's mother is there for Afton with anything she needs.... after murdering her Husband and Sydney losing her father. Weird right?
Then, Afton experiences weird things happening. Memory loss again. Her medication having different effects. Struggling to sleep. And get this..... has a winning lottery ticket that she decides to hold on to for a whole month without claiming it. Who in the heck would wait to claim $30,000,000 million dollars? Like why? Who does that??????
And lets not forget her bestie, Sydney. She's a hot mess herself. Sydney tries juggling two jobs, raising two kids and keeping her Husband happy. That's a lot of work.
I was totally into the storyline throughout the book. I needed to see how this was going to play out. Well, let me just tell you.... I was completely disappointed towards the end. The things these characters did drove me insane. On top of that, the final reveal of the "why they did it" was ridiculous. Sorry. It was really silly. At least have a plausible explanation. Geez.
--- I would have rated this 2.5 stars but rounded up for the fast pace and thrilling parts.
I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced copy for my honest review.
Expected publication date November 14, 2023
Afton was accused of killing her best friend's father twenty years ago during a blackout. She claims she had no memory of what happened that night. Years later her friend, Sydney still supports her and remains loyal to their friendship. On top of that, even Sydney's mother is there for Afton with anything she needs.... after murdering her Husband and Sydney losing her father. Weird right?
Then, Afton experiences weird things happening. Memory loss again. Her medication having different effects. Struggling to sleep. And get this..... has a winning lottery ticket that she decides to hold on to for a whole month without claiming it. Who in the heck would wait to claim $30,000,000 million dollars? Like why? Who does that??????
And lets not forget her bestie, Sydney. She's a hot mess herself. Sydney tries juggling two jobs, raising two kids and keeping her Husband happy. That's a lot of work.
I was totally into the storyline throughout the book. I needed to see how this was going to play out. Well, let me just tell you.... I was completely disappointed towards the end. The things these characters did drove me insane. On top of that, the final reveal of the "why they did it" was ridiculous. Sorry. It was really silly. At least have a plausible explanation. Geez.
--- I would have rated this 2.5 stars but rounded up for the fast pace and thrilling parts.
I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced copy for my honest review.
Expected publication date November 14, 2023
February 4, 2024
Book Rating: 4.25/5
Audiobook Rating: 5/5
I am coming to love Minka Kent more and more with each book I read by her, and After Dark is another perfect example of how talented she is. The viewpoints alternate between Afton and Sydney, and even though I was so sure I had this book all figured out, the twists never ceased to surprise me. There is a little bit of repetition that I noticed, but besides that, I don’t have anything but positive things to say about this twisty little ride. It was a little slow to start but once it picks up momentum it doesn’t quit, and I think this is another book where it is best to go in blind. Afton did drive me a little bonkers at times - like girl go get your money! – but I really liked her viewpoint overall as well as Sydney’s.
This book kills it on audio, and I can’t think of better narrators than Hayden Bishop and Hannah Church. They each voiced their characters so well, that I couldn’t help but feel like these were real people and not just fictional characters. Thankfully, I don’t think either of them are like their counterparts 😆 While the end isn’t completely what I had expected it was thoroughly satisfying and I loved that devious nod to something earlier in the book. After Dark was a satisfying thriller and it felt very short due to the barreling to the end after the pace picked up. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen, and I highly recommend sticking with it because you won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Audiobook Rating: 5/5
I am coming to love Minka Kent more and more with each book I read by her, and After Dark is another perfect example of how talented she is. The viewpoints alternate between Afton and Sydney, and even though I was so sure I had this book all figured out, the twists never ceased to surprise me. There is a little bit of repetition that I noticed, but besides that, I don’t have anything but positive things to say about this twisty little ride. It was a little slow to start but once it picks up momentum it doesn’t quit, and I think this is another book where it is best to go in blind. Afton did drive me a little bonkers at times - like girl go get your money! – but I really liked her viewpoint overall as well as Sydney’s.
This book kills it on audio, and I can’t think of better narrators than Hayden Bishop and Hannah Church. They each voiced their characters so well, that I couldn’t help but feel like these were real people and not just fictional characters. Thankfully, I don’t think either of them are like their counterparts 😆 While the end isn’t completely what I had expected it was thoroughly satisfying and I loved that devious nod to something earlier in the book. After Dark was a satisfying thriller and it felt very short due to the barreling to the end after the pace picked up. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen, and I highly recommend sticking with it because you won’t be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 5, 2024
Starts with a bang!
“If she loves you, she’ll move Heaven and earth with her own two bare hands. And if she doesn’t? I hope I never find out.”
Thank you to the author and publisher for my copy of AFTER DARK! I've read several of the author's books; her others are on my TBR list patiently waiting.
This thriller begins with a bang-up prologue. It has so many elements I love in a story. It starts with a brutal and bloody murder. Yes…this gets the blood pumping right away. A dual timeline from two POVs alternates between the present and 2003. Afton and Sydney are 17-year-old besties. Afton is somewhat of an outcast with an unpleasant home life. Sydney is popular and has a wonderful family and boyfriend. Then, one night, Afton is accused of violently killing Sydney's father during a blackout. Afton is found to have several mental issues. I love characters with mental health issues!
The twists Ms. Kent wrote into this story are unique, twisted, and unpredictable. Even though Afton is an accused murderer, I couldn't help myself. I was rooting for her from the beginning.
This is a book to read without checking out the description first. You're in for a treat if you haven't read this author before.
#AfterDark #MinkaKent #KateRockBookTours #ThomasandMercer #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #Amnesia #Blackouts #Murder #Betrayal
“If she loves you, she’ll move Heaven and earth with her own two bare hands. And if she doesn’t? I hope I never find out.”
Thank you to the author and publisher for my copy of AFTER DARK! I've read several of the author's books; her others are on my TBR list patiently waiting.
This thriller begins with a bang-up prologue. It has so many elements I love in a story. It starts with a brutal and bloody murder. Yes…this gets the blood pumping right away. A dual timeline from two POVs alternates between the present and 2003. Afton and Sydney are 17-year-old besties. Afton is somewhat of an outcast with an unpleasant home life. Sydney is popular and has a wonderful family and boyfriend. Then, one night, Afton is accused of violently killing Sydney's father during a blackout. Afton is found to have several mental issues. I love characters with mental health issues!
The twists Ms. Kent wrote into this story are unique, twisted, and unpredictable. Even though Afton is an accused murderer, I couldn't help myself. I was rooting for her from the beginning.
This is a book to read without checking out the description first. You're in for a treat if you haven't read this author before.
#AfterDark #MinkaKent #KateRockBookTours #ThomasandMercer #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #Amnesia #Blackouts #Murder #Betrayal
August 7, 2023
Not sure I can buy this.
It is a stretch, to accept the plot line. Too many questions about what the author wrote. Maybe my background as a registered nurse, that spent 20 years in psychiatric nursing, besides another 28 in medical nursing, helps me see the flaws. The story rocks along, seemingly to make ‘sense’. Unfortunately, not totally for this reader. On top of that, I ended up skimming along, cause it wasn’t that difficult to see where most things were headed. Yes, there are a couple of twists, but mostly just what was expected to happen. I won’t ruin the ending, but it could have been better. I received an ARC for my honest review.
It is a stretch, to accept the plot line. Too many questions about what the author wrote. Maybe my background as a registered nurse, that spent 20 years in psychiatric nursing, besides another 28 in medical nursing, helps me see the flaws. The story rocks along, seemingly to make ‘sense’. Unfortunately, not totally for this reader. On top of that, I ended up skimming along, cause it wasn’t that difficult to see where most things were headed. Yes, there are a couple of twists, but mostly just what was expected to happen. I won’t ruin the ending, but it could have been better. I received an ARC for my honest review.
April 28, 2024
I listened to the audio version and loved the narrators. I was instantly sucked in at the beginning, frustrated by the revelation halfway through, and happy with the additional twists and the ending. Next up for me is Gone Again (audio) by Minka Kent.
November 27, 2023
Very confused
I really didn't understand the book at all. I tried and I got the twist but what was that ending? Was the lottery question answered? What did that ending mean? This was just crazy! I may have to read it again to figure it out. I just feel let down. I wanted solid answers. But it was still a good read and I couldn't put it down.
I really didn't understand the book at all. I tried and I got the twist but what was that ending? Was the lottery question answered? What did that ending mean? This was just crazy! I may have to read it again to figure it out. I just feel let down. I wanted solid answers. But it was still a good read and I couldn't put it down.
August 13, 2023
A big fan of Minka Kent so had to read this when I saw it. Such a whirl wind of a ride reading this. Got to one part where I couldn't tell what was what myself. Greatly written with easy characters to follow. Great storyline. Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book
August 6, 2023
Minka Kent is an automatic buy for me.
There’s not been a book by her I haven’t loved and After Dark didn’t disappoint.
Afton is a dynamic character who you root for the whole time. The twist and turns are good some of them are expected. The ending is really good though!
It’s a fast and easy read. I couldn’t put it down.
There’s not been a book by her I haven’t loved and After Dark didn’t disappoint.
Afton is a dynamic character who you root for the whole time. The twist and turns are good some of them are expected. The ending is really good though!
It’s a fast and easy read. I couldn’t put it down.
November 21, 2023
I love Minka Kent’s books, they’re always twisty and full of drama. This one, while a little unbelievable at times, did not disappoint.
Afton killed her best friend Sydney’s Dad. He was also having an affair with Afton’s mum. Afton and Sydney are still best friends 20 years on …. YES!
A well written, duel narrative story on toxic relationships, mental health illness, and in part the justice system. I totally felt for Afton and was rooting for her the whole way.
Many thanks to @netgalley, Thomas and Mercer for an advanced reading copy 🎧
Afton killed her best friend Sydney’s Dad. He was also having an affair with Afton’s mum. Afton and Sydney are still best friends 20 years on …. YES!
A well written, duel narrative story on toxic relationships, mental health illness, and in part the justice system. I totally felt for Afton and was rooting for her the whole way.
Many thanks to @netgalley, Thomas and Mercer for an advanced reading copy 🎧
December 3, 2023
Slow burn. Almost too slow for me but the 2nd half of the story things really picked up and the ending was strong. The troubled protagonist Afton was likable. Minka Kent did an outstanding job with character development throughout. There were two narrators. The narrator that portrayed Afton grated on my nerves but not to the point of taking away from a well-written thriller.
November 1, 2023
AFTER DARK is a suspenseful story that you will have a hard time putting down. I really felt for Afton's character, she never had a stable childhood. However, her best friend, Sydney, had everything. She had a boyfriend and a mother that cared about her, these are things that Afton wished she also had. As the story unraveled, I really enjoyed the alternating points of view and flashbacks to their past. I really had no idea how this would end and let me say, I was quite surprised. I can highly recommend adding AFTER DARK to your reading list!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
September 20, 2023
I'm A huge Minka Kent fan, so of course I had to get my hands on a copy of her latest thriller.
Afton and Sydney grew up together but they aren't sisters. Afton had an abusive, neglectful mother while Sydney had a psychologist for a mother. While their lives were stark opposites they were also intertwined. Even in to adulthood.
This was a powerful whirl wind that whips you around from possibility to possibility with keen precision and brilliance. Who can you trust and what can you trust in is entirely in this he air. The deeper this thriller dives the more mixed up and messed up but also everyone becomes a possible suspect.
Afton and Sydney grew up together but they aren't sisters. Afton had an abusive, neglectful mother while Sydney had a psychologist for a mother. While their lives were stark opposites they were also intertwined. Even in to adulthood.
This was a powerful whirl wind that whips you around from possibility to possibility with keen precision and brilliance. Who can you trust and what can you trust in is entirely in this he air. The deeper this thriller dives the more mixed up and messed up but also everyone becomes a possible suspect.
October 23, 2023
Nothing like a mystery with creepy husbands and questionable friendships. I found it compelling and was a little thrown by the back and forth timelines and I really didn’t like a single person in this story. And was shocked at the ending.
Thanks Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
3.5⭐️
Thanks Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley.
3.5⭐️
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June 6, 2024Read.
August 8, 2023
If you're looking for a fast, thrilling read, look no further! After Dark was a puzzling mystery that I could not put down. The FMC, Afton, is an unreliable narrator with a history of suffering blackouts and hallucinations as well as being accused of killing her best friend's father but having no memory of doing so. You will find yourself questioning everything in this book. What is real and what is imagined? You'll have to read to find out. Afton was an extremely likeable character and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book. I would have liked to have a more satisfying ending, but it was still bittersweet.
Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for granting me digital access in exchange for my honest review!
August 4, 2023
I’ve always been a fan of Minka Kent’s books so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of After Dark! It does not disappoint with its twists and turns and interesting characters. Just when I thought I knew, it went off in a different direction. Loved this fast paced thriller!
November 12, 2023
From the outset, the brisk pace of this book gripped me, propelling me through its pages with an urgency that held promise. However, as the story unfolded at breakneck speed, I found myself yearning for more substance. The rapid tempo, while keeping me engaged, seemed to sacrifice the depth and intricacy I had hoped for.
The initial secrets teased at a hidden complexity, sparking my curiosity and anticipation. Yet, as the plot accelerated, instead of unfolding into a richer narrative, it took a detour into unexpected disappointment. The reasons behind the twists and turns left me speechless, not in awe, but in a sense of unmet expectations.
Even with a wonderful buddy reader to share the journey, the consensus was disbelief and a shared desire for a more fulfilling experience. The speed, while a testament to the author's ability to maintain momentum, couldn't compensate for the lack of emotional resonance and narrative depth.
In the end, the rapidity of the storytelling felt like a missed opportunity. I yearned for a more measured exploration of the intriguing secrets introduced early on, an unraveling that would have allowed for a more satisfying and fulfilling reading experience.
The initial secrets teased at a hidden complexity, sparking my curiosity and anticipation. Yet, as the plot accelerated, instead of unfolding into a richer narrative, it took a detour into unexpected disappointment. The reasons behind the twists and turns left me speechless, not in awe, but in a sense of unmet expectations.
Even with a wonderful buddy reader to share the journey, the consensus was disbelief and a shared desire for a more fulfilling experience. The speed, while a testament to the author's ability to maintain momentum, couldn't compensate for the lack of emotional resonance and narrative depth.
In the end, the rapidity of the storytelling felt like a missed opportunity. I yearned for a more measured exploration of the intriguing secrets introduced early on, an unraveling that would have allowed for a more satisfying and fulfilling reading experience.
October 16, 2023
I really loved the premise here and the prologue dives into the day that changed Afton’s life forever. It was chilling and puzzling because it lays the groundwork for a very solid mystery but it also leaves so many questions unanswered. This flips back and forth between Afton and Syndey each chapter and it also has a few chapters from the past that slowly provides insight into both women’s lives. The pacing here was fast and furious and I truly couldn’t put this down, I read it all in a day because I was desperate to know what was really going on. I found myself really sympathetic towards Afton but it was weird because I was never sure if she was trustworthy either. I liked that though because it kept me on my toes and is a main part of the reason why I finished so quickly. I don’t want to say much more but if you like friendship dramas, super fast paced and addictive stories and tricky plots try this.
October 12, 2023
I couldn’t stop turning the pages of this character-driven thriller!
Afton is the town pariah after being accused of a violent crime as a teenager. Twenty years later, working the night shift at a local hotel, her life changes when she discovers she won the lottery. But as she tries to use her windfall to help her best friend, she becomes convinced that something is amiss in her friend’s marriage…and someone might be looking for the lottery ticket.
Told from a dual POV across two timelines, this book weaves the secrets of its main characters’ high school years with their lives in their late thirties. It features a sympathetic but (maybe?) unreliable narrator, and it will have readers scrambling to connect the dots.
I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it!
Afton is the town pariah after being accused of a violent crime as a teenager. Twenty years later, working the night shift at a local hotel, her life changes when she discovers she won the lottery. But as she tries to use her windfall to help her best friend, she becomes convinced that something is amiss in her friend’s marriage…and someone might be looking for the lottery ticket.
Told from a dual POV across two timelines, this book weaves the secrets of its main characters’ high school years with their lives in their late thirties. It features a sympathetic but (maybe?) unreliable narrator, and it will have readers scrambling to connect the dots.
I really enjoyed this book and would absolutely recommend it!
January 2, 2024
Ok. This book was quite interesting but towards the ending I was less inclined to like it. It seemed to go off the rails for me when we find out it was Afton’s best friend who did her own dad in because he’s cheating on her mom. Seriously? Seems as though she was crazy as a coon and what’s the deal with her mom Cynthia? Had she known all along that her daughter is crazy as well as a killer? And if so shouldn’t she have gotten her some help? Then the ending doesn’t even give us any justice or closure at all. Sydney does not even know her stupid husband is cheating so we don’t get the juice on that. The lottery ticket thing was silly especially as Afton pays seventy grand worth of bills for these fools. This story was all over the place and left many unanswered questions. Three stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2023
Why do authors think endings like that is okay?
All I really want to say is “BOOOO BOOOO BOOOO”. My god that ending was terrible. All of that happened and you’re going to end it with that silly ridiculous ending?
Ruins the books.
All I really want to say is “BOOOO BOOOO BOOOO”. My god that ending was terrible. All of that happened and you’re going to end it with that silly ridiculous ending?
Ruins the books.
November 26, 2023
2.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Unfortunately I really wanted more from this book. It felt a tad bit all over the place and without a great plot.
The characters were all quite unlikeable for my taste.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.
Unfortunately I really wanted more from this book. It felt a tad bit all over the place and without a great plot.
The characters were all quite unlikeable for my taste.
November 22, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ I desperately wanted to give this book 5 stars, but the ending disappointed me. justice for Afton
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
This book is crazy good! Afton and Sydney are best friends. But there are dark secrets lurking in their past that only surface at the end. In the present Afton works in hotel management and Sydney is an ER nurse and runs a day spa. Their lives collided in 2003 when Afton was deemed mentally ill after not being able to remember the events of a night that left her with a bloodied knife in her hand and Sydney's father on the ground. Told through the past and present, the novel reveals their highs and lows, their friendship, and their falling out over events, texts, and phone calls that neither one truly understands. I have enjoyed Kent's other novels and this one kept me up until the bitter end!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 7, 2023
This was a good Minka Kent novel. Not my favorite of hers, but definitely entertaining and suspenseful. While somewhat predictable, I still anticipated each chapter of this read.
November 12, 2023
This was a really good story about two friends with a history. Afton is trying to move on from her past where she was accused of killing Sydney's dad. He was dating Afton's mother, but also still married to Sydney's mom. DRAMA!! 🤣 Can you imagine staying friends with your BFF after her possibly killing your dad?! Not me, but either way….this story was great. This was a very quick read full of unexpected twists. You'll go back and forth between Afton and Sydney, learning about their past. It felt like 2 unreliable narrators and I was here for the ride. Really good, but I wish I could have a sequel. If you read this, you'll know what I mean, but I say give this a go. It's entertaining!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 7, 2023
As much as I love the author, I really didn’t care for this book. I just thought it was boring and a little confusing with the back-and-forth of the timeline and I just found the plot had no interest to me. I found all the characters despicable and I didn’t root for anyone. I just didn’t see any forward progress in the plot, nor did I even care about the plot. The back-and-forth between Afton and Sydney and their friendship didn’t even matter because it didn’t really seem like much of a friendship and then there were the affairs between the husbands and between Afton‘s father and it just all didn’t gel together and I didn’t really seem to care. Disappointing from Minka Kent.
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