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No Proof
For fans of Mary Kubica and Ruth Ware, this debut romantic thriller will leave you questioning everything.
Sometimes dark secrets have a way of bubbling back up.
Everything in Sadie Augustine’s life is going according to plan. She has her own graphic design company, a lifelong best friend named Audrey, a townhome in chilly Vermont, and Daisy, her Retriever pup. The one area Sadie has been struggling with - love.
When the mysterious Liam Reynolds moves in next door, he’s exactly what she was looking for. When he and Sadie hit it off, they quickly learn that they’re a perfect match. So what happens when Audrey starts to uncover some dark secrets from Liam’s past? Someone won’t make it out alive.
You may think you have it figured out, but you haven’t even scratched the surface.
Sometimes dark secrets have a way of bubbling back up.
Everything in Sadie Augustine’s life is going according to plan. She has her own graphic design company, a lifelong best friend named Audrey, a townhome in chilly Vermont, and Daisy, her Retriever pup. The one area Sadie has been struggling with - love.
When the mysterious Liam Reynolds moves in next door, he’s exactly what she was looking for. When he and Sadie hit it off, they quickly learn that they’re a perfect match. So what happens when Audrey starts to uncover some dark secrets from Liam’s past? Someone won’t make it out alive.
You may think you have it figured out, but you haven’t even scratched the surface.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2023
33 people are currently reading
2435 people want to read
About the author
Ashley McConnell
7 books245 followersMeet Ashley — a coastal Floridian who can’t go for a beach walk without plotting her next story. The ocean? Her muse. Random strangers’ conversations? Probably dialogue in her next book.
By day, she keeps marketing campaigns afloat (and on deadline). By night, she trades spreadsheets for storyboards, typing away like her coffee depends on it.
A proud rescue dog mom, Ashley’s life has taken her from the chaos of New York City to the calm of the South—though “calm” is relative when you’ve got two dogs and a husband who always finds sand in the car.
When she’s not writing, she’s collecting seashells, sipping something iced, and pretending her email inbox doesn’t exist.
By day, she keeps marketing campaigns afloat (and on deadline). By night, she trades spreadsheets for storyboards, typing away like her coffee depends on it.
A proud rescue dog mom, Ashley’s life has taken her from the chaos of New York City to the calm of the South—though “calm” is relative when you’ve got two dogs and a husband who always finds sand in the car.
When she’s not writing, she’s collecting seashells, sipping something iced, and pretending her email inbox doesn’t exist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 15, 2023
Thank you to the author for my gifted Goodreads giveaway copy and an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts about NO PROOF. I somehow wound up with both!
I like to support indie writers' work, like a lot. I struggle when I don't have great things to say about an indie book. I hope Ashley McConnell will take what I have to say with a pillar of salt and also my heartfelt congratulations on accomplishing this amazing thing. Making a book is no small feat!
I think the concept here is fairly unique, but unfortunately that creativity doesn't reveal itself until the very last scenes. Great ending, by the way. Until then, the storyline has trouble building momentum and repeats itself too much.
Also, for me, the writing needs work. NO PROOF is written in multiple povs, all first person. When writers use this form, the narrative voice should vary with the pov. The "I" voice should have a different sound and feel for each character using the "I" pronoun. Otherwise, the book gets boring and can get confusing.
NO PROOF is a decent book, it's also a first book. McConnell's just going to get better. Maybe her next book will have less pizza in it.
Rating: 🍕🍕.5 / 5 unnecessary pizzas
Recommend? sure, if you love good endings
Finished January 13 2023
Read this book if you like:
🔎 Mysteries
🔪 Murder
👀 Spying/Stalking
👥️ Dark past coming back
❤️🔥 Bad romance
I like to support indie writers' work, like a lot. I struggle when I don't have great things to say about an indie book. I hope Ashley McConnell will take what I have to say with a pillar of salt and also my heartfelt congratulations on accomplishing this amazing thing. Making a book is no small feat!
I think the concept here is fairly unique, but unfortunately that creativity doesn't reveal itself until the very last scenes. Great ending, by the way. Until then, the storyline has trouble building momentum and repeats itself too much.
Also, for me, the writing needs work. NO PROOF is written in multiple povs, all first person. When writers use this form, the narrative voice should vary with the pov. The "I" voice should have a different sound and feel for each character using the "I" pronoun. Otherwise, the book gets boring and can get confusing.
NO PROOF is a decent book, it's also a first book. McConnell's just going to get better. Maybe her next book will have less pizza in it.
Rating: 🍕🍕.5 / 5 unnecessary pizzas
Recommend? sure, if you love good endings
Finished January 13 2023
Read this book if you like:
🔎 Mysteries
🔪 Murder
👀 Spying/Stalking
👥️ Dark past coming back
❤️🔥 Bad romance
January 29, 2023
Because this deserves to count towards my 2022 reading challenge since I've read it 10 times already :)
January 13, 2023
This book is THAT B!TCH 👏🏻
December 12, 2022
I cannot stress to y’all how much I loved this book! McConnell’s debut novel, No Proof, is absolutely unhinged and off the chain! From the first page, I was locked in through the clever use of realistic and photographic syntax; I was easily able to picture myself in the story while reading. The realism of relationship, friendship, and the model of personal growth made this book so relatable and heartwarming, until it wasn’t. This is such an addicting read that will keep you begging for more! Talk about a nail-biter. I am still stunned at the ending in here, and I feel so blindsided. Why the hell would… just find out for yourselves! You won’t be disappointed.
February 5, 2023
I thought I had it figured out...
OMGosh! I swear I thought I had it figured out LOL!!! and then I'm left with a cliffhanger? What am I gonna do now??? I didn't want to stop reading this book!!! I mean, there has to be another one!!! Please tell me there's another one!!!
OMGosh! I swear I thought I had it figured out LOL!!! and then I'm left with a cliffhanger? What am I gonna do now??? I didn't want to stop reading this book!!! I mean, there has to be another one!!! Please tell me there's another one!!!
January 12, 2023
Holy moly... This book was good .. It keep me in my seat the whole time. Every twist Every turn. And Every noise. Hint hint.lol Ashley knows how to write suspense. Sadie has a great life. And two best friends. Audrey and Daisy. Oh and then the cliff hanger. Ugg.
December 30, 2022
Thank you Ashley McConnell for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review. When Sadie finds out her partner is cheating she moves to a new home and gets herself a recue puppy Daisy. She has support from her family and best friend Audrey. Then Liam Reynolds moves in next door and they start to see each other. Audrey is convinced he isn't who he says he is and starts to dig into his past. This is a book that dripped me from the start I didn't want it to end and I really hope there is a follow up.
January 19, 2023
I’m freaking speechless, this book totally took me by surprise! The ending I was SO NOT expecting! It didn’t take long for me not to like Audrey, she may have been Sadie’s life long best friend but she was too controlling & obsessed w/Sadie & always there. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that threw a punch of an ending like this one. It was like everything was going good & then BAM! I so need book 2 & quickly. From the beginning the mystery of it was great & the whole book keeps you constantly scratching your head & wondering. There’s so many questions I need answers to!
January 23, 2023
Okay so I just finished reading No Proof in less than 24 hours 😅
So this is going to be a quick and short review because I hate giving away any spoilers 🤪
This is a thriller/suspense book. I felt anxious through out the book. Like you know something bad is going to happen but you don’t know when so you are just super anxious reading and waiting . Lol yup that’s me while reading this. I was so nervous to flip to the next page because I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I really enjoyed this book. I love books where I’m sitting at the edge of my couch bitting my nails. I will say The only thing I disliked about the book was the ending . Like what in the 🤯 I have sooo many unanswered questions but the big question I have is WHY ?! Like I just don’t understand WHY ? Lol.
My mouth literally dropped to the floor and I had to pick it up again. Like seriously, though what kind of ending was that. Just leaving us hanging like that. 🤦🏽♀️
So , in all seriousness if you love reading good suspense books with a tad of cutesy romantic stuff . Definitely read this.
I received an Arc of No Proof and this is my honest review !
So this is going to be a quick and short review because I hate giving away any spoilers 🤪
This is a thriller/suspense book. I felt anxious through out the book. Like you know something bad is going to happen but you don’t know when so you are just super anxious reading and waiting . Lol yup that’s me while reading this. I was so nervous to flip to the next page because I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I really enjoyed this book. I love books where I’m sitting at the edge of my couch bitting my nails. I will say The only thing I disliked about the book was the ending . Like what in the 🤯 I have sooo many unanswered questions but the big question I have is WHY ?! Like I just don’t understand WHY ? Lol.
My mouth literally dropped to the floor and I had to pick it up again. Like seriously, though what kind of ending was that. Just leaving us hanging like that. 🤦🏽♀️
So , in all seriousness if you love reading good suspense books with a tad of cutesy romantic stuff . Definitely read this.
I received an Arc of No Proof and this is my honest review !
March 17, 2023
First of all thank you so much @equalitybooktours and @the_shelf_love
for the opportunity for reading this amazing book! 😍❤
LOVE THIS BOOK BECAUSE OF:
•the way the author writes because it involves us in history so easily
•the short chapters
•the pov of the three main characters
•THE PLOT TWIST >>>
Sadie ended her relationship in a terrible way and decides to live with Daisy (dog). Only didn't she know what was going to happen in the next few months! 😱
When she moved into her new home she ended up meeting Liam (or should I call him Joe?). and they create a real connection with each other.
Everything was going well in the relationship until Audrey (Sadie's bestfriend ) began to investigate Liam's dark past. This is where things start to get interesting!!
As the story progresses strange things happen and then out of nowhere Sadie disappears. Later she was found dead.
Who killed her? Good question!!
Tell me how I'm supposed to live without knowing who killed her? How??
for the opportunity for reading this amazing book! 😍❤
LOVE THIS BOOK BECAUSE OF:
•the way the author writes because it involves us in history so easily
•the short chapters
•the pov of the three main characters
•THE PLOT TWIST >>>
Sadie ended her relationship in a terrible way and decides to live with Daisy (dog). Only didn't she know what was going to happen in the next few months! 😱
When she moved into her new home she ended up meeting Liam (or should I call him Joe?). and they create a real connection with each other.
Everything was going well in the relationship until Audrey (Sadie's bestfriend ) began to investigate Liam's dark past. This is where things start to get interesting!!
As the story progresses strange things happen and then out of nowhere Sadie disappears. Later she was found dead.
Who killed her? Good question!!
Tell me how I'm supposed to live without knowing who killed her? How??
December 12, 2022
This book was a very quick read for me, finished in 2 days. I quite enjoyed the main characters, although I felt their development could have been more. I feel that this book could have gone further into detail for some things; however, when the author did develop the scene, it was done brilliantly. I wish I would have known going into this book that it had a cliffhanger/open ended ending because I was left with some questions which left me frustrated; but now that I know it is intended, I am no longer upset. The twist/whodunit aspect came out of nowhere, which I enjoyed. I am normally one to pick up on these things quickly but this one I did not see coming. There are no real trigger warnings in this, which is also a little refreshing sometimes. I would recommend this book, and in fact I have recommended it to my book partner. I hope I get a chance to read the next book in the series.
December 19, 2022
No Proof is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing. The twist cliff hanger ending left me shocked at the end. I loved the references to Taylor Swift and Friends throughout the book. The only down side was I felt like the decor in Sadie’s apartment was over described. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2022
I was provided an ARC of this book by booksirens. All opinions are my own and freely given. This book was full of secrets and unexplained occurrences. It had an unexpected ending that I did not see coming. The book revolves around 3 characters with a little background characters. The story leaves some unanswered questions about what was going on outside and in the neighbors house. The author did a good job of keeping the story and mystery going until the end. This is a definate read and re-read.
January 25, 2023
Really good . Until the end. I like a finished who done it.
February 4, 2023
This was a well written debut novel that I couldn’t put down. I flew through it, and I wanted to know what was coming next. Plus, there’s a puppy in it! It is definitely more of a romantic suspense than a thriller. I noticed some readers complaining about the details, but I personally thought it was needed to help build the relationship that is portrayed. It was interesting to have three POV but it helped progress the story more with outside views of what others are doing. It does end on a twist, I want to call it a pseudo cliffhanger. Where it leaves open the possibility for another book without fully committing to it. I vote for a sequel, but I’m not in charge of decisions like that no matter how much I want to be 😘
Sadie is heartbroken after leaving a long term relationship and has been learning to be herself again. She had always catered to what everyone else wanted and now she is living for herself. She’s living on her own, building up her own business, and even got a puppy. Her best friend Audrey was there to help her pick up the pieces when she felt at her lowest. After a couple chance encounters with a new grumpy neighbor, Liam, Sadie is puzzled. Her best friend mentions it might be the start to a enemies to lovers/ grumpy vs sunshine romance novel (they are Bookaholics like us), she shakes it off. Then Liam apologizes and starts acting swoony. Sadie loves being swooned (who doesn’t) and doesn’t listen when Audrey starts noticing some red flags. Sadie feels like she is being watched, but by who?
Sadie is heartbroken after leaving a long term relationship and has been learning to be herself again. She had always catered to what everyone else wanted and now she is living for herself. She’s living on her own, building up her own business, and even got a puppy. Her best friend Audrey was there to help her pick up the pieces when she felt at her lowest. After a couple chance encounters with a new grumpy neighbor, Liam, Sadie is puzzled. Her best friend mentions it might be the start to a enemies to lovers/ grumpy vs sunshine romance novel (they are Bookaholics like us), she shakes it off. Then Liam apologizes and starts acting swoony. Sadie loves being swooned (who doesn’t) and doesn’t listen when Audrey starts noticing some red flags. Sadie feels like she is being watched, but by who?
December 7, 2022
the book is so amazing!! it’s so perfect!! everything in it makes you question every detail 😩 as they say, trust no one…
it was fun to have my detective side solve the case and i did it!! if you’re not good at solving mystery, it’s gonna be a lot of fun for you to find out all the truth by the end of this book. the cliffhanger is just gonna leave you wanting for more!
i highly recommend this book to everyone!! glad to be an arc reader 💕
it was fun to have my detective side solve the case and i did it!! if you’re not good at solving mystery, it’s gonna be a lot of fun for you to find out all the truth by the end of this book. the cliffhanger is just gonna leave you wanting for more!
i highly recommend this book to everyone!! glad to be an arc reader 💕
January 4, 2023
Sadie gets dumped by her boyfriend and told to move out in two days and by the way, he's keeping all the furniture. She eventually finds a new apartment she loves and adopts a pup, Daisy. Her neighbors move out and a new moody guy Liam whom she had an uncomfortable run-in at the market she finds out is her new neighbor. Despite their first meeting they soon become friends and have a lot in common. Audrey who is Sadie's best friend of 20+ years warns Sadie against being with Liam saying she doesn't trust him. Audrey tries to find him on social media but is unable to find any accounts until she does and it's not what she expects.
I received an arc from Book Funnel for my honest review for NNBB. Ashley is a new to me author and I loved this story. She draws you in from the beginning and keeps you hooked until the very end with a twist or two you don't see coming. You love all the characters as they are so loving and genuine and then the twists and turns start coming. I shall definitely read more from this author as I loved this book.
I received an arc from Book Funnel for my honest review for NNBB. Ashley is a new to me author and I loved this story. She draws you in from the beginning and keeps you hooked until the very end with a twist or two you don't see coming. You love all the characters as they are so loving and genuine and then the twists and turns start coming. I shall definitely read more from this author as I loved this book.
December 4, 2022
Wow! I was not ready for this book to end. I like to think I’m quite clever with these kind of books but I just didn’t see it coming! Absolutely loved it!!
January 7, 2023
First I want to say thank you to Ashley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this - a debut thriller by an amazing individual.
Sadie, Audrey, and Liam’s characters were so well written, they were easy to connect with, they made me want to keep reading, know more - figure out what was happening. The twist?! I’m shocked. THE CLIFFHANGER — I need more!!!
Perfect for a quick read, but with a fully packed storyline
Sadie, Audrey, and Liam’s characters were so well written, they were easy to connect with, they made me want to keep reading, know more - figure out what was happening. The twist?! I’m shocked. THE CLIFFHANGER — I need more!!!
Perfect for a quick read, but with a fully packed storyline
December 28, 2022
Ensconced in snowy Vermont, the plot for 'No Proof' revolves around three main characters- Sadie, our resident small-town girl loved by all; her best friend and sidekick, Audrey, and a recent addition to the neighborhood, Liam. Narrated by all three, readers receive interspersing looks at the story through the eyes of them all, which aids in the overall mystery. Soon, we realize all is not as it seems, and a big twist reveals itself.
McConnell is initially able to draw me in with Sadie's character; her personal triumph and growth after heartbreak made for a great read. I also liked that the buildup to the suspense after Liam's introduction was quite palpable.
My biggest issue with this novel is the listing of mundanities by the author - there were so many instances where I saw a direct play-by-play of Sadie's day, and I found this to be rather tedious. I would have preferred more action sooner, rather than these instances of fillers. Additionally (this was more of a personal dislike), I quickly figured out the "plot twist" rendering this not much fun for me in the mystery aspect.
In the end, I give 'No Proof' a rating of 2 out of 5 stars; the book has lots of potential but I just could not get into it after the first few chapters.
*A great many thanks to BookSirens and Ashley McConnell for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
McConnell is initially able to draw me in with Sadie's character; her personal triumph and growth after heartbreak made for a great read. I also liked that the buildup to the suspense after Liam's introduction was quite palpable.
My biggest issue with this novel is the listing of mundanities by the author - there were so many instances where I saw a direct play-by-play of Sadie's day, and I found this to be rather tedious. I would have preferred more action sooner, rather than these instances of fillers. Additionally (this was more of a personal dislike), I quickly figured out the "plot twist" rendering this not much fun for me in the mystery aspect.
In the end, I give 'No Proof' a rating of 2 out of 5 stars; the book has lots of potential but I just could not get into it after the first few chapters.
*A great many thanks to BookSirens and Ashley McConnell for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*
September 22, 2022
Happy First day of fall!! 🍂 There’s nothing better than sitting cozied up at home with a great book to get you ready for spooky season, and this book does the job justice. Not a crazy spooker but a perfectly calmed thriller with a surprising twist. I was able to relax comfortably with this book and still enjoy the surprises that came with it. This is definitely a recommended read for thriller/ crime readers this book is for you😊👍🏼👍🏼
December 19, 2022
ARC review - I absolutely loved this book, if I wasn’t sick I would have read it in 24 hours. One of the best romance, psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. I’m still questioning the cliff hanger, and need so much more. Everyone must read!!
January 4, 2023
Sadie and Liam have a rough start but eventually fall for one another. Strange things start to happen infrequently. There is lots of mystery and suspense. Then, OMG, the twist I did not see coming floored me!
January 8, 2023
I really liked this thriller. It was so full of secrets and unexpected twists and kept me guessing all the way to the end. I raced through this book; it even kept me reading late into the night as I wanted to find out who the culprit was. In the end, it was another ‘well, I didn’t expect that’ moment.
This novel is a great read. It is thrilling, exciting and an unexpected gem.
I really enjoyed it and I hope to read more by the author in the future. I’m giving this thriller four stars as I know other readers will enjoy it too, especially if they like crime books or thrillers like I do.
This novel is a great read. It is thrilling, exciting and an unexpected gem.
I really enjoyed it and I hope to read more by the author in the future. I’m giving this thriller four stars as I know other readers will enjoy it too, especially if they like crime books or thrillers like I do.
March 13, 2023
This book keeps you on your toes! The overprotective best friend has it all! Liam has a past that we need to know more of! My thoughts are the Aubrey is jealous because Sadie has everything she wants! The cliffhanger though has me biting my nails for book 2!!
February 18, 2023
This book was like trashy television to me.. it’s so bad but you can’t help but binge it 😂
March 23, 2023
I found this author in a book group on Facebook, and she is the featured author of the month.
This book has more twists and turns in it than anything else I've read this year.
It's a must-read!
This book has more twists and turns in it than anything else I've read this year.
It's a must-read!
December 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It had me guessing and changing my answers the whole book! The ending was definitely more shocking than I expected.
January 24, 2023
Wow!!! This debut novel from Ashley McConnell was so captivating and clever that I could not put it down. This book was brilliant and will have you on the edge of your seat, and that ending was not even close to where I thought we were headed. I'm not going into detail with this review, but if you enjoy being shocked and a book that will literally take over your time, then you need to read this. I love a good thriller and this one absolutely out did itself in every way. Absolutely incredible!!!
January 20, 2023
Three different perspectives: Liam, Audrey & Sadie. Not one but two huge twists! What a well written book. The characters didn’t get muddy flipping back and forth which was great. The overall story and plot flowed really nicely. There were a couple of grammatical errors but nothing that took away from the book. I really enjoyed this one. Thank you to the amazing author for the opportunity to read this arc! All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews