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Her Sweet Revenge
Helena is beautiful, successful, and living in married bliss in Exeter. But she's hiding a secret that could tear her perfect life apart. When the notes begin to arrive, she realizes someone else must know. But what might her husband and his overbearing family do if they find out the truth?
Thea is reeling from her best friend Helena's death. But when she starts digging into the circumstances, she receives a threatening note warning her to stop. She knows her friend's death wasn't an accident. This was murder. And she is determined to get revenge. And everyone knows, it's almost always the husband . . .
Thea is reeling from her best friend Helena's death. But when she starts digging into the circumstances, she receives a threatening note warning her to stop. She knows her friend's death wasn't an accident. This was murder. And she is determined to get revenge. And everyone knows, it's almost always the husband . . .
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2023
83 people are currently reading
5132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
January 27, 2023
Just 3 stars
2018. Helena is beautiful, successful and happily married to Edward but unfortunately she’s saddled with the mother in law from hell. She seems to have the perfect life so why has she been receiving postcards threatening to reveal her secrets? What can she possibly have to pay for?
In 2022, Thea returns to the U.K. determined to seek ‘sweet revenge’ for her best friend’s murder which the authorities deem an accident. How can Thea prove it is indeed murder and make the culprit(s) pay? The story is told in dual timelines and from several points of view.
Having really enjoyed Sarah Bonners debut novel I eagerly anticipate this but in my opinion this latest book is not in the same league. However, the premise is intriguing and for the first 50% or so it holds my interest. The dysfunction of Helena’s husbands family is entertaining although on occasions the portrayal of mother in law Geraldine strays into caricature. In any event, if I’d met her before marrying Edward I’d have run a mile! Thea is a good character, she’s got plenty of backbone but sadly the same can’t be said for Helena. She drives me mad as she’s so weak and I’m desperate for her to retaliate!
In the second half although the twists come thick and fast some aspects of the plot make my eyes roll as they make little sense to me and as for the ending- just no. It’s so far fetched my jaw drops for all the wrong reasons.
I’m probably going to be on outlier island with this one so be sure to check other reviews.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
2018. Helena is beautiful, successful and happily married to Edward but unfortunately she’s saddled with the mother in law from hell. She seems to have the perfect life so why has she been receiving postcards threatening to reveal her secrets? What can she possibly have to pay for?
In 2022, Thea returns to the U.K. determined to seek ‘sweet revenge’ for her best friend’s murder which the authorities deem an accident. How can Thea prove it is indeed murder and make the culprit(s) pay? The story is told in dual timelines and from several points of view.
Having really enjoyed Sarah Bonners debut novel I eagerly anticipate this but in my opinion this latest book is not in the same league. However, the premise is intriguing and for the first 50% or so it holds my interest. The dysfunction of Helena’s husbands family is entertaining although on occasions the portrayal of mother in law Geraldine strays into caricature. In any event, if I’d met her before marrying Edward I’d have run a mile! Thea is a good character, she’s got plenty of backbone but sadly the same can’t be said for Helena. She drives me mad as she’s so weak and I’m desperate for her to retaliate!
In the second half although the twists come thick and fast some aspects of the plot make my eyes roll as they make little sense to me and as for the ending- just no. It’s so far fetched my jaw drops for all the wrong reasons.
I’m probably going to be on outlier island with this one so be sure to check other reviews.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 8, 2023
This was an anticipated read for me, since I loved her first book. This was also a good book, with gutsy characters and a killer plot where you felt a bit dazed by it all in the end.
September 29, 2023
Helena has a dream marriage to Edward. She lives in a stylish home filled with the best of everything. Even better, however, she’s on the edge of taking her career from impressive to truly out of this world. Granted, she does have to put up with her domineering mother-in-law who still keeps her thumb firmly on her son, but with Edward to love, Helena can bear almost anything.
Buried in her past, however, there is something she’s worked hard to hide. A secret that could quite literally blow her world to kingdom come. So when the notes start to arrive, she is well and truly shaken. The mere thought that someone else out there knows what she’s done is too horrible to think about. But even worse, unless she pays up, they’re going to tell.
Four years later, Thea is still in profound grief over the loss of her best friend, Helena. After a supposed accident wrenched her from Thea’s life, she is determined to figure out exactly what happened all those months ago. She knows, deep down in her bones, that Helena’s death was no accident, but rather something much more disturbing and hard to fathom. Something decidedly more like murder.
As Thea begins to search for the truth, she is shocked to receive a note begging her to leave it alone while she still can. Instead of dissuade her, however, it merely makes her want to double down. If someone out there wants her to stop, they’ll have to make her, as all she wants now is sweet, sweet revenge.
I don’t know about you, but I love finding new-to-me authors who have bingeable books. So when I read the synopsis for Sarah Bonner’s newest, Her Sweet Revenge, the premise alone told me that I had to read it ASAP. Needless to say, it lived up to almost every expectation I had. How, might you ask? Well, read on, my bookish peeps…
Starting from the top, the plot was truly where this book sang. Separated into five parts that were each narrated by a different character and crossed two timelines, the altogether shocking twists wove together into a tale that shifted and morphed with each startling reveal. Did I anticipate some of them? Well, unfortunately, yes. But despite this, the ride was somehow still unexpected in the best possible way.
As for those characters, I was swept away by each of their predicaments. Overwhelmed and stressed to the max, they were almost true-to-life and genuine. Perhaps it was the premise, which required a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, but they each had just a tinge of over-the-top-ness. All the same, there were a few I loved and a few I loved to hate, but all of whom had me racing through the 400 pages just to learn who would win in the end. See, what wasn’t apparent from the start was the catch-me-if-you-can vibe running throughout. I’ll have to stop there, however, or I’ll surely spoil the plot.
The only teensy, tiny problem I had was the downright overdone climax. Thrown in at the end, it jigged where I thought the plot should’ve jagged, revealing just enough melodrama to feel decidedly off. I can’t explain more without describing the scene in detail, but, needless to say, it just didn’t ring true.
Just the same, however, this overwhelmingly clever and achingly addictive book was one delightfully tangled web of deceit. Stocked full of thinly held secrets and dastardly plots, not even the conclusion was one to disappoint. While I usually prefer nicely wrapped up finales, I’m holding out hope this one proves to be an indication of a sequel. After all, what’s better than a revenge act take two?
On the whole, this book was a lovely escape and I definitely recommend. Coming to store shelves on September 5th, be sure to pre-order this puppy now. Or, if you can’t wait that long, grab a copy of Bonner’s debut, Her Perfect Twin, which is a book I’m already itching to run out and get for myself. Rating of 4.5 stars.
PUB DAY: September 5, 2023
Thank you to Sarah Bonner and Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: threatening notes, blackmail, loss of a best friend, getting taken by a con artist, gaslighting, fraud, mention of: abandonment as a baby
Buried in her past, however, there is something she’s worked hard to hide. A secret that could quite literally blow her world to kingdom come. So when the notes start to arrive, she is well and truly shaken. The mere thought that someone else out there knows what she’s done is too horrible to think about. But even worse, unless she pays up, they’re going to tell.
Four years later, Thea is still in profound grief over the loss of her best friend, Helena. After a supposed accident wrenched her from Thea’s life, she is determined to figure out exactly what happened all those months ago. She knows, deep down in her bones, that Helena’s death was no accident, but rather something much more disturbing and hard to fathom. Something decidedly more like murder.
As Thea begins to search for the truth, she is shocked to receive a note begging her to leave it alone while she still can. Instead of dissuade her, however, it merely makes her want to double down. If someone out there wants her to stop, they’ll have to make her, as all she wants now is sweet, sweet revenge.
I don’t know about you, but I love finding new-to-me authors who have bingeable books. So when I read the synopsis for Sarah Bonner’s newest, Her Sweet Revenge, the premise alone told me that I had to read it ASAP. Needless to say, it lived up to almost every expectation I had. How, might you ask? Well, read on, my bookish peeps…
Starting from the top, the plot was truly where this book sang. Separated into five parts that were each narrated by a different character and crossed two timelines, the altogether shocking twists wove together into a tale that shifted and morphed with each startling reveal. Did I anticipate some of them? Well, unfortunately, yes. But despite this, the ride was somehow still unexpected in the best possible way.
As for those characters, I was swept away by each of their predicaments. Overwhelmed and stressed to the max, they were almost true-to-life and genuine. Perhaps it was the premise, which required a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, but they each had just a tinge of over-the-top-ness. All the same, there were a few I loved and a few I loved to hate, but all of whom had me racing through the 400 pages just to learn who would win in the end. See, what wasn’t apparent from the start was the catch-me-if-you-can vibe running throughout. I’ll have to stop there, however, or I’ll surely spoil the plot.
The only teensy, tiny problem I had was the downright overdone climax. Thrown in at the end, it jigged where I thought the plot should’ve jagged, revealing just enough melodrama to feel decidedly off. I can’t explain more without describing the scene in detail, but, needless to say, it just didn’t ring true.
Just the same, however, this overwhelmingly clever and achingly addictive book was one delightfully tangled web of deceit. Stocked full of thinly held secrets and dastardly plots, not even the conclusion was one to disappoint. While I usually prefer nicely wrapped up finales, I’m holding out hope this one proves to be an indication of a sequel. After all, what’s better than a revenge act take two?
On the whole, this book was a lovely escape and I definitely recommend. Coming to store shelves on September 5th, be sure to pre-order this puppy now. Or, if you can’t wait that long, grab a copy of Bonner’s debut, Her Perfect Twin, which is a book I’m already itching to run out and get for myself. Rating of 4.5 stars.
PUB DAY: September 5, 2023
Thank you to Sarah Bonner and Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: threatening notes, blackmail, loss of a best friend, getting taken by a con artist, gaslighting, fraud, mention of: abandonment as a baby
March 6, 2023
Last year, The Perfect Twin by Sarah Bonner was one of my favourite books of the year.. I was excited to see what she had in store for us next and boy did it deliver. I wish I could have read this in one sitting, it was extremely binge worthy. So many twists and turns in this juicy revenge thriller.
In the first instance, we learn Helena's story. She is beautiful, successful and happily married into a wealthy family. But Helena has a secret that could destroy everything. And when she starts getting anonymous notes, she is scared that she will lose it all.. Years later, her best friend wants answers. She knows that Helena's death was not an accident, but how does she prove it?
Her Sweet Revenge is such a clever and addictive read. There were moments that I gasped out loud. Sarah Bonner is incredible at drawing you into the story, you care about some characters, hate others. But what is the truth? You gotta read it to believe it.
Thanks so much to Hodder and Stoughton for my advance reading copy of this book. Easy 5 stars. Publishes on April 6th.
In the first instance, we learn Helena's story. She is beautiful, successful and happily married into a wealthy family. But Helena has a secret that could destroy everything. And when she starts getting anonymous notes, she is scared that she will lose it all.. Years later, her best friend wants answers. She knows that Helena's death was not an accident, but how does she prove it?
Her Sweet Revenge is such a clever and addictive read. There were moments that I gasped out loud. Sarah Bonner is incredible at drawing you into the story, you care about some characters, hate others. But what is the truth? You gotta read it to believe it.
Thanks so much to Hodder and Stoughton for my advance reading copy of this book. Easy 5 stars. Publishes on April 6th.
September 3, 2023
Sarah Bonner's sophomore novel HER SWEET REVENGE is the gripping follow up to her debut thriller HER PERFECT TWIN. Written in dual timelines with multiple points of view, the story unfolds in "parts" that build one upon the other. The format is such that it makes it difficult to discuss the plot line without spoilers, however, the synopsis gives an excellent overview of this story. Otherwise, it's important to go into this one blind and experience this sordid tale first-hand.
The first half of HER SWEET REVENGE focuses on Helena's story in 2018. She's happily married to Edward and the owner of a successful business of her own making. Life is good other than Edward's dysfunctional, wealthy family with the proverbial dreaded mother-in-law who revels in interfering in Helena and Edward's lives. Edward's mother had someone else in mine as her future daughter-in-law and takes every opportunity to let Helena know she's second best. As Helena's frustrations with her mother-in-law grow, she has a serious lapse in judgement and does something in secret that changes the course of the family's future. She shares her secrets with her best friend Thea who lives in the UK . . . and with one other person, her new friend who makes a point of commiserating with her. When threatening notes begin appearing, Helena realizes someone knows what she's done, and they're now blackmailing her. She has no choice but to follow the blackmailer's directions to keep Edward and his family from learning the truth. When tragedy strikes, Thea and readers are charged with figuring out who's responsible.
The second half of the book concentrates on Helena's best friend Thea in 2022 as she promises to get to the bottom of what happened to Helena and seek justice. She devises a plan she shares only with her new friend Jenn and begins the process of doling out some sweet revenge. When Thea begins receiving the same threatening notes that Helena had received, she knows she's made someone very nervous. It now appears Thea's life is in danger. The story that unfolds is twisted, tense and quite convoluted.
HER SWEET REVENGE is an intriguing story of family drama and the devastating effects of dark secrets and their ability to destroy lives. It's also a story of trust or the lack thereof, greed and revenge. Bonner's choice to render the story in "parts" via dual timelines and multiple points of view is highly effective in allowing readers the opportunity to get inside both main characters' heads and establish empathy for them even when they cross a line. The plot line's extremely complex with twists and turns that lead to mini shockers while racing towards an explosive climax that may surprise some readers. While I was able to figure out where this story was headed early, the ever-increasing pace and ominous tone and warning notes kept me burning through pages to see how it would all play out. Bonner does a fantastic job of characterizations, adding to the overall believability of the mind-boggling events as they unfold. I suspect readers will be split over the surprising ending, but I applaud the author's decision to leave the door cracked open when it comes to one of the main players instead of going with a cut and dried style ending.
HER SWEET REVENGE is a gritty, gripping, intense domestic thriller with a few unique twists. Fans of domestic style thrillers with revenge themes will enjoy this one. Highly recommended to readers who love clever, twisted, addictive suspense thrillers.
Much appreciation to Grand Central Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
The first half of HER SWEET REVENGE focuses on Helena's story in 2018. She's happily married to Edward and the owner of a successful business of her own making. Life is good other than Edward's dysfunctional, wealthy family with the proverbial dreaded mother-in-law who revels in interfering in Helena and Edward's lives. Edward's mother had someone else in mine as her future daughter-in-law and takes every opportunity to let Helena know she's second best. As Helena's frustrations with her mother-in-law grow, she has a serious lapse in judgement and does something in secret that changes the course of the family's future. She shares her secrets with her best friend Thea who lives in the UK . . . and with one other person, her new friend who makes a point of commiserating with her. When threatening notes begin appearing, Helena realizes someone knows what she's done, and they're now blackmailing her. She has no choice but to follow the blackmailer's directions to keep Edward and his family from learning the truth. When tragedy strikes, Thea and readers are charged with figuring out who's responsible.
The second half of the book concentrates on Helena's best friend Thea in 2022 as she promises to get to the bottom of what happened to Helena and seek justice. She devises a plan she shares only with her new friend Jenn and begins the process of doling out some sweet revenge. When Thea begins receiving the same threatening notes that Helena had received, she knows she's made someone very nervous. It now appears Thea's life is in danger. The story that unfolds is twisted, tense and quite convoluted.
HER SWEET REVENGE is an intriguing story of family drama and the devastating effects of dark secrets and their ability to destroy lives. It's also a story of trust or the lack thereof, greed and revenge. Bonner's choice to render the story in "parts" via dual timelines and multiple points of view is highly effective in allowing readers the opportunity to get inside both main characters' heads and establish empathy for them even when they cross a line. The plot line's extremely complex with twists and turns that lead to mini shockers while racing towards an explosive climax that may surprise some readers. While I was able to figure out where this story was headed early, the ever-increasing pace and ominous tone and warning notes kept me burning through pages to see how it would all play out. Bonner does a fantastic job of characterizations, adding to the overall believability of the mind-boggling events as they unfold. I suspect readers will be split over the surprising ending, but I applaud the author's decision to leave the door cracked open when it comes to one of the main players instead of going with a cut and dried style ending.
HER SWEET REVENGE is a gritty, gripping, intense domestic thriller with a few unique twists. Fans of domestic style thrillers with revenge themes will enjoy this one. Highly recommended to readers who love clever, twisted, addictive suspense thrillers.
Much appreciation to Grand Central Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This review is published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
September 13, 2023
"Her Sweet Revenge" failed to hit my "sweet" spot.
WHY?
The book was too far-fetched with waaay too many eye-rolling moments.
Also, I had a hard time identifying with the protagonist's quest for revenge.
The protagonist felt that her friend died under suspicious circumstances.
Shouldn't she have been seeking justice instead of revenge?
And, finally, I was personally offended by the author's stereotypical portrayal of mothers-in-law.
C'mon now, Sarah Bonner, you can do better than that.
(And, yes, I am a mother-in-law!)
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Jasmine Blackborow, Sofia Zervudachi, George Weightman, and Stephanie Siadatan.
All narrators did a superb job with the narration.
IMHO, Sarah Bonner's debut book "Her Perfect Twin" was a 5-star read.
Unfortunately, "Her Sweet Revenge" failed to showcase the author's many talents and was a bittersweet disappointment.
2 stars rounded up.
August 7, 2023
Her Sweet Revenge was a very complex story with multiple twists that I don’t even know where to begin to describe it. But the blurb about the book does a good job without giving away the story.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view over multiple timelines. It was a slow build until Helena’s death. And soon after, the pacing and suspense took off with a lot of plot twists that kept me guessing till the end.
There were a number of characters and each of them were well developed. Especially if each of them could draw out the ire in me. In particular, Geraldine was the typical protrayal of the evil mother-in-law from hell. She was aptly nicknamed “Smaug” by Helena. And that was so apropos in my opinion.
The other characters had their own idiosyncracies. And I just loved how author, Bonner fleshed them out to be who each of them were personality-wise. Each of them were distinct and definitely not vanilla.
The novel was on course to be a five star read for me. Unfortunately, the finale just killed any chance of it being so. But the novel still ranks up there with four stars — all things considered.
I received a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view over multiple timelines. It was a slow build until Helena’s death. And soon after, the pacing and suspense took off with a lot of plot twists that kept me guessing till the end.
There were a number of characters and each of them were well developed. Especially if each of them could draw out the ire in me. In particular, Geraldine was the typical protrayal of the evil mother-in-law from hell. She was aptly nicknamed “Smaug” by Helena. And that was so apropos in my opinion.
The other characters had their own idiosyncracies. And I just loved how author, Bonner fleshed them out to be who each of them were personality-wise. Each of them were distinct and definitely not vanilla.
The novel was on course to be a five star read for me. Unfortunately, the finale just killed any chance of it being so. But the novel still ranks up there with four stars — all things considered.
I received a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 6, 2023
Another fabulous novel by the author!
Helena is a beautiful, successful woman living in married bliss but she is hiding a dangerous secret. Notes begin to arrive suggesting someone knows what it is and this could ruin her whole life. Years later, Thea is still coming to terms with Helena's death and begins digging into the details of her 'accident'. She has a feeling Helena's death wasn't an accident and if it was murder, then she wants revenge. Except someone wants her to leave it alone and she also begins to get notes warning her away.
What a clever, twisted suspense! I often describe books as suspenseful but this book takes that meaning to a whole new level. I could not put it down. It was filled with a bunch of truly unlikeable and devious characters and while I did predict one small twist in the story, with other details I was way off. Another wonderful novel by the author. 4.5*
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this gifted review copy.
Helena is a beautiful, successful woman living in married bliss but she is hiding a dangerous secret. Notes begin to arrive suggesting someone knows what it is and this could ruin her whole life. Years later, Thea is still coming to terms with Helena's death and begins digging into the details of her 'accident'. She has a feeling Helena's death wasn't an accident and if it was murder, then she wants revenge. Except someone wants her to leave it alone and she also begins to get notes warning her away.
What a clever, twisted suspense! I often describe books as suspenseful but this book takes that meaning to a whole new level. I could not put it down. It was filled with a bunch of truly unlikeable and devious characters and while I did predict one small twist in the story, with other details I was way off. Another wonderful novel by the author. 4.5*
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this gifted review copy.
August 3, 2023
I can’t stop talking about this book! If you like thrillers with twists and turns up to the very end, pick this one! Once I got into it and figured out the characters, I couldn’t put it down until I figured it out (or thought I did!)
October 28, 2023
This was a pretty good thriller with plenty of twists and turns.
The novels starts out with 2 protagonists. The first, Helena tells her story from 2018 and lives a fairly privileged life, but is contending with some family drama. The second is from Helena's best friend Thea's perspective in 2022, who is devastated by Helena's death and is desperate to take revenge on the person responsible.
It got a bit soap opera-esque towards the end but it was entertaining enough and held my attention throughout.
The novels starts out with 2 protagonists. The first, Helena tells her story from 2018 and lives a fairly privileged life, but is contending with some family drama. The second is from Helena's best friend Thea's perspective in 2022, who is devastated by Helena's death and is desperate to take revenge on the person responsible.
It got a bit soap opera-esque towards the end but it was entertaining enough and held my attention throughout.
September 7, 2023
My second book by Bonner and I can't wait to get her next book. What in the world did I just read. I am a fan for life. I just need her to write faster lol.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
April 3, 2023
Oh, dear. I’m sorry to say that this new offering from Sarah Bonner simply didn’t work for me. I’m so disappointed, as I absolutely loved her debut, but I struggled even to believe that this was by the same author.
For me, there are two lines in the sand when it comes to thrillers: First, the characters must be convincing. They don’t need to be likeable, but they have to behave like real people. Second, the plot must be believable. If it isn’t plausible, it isn’t thrilling.
Sadly, Her Sweet Revenge ticked neither of these boxes.
From the beginning, I found the narrative hard to get into. It felt fragmented and unfocused; whole sections just rambling distractions. What’s more, the premise felt very forced; I couldn’t get on board with it. Then, about half way through, the plot took a nosedive into complete farce. And that’s where I gave up.
I honestly don’t know if this was fixable. Certainly, a good edit might have tightened up the narrative. But the plot was all over the place, and the characters needed a lot of work to make them credible.
I know other reviewers have been very positive in their feedback, so maybe I’m being super picky. But I read this with two buddies and we all felt the same.
My feelings aside, I expect this book will find an appreciative audience, and I wish Bonner every success with it.
For me, there are two lines in the sand when it comes to thrillers: First, the characters must be convincing. They don’t need to be likeable, but they have to behave like real people. Second, the plot must be believable. If it isn’t plausible, it isn’t thrilling.
Sadly, Her Sweet Revenge ticked neither of these boxes.
From the beginning, I found the narrative hard to get into. It felt fragmented and unfocused; whole sections just rambling distractions. What’s more, the premise felt very forced; I couldn’t get on board with it. Then, about half way through, the plot took a nosedive into complete farce. And that’s where I gave up.
I honestly don’t know if this was fixable. Certainly, a good edit might have tightened up the narrative. But the plot was all over the place, and the characters needed a lot of work to make them credible.
I know other reviewers have been very positive in their feedback, so maybe I’m being super picky. But I read this with two buddies and we all felt the same.
My feelings aside, I expect this book will find an appreciative audience, and I wish Bonner every success with it.
September 28, 2023
Helena has the perfect life…married to Edward, the love of her life. He only has one flaw… his mother.
September 18, 2023
I'll start this review by saying that I was so very excited to read the second novel from this author, as I absolutely loved their debut novel back in 2021. So my expectations were set high for this one.
Unfortunately, this didn't live up to the hype that the first book had. Sadly, not by a long shot.
Let's start with the positives: the first half of the book was a real page turner. It had the tension and the mystery to keep you wondering what was going on and you genuinely wanted to keep on reading to ultimately reach that finish line. The characters had the right amound of shadiness to their past that made you want to discover more about them. Especially on the second half of the book, there was one particular character, which I thought could actually have an entire book for themselves.
However, with that being said, and despite the first half of the book being an absolute brilliance, the second half, was an absolute mess. The plot felt all over the place, poorly edited, things that didn't stand and made a lot of the things that happened in the first hald of the book not make sense, loop holes popping left right and centre. It was a lot. One after the other, which made everything feel too farfetched and unbelievable. And sadly, ultimately, by the time you reach the end everything felt so over the top, you didn't even care to reach that finish line anymore.
The saving grace in all of this however is the writing. This is an author I would buy from again, as the writing is so compulsive and good, it did kept me up reading this book till 2am. So that, at least shows me that despite the messiness of the plot, the writing kept you going.
Definitely has it's fair share of twists and turns, and if you don't mind an unbelievable plot and you're a fan of the genre, then definitely include it in your TBR.
Kindly thank you to the publisher for accepting me for an early review copy.
Unfortunately, this didn't live up to the hype that the first book had. Sadly, not by a long shot.
Let's start with the positives: the first half of the book was a real page turner. It had the tension and the mystery to keep you wondering what was going on and you genuinely wanted to keep on reading to ultimately reach that finish line. The characters had the right amound of shadiness to their past that made you want to discover more about them. Especially on the second half of the book, there was one particular character, which I thought could actually have an entire book for themselves.
However, with that being said, and despite the first half of the book being an absolute brilliance, the second half, was an absolute mess. The plot felt all over the place, poorly edited, things that didn't stand and made a lot of the things that happened in the first hald of the book not make sense, loop holes popping left right and centre. It was a lot. One after the other, which made everything feel too farfetched and unbelievable. And sadly, ultimately, by the time you reach the end everything felt so over the top, you didn't even care to reach that finish line anymore.
The saving grace in all of this however is the writing. This is an author I would buy from again, as the writing is so compulsive and good, it did kept me up reading this book till 2am. So that, at least shows me that despite the messiness of the plot, the writing kept you going.
Definitely has it's fair share of twists and turns, and if you don't mind an unbelievable plot and you're a fan of the genre, then definitely include it in your TBR.
Kindly thank you to the publisher for accepting me for an early review copy.
March 28, 2023
4.25⭐️
I loved Her Perfect Twin, so was keen to see what the follow up had to offer.
Helena and Thea have been best friends since school, now separated by a Continent.
Helena dies, supposedly an accident, Thea is not convinced, determined to investigate her friends death. Both women receive the same anonymous notes.
It is told by both Helena and Thea’s points of view, and split time frames.
It has the tropes of toxic family, bad decision making, secrets, and revenge.
I like that it pushes the boundaries of plausibility, it adds excitement. It gets wilder in the second half.
There are characters to love and hate, some I was indifferent too, some are overtly suspicious. I liked Helena, not all of her decision making was sound, but that pales into insignificance as the book progresses.
I have to say that I found the book a wild ride, very imaginative, implausible sounding, but very entertaining. If you can go with the flow I’d recommend it, it has good entertainment value. If you want realistic ( it’s over rated in fiction) I don’t think this one is for you.
I loved Her Perfect Twin, so was keen to see what the follow up had to offer.
Helena and Thea have been best friends since school, now separated by a Continent.
Helena dies, supposedly an accident, Thea is not convinced, determined to investigate her friends death. Both women receive the same anonymous notes.
It is told by both Helena and Thea’s points of view, and split time frames.
It has the tropes of toxic family, bad decision making, secrets, and revenge.
I like that it pushes the boundaries of plausibility, it adds excitement. It gets wilder in the second half.
There are characters to love and hate, some I was indifferent too, some are overtly suspicious. I liked Helena, not all of her decision making was sound, but that pales into insignificance as the book progresses.
I have to say that I found the book a wild ride, very imaginative, implausible sounding, but very entertaining. If you can go with the flow I’d recommend it, it has good entertainment value. If you want realistic ( it’s over rated in fiction) I don’t think this one is for you.
August 15, 2023
Helena is a successful businesswoman and happily married to Edward. Her life would be just about perfect if it weren’t for the pesky secret she’s hiding – and if her mother-in-law wasn’t the proverbial monster-in-law from hell. When Helena dies under suspicious circumstances, it’s labeled a tragic accident. But Helena’s best friend Thea isn’t buying that explanation. She’s certain Helena was murdered, and she’s determined to not only find out who killed Helena, but to exact revenge as well.
I loved Sarah Bonner’s debut “The Perfect Twin”, so I was really excited to read her second novel, but I’m sorry to say this one didn’t quite live up to its predecessor. Although Bonner’s prose is excellent, the pace is uneven. This first half, which is primarily focused on Helena, is a very slow burn with more character development than action. After Helena’s death, the tempo ratchets up with lots of wild (and rather implausible) twists and turns. I was entertained and would read anything Bonner writes in the future, but in the end this one was just too far-fetched for me. If you love a twisty revenge thriller and don’t mind suspending disbelief, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me an advance copy of this book.
I loved Sarah Bonner’s debut “The Perfect Twin”, so I was really excited to read her second novel, but I’m sorry to say this one didn’t quite live up to its predecessor. Although Bonner’s prose is excellent, the pace is uneven. This first half, which is primarily focused on Helena, is a very slow burn with more character development than action. After Helena’s death, the tempo ratchets up with lots of wild (and rather implausible) twists and turns. I was entertained and would read anything Bonner writes in the future, but in the end this one was just too far-fetched for me. If you love a twisty revenge thriller and don’t mind suspending disbelief, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me an advance copy of this book.
November 10, 2023
Writing is good but the plot is somehow predictable.
Read
September 5, 2023While I absolutely loved Bonner’s debut, this one was a DNF. I stopped reading at page 114 as it could not capture my attention. I really wanted to love it but it just wasn’t for me.
February 17, 2023
What a waste of time!
I really really disliked this book!
I couldn't get into it straight away, but decided to stick with it anyway - but wish I hadn't. The plot was boring, the characters were incredibly one dimensional and unlikeable (I'm surprised this book was written by a woman, as the women characters were just so robotic - never thought a woman could write about another woman like that!)
Just couldn't enjoy this - do not recommend.
I really really disliked this book!
I couldn't get into it straight away, but decided to stick with it anyway - but wish I hadn't. The plot was boring, the characters were incredibly one dimensional and unlikeable (I'm surprised this book was written by a woman, as the women characters were just so robotic - never thought a woman could write about another woman like that!)
Just couldn't enjoy this - do not recommend.
April 25, 2023
Two women receive an anonymous note. For one it's a threat. For the other it's an invitation for revenge.
Helena is beautiful, successful, and living in married bliss in Exeter. But she's hiding a secret that could tear her perfect life apart.
Thea is reeling from her best friend Helena's death. But when she starts digging into the circumstances, she receives a threatening note warning her to stop. She knows her friend's death wasn't an accident.
This was such quick twisty read. I really enjoyed The Perfect Twin last year, but I loved this one more. This is one of those thrillers you just can’t put down. Full of mystery and intrigue it will keep you guessing to the end.
❤️ Thanks to @hodderbooks @netgalley for a #gifted advanced reading copy.
Helena is beautiful, successful, and living in married bliss in Exeter. But she's hiding a secret that could tear her perfect life apart.
Thea is reeling from her best friend Helena's death. But when she starts digging into the circumstances, she receives a threatening note warning her to stop. She knows her friend's death wasn't an accident.
This was such quick twisty read. I really enjoyed The Perfect Twin last year, but I loved this one more. This is one of those thrillers you just can’t put down. Full of mystery and intrigue it will keep you guessing to the end.
❤️ Thanks to @hodderbooks @netgalley for a #gifted advanced reading copy.
September 11, 2023
This book was a wild ride. Nothing is like it seems. 2018: Helena is hiding a huge secret but someone has found out about it. They are threatening to reveal it all and Helena doesn't know what to do. At the same time she has to contend with her evil mother in law Geraldine.
Fast forward to 2022: Thea is determined to find out what really happened to her best friend.
This story was told in dual timelines and from multiple perspectives. I loved the slow reveal on this book. I won’t give too much away but I will say, I didn't like Helena’s husband Edward. He was so weak and unwilling to stand up to his mother, which was the catalyst for everything that happened.
I really liked this book and would recommend that you read the physical copy so you don't lose track of the characters.
Fast forward to 2022: Thea is determined to find out what really happened to her best friend.
This story was told in dual timelines and from multiple perspectives. I loved the slow reveal on this book. I won’t give too much away but I will say, I didn't like Helena’s husband Edward. He was so weak and unwilling to stand up to his mother, which was the catalyst for everything that happened.
I really liked this book and would recommend that you read the physical copy so you don't lose track of the characters.
September 5, 2023
Sarah's first book Her Perfect Twin was brilliant and Sarah has done it again with this book. Outstanding book which I couldnt stop reading and thinking about. There is twist and turns, secrets , lies and blackmail. Just like the title says its also about revenge. So many unlikeable characters . Im not going to say too much because I believe you should go in blind like I did. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
February 4, 2024
Excellent twisty plotting, but could I recommend that the author uses someone other than her mum to do the proofreading?!
February 25, 2023
Oh my goodness. This book!! Thank you @netgalley @hodderbooks and @sarahbonner101 for the ARC e book of her sweet revenge.
This is the first book I've read from this author and its keep me on the edge of my seat. Whilst there was a certain character that made me feel on edge but I did not guess any of twists that came. I fell in love with Helena and Thea's friendship and I loved Thea as a character in general.
This is an easy 5 star book as I desperately needed to find out how everything linked.
Thank you to the publisher @hodderbooks and @netgalley for my advance copy in exchange for the honest review.
This book come out April 6th and every mystery reader should most definitely read it.
#booksbooksbooks #booknerd #booksforever #bookrecommendations #booksaremylife #netgalley #newtonetgalley #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreads #newbook #HerSweetRevenge #ihaveabigbookproblem #ilikebigbooks #iwanttoread #iamabookworm #ihaveanetgalleyproblem #thrillerbookstagram #thriller #mysteryreader #mysteryreads
This is the first book I've read from this author and its keep me on the edge of my seat. Whilst there was a certain character that made me feel on edge but I did not guess any of twists that came. I fell in love with Helena and Thea's friendship and I loved Thea as a character in general.
This is an easy 5 star book as I desperately needed to find out how everything linked.
Thank you to the publisher @hodderbooks and @netgalley for my advance copy in exchange for the honest review.
This book come out April 6th and every mystery reader should most definitely read it.
#booksbooksbooks #booknerd #booksforever #bookrecommendations #booksaremylife #netgalley #newtonetgalley #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreads #newbook #HerSweetRevenge #ihaveabigbookproblem #ilikebigbooks #iwanttoread #iamabookworm #ihaveanetgalleyproblem #thrillerbookstagram #thriller #mysteryreader #mysteryreads
February 23, 2023
What a tangled web this book is, anonymous threatening letters and blackmail are making Helena's life miserable, her secret she's kept from her husband has been discovered and someone wants to make her pay. 4 years later her friend Thea wants to discover the truth about what happened to Helena. And revenge as they say is a dish best served cold.
This was an enticing read, I read it over a couple of days and only put it down when real life got in the way. Many twists and turns make this an ideal psychological thriller. I'm sure it will be as successful as Ms Bonners first book
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the advcopy for which I'm under no obligation to review
This was an enticing read, I read it over a couple of days and only put it down when real life got in the way. Many twists and turns make this an ideal psychological thriller. I'm sure it will be as successful as Ms Bonners first book
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the advcopy for which I'm under no obligation to review
September 21, 2023
I want to express my gratitude to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this captivating book. This was more than just a read; it was an immersive experience. I embarked on this literary journey alongside my friend Lily, and together, we were spellbound from start to finish.
The story begins with the seemingly perfect life of an influencer, but as the pages turned, the illusion crumbled, leaving me with a sense of melancholy. However, this is a testament to the author's skill in crafting a narrative that keeps you hooked, desperate for answers.
This book is a true page-turner, filled with twists and turns that leave you guessing at every corner. It's a masterclass in suspense, as secrets unravel and mysteries deepen. The beauty of this story lies in its ability to keep you on your toes, even when you think you have it all figured out.
Trust becomes a rare commodity in this tale. The characters are intricately woven into a web of deception, making it impossible to discern who is genuine and who is not. This uncertainty adds layers of intrigue to an already gripping narrative.
In the end, while the story may not have unfolded as I initially hoped, it undeniably delivered a riveting and twisty plot that left me in awe. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Kudos to the author for an enthralling read.
The story begins with the seemingly perfect life of an influencer, but as the pages turned, the illusion crumbled, leaving me with a sense of melancholy. However, this is a testament to the author's skill in crafting a narrative that keeps you hooked, desperate for answers.
This book is a true page-turner, filled with twists and turns that leave you guessing at every corner. It's a masterclass in suspense, as secrets unravel and mysteries deepen. The beauty of this story lies in its ability to keep you on your toes, even when you think you have it all figured out.
Trust becomes a rare commodity in this tale. The characters are intricately woven into a web of deception, making it impossible to discern who is genuine and who is not. This uncertainty adds layers of intrigue to an already gripping narrative.
In the end, while the story may not have unfolded as I initially hoped, it undeniably delivered a riveting and twisty plot that left me in awe. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Kudos to the author for an enthralling read.
December 19, 2023
Some very good twists, on twists, on top of twists!
April 8, 2023
So this was definitely a book of 3 separate thirds for me. The first third had me super intrigued, the middle was much slower and a bit drawn out and the end was extremely twisty.
If you like a totally twisty ending, this one is definitely for you!
We have lots of interesting characters here and they made for a fun read. Whilst I guessed one of the twists fairly early on it didn’t disturb my overall reading enjoyment too much.
I wish I’d connected to the characters a bit more but perhaps that was the point! They all had secrets and once those all came unravelling it was hard to actually like any of our main 3! 😂
Over all a solid thriller/ mystery with an enjoyable premise.
Thank you so much to @hodderbooks for my advanced copy. Her Sweet Revenge is available now.
If you like a totally twisty ending, this one is definitely for you!
We have lots of interesting characters here and they made for a fun read. Whilst I guessed one of the twists fairly early on it didn’t disturb my overall reading enjoyment too much.
I wish I’d connected to the characters a bit more but perhaps that was the point! They all had secrets and once those all came unravelling it was hard to actually like any of our main 3! 😂
Over all a solid thriller/ mystery with an enjoyable premise.
Thank you so much to @hodderbooks for my advanced copy. Her Sweet Revenge is available now.
February 5, 2023
Revenge served straight up no chaser! Toxic mother in law, dead bestie, amateur sleuthing, the rich are not like us, it’s all here. A solid thriller that improves upon the promise shown in Ms Bonner’s debut, this one was so much fun it makes this author an auto-read! Five twisty stars.
April 16, 2023
Whilst I enjoyed the concept, I'd guessed something really early on. Then as the book progressed there were more viewpoints thrown in, which at times felt a little muddled. Then the ending didn't wow me either.
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