Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (4353)

Content

Merissa (12934 KP) rated End Of Normal in Books

Dec 17, 2018

I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.

Olivia starts the day as an average teen, worrying about boys and pushing the boundaries her parents have given her - the 'skinnyness' of her jeans in this instance. It's a normal day at school and the evening looks to be like one of many. However, there is a beautiful meteor shower which draws the attention of everyone and that is when the nightmare begins.

This tale is cleverly woven using the right amount of teenage angst and general panic that you imagine would ensue in situation like this. I know that I probably wouldn't just shrug my shoulders and say "Oh well"! This is a Young Adult so everything in it is 'gentle' and consists of kisses and cuddles, nothing more although this is not a problem for me. Something that happens not long after chaos descends surprised me, enough so that it brought tears to my eyes. I cannot allow myself to believe that that part is done although I am concerned about a possible triangle in the future (I don't like them!) if what I want to believe is true. This was not the end of the shocks reading this book as they come one after the other.

The writing will take you along as it weaves and twists its tale. S.C. Arscott has done an amazing job with her story and the characters. They are not perfect, they have their flaws, but they are strong and consistent. The tale is only beginning so I recommend you read this one and then start waiting impatiently for the story to continue.

Kudos

MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The New Husband in Books

Jan 22, 2020 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)

The New Husband

D.J. Palmer | 2020 | Thriller

7.7

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

Having read and enjoyed the author's previous book, Saving Meghan, I was pretty excited about this one - and I wasn't disappointed. The New Husband is completely different from Saving Meghan, but just as twisted.

The first half of this book is somewhat of a slow burn....and then about halfway through - BAM! - we're hit with a reveal that changes everything and has me saying "Wait, what?? Hold on a sec..." and flipping back a couple of pages to make sure I'd gotten it right. From there it's a disturbing, non-stop ride to the twisty end.

Some quick character impressions:
Nina: Most of the time, I wanted to grab Nina by the shoulders, shake her, and tell her to get her mental shit together so she could see what was going on. The amount of gaslighting that goes on - that she accepts! - is mind-blowing.

Simon: I had an immediate, almost visceral reaction to Simon. The minute he appeared on the page, I was like ugh, this guy - and not once throughout the story did that opinion change.

Maggie: Oh, Maggie. The true hero of this story. I wanted so badly for Nina to believe the things Maggie was bringing to her attention.

Connor: I would have liked to have seen Connor support his sister, rather than immediately assuming she was just being "dramatic."

As the reader, your best bet is to go into this one as blind as you can so you can enjoy it for what it is - a crazy ride of a psychological thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!