My review
This is one of the most difficult reviews I would have probably written. The book was so different, gruesome in places that I had no idea of what I was reading. The story started innocently enough about a not so successful author Pippa opening the door for the ex-criminal salesman, Ryan/Gary, and then putting forth a proposal to him – his life story for 200 bucks. Then came obsession with Pippa, stalking, ultimately death.
The first line from the book
The first thing you should know, dear reader, is that I am dead…
My first book by S. E. Lynes, and I am not sure what I felt about this book. Pippa was totally unreliable, she destroyed every good thing in her life. I thought she liked when Ryan became obsessed with her. Ryan, on the other hand, had his own dark secret. I felt both the characters were damaged enough that they deserved each other.
The narration of the book was in three formats, blog posts, audio excerpt by Ryan, and Pippa’s journal entry – a unique concept.
My niggles are just that I didn’t like the book, I couldn’t connect with the characters, their emotions, their darkness. I felt I lived so far away from them in a land of sanity. The darkness pervaded too much!!
The book was fascinating, the reason I say this is though I didn’t like anything, I couldn’t put it down. Sometimes things can be so gross, that one had to know how this ended. I read this in one breath with widening eyes and thumping heart!! No more of such stories!!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bookouture, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating : 3 stars
About the Author
Book blurb
Teacher Pippa wants a second chance. Recently divorced and unhappy at work, she uproots her life and moves to the countryside, determined to make a fresh start. But Pippa soon realises: your troubles are never far behind.
When Pippa meets blue-eyed Ryan Marks, he is funny and charming. He is haunted by his past – but insists he is a changed man.
He might just be the answer to all of her problems. And Pippa can tell the truth from lies. She’d know if she were in danger. Wouldn’t she?
Product Details
Publication date : 21st September, 2018
Publisher : Bookouture
43 Responses
Great review Shalini !! I am halfway through this one
Thanks Chloe… I hope you enjoy it more than I did
Sounds like the characters were tortured by their past… which can be very difficult to read about!
And their present Robbie… Very difficult
Sorry this one didn’t work out for you, Shalini. I do agree with you about Pippa though. Her character unraveled fast. This ended up being much darker than I thought it would be too though I kinda liked it 🙂 If you decide to check out another book by Lynes, I’d recommend Valentina.
I have been hearing good things about Valentina…. Going to amazon right now
While I usually tend to like dark things, this one sounds especially dark and pretty destructive too. Don’t know if I have the right mindset to really read something like this right now. While I like the pretty unique concept of it, I think I will pass on this for now. Wonderful review as always though Shalini😘
This was not my cup of tea… I got disturbed, read another easy book after this Michel to prevent my mind getting unraveled.. Sighhhh… Onward and forward to better books
Yeah…understandable. Pretty much the exact same reason why I am giving this a pass. Hopefully you will find some better books Shalini…mean that. Take care okay? 😘❤️😊
I will… Don’t worry!! ❤️❤️
I always worry 😊
Great review, Shalini. This sounds like a book I’ll have to try.
Try and let me know…
I felt I lived so far away from them in a land of sanity….and thank goodness for that!!!! Wow. I guess it’s like those horrible accidents that people don’t really want to see but can’t stop actually looking at.
Exactly!!!! This is what I meant… Omg omg cozy babe, you got it❤️
Lol
That’s too bad to hear. But you have a great review nonetheless.
I love the different formats the author gives though.
Thank you… You are right. Just was a little dark for me
Interesting book. One I think I will stay away from though, because it sounds a little too dark. Great review, as always ❤😍😘
Very dark… I read a cute book after that to counter 😂😂♥️♥️😘
Now I almost want to read this…great review!
Go for it!! I hope you live it
Love it* my phone hates love, autocorrects it to live
This intrigues me – but I am rather squeamish and don’t like gruesome images in my head. I appreciate your difficulty and skill in writing this review – I find these the hardest to write.
I agree…. I didn’t know what to say initially. Luckily some words could traverse my brain… Sighhh
wow, that’s an interesting story. i don’t think i’ll ever read it though. I’m glad you read it and shared it here. the synopsis doesn’t sound creepy at all.
I agree Jina, this was a difficult read for me too…
Interesting that you couldn’t put the book down, Shalini, and yet didn’t like it. It’s tough to read books where the characters are unrelatable (probably a good thing in this case if they’re so damaged). I like a bit of redemption in my reads, and it sounds like this book didn’t have much of that.
No there was death… Which can be considered as redemption… Not my kind of read. Didn’t really know it would be so dark from the blurb…
Hi Shalini!! I’m still healing. 🤦🏽♀️
Excellent review, Shalini. I’m sorry it was too dark for you. I probably wouldn’t be able to get through it.
Hahaha don’t give me that… You read that dark child book… Forgot name but the title had tooth in it… Baby tooth?? So this is right up your alley
😂😂 Baby Teeth. Yes. It was dark, but for some reason I don’t think it was as bad as the one you were reading.
Here adults kill each other, there the baby harasses and is scary – come on, get with it… Which is scarier – yours!!! Verdict done… Laurie babes you read scary books
I don’t know. That baby was crazy, but she didn’t actually kill anyone. She did try though. Hmm…🤔 Okay, you win. 😂
Hahaha… I knew it😘😘
Thank you Shalini.
Now that I have done three book reviews, the urge to read yours is strong. I want to take some cues from your reviews which I rate very high. Probably I will succeed in the next review
You should not take cues from my reviews but write your own in your own style..
Sure. Thank you Shalini
No there was death… Which can be considered as redemption… Not my kind of read. Didn’t really know it would be so dark from the blurb…
Great review
Thanks Ayushi ❤️
Great review Shalini. I would not have suspected it would be so dark either. I don’t think this one is for me.
Thanks Carla. Yp it was very dark at least I wasn’t in a mental frame to read a dark book. H