711 reviews for:

The Swap

Robyn Harding

3.52 AVERAGE


This book fell flat for me. It wasn’t what I expected originally, but I also wouldn’t classify it as a “thriller” as nothing particularly thrilling happened. It was a decent read but isn’t really memorable at the end of the day.

In this domestic thriller, two couples decide to swap partners for an evening, thinking it would just be innocent fun between consenting adults. Of course, everything that can go wrong does. Mix in a teenage misfit who has formed a friendship with one of the women and a work relationship with the other and things go from bad to worse. Great characters, even the ones I wanted to slap, and an interesting, twisty plot. Another good novel from this author. 4.25/5 stars.

Listened to this on audio all in one day while traveling, and it was SO fun! I enjoyed Robyn Harding’s last book, The Arrangement, but saw the flaws and knew it wasn’t a well crafted book. This was the same way. A good domestic thriller with scandals and so much drama!!!! Not a literary masterpiece by any means, but it had me intrigued the whole time.

Well, that was weird

I don't know if I have ever read a book where every character is twisted. haha.. YIKES!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

If I wasn't using this book to complete a prompt for a reading challenge, I likely would have put it down midway. The characters were really unlikeable and I just didn't feel like Freya was written in way that made me understand everyone's obsession with her. There were some decent twists and turns, even if they were a bit predictable. This was my first Robyn Harding book, but I would consider checking out others based on other reviews that I have read.  

This is my 3rd book by Harding and I’m so impressed that she keeps giving us unique stories. Doesn’t hurt that they always include such a juicy topic too! While this isn’t my favorite of hers I still would consider it a binge worthily summer read. The Arrangement still stands as my favorite.

I think I expected the story to be a little juicier than it was. I also didn’t find a lot of value in the male POVs and think it could have been kept out of the narrative. The females in the story were a little whiny for my taste as well. It was hard to like or root for any of them.

I’ll continue to read whatever Harding gives us and the reviews are stellar for this one so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.

This was my first [a:Robyn Harding|344233|Robyn Harding|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1483310153p2/344233.jpg] novel, and I can see why this author has a reputation for writing really good, shocking thrillers. I was on edge, emotionally, for most of [b:The Swap|48805365|The Swap|Robyn Harding|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573748689l/48805365._SY75_.jpg|74187672]. It was so compelling that I finished the first two-thirds of the novel on the same day I started it. I'll definitely check out more from this author in the future.
fast-paced

The Swap by Robyn Harding captivated me from the very first chapter. It's a page turner at its finest and kept me reading well into the night. The first chapter introduces Low, a seventeen year old girl seeking acceptance while dealing with her polyamorous family and being an outcast amongst her peers.. Freya is a former instagram influencer with a knack for bending others' will in her direction. The relationship between Low and Freya is obsessive and stalkerish, and it bothered me because it happens...this could be real life.

Freya allows Low to spend a lot of time with her at her pottery studio offering free lessons. Low feels like Freya is the only person that "gets" her. Meanwhile, Freya meets Jamie and they become fast friends, they are similar in age, both married and seem to click. Their budding friendship annoys Low since it's directly impacting her time with Freya.

After a couples night together where they share some drugs, Freya suggests that the couples swap spouses. AND it all goes down from there! All women want to share their husband's right? The couples don't have clear memories of what went on but maybe a certain stalker does.

This book was gripping because I can see it happening. I've known some couples that do this type of thing. I think Robyn Harding handles some delicate situations very well while still keeping the story thrilling!

I did not love Freya but i think Harding meant for me to feel that way. Although I didn't love Low's behaviors, I felt sorry for her. The other friend Jamie, I empathized with her. The spouses were okay, certainly not perfect but likable. Overall, the characters are well done, the atmosphere was perfect!

This was a 4 out of 5 star read for me and now I am off to find some more of Harding's books because this one was that good! Happy reading!!!

Thank you to @Netgalley and @Gallerybooks for an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.