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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
The Baby Shower was an easy, drama-filled read that sucks you in, as satisfying as binging reality TV. The story follows a hardworking couple, Jane and Frankie, as they navigate some unexpected challenges in their lives and relationship. There is a new member of Jane's friend group that she isn't altogether thrilled about, especially as the new girl seems to be monopolizing the time and energy of Jane's best friend. Frankie struggles with jealousy in his own group of guys and comes up with a plan to boost his ego a little. A plan that has unexpected consequences. Things quickly spiral out of control, and what was once a loving relationship, becomes fraught with lies and secrets.
I related to Frankie's self-doubt and paranoia, as she struggled to figure out if she was in the wrong or if this new girl was out to get her. It was an interesting reflection on what friendship is - and what it is not - and how to stand up for yourself. This was a book I was able to predict the ending accurately, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of it.
I related to Frankie's self-doubt and paranoia, as she struggled to figure out if she was in the wrong or if this new girl was out to get her. It was an interesting reflection on what friendship is - and what it is not - and how to stand up for yourself. This was a book I was able to predict the ending accurately, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of it.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great thriller read exploring toxic female friendships.
Bestie bust-ups - we’ve all been there. They hurt, don’t they? Because they aren’t romantic in nature, they are considered pain free causing society to put pressure on us women to move on and get over it already! Lynes writes to show us why they cause so much emotional strife and pain.
S. E. Lynes drew her inspiration from alt-pop music artist James Blake’s newest album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart,’ that explores the grief accompanying waning friendships. The author explored why petty aggression from a friend is so difficult to handle and what it takes to get a friendship to the breaking point. In doing so, she examines her protagonist’s formative years to show readers the perfect environment that leads to Jane’s victimhood. She also highlights how learning to stand up to adult bullying, stand up for herself and accept her circumstances is important for Jane’s personal growth. The audience sees more than Sophie does and it enrages them, thereby propelling the plot. We all want vindication and we want to see justice served.
Lynes also examines the effects of materialism on relationships and questions whether a true friend could be able to like or love someone without judgment or demands. You’ll read about the true cost of an extravagant self-purchase and conclude, beyond a doubt, that it wasn’t worth the heartache it caused.
This psychological thriller highlights female rivalry and deception caused when one or more of the group feels it can’t compete with the status quo…in this case, pregnancy. The fearsome foursome’s claws come out when motherhood isn’t achievable for all.
I appreciate the twists and turns in Lynes plots and always look forward to a nail-biting read. Although this one was a little close for comfort, it still gripped me and I needed to frantically turn pages to find out what would happen next. I am always confident that Lynes will entertain me, pose thought-provoking scenarios, write relatable characters facing relatable issues and leave me hungry for her next read.
I was gifted this advance copy by S. E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Merged review:
Bestie bust-ups - we’ve all been there. They hurt, don’t they? Because they aren’t romantic in nature, they are considered pain free causing society to put pressure on us women to move on and get over it already! Lynes writes to show us why they cause so much emotional strife and pain.
S. E. Lynes drew her inspiration from alt-pop music artist James Blake’s newest album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart,’ that explores the grief accompanying waning friendships. The author explored why petty aggression from a friend is so difficult to handle and what it takes to get a friendship to the breaking point. In doing so, she examines her protagonist’s formative years to show readers the perfect environment that leads to Jane’s victimhood. She also highlights how learning to stand up to adult bullying, stand up for herself and accept her circumstances is important for Jane’s personal growth. The audience sees more than Sophie does and it enrages them, thereby propelling the plot. We all want vindication and we want to see justice served.
Lynes also examines the effects of materialism on relationships and questions whether a true friend could be able to like or love someone without judgment or demands. You’ll read about the true cost of an extravagant self-purchase and conclude, beyond a doubt, that it wasn’t worth the heartache it caused.
This psychological thriller highlights female rivalry and deception caused when one or more of the group feels it can’t compete with the status quo…in this case, pregnancy. The fearsome foursome’s claws come out when motherhood isn’t achievable for all.
I appreciate the twists and turns in Lynes plots and always look forward to a nail-biting read. Although this one was a little close for comfort, it still gripped me and I needed to frantically turn pages to find out what would happen next. I am always confident that Lynes will entertain me, pose thought-provoking scenarios, write relatable characters facing relatable issues and leave me hungry for her next read.
I was gifted this advance copy by S. E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
S. E. Lynes drew her inspiration from alt-pop music artist James Blake’s newest album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart,’ that explores the grief accompanying waning friendships. The author explored why petty aggression from a friend is so difficult to handle and what it takes to get a friendship to the breaking point. In doing so, she examines her protagonist’s formative years to show readers the perfect environment that leads to Jane’s victimhood. She also highlights how learning to stand up to adult bullying, stand up for herself and accept her circumstances is important for Jane’s personal growth. The audience sees more than Sophie does and it enrages them, thereby propelling the plot. We all want vindication and we want to see justice served.
Lynes also examines the effects of materialism on relationships and questions whether a true friend could be able to like or love someone without judgment or demands. You’ll read about the true cost of an extravagant self-purchase and conclude, beyond a doubt, that it wasn’t worth the heartache it caused.
This psychological thriller highlights female rivalry and deception caused when one or more of the group feels it can’t compete with the status quo…in this case, pregnancy. The fearsome foursome’s claws come out when motherhood isn’t achievable for all.
I appreciate the twists and turns in Lynes plots and always look forward to a nail-biting read. Although this one was a little close for comfort, it still gripped me and I needed to frantically turn pages to find out what would happen next. I am always confident that Lynes will entertain me, pose thought-provoking scenarios, write relatable characters facing relatable issues and leave me hungry for her next read.
I was gifted this advance copy by S. E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Merged review:
Bestie bust-ups - we’ve all been there. They hurt, don’t they? Because they aren’t romantic in nature, they are considered pain free causing society to put pressure on us women to move on and get over it already! Lynes writes to show us why they cause so much emotional strife and pain.
S. E. Lynes drew her inspiration from alt-pop music artist James Blake’s newest album, ‘Friends That Break Your Heart,’ that explores the grief accompanying waning friendships. The author explored why petty aggression from a friend is so difficult to handle and what it takes to get a friendship to the breaking point. In doing so, she examines her protagonist’s formative years to show readers the perfect environment that leads to Jane’s victimhood. She also highlights how learning to stand up to adult bullying, stand up for herself and accept her circumstances is important for Jane’s personal growth. The audience sees more than Sophie does and it enrages them, thereby propelling the plot. We all want vindication and we want to see justice served.
Lynes also examines the effects of materialism on relationships and questions whether a true friend could be able to like or love someone without judgment or demands. You’ll read about the true cost of an extravagant self-purchase and conclude, beyond a doubt, that it wasn’t worth the heartache it caused.
This psychological thriller highlights female rivalry and deception caused when one or more of the group feels it can’t compete with the status quo…in this case, pregnancy. The fearsome foursome’s claws come out when motherhood isn’t achievable for all.
I appreciate the twists and turns in Lynes plots and always look forward to a nail-biting read. Although this one was a little close for comfort, it still gripped me and I needed to frantically turn pages to find out what would happen next. I am always confident that Lynes will entertain me, pose thought-provoking scenarios, write relatable characters facing relatable issues and leave me hungry for her next read.
I was gifted this advance copy by S. E. Lynes, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Jane Preston lead a simple life. She has a loving husband, close friends, and own a successful café. That is until Lexie Lane barges her way into the friend group that Jane holds so dear. As Lexie begins to split the group up, Frankie (Jane's husband) becomes distant from her. Jane's simple life slowly starts to unravel in front of her eye, but something about Lexie doesn't feel right. Jane will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of what is going on Lexie, and win both her husband and friends back.
This fast paced thriller was exactly what I needed. Creepy, twisted, and brilliant! Go pick up a copy of The Baby Shower today!
I want to thank Netgalley, and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This fast paced thriller was exactly what I needed. Creepy, twisted, and brilliant! Go pick up a copy of The Baby Shower today!
I want to thank Netgalley, and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Jane and Sophie are best friends with a great relationship. However, Sophie soon meets Lexie and, before long, Sophie and Lexie seemingly have no room for Jane. In fact, things soon become toxic. Then there is the fact that both Sophie and Lexie are now pregnant, which is something that Jane desperately has wanted but it just has not happened, even with fertility treatments.
Reluctantly, Jane agrees to attend a lavish dual baby shower for Sophie and Lexie. This really hurts Jane but she does want to support Sophie. From the start, however, Lexie clearly does not like Jane and makes her feel uncomfortable at every turn. There is clearly a case of adult bullying with how Lexie treats Jane and this leads to eroding the relationship between Jane and Sophie. Jane can see right through Lexie - Sophie, not so much.
While at the exclusive baby shower, Jane discovers that Lexie is not pregnant. While trying to decide how to handle this shocking discovery, another plot is being sharply developed in this gripping story. This plot actually involves Jane’s husband Frank and how he actually crossed paths with Lexie. This brings on an extra layer to an already engaging read.
While there is an air of predictability in this story, it does not lessen the intensity this story so sharply delivers. Instead, the need to see how everything will work out was more than enough to make this book impossible to put down. While this book does touch on some sensitive, possibly triggering subjects, they are handled with serious consideration making this book utterly compelling read.
With surprising twists and turns, drama delivered in both past and present tense, The Baby Shower kept me riveted from beginning to end. Kudos to Ms. Lynes for delivering a multi-layered story that did not shy away from serious topics.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Reluctantly, Jane agrees to attend a lavish dual baby shower for Sophie and Lexie. This really hurts Jane but she does want to support Sophie. From the start, however, Lexie clearly does not like Jane and makes her feel uncomfortable at every turn. There is clearly a case of adult bullying with how Lexie treats Jane and this leads to eroding the relationship between Jane and Sophie. Jane can see right through Lexie - Sophie, not so much.
While at the exclusive baby shower, Jane discovers that Lexie is not pregnant. While trying to decide how to handle this shocking discovery, another plot is being sharply developed in this gripping story. This plot actually involves Jane’s husband Frank and how he actually crossed paths with Lexie. This brings on an extra layer to an already engaging read.
While there is an air of predictability in this story, it does not lessen the intensity this story so sharply delivers. Instead, the need to see how everything will work out was more than enough to make this book impossible to put down. While this book does touch on some sensitive, possibly triggering subjects, they are handled with serious consideration making this book utterly compelling read.
With surprising twists and turns, drama delivered in both past and present tense, The Baby Shower kept me riveted from beginning to end. Kudos to Ms. Lynes for delivering a multi-layered story that did not shy away from serious topics.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity.
I will include a few content warnings at the end of the review in case anyone would like to go into this book completely blind and not see them.
Despite seeing the big twist in this thriller very early, I still enjoyed the reading experience. If you have ever had a close friend become friends with someone else and seem to be getting very close to that new person, you will relate to the main character in this book. Jane tries her best to be cordial to her friend, Sophie’s, new friend but everything she does seems to backfire on her.
When it seems like newcomer, Lexie, isn’t the person everyone thinks she is, Jane is put in a tough spot. Does she try to talk to Sophie about it? Or would that just make her seem like a jealous friend? I think the author handle what Jane is going through really well in this book.
There are also a lot of other conversations this book manages to bring in very naturally that don’t talked about a lot so it was nice seeing characters dealing with those issues.
This book is very British. So for someone who is not super familiar with some of the slang, it was hard for me to get into this book. But once I got into it, it was fine. Just keep that in mind if you are finding some of the conversations between characters strange.
All in all, I would consider this a slightly above average thriller. It isn’t the craziest thing I have ever read. There are several small twists that I did not see coming that kept me entertained while reading and the very short chapters make this book hard to stop reading. I would read other books by this author.
****Content warnings include fertility issues, miscarriage, sexual assault.
I will include a few content warnings at the end of the review in case anyone would like to go into this book completely blind and not see them.
Despite seeing the big twist in this thriller very early, I still enjoyed the reading experience. If you have ever had a close friend become friends with someone else and seem to be getting very close to that new person, you will relate to the main character in this book. Jane tries her best to be cordial to her friend, Sophie’s, new friend but everything she does seems to backfire on her.
When it seems like newcomer, Lexie, isn’t the person everyone thinks she is, Jane is put in a tough spot. Does she try to talk to Sophie about it? Or would that just make her seem like a jealous friend? I think the author handle what Jane is going through really well in this book.
There are also a lot of other conversations this book manages to bring in very naturally that don’t talked about a lot so it was nice seeing characters dealing with those issues.
This book is very British. So for someone who is not super familiar with some of the slang, it was hard for me to get into this book. But once I got into it, it was fine. Just keep that in mind if you are finding some of the conversations between characters strange.
All in all, I would consider this a slightly above average thriller. It isn’t the craziest thing I have ever read. There are several small twists that I did not see coming that kept me entertained while reading and the very short chapters make this book hard to stop reading. I would read other books by this author.
****Content warnings include fertility issues, miscarriage, sexual assault.
The Baby Shower was such an intense read, I was thoroughly gripped from start to finish. It gave me all the emotions going, from happy to sad to anger to irate in places.
I really felt for Jane, not only because of her fertility problems but Wow! She went through a lot in this book. I did guess what had happened with her husband as soon as it happened, and I praise the author for this because we all need to be aware that this happens and is happening a lot more at the moment.
I felt that I was living Jane’s life and I had to release after reading for the evening by telling my husband what had happened.
The twists later on…OMG, I didn’t see them coming at all!
This was an awesome book, if you like psychological thrillers you will absolutely love The Baby Shower.
I really felt for Jane, not only because of her fertility problems but Wow! She went through a lot in this book. I did guess what had happened with her husband as soon as it happened, and I praise the author for this because we all need to be aware that this happens and is happening a lot more at the moment.
I felt that I was living Jane’s life and I had to release after reading for the evening by telling my husband what had happened.
The twists later on…OMG, I didn’t see them coming at all!
This was an awesome book, if you like psychological thrillers you will absolutely love The Baby Shower.
I have never read anything from SE Lynes before this instant. So this book allowed me to get a peek into her work and know what to expect from many of the other thrillers that the author has written and I was impressed by what I read.
Jane Preston has a good life. She has a loving husband, a group of great friends and a cozy coffee shop in a London suburb. Enter Lexie. Lexie is determined to undermine Jane and punish her for seemingly no reason. Driving a wedge between Jane and her friends, Lexie seems have turned Jane into an outcast in the friend circle that she has spent years building. All the mindless manipulation is starting to get to Jane. If only it had ended there. But it didn't! In the interest of not giving away any spoilers, all I wanna say is that Jane is not the only one being manipulated in the story.
Jane's character is quite well developed. But what I liked even more was how her relationships with other supporting characters were developed. You can see how much each character means to her and since the story is almost completely from Jane's POV, it clearly helps in connecting with her thought process. You can see that she is a people-pleaser and there are times during the plot, when someone like me, who basically could not care less about what people think of me, would want to bang their head against wall or just shake Jane in the hopes of putting some sense into her.
When I read the title, I thought this story might have more to do with motherhood, and while it does have some elements of motherhood in it, its primary focus is on toxic platonic relationships. What I also liked was the author's focus on how there are a lot of stories of romantic breakups, but not as many stories of platonic breakups, even though they suck just as much or perhaps even more. How many of us have had flimsy friendships throughout our lives? How many stories have we read that focus primarily on the pain of losing a friend or the pain of being cut off from their lives with no explanation whatsoever? Not many. I think, this fact alone, makes the plot beckoning to a reader.
Now why the 5 starts, you might ask? What makes this worthy of 5 stars? The pace and the drama. Because of multiple ongoing manipulation schemes, it's hard to put the book down for someone who likes the drama. As I read about different characters being sucked into exploitation, I wanted to scream my head off. We tend to think that adults cannot be bullied. But this book will make you think twice before you make such an assertion.
The story is enticing and will keep you hooked at all times. A highly recommended story. Thanks to Bookouture & NetGalley for the ARC.
#TheBabyShower #NetGalley
Jane Preston has a good life. She has a loving husband, a group of great friends and a cozy coffee shop in a London suburb. Enter Lexie. Lexie is determined to undermine Jane and punish her for seemingly no reason. Driving a wedge between Jane and her friends, Lexie seems have turned Jane into an outcast in the friend circle that she has spent years building. All the mindless manipulation is starting to get to Jane. If only it had ended there. But it didn't! In the interest of not giving away any spoilers, all I wanna say is that Jane is not the only one being manipulated in the story.
Jane's character is quite well developed. But what I liked even more was how her relationships with other supporting characters were developed. You can see how much each character means to her and since the story is almost completely from Jane's POV, it clearly helps in connecting with her thought process. You can see that she is a people-pleaser and there are times during the plot, when someone like me, who basically could not care less about what people think of me, would want to bang their head against wall or just shake Jane in the hopes of putting some sense into her.
When I read the title, I thought this story might have more to do with motherhood, and while it does have some elements of motherhood in it, its primary focus is on toxic platonic relationships. What I also liked was the author's focus on how there are a lot of stories of romantic breakups, but not as many stories of platonic breakups, even though they suck just as much or perhaps even more. How many of us have had flimsy friendships throughout our lives? How many stories have we read that focus primarily on the pain of losing a friend or the pain of being cut off from their lives with no explanation whatsoever? Not many. I think, this fact alone, makes the plot beckoning to a reader.
Now why the 5 starts, you might ask? What makes this worthy of 5 stars? The pace and the drama. Because of multiple ongoing manipulation schemes, it's hard to put the book down for someone who likes the drama. As I read about different characters being sucked into exploitation, I wanted to scream my head off. We tend to think that adults cannot be bullied. But this book will make you think twice before you make such an assertion.
The story is enticing and will keep you hooked at all times. A highly recommended story. Thanks to Bookouture & NetGalley for the ARC.
#TheBabyShower #NetGalley
The new girl in the group bursts into their lives like a storm. She is beautiful and seemingly perfect. Everyone loves her, but Jane is suspicious. Something isn't right and new girl is trying to take her place as best friend to Sophie. She's even hosting a baby shower for Sophie's new bundle of joy (a best friend duty) and how cute—they're both pregnant! Fast forward to the actual baby shower and Jane learns the unbelievable truth: the bump is fake; there is no baby.
This is my first book read by author S.E. Lynes. Color me interested in reading another. If you read enough domestic thrillers or psychodramas, then this plot is run of the mill. Lynes' writing kept me turning the ePages though. If you are new to this genre, you may be wowed by the twists and ending.
For an avid thriller reader, The Baby Shower was good but oh-so-predictable. Every so-called twist could be seen from a mile away. But the story flowed and the characters were detailed. The friendships are toxic and the characters are deeply flawed. For this, I rate it 4 out of 5. It would make an excellent Lifetime movie.
Happy Early Pub Day, S.E. Lynes! The Baby Shower will be available Tuesday, March 1.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
~LiteraryMarie
Merged review:
The new girl in the group bursts into their lives like a storm. She is beautiful and seemingly perfect. Everyone loves her, but Jane is suspicious. Something isn't right and new girl is trying to take her place as best friend to Sophie. She's even hosting a baby shower for Sophie's new bundle of joy (a best friend duty) and how cute—they're both pregnant! Fast forward to the actual baby shower and Jane learns the unbelievable truth: the bump is fake; there is no baby.
This is my first book read by author S.E. Lynes. Color me interested in reading another. If you read enough domestic thrillers or psychodramas, then this plot is run of the mill. Lynes' writing kept me turning the ePages though. If you are new to this genre, you may be wowed by the twists and ending.
For an avid thriller reader, The Baby Shower was good but oh-so-predictable. Every so-called twist could be seen from a mile away. But the story flowed and the characters were detailed. The friendships are toxic and the characters are deeply flawed. For this, I rate it 4 out of 5. It would make an excellent Lifetime movie.
Happy Early Pub Day, S.E. Lynes! The Baby Shower will be available Tuesday, March 1.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
~LiteraryMarie
This is my first book read by author S.E. Lynes. Color me interested in reading another. If you read enough domestic thrillers or psychodramas, then this plot is run of the mill. Lynes' writing kept me turning the ePages though. If you are new to this genre, you may be wowed by the twists and ending.
For an avid thriller reader, The Baby Shower was good but oh-so-predictable. Every so-called twist could be seen from a mile away. But the story flowed and the characters were detailed. The friendships are toxic and the characters are deeply flawed. For this, I rate it 4 out of 5. It would make an excellent Lifetime movie.
Happy Early Pub Day, S.E. Lynes! The Baby Shower will be available Tuesday, March 1.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
~LiteraryMarie
Merged review:
The new girl in the group bursts into their lives like a storm. She is beautiful and seemingly perfect. Everyone loves her, but Jane is suspicious. Something isn't right and new girl is trying to take her place as best friend to Sophie. She's even hosting a baby shower for Sophie's new bundle of joy (a best friend duty) and how cute—they're both pregnant! Fast forward to the actual baby shower and Jane learns the unbelievable truth: the bump is fake; there is no baby.
This is my first book read by author S.E. Lynes. Color me interested in reading another. If you read enough domestic thrillers or psychodramas, then this plot is run of the mill. Lynes' writing kept me turning the ePages though. If you are new to this genre, you may be wowed by the twists and ending.
For an avid thriller reader, The Baby Shower was good but oh-so-predictable. Every so-called twist could be seen from a mile away. But the story flowed and the characters were detailed. The friendships are toxic and the characters are deeply flawed. For this, I rate it 4 out of 5. It would make an excellent Lifetime movie.
Happy Early Pub Day, S.E. Lynes! The Baby Shower will be available Tuesday, March 1.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.
~LiteraryMarie
Loved it
I loved this story and the author's sense of humor. Just picked up another read. Can't wait to read more.
I loved this story and the author's sense of humor. Just picked up another read. Can't wait to read more.