Reviews

Until I Met Her by Natalie Barelli

ashleysumm's review against another edition

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5.0

It's the perfect deal... or is it?

Emma is delighted to meet Beatrice Johnson Greene, one of her favourite authors. They form a fast friendship, and Emma is over the moon. As an aspiring writer herself, Emma would love to publish a novel. Luckily for her, Beatrice is looking for an unknown author to be the public name and face behind her next novel. Too famous to switch genres, Beatrice asks Emma if she will do her this favour. In return, they will split the proceeds of the sales and Emma will gain some notoriety, and receive writing mentorship from Beatrice. The book is an instant hit, and Emma is soaking up her newfound fame. Now that she's had a taste of success, she's not willing to risk giving it up...
This novel had me hook, line, and sinker from the very first chapter, which has been my overall experience with Natalie Barelli's books so far. I love any thriller that begins with a bargain, and Until I Met Her did not disappoint. I listened to the audiobook and I really felt that I could picture each character based on how the narrator portrayed them. She absolutely nailed Beatrice's pretentious personality and Emma's transformation from self-conscious to confident. I recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers and suspense novels!

nursenell's review against another edition

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4.0

Emma is leading an ordinary life, she owns a small specialty home decor shop, and considers herself happy in her marriage. Then she meets a best selling author of crime books, and her life is turned upside down. I did not see the end coming at all. The book definitely held my interest.

sakshikodwani's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

mrs_george's review against another edition

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4.0

Solid psychological thriller. I would've liked a bit more tension but it definitely didn't go in the directions I was expecting.

annesmart's review against another edition

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4.0

Enjoyed it

cassiecat's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

4.5⭐️ 🎧
A debut thriller. 
I had the audiobook read by Kate Rudd, an excellent performance, with great distinct voices. 

Emma strikes up a friendship with her favourite author Beatrice Johnson-Greene who asks her to publish her latest novel under her name. It becomes a huge success, leaving Emma wanting more, and she’ll stop at nothing to get it. 

I do like a book within a book premise. It’s got a really easy light sarcastic tone. 

I can’t say I found either of the main characters likeable, but that didn’t stop me totally engaging with the story. 

It’s got a great pace, lots going on throughout, I enjoyed how the plot unfolded, it’s not a complex plot but it has neat twists and turns. It’s very entertaining. 
I loved it, and look forward to the sequel. 

cazmcdo's review against another edition

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3.0

Trigger warning: suicide mention.

mrspudd2020's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

3.0

This book started strong. Loved the characters and the outline of it. I started getting bored a little over halfway through the book. Just like it was dragging a bit, however, I'm glad I stuck through it. Really enjoyed the ending.

pri_k's review against another edition

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funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

i_dont_read_blurbs's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 rounded to 5 ⭐️ Talk about crazy for Cocoa Puffs! What a clever, fun listen. I really enjoyed this one even though Emma was a pretty horrible individual. The writing made it all worth it. I loved that the bomb was dropped early and then we just had to watch it all play out. I mean, what can she do next to top this?? It was fast paced and highly entertaining! I'm jumping right into the next one!