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3.04 AVERAGE
3.04 AVERAGE
When COVID lockdown hit, Kelly finds herself in a new city, jobless, and trapped with a fiancée who has just called off their wedding. She seeks solace in her high school friend, who has so graciously offered her a room in her house in Virginia. Not long after arriving, Kelly finds herself wrapped up in their attention and they end up in bed together. While she loves this new relationship, she can’t help but feel something is off. When she learns that the last woman they were involved with is missing, she begins to get nervous that she might be next. Is this all too good to be true?
I was so excited to get approved for a copy of this one on Netgalley! I really enjoyed We Were Never Here so I had high hopes for this one. After reading it, I will say that it was a decent thriller but more of a slow burn suspense book. I am not upset by this, I just want to make sure people are prepared. This book also takes placing during the COVID lockdowns and while only briefly mentioned it was present. It was fun to have one of the main characters write smut and get called out by the neighbor – who’s an avid reader of the books. Oh, the irony. Most of this book is spent building up to the reveal, and it is a well written journey. I do appreciate the way that Ms. Bartz writes and I will continue to read her books.
If you are looking for a fun suspense novel set during the COVID lockdowns, then grab yourself a copy of this one out June 20th.
Thank you so much to the publisher – Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, and Netgalley, @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley will be updated with more links once posted.
I was so excited to get approved for a copy of this one on Netgalley! I really enjoyed We Were Never Here so I had high hopes for this one. After reading it, I will say that it was a decent thriller but more of a slow burn suspense book. I am not upset by this, I just want to make sure people are prepared. This book also takes placing during the COVID lockdowns and while only briefly mentioned it was present. It was fun to have one of the main characters write smut and get called out by the neighbor – who’s an avid reader of the books. Oh, the irony. Most of this book is spent building up to the reveal, and it is a well written journey. I do appreciate the way that Ms. Bartz writes and I will continue to read her books.
If you are looking for a fun suspense novel set during the COVID lockdowns, then grab yourself a copy of this one out June 20th.
Thank you so much to the publisher – Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, and Netgalley, @Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley will be updated with more links once posted.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one was interesting because I haven't read a book set during the pandemic. It touched on the unique almost psychosis caused by being stuck in your home with only your partner leading you to self-sabotage your relationship. A fun, sexy thriller that kinda gave off verity vibes with less explicit content. Quick read. Interesting concept.
mysterious
tense
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
I had a hard time liking any of the characters in this book. I finished it only because I was waiting for other books to become available.
I should’ve read the actual cover / description before I started reading so that was my first downfall. But, the main character was so dumb. I don’t recommend you read to find out, though. I also hated that it was set during pandemic and constantly referenced that time. Would like to keep that in the past. Overall annoyed I even finished this and need a goood book. My picks have been terrible recently
I felt like this was less of a thriller and more of a character study. It was interesting to read Kelly’s character growth and arc . She made some really terrible decisions throughout the book. I would say the last 20-25% read more like the traditional thriller.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Fun thriller but the writing was confusing at times almost too overly detailed to the point where I couldn’t follow what was happening in very minor interactions between characters. Otherwise, super suspenseful and a quick fun read!
I went into this one blind, only knowing that I enjoyed a previous book by Ms. Bartz. We Were Never Here was a fantastic, 5 star read for me. I wish I could say the same for The Spare Room. This one is set during the Covid lockdown we all went through. A married couple take a friend into their home, hence the book title. A wild threesome begins (sex scenes don't bother me but I don't really seek them out) but this thriller really wasn't thrilling at all. I would call this a sexy drama at best. Finally, near the end, a death occurs but at this point, it was just too late to save the story. I cannot recommend this to readers looking for an interesting thriller.
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:
Yes
confusing af
challenging
tense
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