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3.35 AVERAGE
3.35 AVERAGE
Dnf @ 54%
I told myself to stop dnf. I just don’t care anymore! It’s like the plot isn’t going anywhere. Why do I keep dnf?? I think I am in a reading slump that I am trying to fix by reading other books.
I told myself to stop dnf. I just don’t care anymore! It’s like the plot isn’t going anywhere. Why do I keep dnf?? I think I am in a reading slump that I am trying to fix by reading other books.
The latest twisty thriller from this author was a propulsive read from start to finish. As is always the case, there are multiple storylines that leave you wondering how they will cross. But, they always come together in interesting ways, which is one of the reasons I always enjoy this author's works. This novel is told from three different perspectives in two different points in time. In the contemporary storyline are Emmy-winning journalist, Lily, and her producer, Greer. The chapters set in the past are narrated by Lily's older sister, Cassie, whose mysterious disappearance during her first year of college has never been solved.
I found the tension in Lily's and Greer's relationship interesting, as neither woman seemed to completely trust the other despite their successful work partnership. I also found it interesting that Lily's chapters were told in third person and Greer's were told in first person. I think I connected more with Greer as a result but did wish she'd been more forthcoming with Lily as they investigated what happened to Cassie based on the tip they received from an anonymous source they referred to only as Smith. I was drawn deeper into the story once Cassie's voice was first introduced and found myself reading "just one more chapter" to find out what happened to her all those years ago. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that blend mysteries from the past and present, this would be a great pick for a quick escape.
This review was based on the digital ARC I received via NetGalley. Many thanks to Forge and the author for the chance to read this one early!
I found the tension in Lily's and Greer's relationship interesting, as neither woman seemed to completely trust the other despite their successful work partnership. I also found it interesting that Lily's chapters were told in third person and Greer's were told in first person. I think I connected more with Greer as a result but did wish she'd been more forthcoming with Lily as they investigated what happened to Cassie based on the tip they received from an anonymous source they referred to only as Smith. I was drawn deeper into the story once Cassie's voice was first introduced and found myself reading "just one more chapter" to find out what happened to her all those years ago. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that blend mysteries from the past and present, this would be a great pick for a quick escape.
This review was based on the digital ARC I received via NetGalley. Many thanks to Forge and the author for the chance to read this one early!
From one of the nicest authors in the business, Hank Phillippi Ryan, comes her lastest standalone novel, Her Perfect Life. I couldn't help but think about Hank when reading about Lily. Hank is also a journalist who has won several Emmys, but perhaps the similarities end there.
Lily Atwood has a perfectly curated life, with an adorable daughter and a successful career. But, her daughter is the result of an involvement with a married man. If news of thsi got out, she could be ruined. Also, Lily has never forgotten her older sister, Cassie, who mysteriously disappeared at age 18 when Lily was only 7. Add in a mysterious informant and a producer who may be just a bit jealous of Lily's success, and you know something is bound to happen.
The story flips between now and before. Before is the story of why Cassie disappeared. But, as Lily digs into her sister's disappearance, the information she finds is startling.
I enjoyed this book which had a backstory. The reveal of the informant's true identity was a surprise, but I did suspect that person was not forthcoming, plus one person in Cassie's backstory was clearly crooked. However, I didn't realize the extent of their plan. Well crafted!
Thanks to Hank Phillippi Ryan and NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are freely given. #HerPerfectLife #NetGalley
Lily Atwood has a perfectly curated life, with an adorable daughter and a successful career. But, her daughter is the result of an involvement with a married man. If news of thsi got out, she could be ruined. Also, Lily has never forgotten her older sister, Cassie, who mysteriously disappeared at age 18 when Lily was only 7. Add in a mysterious informant and a producer who may be just a bit jealous of Lily's success, and you know something is bound to happen.
The story flips between now and before. Before is the story of why Cassie disappeared. But, as Lily digs into her sister's disappearance, the information she finds is startling.
I enjoyed this book which had a backstory. The reveal of the informant's true identity was a surprise, but I did suspect that person was not forthcoming, plus one person in Cassie's backstory was clearly crooked. However, I didn't realize the extent of their plan. Well crafted!
Thanks to Hank Phillippi Ryan and NetGalley for this ARC, all opinions are freely given. #HerPerfectLife #NetGalley
Check out my #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A Interview with Hank, where we go behind the scenes of the book and the author.
Who doesn't love everything Hank Phillippi Ryan writes? She is in her element.
The thriller queen of cat-and-mouse suspense and one of my favorite authors, Hank Phillippi Ryan, returns with her latest novel, HER PERFECT LIFE—a fast-paced powerful tale of fame, perfection, deceit, and deadly secrets.
Lily Atwood has it all. She is a famous Boston TV investigative reporter (much like the author), beautiful, talented, hardworking, and a recipient of numerous Emmys and awards. She even has the hashtag title of her loving fans, #PerfectLily. Everyone loves her.
With this title, she must live a life of perfection, from her appearance, home, and work. She resides in a beautiful white Victorian home, perfectly manicured, in the best area of town. She works very hard to keep her daughter, Rowen, sheltered from the public eye, cameras, and social media. She demands privacy when it comes to her child. She must keep her safe. None of the ugliness should ever touch her child.
"Fame, Lily knew, had two conflicting sides. The glory. And the danger. The power, And the spotlight. The raging relentless spotlight."
However, Lily harbors some big secrets. If exposed, it could ruin her career and everything she has worked so hard to achieve.
No one knows the father (Sam Prescott) of her seven-year-old daughter, Rowen, except the father. She must keep that secret safe for many reasons. She also has a past life which she must keep a secret from her world of fame and perfection.
"Perfection is in the perception."
Her sister, Cassie, went away to college years ago, and something happened. Not long after, she left and has not been seen since. Is she alive, imprisoned, kidnapped, brainwashed, or dead? She looks for Cassie everywhere, imagining what she possibly looks like today. Since Lily is widely known, she thinks her sister could find her. Would she recognize her big sister after all this time?
Lily was only seven when she vanished, and Cassie was around eighteen. She misses her, and they were close. Maybe Cassie will find her.
Told from 3 POVs: Lily (protagonist), Green (her producer), and Cassie (her sister). Flashing back and forth from present to past to when Cassie attended college, the events unfold. Nothing is as it appears.
Greer is behind the scenes and a bit jealous (a lot) of Lily. "Approval is such a sister to envy."
Petra is the nanny, competent, and fits in perfectly in the Atwood household, taking care and protecting Rowen. Rowen is inquisitive about her father, but Lily does her best to keep those questions at bay.
When an anonymous tip comes in from a stranger (they call Mr. Smith), that proves to be a good lead, they both wonder who this person is and what he wants. Is he a stalker? Can he be trusted?
Soon after that, everything spirals out of control. Mr. Smith knows more about her past and could be dangerous. Who is this man? He appears to know something about Cassie. Could he help find her?
When Lily starts receiving floral arrangements at her home of lilies, more intense calls from Mr. Smith, and strange things begin happening at Rowen's private school, Lily becomes afraid for herself and her daughter. Greer is also acting strange.
From past to present, Cassie's story is so compelling, it will draw you in. A girl with no one to turn to for help. Now she is also living a secret life. The intensity builds with a multi-level cat-and-mouse game of twists and turns.
Events from the past connect with the present, which is dangerous for Lily and Cassie. Someone goes missing. Sam Prescott becomes involved, a detective, a drug dealer, a professor, Rowen, Greer, Cassie, and Lily.
Perfect Lily must stay perfect; however, how will she do this when her life is now a disaster and she is losing control?
Wow, an intense page-turner that will have you staying up way past your bedtime and then some! Tense and compulsive, HER PERFECT LIFE is a delicious web of lies and deceit.
Suspicion, betrayal, and dark secrets abound in this intense and gripping thriller, all hidden just beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect life. As always, the mega-talented Hank Phillippi Ryan knows her way around a good story, whether an investigative true-life news TV story or a fictional novel psychological thriller.
I am unsure how the author does it all and will be the first and not the last to award her with the title #PerfectHank. She has won how many Emmys?
Put this gem on your TBR read list now. There is plenty of guessing and twists - for fans of Mary Kubica and B.A. Paris.
Thanks to the publisher Forge Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also pre-ordered the hardcover for my special birthday gift.
Blog Review:
#JDCMustReadBooks
@JudithDCollins
My Rating:
Who doesn't love everything Hank Phillippi Ryan writes? She is in her element.
The thriller queen of cat-and-mouse suspense and one of my favorite authors, Hank Phillippi Ryan, returns with her latest novel, HER PERFECT LIFE—a fast-paced powerful tale of fame, perfection, deceit, and deadly secrets.
Lily Atwood has it all. She is a famous Boston TV investigative reporter (much like the author), beautiful, talented, hardworking, and a recipient of numerous Emmys and awards. She even has the hashtag title of her loving fans, #PerfectLily. Everyone loves her.
With this title, she must live a life of perfection, from her appearance, home, and work. She resides in a beautiful white Victorian home, perfectly manicured, in the best area of town. She works very hard to keep her daughter, Rowen, sheltered from the public eye, cameras, and social media. She demands privacy when it comes to her child. She must keep her safe. None of the ugliness should ever touch her child.
"Fame, Lily knew, had two conflicting sides. The glory. And the danger. The power, And the spotlight. The raging relentless spotlight."
However, Lily harbors some big secrets. If exposed, it could ruin her career and everything she has worked so hard to achieve.
No one knows the father (Sam Prescott) of her seven-year-old daughter, Rowen, except the father. She must keep that secret safe for many reasons. She also has a past life which she must keep a secret from her world of fame and perfection.
"Perfection is in the perception."
Her sister, Cassie, went away to college years ago, and something happened. Not long after, she left and has not been seen since. Is she alive, imprisoned, kidnapped, brainwashed, or dead? She looks for Cassie everywhere, imagining what she possibly looks like today. Since Lily is widely known, she thinks her sister could find her. Would she recognize her big sister after all this time?
Lily was only seven when she vanished, and Cassie was around eighteen. She misses her, and they were close. Maybe Cassie will find her.
Told from 3 POVs: Lily (protagonist), Green (her producer), and Cassie (her sister). Flashing back and forth from present to past to when Cassie attended college, the events unfold. Nothing is as it appears.
Greer is behind the scenes and a bit jealous (a lot) of Lily. "Approval is such a sister to envy."
Petra is the nanny, competent, and fits in perfectly in the Atwood household, taking care and protecting Rowen. Rowen is inquisitive about her father, but Lily does her best to keep those questions at bay.
When an anonymous tip comes in from a stranger (they call Mr. Smith), that proves to be a good lead, they both wonder who this person is and what he wants. Is he a stalker? Can he be trusted?
Soon after that, everything spirals out of control. Mr. Smith knows more about her past and could be dangerous. Who is this man? He appears to know something about Cassie. Could he help find her?
When Lily starts receiving floral arrangements at her home of lilies, more intense calls from Mr. Smith, and strange things begin happening at Rowen's private school, Lily becomes afraid for herself and her daughter. Greer is also acting strange.
From past to present, Cassie's story is so compelling, it will draw you in. A girl with no one to turn to for help. Now she is also living a secret life. The intensity builds with a multi-level cat-and-mouse game of twists and turns.
Events from the past connect with the present, which is dangerous for Lily and Cassie. Someone goes missing. Sam Prescott becomes involved, a detective, a drug dealer, a professor, Rowen, Greer, Cassie, and Lily.
Perfect Lily must stay perfect; however, how will she do this when her life is now a disaster and she is losing control?
Wow, an intense page-turner that will have you staying up way past your bedtime and then some! Tense and compulsive, HER PERFECT LIFE is a delicious web of lies and deceit.
Suspicion, betrayal, and dark secrets abound in this intense and gripping thriller, all hidden just beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect life. As always, the mega-talented Hank Phillippi Ryan knows her way around a good story, whether an investigative true-life news TV story or a fictional novel psychological thriller.
I am unsure how the author does it all and will be the first and not the last to award her with the title #PerfectHank. She has won how many Emmys?
Put this gem on your TBR read list now. There is plenty of guessing and twists - for fans of Mary Kubica and B.A. Paris.
Thanks to the publisher Forge Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. Also pre-ordered the hardcover for my special birthday gift.
Blog Review:
#JDCMustReadBooks
@JudithDCollins
My Rating:
slow-paced
Wow!
The twists, the turns, the secrets. So many unexpected happenings. I’ve never read a better thriller.
The twists, the turns, the secrets. So many unexpected happenings. I’ve never read a better thriller.
Her Perfect Life follows Lily who is a newsroom icon. From the outside, it appears her life is perfect but that's not the truth. Lily lost her sister when she was seven. She hasn't stopped looking for Cassie since she disappeared. She is paranoid all the time and keep her daughter Rowen protected at all times. Soon something or someone is going to try to ruin Lily's world.
This book was really good and if I hadn't read thus author before I would have given it 4 stars or more. However, this author has blown me away with her suspense and this book didn't blow me away. There were many parts where I was bored.
I'd still recommend this book. It was entertaining and suspenseful..
This book was really good and if I hadn't read thus author before I would have given it 4 stars or more. However, this author has blown me away with her suspense and this book didn't blow me away. There were many parts where I was bored.
I'd still recommend this book. It was entertaining and suspenseful..
Thank you to Netgalley and Forge Reads for an eARC of “Her Perfect Life.”
I was so excited for this one because the main character is a reporter. I found out after receiving the ARC that the author is an investigative TV reporter in Boston — just like the main character.
Lily Atwood is a star TV reporter, adored by viewers and her 58k Instagram followers who call her #PerfectLily. But Lily’s past has its own secrets — including an older sister, Cassie, who disappeared at 18, when Lily was 7.
Lily has an off-the-record source who’s pointed in her in the direction of several big stories. But suddenly the source is telling her information about her own life and she’s receiving stalkerish lily bouquets. Who is the source, actually? And what do they want?
This book more than lived up to my expectations. The journalistic parts of the book are well handled, obviously because the author herself is a reporter. I did not see the twist coming, and I was hungrily reading along until the very last page.
I haven’t seen much hype around this one, but trust me when I say you should add it to your list if you like a good media-themed storyline and a twisty thriller. It also isn’t excessively dark or violent so if you’re looking for a thriller in that category, it’s perfect for you.
I was so excited for this one because the main character is a reporter. I found out after receiving the ARC that the author is an investigative TV reporter in Boston — just like the main character.
Lily Atwood is a star TV reporter, adored by viewers and her 58k Instagram followers who call her #PerfectLily. But Lily’s past has its own secrets — including an older sister, Cassie, who disappeared at 18, when Lily was 7.
Lily has an off-the-record source who’s pointed in her in the direction of several big stories. But suddenly the source is telling her information about her own life and she’s receiving stalkerish lily bouquets. Who is the source, actually? And what do they want?
This book more than lived up to my expectations. The journalistic parts of the book are well handled, obviously because the author herself is a reporter. I did not see the twist coming, and I was hungrily reading along until the very last page.
I haven’t seen much hype around this one, but trust me when I say you should add it to your list if you like a good media-themed storyline and a twisty thriller. It also isn’t excessively dark or violent so if you’re looking for a thriller in that category, it’s perfect for you.
I knew when I started Her Perfect Life that I would need to settle in and prepare for a wild ride. And I was not disappointed.
Lily has the perfect life with her perfect job and perfect daughter. Then she starts receiving messages that could ruin that perfectness. How dare someone do that to #PerfectLily? As her life starts to unravel, secrets come to the surface and maybe the perfect sister she had been idolizing for all those years wasn't so perfect.
It was interesting to watch Lily struggle with getting to the truth, which could ruin her, or avoiding it at all costs, so she could continue with the perfect life she had created. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her! But seriously, who was working with her and who was working against her?
Her Perfect Life is another exciting thriller by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Her books are always a great escape and I'm looking forward to whatever she creates next.
Lily has the perfect life with her perfect job and perfect daughter. Then she starts receiving messages that could ruin that perfectness. How dare someone do that to #PerfectLily? As her life starts to unravel, secrets come to the surface and maybe the perfect sister she had been idolizing for all those years wasn't so perfect.
It was interesting to watch Lily struggle with getting to the truth, which could ruin her, or avoiding it at all costs, so she could continue with the perfect life she had created. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her! But seriously, who was working with her and who was working against her?
Her Perfect Life is another exciting thriller by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Her books are always a great escape and I'm looking forward to whatever she creates next.