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daniellelovesbooks5's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
captwinghead's review
1.0
This bummed me out. This is the first of Barelli’s novels to lose me this quickly. The intro is a great one. It’s gripping and set a tone that left me excited. Unfortunately, the execution of this novel just left me annoyed and disappointed.
I’m not good at reading novels where women fight to retain trash. I suspect Barelli starts the novel with Jack being a terrible partner and father in attempts to make Laura’s doubts look plausible. He won’t help Laura handle things with Charlie’s school, he belittles her fears, he ignores everything Bronwyn did to upset Laura and he hardly spent any time with his child. I get that this was meant to make the reader think it was plausible he was a cheating asshole, but it just set up for one thing to be very true about Jack: he’s a terrible partner and father.
There are several points in this story where Laura does crazy things to keep him and I just don’t understand why. What was she holding onto? A man that allowed his ex wife to live in their home and treat his fiancée like a personal chef and housekeeper? A man that stood aside and let his ex wife bully his fiancée? Bronwyn’s actions were her own, but they would not have accomplished so much had Jack actually listened to what his fiancée was saying.
The fact that the “happy” ending is Laura and Jack getting married is baffling to me.
Story wise, there were too many things that were blatantly foreshadowed so the “twist” wasn’t really a twist to me. Bronwyn was too aggressively horrible for it to be plausible that she and Laura “made up”. The reveal about why Bronwyn hated her so much seemed to come out of nowhere. Perhaps because the past was mentioned so few times? Also, the second they talked about Jack and Charlie’s project with the motion censor cameras, I knew what was coming.
In conclusion, the end results were predictable and I found Laura to be too willing to ignore Jack’s many faults. So, I wasn’t rooting for anyone. Except maybe Charlie.
I’m not good at reading novels where women fight to retain trash. I suspect Barelli starts the novel with Jack being a terrible partner and father in attempts to make Laura’s doubts look plausible. He won’t help Laura handle things with Charlie’s school, he belittles her fears, he ignores everything Bronwyn did to upset Laura and he hardly spent any time with his child. I get that this was meant to make the reader think it was plausible he was a cheating asshole, but it just set up for one thing to be very true about Jack: he’s a terrible partner and father.
There are several points in this story where Laura does crazy things to keep him and I just don’t understand why. What was she holding onto? A man that allowed his ex wife to live in their home and treat his fiancée like a personal chef and housekeeper? A man that stood aside and let his ex wife bully his fiancée? Bronwyn’s actions were her own, but they would not have accomplished so much had Jack actually listened to what his fiancée was saying.
The fact that the “happy” ending is Laura and Jack getting married is baffling to me.
Story wise, there were too many things that were blatantly foreshadowed so the “twist” wasn’t really a twist to me. Bronwyn was too aggressively horrible for it to be plausible that she and Laura “made up”. The reveal about why Bronwyn hated her so much seemed to come out of nowhere. Perhaps because the past was mentioned so few times? Also, the second they talked about Jack and Charlie’s project with the motion censor cameras, I knew what was coming.
In conclusion, the end results were predictable and I found Laura to be too willing to ignore Jack’s many faults. So, I wasn’t rooting for anyone. Except maybe Charlie.
sophs92's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
marilynw's review
4.0
Unforgivable by Natalie Barelli
Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya
There is all kinds of crazy going on in this story but who is crazy and who isn't crazy? Who is paranoid and who has every right to be paranoid? Who is conniving and who is getting the wool pulled over their eyes? I really wasn't sure until the end and I was pretty sure I was being gaslighted by somebody. By the end of the story, I wanted to say, "I knew that!" but did I really?
Art curator, Laura, is engaged to Jack. Charlie is Jack's eight year old daughter and Laura would do anything for her. She's already helped Charlie to get through panic attacks because her mother, Bronwyn, abandoned her. Now Bronwyn has told Jack that she is going to be coming home from overseas, where she has been living with her lover, and Bronwyn is going to be staying at Jack's house, the house where Laura lives with Jack and Charlie, now. The house that used to be the home of Bronwyn before she left the marriage and her daughter.
Bronwyn, has a list of requirements for her visit and in the midst of so much going on at work, it's up to Laura to make sure the requirements are met. Jack's out of work but doesn't seem up to doing what needs to be done. Charlie's acting out is back again, triggered by Bronwyn's impending arrival. And Laura knows that Bronwyn is coming to stir up trouble even though she is supposed to be coming to finalize her divorce from Jack.
Laura is a frantic mess and then things get worse. She is often acting like a raving lunatic, paranoid beyond belief, it's as if she doesn't trust anyone. Ready to bite anyone's head off, rarely able to act the least bit reasonable. Is she nuts or does she know something we don't?
The audiobook narration is great and is perfect for this story. Bronwyn's so put together, she makes Laura look like she's lost her marbles. Nothing Laura does is right, Charlie worships her mother and Bronwyn is putting a wedge between Laura and Charlie. Jack just wants to lay low and not ruffle any feathers, or at least not Bronwyn's feathers. Things start out unsettled and then ramp up to chaotic and it's hard to know who might be trustworthy and who might be blowing smoke in our faces.
Pub: July 26, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
Narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya
There is all kinds of crazy going on in this story but who is crazy and who isn't crazy? Who is paranoid and who has every right to be paranoid? Who is conniving and who is getting the wool pulled over their eyes? I really wasn't sure until the end and I was pretty sure I was being gaslighted by somebody. By the end of the story, I wanted to say, "I knew that!" but did I really?
Art curator, Laura, is engaged to Jack. Charlie is Jack's eight year old daughter and Laura would do anything for her. She's already helped Charlie to get through panic attacks because her mother, Bronwyn, abandoned her. Now Bronwyn has told Jack that she is going to be coming home from overseas, where she has been living with her lover, and Bronwyn is going to be staying at Jack's house, the house where Laura lives with Jack and Charlie, now. The house that used to be the home of Bronwyn before she left the marriage and her daughter.
Bronwyn, has a list of requirements for her visit and in the midst of so much going on at work, it's up to Laura to make sure the requirements are met. Jack's out of work but doesn't seem up to doing what needs to be done. Charlie's acting out is back again, triggered by Bronwyn's impending arrival. And Laura knows that Bronwyn is coming to stir up trouble even though she is supposed to be coming to finalize her divorce from Jack.
Laura is a frantic mess and then things get worse. She is often acting like a raving lunatic, paranoid beyond belief, it's as if she doesn't trust anyone. Ready to bite anyone's head off, rarely able to act the least bit reasonable. Is she nuts or does she know something we don't?
The audiobook narration is great and is perfect for this story. Bronwyn's so put together, she makes Laura look like she's lost her marbles. Nothing Laura does is right, Charlie worships her mother and Bronwyn is putting a wedge between Laura and Charlie. Jack just wants to lay low and not ruffle any feathers, or at least not Bronwyn's feathers. Things start out unsettled and then ramp up to chaotic and it's hard to know who might be trustworthy and who might be blowing smoke in our faces.
Pub: July 26, 2022
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this ARC.
emily_loves_2_read's review against another edition
4.0
Unforgivable
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 7/26/22
Author: Natalie Barelli
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya
GR: 4.01
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Becoming a stepmother is the best thing that ever happened to me. After a few rocky months of panic attacks when her mother deserted her, Charlie is flourishing. But the day Charlie’s mother Bronwyn returns without warning—showering Charlie with gifts and making promises she can’t keep—fear ripples through me. When I raise my concerns, no one wants to listen. Me and Bronwyn have history. We both have dark secrets in our past, and I know the dangerous lengths she will go to get what she wants. Bronwyn doesn’t know just how far I will go to protect that little girl…
My Thoughts: Barelli weaves another twisty thriller as things start out a little unsettling and ramp up into total craziness, it is hard what characters you can and cannot trust, which makes for an epic thrilling read! The storyline is a bit of a stretch, but any good work of fiction is. The story is narrated in first person POV, by Laura. This was not Barelli’s best work but it was good and kept me engaged. The narrator of this story did a great job with the characters, really gave them ‘character’ and left you feeling like you were there, just a fly on the wall. The characters were pretty flushed out, well developed, had some depth, mysterious, and creatively written. At first, I loved Laura’s character, but as the story went on, I started to dislike her, that was likely the point of the story. The author’s writing style was complex, suspenseful, twisty, and intriguing. I do recommend this audiobook that was released in July, it was a great book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 7/26/22
Author: Natalie Barelli
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrator: Jennifer Jill Araya
GR: 4.01
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Becoming a stepmother is the best thing that ever happened to me. After a few rocky months of panic attacks when her mother deserted her, Charlie is flourishing. But the day Charlie’s mother Bronwyn returns without warning—showering Charlie with gifts and making promises she can’t keep—fear ripples through me. When I raise my concerns, no one wants to listen. Me and Bronwyn have history. We both have dark secrets in our past, and I know the dangerous lengths she will go to get what she wants. Bronwyn doesn’t know just how far I will go to protect that little girl…
My Thoughts: Barelli weaves another twisty thriller as things start out a little unsettling and ramp up into total craziness, it is hard what characters you can and cannot trust, which makes for an epic thrilling read! The storyline is a bit of a stretch, but any good work of fiction is. The story is narrated in first person POV, by Laura. This was not Barelli’s best work but it was good and kept me engaged. The narrator of this story did a great job with the characters, really gave them ‘character’ and left you feeling like you were there, just a fly on the wall. The characters were pretty flushed out, well developed, had some depth, mysterious, and creatively written. At first, I loved Laura’s character, but as the story went on, I started to dislike her, that was likely the point of the story. The author’s writing style was complex, suspenseful, twisty, and intriguing. I do recommend this audiobook that was released in July, it was a great book.
surlamer7803's review
2.0
⭐️⭐️ An anomaly for this author - I’ve read others that I really enjoyed. This one was just very difficult and annoying to listen to. I almost gave up several times but hoped it’d pay off in the end. It did have some crazy twists I didn’t see coming which I appreciated but overall the story was just so implausible. The main character was whiny and announced by and made ridiculous choices (even though I do recognize she was being regularly gaslit which can drive a person nuts). Her partner was utterly worthless from start to finish - nothing redeeming about him and I never understood why the main character was with him or wanted to try and make their relationship work. The only character i cared for was Charlie.
Overall this is one you should read if you get it on a deal for cheap or free and you don’t have anything else to read. Ending wasn’t worth what it took to get there in my opinion.
Overall this is one you should read if you get it on a deal for cheap or free and you don’t have anything else to read. Ending wasn’t worth what it took to get there in my opinion.
filemanager's review
4.0
This was my first Natalie Barelli novel, and it won't be my last! Wow, what a crazy, emotional ride!
At the very beginning, I couldn't really picture the suburb that was being described. I was glad when the scene moved to the art gallery, as I could picture it much better in my mind. Also, I must not understand the art world. I mean, why put on a show or exhibition if nothing is for sale, and the gallery doesn't make any money? What's the point then?
Anyway! The story was really well written, everything tied up beautifully at the end which I always love, and great characters! Though I do think that the main character was kind of dumb and naive at times, when I thought things were obvious.
As I said earlier, I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Barelli's work!
At the very beginning, I couldn't really picture the suburb that was being described. I was glad when the scene moved to the art gallery, as I could picture it much better in my mind. Also, I must not understand the art world. I mean, why put on a show or exhibition if nothing is for sale, and the gallery doesn't make any money? What's the point then?
Anyway! The story was really well written, everything tied up beautifully at the end which I always love, and great characters! Though I do think that the main character was kind of dumb and naive at times, when I thought things were obvious.
As I said earlier, I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Barelli's work!
heatheradoresbooks's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐ rounded up
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV
There was so much going on my head was spinning. I went from having it all figured out, to being clueless, back and forth and all over the place with my thoughts. An abundance of twists and turns that kept the story flowing along at a delightfully engaging and quick pace.
Our main characters are:
Laura ~ engaged to Jack, already acts as a stepmom to Charlie
Jack ~ father to Charlie, engaged to Laura
Bronwyn ~ absentee mother to Charlie, ex-wife of Jack, childhood friend of Laura
Bronwyn is back in town after living in Italy and she wants back in Charlie's life. Jack has no choice but to allow it, but did he really think it would be a good idea to allow his ex-wife to stay in his home. Crazy talk! and why would Laura be okay with it? I mean it's her house too and she's the only one paying the bills right now as Jack takes an awfully long time looking for a new job while he drinks up a storm.
Side note ~ I was very frustrated with how much money they continued to spend when they were obviously getting their selves further and further into debt.
There were times I both loved and hated each character ~ except for the adorable, Charlie, she was always lovable. I did not like what Laura asked Summer to do ~ in what world was this a good idea? No world, that's where.
CW ~ about Charlie
[a:Jennifer Jill Araya|17992788|Jennifer Jill Araya|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] did a wonderful job narrating for 9 hours and 38 minutes. She really gave proper emotion to each characters voice. To the frantic, at times, voice of Laura, to the condescending voice of Bronwyn and everyone in between ~ it was just perfect.
I believe I've read similar plots, but this was on a different level of thrillingness.
This is my second time reading Natalie's work (the first was Missing Molly, I tagged it as 4.5⭐, but wasn't writing reviews at that time). I will for sure put her on my list to read again and again.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, [a:Natalie Barelli|15369850|Natalie Barelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1592537020p2/15369850.jpg] and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV
There was so much going on my head was spinning. I went from having it all figured out, to being clueless, back and forth and all over the place with my thoughts. An abundance of twists and turns that kept the story flowing along at a delightfully engaging and quick pace.
Our main characters are:
Laura ~ engaged to Jack, already acts as a stepmom to Charlie
Jack ~ father to Charlie, engaged to Laura
Bronwyn ~ absentee mother to Charlie, ex-wife of Jack, childhood friend of Laura
Bronwyn is back in town after living in Italy and she wants back in Charlie's life. Jack has no choice but to allow it, but did he really think it would be a good idea to allow his ex-wife to stay in his home. Crazy talk! and why would Laura be okay with it? I mean it's her house too and she's the only one paying the bills right now as Jack takes an awfully long time looking for a new job while he drinks up a storm.
Side note ~ I was very frustrated with how much money they continued to spend when they were obviously getting their selves further and further into debt.
There were times I both loved and hated each character ~ except for the adorable, Charlie, she was always lovable. I did not like what Laura asked Summer to do ~ in what world was this a good idea? No world, that's where.
CW ~ about Charlie
Spoiler
intentional drugging of a child[a:Jennifer Jill Araya|17992788|Jennifer Jill Araya|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] did a wonderful job narrating for 9 hours and 38 minutes. She really gave proper emotion to each characters voice. To the frantic, at times, voice of Laura, to the condescending voice of Bronwyn and everyone in between ~ it was just perfect.
I believe I've read similar plots, but this was on a different level of thrillingness.
This is my second time reading Natalie's work (the first was Missing Molly, I tagged it as 4.5⭐, but wasn't writing reviews at that time). I will for sure put her on my list to read again and again.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, [a:Natalie Barelli|15369850|Natalie Barelli|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1592537020p2/15369850.jpg] and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
yroach's review
3.0
Just exciting enough to keep me reading to find out who the “bad guy” was. But, all the characters (especially the main character) were so annoying and frustrating. Not saying anything when they should, not doing anything when they could and getting caught when they should have waited….just couldn’t get anything right until the very end.
dxlt's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this audiobook as it was a slow burn. I discovered Natalie Barelli on GoodReads and read two of her books, so it was great to read her latest novel. The protagonist has so much angst and vulnerability, it adds a lot to the read. It's part thriller and part cozy mystery and it captivated me until the very end.. The narrator also does an excellent job bringing the story to life. The narrator performance distinguished characters so well that I began to form an image of them throughout the book.
Much thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an Advanced Review Copy.
Much thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an Advanced Review Copy.