A review by booksthrilljessica
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger

3.0

Adele is struggling to pick up the pieces after her husband’s devastating betrayal. Not only has he swindled their company and deceived their friends and neighbors, but he’s also drained the family’s finances, leaving Adele to face an uncertain future. In a desperate attempt to secure a better life for herself and her two children, she must resort to bold and extreme measures. But what she uncovers in the process will push her beyond what she ever thought she’d be willing to do.

Enter Maverick Dillan, a daring YouTuber known for his extreme stunts. His next big project? A high-stakes game of hide and seek on a deserted island, with a massive cash prize at stake. However, Maverick’s past game, which ended in tragedy, looms over him. Can he shake the ghosts of that disaster, or will it mark the end of his career?

The premise of this book immediately hooked me, and I was intrigued by the concept of the abandoned building and the inspiration Unger drew from her own family trip. However, I did feel that the novel contained too many subplots that didn’t quite come together. I wished the story had focused more on the deserted island and the game show, with additional attention to the backstory of the main character and more exploration of her husband’s role in the narrative. However, the ending twists were expertly executed, delivering a sense of justice and wrapping up the story in a satisfying, neatly tied bow.

*Thank you to Lisa Unger, Harlequin Trade Publishing  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.