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xandrarama 's review for:
The Five Year Lie
by Sarina Bowen
dark
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had never read a romantic suspense novel before, but having enjoyed other books by Sarina Bowen I was keen to give this one a try. After what felt to me like a bit of a slow start, the story picked up and the momentum carried through all the way to the end. I kept wanting to pick the book up again to find out what happened - so definitely a successful read for me, plot wise. In terms of characterization, the protagonists were fairly one dimensional and this made it hard for me to really care about them or their relationship; I was never clear on why they fell for one another. (I found myself more intrigued by Zain, a side character.) The heroine’s trust fund lifestyle didn’t make her, in particular, very relatable and I couldn’t figure out how the main characters were supporting themselves at the end of the book… but maybe this is just my very practical self nitpicking. Overall - the story was gripping but the characters were ciphers. I look forward to Sarina Bowen easing into her suspense groove and will certainly read more of her work in this genre in future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy.