Title: The Invite
Author: Sheryl Browne
ASIN: B09NNJQSWW
Publisher: Bookouture
Pages: 331
Source: Review Copy from NetGalley
The invites went out weeks ago, and tonight, at a lavish manor house surrounded by friends and family, Kaitlin couldn’t be happier. But as the champagne corks pop, her dream party becomes her worst nightmare…
Staring at the stunning diamond solitaire on her finger, Kaitlin is finally getting the chance to introduce her best friend Zoe to her perfect fiancé. She hasn’t known Greg long, but he looks after her, and he loves playing dad to her young daughter. How could she say no when he’s already planned their elopement?
As guests arrive, why is Greg acting so shifty? And is that a flicker of recognition on Zoe’s face? And why does she look terrified every time her phone rings?
Kaitlin watches as Zoe knocks back her white wine and makes a beeline for Greg. After a heated conversation, Zoe stumbles towards the door and flees the party without looking back.
Days later, the police knock at Kaitlin’s door – Zoe is missing.
Kaitlin wants to believe her loving fiancé is not to blame, but she knows what she saw the night of the party. And when he lies to the police, can she trust the man she’s marrying? Could Kaitlin and her precious daughter’s life now be in danger too?
Official Summary
Coming February 2022
28 January 2022
I saw a post on Twitter about this book and rushed to NetGalley to request a copy. I have enjoyed all the Bookouture books I have had the pleasure of reading, so I had no doubt this book would be a great read. The Invite turned out to be a gripping, page-turner filled with twists you will not see coming. When reaching for this title, expect the unexpected. It is a fast-paced story about a woman who manages to attract all the wrong people into her world. When her best friend goes missing, she does not know who she can trust as she struggles to keep her young daughter safe.
This book was my introduction to Sheryl Browne’s work. I am hooked. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her books. She shares a twisty tale that draws you into a world full of damaged people and when you are convinced you know where she is going, she drops another surprise on you. I raced through this book and simply could not get to the end fast enough.
After escaping an abusive marriage, Kaitlyn has finally turned her life around. She is happy and engaged to the perfect man. She cannot wait to introduce him to her best friend, Zoe. When Zoe arrives at Kaitlyn’s lavish birthday party, organised by Greg, Kaitlyn notices something a little off about Zoe’s reaction.
When Zoe pulls Kaitlyn aside and tells her that she is making a mistake marrying Greg so quickly Kaitlyn is furious. How can Zoe judge a man she does not know? After a horrible argument between the two women, Zoe rushes off and Kaitlyn asks Greg to go after her.
But when Zoe appears to be missing and Greg is acting sketchy, even lying to the police, Kaitlyn is reminded of Zoe’s words and she starts to wonder if she can trust Greg. When Greg runs from the police, Kaitlyn fears for her and Ruby’s safety.
I was quickly drawn into this story and just loved all the damaged people and how everyone’s secrets were slowly revealed. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the author delivered a new surprise. This story sure kept me on my toes.
The characters in this book will leave you amazed as the acts of jealousy lead to one shock after the other. Kaitlin has had her confidence rocked by an abusive husband, yet she found the strength to leave him. All Kaitlin wants is to be loved and for her daughter to have a safe happy childhood. This woman managed to gain my respect with her love and devotion to her child. She did everything she could to protect her little girl and keep her away from all the horrible things that were happening. Even when she doubted Greg, she managed to shield Ruby from her feelings. Ruby was simply the most adorable little girl. The author did a wonderful job showing this child’s innocence. I simply loved this character.
I found I doubted Zoe, she appeared just a little too wrapped up in her own issues for me to trust her intentions. She was another damaged character who was drawn to Kaitlin and maybe just a little too clingy.
As for Greg, the man was just too perfect and from the start, I had the feeling something was not right with him. However, I could never have predicted where his story was going. The author turned Greg’s story into one surprise after the next. I loved the slow reveal when it come to this guy.
No doubt, I was completely engrossed with this book and could not reach the end fast enough. The Invite easily sailed onto my loved list for 2022.
Psychological thriller fans are in for a treat with this book. It is an engrossing, twisty tale that will keep you glued to the pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to add this one to your TBR. You will kick yourself for missing out if you don’t.
Also By Sheryl Browne
THE LIAR’S CHILD
I’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
I’ve always been protective of my only child, Poppy. For years I wondered if I’d ever become a mother and then she arrived – my miracle baby. But as I pick her up from school one day, my heart misses a beat as I see the little girl holding my daughter’s hand. With the same deep set eyes and long brown hair, both girls look like they could be sisters…
Is the secret I’ve been holding on to for so long about to be revealed? And will my husband ever forgive me when he finds out what I did?
That night, I cuddle Poppy even harder, desperately trying to decide what to do. And when a familiar face I had hoped never to see again walks back into my life days later, I know that my worst nightmare is about to come true.
Could I be about to lose everything I have sacrificed so much for?
The only thing I’m sure of is that nobody is going to take my perfect child away from me. Poppy will always be safe with me. Won’t she?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
I’m a member of the Crime Writers’ Association, the Romantic Novelists’ Association and I have several books published, along with two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies where I completed my MA in Creative Writing, finally. It took me some while. Please see Erica Jong quote. Undertaking my MA was something I’d put off due to life commitments, as we sometimes have to. When I managed to make the time, I had to summon up a huge amount of courage to walk through those university doors. What if I failed? Where was my confidence? Well, the road to publication being paved with rejection letters, as it sometimes is, my confidence wasn’t much in evidence.
The MA course didn’t offer any magical solutions to my writing dilemmas but it did expand my knowledge and confirm my belief that, no matter how bumpy the road, I needed to continue to write. To quote the title of one of the university anthologies, “I am a writer, therefore I am”. I wouldn’t know how to be any other way. I’ve also recently completed a forensics course which I undertook as necessary fuel for my thriller writing. I’m relieved to say I passed that with flying colours and found it totally inspiring, which brings me to a question I’m often asked: What gives you inspiration for your books?
The short answer is people, and the whole gamut of emotion that comes with them. I’ve always been fascinated by what shapes people and whatever genre I write in I like to strip away the layers and, hopefully, share with readers a little of what lies beneath the surface. A writer’s mind thrives on exploration. Every scenario, every place, every face tells a story. I see people as not all good or all bad, more opposite sides of the same spectrum with some crossover in between. I can’t resist exploring what might push someone over the line. I hope you will continue to join me on my journey.
Thank you to Bookouture for your Twitter post about this book. I am so glad I did not miss out on this book; it was a great read. Are you a Sheryl Browne fan? Which is your favourite book? Leave a comment below and I will add it to my TBR. As always, thank you for stopping by and reading my review. Your continued support of the blog is appreciated. Until next time…Happy Reading!
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Oh dear. You have me filling up! Thank you so much for a beautiful, brilliant review, Zelda! I am honestly tearful at your comment about Ruby. That makes me so proud! So pleased The Liar’s Child made your loved list! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review!
Thank you for sharing your hard work. I loved the book.
PS. I got my titles mixed up! Haha! Typical me. THE INVITE!! Thanks so much, Zelda!