It seems incongruous that a book can be this good when all the characters are this unlikable (well, maybe with one exception). But when I had several chapters to go at the time we left for a three-day vacation with friends at the Marblehead area of Lake Erie, I stuffed my Kindle in my suitcase. I would, I vowed, make time to finish it. And I did - the very first night.

Short chapters that shift among character perspectives helped hold my attention on every single page. But it was the characters, all of whom I would classify as seriously screwed up, that really reeled me in. Even though I was certain how the book would end - and I was right - the way the story and characters evolved (for better or worse) made me wish I could have holed up and read the whole thing in one setting.

Kira Rascher, an aging actress who's been hoping for a juicy role for years (for whatever reason, Cassie from "A Chorus Line" came to mind), finally gets her wish as notoriously nitpicky director Malcolm Mercer chooses her for the lead in "Temper." The play is the latest venture at the theater founded by Joanna Cuyler, who doesn't think Kira is right for the part. Malcolm's relationship with Joanna is complicated, to say the least; they live together but, despite Joanna's wishful thinking, are a platonic couple.

Kira, too, has a complicated relationship (think: friends with benefits) with her apartment mate, Spence, who makes a living staging realistic, but accident-free, fight scenes for theatrical productions. For the two-person cast of "Temper," he's staging the final scenes between Trent and Mara, the characters played by Malcom and Kira. As rehearsals begin, Malcolm lives up to his take-no-prisoners reputation, challenging everyone involved in the production to their near-breaking points. He sets his most psychologically destructive sights on Kira, who knows exactly what he's doing but is sure she can out-psych him and deliver the performance of her life.

But can she? Aye, there's the rub. In fact, given this mixed-up bunch, whether there will be any survivors at curtain call is anyone's guess. Thoroughly engrossing and fast-paced (with no shortage of graphic sexual situations and explicit language, I note for those who eschew such things). Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review an advance copy.

I had to stay up until nearly three to finish this one. A slower build and lots of mind buggery.

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Part of me loved this book while part of me hated it.

The plot is predictable and common, the characters aren't likeable, the ending isn't surprising, but the craziness that brings all of those pieces together makes for an unforgettable story. Before I realized it, I was up all night reading. This is a gritty psychological thriller with a slow build to an explosive ending. Recommend.

Temper by Layne Fargo is a recommended dark psychological thriller set amidst the theater scene.

Chicago actress Kira Rascher has landed a great role in a new play, Temper. The drawback is that the play is being put on at the Indifferent Honest Theater Company and this means she will be working with the toxic director and actor Malcolm Mercer. Joanna Cuyler is the partner and roommate of Malcolm. She knows Malcolm's problems, but she also does not like Kira and sees her as a threat. Kira knows the stories and has been warned about Malcolm, but she is sure she can handle him.

This is a dark story with the narrative alternating between Joanna's and Kira's point-of-view. The alternating narrative helps escalate the tension, documenting the chain of turbulent events that builds up to an inevitable ending. The writing is meritable in this debut thriller and Fargo creates a toxic world for all of her characters. The ending is predestined and unavoidable, which makes the ending predictable, but not shocking or surprising, especially after pages of knowing the inner thoughts of Joanna and Kira.

None of the characters are likeable or trustworthy at all. Both Kira and Joanna are suffering from the repercussions of Malcolm's manipulation and abuse. As the stakes increase, the chapters get shorter, helping to make the pace quicken and the tension rise even faster. The setting is the indie theater scene and these people are basically foreign to my life, which made it easier for me to keep saying, "Leave this behind. Why are you tolerating this?" as I was reading. Finishing does require you to not question why these women would tolerate any of the abuse.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Gallery/Scout Press.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/06/temper.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2847579387
https://www.librarything.com/work/22655588/book/169511365
https://twitter.com/SheTreadsSoftly/status/1136368112192905216

Temper by Layne Fargo is a dark thriller and as many have recommended, it’s best to go in not knowing much about the story. Let it unfold and surprise you along the way. Here is what you need to know upfront:

After years of struggling in the Chicago theater scene, ambitious actress Kira Rascher finally lands the role of a lifetime. The catch? Starring in Temper means working with Malcolm Mercer, a mercurial director who’s known for pushing his performers past their limits—onstage and off.

Kira’s convinced she can handle Malcolm, but the theater’s cofounder Joanna Cuyler is another story. Joanna sees Kira as a threat—to her own thwarted artistic aspirations, her twisted relationship with Malcolm, and the shocking secret she’s keeping about the upcoming production. But as opening night draws near, Kira and Joanna both start to realize that Malcolm’s dangerous extremes are nothing compared to what they’re capable of themselves.

Plot twists, a gripping story, excellent writing and for some reason, I was reminded of Black Swan but that could just be me.

Due out July 2, you can pre-order now.

How far would you go for your art? That seems to be the question that each character in Temper has to ask themselves. Answering that question pushes some to the brink, while others make a different kind of sacrifice by taking the moral high ground.

Even knowing his reputation for being a master manipulator (read: sadist/sociopath), Kira desperately wants a part in a play opposite Malcolm Mercer. She thinks she can play his game without breaking. It's a dangerous self-deception that leads to complications in the lives of her friend Spence, and Joanna, co-owner of the theater company, who holds some secrets of her own. The dynamic between Kira and Mal reminded me of (a younger, more attractive) Hannibal and Clarice (Silence of the Lambs).

I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at theater production, which created authenticity and gave credibility to the urgency of getting the stage blocking just right. I deducted one star, because of all of the characters, the one I couldn't fully visualize was Kira, perhaps because she flipped between vulnerable and strong so often. I loved that the author wasn't afraid to go to some dark places with this novel. Brava on your debut novel, Ms. Fargo!

It is shocking that Layne Fargo is only a debut author. Temper is a dark psychological thriller with strong writing and an engrossing plot. Readers will find it hard to put this one down while they continue guessing and feigning for that surprise ending. The characters are so well-written. They are those that you can't help but hate, although you love to read about them. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy dark thrillers. This is a good one to get your hands on!

A dark psychological thriller. It does not move quickly in order to savor the characters and the plot. It was really interesting to learn more about the world of theatre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Slow but methodical. This book engages the reader from page one and slowly burns up to a riveting heart pounding ending. You would never know this is a debut author. Layne writes as though shes been a seasoned author for decades. This book is edgy, and refuses to let you go. I loved how well the characters are written and the plot keeps you hanging on to every line.

This is a battle between love and hate. Lol

I hated the characters but loved the story.

The ending was disappointing because I guessed it early on.

I wanted MORE crazy.

Despite all this, I was glued to my Kindle screen. I had to see it all play out.

I’m not quite sure what I expected when I picked up Temper and I’m still not entirely sure how to classify it now that I’ve finished it, but I will say, I did enjoy it! To be clear, Temper is not a thriller, the best way I can describe it is a psychological mind f*ck - but not so much for the readers as it is for the characters on one another.

Temper had me curious and guessing the entire book and kept me completely captivated. I’m choosing to not say more as this is the kind of book it’s best to go in blind on.

For a debut author especially, Fargo did an excellent job on pacing and keeping readers enthralled (myself, specifically) and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for what she does next!

Thank you to Gallery books for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This book! WOW! The characters are mind blowing. The story switches back and forth between two narrators that are so well written you feel as if you are have a personal conversation with them. But honestly you need to pay attention or you will miss a twist. I mean HOLY twists! THE END. Lets talk, but not talk about the end. The last line of the book will leave you with shivers.

I can't recall when I've enjoyed a slide into madness quite as much as in Layne Fargo's debut TEMPER.

I come from a theatre background, but it's not why I enjoyed this book. While the details are spot on, Fargo's book is about the people in this book, and their relationship to each other and to the play they're performing . You're taken on a ride through Kira's big break on stage in Chicago, and introduced to the small-but-well-known theatre, and its owners Joanna and Mal. What you don't realize in the beginning is just what a perfect storm throwing all these people together in this situation will be. As the story unfolds and we learn more about our leading lady, we start to question her point of view, and how she's interpreting things from her past. Rather than a victim, by the end you're not *entirely* sure you're not in the head of a monster... and it's done so artfully you enjoy every moment of the ride.

TEMPER is perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, and anyone who likes complicated, messy relationships. It's a brilliant character study in struggle for power, for self-empowerment, and where perhaps those things can cross the line into something less sterling.

I loved it, highly recommend.

Temper is a book I couldn’t stop reading while despising all of the characters. I honestly could not stand them which usually causes me to stop reading but I had to finish it. I also knew where the story was heading. I wasn’t surprised by any of their actions and yet I couldn’t stop reading.

The story takes place in Chicago, which I love. Especially when I can picture the locations and they are accurate. It revolves around a small theater company, which was fun since I worked for some small comprehensive I first moved to the city. I have worked with actors who take their roles to the point of danger which could be part of what held my attention. I can’t be sure. I would recommend this suspense for people who aren’t looking for a “who done it” and enjoy a dark twist.

I will admit, I may have wanted this to go darker but At the end of the day I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read Temper.

Thank you Net Galley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing this morsel in exchange for my honest review.

This book was intense! I loved the story and the two different perspectives! Very well written and I was guessing up until the very end!

REVIEW: Temper by Layne Fargo
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Summary: Kira is a Chicago based actress who isn’t exactly super successful. She lives with Spence, her best friend with benefits, and works with a Shakespeare based company that works with high school students. When she auditions for the new play Temper, which would be starring successful theater actor Malcolm Mercer, she knows this could be the break she’s been looking for. But there’s a catch, Malcolm has a reputation for pushing his actors to the absolute limit. Kira thinks she’s immune…but is she?
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Review: Wow. This book was a wild ride and I have to say I definitely wasn’t expecting that ending!!! There are so many complex characters in this story. There weren’t any characters I really liked, but they were all very real and human. What I also liked about this book was the fact that we got to see a lot about the theatre world and what it takes to be an actor. Malcolm is manipulative and almost devoid of emotion. You keep waiting for him to show some redeeming qualities, but he never does. This story was CRAZY in the best way possible. I will be writing way more about this in my blog!!! 5/5 stars!!!! I highly recommend!

I think my skin was crawling with tension throughout this dark, dry tale. Two women, both ambitious, both attracted to a sadistic, domineering actor, both driven beyond their boundaries and both on a collision course of destruction.

Twisted, brutal emotionally for the characters and filled with deceit and manipulation, there wasn’t really a developed character that I liked, but I give kudos to Layne Fargo who wrote in bold strokes to bring forth a tale one will not soon forget.

TEMPER by Layne Fargo had me unsettled throughout and after struggling to get through the first half of the book, it opens up into a full throttle, jagged edged thriller that made my head spin, a total love-hate read for me! I found myself wondering: How far would you go to achieve your personal dreams? Would you forsake your very soul?

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gallery/Scout Press!

Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press (July 2, 2019)
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Print Length: 352 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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I am blown away! Temper, by Layne Fargo, is a tour de force! This masterful taut thriller will take your breath away. You will be drawn into the story from the first page. Beautifully, flawed characters drive this tale of passion, lust, revenge.
“What’s done, cannot be undone.” W.Shakespeare

Interesting tale about a Chicago theater actor who is vying for a spot in an up coming play called "Temper". Each actor is trying to figure each other out and where they are coming from and what they bring to the play along with the "producer"who is also in a power play. This unique story led me along with no idea how this was going to end. Bravo!

This was a knock-out debut thriller that drew me in from the first page. Told from alternating perspectives, the story centers around Kira Rascher, an aspiring actress, and Joanna Cuyler, the co-founder of a theater company in Chicago. The two women's paths cross when Kira lands a leading role in a play entitled Temper and gets the opportunity to work with the mercurial actor/director, Malcolm "Mal" Mercer, who is the other theater company co-founder and is known for pushing the limits on and off set. From the first few chapters, the reader knows that the relationships in this triangle will be far from easy.

As the plot progresses, the tension is palpable and continues to build right up through the final pages. I tend to like thrillers with an edge, especially when they explore the dynamics of female relationships; this one definitely checked that box for me. I found myself wanting to find out what happened next to Kira and Joanna. I could not put this book down after a certain point. While I deduced the outcomes of a couple of the plot twists prior to them being revealed, I was still riveted from start to finish. In some ways, I felt satisfied after the twists were revealed because I had guessed right. It made me feel like I had connected with the characters and understood their perspectives and how they would behave. I liked the twists, which felt true to the characters and moved the story forward well.

The writing was strong and evocative. While I don't have any theater background, the author did an excellent job of describing this world and making it feel like I was there in the audience watching the drama unfold. My only regret in reading an early edition of her debut is knowing that I will now be waiting impatiently for her second novel to be published, which can't come soon enough! This review is based on an advanced reader edition that I received courtesy of NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press (thank you!).