Holy worth the wait! I was as consumed by this book as the characters themselves are consumed by the play. There is this constant power struggle between the characters, but also within the reader to try to unfurl this twisted web that is beautifully woven by Fargo’s fiery writing style and attitude. It’s intense, it’s hot, it’s amazing. Really so happy to not have to wait until July to read this book! NetGalley graciously provided an ARC that was flawless and should go straight to press right now. The comparison to Black Swan here is a good one, but not a complete replica by any means. It’s just so powerful that you’re left wondering who had the control over whom throughout this thrilling ride with a pulse-pounding ending!

Where to begin? Malcolm and Joanna co-own a theater company in Chicago. The play, "Temper", has been chosen for the next event for their theater. Although not a front-runner for the female lead - Malcolm chooses Kira for the leading part - opposite himself. Malcolm and Joanna have a long history as do Kira and Spence. Spence works as a "fight coordinator" for Temper, also.

The story is told from various perspectives. Very impressive character writing is evident in this suspenseful, if not a bit twisted, tale of interactions among people. (Particularly those who crave the theater). All four of the main characters (and most of the incidental ones, as well) have personal flaws and hurt that obviously still both haunt and sting them.

You will not be able to put the book down. The need to know the powerful events that center around all of the characters is quite strong (and definitely worth the read) !

A MUST READ and a winner for Lynne Fargo!

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster - Scout Press and NetGalley for an impressive read!

Temper is the perfect example of being the frog in the boiling water. You're reading it, and it feels like nothing much is happening, you're just chilling in this land of fantastic writing and Chicago theater, and then you realize, wait, VERY MUCH is happening, and oh wow, did she really just do that, did HE really just do that, and WHAT is GOING ON WAIT -- and then when you realize what you're in for, it's over, and you're left with the thought: They really Did That.

In other words, this book is a rollercoaster of the best kind. From the very first chapter, I was pulled right into Kira and Joanna's worlds. These two characters are so distinct, and so different. On closer inspection, they are similar in deeper ways, but they each go about getting what they want in different ways. I somehow expected the two of them to become friends, or at least allies, from reading the blurb. But I quickly realized that would not be possible -- and I LOVED that. No petty woman-hating drama here, just two women who so fiercely reach for what they want.

The way Layne Fargo weaves in events of the past into the narration of the present is so seamless and natural. We learn lots about Joanna's and Kira's pasts, but it never feels like infodumping or excessive flashbacks. And I loved the slow reveals of the things that made these two women become the way they are.

Malcolm is also a perfect villain. I don't want to say too much about him or what he does, because the experience of reading it does more to show how terrible he is than I could ever do by explaining.

All in all, reading Temper was an experience I'm so grateful I got to have. This book releases in July and I can't recommend it enough if you like female characters with agency and dark books that catch you by surprise. I also recommend it for anyone whose heart belongs to Chicago (like mine). There are so many lovely nuggets in here that made me homesick for my city.

I do want to share a TRIGGER WARNING for emotional and physical abuse. Particularly if you've suffered this kind of abuse, I recommend keeping in contact with someone you trust while you read this book. Just in case.

A bloody, sexy high drama -- extremely dark and so much fun to read. Love how the characters cross and come into conflict.