The story is told from the points of view of single mother Lee, who we know is dead very early in the book, her best friend Grace, and Noah, tutor and therapist of Mason, Lee's son. We know that something horrible and fatal happened on a retreat that included Lee, Grace, and their two close women friends. The story thing goes back over the last forty eight hours, as we find out what led up to Lee's death.

At lot of improbable things have to occur for this story to even happen the way it does so at times I had to hold down my tendency to roll my eyes. Still, I couldn't help wanting to know what was going on in this book because it was easy for me to tell that Lee had stability problems that might be making her on-the-spectrum son's problems worse, we know Grace has a secret that she's not telling at the moment, and Noah is holding something back, also. Grace seemed to let every little thing stop her from blurting out her very important secret that she knew would upset Lee, while Lee was trying to push a relationship on to Noah, when he was obviously not interested in a relationship with Lee. Both Lee and Noah allude to shameful secrets in their pasts while Grace seems to have her life mostly in control, just holding in her secret that she knows will probably destroy her relationship with Lee.

The entire time, we aren't sure who is telling the truth and even if the person relating their point of view is telling US the truth. There is at least one unreliable narrator in this story, along with facts withheld for the shock value later in the book. Overall I enjoyed the ride, especially if I didn't stop and think about things too closely.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

In this second novel from author Rea Frey, we meet friends Lee and Grace who each have son’s; Mason and Luca. Mason suffers from Sensory Processing Disorder and Lee struggles with raising him. Noah is Grace’s friend who also helps Lee as Mason’s therapist. After a horrible accident on a girl’s trip, everyone’s lives are forever changed.

I was completely shocked by this book, as page by page things were not as they seemed. I believed I had the “twist” figured out about halfway through but I was completely wrong and couldn’t be happier that I was! Every time I thought I had everything in place there was another shock. The writing is brilliant, as you can’t tell friend from foe, right from wrong. This will definitely be a highly recommended read from me!

A thrilling book that is well written. It makes you relate and understand the characters well. It is a great summer read, loved every page. It is twisted and dark but a great ride

I do believe I’ve found my newest autobuy author! I adored Not Her Daughter and now I ADORE this book. During part 1, I wasn't sure how I was feeling about this book. Lee was getting on my nerves, I already found Mason adorable and I couldn't grasp where this book was heading. Then, about 100 pages in, part 2 hits me across the face with a big old forceful slap and I didn’t stop reading after that. Halfway I was like ok I found the big twist. Omg I’m BRILLIANT. Yes! But no. And then WHAT. Though certain things seem blazingly obvious, you stay with it to see how it is all going to unfold... and you're glad that you do because what's obvious becomes a bit hazy and not exactly what you bargained for.

I have only one thing that I was like waiiiit a minute but I don’t even care. I was involved. I was IN IT. (Have you read this? Can we discuss please??) Just when I think I know what's happening, I get side lined with that last chapter. I was NOT expecting that. Believable? Not believable? I.do.not.care. This kept me hooked. There are certainly some scenes that are cringe worthy and depressing but those are what drew me in even further if I'm being completely honest about it. I do wish some of the characters were a *little* more developed so I had a deeper understanding of them though.

Alright alright alright, Frey. I’m obsessed with you now. Lawd help me and my TBR pile because as of this point, I will read whatever you put in front of me. This domestic drama cake topped with some suspense icing will give you the goods.

Because You’re Mine kept me guessing right up to the final chapter. At first it reads like a romance novel. Then someone dies and the idyllic world came crashing down. Do not start reading this at bedtime. You will not be able to put it down.

4.5 stars!

I wasn't sure if this book was a thriller, or just "literary fiction." I'd say it's a cross between both, but it really threw me for a loop!!! This book follows two mother's and a "love triangle" of sorts - Grace and Lee, and is mainly told from their perspectives. Lee is a single mother who has a child with special needs; and Grace, her best friend and also single mother, who is more like a sister to her.

Lee finally has a hold on her life after a dark, secretive past and wants to finally have some joy in her life. She is falling for her son Mason's occupational caregiver, Noah. However, he doesn't return the feelings. Low and behold, Grace has started a romantic relationship with Noah and has an unexpected pregnancy in her early 40s. This secret threatens to tear them apart.

The book was really interesting because you see glimpses into both Noah and Lee's sad and secretive pasts as well; and in the last 15% of the book I had a serious WTF moment. I feel like I should have seen the twist coming, but the author did such a great job at telling different stories that I was completely SHOCKED. The big plot twist really was wrapped up very quickly, but it instantly bumped the book up a star for me.

I highly recommend!

Just when you think you know the secret and might be thinking ho-hum, please keep reading! There's a twist and then another one and then pow! Lee and her son Mason are living a small life in Nashville. She's a hair stylist who works from home because Mason is on the spectrum. Noah, his occupational therapist, is the light in their lives. Grace is her friend, the only one who seems to understand. Lee is persuaded to go on a girls weekend with Grace and two other women and to leave Mason at home with Noah. Things do not go well. Told in alternate chapters with multiple characters in the lead, this does move back and forth in time but it works well under the circumstances. Frey drops hints along the way that you likely will miss (I know I did) and then they come together. Hard to write a review without spoilers but it's a very good read. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This one honestly surprised me, which is hard to do.

A group of friends go on a girls' weekend getaway. Two of the women are Lee and Grace - best friends who are keeping secrets from one another. At the end of the weekend, someone is dead.

Told with alternating points of view and timelines. The three points of view are Lee, Grace, and Noah. Lee is a single mother. She is protective of her autistic son Mason, and all her actions revolve around providing for him. Grace is Lee's best friend, and also a single mother. Grace is keeping something from Lee that threatens their relationship. Noah is Mason's tutor, who Lee has a crush on. Most of the novel takes place in the present time, but there are chapters from the past that fill in the blanks to explain current actions of the characters.

Domestic suspense that is slow-building and captivating. Lee and Grace are both single mothers raising sons. They formed a friendship and have confided in one another over the years, but they have been keeping their darkest secrets hidden. Flawed and unreliable characters with intriguing backstories. A story with dark and unpredictable turns. Fantastic ending.

Because You're Mine is Rea Frey's second book, and I found it slightly better than Not Her Daughter. Both are good books though, and I recommend them to readers who enjoy a combination of women's fiction and domestic suspense.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Holy crap. Holy freaking crap. What a book! I read and loved Not Her Daughter last year, so when BYM hit NetGalley I had to request it. And let me tell you, it DID NOT DIAAPPOINT. What a wild ride!
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This book is domestic suspense at its best. Who is in the right? Which story can be trusted? These questions had me speed-reading for the last 2/3 of the book, trying like hell to finish it because I HAD TO KNOW. And just when you think the story is over...BAM! That plot twist left me reeling. No sophmore slump here, I assure you. Absolute perfection.
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This book gets 4 stars; I'm taking a point off because it took longer than it should have to clarify who was who in the very beginning. Other than that this book was amazing. Well done, Ms. Frey!

What can I say? I had the book figured out. It was a book not unlike many others I've read and I had determined to stop in the middle and tell NetGalley I wouldn't be reading the book. Then I decided to read the reviews and each one talked about the unseen twist at the end. What could I do? I had to finish the book, and once I'd made up my mind to continue, I finished the book at one sitting. And yes, it was a satisfying read that caught me unaware. My big concern is that the book completely wrapped in about six pages, which was a let huge down. I wanted more understanding of how the murderer crafted (pronoun) life and the steps leading up to the end. I'm sorry but I can't go into more detail without giving to much information. Read 'Because You're Mine' and make your own decisions about the book and your feelings for it. My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC and allowing me to preread this book.

Lee and Grace are best friends. They are both single moms, and have bonded over that, although Lee has a much harder time of things because her son Mason is on the spectrum. When the small group of moms that are friends decide to go on a short 2-night trip to together to the mountains, Lee doesn't know what to do. She has never left Mason before, and isn't sure how he will handle it, but she desperately needs this time away. But when tragedy strikes during the trip, secrets threaten to come to light, and we find out people aren't who they seem to be.
This book was one long series of shockers. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, I would discover something new. This is definitely a must-read for suspense fans!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. You will not believe the duplicity involved in the story. The ending will knock you out of your chair, so be prepared!!! If you love psychological suspense, this is your book! Enjoy! 📚

Because You Are Mine by Rea Frey

Brief Summary: Lee is an overprotective and overworked mother of a boy with special needs. She has a crush on her son’s OT Noah, though he doesn’t return her feelings. When her friend Grace convinces her to go on a girls’ weekend away trip and Noah agrees to stay with her son, Lee has a long overdue vacation. Only all three of them have secrets and before the girls’ weekend is over someone ends up dead. This is my second read of Rea Frey’s and I eagerly anticipated her follow-up novel.

Highlights: This is the type of brilliantly written, shocking, schedule clearing domestic thriller that I live for. I read through an orchestra concert I could not turn the pages fast enough or put this book down. The characters were so relatable but with so much depth who were each trying to be resilient from their own tragedies. I’m really impressed with how Rea Frey brought the characters together and the plot twists I just didn’t see coming were exceptional. I also enjoyed the Nashville setting; it’s a city I’ve enjoyed visiting and it was great to hear the local’s perspectives.

Explanation of Rating: 5/5 This book has all the elements I love. This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. I’m trying not to give too much away in this review. Even her title is perfect! Just trust me and pick this one up.

Psychology Factors: Of note, the author nails so many tough psychological issues including rape, addiction, depression, and being a caregiver for a special needs child. Many of these issues are difficult to address but Rea Frey does so in a sensitive and real manner. I only wish that I could have worked with them in therapy; Lee especially. I also want to commend the author for sharing her own story of rape in the book’s prolog.

This is a must read for thriller enthusiasts, psychological thriller enthusiasts, book clubs, and one of my top recommendations for a summer vacation read.

Well done Rea and thank you! She is joining the list of authors that I immediately run out and buy her book to support her brilliant work. My pre-order is in! Be sure to get yours in too!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review

Expectations are everything when it comes to me & books. I started this expecting a sad, gripping tale. I really enjoyed NOT HER DAUGHTER. I was actually in the mood for a tear-jerker, so let's do it. This book was so heavy & emotional for me in a way I have difficulty describing. As soon as I finished, I felt like I needed a cold shower.

Rea's writing is great. I struggled a bit with the characters as I didn't feel strongly about any of them. I did; however, read this book in less than 24 hours. I needed to get to the end & figure out WTH is going on!

Plenty of people will love this book, but prepare for it to be heavy, possibly triggering & emotional. I will look forward to Rea's next book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my gifted review copy.

3.5/5 stars

Because You're Mine is my second book by this author (I previous read Not My Daughter).

The genre is sort of a combination between a Psychological Thriller, Women's Fiction and Suspense.

The book starts with an author's note at the beginning. I sort of think that this should have been put at the end of the book. It sort of spoils some topics that are in the story. But I guess it also does give a warning in case certain readers are sensitive about those topics. I found what the author wrote in her note to be very powerful. But I actually did not feel the same about how these topics were woven into the actual story.

The book is divided into four parts and takes place in Nashville. There are three POVs: Grace, Lee (woman), and Noah (all 3rd person POVs). There are also some 1st person diary entries. And some sections from the past.

Grace is a single mom. Her best friend Lee is also a single mom. And their friend who is an occupational therapist is Noah. All of these characters have major secrets.

I really loved that all of the characters had so many secrets. This was really such a major part of the story. However, when the book blurb says that there will be an ending that nobody will see coming ... well that worried me. Because it made my mind work overtime to figure out the various reveals.

There are a bunch of reveals in this book. And while I did not see the last one coming (although I feel like I should have) ... there were a few that were not as shocking (although now I sort of think that was intentional). I pretty much knew right from the start what Grace wanted to tell Lee.

Overall, I enjoyed this story as I was reading it. And there were definitely quite a few very interesting reveals. And the ending was pretty crazy.

I heard a lot of good things about this book and I couldn't wait to pick it up. However, it fell a little short for me. I struggle with the narrative style of "I have a secret but I'm going to keep it hidden for pages upon pages." And this is what was done with all of the main characters. Yes, they all had secrets and eventually all were (mostly) revealed, but it seemed a little too... disjointed? Choppy? I'm not sure, but it didn't flow well. It was like your best friend telling you "I have a secret" and you wanting to know what it was and they tell you "I'm not going to tell you, but let's go shopping." And the book went off in another direction.
I understand this is likely to keep the reader wanting more, but there was too much of it. By the end of the book, the ending was a little too out there. I had predicted most of it, but not all. The end seemed to come out of left field, but I guess that was the point. I'm still left with questions: whose diary entries were they? Was this whole thing really believable? And why did they never say that Mason was on the spectrum? (This last one bothered me a lot). He is described as having sensory processing disorder. This is not a reason to pull your kid from school and have him work with an OT every single day. Many of the actions that Mason described were those of someone with autism but this was never referenced.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading the book. I wanted to know what happened, but the unreliable narrators and the twist at the end knocked this down a few stars.

I really really struggled with this book and what to rate it. I had to sit on this for a few days.

So, on my hand I loved Rea's writing style and devoured this book in a little over a day. But, something was just missing for me and the ending fell extremely flat for me.

I felt that it was a tad unbelievable and just missed the mark for me. I feel like this has been a pattern for me with her books... that they're unbelievable, predictable, and the ending just comes out of left field.

I love surprising twists but you have to have the meat in the sandwich to deliver that final twist.

I enjoyed the multiple/dual POV and felt her writing was very strong. I think this is definitely one of her strengths in all her books!

I have seen many high 4 and 5 star reviews for this one so please don't let that deter you from reading. But, I do have to say this book has a lot going on... and it delivers a ride that many won't see coming.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars for me on this one

Pub day: 8/6/19
Published to GR: 7/28/19

Quick read. Kept my interest through out the book. Didn't lag or become too tedious like a lot of books do in the middle. I would recommend this for anyone wanting suspense or just good women's fiction.

This is a must read. Tough subject matter, but a really good read. There are 4 main characters. All are flawed, but real. Lee is a single mom to Mason, a highly functioning child on the spectrum. Brilliant, truly brilliant, lovable, adorable beyond belief and the love of her life. He's a wonderful child, but it is all that Lee can do to support him financially, educationally and most importantly emotionally. She is exhausted before she gets out of bed each and every day. She works from home to create a stable safe environment for Mason and every penny that doesn't go to overhead and basic necessities goes to pay Noah, Masons tutor. He is all about structure and continuity. For the first time since the birth of Mason Lee decides to go away for the weekend with her best friend Grace and leaves Mason home with Noah. Two left and only one comes back. Who murdered her? Will the truth come to light and how? Who hasn't heard or read that before, but this is different. Lots of intrigue, twists and turns. It is written from various points of view in the past and present. It is a great read you will start reading and then not realize that hours have passed and you're done. It is worth losing track of your time. I know I should give more details, but don't want to ruin the read for anyone.

I finished this book several days ago, I needed to mull over which way my review was going to go. Now that I’ve had time to mull, I’m going to have to give it 4 stars because it has many things I really liked. I liked the way the story was told; it starts the chapters with telling you it would be in the past or the present, that is always a good thing. And then I liked the characters, Grace, Mason and Noah particularly, but Lee, her repeats and obsessions got a little old pretty quick and her diary entries were sometimes really spooky. The way the story began was excellent, letting you know you were in for a treat of figuring out who done it. The character development was great, she gave wonderful scenarios of their past lives and in-depth explanations of each character, it helped validate their thoughts and feelings, another good thing.
Now for the negative, the sex scenes, I don’t mind a good sex scene once in a while, but there was one in here that was downright gross. I think the point could have been made with much less or at least a better play by play. If you have an aversion to this type of content, you may want to pass or be ready to skip over it. This is where the mulling came in, did I rate the book lower just because of my lack of taste for this or give the rating it truly deserves for the content as a whole. I chose the latter. 4****’s.
The storyline was well thought out and I did not figure out the ending, several possibilities were framed up, but I missed the mark. All and all, this was not a bad read.
I thank St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for allowing me the privilege of reading this book for my honest review.