A quandary of a review!!!
This author writes great books, this one is really well written,the style easy and welcoming to a reader, all aspects and characters explained,scenes set and theres intrigue, mystery and suspense with the required twists and turns
The ‘dream house’ is a former refuge for victims ( or survivors ) of Domestic Violence and Stella and Jack have now bought it and are doing it up ( Stella has inherited a fortune and Jack intends to carry on commuting the 50 or so miles to London), then as they are having sex ( the first time in forever, although only been together for less than a year!!!!! ) a woman covered in blood knocks on their door, they allow her to stay overnight and well, for me, the story then became unbelievable, we all know as readers we ‘give n take’ a bit with stories sometimes but I honestly dont know anyone who would do what Stella next did nor allow the chain of events that followed to happen, her whole life crashes and she could simply have stopped it by doing what any one of us would have done faced with what was occurring!
I finished the book but it became less and less believable as it carried on
Brilliant style of writing but sadly on this occasion just not an acceptably believable storyline
Writing style 10/10
Story 3/10
So altogether a 5/10 2.5 Stars

I feel like I read a completely different book than everyone else. Mine had two timelines with two different women, both in abusive situations. Well, the present story line itself had two abused women, one physically and one mentally abused. Even though they were supposed to be the solid characters around whom everything was happening, I felt Stella's relationship with Jack wasn't a good one. He held way too much power over her, even when she stood up to him and let Lori stay. Of course, she hid her away at first so maybe that supports my position even more? I spent way too much time reading about women making excuses for their abusive partners and way too much time waiting for a "burning bed" comeuppance. I felt that most of the plot and the entire ending was a bit too unbelievable.

The Dream House (originally titled The Guest) is a phycological thriller with a dual timeline. The story is about domestic violence and what effect it takes on young kids who are exposed to it at an early age.

The author introduces us to two different characters: Kay and Stella.

Kay's life took a drastic change the moment she met Foxy. Dreams of her own little family have finally come true. However, as months went by, behind the closed doors, Kay's life became a living nightmare. From a charming young man that Kay met just a year earlier, Foxy became controlling and verbally and physically abusive. And worse of all... Kay starts to see the change in her daughter, who starts to adopt her stepfather's behavior.

Stella's life also had a drastic change. After the accidental death of her parents, she quit the job she once loved, moved to London suburbs and bought an old Westhill House. From the moment she laid her eyes on it, Stella knew this house is peculiar. Old houses tend to have ghosts attached to them, and Stella is about to meet some of them.

The Dream House is a fantastic, fast-paced story. I highly recommend this standalone for anyone that loves a suspenseful, psychological thriller. Thank you, NetGalley and Jess Ryder for this great read.

# The Dream House # Netgalley
A spine chilling novel that start to reveal its secrets of the past. It very cleverly written with some weird twists, the history of the house becomes clearer in many ways. Little do they know at the start of the project what they would uncover, That in their own way starts to through doubts on the marriage. Will they survive the renovation or not. Every now and again whilst I was reading this book I got that odd shiver, the one where we all say someone’s walked over my grave. Occasionally I had this feeling of dajavue
On more than one occasion. It would be interesting to know if other readers of this book had similar feeling. I actually found it a good read and was interested in the history of the house. Overall a really good read

Stella has been left an inheritance from her parents and decides to use it to buy Westhill House, a large house overlooking the sea. It’s in need of renovation, but she wants to turn it into her dream house for herself and her partner, Jack. One night after they’ve moved in to begin the renovations, after hearing frantic knocking on the door, they find Lori who says she has been given this address by a helpline for women suffering from domestic abuse. Stella and Jack work out from this that some years before they had bought the house it must have been used as a women’s refuge. Unable to turn Lori away, Stella invites her in, but Jack doesn’t believe the woman’s story. One night’s refuge turns into weeks which causes huge problems between Stella and Jack. Is Lori telling the truth, or is Jack right to be wary of her?

I’ve read other books by this author and know that she can write books that grab you right at the beginning. This is exactly what happened with this book! I loved how the story had you doubting and mistrusting the characters right from the very beginning! I did like Stella’s character and could totally get her passion to buy a house by the sea and make it her dream home. Jack I wasn’t so sure of!! Not just because he seemed to lack any kind of sympathy for Lori, but I didn’t like it from the start that he felt his way to blow Stella’s inheritance was the right way! Lori was definitely a character that I was on the fence with. On one hand, turning up battered and bruised, of course you’re going to feel some empathy to her, but on the other hand, I’m not sure whether I trusted her one little bit! Running alongside the storyline of these three main characters, there was also another storyline from an earlier time featuring Kay and Alan. Kay was experiencing domestic violence from her husband Alan, and her story was focused on the fact that she needed to work out a plan to get away from him before he killed her.

Both of these storylines, from past and present, invoked similar feelings of shock, dread and sadness at what was happening in these characters lives. I did wonder where it was going with the two different storylines, and I was reading the pages as quick as I could to see how they both linked together. There are lots of twists and turns and the whole nature of the storyline made for a very unsettling and nervy read (but in a good way!!). The house was obviously the focal point of both storylines and it certainly made me think of what stories its walls could tell if they could talk!

As usual with this author, I loved her writing and how she manages to keep the reader’s attention with the suspense and tension of the storyline. I also thought it was a brave topic to tackle with domestic abuse being one of those things that society doesn’t like to discuss….even though they should. A dark, dangerous and hypnotic read, which I would definitely recommend!

This has been a great read, highly enjoyable from start to finish with plenty of action and drama. It also deals with sensitive topics such as bereavement and domestic violence/abuse, but I think the author Jess has done this justice and portrayed it really well.

I thought the story plot was well written and cleverly entwined throughout, loved how it was told by two characters, Stella in the present and then Kay in the past and how it seamlessly came together at the end. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and seeing how each of their stories developed throughout, although I didn't much like the character of Stella, as found her to be weak and very naive, but then I'm guessing that's what the author intended for that said character.

I was truly captivated and enthralled with this book and throughout reading it, I kept trying to piece everything together in my head, and figure it all out, and wondering how it would all end. Suffice to say I couldn't have been more wrong if I tried.

So another excellent book from Jess.

Westhill House was supposed to be their dream home,a sprawling mansion on the top of a hill,the house had a small corner turret perched on top of it and stunning views of the sea.Ok,it needed to be totally refurbished but the agents has told them that it had unlimited potential to be transformed into a stunning family home. Stella loved the house at first sight but her partner Jack wasn't as enthusiastic and once they had moved in,the more time they spent in the house,the more cracks began to appear in their relationship.

The atmosphere is strained,Jack is spending more and more time at work and Stella is beginning to wonder if she made the correct decision when she bought the house. Then one night,Lori arrives on their doorstep,she is battered,bruised and terrified,and insisting that she is on the run from her violent husband.

Disregarding Jack's concerns Stella tells Lori that has can stay with them for the night and the next day they will hopeful find Lori a place in a woman's refuge. Only once Lori is over the threshold,she refuses to leave the house.

Who is Lori? How does she know so much about Westhill House? Are Jack's suspicions correct that by letting Lori into their home,Stella had endangered her own life.

I could fully understand Jack's reaction to Stella allowing a complete stranger into their home,someone they knew absolutely nothing about. That's not saying that his actions later on in the story were excusable but I found it difficult not to feel a little bit of sympathy for the poor bloke. Stella wasn't the most likeable character at times and obviously had a very bad case of saviour complex. Could her behaviour be attributed to her upbringing,guilt because of events in her past or just plain stubbornness. I can't say I liked Lori very much either,she was very secretive and manipulative but was that just the author's clever ploy,making her character appear to be something that she wasn't? Interspersed throughout the story were chapters that introduced us to Kay and her young daughter Abigail. At the beginning of their story,Kay is working in a card shop and she and Abigail are living with Kay's mum and dad. But then Kay meets charming,romantic,attentive Micky Foxton,it's love at first sight and just over a year later they get married. It is only on their wedding day that Kay discovers that she has made a dreadful mistake. Micky is a violent,abusive bully and Kay finds herself torn between her own happiness and keeping Abigail safe from harm.

As the story unfolds,the author has cleverly inserted clues and hints that observant readers will realise are connections between the two timelines. But how are the two stories connected? To find out,you are just going to have to read this clever and intreguing tale for yourself.

I love Jess Ryder's thrillers,they are always incredibly well written,compelling reads and The Dream House is no exception. The character's are well rounded,vivid and realistic. Domestic abuse is a distressing and emotive subject and Jess Ryder has written those parts of the story with understanding and sensitivity. Another amazing book,written by a very talented author.Very,very highly recommended.

I was kindly sent this book free of charge from Net galley in exchange for a honest review.

After reading the blurb I was quite excited to read this, it sounded my type of book. However unfortunately on the whole I found it quite boring and I wasn’t excited to pick it up. I struggled to stick with it. I didn’t warm to any of the characters and the storyline didn’t really go anywhere for me. It potentially had the makings of a decent story and I’m sure the domestic violence theme would be relatable to many people but unfortunately the storyline wasn’t strong enough for me.

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of Jess Ryder’s tense domestic noir, ‘The Dream House’, in exchange for an honest review.

Stella falls in love with Westhill House at first sight. It is located by the sea and is a large house in need of extensive renovation. Stella decides to use a recent inheritance to buy and transform it into a dream house for her and partner Jack.

Then one night a disheveled and battered woman named Lori shows up at the house clearly in distress. She says that she was given the address by a domestic abuse helpline. It appears that some years previously Westhill had been a refuge for battered women. Stella allows her to stay though Jack is not so welcoming and is convinced Lori is a con woman.

The narrative moves between the present (Now) and 1976-78 (Then). In the past we follow the story of Kay, a young woman trapped in an abusive marriage. Eventually the relevance of the past to the present is made clear.

This proved to be a gripping thriller that deals with a very difficult subject. Due to this it wasn’t an easy read but highlights this important social issue.

It certainly kept me guessing and proved a highly engaging read.

After the death of her parents, Stella buys a nearly derelict house, her plan is to turn it into her dream home, with her boyfriend Jack.

One night, a battered and beaten woman named Lori knocks on the door, pleading for help.

Stella is all for helping Lori, to protect her from a violent husband, but Jack has reservations….he’s not sure she’s telling the whole truth…..Stella just cannot leave Lori to fend for herself so she has to make a decision……Jack or Lori…but will her decision bring back memories of her own past to haunt her.

The other part of the story, set a few decades before, is about Kay and what she feels is a wonderful man, Alan…but as soon as they are married it turns out he is violent and controlling and Kay needs to escape…

Will Kay and Lori escape their nightmares.? And just how are these two stories linked?

A clever, wonderfully gripping domestic thriller by Jess Ryder….a totally compelling read.

Thank you to Bookouture, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

The author wrote a thriller that started with a bang and just kept going! The twists kept coming, so I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

The Dream House, previously entitled The Guest, is a psychological thriller worth devouring and was just the read I needed to get back into reading after a few days of illness. It has plenty of thrills and nail-biting creepiness but doesn't require too much brain power to get through. Sadly, it's becoming much rarer these days to see me recommend a domestic thriller as they have not only become boring but poorly executed too, but this is a superb example with a great rounded plot, excellent characterisation and a plot filled with mystery and intrigue.

The plot revolves around what was once a women's refuge and links two stories together, those of Stella and Kay, who both have ties to Westhill House. Told in the past by Kay and present by Stella, Ms Ryder approaches and explores the issue of domestic abuse in a compassionate and sensitive manner. The ending was both shocking and intensely satisfying as the two interconnected strands of the plot come together in an explosive fashion. Could letting a seemingly innocuous stranger who pleaded for help into her home really lead to a hellish situation for Stella?

It's a really cleverly plotted tale and an accurate portrayal of domestic violence which held my interest right from the start. This is certainly one of most compelling and accomplished domestic thrillers of late. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

Following the death of her parents, Stella decides to use her inheritance to buy a fixer-upper by the sea to share with her boyfriend Jack and turn it into her dream home. The remodel has definitely taken on toll on their relationship, so one evening Stella decides that she is going to go above and beyond to recreate the mood for the two of them.

The mood is cut short when Stella and Jack are startled with an incessant banging on their front door. Stella is floored when a battered woman named Lori shows up at her door seeking refuge since apparently the house used to be a refuge home for battered women. Jack is immediately weary of Lori since he suspects that she’s hiding something. Stella is forced to choose between helping Lori and upsetting Jack, so she decides to hide Lori in the house. While Lori is in the house, memories of Stella’s past begin to haunt her.

As the story continues, we jump back to the past to the story of Kay. Kay felt like the luckiest woman in the world when she met Alan since he didn’t seem to judge her for being a teen mom. Kay and Alan married after a year of dating, even though her parents were hesitant about Alan. However, Alan’s behavior changes and he becomes incredibly violent and controlling. Kay knows that she needs to escape Alan before he ends up taking her life.

As you continue reading the story, you see the mental decline of both Stella and Lori, which makes things a bit confusing, but it becomes quite apparent why. Additionally, you know that Kay is somehow connected since we become familiar with this story, but I was left guessing until the end.

I typically don’t read stories that deal with domestic violence since is a trigger for me, but I will say that this story is well done. The honesty in which the author presents these womens’ stories as well as their resolve was much appreciated.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Dream House (originally titled The Guest) by Jess Ryder is a psychological thriller that kept me hooked from the first few pages. This book was a brilliant read throughout.

Stella's parents both where killed in a hit and run accident and she is still grieving for her loss. They left Stella a large amount of money for her inheritance. Stella fell in love with an old big dilapidated house called Westhill House with its breath-taking views of the sea. This was a place women used to go to feel safe many years ago but closed down.
Stella is hoping this would be her forever home with her beloved partner Jack.
Stella and Jack moved from the city life to a the quiet seaside. Whilst Jack commutes to London for his job. Stella stays and watch the house come to life.
This house need everything done to it before it became that beautiful house. with a perfect garden to match its views
One evening a woman called Lori knocks on the door asking for help, Lori is a victim of domestic abuse. Stella takes her in and tries to help her. Jack thinks it's a bad idea to take Lori in.

There's a lot of great characters within this brilliant book and they all have a great part to play within the story and a lot of twists and turns that made this book a great read and hard to put down once you start to read it.

I would Highly Recommend this Book.....

5 Stars.

Big Thank you to Bookouture NetGalley, and Jess Ryder for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There are psych thrillers that are “unputdownable,” and then there are ones that keep giving you one-two jabs of “holy heck what just happened?!?” The Dream House is the perfect combination of the two. I read it in two sittings (only due to a prior commitment – otherwise I would have read straight through). It is masterfully crafted with a plot that is both brutally realistic and hauntingly beautiful. It should probably be mentioned that the subject matter (domestic violence) might be triggering to some readers; descriptions can be rather frank. But the author deals with it in an honest and true-to-life way. Visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for more thoughts on this excellent book. Thank you to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book (formerly titled The Guest).

Stella and Kay tell their stories in this twisty domestic thriller. They both lived in the house- forty years apart. The shadow of abuse hangs over everything here. Stella opts (not, perhaps the best decision) to give Lori refuge when she appears at the door and then (again, perhaps not the best decision) choose Lori over her partner Jack when he asks questions about Lori. You know there's a secret in Stella's past but what is it exactly and how does it tie into Kay's? No spoilers but this is a well plotted and written novel. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

The Dream House by Jess Ryder is a story about victims of domestic abuse. It is a very well written but not very past paced book. It’s written in a style that seems to be popular now which is past and present time. I find this annoying but at least the two periods end up overlapping.
The book seemed to drag at times but was altogether a nice read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

This is a great psychological thriller that definitely had my mind occupied trying to work out what was really going on.
Stella has bought her dream house and her and Jack are slowly doing it up. They are living in a building site though and cracks are starting to appear in their relationship.
One night there’s frantic knocking at the door and when Stella opens it she’s faced with a woman struggling to stand as she’s been beaten up. She invites her to stay, much to Jack’s disgust.
Lori says she was told the address was a women’s refuge and just needs help so Stella takes her in.
Jack grows more and more suspicious and soon him and Stella have a decision to make.
There’s so much more to this story but I can’t explain without spoiling it for you so please take my word for it and have a read.
This is a gripping psychological thriller which is a real rollercoaster of a read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

"The Dream House" was my first read by Jess Ryder and it was a real cracker!

I loved the creepy and claustrophobic story and the authentic and intriguing characters. The story was told in alternating timelines of the past and present and I was desperate to find out how the two storylines would eventually connect. The ending was surprising and very satisfying. The novel brilliantly portrayed the difficult subject of domestic violence with great empathy and realism. This was a superbly executed psychological thriller that I am very happy to recommend.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I really enjoyed this thriller- it kept me guessing throughout and kept my interest throughout. After the excitement of most of the book the finale felt like a letdown. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for review.