Instead of writing a cohesive review on this, I decided to break it down and rate each section.
Plot: Stella and Jack are living in a new home they are in the middle of remodeling when there is a knock at the door one late night. Stella opens the door to find a woman on her doorstep in need of help. Jack is adamant about sending Lori away, but Stella will not listen to his reasons on why it's a bad idea to let her stay with them. Dismayed to find Stella and Lori getting closer each day, he becomes fed up with the situation and Stella.
Stella is torn between wanting to help Lori and respecting Jack's wishes. She comes up with an idea to have Lori there and to make Jack happy. Her plan backfires, and she's left to wonder if she can trust Lori or Jack.
This story is also told by Kay, but it is set in the past. Every few chapters the book switches to Kay, and for me, it's easy to keep up with the plot in both Kay and Stella's stories.
Characters: Stella, Jack, and Lori are the main characters in this book. I liked the way they were all written, and I didn't really love or hate any of them.
Pacing: This isn't a book that drags out for pages, but it isn't a quick page turner either. It took me a few days to finish this.
Ending: I liked the ending it wrapped up Stella's story, and it showed why Kay's story needed to be included.
The one thing I want to add is this is a story about domestic violence, and the author includes a note in why she wrote the story the way that she did. She explains that she tried not to go into great detail as far as the abuse that occurs in the book, but felt it was necessary for some parts of the book. She also gives out domestic violence hotline numbers for the U.K. and I thought that was a nice touch to try to help those that may need it, but don't know how to ask.
Rating: Overall, I give this 4 and a half stars.
Plot: 2 star's
Characters: 1 and a half stars.
Pacing: 1 star
Ending: 1 star

The Guest by Jess Ryder is a gripping read that had me in its grasp from the very first page. A sense of unease settles in almost immediately, and I could not turn the pages quickly enough to discover the mysteries hidden inside Westhill House.

Stella and partner Jack have purchased an eight bedroom mansion by the sea with the inheritance money that Stella has been left by her parents. The renovation of the house is a huge undertaking, but Stella believes that this will be her forever home, so well worth the effort Everything changes, however, when a battered woman turns up at the door begging for help. She has been sent, she says, by a helpline, telling her that Westhill House continues to function as a refuge for abused women, as it had for many years. Unable to turn the mysterious Lori away, Stella takes her in, much to the consternation of Jack. Lori insists that the police not be involved, but as weeks pass her story becomes more and more implausible. Is Lori simply a terrified woman fleeing an abusive husband? Or is Jack right to suspect that she has a more sinister agenda?

Told in alternating plotlines of 'then' and 'now', the novel does a commendable job of portraying domestic abuse with realism and empathy, particularly in the recounting of Fay's experience. I was kept guessing throughout, and was desperate to discover how the two storylines would intersect. This is a brilliantly executed novel that I would not hesitate to recommend. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

Jess Ryder’s books are really well written. This was my third book by her, and it delivered just as well as her other books have. The story was original, and like usual her characters were perfectly created. The ending of The Guest pulled together nicely too. Definitely a strong 4.5 stars!!

Wow. This was another amazing book by this author. Probably my favourite so far. It was creepy and claustrophobic and utterly gripping. Highly recommended. Couldn’t read this fast enough xx

WoW! This book has everything I want in a thriller. It's unputdownable. Be prepared to be glued to this story! I won't give anything away so just read it!!

Fast paced and lots of twists. One of the best I've read. Absolutely all the stars!

Overall a good book, had a hard time trying to understand who one person was but it all came together in the end. Enjoyable read.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an early release of this book

Wow, what an amazing thrilling, chilling book that sunk its claws into me from page one and didn’t let go until the very end, I think RYDER will be on my top list of authors to look forward to reading all her work, because she is so amazing and pulling me in and intriguing me! This book Is full of thrills, chills, hearts aches, and twist & turns!
Will be highly recommending to the members of Chapter Chatter Pub!

Having read all the previous books by Jess Ryder I was looking forward to reading this latest one, and it did not disappoint, was gripped from the beginning. Brilliantly story, full of surprising twists.

My first read by this author and wow! She sure knew how to write a good story! I loved it, pacy and taught with well written characters. Read it now!

The Guest by author Jess Ryder.. So this isn’t my first book by Ryder, and I have to admit, she REALLY knows how to write a gripping story! The Guest is another awesome awesome book bybher and I can’t wait to leave my full review for this. Coming soon!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Guest in exchange for an honest review.