So on a blustery, rainy day being transported to sunny Tuscany for a holiday romance with a hotty was just what I needed! Susie, Dale and Evie are 3 friends on a month long holiday. In walks god like Harry, too good to be true and the reason the book is titled! Easy to read and some surprising twists made this the perfect lockdown read!

This fabulous read lured me in easily. It was like, ooh err, all is lovely, these ladies are on holiday... wonderful stuff! Until something shifted. At first it was subtle but then... alarm bells!

The first few chapters entertainingly introduced me to Susie, Dale and Evie. Three women with totally unique voices, and I enjoyed reading each of their points of view.

I had vibes of holiday romance, laughs, and stacks of fun but with a sinister undertone, after all, it is a psychological thriller. The story centres around when Susie met Harry. He had this godlike vibe about him that had me screaming, ‘watch yourself Susie.’ But hey, where would the fun in that be? It’s a thriller after all, so go ahead, Susie. Maybe it will all just work out. Did it work out? You’ll have to read it to get the answer to that one but the ending is a touch of greatness. That final chapter was fab and set my mind whirring.

The journey was fantastic and the characters were totally memorable, and the revelations - oh my! Evie’s more reserved nature contrasted brilliantly against Dale’s tell-it-like-it-is. The secrets and lies must come to a head and bam! I wasn’t disappointed. ‘The Perfect Liar’ is a brilliant psychological thriller set in Tuscany and I loved it.

I felt the balmy warmth slowly turn into suffocation and I felt trust slowly being eroded. This book is totally addictive which is why I read it in two sittings. It’s an easy read, one of those where you don’t really see the words on the pages. Super!

This is a pretty interesting thriller whose book synopsis gives away way too much! If it’s not too late, skip the blurb and go straight to the book. Reading the synopsis took away some of my enjoyment of a big twist.

Evie, Susanne and Dale take a trip to Italy to stay at the family villa of a friend — the only catch is that her godson, Harry, who needs a “steadying adult presence” will be there. (The first kinda weird thing, seeing as Harry is an adult.) But who could say no to a free villa in Tuscany? So off the girls go. Harry is shockingly gorgeous and charming but something isn’t quite right with him....

There is one big twist (again, don’t read the blurb!) and then twists and turns from there are somewhat predictable but fun nevertheless. I really enjoyed the Tuscan setting and the writing was great. I was very engrossed in the book and the fun keeps coming till the last page. 3.5 stars rounded up because of the great ending and because I really enjoyed spending time with the girls in Tuscany.

Thanks to Bookouture, Beverley Harvey and NetGalley for a fun summer escape.

Firstly got to say the descriptions, sights, smells, tastes and sounds of Italy were wonderful, in this drab and dank UK ( at the mo ) it was so easy to allow yourself to be transported there via the author’s sparkling words
Secondly also got to say this book ( without giving anything away ) should have been set in the 80’s or 90’s as set as it is in 2019 and Social Media of all forms being so prevelant the book/story would have been null and void in reality had ( and it would be ) social media been utilised by the characters ,as it was social media was just not acknowledged
Susanne, Dale and Evie go for a 5 week holiday to Susanne’s neighbours villa in Tuscany, where they meet Harry ( the neighbours godson ) and after a benign start the action happens, one of the 3 is tempted by Harry and the other 2 are not so sure of him....and the book then goes on to show if they have reason to be wary or not, I guessed at around 30% through but as have said before sometimes the knowing is the delicious part waiting for it all to ‘come to light’
The ending suddenly ramps the book up to a fast paced thriller and the epilogue gives a nasty taste in the mouth and was quite upset by it!
Loved Evie, Dale was likeable ish, Susanne airy fairy but ok and Harry played his part well
Writing this I realise I actually enjoyed it quite a lot, a good beach holiday ( in olden days ) now a settee slumping day read

7/10
4 Stars

The month in Tuscany was meant to be a relaxing getaway for Susanne and her two friends, Evie and Dale. Meeting handsome fellow holidaymaker Harry, and the passionate fling they embark on, is just the icing on the cake.

But Harry is not who he says he is.

Initially I was excited and thought it would be interesting. Especially since the friendships between the three women was depicted really well and the character development was also good.

But as the plot progressed, rather than being sympathetic towards the women, I was feeling more annoyed at Susanne’s naivety. I think the main reason for that was that the title of the book was a dead giveaway.

Some of the twists as well as the ending was good, thus, it was a decent read.

Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

The title itself as well as the effective cover caught my attention immediately, even though I am not a fan of mysteries and suspense. Somehow I was convinced that the book deserved a chance.

I read it ... and I was not sure what I was expecting, maybe some psychopaths and murderers, I expected to give up after a few read chapters, but I was wrong, this book definitely managed to keep my attention until the very end.

One unusual friendship, three totally different women: Sussane, Evie and Dale merged together, with a common goal: spending an amazing holiday together, enjoying the beauties of Tuscany. One perfect and intriguing escape from everyday lives. But what will happen when Harry comes into the picture? Spending a month together with a younger and sexy man cannot spoil their plans, right?

The author manages to deliver this great book with a slightly different plot than expected. Well-written, a bit disruptive, it explores deeper issues such as motives behind different actions, true bonds and meaning for friendship as well as the importance and acceptance of diversity among us. The notion ‘looks can be deceiving’ is greatly embedded into seemingly non-related descriptions.

The story was told through different POVs, allowing readers a perfect chance to get to know the characters, which are greatly developed and complex in so many ways. The tension slowly built up through the narrative will keep the readers on the edge through the whole book. And the ending was simply superb.

All in all, anyone who enjoys great thrillers and a fast escape from everyday life and reality should definitely read this book. It guarantees few, greatly spent hours of relaxing read that will keep you engaged, but nothing too edgy or horrific.

Well this is a thriller and a half. I started reading before bed which was a huge mistake. It completely hooks you in and you just keep wanting to know more. Very twisty and excellently written.

#ThePerfectLiar #NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley, Bookouture and Beverley Harvey for an ARC to review.
Expected release date 6th Nov.
This book had potential with its beautiful Tuscany setting and the varied group of women spending almost a month together with a much younger appealing handsome man.
Unfortunately the title gave it entirely away, though there were still couple of twists along the way.
I love the most the dynamic between the three friends and how they kept standing for each other and building each other up.

Now this was a great, fast read! Such a different type of a plot, I truly enjoyed The Perfect Liar. The ending choked me up but this story could have gone on,I wasn’t ready for it to end. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an early copy of this book.

Overall I enjoyed this book, well written with good characters although it didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat the plot was good.

I did start to lose a bit of interest halfway through but it picked up later, not sure I would recommend this book as for me, personally, it wasn't really a gripper.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This was an okay read. A slow burner, a little predictable. Don't get me wrong it drama and twists but nothing really grabbed me. The storyline has been done so many times before. Saying that I am sure other readers will enjoy it more just not for me.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Oh I have had all the feels from this book. I've been gripped so much I've devoured this book in just one sitting.
This has been completely impossible to put down. The author has pulled me in and made this a book which literally has kept me on the edge of my seat.
I have really liked Suzanne, she has been a great main character and I have found I wanted nothing but good things for her.
Harry has made me uneasy and I love how the author has done this. Definitely one which I highly recommend to thriller lovers.
A strong four star read for me.

This could have been so much worse! But rather it was an entertaining and intriguing escape in the beautiful setting of Tuscany. Meet Susanne 42, divorced with a 15 year old son, very well off. Meet Evie, about 38, single financially secure since her mother died but lacks confidence. And meet Dale, single, lesbian about 42 years old and larger than life. Ronnie (Veronica), one of Susanne’s neighbours has a villa in Tuscany and Susanne asks if the three women can stay for the summer as she knows Ronnie won’t be using it. That’s all fine, but the only drawback is that Ronnie’s godson, 24 year old Harry, will also be staying there to round out his gap year before starting work in the London finance sector. Ronnie assures the women he won’t get in the way as there is plenty of room at the villa.

On the evening they arrive a Harry is not there but has thoughtfully left them plenty of antipasto and wine. When they finally meet him they are shocked at how good looking he is and he seems very self assured and mature. The days soon blend into one another as the women laze by the pool and explore the environs of the villa but it is soon apparent that sparks are flying between Susanne and Harry. At this point I should add that this is NOT a romance even though there are romantic elements. Soon they are openly canoodling but when Harry brings Star to the villa the cracks start to show. Star is a coltish 18 year old waif-like creature. Harry and Star seem to be close but not in a romantic way.

Of course, as is so often the case, things are not as they seem. Dale is the first to think there is something fishy going on but proving it is trickier. Despite not much actually happening in the story it was an engaging read and I was quite gripped by it. It’s like I was constantly waiting for the other show to drop. You must knew something bad was going to happen. Harry was a very unreliable character but it was Star that I disliked the most. She was so lazy and whiny. This was a well done psychological thriller that will appeal to fans and there was no gore for a pleasant change. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Beverley Harvey for providing me a copy. My opinions are my own.

The story starts at a slow pace and everything is quiet and peaceful until the author takes us to sunny Tuscany. Who does not want to accompany the main characters on such a trip? Who does not want to enjoy a few weeks doing nothing but enjoying the sun, sightseeing and a swimming pool during the summer while staying in a luxurious villa? I most certainly do. 😊
Once there the dynamic changes. Blame the perfect liar…
You feel there is something that is not quite right. When something is too good to be true, it’s a lie, right? Or maybe fairy tales do exist?
Little by little the author allows us to find out the truth and it’s rather shocking.
Was it a thriller? Maybe not really, but it definitely was an intriguing, captivating, I-want-to-know-how-it-all-comes-together, leave-me-alone-and-let-me-read kind of book. When a story gives me these feelings, I am a happy camper and I happily grant it 5 stars.
I did not want to say goodbye to the protagonists yet. Maybe the author did not want to either…?

Thank you, Beverley Harvey and Bookouture

Susanne, Evie and Dale drunkenly decide to go on a girls holiday – not actually expecting it to come to fruition. But, when Susanne’s wealthy next door neighbour Veronica offers them her villa in Tuscany for a month, it’s a no brainer! Beautiful views, high quality wine and a summer they could only dream of… plus Veronica’s young godson Harry. Although an additional member to their girls holiday wasn’t originally part of the plan – the villa trumped all. What they wasn’t expecting, was him to be downright gorgeous and utterly charming. Although Dale wasn’t his biggest fan, Susanne fell head over heels, diving into a holiday romance despite the age gap. But was he telling the truth or was this dreamy holiday doomed for disaster?

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Kudos to Beverley Harvey – this is impeccably written and ticks every single box for a mystery junkie like me! The beginning starts as a really fun, girly book, with enough light hints of slow burning drama in the background to keep you hooked. Her character development of Susanne, Evie & Dale makes you want to immediately be part of their girl group, written so well that you almost feel like you are bathing in the Tuscan sun with them (even though in reality, I was in bed in rainy London!) A narrative that makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away on holiday during a pandemic where you’re on lockdown is proof of an extremely skilled writer!

The tension slowly built up throughout the narrative; intricate little lies being scattered throughout the plot, dark undertones lurking in the background of the fun, friendly set up, key plot points being referenced back to – but from different POV’s with a new spin on them. I was bracing myself for the ending, waiting with baited breath to see which direction the author would take the reader on – and I wasn’t disappointed! It was a fantastically, fast-paced, high tension filled end with a magnificent crescendo. The conclusion wasn’t dragged out or messed around with – it was short, sweet and superb. The twists throughout weren’t overdone or there for shock value; they were perfectly crafted to tie everything up while still leaving the reader shell-shocked. Although this is still a relatively light thriller – it’s depth is fantastic and the narrative flows so well. Beverley Harvey virtually takes you on holiday, presenting you with the Italian dream, then turning it into a nightmare.

I highly recommend this book (and have!) to anyone that loves thrillers, travel, or just excellent writing. The only negative I can give, was that I literally finished it all in one sitting – meaning the bags under my eyes are solely down to this book as I just had to keep binging through this unputdownable story! It’s also awoken my wanderlust and made me desperate for an Italian holiday – but trust me, I’ll be forgoing the holiday romance!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced reader copy! 💕

Overall, the book was OK, it had a good setting, some drama, and twists. (although I didn't think many of these were particularly surprising) However, I thought the three friends were very stereotypical characters that we have seen many times before, which detracted overall from the quality of the book.

Beautifully written! I really enjoyed how the sites of Italy were described in the story. Talk about a break from reality. I felt like I went on a mini vacation.

With that said, this was a slow developing book, with no real twists or turns. It really only started to really take off after 50% of the book. The “twist” was easily guessed. This was the only real reason it was not 5 stars for me. This was a very light thriller.

The friendships and the character developments were great and I really enjoyed reading about Susanne, Evie, and Dale. I was rooting for them all, and all were likeable characters.

I would recommend this book if you want an escape from reality, nothing too horrific or nail biting.

So disappointed! This book droned on and on with nothing happening. Way to much back story between the three friends. So, three friends are going on holiday for a month? Who gets to take off for a month? Unrealistic storyline. I thought this was going to be a real page turner. Shocked to see such high reviews from so many people. This book did not live up to it's title.

Right up front, I'll say two things about this book: First, I enjoyed it thoroughly (even stayed up an extra half-hour to finish it). Second, based on the description I was expecting it to be a chiller-thriller-killer edge-of-seat experience - but that's not even close to accurate.

More than half the book, in fact, is not much more than background information and interaction among the three main characters - Susanne, Dale and Evie - all 40-something women. In truth, I found that interesting in large part because their friendship is somewhat unlikely; Susanne is a rich and beautiful divorcee with a son, Evie is a bit stodgy and plump, and Dale is a lesbian who loves to party down (she's the only one I could see myself spending a couple of hours in a bar with, actually). But get along they do - and when they get a chance to spend a few weeks for free at a fancy-schmancy villa in Tuscany, they understandably don't take long to start packing their bags.

The villa far exceeds their expectations, and sufficient space for everyone is no problem at all. But complications quickly arise in the form of a much-younger Adonis-like Harry, the villa owner's godson who is staying there for the summer on hiatus between graduating from college and taking a job in finance.

Both Susanne and Evie are besotted, but ever-vigilant Dale - who clearly has no interest in a male hottie - is suspicious. Evie knows she's too plain to be a contender (and just in case she doesn't, Harry makes it fairly clear), but Susanne is fair game. Just a couple of Harry's surreptitious hip bumps and a dozen words whispered in her ear later, she's fallen under his spell (and he in her bed, so suffice it to say he exceeded her expectations there as well).

As readers might suspect, though, there's trouble with Harry. His secrets are slowly revealed as the second half of the book gets under way. While Dale learns plenty she doesn't like, her problem at this point is convincing Susanne that she's making a huge mistake. The ending wraps things up as well as brings a couple of surprises (I don't know if a sequel is planned, but the makings for one are here). All in all, well-written and an intriguing plot - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

I thought this was a really good book about friends who vacation in Tuscany. Lots of twists and turns you’ll never see coming. Won’t do spoilers but read it! Thanks to NetGalley for sending. me an early arc in exchange for my honest review.