This has definitely been a compelling and exciting read. Despite the premise seeming a little far fetched, the author does make some good points about restorative justice and the way in which people deal with grief. However, I was completely intrigued by this peculiar storyline and needed to know more about Tom & Bridget’s relationship…

This has taken me on an unexpected trajectory and at one point or another I have been suspicious of each one of the main characters, thinking up some pretty elaborate and incorrect motives for their actions. I liked how the mothers, Jill and Bridget, though definitely not easily described as “likeable” characters, were developed enough for us to understand their actions and reactions at certain points.

For me, this has been a book of two halves in some ways. The first half felt a bit of a slow burn, with so much back and fore, but the second half was utterly brilliant and I struggled to put it down.

This book has surprised me and there has been some shocking twists. Despite being called “The Marriage” and the cover leading you to believe this will focus on Bridget & Tom’s unlikely pairing, the plot quickly becomes much more complicated and sophisticated than that.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this author to psychological fiction fans and I look forward to reading more of her books!

This one puts the "fun" in dysfunction for sure - a very unlikely marriage at the center of the action, but all the characters in the orbit of this have secrets and issues of their own. Interesting premise, and definitely some surprises that keep things moving fast to a satisfying ending.

Tom and Jessie were life long friends sharing a bond that could never be broken. Sadly, one Drunken night The boys get into an argument and Tom throws a punch - that one punch kills Jessie and Tom is sent to prison for 10 years.

Fast forward those ten years and the plot of this story is something out of Jerry Springer. Crazy, addictive and unbelievable. But sometimes it is the twisted unbelievable plots that we enjoy the most.

Those famous lines "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive" could easily be applied to this book. Almost everyone has a secret but some secrets are bigger than others and some secrets might just get you killed. This is an awesome read which is told from the point of view of several characters which I absolutely loved. There are twists at every turn most of which had me gasping with shock although the one on the last page made me smile. A really enjoyable book.

OMG!! I finished this book in one day, practically in one sitting. I loved it. I loved the authors voice and the characters. The story kept me guessing the entire way, such amazing literary slight of hand. The twists. The turns. Nothing is what it seems.

So i really enjoyed the summary of this story and i was excited to read it especially since KL Slater wrote it. Im in the minority but i was disappointed.

First, there is too much descriptions and talk. As a reader I dont need to know every single thing that was done from day to day and it got annoying.

Second, i couldnt connect with these characters at all.

Interesting premise but just wasnt for me

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher.

My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Well. We have done it again. Need a little mystery. A little whhhhaaaaa? #themarriage #klslater #netgalley two best friends. Their mum also friends. The boys have grown up together. One night one boy ends up dead. With the other accused of his murder. Why? Which one? Follow the twists and turns in this page turner. Seriously. You’ll want to know #netgalleyreads #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookrecommendations #readacrossinstagram #bibliophile #booknerd

EXCERPT: Bridget - April 2019

I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my new ivory silk dress. Simple and classy, it skimmed my curves but crucially remained demure in all the right places.

I'd had a salon spray tan. My moisturised skin looked smooth and youthful, but when I pinched the top of my hand, the skin did not spring back immediately. I'd curled my hair and pinned it up, adding a tiny sprig of fresh gypsophila here and there to soften my look, and applied a pretty pink lipstick, the latest spring shade according to the sales assistant at the department store make-up counter.

Peering closer to the mirror, I studied my reflection. Tiny lines fanned out from the corners of my eyes and lips. My cheeks gave way to a soft sagging that spoiled the razor-sharp jawline I'd enjoyed in my thirties.

In two years time I would be fifty years old, but age was just a number. Today, I felt young, vibrant and free. I'd planned this fresh start for what felt like a very long time.

Today I would start a new life with a man twenty years younger than me.

In one hour's time, I would marry the man I loved.

The same man who ten years earlier had killed my only son.

ABOUT 'THE MARRIAGE': Ten years ago he killed my son. Today I married him.

Ten years ago my darling son Jesse was murdered and our perfect family was destroyed. My strong, handsome boy, so full of life, became a memory, a photo I carried with me everywhere.

But today I’m finally close to finding happiness again. My ash-blonde hair has been curled into ringlets. Carefully placed white flowers frame my delicate features. The small, drab chapel has been prettied up with white satin, and there are tiny red hearts scattered on the small table where I will soon sign the register with my new husband.

The man who killed my son.

My friends and family can’t understand it. My neighbours whisper in the street whenever I walk past. How can I love a man like Tom?

They don’t really know me at all…

MY THOUGHTS: K.L. Slater can sure write a good twisty domestic drama. The Marriage is not what I would call a psychological thriller. It does, however, have an excellent plot, well-crafted characters and plenty of surprising twists and turns. It certainly didn't go where I thought it was going, and I loved that!

I have long been a fan of this author, and she doesn't disappoint with this quick, rewarding read that challenges our preconceptions of relationships. I was drawn in from the first chapter and Slater kept me guessing right to the end, both with the enticing main storyline, and the unexpected subplot which had me thinking that everyone was guilty of something!

So, did Bridget marry Tom for love? Or is she hell-bent on a convoluted plan for revenge? If you want to know the answer, one that I was not expecting, one that surprised and delighted me, you'll have to read The Marriage.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.3

#TheMarriage #Bookouture

I: @KLSlaterAuthor @bookouture

T: @KimLSlater @Bookouture

#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #crime #mystery

THE AUTHOR: For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents and collected an impressive stack of rejection slips. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating in 2012, she gained literary agent representation and a book deal. As Kim says, ‘it was a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottinghamshire with her husband.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Marriage by K.L. Slater for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage

The Marriage is an interesting psychological thriller, Two best friends, whose mothers are best friends end up in an argument or disagreement that ends in one ending the life of the other while defending himself against the knife that the victim is wielding against him. The courts don't sympathize and he does a ten-year sentence for murder. The two have been friends for years. Their mothers have also been close. and shared in the childcare and raising of these two young men. The death of one at the hands of the other of course had an effect on their friendship. The grieving mother, who had been impoverished at the time of her son's death starts a charity for men with problems. Her journey also includes a program that reconciles victims and the perpetrators of crime. For her, this starts a romance that ends in her marrying her son's killer and former best friend. For the mother of the young man that killed his best friend, it is a devastating blow she must deal with. K. L. Slater writes an interesting thriller. For lovers of mystery, romance, and motivation this is a book you will enjoy. Thanks to #NetGalley#TheMarriage for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In a genre brimming with talent, this story stands out.

The Marriage draws the reader in with its scandalous and shocking blurb. The story that unfolds has depth, poignancy and countless twists and is addictive reading. I am familiar with the story's setting, and the author captures the ethos convincingly.

Told from multiview points, the reader gains insight into the characters' emotions and motivations. Both of the main protagonists are unreliable. The reader doesn't know who to empathise with or who to trust. The plot explores Bridget and Jill's friendship and what happens after the tragedy, illuminating the current storyline.

Relatable characters, contemporary issues, and a plot that keeps its secrets make this an engaging read. The final twists and positive conclusion are a satisfying end to an absorbing story.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what a strapline, what a plot. Brilliantly written, full of the expected twists and turns full of intrigue. Fabulous. Recommended.

When Tom, freshly out of a 10-year prison sentence and just picked up by his parents, drops the bombshell that he got married, they are shocked. Their shock turns to outrage when he says his new wife is Bridget, who is 20 years older and mother to Jesse....Tom's best friend and the one he killed and was sent to prison for. Bridget was also a very close friend of Tom's mother, Jill.

This book....wow! So many twists and things you did not see coming. Told in multiple POV's, you can see what so many characters are thinking of and the reasons for their actions. There was something deeper going on that only a few people knew about. I was trying to figure out if this was true love or if Bridget had an ulterior motive. This book keeps you guessing and jumping to conclusions. It flips back and forth from past to present to explain the characters actions. Overall this book is great and a page-turner for me. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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

Lots of twists and turns in this book which I received through net galley in exchange for an honest review.
I raced through this book and really enjoyed it I will definitely be looking for more of slaters books to read in the future.

First, I want to thank K.L. Slater, Bookouture, and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

WOW!! Oh WOW!! K.L. Slater you proved once again why you are one of my favorite authors!! The Marriage was such a tabooish storyline that totally blew my mind in more ways than one! It is one of the most original storylines that I have read in a while. This is definatly one to put on your must read TBR list as it is SO good!!

K.L. Would like to dedicate her book to Julie Wagg. She is a much loved mother, wife, mama and friend.

The last few lines in the prologue totally caught my attention and was the hook I needed to know this was going to be a fantastic read.

This is a story like any other you have read before-trust me. Some of you will be shaking your heads as you read this book-guaranteed (at least I did).

I commended Bridget for having such a forgiving heart. I honestly don’t know if put in that situation I would have done the same thing.

Tom’s family I was not a fan of planning his whole intire life without thinking of what he wanted from it. I know they only wanted the best for him but ohh it irked me.

Ohh there were laugh out loud moments in this book that were so good!!

My heart went out to Ellis in this book as he lost so much!

Now this is one book that I must see made into a movie!! This has Lifetime Channel written all over it!! Oh soo good!!

“Ten years ago he killed my son.
Today I married him...”

Yep, that was it. Those lines alone hooked me right in. What a crazy premise! And a crazy ride it was.

Bridget is Jesse’s mother, the young man killed by his best friend Tom with one punch late one night outside a local bar. But during a program at the prison hoping to bring forgiveness and closure to victims’ families, Tom and Bridget fall in love. They get married. Tom is released. And what a wild ride from there!

Jill, who is Tom’s mother, used to be Bridget’s best friend. Yes, this is a close knit group of people. She is also one of the least likable characters I’ve read in recent memory. My God. I was yelling at her to GET OFF TOM’S ASS in my head as I read!! She was obnoxiously obsessed with her son, trying to control every last iota of his life and literally covered her ears like a child and ran away when bad news came her way. Ugh. But then the story got twisty and turny and as information came to light, I began to feel for Jill. Then root for her! I love that!! You go girl!

This was a good read full of secrets, lies, betrayal, and redemption. If you like twisty psychological thrillers, read this one!

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars
Her wedding day is one of the happiest days in a bride's life - even if she is getting married in prison, secretly, to someone who is 20 years younger and who is in jail for killing her son.

We follow Bridget and Tom as they start their married life after his release. They now have to learn to navigate their relationship, which includes facing society and their families. Throughout the book, you also wonder which of the two, if not both, have ulterior motives for marrying the other. I mean, this is not your typical love story.

On the premise alone, this is a Jerry Springer-Esque ride I needed to take. The Marriage keeps you guessing until the end, and Slater writes a fast-paced, page-turner book. She delivered many twists, and I felt they all came at a time that organically made sense. I will pick up more of her books (I already purchased a couple on kindle) and keep my eye on for her future releases. The end was satisfying and witty; for one, I appreciate a dark comedy.

The Marriage is entertaining, but some of the twists are absurd. If I were in a different mood and hadn't read many books recently that required me to suspend my disbelief, I would have enjoyed it more. But this is not at all the author's fault! I will reread it soon and probably increase my rating.

Disclaimer: I first read it as an ARC. In exchange for an honest review, I am thankful to Bookouture, NetGalley, and K.L. Slater for providing me with a copy of The Marriage.

Ms Slater just gets better and better at her craft. The Marriage is one of the best of the year in domestic thriller category will all the trimmings - unreliable narrators, red herrings, twists and a wallop at the end. Read in two days if you need an indicator of how good this was and how easy to lose yourself in the Marriage..

Before picking up this book, I stepped away from thrillers for a while because they all started to blend together. After seeing this book being praised across social media, I decided to give thrillers a chance again. Let's just say "The Marriage" did NOT disappoint!
Like most thrillers, I questioned (and appreciated) the numerous, unreliable narrators. I love when thrillers (and other genres) have multiple POV and narrators. "The Marriage" did an excellent job of keeping me uncertain throughout the whole novel. Also, the last 15% of the book really threw me for a loop because I was expecting 3 very different events to occur!
I really appreciate the author's ability to keep me interested and in the dark, all the way to the end.

P.S. I finished the entire book on a flight from the east coast to the west coast; so it's easy to devour!

The premise of this one was intriguing to me. This is one of those stories where everyone has a secret, so the reader is questioning everything. Overall, I enjoyed this but it wasn’t exactly a page turner for me until closer to the end. The characters were a bit undeveloped. I did enjoy that we got to see many of the character’s point of views along the way.

So good! I thought this was a really good book kept me interested but rather predictable. Boy was I wrong! I thought I had it figured out from the beginning but it really takes you for a ride and blows your mind at the end! Definitely worth the read!