Member Reviews
Have I had this eARC for a couple of years now? Yes. And in my defense, I was in a hiatus phase when I received it. But at least I got to it now, right?
There’s something about alternating perspectives in a story that really gets me excited. The authors did a good job of differentiating between the two female perspectives so that they didn’t sound like the same person. However, I didn’t really like either character enough to care about them and their well-being. Marissa may have been an emotional character, but her POV was boring. Avery was dispassionate and her POV sometimes read like a to-do list of chores. Suffice to say, my excitement for the dual perspectives cooled considerably as the story progressed.
Now, the actual plot had a lot of potential, if you consider the way it started. Avery is an unconventional psychologist and this piqued my interest. I wanted to know what made her so special and how she would discover the lurid secrets of this “golden couple”. None of these things happened. If I’m honest, not much happens. Marissa and Avery are just two paranoid characters, with the former overthinking and hyperventilating about every little thing. There is also a random subplot thrown into the mix that really didn’t need to be there.
I spotted the final reveal a mile away. That's pretty disappointing when you consider that the entire point of a thriller is to shock you with its "twist". Dear reader, I was not shocked.
Overall, this was a mid-thriller. Everything was okay, but it didn’t bring anything new or refreshing to the table. Therefore, I'm giving it the mid-rating of 2.5/5 stars.
This Golden Couple is not whatthem seem....especially golden. They decide to enlist the help of Avery Chambers, an unlicensed counselor whose reputation for success has led Marissa and Mathew Bishop to her office so she can work her magic on their foundering relationship. Avery's prescription for success was interesting to say the least. She has now joined the Bishop's marriage with no boundaries. As Avery pulls the Bishops through the 10 step/session "cure", her methods become more and more questionable. This was a quick read for me. An original plot line that introduced some characters that will be hard to forget.
Troubled Suburban Couple Seeks Help
The Golden Couple is a solid entry in the domestic thriller genre, offering a suspenseful and engaging read. Its strengths lie in its plot twists and the psychological depth of its characters. However, it may leave some readers wanting more in terms of character exploration and thematic depth. Overall, it is a recommended read for fans of psychological thrillers and domestic suspense.
I love this author duo and this book showcases why. I love domestic thrillers and this one was excellent. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. Highly recommend!
"The Golden Couple," by the bestselling duo Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, delves into the complexities of a seemingly perfect marriage on the brink of collapse. Marissa and Matthew Bishop, the titular "golden couple," seek help from Avery Chambers, a controversial therapist with unconventional methods. As Avery digs deeper into their lives, secrets unravel, and the couple's carefully constructed facade begins to crumble.
The novel's strengths lie in its well-developed characters and the intricate web of lies they weave. Marissa and Matthew are both flawed and relatable, their motivations and insecurities laid bare as the story progresses. Avery, the enigmatic therapist, is a captivating figure, her unconventional methods and mysterious past adding an element of intrigue. The authors skillfully build tension and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal.
However, "The Golden Couple" also has its shortcomings. The plot, while initially gripping, can feel convoluted and overly reliant on twists and turns. Some of the character arcs lack depth, and the ending may leave some readers dissatisfied. Additionally, the writing style, while engaging, occasionally feels formulaic and predictable.
"The Golden Couple" is an entertaining read for fans of psychological thrillers. It offers a captivating glimpse into the dark side of relationships and the destructive power of secrets. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths in character development and suspense make it a worthwhile addition to the genre.
Avery, an unlicensed therapist, has an unusual 10 step program to help her clients. When Marissa and Matthew come to her and Marissa confesses to an infidelity that threatens their marriage; together they work to repair the relationship. The course of action reveals secrets they never intended to divulge.
Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen have done it once again. These two have given me another thriller I could not put down. What was the one all about? Well, I'll tell you!
Meet the golden couple, Matthew and Marissa Bishop. Their marriage is falling apart, there's no intimacy, but Marissa wants to save the marriage for the sake of their young son. She seeks out the work of Avery, a therapist.
There's just one thing about Avery...she lost her license. Why? She's very unconventional and the board frowns upon that. She has a 10-step method that works, even if that means she spies on her clients. It's apparent throughout this book how Avery lost her license, but it gives us some good suspense!
Matthew and Marissa are no angels, both hiding things from each other and Avery...except Avery starts to sniff the lies out. Can she save the marriage?
This book is told from Avery's point of view, as well as Marissa's, as well as intertwining the past ad present and that gives this book such a unique twist. Phenomenal writing once again from one of my favorite duos!
5 stars. A suspenseful thriller that will have you glued to the pages, unable to put it down. The tension builds and the pace quickens and you just have to know what is really going on. This one will not disappoint!
I was excited to get an ARC from #netgalley for The Golden Couple. Although I enjoyed elements of this book, I was bothered by the idea of a "therapist" mascaraing and using her influence and discovery to impact thoughts and behaviors. Her ways are unorthodox and for the sake of fiction, appropriate for the book - but scared me that this could happen! This book was just ok for me as I watched the three main characters go through discovery, deception, and ultimately "truth" finding. I will read more from these authors and think that I will enjoy them.
When Marissa Bishop comes to counselor Avery Chambers, she says she and her husband Matthew need marital counseling. The Bishops are an attractive, wealthy couple with one son who have been together since their teenage years. But at the first session, Marissa blows everything Avery had planned out the window when she confesses that she has been unfaithful.
Matthew is stunned but ultimately agrees that he is willing to work on their marriage. Marissa says that he had become so remote that she strayed in her loneliness. Avery finds that both Marissa and Matthew are hiding secrets and being less than honest with each other. Marissa's partner in adultery has no plans to give her up and is waging a campaign behind the scenes to get her to leave Matt and be with him. Can this marriage be saved?
These two authors have worked together before to write thrillers. This one has interesting characters and lots of red herrings before everything is brought into the light. I listened to this one and the narrators did a great job, especially with Marissa's soft, beguiling voice. The story is told in alternating chapters by Avery and Marissa and the climax is satisfying. This book is recommended for mystery readers.
I keep changing my mind if I want to give this one 3.5 or 4 stars. This book follows a married couple, Marissa and Matthew, and their new therapist, Avery, as they navigate how to handle something that happened in their relationship. The story switches back and forth from Marissa to Avery’s point of view. I feel like I should have seen the big twist coming, but I wasn’t on my game while reading so it did surprise me. I liked how there were other twists to the story that came together in the end, but overall the story didn’t feel quite as fresh and unique as I always hope a thriller will be.
In "The Golden Couple," Marissa and Matthew's seemingly perfect marriage is shattered when Marissa's affair with a longtime friend comes to light. Desperate to save their relationship, they seek the help of therapist Avery, whose unconventional methods promise success in just ten sessions. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the story takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen excel at creating complex and relatable characters, and "The Golden Couple" is no exception. Each character is multi-dimensional and engaging, adding depth to the story. The alternating perspectives of Marissa and Avery provide insight into their motivations and actions, keeping the narrative dynamic and compelling.
While some readers may find the descriptions lengthy at times, the overall flow of the story is smooth and engaging. The authors' knack for surprises ensures that readers will be kept guessing until the very end.
Overall, "The Golden Couple" is a riveting and unpredictable read that showcases Hendricks and Pekkanen's talent for crafting gripping psychological thrillers. Fans of their previous work will not be disappointed, and newcomers to their writing will find themselves eagerly awaiting their next collaboration. Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Golden Couple isn't the first book I've read by this author duo and not loved, so I think it will be my last. This thriller lacked spark and excitement.
The story is told in alternating POV, which I do enjoy when reading domestic thrillers, but I found the pacing was slow, and the characters were flat and uninteresting.
I was never completely invested in the outcome or gripping at the edge of my seat in anticipation of what's to come. I did finish the story, though, and because there was some element of twist, I didn't completely dislike it.
If you enjoy this writing duo or domestic thrillers, check it out for yourself. The Golden Couple just wasn't golden for me.
The Golden Couple is what some people called the Bishop’s. Years into their marriage they grew apart and due to an indiscretion Matthew and Marissa have sought out an unconventional therapist named Avery who has secrets of her own. This book has a lot of twists, I thought the ending was predicable but soon found out I was very wrong! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve only read one other book by this author duo and I have not been disappointed yet. Essentially, “the golden couple” are Marissa and Matthew and they find themselves in marital distress as one of them has been unfaithful. They’ve decided to obtain the assistance of Avery, a therapist who has lost her license and now selects her clients carefully after they agree to her incredibly invasive therapy program.
During the course of the program, we find that Marissa and Matthew are not as golden as they first appeared to be. We also discover the reason Avery lost her license and that she may currently be in jeopardy.
There are a couple of subplots but they are easy to follow and are interwoven easily to bring about the fantastic conclusion. I did guess that conclusion in the last few chapters but I still enjoyed this book. It was easy to keep turning the pages.
This book was provided to me by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley for my honest review.
A great character driven novel. Suspenseful clever and a great read. Sorry to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for the late and rather short review. I forgot to review after I read it.
This story is narrated from the POV of Avery Chambers, the unconventional therapist and Marissa Bishop, the wife who cheated on her husband, Matthew Bishop. The story alternates between telling the story of the Bishops and that of the therapist.
Avery Chambers received her Master's degree in Social Work married to Paul who was an author, 20 years her junior and dies from a seizure caused by an aggressive brain tumor. Avery has her own ideas about how to help her clients and developed a 10-step therapy session program. This practice swayed from the traditional practice she was licensed to practice. After she loses her therapist license she decides to practice by her own rules. She is a woman who isn't afraid to push the limits or boundaries to get the results she seeks with her clients and in her personal life.
Marissa and Matthew Bishop are trying to reconcile after it is revealed that Marissa had an affair with a man at her gym. Matthew is a partner in a DC law firm sleeping in the guest room when he agrees to seek counseling when Marissa suggests they see Avery. Marissa owns a boutique shop called Coco where she sells unique, specialty items and has Polly working as an assistant for her so she can care for their 8 year old son Bennett. The Bishops agree to the unusual therapy techniques of Avery Chambers but aren't convinced that this will work and don't completely reveal the depths of their marital issues. Meanwhile, Avery is dealing with her own personal drama which distracts her focus and provides her own problems.
This is a tumultuous ride of some very flawed characters who are juggling deceit and lies with trust and forgiveness. Will they be able to resolve jealousy and betrayal and find a family worth saving?
I flew through this one! The (not-so) perfect couple seeks help from a (not-so) marriage therapist with unconventional methods. What could go wrong? Makes for a great story, that held my attention. Cannot wait to read more from this author!
"The Golden Couple" is an absolute gem of a read that further solidifies my admiration for the author's storytelling prowess. From the very first page, the book captivates with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and the author's signature ability to weave suspense and emotional depth into every chapter. It's a novel that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by the author's previous works, showcasing their evolution and depth as a writer.
What stands out most about "The Golden Couple" is its unique narrative structure and the psychological depth of its characters. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, trust, and the façade of perfection that people often present to the world. The author masterfully unravels the layers of the plot, revealing the vulnerabilities and secrets of their characters in a manner that is both empathetic and riveting. This approach not only keeps the reader engaged but also fosters a deep connection to the characters and their journeys.
Moreover, the pacing of the story is impeccable. The author skillfully balances moments of tension with character development, ensuring that the suspense never wanes while also providing ample space for the reader to understand and empathize with the characters. This balance is a testament to the author's skill and makes "The Golden Couple" a compelling read from start to finish.
Having enjoyed other books by this author, "The Golden Couple" feels like a culmination of their strengths: an engaging narrative, well-crafted characters, and a story that stays with you long after the final page. It's a book that not only meets the high expectations set by the author's previous works but in many ways, surpasses them.
For fans of the author and newcomers alike, "The Golden Couple" is a must-read. It embodies the best of what makes this author's work so engaging: a captivating story, deep emotional resonance, and the ability to tell a compelling tale that resonates on multiple levels. I wholeheartedly recommend it and eagerly look forward to whatever comes next from this talented writer.
I have loved every book by Greer and Sarah and this one was no different! I flew through this book and had no idea what was going to happen next. It truly was a book that I enjoyed reading and have told others about as well.
This is a hit or miss author for me and this time it leaned more toward a miss. The premise based around Avery’s character was unusual but the twist didn’t have a huge punch to it for me and I struggled to feel invested in the cast of characters overall.