The perfect title for this read! Loved the pacing of this read as well as the alternating points of view from Marissa and Avery. I also appreciated the slow peel away of the background of the lives of those involved which kept me making new predictions throughout this read. As the back stories emerged, so did my feelings about the main characters, particularly Marissa and Avery. I found Avery’s new style of therapy to be very interesting. My very favorite character was Romeo…he stole the show. I was so engrossed in the story line I spent the whole day curled up with Leilani, my very own Romeo, and read this in one sitting.
Many many thanks to Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, St. Martins Press, and NetGalley for affording me the pleasure of reading an arc of this gem, to be published on March 8th. Keep wring as I am definitely a fan!

I love this duo & their fun twisty thrillers. I always look forward to reading their books & this was no different. Marissa & Matthew appear to be the perfect couple but have some serious secrets so decide to go to couples therapy. The therapist, Avery, has some secrets of her own, all of which will come to light throughout the novel. I love a good domestic thriller with good twists & this certainly delivered. I also loved the jabs at big pharma (whether intentional or not) & appreciated the highlights of how scummy they can be lol. I have noticed these two love the therapist/psychologist trope which I have no complaints about. Overall, good writing, good twists, fun story, def grab this book tomorrow! 🎉

I spent most of New Year's Eve reading The Golden Couple. I had a really hard time putting it down and my son had to alert me that it was almost midnight. I love Sarah and Greer's partnership on thriller novels, and this one was a great way to start off 2022!

I thought I had guessed some things correctly, but then a game changer would come along to shake that up. There were new surprises around every corner, just waiting to jump out when I least expected them. I was also worried for Avery's situation and thought she should have used a burner phone so that it didn't have to happen in the first place. It seemed like she was able to resolve it without really getting all the answers, as I felt there was more to what was happening than she let on. While Marissa and Matthew's situation seems more common in thriller novels, I still wasn't sure where it was going to go and there were all these other characters coming into play, causing quite a tangled web.

I love that this novel takes place in the DC area and I was able to picture settings easily because of that. Also, I found it interesting that Avery took thyroid pills, as I take them too.

Be prepared to not get anything else done while reading this novel! It will keep you on your toes.

Movie casting suggestions:
Marissa: Michaela McManus
Matthew: Christopher Russell
Avery: Alexandra Daddario
Skip: Christopher Lowell
Polly: Taissa Farmiga
Natalie: Taylor Cole

It's been awhile since I read a book I really, really didn't want to put down. Granted, that makes it tough to get on with life - even if I'm willing to skip a meal, my husband would prefer to not. Even then, I managed to polish it off in about a day and a half. What makes it so enthralling? Much of it, I think, it the psychology angle (my favorite subject and my college major). The story centers around Avery Chambers, a onetime therapist whose outside-the-box techniques landed her in so much trouble that she lost her license. But that hasn't stopped her; she's built a very successful practice built on an unorthodox 10-session approach that allows her to pick and choose her clients.

Among the wannabes is Marissa Bishop, who learned of Avery through a friend. Marissa's marriage to Matthew is in danger because she cheated on him - a one-night stand she's regretted ever since. She still loves her husband and their 8-year-old son, though, and will try just about anything to salvage their marriage. In the hope that Avery can save the day, she convinces her husband to go with her to the initial session that will determine whether or not Avery will take the case of the "golden couple."

Of course, she does (if she hadn't, this book wouldn't exist). Chapters outline their sessions, and in-between chapters focus on the individual characters, giving readers clues to what's really going on in their lives and minds (not the least of which is that all concerned have secrets they either haven't revealed or are outright lying about). In between, Avery tries to ferret out what isn't being said so she can get to the truth that will, supposedly, free Marissa and Matthew to live [together] and love again.

To be sure, Avery's keen powers of deduction exceed those of any character I've ever read about in any book including the esteemed Sherlock Holmes, thus making it a little hard to believe in spots. But I was so caught up in the story that it bothered me only a tiny bit. Twists and turns popped up in almost every chapter, leading up to a biggie at the end (which, if I'm honest, I'll admit wasn't entirely unexpected). Beyond that I won't comment lest I ruin things for other readers. But I will repeat that I really loved this book - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Outstanding!

3.5 rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. This one comes out this Tuesday!

This was not a mind-blowing thriller, but it was an enjoyable one nonetheless. There was one twist that got an audible gasp from me (that was probably midway - 75% through?) but the ending twists seemed slightly predictable. The one I probably would not have seen coming was the most unbelievable one (for those of you who have read the book, the one revealed in the beginning of the last chapter).

The characters were an interesting bunch, and I can't say any of them were necessary likable (which was absolutely intentional, I'm sure). The character I left having the most positive feelings for is one I cannot mention here, as I think it might spoil some things. Out of the characters I feel comfortable mentioning, I was most intrigued by Avery. Her methods are definitely not ethical, and, as someone who works in a similar field, the way she entwines herself into her clients' lives made me uncomfortable. However, you can't argue that she doesn't meet the goals she sets out to accomplish, both personally and with her clients.

Overall, this was a mostly enjoyable, but not groundbreaking, read. I'll continue to keep an eye on future releases from this author duo.

“The Golden Couple” by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

The got marriage problems, she’s sorta a therapist. With an unusual treatment method and secrets being discovered this book has all the twist and turns to keep the pages turning.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Now I wonder if hidden connections exists, like the sticky threads of a nearly invisible spiderweb.” ~ Greer Hendricks Sarah Pekkanen

Release Date 3/8/22

#julesbookshelf #arc #thegoldencouple #netgalley #mustread #bookaofinstagram #greerhendricksandsarahpekkanen

We all know them--that one couple that is seemingly perfect. They walk around overly into one another and make us envy what they have when we see them together. It is what we don't see that makes you wonder.

Marissa and Matthew are referred to as the golden couple, and rightfully so. Those on the outside see Matthew, a family man who dotes on his wife and son. Marissa has it all together, she is a business owner, but also on the PTA and a loving wife.

With their marriage in trouble, Marissa lures Matthew to see ex-therapist, Avery, under the guise of concerns with their son, Bennett. While at their first session, Marissa drops a bomb that she slept with another man. Avery was sought out as the rogue ex-therapist whose treatment plans were far from convention. Without boundaries, Avery stalks her clients and crosses several lines in order to assist them along the way to find their resolution.

I loved the way this book ended! As a first from these authors, I will certainly add them to my list!

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an e-arc for review.

Marissa and Matthew are the proverbial golden couple, physically attractive, motivated, moving in all the right circles, and evidently living the perfect life with their son Bennett. So why is Marissa booking counseling sessions with the “maverick ex-therapist”, Avery? What secrets linger behind closed doors? And when will they surface?

I was in need of a fast-paced page-turner, and this book fit the bill perfectly. This writing duo took me on a ride filled with twists and red herrings, building from a slower start to a point where I couldn’t stop reading until I had the answers. I am always pleased with morally gray characters, those that you really don’t like, but will still root for, and they are delivered in spades throughout this novel. My only letdown was wanting more of Chris’ story, as it felt like it resolved a bit too quickly for me. Strongly recommend if you’re looking for a page-turner!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A very very unorthodox therapist. A woman with a son and an old boyfriend, recently reacquainted as a a onetime lover, oh did I mention she is married to her old boyfriends best friend? Also a drug company that wants to intimidate the therapist into giving up a name, and finally an old murder that was solved but convicting the wrong killer…….
. This is the stuff of a very convoluted thriller that will leave you turning page after page long after you should have gone to bed.
Highly recommend. I would like to thank NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my unbiased review..

Marissa and Matthew Bishop begin going to see Avery to help save their marriage from a one-time infidelity mishap. Avery herself had issues from a past client relationship and got her title of therapist taken away and turned into consultant. The Bishop situation is full of secrets galore and Avery does some masterful detective like work to untangle the web that surrounds all three of them and the other various people in their lives!

I really enjoyed the first two parts of this book. It went at a quick pace for me and I loved seeing the Bishop’s issues and Avery’s issues separately within the same story! At the end of part two I very much had a “wait what?!” moment and was pumped to read on. The third part however didn’t blow me away like I was during their other book, The Wife Between Us. It was a bit too predictable for me. I still enjoyed it though for the most part.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the free eARC in return for an honest review!

From the outside, Matthew and Marissa appear to be The Golden Couple. They make a fateful decision to do couples therapy with Avery. Avery has lost her therapist license for her unusual therapeutic techniques. In just ten sessions, she can send your marital partnership in a new direction. But it won’t be easy…

Who doesn’t want to peek inside those perfect lives you see on Instagram? However, most will not have as much to hide as Matthew and Marissa. Infidelity and lies pervade their marriage. Can Avery, who has her own issues, get them on the right path to true marital bliss? You’ll have to read the book to see…

Wow! I was convinced that I knew what the twists would be and WHOMP! the plot moves in a completely unexpected direction. Kudos to the authors for writing a genuinely surprising denouement! I highly recommend The Golden Couple to those jaded by the familiar domestic suspense plots and armchair detectives looking for a challenge. All the clues are there but will you see them? 5 stars and a favorite!

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have read all of the books this pair of wonderful authors have published, and enjoyed each and every one. This is no exception. The Golden Couple of the title are 'the beautiful people' whose outer lives glow with happiness, success and contentment. However, they are visiting Avery, an unlicensed therapist whose unusual approach has earned her some recognition and helped cause her to lose her license.. Of course, not all is well in the happy couple's life and the cracks in the facade begin to show very early in the story. The chapters alternate narration between Avery and Marissa (the female half of the Golden Couple), so while the point of view changes, the story moves forward well, and there shouldn't be any difficulty following it. There are the twists and turns that you expect in a domestic thriller of today, and some were not big 'ta da' moments, but present nonetheless. Perhaps because I am familiar with their work, I found this less suspenseful than some of the earlier ones, but it is fast paced and will keep you engaged throughout. I will say that there's a sub-plot involving Avery that I felt was annoying for most of the novel, but it resolved well at the end. A 4 star read for me..

This was another great book written by this power duo, Greer and Sarah! Loved the story and it kept me guessing throughout the read. Great twisty ending!

Avery Chambers has become a counselor with a unique, if not controversial, method of helping her clients, having lost her license as a psychologist as a result of disclosing information she received during a client session. Marissa Bishop contacts Avery because she cheated on her husband and wants to repair the marriage and to protect her 8-year-old son. Marissa’s husband Matthew agrees to go through the 10 step program, and thus the roller coaster begins. There are plenty of interconnections of the main characters in the book, all on a collision course as layers of deception and deceit are peeled away. The authors did a very good job of building the story to its final conclusion - while I had guessed who would be the “bad guy” (guessed being the operative word), the book was well paced and the twists and turns to get there really kept my interest. My thanks to St.Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my review.

Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are certainly a dynamic writing duo! They write twisted and convoluted stories which keep the reader guessing until the very end. The Golden Couple is certainly no exception!

Avery is not your average couples therapist. Her methods, although effective, have caused her to lose her therapist license, but that does not stop people from soliciting her services. After all, she offers a ten session money back guarantee. Marissa and Matthew seem like the perfect golden couple - that is, until Marissa cheats on Matthew and tells him about it in order to clear her guilty conscious.

The twists and turns this couples therapy takes leave the reader breathless and guessing the answer around every curve - only to discover more information that makes one wonder where the actual truth lies and how will Avery uncover it? Delightfully sinister, the Golden Couples keep you guessing, while at the same time draws the reader in, rooting for all the characters which are painted in such a likeable manner. When the truth comes it's hard to say you did not see it coming - but certainly I did not to the degree it ended up being!

4 1/2 Shell-shocked Stars!

This gifted writing duo has done it again! Kudos to Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. The Golden Couple was another mesmerizing page turner that provides the reader with one heck of a domestic thriller.

I was hooked by this book from the beginning. Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all - an instagram perfect marriage. When they glide into Avery Chamber's home office for an appointment, it quickly becomes apparent that appearances can be deceiving.

Avery is a therapist who isn't truly a therapist anymore. Having recently lost her license, she has developed her own program for approaching treatment. It's expensive and atypical but the Bishops just might be the perfect candidates.

This book is roller coaster from start to finish. I love the twists and turns it took along the way. Avery is a more complicated character than you realize at first. So are several of the other characters in the story. I enjoyed it immensely and was sad to see it end.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review this book and the opinions contained within are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a real roller coaster ride of a book! Melissa and Matthew are the Golden Couple - good looking, rich, great little boy. But Melissa, as we learn immediately, has slept with another man. She's upset, guilty, desperately wants to save her marriage. She learns about Avery, a no longer licensed therapist, who experiences great success with her personally designed therapy, and Melissa and Matthew go to consult her.

It's very difficult to go into many details, without giving away the twists and turns that make this such a roller coaster! Avery has a corporation trying to threaten her into giving them information about one of her clients. She begins to suspect Skip, a man she recently met, of working with the people who are after her. As things develop, she begins to find some odd connections between herself, and Melissa and Matthew.

This is one of these books where you just get caught up in trying to figure out what is actually going on - who are the good guys and the bad guys? What in the world is going to happen next? I normally read two or three books at a time, switching back and forth, but this one kept me reading intensely! Absolutely a compelling read.

Once I picked this book up it was difficult to put down until it was finished. Avery Chambers was a therapist who lost her license, but has now developed a ten step plan to help people as a consultant. Her newest clients are Marissa and Matthew Bishop. Marissa is trying to find a way to tell Matthew that she cheated on him. It was only one time and she loves Matthew. With Avery’s help she hopes to repair the damage that she has done to her marriage. Avery has her work cut out for her since Matthew is furious and Marissa is not telling the whole truth. Marissa says it is over, but she receives a bouquet of flowers with no card, calls at work from a man looking for her and a note saying that he can’t live without her.

As an independent consultant, Avery has the freedom to insert herself into the lives of her clients and investigate the people around them. When one of her clients told her of suspicions that the pharmaceutical company where she works is falsifying test results on a drug, Avery made an anonymous call to the authorities. After her connection to the call was discovered, she started receiving threats and demands that she reveal her client’s name. She is happy to run into someone from her past until she begins to suspect that he has a connection to the threats. What he does have is a connection to the Bishops. In twist after twist the authors will keep you off balance. Suspicions and changing relationships make it difficult to guess who can be trusted until Avery makes a discovery that finally puts it all together and leads to a final confrontation that is mind blowing. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin Press for providing this book for my review.

I really enjoy every book by this writing duo and I will read anything they put out. This one was really good and as always it was hard to put it down. I high recommend it.

•𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵. 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯’𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤•

3 Stars

The Golden Couple is about a couple who seeks out help with their marriage and they’ll do anything to work on it. They seek out the help of Avery a use to be therapist who has become really popular with her 10 session method.

Honestly this started off so strong. I’ve read all the other books by the author duo and have loved most of them except The Wife Between Us. I guess my expectation were a little too high. I got so bored towards the middle. I wanted to dnf it but at the same time my interest was peaked and I wanted to know how the events would unravel. Towards the ending, it got better and it saved the rating. I didn’t trust any of the characters though and they were all kind of suspish so it made the reading experience fun.