It's been awhile since I read this novel but I remember it didn't hold up to the author's previous novel, Too Good to Be True, for me. I didn't like either of the main characters and I wasn't surprised by the plot twist.

I loved Lovering's first book, TELL ME LIES, and enjoyed her second book, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. Lovering is certainly an author whose new releases I want to read and so when CAN'T LOOK AWAY became available as an ARC, I jumped at the chance to read it early.

This book explores obsessive love, love at first sight, true love, enduring love, and many other types of love. It's not a "thriller" in my opinion, but rather has a mystery element to it. Still, most of this book is focused on human relationships, the concept of obsessive love, and the belief that someone is your soulmate even when that notion is unrequited. Lovering's books have all been labeled as thrillers, but I think they're more fittingly domestic suspense or domestic dramas. I say this because I think people who go into her books expecting a true thriller will be disappointed. Lovering garners pretty split reviews on her books, but I enjoy her work. She posits interesting premises and explores the human experience through the lens of flawed characters who are trying to figure things out.

I loved Can’t Look Away by Carola Lovering! It was such an interesting, compelling novel. I was immensely intrigued by the plot. I would call it a domestic drama with an intrinsic element of suspense, more than a thriller, but it was fascinating, surprisingly sweet, and thought-provoking.

Can’t Look Away is the story of obsessive love, and the lengths people will go to to secure it. It’s also a story about the difference between true love and love by choice; a love that grows slowly over time and through friendship. It’s the story of Molly, aspiring writer, and Jake, up-and-coming rockstar and their rather tormented, on-again/off-again enduring, overwhelming love, and the girl who was determined to have him for herself. It’s slightly creepy and disturbing, but also utterly engrossing.

This was a remarkably moving story with quite a bit of depth and insightfulness, despite the more chilling nature of the story. In my opinion, the author got the ending just right and I was wholly satisfied with the conclusion. I definitely recommend this story and look forward to reading more by this author.

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

It's almost like this book was marketed incorrectly. To me, it felt neither like a thriller, nor a mystery. Because we got the perspectives from Sabrina and Molly, there wasn't a moment where I felt that I didn't know what was going on. Even the ending, which I'm sure was supposed to be a punch to the gut surprise, just didn't hit very hard at all. This book felt much more like a drama then any sort of thriller. It gave me the feeling I got when my mom would have 'Desperate Housewives' on the TV growing up. It was just a bunch of catty drama and I"m glad I've never met women like either of these two main characters.

Now, the story itself wasn't horrible, but it was just so damn annoying reading from either of these characters perspectives. They were both terrible at communication and had so many secrets. I don't particularly enjoy books about catty women competing with each other over a man, and I almost DNF'd it a dozen times. I pushed through because it was a fast read but the ending, in my opinion, was not worth it.

2013

Molly Diamond has a dream of becoming a writer while working as a Barista. One night she goes to a concert and locks eyes with the handsome and charismatic lead singer, Jake Danner. It's love at first sight! It’s all consuming! It burns bright! They intend to spend their lives together! Jack writes at song about Molly and it becomes the biggest hit of his (and his band’s) career.

Almost a decade later

Molly is happily married to Hunter and has a five-year-old daughter, Stella. They have moved from the city to Flynn Cove, Connecticut. Molly is working as a Yoga instructor and is content with her life. Then one day her song comes on the radio, “Molly’s Song” and it is quite the blast from the past. As she listens to Jack being interviewed, she can't help but take a walk down memory lane.

Sabrina is new to the neighborhood and she and Molly become fast friends after meeting at the Yoga Studio where Molly teaches. Molly is happy, she hasn't made too many friends as an adult and she and Sabrina get along so well. They both live near each other and share similar struggles. Little does Molly know; Sabrina has secrets....

Sabrina has moved to Flynn Cove, Connecticut with an agenda. As her agenda beings to unfold so does the plot of this book. The more we learn, the more dramatic this book becomes!

Told in 2013 and nearly a decade later, this book looks at dreams, romance, choices, consequences, and second chances. I enjoyed the books and its drama. It read like a nighttime soap opera to me. There is drama galore. There are questionable actions and decisions made by characters. This will make it or break it for some readers, IMO. I found myself thinking about the decisions and actions made in this book upon finishing it. Some were morally and ethically wrong and one character did something in front of others, that I was shocked did not face any legal consequences or chargers.

I also enjoyed how it showed growth and dreams. Everyone has them. How life changes and how you look at things when you are young and then some time later, looking back, with age, experience, and wisdom, you can look at things differently.

This is a polarizing book that readers will either enjoy or find fault with. I enjoyed it. I had both the audiobook and e-book version. I enjoyed listening to the audio and the narrators. Their narration really worked for me, and I wonder if I only read the book instead of reading and listening to it, would I have enjoyed it as much? For me, I believe the narrators elevated the book for me.

Readers are privy to everything going on in this book. There are some twists, but readers will see them coming. There is nothing to figure out. This is a sit-back-and-enjoy-the-ride type of book For me this was dramatic, fun, entertaining and I had a hard time putting this down.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Enter a conniving woman to upset things to get what she wants. Her boyfriend broke up with her because he felt she wanted to move too fast. He then met a woman and fell in love. Well, the conniving woman wasn't having any of that!

Seemed more a YA romance book to me than a thriller.
Was ok predictable early on. A few twists but nothing was holding me right into this book to love it unfortunately.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an early release of this book.

Communication really is the key. How often have we heard this adage? And how often have we taken it for granted?
Can’t look away was a gripping story that I wasn’t able to put down. Through the busy workdays I always found time to get at least 5% read every day. The story turns oh so quickly and as a reader you’re gripped to the story early on. It’s a tale told fork multiple perspectives and two timelines that eventually converge to the current.
I learnt so much from this book, it was sort of a refresh for some other points. Communication being at the top, the book also focuses on toxic relationships which I’ve always loved the author to portray. Her last book Too Good To Be True was my first BOTM pick and it’ll always have a special place in my heart as those were the starting days for me on this platform as a bookstagrammer. As enthralling and unique as that story was, I devoured this one one more quickly and might choose this as my first choice! One more point that I want to bring up that this book covers is obsessive love. Being hooked to series such as YOU, as a viewer or reader it definitively is interesting to see that a person who looks normal might actually be capable of certain actions. But doesn’t it being goosebumps that somewhere someone might really be a victim of these scenes and books such as these allow us to look at the tell tale signs to watch out for.
The story is as follows:
Molly Diamond is a 23 year old barista in 2013. She meets Jake Danner, lead singer of an upcoming band in a concert one day and their fairytale romance starts. Fast forward a decade, Molly is happily married to Hunter and has a beautiful daughter named Stella. What are her chances of running into Jake there and his wife Sabrina. Sabrina has a pot full of secrets and her POV’s are the most captivating. It really does feel like a YOU vibe while reading those.

Can't Look Away, Carola Lovering's latest novel, is a deep dive into obsession, lies and how far we will go to protect what we perceive is ours. In 2022 Molly is a wife and mom, teaching yoga in the Connecticut Suburbs. Years before she was the muse and girlfriend of one of the hottest up-and-coming musicians, Jake Danner, while working as a barista and writing her debut novel. Now, living in the suburbs, Molly is finding it hard to relate to the wealthy women in town. When Sabrina, a newcomer to Flynn Cove, joins one of Molly's yoga classes the two hit it off and become fast friends. However, all is not what it seems as Sabrina has her own reasons for coming to Flynn Cover and finding Molly. Then, Molly hears a new version of a song she inspired Jake to write and has to grapple with the past that is on a collision course and will force everyone to answer tough questions. Lovering is a masterful storyteller and has a gift for creating characters that are relatable, sometimes unlikeable but somehow you're still rooting for them. Music is a strong theme in the book and adds a fun backdrop. This is not a psychological thriller so much as a domestic suspense or drama novel but still one not to be missed!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Told through 3 points of view (Molly, Jake and Sabrina) over a period of 9 years, Can’t Look Away is a must read love story with twists and turns that make you want to keep reading.

Although it was somewhat predictable at times, Can’t Look Away is an enjoyable book that I will definitely recommend.

I realize this is considered a thriller, but to me this felt more romance! I very much enjoyed it. I looked forward to reading it and couldn't put it down. It was a fast read. My heart really went out to Molly & Jake. It was predictable but I didn't care, The ending tied it all very well. I enjoyed Carola Lovering's writing and this book!

I had to stop reading this book because I already guessed the plot less than 50 pages in. Also, I find it laughable that the main character looks down on some members of her community for belonging to a country club while she and her husband belong to a yacht club. What’s the difference? The both scream elitism to me. Her last book is so much better than this.

Molly can't help but fall in love with Jake. He's a charming rock star, how could you not fall in love with him? Jake falls in love with Molly, he even writes some songs about her. But sometimes love isn't enough. Fast forward to 2022 Molly is living in Flynn Cove with her amazing husband, Hunter and their beautiful daughter. Of course Molly still thinks about Jake from time to time. Molly ends up becoming friends with the new girl in town. That's when things change course and the past collides with the present.

The book has three POVs. Molly, Sabrina and Jake. I can't even begin to explain how insane Sabrina is. That girl drove me nuts. I liked Molly, some of the time I just shook my head at her. I really liked Jake and Hunter.

I don't think this book was a thriller at all. The "twists" I knew were coming from a mile away. Even so, I wanted to know how the story was going to end. I liked the dual timelines, going back and forth helped complete the story. You got just enough info to want to continue to the next chapter/part. I really like how the author wrapped up the story. The ending was great. I really enjoyed the audio of this book! The different narrators helped make the characters feel like their own people. I think they did a great job!

I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for my digital and audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The book opens up in 2013 with Molly who is getting ready for a night out at a concert. She meets the lead singer, Jake, of the band playing. Before they know it they are in love! But life doesn't always go as we planned. We jump forward to 2022 and Molly is now a mother, and a yoga teacher. She is also married but her husband isn't Jake! Molly strikes up a friendship with Sabrina. Sabrina is new to town and both women quickly form a friendship. This is where things get weird. Secrets are unearthed and feelings get a bit angsty. Do you think you really know who your friends are?


Things I enjoyed:
- the pacing was well done. I had a hard time putting this one down. I NEEDED to know whay was going to happen!
- The multiple POVS
- The twists!


Well dang, this book is full of all the tension and secrets I need in a read like this. I don't want to say anything else not to spoil this read for anyone. This is perfect for any fan who likes domestic thrillers/mysteries. 3.5 stars out of 4!

Can’t Look Away is the second Carola Lovering book I’ve read. I read Too Good to be True last year, also for Net Galley. I gave it four stars and didn’t give away much about the storyline in my review because I didn’t want to spoil it for anyone. Can’t Look Away didn’t give me that same feeling. While an enjoyable story, I found it more predictable. There were a couple of surprises, but nothing earth shattering. An enjoyable story, but just ok for me.

Molly Diamond, an aspiring writer, meets Jake Danner, an aspiring musician, and her life is never the same. They immediately fall head over heels in love. But their love is forever being tested by Jake's meddling ex, Sisi, the pressures of fame, and lack of communication.

Years later, Molly is married to Hunter. They live in Flynn Cove, a ritzy suburb, with their daughter Stella. Although happy, Molly often thinks of Jake and the life she left behind. In Flynn Cove, Molly has trouble making friends, but one day meets a woman named Sabrina who she instantly connects with. Weeks later, Sabrina invites Molly and Hunter over to meet her husband, who turns out to be... Jake Danner. Feelings resurface, relationships are tested, and behind it all is Sabrina who has ulterior motives for seeking a friendship with Molly.

The tension filled ride of this book had me on the EDGE.. in the best way possible! I'm a big fan of Lovering and really enjoyed the alternating timeline and viewpoints. I was dying to see how everything was going to play out and was so conflicted in my feelings of what I wanted to happen. I loved every second of this book!

What if your new friend isn't who she seems?

CAN'T LOOK AWAY is mostly a domestic drama, with a slight undertone of suspense.

In 2013, Molly wants to become a writer and is in love with the lead singer in a band, Jake. Jumping ahead to 2022, Molly's working as a yoga teacher, has a young child, and is married to a different man. One day while teaching, she meets Sabrina, a woman new to town who Molly almost instantly takes a liking to. The reader largely follows Molly, in both 2013 and 2022, but includes short chapters from Sabrina and Jake's perspectives as well.

I definitely found myself wanting to quickly flip pages to find out how the story would come together. At the same time, I think this book is on the long side. And I couldn't help but wish it were a bit more suspenseful - it felt more like a Colleen Hoover novel than A NOVEL OBSESSION.

Do note that this story includes miscarriage and embryo transfer not resulting in pregnancy.

This was an intriguing story. There’s deception, drama, and romance! Molly falls for the singer in a band and begins years of a difficult relationship. Her choices are surprising! This story really kept me wanting to read more. It was very hard to put down! Can’t wait to read more from the author.

I really enjoyed this one!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, St Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for my advanced copies of Can't Look Away!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

Can't Look Away was a very entertaining read. The author kept me engaged from beginning to end.

The audio version of this book was absolutely fantastic. I appreciated that each POV was narrated by a different voice.

I enjoyed this book just as much as Carola Lovering's previous book : Too Good to be True.

Overall- Highly recommend. I look forward to reading more by this author.

This one wasnt my cup of tea but i am sure others will enjoy it! I was hoping for a bit more suspense.