Member Reviews
I'm already a huge Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen fan - and this one totally sealed the deal for me!! I love a book that snatches my attention from jump street and then takes me on all of the ups and downs of the saga. While some characters were easier to love than others - I found that I totally misplaced some of my "loyalties" and got a punch in the mouth with the ending that was served up! Yep - Didn't see that one coming lol Not sure if I'm just gullible (could be) trusting (not likely because I generally believe the worst of people lol) or maybe the book was just told in a way that steered my thoughts the way the authors wanted them to go - which is exactly what makes a "good" book - a FABULOUS book. I absolutely can't wait to see what's next~ This book was narrated by Karissa Vacker and Marin Ireland - two new to me performers that I look forward to enjoying in the future.
I'm offering this HONEST review of The Gold Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, courtesy of Netgalley St, Martin's Press and McMillan Audio in exchange for an audio advanced readers copy of this amazing book!
Nothing about this book was mind blowing. In my rating I rate it a 3 star. I was anticipating a 5 star book with all the talk about it.
I really was captivated by the idea of dual narratives. I loved the idea of the therapist having a voice and a very important perspective in the story. However, the characters did not do it for me. I really did not care for either of them and I found there were too many side characters to keep track of. Maybe this was because I was listening on audio? On top of the side characters, there was also a side plot that I could not figure out. Was it important? Should I be following closely? When the twist did come, it was very predictable and I was a bit disappointed. Again, maybe it was the audio that bored me?
This book gave me Liane Moriarty vibes so anyone who likes Big Little Lies or The Husband's Secret would enjoy this.
I really enjoyed this book! The audiobook has two different narrators so it was easy to keep the multiple characters straight. I was surprised by the put twist and really liked the fast pace of the book. I would definitely recommend this book! I received a free copy of this audiobook from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
MY QUICK BITS
-Domestic thriller
-Multiple POV
-Twist alert
-Unique premise
MY REVIEW
I love when an author/s understand that when they are at the helm of writing a book there is no reason not to think outside the box.
Normally I am not one who will pick up a domestic thriller. I have read enough of them to know that they are not for me.
So, why did I read The Golden Couple?
The authors gave me a unique description and setup that I could actually see myself enjoying.
A psychologist who practices in a morally grey area that resulted in her losing her license yet is still highly sought after— is what I mean when I talk about thinking outside the box. Why write about a normal psychologist when you can do ANYTHING with your characters.
Overall, TGC was a rare domestic thriller that kept my attention and did not leave me disappointed.
If you are one who normally enjoys this genre, I think it will be a glorious read for you.
MY RATINGS
4.00/5.00 SOS Rating
4.00/5.00 Overall Rating
I thought it was a thriller before reading this book. It is more like a woman fiction; there is not much thrill in it. The story is told from two perspectives: Marissa, the wife and Avery, the therapist. I love how Avery give her best and everything to help all her clients. She also serves as a private investigator to unfold her clients’ secrets to help and protect them. No more spoiler. *giggle* Somehow all the characters just can’t let go of the past.
The narrators did an amazing narrating the book too. I actually did not they are actually narrated by two people until I look up the book. Conversations are easy follow since the narrators give each characters a consistent voices. Overall, it is very enjoyable.
4 our of 5 stars
Received a free audio and ecopy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was slow and had me questioning where this was going (or if it would be going anywhere) for a LONG time. I think that was the point though.
Avery is a therapist who doesn’t follow the rules and lost her license.
Marissa and Matthew’s relationship needs some help when Marissa is unfaithful. This brings them together in this entwined story. It keeps you guessing and every time I thought I figured it out, I was wrong. Which I guess was a good thing. I liked the different POV from both Marissa and Avery because it helped build a connection with each of them. My favorite character of the book was Romeo. 🥰
Another great book by Hendricks and Pekkanen, I enjoyed this immensely. In this book which is told from different points of view you are never quite sure which character to trust: the wife? the husband? or their new therapist? The therapist herself comes with a complicated backstory as she tries to help this couple work through a major rift in their relationship. Along the way there are lots of twists where you really aren't sure which character to root for. Overally a book I could not put down and a great thriller to read on a cozy weekend. 4 Stars!
Thank you #Netgalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book for what it was - upper class white people with seemingly perfect lives in (mostly) unrealistic situations. I'm not a fan of coincidences in my books (particularly thrillers) and I could maybe get on board with the first coincidence amongst the main characters, but the story jumped the shark with the second coincidental relationship. Unless, of course, these coincidences were part of a bigger plot I didn't care to flesh out.
I guessed who the bad guy / girl was fairly early on for me, because normally I do not clue in. I figure that means the story was pretty transparent, because I'm not the most astute reader. I didn't see the very last twist coming, however, and the ending was wrapped up pretty neatly (too much so, perhaps?)
Karissa Vacker and Marin Ireland did a good job in narrating Marissa and Avery, respectively. Karissa's voice was sweeter, while Marin's voice was deeper, fitting of both characters.
This was another solid psychological thriller from Hendricks and Pekkanen. I really enjoyed reading The Golden Couple. Not everyone is who they seem to be. The story line kept me interested throughout. Avery is a therapist who does things in an unconventional way. Her license has been revoked yet she still takes on a few clients at a high rate. Avery has a specific 10 step process that all her clients go through. Marissa brought her husband Matthew to meet with Avery to share a secret. Marissa and Matthew seem like the golden couple but looks can be deceiving. I didn’t know who to trust or who was telling the truth. This one kept me on my toes. The dual perspectives were welcomed in this story as it really enhanced the confusion. This was a fun read that was a needed escape from reality. I can’t wait to see what Hendricks and Pekkanen do next!
Greer and Sarah have done it again. They are definitely the queens of psychological thrillers in my book. This one probably ranks number 2 behind their first, The Wife Between Us (still my favorite) . Once again they have a compelling story with interesting characters, lots of possible outcomes and twists that keep you wanting more. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Karissa Vacker and Marin Ireland who did an excellent job narrating. I generally listen more than actually read books these days, and psychological thrillers lend themselves well to this format (as long as it is a well-written book which this was). Highly recommended.
The Golden Couple
by: Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen
Narrated by: Karissa Vacker; Marin Ireland
Macmillan Audio
Women's Fiction
The Golden Couple is suspense at its finest. The duo of Greer Hendricks and Sara Pekkanen have written a well-paced novel of family drama, intrigue and mystery that will keep readers turning the pages. Excellent narration is provided by Karissa Vacker and Marin Ireland. Their voices capture all of the atmosphere and thrills of this book. As a lover of audiobooks, I appreciate narrators and their talent which makes for such a good listening experience. The writing is original and creative, with an intense plot and well developed characters. This is a very well done novel in audiobook format.
Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#TheGoldenCouple #NetGalley
BOOK REVIEW
The Golden Couple
By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a good book overall, with a unique storyline, good plot twists, and a few solid action moments. However, I had a hard time really getting into the book because the characters were just so unlikeable. I felt like the second story line with Avery’s background never really connected with the rest of the story, and those scenes felt unnecessary. Again, overall it was a good read and held my interest, but I’d hesitate on recommending it to anyone 🤷🏼♀️
This was soooo good!!! I enjoy this all the way through the end and thought the story was told wonderfully! The audio does sound a little robotic though.
This was my first time engaging with these authors, and after hearing for years from others what I might be in for, I had a high bar going into The Golden Couple. The audio experience was certainly compelling here - I had no idea where this story was going, and I found myself drawn in to every word. I shifted to print for a section of the read but ultimately found both to be fully engrossing. While I could partially see the first twist coming in this read, the second major twist caught me by total surprise!
The Golden Couple written by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen is a family drama meets thriller. Marisa seems to have it all: a handsome lawyer husband, her own top end store and a little boy she adores. Then why does she cheat? The couple ends up meeting with Avery, a therapist who has lost her license for questionable practices. Avery’s method promises results in only 10 sessions.
Things I loved about the audiobook. One the narrators. You truly felt the personality of each character. Second, the dueling writing styles. I wasn’t sure I would like two authors, but I think it brought the two women characters unique voices to life. Third, the twist. You have to read or listen to it find out but I’m telling you it’s worth it.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for this latest read!
I wasn't really sure what to expect Greer Hendricks latest book so it's was good to go in with a blank slate and follow the journey. It felt like a slow burn, taking us through the journey of a couple going to therapy to start to repair their marriage. It all seems straight forward except for a few red flags that some of us IRL might not go for. There's quite a bit of twisting and turning as the story is told from multiple perspectives.
While enjoyable to listen to, it wasn't one of my favorites and didn't feel as much of a "thriller" as I thought it would be. There's some creepy stuff for sure, but I spent most of my time waiting for a big jump in the action that would make me want to sit listening for hours and do nothing else.
Kind of bummed, but still glad I got the experience.
When a marriage hits a rough patch most couples seek out professional help. Marissa and Mathew Bishop were no different. They were recommended to a therapist Avery Chambers. Avery's methods are out of the ordinary and in 10 very in depth sessions couples will be on their way back to each other. At least that is the plan but as Avery learns more and more about Marissa and Mathew's relationship she realizes there are a few more than two people in this marriage. For me the first part of the book was slow but not so that I'd DNF it. As pieces started to reveal the puzzle I couldn't stop listening.
The book is told through two perspectives Avery and Marissa. The narrator did an excellent job of giving me their unique personalities. I love a good book but have seen some destroyed by the narrator. This was not one of those books. I highly recommend sitting back and listening.
Two words come to mind when trying to describe this book: perfection and obsession.
Marissa and Matthew are perfect, the golden couple, but after one night on infidelity they come to Avery Chambers, a rogue therapist, to save their marriage. Lies, secrets, and threads lead everywhere, but as you read you slowly connect them together in this psychological thriller.
Thank you @netgalley and @macmillanaudio for the advanced audiobook to review. The performance was excellent and I couldn’t stop listening.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I both loved and hated this book? The main story was great. I didn’t know who was good, bad, or in between. I was guessing up until the last minute. The tension was there and I didn’t want to put it down.
However, there was a side story that was semi-woven into the main one that just felt … unnecessary? There was no big ending and it was just disappointing. The book would have been just as good, if not better, without it.
That said, I would still recommend this to thriller lovers!