I have to say Watch Out for Her didn't quite sing for me the way I wanted it to. The characters come across a little too much like cutouts for me and there was not a lot of depth. I just felt like it was very obvious how this was going to end before I got very far into the book.

When Sarah and Daniel hire Holly to babysit for their six-year-old son, they end up inviting a lot more than just a babysitter into their home. Tensions mount when both Sarah and Holly start keeping secrets, especially when they find they can’t trust one-another. So who’s the “bad guy” here? Who’s in the wrong? And when the answers all come to light, who will end up with more problems than either could’ve imagined? I enjoyed reading this book very much and found myself flying through the pages. Although some of the writing was a little rough at times and the ending didn’t come out as clean as I would’ve preferred, it was still some great fun when it comes to suspense!

Special Note: Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an hones review.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read and review this upcoming book.
Each character in this book has a flaw. Rich daughter Holly,who does anything to win the approval of her father. Married couple Sarah and Dan, who each have secrets. When their paths intersect, the best of intentions are misunderstood and dire consequences occur. Add to this mix is an innocent child. I kept reading to see where all the crumbs led but it didn't have that wow factor. All in all , I would read more from this author.

😳😳😳😳😳 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ wow oh wow!!!! What an amazing book!!! Definitely one of my top reads of 2022!!! Still in shock!!!! I don’t think I will be over this book hangover for a long time! Everything I love about a thriller, keeps you up through the night guessing and always thinking about it! Must read!

Interesting but not really my cup of tea. Well written I just personally couldn’t get into the story. A seemingly perfect family who moves to a new town. And then some weird things start to happen. And are those hidden cameras in her house? Who is watching her and what exactly is happening? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

2.5 rounded up……..Disappointed that I did not love this book, Watch Out for Her, by Samantha M. Bailey. While I did love Woman on the Edge and was excited for Bailey’s second novel, I find myself very let down. I found the book to go nowhere until the last few pages and while the twist was at the end it really wasn’t very exciting. There was no real depth to the characters and their actions and behaviors h were not realistic. Many people did enjoy this book so please don’t let me discourage you from reading it. I will definitely give this author another try because her first book was a solid four stars for me. Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 ⭐️

I want to start this off by saying that I absolutely loved Woman on the edge, it was a 5 ⭐️ read for me. I was so excited to read this, but it fell so flat and I’m really disappointed.

Sarah hired Holly at her husbands request as a nanny, and she’s amazing with their son Jacob. As time goes on, Sarah and Holly become very close, until Sarah starts to notice odd things. Sarah and her family suddenly move to Toronto, but she suspects Holly is still around, watching.

So, this book. I had many moments where I just thought, wow, this is stupid. Sorry. The writing felt so amateur, all the characters did was complain and act so paranoid it was hard to read and was unbelievably repetitive.

Holly’s character and what she did really disturbed me? I wasn’t expecting to have that reaction but I found it hard to read, she’s so messed up and I don’t think the why she was the way she was was explained enough to make sense. The longer the story went on, the more far fetched it became and it was just so unbelievable and had no point- I honestly couldn’t see where it was going because it just went on and on, although I did predict the twists at the end, especially with the odd POV third and first person choices.

I find it hard to read books where you’re not rooting for at least one character and where everyone is unlikeable in their own way. This was similar in a way to the authors first book in that the main woman character had a lot of paranoia. It was hard to read. Also, please, please, please, for all authors, choose or come up with names that aren’t so damn common. I swear this is the millionth book I’ve read with the main character being named Sarah. It gets so boring.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

They say the second book is either a hit or a miss. But this one is definitely a hit! First of all, the setting alternates between Vancouver and Toronto. It’s not too often that I read about books set in Canada, much less in Vancouver, BC. So I was really happy reading about familiar places. Secondly, I really liked the plot and overall story. Some readers might say they’ve guessed the plot twists, and I myself have guessed some correctly, but don’t worry, even if you did, I don’t think it’ll affect your enjoyment of the story much. I initially thought that it would be about a mentally unstable nanny, becoming obsessed with her ward (I obviously read too many nanny thrillers haha!) but I was glad I was wrong! Watch Out for Her is so much more than that! Sarah and Holly are both complex characters, equally needing to be understood and loved, but also trying to be tough and refusing to ask for help. One is a mother, often overlooked and taken for granted; the other is a daughter, looking for maternal love and only needed as a means to an end. Their relationship is both functional and dysfunctional at the same time and it really is interesting to read about these 2 women. Another aspect of the story that I appreciated is about voyeurism, and though it often connotes sexual pleasure, the author gave it a whole new light here. Suffice it to say, Samantha M. Bailey absolutely nailed this domestic thriller!!! The wait was super worth it! Thanks to @netgalley for my e-copy. Can’t wait to own the hardcopy and add to my collection!💖

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an advance copy of this book!

WATCH OUT FOR HER by Samantha M. Bailey was an entertaining, slow-burn of a domestic thriller. The story unfolds from the POV of two main characters: Sarah, a hyper-vigilant stay-at-home mom with trust issues, and Holly, the attractive but troubled 22-year-old babysitter who has been hired for the summer. The story starts with a bang, when we realize that something has gone horribly wrong with the babysitting dynamic over the summer (but we don't know what).

I loved so many things about this book. While both of the main characters were offputting in their own way, they were compelling and fascinating. I had to keep turning the pages until the book revealed its secrets. I loved the themes of familial loyalty and love that were woven throughout the book, and by the end of the book I could not put it down, and stayed up way too late to finish.

The pacing dragged a bit for me through the first half of the book, and I found myself frustrated by the number of heavy-handed references to secrets that the characters know (but don't reveal) until long into the book. That said, the ending of the book was masterfully wrapped up, and I appreciated the surprises in the wild ride at the finish. If you loved The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window, this one is calling your name!

This was an ok thriller. The two main characters were unlikeable, but I did enjoy how seeing how their different points of view affected the way the reader saw the story. It made it hard to tell which character was the antagonist. I was able to guess the ending before it was revealed, This was a quick, easy read.

Thanks, Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I previously read Woman on the Edge and loved it - read it in one day.

Watch Out for Her didn't grab me the pull me in the same way, although it was still a good book. The writing was excellent.

Mother, Sarah, has trust issues and jumps to conclusions faster than she should - her words. Husband, Daniel, has secrets. Throw in an attractive 22-year-old babysitter (Holly) and you have all the elements. Holly just wants a family that loves her and doesn't use her for their financial gain.

The pace picked up when I was about 3/4 through and once I hit that point it took me no time to turn the virtual pages.

Watch Out for Her by Samantha M. Bailey is a thriller that will raise your goosebumps throughout the entire read.

Watch Out for Her is set in both Vancouver and later in Toronto, it is being told in the POVs of two protagonists in the story, Holly Monroe, a first-year med student and Sarah Goldman, a mom to a 6-year-old boy, Jacob. Holly started working as a baby sitter for the Goldman's family and gradually she became attached to this family, Sarah became like a mother for Holly that she always dreamed to have. Later when Sarah found out that Holly isn't who she said she was, she decided to move her family to Toronto and leave the past behind. Little did she know that her past has followed her all the way to Toronto and someone to watching for her.

This book gave me chills from the first chapter to the last, the suspense built up from the first chapter on was thrilling. I love the characters in this book despite it took me a few chapters to connect with them. Holly and Sarah's thoughts are dark and raw yet it shows vulnerability which I really appreciate in a book. Although half way through the book it starts to feel predictable, I think the writing and elements in the book still makes me want to keep going. One thing I wish I get to read more is about Sarah's past and childhood and how it shapes the way she is as a mother.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! #Netgalley

•R E V I E W•
What a wild ride! Watch Out For Her tells the story of Sarah, a mother who’s recently hired a babysitter, Holly to help her out at home. But when she discovers Holly doing something unspeakable in her house, Sarah’s family up & moves to get away from her. Now, in their new life, Sarah has a feeling she’s being watched. From getting eerie texts to suspicious neighbors, Sarah doesn’t think she’s left Holly behind as much as she’d hoped.
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I absolutely devoured this book. I really loved that we got both POV’s from Sarah & Holly. Sarah’s being in the present time & Hollys being in the past. It really gave a well rounded story. The theme of familial love was another aspect I really enjoyed. Holly never had a warm, loving family & that’s all she wants when Sarah hires her. Holly does her best to protect Sarah against something going on right under her nose. This is the perfect “it’s not what you think!” book. This was my first book by Samantha M. Bailey & it won’t be the last! Watch Out For Her is available 4/19 and I highly suggest you get your hands on it, you won’t be disappointed! Thank you so much to @netgalley, @samanthabailey & @simonandschuster for this ARC!! 🤍

I'm so happy that I got approved to read this book and i wasnt disappointed.I love domestic throllers. The more family drama the better. This story will keep you reading non stop from the first page to the last.

Also, i trusted noone besides for Jacob and a dog but this was all part of this mind games story.

Love the major twist toward the end and so if you love thrillers this is one to read.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and give an honest review

My thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone else

This was a solid thriller/mystery however I think I am in the minority on this one - I didn’t love it. I’ll start off by saying I did enjoy the multiple timelines. It’s told from Holly’s perspective in the past and Sarah’s perspective in the future. I tend to enjoy this style of writing in thrillers as it tends to keep you guessing longer.

It started off promising and really built up a lot of the “unknowns”, however some of them fell flat for me. Not of them added depth to the story and I was often left wanting more as if that part of the story was unfinished.

I did enjoy the reveal, but because it was so close to the end it seemed a little rushed.

I will be looking to read Samantha Bailey’s debut novel, Woman on the Edge, as I keep hearing that it’s a knockout.

Thank you to NetGallery and Simon and Schuster for this eARC!

This story is told in dual POVs one in the present and one a few months back.

Holly has been given everything she ever wanted growing up as long as she does what her father says and is being groomed to take over the family business. She longs for a mothers love and a family environment.

Sarah is a super anxious mother of a young boy who is needing a sitter for the summer as her husband is a workaholic who's not around much.

Holly feels she is trying to protect Sarah when she finds out the husband's secret life he's been hiding, while Sarah begins to see Holly as a threat and a stalker.

Unfortunately this thriller was not all that thrilling for me. I got invested early on and the plot was moving along and I kept waiting for the big reveal or the mouth gaping scene but it just didn't happen for me.

This review is my own honest opinion and please do not let this deter you from reading this book if it's on your list.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of foremost, I love a book set in Toronto!

Second, I mostly enjoyed the book, it was a page- turner because I was dying to learn more about Holly and Sarah's relationship and why did they have the ugly fallout. Holly sure had a sick, distorted relationship with everyone around her, minus her step sister, well, at least, for most part of the book

The parts that also had me raised an eyebrow is why did her millionaire dad think the best thing for his daughter's pre- doctor career is to be a babysitter for another rich guy? Doesn't he have other intern jobs he can find her whether it's in his own company or any of his friend's? And her strategies for securing her dad investors is to sleep with these married clients?

I liked the way it started due to its alternating timelines which made it feel like it wasn’t going to be a slow burn. But, as the story went on I found the “present” chapters a little boring, though I did enjoy the “past”. The ending did shock me a little as I didn’t guess the full picture, but it did lack excitement for me.

A slow burn rather than a fast, heart palpitating read. Well developed, unstable and rather unlikeable characters spin this twisty multi family tale. Sarah and Daniel hire 22 year old, first year med student Holly, the daughter of a well to do country club acquaintance to be their summer babysitter. Holly, a poor little rich girl, whose mother died in childbirth, loves this cozy family! But from there, things go a little off the rails. I did enjoy this book. The telling by 2 POV and in present vs. past time kept my attention, but some of the situations came across as pretty far fetched and improbable. This would make an awesome Lifetime movie or Netflix series!

Disclosure: Thanks to NetGalley and Simon& Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read a digital reviewer copy.

I found this book to be a page turner despite the fact that I was not drawn to the characters. They all seem flawed to me which makes it all the more interesting.

Sarah Goldman is forty one years old and an over-protective mother bordering on paranoia. She is also depicted as sly with a dark side which she acknowledges as her own conscience rebukes her for obsessively taking photos she should not have. Her six years old child, Jacob is as you would expect of a child who is "smothered" ; a spoiled brat. Sarah's husband , Daniel, is always loving and caring on a superficial level but he too has a dark secret while banning everyone from entering the pool shed which is dubbed his man-cave.

A parallel narrative involves twenty-two- year-old Holly Monroe. Holly has just completed her first year at med school with excellent grades hoping to win her father's approval. Holly's mother died in childbirth and her "wicked" stepmother forces Holly into activities reminding her to please her father always. Holly's family is rich and owns a pharma company called Health ProX. Holly's sister chooses to steer clear of the business while Holly is entrapped as she is expected to finish her medical studies and work in the family business. In the meantime, she is also expected to use her beauty and female guiles to lure potential middle aged male customers to invest in the production of new drugs and other innovations. Until in retrospect, "Holly thinks of her father, how easily he let her go, as though she was worth nothing the minute she stopped doing his bidding."

Holly and Sarah's lives intersect when Sarah hires her as a baby sitter. Holly is enamoured by this family and wishes to be part of this normality and ordinariness. Holly and Jacob get along fabulously and Sarah is kind to Holly who only wants the best for Sarah. The nanny cams and the multiple secrecies of this family unit create suspense and mystery. Sarah thinks that Holly is after her husband and she makes an impetuous decision with her husband to leave BC and relocate to Toronto.

It seems that their new home is not safe either; the suspense grows as Sarah discovers cameras installed in their new home, Jacob's toy (Mr Blinkers) is miraculously found on Jacob's bed, a neighbour is especially nosey and welcoming in a very irritating way, plus there is an elder gentleman in tan trousers who sits on his porch and is always looking across the road at Sarah's new home. In addition, Sarah starts to receive short text messages indicating that she may not have gotten rid of Holly at all.

This novel held my interest throughout; and in the lovely community with nice sounding streets like Blossom Court, Willow Way, Magnolia Road, Daisy Drive, and Lilac Lane, something more sinister is brewing. A young woman who simply wants to be loved and to belong; a woman who is forever suspicious, a lying husband, a devoted step sister, a kind neighbour, a talented tutor who loves children and has a super cute dog - nothing is as is. A worthwhile read. I did intuit who the villain may be but is surprised at the lengths flawed people are propelled to go.