Loved this book! The twists, the turns, it kept me on edge the whole time! This was my first Sheryl Browne book and it did not disappoint. I was very shocked by the ending!

OMG there is so much going on in this book it’s hard to work out how to even start this review. For such complicated lives though it is easily readable down to the talent of Sheryl. Her characters are always so fully fleshed out, seemingly ordinary on the surface but you know there is always much more to them than meets the eye.

Here we have main characters Kaitlin, her new partner Greg and her best friend Zoe who has just fled from Portugal. This is definitely a case of three’s a crowd and after Zoe relays her suspicions regarding Greg it escalates in to an argument with her storming out of the party and then going missing…

With exes from all directions, overlapping pasts and one of their mutual friends being on the police investigation team, Sheryl has thrown everything into this book including the proverbial kitchen sink. The women are just the right amount of trusting that you can understand their actions without too much eye rolling. The plot has you thinking one thing and then another and is ideal for readers that like playing armchair detective.

But as always with Sheryl’s books the pièce de résistance is that final reveal. It makes me rewind my reading thoughts right back to the start to see what I missed and where I went wrong.

Kaitlin has a hard past, leaving an abusive relationship is so hard, especially when there’s a little daughter named Ruby involved. But, things are starting to look up when she meets this wonderful man, Greg.

Greg loves Ruby, treats her well, loves her family, does everything to provide for them, has a good job (firefighter), but could it all be too good to be true?

He throws her a lavish birthday party and invites her best friend Zoe, who’s been living in Portugal. Kaitlin tells Zoe they are engaged and expecting after less than 6 months of being together…ooh, Zoe is uneasy about this and tells her to be careful.

Zoe rushes out of the party because she’s uncomfortable and goes missing. Her best friend is missing and the cops think the number one subject is Greg, her new lover.

Well shit, who can you trust?

This book twists and turns its entire way through, once you think you have it figured out, think again. At some points there were almost too many characters stories to follow along with that the overload of information was almost too much.

Overall though, a solid thriller I was loving most of the way through. The ending was pretty great and gave reasoning for everything and everyone, perfect way to end this book.

This, my seventh novel by the talented author Sheryl Browne was as absorbing and exhilarating as the previous ones, including The Marriage Trap, The New Girlfriend and The Liar's Child. In The Invite, it's Kaitlin and Greg's engagement party and Kaitlin's opportunity for her BFF, Zoe who has been in Portugal to meet Greg. But after some shifty behaviour from Greg and a nervous Zoe, there is some contretemps between Zoe and Kaitlin and Zoe leaves, never to be seen and apparently missing according to the police. Is Greg involved?

With red herrings and curveballs, this well-told, fabulously plotted tale of friendship, love and jealousy is a fantastic read. The author's characterisation is as tremendous as ever. Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

he Invite by Sheryl Browne is a book that will take you on one hell of a ride ! An extremely twisty page turner that I honestly couldn’t put down. A book full of characters that you really don’t know who you can trust. I loved it.

The Invites have gone out! Kaitlin is excited to celebrate with her friends at a lavish manor! She is excited to introduce her best friend, Zoe to her fiancé, Greg. She knows they will hit it off, won't they? As the quests arrive, Greg begins to act strangely, and Zoe doesn't seem impressed with him. There is a strange energy between the two. How quickly he her dream party turned into a nightmare!

Things go from bad to worse when Kaitlin learns that Zoe has gone missing. Greg can't be to blame, can he? Sure, he and Zoe had a tense exchange and Zoe took off. That doesn't mean anything, does it? Plus, Greg has lied to the police. Why?

This is a tense book, and, like Kaitlin, I didn't know who to trust. As the tension and underlying feeling of unease mounts, Kaitlin begins to wonder if she and her daughter are in danger. Another book that asks the question, how well do you know those in your life?

This book had some twists and turns that it kept me on my toes! Will you figure it out? Will you have your suspicions? Will you want to talk some sense into Kaitlin as she the queen of no common sense, inability to make good judgements, and not being able to see the forest for the trees!

This proved to be a quick, fast paced read which didn't disappoint. Pure escapism reading!

Thank you to Bookouture 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.

BOOKWORMS REVIEW:
Best friends since College Kaitlin and Zoe have been through alot together. Having been apart for several years due to their own commitments they're reuniting for Kaitlins big birthday party,where Kaitlin will get to introduce Zoe to her new fiance Greg.
Despite the fact that Greg couldnt be more different from Kaitlins abusive ex-husband Sean,Zoe takes a disliking to him. The party is ruined with an argument and Zoe storms off,only to mysteriously disappear.
The ride doesn't finish there....had Greg something to do with Zoes disappearance? Everyone's a suspect in this thriller,and it keeps you gripped until the unpredictable conclusion.
Another great read from Sheryl Browne.

With thanks to Sheryl,Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my review.

BOOKWORMS RATING: 📕 📕 📕 📕

The invite by Sheryll Browne.
Kaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks. She’s finally introducing her fiancé Greg to her best friend Zoe, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
Staring at the stunning diamond solitaire on her finger, Kaitlin knows her relationship has been a whirlwind… but Greg looks after her, and he loves playing dad to her young daughter. How could she refuse when he’s already planned their romantic elopement?
As the guests arrive, Kaitlin wonders why Greg is suddenly acting so shifty. Is that a flicker of recognition on Zoe’s face? And why does she look terrified every time her phone rings?Kaitlin watches as Zoe knocks back her white wine and makes a beeline for Greg. Then, after a heated conversation, her best friend stumbles outside without looking back.Days later, the police knock at Kaitlin’s door – Zoe is missing.When the police question Greg about the night of the party, Kaitlin knows he’s telling lies. But why would he? Can she really trust the man she’s marrying? And could her precious daughter’s life now be in danger too?
Very good read. Twisty. Didn't see that coming. 4*.

Another tense, twisty psychological thriller from an author who knows how to keep you glued to the page! The Invite gives us lots of twists and turns while trying to figure out who dunnit. Who do you trust? How do you know who you can trust? Lots of questions with some stunning answers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

'The Invite' is an enjoyable, if slower paced, contribution to the genre of psychological fiction.

The story is that of Kaitlin, a young single mum, recently divorced, and now recently engaged to the mysterious Greg. For Kaitlin's birthday party, best friend, Zoe, returns from working in Portugal. Zoe has recently been humiliated by her cheating boyfriend, and returns to the UK feeling that her ex is stalking her. At the party, Kaitin and Zoe have a very uncharacteristic falling out, Zoe seems put out by how quickly the relationship between Kaitlin and Greg is moving, and Greg and Zoe seem to clash. Zoe rushes out of the party and shortly afterwards Greg goes out to search for her, both Kaitlin and Greg being concerned for Zoe's well being. The search is unsuccessful, and when Zoe doesn't arrive home that night, Kaitlin becomes very concerned for her safety.

Throw into the mix that one of Kaitlin's close friends is a police officer, who ends up investigating the disappearance and this novel becomes elevated to the unique in this genre. I enjoyed this book, through it took me a while to get into it. I'd say it is a marriage between crime/police drama and psychological fiction. A decent read and I would certainly read more from this author.

My thanks to Netgalley. author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sheryl Browne is fast becoming one of my go to authors. I have loved the previous books and I loved The Invite. It was a complete page turner, full of secrets, lies, twists and turns. I highly recommend The Invite and indeed any book by Sheryl Browne.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

Sheryl Browne is a new author to me and I have heard good things about her books which is why I requested an advanced copy of The Invite from Netgalley.
I must admit to putting the book down after a few chapters because I just wasn't 'feeling it'. I found it a bit confusing with so many different characters and to-ing and fro-ing. I'm not one to give up easily though and gave it a second go which I am glad I did as the action picked up and things became clearer.
It is a book about relationships, jealousy, secrets and lies, with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

I really enjoyed this book. The best thing about the book was that so many people had secrets and you didn't know what was going to be relevant or not. Loved it as kept me on my toes.

I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own

I received a complimentary copy from Bookouture and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is my first book by Sheryl Browne and boy did she hook me with this book. I absolutely enjoyed the character development and the plot. . How far will someone go when the love is unrequited?

The book follows Kaitlin who is madly in deep like with her new boyfriend Greg who she is ready to settle down. Things go crazy when she invites her best friend Zoe over. Do Zoe and Greg know each other? Oh mayn. you have to read this book to find out

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Sheryl Browne's domestic thriller THE INVITE.

Betrayal and unrequited love can lead people to all sorts of madness.

I think this is the 8th book by Sheryl Browne I have read and reviewed and each of them are different and a little bit twisted in their own ways. Betrayal, jealousy, trust and obsession feature heavily this time round and ultimately that with each action comes a reaction...some very serious consequences. Filled with an intricate web of lies and multiple viewpoints throughout gave a multi-layered aspect to this twisted tale.

Kaitlin Chalmers finally has it all. The perfect love; the perfect life; the perfect fiance. After the marriage from hell to her abusive ex-husband Sean, Kaitlin met and fell in love with handsome and charming Greg Walker and after a whirlwind romance the couple moved in together and began planning a wedding. But tonight, it was Kaitlin's birthday party - organised single-handedly by her very attentive fiance.

And tonight after what seems so long, Kait will finally see her best friend Zoe who was flying in from Portugal especially for the event. Kait cannot wait for the two loves of her life to meet...but it doesn't go according to plan. Zoe, it seems, shocked to discover the state of play that has taken place in her absence and, particularly after how things turned out for her with Sean, believe the couple to be moving far too quickly. Added to that, something seems to be off about Greg though she can't put her finger on exactly what. When Zoe tries to warn her friend to be careful, Kaitlin takes offence and the friends argue spectacularly, after which Zoe storms out into the pouring rain.

Worried about her friend, Kaitlin calls her continually but her calls and text messages go unanswered. As the party drew to a close, Kaitlin and Greg make their way to Zoe's apartment in the hope she has arrived home safely...but when they get there, they discover she hasn't been home at all and there appears to be no sign of her. She wouldn't stay out in this filthy weather so where could she be? Remembering her recent break-up with her boyfriend Daniel, Zoe confided in her earlier that evening that Daniel had followed her back to the UK and had been calling and harassing her. Basically stalking her, were her words. Immediately worried, particularly in light of Daniel's sudden return as well as the unanswered messages, Kaitlin decides to call the police.

In the days following, Zoe remains missing despite searching the river path and footbridge and its surrounds. The only item recovered was Zoe's handbag on which appeared to be blood. Then things begin to get muddy regarding Greg but when questioned his answers are vague before cleverly changing the subject. What has Greg got to hide? He went after Zoe that night? Did he catch up with her? Did he see what happened to her? Or did he have something to do with her disappearance? Suddenly, Kaitlin isn't sure what to believe anymore as she begins her own quest for answers...with surprising results.

Meanwhile, readers meet Daniel in flashbacks through Zoe's narrative as well as the surprising discovery that lead to their break-up and her ultimate humiliation seeing her lose her job. With nothing to keep her in Portugal any longer, Zoe returned to the UK. But at what cost? Did her return lead to circumstances from which she could have escaped had she not flounced out of the party so soon? Was she simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or was there are more sinister reason behind her disappearance?

Almost every character had a voice in this thrill-ride of a story and the multiple perspectives initially made for a convoluted tale but believe me, it all comes together and makes a whole lot of sense in the end. The short snappy chapters (my favourite kind) keep the pace moving steadily through the alternating viewpoints and multiple characters. As the investigation into Zoe's disappearance continues, the doubts that her friend had raised leads Kait to wonder if there is something in what Zoe alluded to. And soon Kait wonders who can she trust at all.

Sheryl leads us through various avenues whilst handing us multiple suspects, leaving readers scratching their heads as to who is responsible for Zoe's disappearance. Whilst Kaitlin refused to believe her best friend was dead, so too did I, unless there was some tangible evidence that was irrefutable. And yet we are quick to believe there is something shady about Greg. Why is that?

Tensions mount as the story progresses as the reader is hand-fed plenty of suspects but wondering if it's all just a clever plot to hoodwink us. I started my investigation before the story really even began with my first thought that Greg and Daniel were one and the same...though I was barely 10 pages in at that stage, it was a wild stab in the dark that jumped to mind as I was reading. But Sheryl was much cleverer than that...still I was able to iron out some of those twists before their reveals although one did come out of nowhere despite my initial suspicions of a particular character. Overall, I wasn't fooled...I pretty had them worked out.

An enjoyable mystery, THE INVITE is a domestic thriller of unbelievable proportions. I certainly didn't want to put it down until I had all the answers, that's for sure. Something which Sheryl skillfully does with every book. The intensity was such that by the time the tension has built, the book is impossible to put down.

Secrets, lies and obsession make for a delicious domestic thriller and THE INVITE is no different. A cleverly woven tale that will keep you up all night.

I would like to thank #SherylBrowne, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheInvite in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sheryl Browne for the opportunity to review it and give my honest opinion.


After reading the blurb I thought it was a tried and tested theme of a couple getting engaged, fiancée, acting weird and missing friend, but once you start reading it, you’ll find an intricate web of lies, deceit and jealousy. I was hooked from the start and every chapter left me wanting more, those twists were so intricate and left me thinking one direction but, in the end, went the other way!!

You need to pay attention to a few plots, but hang in there as it all comes to a great ending.

I felt for Kaitlin, how much can she take or anyone under those circumstances. The way the author describes the characters emotions and points of view draw you in. I loved the character's past stories, which ties in perfectly with the main story.

A roller coaster of emotions which I gladly give 5 * plus if I could.

Wow what exceptional thriller. This was the best book this year. I read it in one day. It was unbelievable good. From the start of the book until the end will keep you turning the pages of this super thriller. You will wonder who was it all the way thru to the end. Great story line and great author what a fantastic read.

Thank you net gallery.

Another great read from Sheryl Browne!

After breaking free from a marriage filled with domestic abuse Kaitlin finally feels she and her little girl, Ruby, have found their happy ever after with the new man in their life, Greg, who is everything her ex-husband isn’t. Yes, the relationship has moved fast but when you have found someone as perfect as Greg why waste time?! When Greg throws Kaitlin a party for her birthday, she of course must invite her best friend, Zoe, who has been living and working in Portugal. But when Zoe shows up and starts to question some of the things Greg has done and said, Kaitlin argues with Zoe and Zoe leaves the party upset and in tears. Greg goes after her but doesn’t find her and suddenly Kaitlin finds herself in the middle of a missing persons enquiry for Zoe. Where is Zoe? And why did Greg come back to the party with blood on his shirt? You’ll have to read the book to find out 😉.

I really enjoyed this read. I did find the beginning a little slow but of course it was setting the scene with the numerous characters and once the story got going events moved really rapidly and I definitely found this book a page turner. I did fall for the red herring over who I thought the bad guy was but at the same time I love it when this happens as then the twist gobsmacks me….. and this one certainly did! I really had no idea so was reading with my mouth gaping, excellent job Sheryl Browne!

I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers. Sheryl Browne always pulls it out of the bag!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Sheryl Browne and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Due out 22nd February 2022.

A amazing friendship. An amazing relationship. She truly felt that she has it all. Then her best friend disappears. And no one can find her. She is heartbroken. And won’t give up on finding her. Honestly this book was so predictable and hard to follow at multiple points. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I always look out for Sheryl Browne novels, having been a fan for navy years. The invite was a gripping and exciting read. When Zoe goes missing from Kaitlin’s party after some heated words, all the evidence points at Kaitlin’s boyfriend/fiancée Greg! Told over many POV I did find myself getting a bit lost at times and can only describe the book as a little busy for my liking. Also a bit unbelievable at times! That being said, I did enjoy it and will eagerly anticipate her next book.