A brilliant read. Very fast pace. A lot of concentration needed to keep up with the characters. A real whodunnit of a book.you won’t

Everything is going pretty well for Kaitlyn after she decided to leave her abusive husband. Since then, she's achieved her dream to be an occupational psychologist, been living her best life with her daughter, Ruby and most of all, she's found love, again, in Gregory Walker.

Greg is an affectionate lover to Kaitlyn. He helped build what her ex tore down. He dotes on both Kaitlyn and Ruby. He's the perfect man, as the saying goes.

Zoe has been through hell in Portugal and now she's back for good. She couldn't wait to see Kaitlyn, they may have drifted apart, buy they were bestfriends and Kaitlyn was the closest she has to a family.

On the night of Kaitlyn's birthday bash, personalities clashed, tempers were lost, and choice words were said. It ended with Zoe walking out on Kaitlyn; never to be seen again.

The story is narrated from the points of view of the various characters. I usually don't like different povs because it gets either boring or confusing. In some cases, it even looks like a delaying tactic.
With this story, though, it fit perfectly. It was like having sips of the tea and bites of the beef.
By now, I should mention that this book's themes are abuse, obsessive love and jealousy.

I did enjoy this book, but it really was a bit much, with so many people driven by obsessive jealousy. It is also rather predictable, but it is written well, and the characterisation is ok, although I never really got emotionally involved with any of them. I think Sheryl Browne just tried a little too hard to make it unpredictable. However, I was gripped towards the end to see how it panned out.

In addition, which I did not include in my Goodreads review, I'm becoming wary of books that tell me there is a twist on the cover. When you expect something, it's no longer an unexpected twist, and unfortunately, I'm finding more and more covers of psychological thrillers expounding twists. I'm also not sure about the title - the plot had absolutely nothing to do with any invitation, apart from Zoe coming to Kaitlin's birthday party.

The theme of this book revolves around the opening event, a very lavish birthday party given to Kaitlin by her fairly new boyfriend and secret fiancee Greg.

At the party we meet several characters including Kaitlin's best friend Zoe who leaves the party in anger and disappears. Witnesses say that Zoe was angry with Kaitlin or perhaps jealous of her boyfriend. The police begin an investigation and nothing is what it originally seemed.

If you suspend belief this is a quick and enjoyable little tale. I didn't dislike it, but I prefer more believable twists and turns in my thrillers. If you like a quick thriller, enjoy the domestic drama genre that includes the fiancee may be hiding something, then this is a book for you! #Bookouture #NetGalley #TheInvite

I found this a little difficult to get into with the opening few chapters a little repetitive. Once it gets going, it is an interesting read that keeps you guessing, the character of Greg particularly fascinating. I did find that it lost pace on occasions and I was hoping for a clearer explanation at the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

<b>Note:</b> I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

The invites went out weeks ago, and tonight, at a lavish manor house surrounded by friends and family, Kaitlin couldn’t be happier. But as the champagne corks pop, her dream party becomes her worst nightmare… Staring at the stunning diamond solitaire on her finger, Kaitlin is finally getting the chance to introduce her best friend Zoe to her perfect fiancé. She hasn’t known Greg long, but he looks after her, and he loves playing dad to her young daughter. How could she say no when he’s already planned their elopement? As guests arrive, why is Greg acting so shifty? And 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. After a heated conversation, Zoe stumbles towards the door and flees the party without looking back.

Days later, the police knock at Kaitlin’s door – Zoe is missing. Kaitlin wants to believe her loving fiancé is not to blame, but she knows what she saw the night of the party. And when he lies to the police, can she trust the man she’s marrying? Could Kaitlin and her precious daughter’s life now be in danger too?

Overall, this book was an enjoyable easy read, however, I found some of the parts involving Greg to be rather confusing and not on point. There were definitely some disconnects throughout.

This is the 10th book I have read and reviewed by this author and every book is always different ie the focus of the story and the lesson it is telling, this one is on ‘betrayal, jealousy and not taking people at their word’ and the consequences of these things!
Now I have to say there is a lot of characters in the book and a lot of sub plots and at times it did take me a minute to keep in check who was who and why was they acting like this and what decade where we in, once had done this was back on track
The book started brilliantly, it had me tense and on edge right from the beginning as 2 old friends reunite and one thinks she recognises the others new fiance, great start to a book and sometimes its then hard to keep that initial thrill and excitement going nevertheless as always a good story throughout
I love this authors work and will look forward to Book 11

8/10
4 Stars

Sheryl Browne's latest thriller, "The Invite", was full of twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end. It is the night of Kaitlin's birthday party, and she is looking forward to finally introducing her new fiance to her best friend, Zoe, who has just returned from living in Portugal. Kaitlin's fiance, Greg, is handsome, charismatic, intelligent, and most importantly, a good father-figure to her little girl. What more could Kaitlin ask for? However, Zoe seems skeptical of the burgeoning romance, and Kaitlin is surprised when she sees Zoe and Greg engaged in a heated discussion at the party. What could possibly be wrong? Greg is perfect....or so it seems.

Zoe storms off with Greg following her, but it is too late. Zoe disappears, simply vanishing into the night. What could she possibly have known about Greg? And does he have something to do with her mysterious disappearance? As Kaitlin digs into the mystery, it becomes clear that she does not know Greg as well as she thought she did....or even Zoe, for that matter. Kaitlin becomes ever more suspicious when she begins to catch Greg in a series of lies. and she becomes convinced that he is responsible for Zoe's disappearance.....or possibly worse.

This was a decent suspense novel that did have me guessing throughout. However, it seemed pretty disorganized at times, and almost a bit hard to follow. I would stick with some of Browne's other material first, but it was certainly an entertaining read.

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

The book was kinda meh for me, as I thought too much was going on with the story, I kept on mixing up the names, Greg, Daniel, and then half way through I remember thinking who's Adam and who the heck is Kyle?

Ultimately, the ending threw me off, because I didn't even remember who the culprit was, and even after we learn the motive, i could barely figure out who the character was.

The Invite started out with what I call fluffy and light dialogue - the naïve female with the "perfect" boyfriend....but it got more exciting as the story went on, with multiple POV and some real twists. There was a lot of repetition which bogs it down somewhat, but if like a quick read, with an imaginative plot, this thriller is for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader's copy.

This book is exactly why I say Sheryl is the QUEEN of psychological thrillers! Sheryl is back and better than ever. To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement…..I absolutely freaking loved it. Grabbing me from the start,I devoured it in one day. I couldn't put it down. It is sooo addictive. So be prepared not to get anything done once you start it.

In this story we meet Kaitlin and Zoe who have been friends for years, When Zoe meets Kaitlin’s fiance Greg at her party things take a turn for the worse and the party becomes Kaitlin’s worst nightmare. The story unfolds. I was trying to work out why Zoe goes missing and what's the deal with Greg….So many questions!

OMG talk about keeping me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read this quick enough, wanting to know what happens next. Just when I think I have it figured out BOOM another twist to throw you sideways! There are so many twists and turns in this story and brilliant characterisation. From start to finish The Invite is jam packed with suspense.

Not forgetting the ending….WOW WOW WOW Sheryl totally ramps it up a step with an action packed, electrifying, pulse racing ending. I am totally blown away by how good this book is, it is a must read. Read it for yourself and you all see what I mean you won’t regret it.

Intriguing Suspense..
A dream engagement party sparks a catalogue of bizarre events in this intriguing suspense. Characters are well drawn and the narrative works well told from multiple viewpoints. The first half of the tale is immersive, packs a punch with twists aplenty and suspicion abounding and, whilst the second half slows and feels rather rushed, the whole still works well as a compelling read.

This thriller started out exciting and intriguing. It quickly built into a highs suspense thriller fueled by an ominous mystery. By midpoint, things slow way down and get overly repetitive. The last half was rushed and a lot was missed plot-wise.

When Kaitlin gets engaged to her boyfriend Greg she is out of this world excited. She can't wait to settle down with him and make a new life for her and her daughter. Not only has she found the perfect man for her but he is nothing like her toxic and abusive ex. The only step now is for Kaitlin to finally introduce the man of her dreams to her best friend Zoe who is finally back in town to celebrate Kaitlin's birthday, and she couldn't be happier. Things don't go according to plan however when after Zoe is introduced to Greg instead of an instant friendship that Kaitlin was hoping for Zoe is a little stand offish and starts to question his intentions and his background. I really liked this story because it was very interesting to see both sides of this problem play out and see how both friends were viewing the situation. It isn't until Zoe goes missing and Kaitlin is left to try to find her friend that the story really takes off. What really happened to Zoe? Did Greg have anything to do with it? And if he did then what is her really capable of with her as well? I was very surprised that I was able to relate to both characters and I could easily see myself as either one of them. I loved this book because most of the time when its got this kind of story friend doesn't like the boyfriend its more of a chick lit book not a thriller so this put a more dramatic spin on the whole thing. Great read and I oved everything about it. All three main characters I loved and they all did things that I couldn't stand but that is also part of why I liked them it made them seem very three dimensional. This story had my interest through every word and I couldn't get enough. This is one book that every thriller lover will devour and will turn everyone else onto the genre. Great read and I'm so glad that I was given the chance to check it out.

So this was a mixed bag for me it started strong and you could see a complex plot with interesting characters building and developing but then towards the middle it started to lag and there were some chapters that I found repetitive and predictable.

Not a bad read but not one of the best that I have read by this author,

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

The Invite By Sheryl Browne.
Publication Date - 22nd February 2022
Published By Bookouture

I always enjoy Sheryl’s books, but this one ....... you know when you think, a book is going to go in a certain direction and you get a bit smug ...... and then it’s takes you on a fabulous journey that you never expected!! Well that’s this book 😂 lol!

Kaitlin had just got engaged to Greg. Her friend Zoe is back home from abroad for the party. Kaitlin really wants Zoe to like him him .....,, will they get on?!

Absolutely loved it.

Thanks #bookouture #netgalley #ARC #sherylbrowne #thriller #twisty #bookstagram #bookstagramshaz


https://www.instagram.com/Bookstagramshaz

Thank you to NetGalley, Sheryl Browne, and Bookouture for my advance copy.

Kaitlin is in a fairly new relationship that seems to moving fast. Her boyfriend, Greg, throws her a birthday party at which he and her best friend, Zoe, are meeting for the first time. There is obvious tension between the two at the party, then suddenly Zoe goes missing.

The first half started out strong. I was interested in where the story was headed as there were tons twists and suspense that kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the multiple viewpoints, watching each character slowly reach their breaking point. Something that very much bothered me though was that for two people who are engaged to be married, there are simple things that it doesn’t seem very plausible and realistic weren’t discussed or looked into.

The second half fell apart for me a bit. Two of the main twists were somewhat predictable. The whole ending seemed fairly rushed and not quite believable. There were a lot of things that just didn’t seem to add up. Also, the hint of romance didn’t work for me.

While I found the characters relatable and the story full of thrilling suspense, the ending left me feeling disappointed.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Invite’ written by Sheryl Browne in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Kaitlin meets Greg who sweeps her off her feet and within weeks she invites him to move in with her and five-year-old daughter Ruby. Greg arranges a birthday party for Kaitlin and asks her to marry him but when she introduces him to her best friend Zoe doesn’t trust him and after they have a massive argument she storms off into the night. When Zoe doesn’t answer her phone Greg offers to search for her and arrives back with blood on him which he says is from a bramble but he’s acting strangely, and when the police start investigating Zoe’s the evidence points at Greg.

Although ‘The Invite’ is intriguing with suspense, drama and twists and turns, there are so many characters any of whom could be a possible suspect that I’ve found it puzzling and I’ve had to keep referring to my notes to remind myself who the characters are. This has then caused me confusion exacerbated even more by the epilogue which seems to be in a rush to tie-up events but in a strange and bewildering manner. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it and finished it in twenty-four hours, but I can’t say it’s the best one she’s written.

The Invite by Sheryl Browne

After Kaitlin’s first marriage fell apart, she thought she would never trust another man ever again, but then she met Greg and everything changed. Greg was so loving and attentive, he loved Ruby, Kaitlin’s 5-year-old daughter, as if she was his own.

Greg even organises a lavish birthday party for Kaitlin and invites all of her friends, but when Zoe, Kaitlin’s oldest and closest friend, meets Greg she tells Kaitlin something is not right about him. They fight and Zoe storms off into the night disappearing and not answering her phone Greg becomes the lead suspect. Is Zoe, ok? Is Zoe alive?

I enjoyed The Invite more than Sheryl Browne’s previous novels as it told the story from not just one character view point but many.


I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Kaitlin is recently engaged to Greg, who is throwing her a lavish birthday party tonight. They’ve gotten engaged after six months of knowing each other and Greg has planned an elopement to Portugal. When Kaitlin’s best friend Zoe arrives at the party and learns that Kaitlin is engaged and pregnant after only six months of them together, she immediately starts questioning her choices. They have a bitter argument and Zoe stomps out of the party in the rain. Kaitlin frantically asks Greg to run after her and bring her back, but he couldn’t find her. Kaitlin keeps calling her and goes over to her apartment but she is missing! What has happened to Zoe?

This book is a fast read but it has so many different story lines, I got lost a few times. But, it is a thriller and I love a good thriller so I give The Invite ⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Thank you to #Netgalley, #Bookouture, and #SherylBrowne for the advanced e-book in exchange for this honest review.