Alyssa Macallan spent her night at a local bar after her wealthy husband decides to leave her. She meets a woman named Bree Lorrance there, and they hit it off immediately. Alyssa felt an instant bond and agreed to let Bree stay at her home after hearing about her own life problems. After moving in, some strange things keep happening, such as the FBI showing up, someone breaking into Alyssa’s house, and Bree offers to help her get rid of her husband. Alyssa does not know who can be trusted anymore.

The House Guest was my first novel by Hank Phillips Ryan. I was excited to start this audiobook because I had heard good things about her books and being a local writer was a plus! The book was overall a decent story. Although the twists were predictable, and I was right about some things, the build-up was still nicely done, and I still enjoyed the ride. The ending was still a surprise. Also, the narrator, Stephanie Willing, made the audiobook enjoyable to listen to. I did round up solely on the narration.

Thank you to NetGallery and to McMillan audio for giving me a copy of the audiobook.

The twists in this book were decent. It was tricky to tell who to trust. I thought the plot was interesting and the pace was fine.

Thank you @macmillan.audio @forgereads for a copy of this audiobook. This story starts with Alyssa's husband leaving her and she befriends Bree at a run down bar. I thought it was odd how quickly Alyssa attached herself to Bree and her turn or events. The story gets more interesting with each chapter and I wanted to see how it played out. The ending was a bit crazy but made it entertaining. I enjoyed the narration and pacing of the story.

The House Guest has a very interesting premise. The story follows Alyssa who is going through a divorce. Divorces are messy and The House Guest shines brightest when it shows you just how messy a divorce can be.

Unfortunately for about 75% of the book I was a little bored. The main characters are not that interesting and the plot was not as captivating as I hoped. The final quarter of the book has me smirking and quoting the A-Team “I love it when a plan comes together”. The final act is very well written and thought out perfectly. The book almost felt that this may have been a short story that was flushed out into a novel. I don’t know if the final act is enough for me to fully recommend the book but it comes close.

The narration was possibly the biggest problem I had with the book. Stephanie Willing is a fantastic reader but not the best narrator. Her voice remains the same throughout making it harder to pay attention to which character is which.

What is happening in this book? Alyssa Macallen is lonely, scared, and was summarily dumped by her rich and powerful husband. What to do now? While pondering this, she meets Bree at a bar - she is scared too and in a bit of a pickle, and Alyssa feels an instant connection with her. She goes back and seeks her out, offering to let her stay in her guest house while she sorts out her personal issues. Helping Bree allows Alyssa a break from her own mess of a life. However, what has she really opened herself up to? Who can she trust? She believes she can trust Bree, but she is not so sure about anyone else, and she lives in fear of her husband divorcing her and what will become of her life. Then the FBI enters the picture and things begin to get crazy fast.

You have to suspend your disbelief a bit for this book, but it certainly will keep you interested. I think this book wins an award for most twists in a psychological thriller. The narrator does a great job with the character voices, so you always know who is speaking and makes for easy listening of this audiobook. I liked this book, but did not love it. I found myself talking back to the audiobook after some of the twists and some of the decisions Alyssa makes along the way. I guess that speaks to how engaged I was with the novel, though.
If you are a fan of Paula Hawkins and BJ Paris, you will like this audiobook.

The House Guest by Hank Phillipi Ryan is a new thriller that tells the story of Alyssa, who has been recently left by her husband Bill. She befriends a woman named Bree who is trying to rid herself of a bad relationship. The two of them become friends and try to help each other from what they are running from- with some twists and turns throughout.

I really struggled with this book. I don't like to give bad reviews because I have a lot of respect for authors and the time and effort that goes into writing a book, but I found finishing this audiobook to be a burdensome chore. It took me a week to finish, and a few times I cranked up the speed so it would be done faster. I found myself confused more often than not, but I also had a hard time paying attention because of the slow pace so there were some plot developments that I clearly missed. The second half of the book did become more interesting, which is why I elected for 3 stars rather than 2. This was my first book by this author and I would be willing to try again.

Thank you to netgalley for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

I hate giving a negative review, but I found this novel super tedious and rushed through it at 2.5 x the normal speed just to get it over with. (I would have DNF'd it if I hadn't promised Netgalley and Macmillan Audio that I'd review it if they let me listen to an advance-reader copy, so I pushed my way through, but it was a challenge.) Still, I admire anyone who can write a coherent novel so I rarely give less than a three-star rating if the book isn't actually offensive in some way, which is why this one is getting a three.

The story centers on a young woman,, Alissa, who dropped out of law school for love and is now being dumped by her super-wealthy husband. Alissa meets another woman who's split from her man at a bar and impulsively invites the woman home. Within a few days, the houseguest has discovered a surprise brother through a DNA test -- and then discovers the brother is leaving her $7 million in his will. If all of this sounds a bit suspect, that's because it obviously is. But that's not what I didn't like. Many suspense thrillers hang on unrealistic set-ups and I can get past them if they're well-written or have strong character development. In this case, the writing was so tedious and repetitive and drawn out that I kept speeding up my listening speed. Every scene repeated the characters thoughts, fears and feelings six different ways. I consumed the book on audio, so it's hard for me to go back and get an exact quote, but to give you an idea, a typical paragraph might read:

"Alissa froze, worried about Bree's feelings. Was Bree going to be all right? The poor woman had looked so drawn and pale. What might be happening to her? Alissa couldn't help but worry about her, even though they'd just met. She kept thinking how strange it was that she had just met Bree at a bar two nights ago and now they were acting like old friends. But what might happen next if she let Bree stay? She couldn't stop running through the same scenarios over and over in her mind."

Yada yada yada.

Paragraph after paragraph where we are just in the character's head, reviewing her repeated (and then repeated again) worries. Ugh!

The narration by Stephanie Willing was excellent; she did what she could with the drivel she was given. And the plot did wind up having some interesting twists as it neared its merciful conclusion, so I will give Ryan credit for thinking up an interesting (if not totally believable) plot. But I just wish the dialogue and action had moved along at a better pace. Less telling, more showing and all of that.

I don't request a Netgalley book to review unless the existing Goodreads reviews are already near or over four stars, which this one had -- but I cannot for the life of me imagine why. I will not be interested in any future books by this author.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy of Hank Phillippi Ryan’s latest thriller, The House Guest!

Alyssa Macallan is dealing with being separated from her wealthy and powerful husband when she befriends a young woman in a bar. The two women form a friendship when they realize they are both going through difficult relationship issues. Alyssa invites Bree to stay in her guest house so they both have someone to lean on. But things get complicated fast when lawyers show up with an unknown inheritance for Bree and the FBI shows up asking questions about Alyssa’s husband. The story twists and turns and no one is who they seem.

I enjoyed the audiobook’s narrator. The story grabbed my interest right away and I wanted to keep listening to find out what was going to happen next. The characters weren’t especially likable but the twists and turns of the story kept me engaged. I felt like the story wrapped up really quickly for all the details involved and I wished maybe a little more time had been dedicated to the wrap up. Overall, good story and engaging audiobook!

One twist after another in this whiplash of a thriller. Throughout the book, I found myself continuously changing my mind as to figuring out who was the bad seed. Plenty of clues were dealt and yet it still took me by surprise. The narrator was great and I highly recommend it to someone who wants the time to fly while traveling.

The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan is described as a diabolical "cat and mouse" thriller with twist and turns. I knew I had to read the book and couldn't wait to listen to the audio.

The House Guest is about Alyssa McCallan who was left by her husband, Bill McCallen. To drown away her sorrows Alyssa decides to go to a local bar where she meets Embry (Bree). They had an instant connection and became quick friends bonding over the hurt the men in their lives have caused. Alyssa and Bree decide to help each other out through their trials and tribulations; to start Alyssa offers Bree a place to stay in her Guest House. Things appear to calm down in Alyssa's life and she starts to feel more like herself especially with a new friend by her side. That is until the FBI come knocking on Alyssa's door. She may be in more trouble than she can talk her way out of. Bree and Alyssa offer to help each other out of their problems. Will the FBI be able to find out what Alyssa knows? Will Bree be able to help Alyssa out of trouble?

I really wanted to like this book. But there was nothing diabolical about The House Guest. The book was SUPER SLOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!. The first 80% of this book was friendship development between Alyssa and Bree. Most of this book was unrealistic and I felt bad because Alyssa had no common sense. I mean honestly, if I meet a stranger, girl or guy, no matter what kind of connection I have with them, they are not moving into my house on day one. That is seriously dangerous, especially in today's day and age. Not only did Alyssa allow Bree to move in but there were several other strangers that she just let into her house. I really wanted to slap the common sense into her. And then when the twist came at the last 15-20% of the book it was nowhere near diabolical, it kind of came in with a whimper and I was able to figure out the twist. I do not mind guessing the twists, but it was just disappointing that this book is coined as diabolical with twists and turns when the majority of the book is about Bree and Alyssa talking about their lives. This book took me so long to read and I did not want to give up.

Okay, so what did I like about the book...the concept and the narrator.

After reading comments from other people that read books by Hank Phillippi Ryan, this may not be representative of their catalog. So, I will chalk this book up to the author having an off day. I would try a different book in hopes of redemption.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to give an honest review of the ARC, The House Guest. It was an honor to write my opinion.

I think my biggest issue with this book is that none of it is believable. When I read thrillers, I like there to be some believable aspects, but nothing about this seemed real.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Alyssa is separated from her wealthy and powerful husband Bill, with that her friends are also gone and she is all alone in a huge house with no career and no kids. When she meets Brie, she invites her to stay in her guest house because she is lonely and she feels like Bill is watching her, coming into the house and trying to scare her. Alyssa knows that Bill is behind all the strange things happening at the house and she and Brie discuss different plans to take care of Bill. This is a game of cat and mouse, which quite frankly was a little too long and drawn out. There were far too many conversations about doing things and the mystery just wasn't there. The ending is rushed when everything is revealed with a non climactic ending.

A cat-and-mouse thriller!

Divorce leaves one spouse with all the friends. When Alyssa Macallan's wealthy and powerful husband leaves her, she becomes terrified her soon-to-be ex is plotting to ruin her. Leaving her with nothing. When the FBI knocks on her door, Alyssa's world starts to crumble and really needs a friend. She finds one, but no one is really what they seem. Has Alyssa found the one true friend or who's playing who?

This was an enjoyable audiobook! Stephanie Willing did a great job of telling this story. Her way to voicing characters were easily distinguishable throughout the book.

The pace of the story was medium-fast to me and trying to figure out the scheme was fun!

Audiobook will be available February 7, 2023!

Thank you to @Netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!

This one started strong for me, lagged a little in the middle, but then finished strong and in a way I didn't expect.

Alyssa is a bit of a trophy wife and enjoys the big house, the country club, etc. Life has been good and she's shocked when her husband tells her he wants a divorce. He's still running the show and pulling the strings, and seems to be entering the house when she isn't there and toying with her. She seems a bit naive and isn't sure what to do about her situation.

She heads to a bar where she meets Bree, and they connect instantly. Bree is freshly out of an abusive relationship and their bond over their traumas. She invites Bree to move into her guest house. And then things really pick up.

Alyssa learns her husband is being investigated by the FBI and they think she may have been involved in his illegal dealings. Bree is toying with investigating her family tree and a possible long lost brother. A death has happened and Bree might be due to inherit quite a lot of money.

Bree ends up making Alyssa an offer she can't refuse? Or can she.

This book is filled with gaslighting, lies, secrets and twists!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Macmillan Audio for both an ARC and ALC of this one!

When Alyssa’s wealthy, powerful, good looking husband dumps her. She doesn’t know what to do. But as life goes, she meets the wild, sporadic, intriguing Bree at a bar and soon becomes roommates. As the FBI entangles themselves in Alyssa’s life, she continues to battle with her all encompassing new friendship and devastating fresh breakup.

This book was innnnnteresting. On one hand you wanted to be like okay this would never happen in what world has Alyssa invited Bree to stay in her guest house so soon, and on the other you know just how horrible and life ending breakups can feel (without understanding the breakup of a marriage). My issue was less with the timeline and more so with the likability of the characters? I guessed the ending very early — potentially due to how I consume thrillers — but just could not root for anyone. They were all truly the worst and I couldn’t get on board with any of them 😂

3.75 rounded to 4 stars.

While the book started off slow, I did quickly become invested in the story line and trying to figure out who and what! While a few hints and bits are released here and there throughout the big reveals at the end left me surprised.

Over all, it felt the book was either missing something or just moved to slow.

The audio book version was great quality and the narrator did a terrific job.


Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books who provided me with a copy of this book. In exchange I am giving an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

The House Guest
by Hank Phillippi Ryan

I liked this one but it didn't blow me away.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan

The House Guest
by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Narrated by Stephanie Willing

Rating: 3.6/5.0 Stars

First off, I really liked the cover for The House Guest. It caught my eye and made me want to check it out further. Stephanie Willing did a fantastic job narrating this story. It was easy to listen to her (I was at 1.5x), and she brought life to the characters. This is my first book by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Having looked at his other books, he seems to get good reviews, which is why I was a little disappointed by this one. Was I happy to listen to it? Yes. Did I want to finish it? Yes. Did I feel that it could've been shortened a little and still kept the important bits? Absolutely. Did I care about the characters? Not one bit.

The summary of the book sounded great. I wanted to feel something for the characters though. Love, hate...something. Alyssa is sweet but seemingly naive. Okay, so kind of strange that you meet someone in a bar, and she ends up becoming your houseguest without you knowing much of anything about her, but even more strange is the fact that Dez, for much of the book, is Bree's something or other and is just automatically accepted into the trio. Yes, there are some twists and turns and whatnot, but this one just didn't engage me as a listener as much as others. I think a bit more character development could have helped a lot.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #MacmillanAudio, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC!

I liked this one, but it did not wow me. Alyssa, the main character, trusted everyone that came into her life, even her husband after he left her. I just could not become a fan of hers which is why this book was not for me. It was easy to listen to and follow along.

While this book comes off as essentially a run-of-the-mill thriller, it does something unique which is focused on the central character(s) and developing them rather than jumping between them making readers either lose focus and tune out or miss critical points. I read a lot of domestic thrillers, and this one is closer to the top simply because it did more right than wrong. Some of the situations were cliche (the recording at odd times) but other than that, this book kept me engaged and wanting to see where Alyssa went next.