Thank you NetGalley and publisher for opportunity to read and review this arc honestly.

I’m not sure if I was just not in the right mindset for this book, but a lot of parts felt really repetitive and the main character irked me randomly. I liked the overall storyline and progression but it dragged on for me. I’d be willing to give another book a try by this author, but maybe I was expecting more “thriller” with this one.

This was such an entertaining and different read! I thought I knew up front how this was going to go and I was most certainly wrong, as you really cannot trust anyone in this one which made it fun! It was a bit of a slow build to get to the end, just fyi, but once we got there the ending was quite suspenseful, and it was one I did not see coming. I always enjoy Ryan’s books and this was another one that did not disappoint.

The audio for this one was fantastic, Stephanie Willing narrates and I really enjoyed her, I thought she did a great job with this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forge Books for the digital galley and to Macmillan Audio for the ALC to review. This one is available now!

“Everyone has a way of hurting someone else…Especially someone they’ve known for a long time. Some fear, or secret, or thing in their past they don’t want anyone to know. Secrets are power…Every story had a secret, and every storyteller had a motive…Life is full of unexpected connections…People who are in a group together, but they don’t know it.” “We use the truth to tell lies.” Once you speak them, “You’re complicit. You’re a conspirator. You’re a criminal.”

“Alyssa had bought into it, the comfortable life that emotional con artist Bill had sold her…because it provided exactly what she needed and longed for–someone who loved her, and made her feel safe. But it was all to get what he needed. Until he didn’t. And then he erased her.”

Bree has never “done anything but max out [her] credit card, slog through a menial job fighting off a hideous boss, and go home at night to ramen and bad TV” until at her lowest point, she meets Alyssa, she offers Bree the guest house, “and my life completely changes…I quit my stupid job at the bank. Because of you. I jettisoned Frankie. Because of you. I’m free. Because of you. Don’t you think that’s reason enough to–I don't know, ‘Pay you back’?”

“Rule number one and rule number two, deny everything…A loyalty test…three words…used to camouflage what was, in truth…power and manipulation and influence…to make her miserable and terrified and doubting her very worth. She’d passed his insane loyalty test...She’d proved she was loyal to herself…we didn’t give up. In fact, you might say that’s our rule number one.”

In a way, it’s a mystery/meet-cute story. “Boy arrests girl, boy makes girl informant, boy falls in love. Girl falls in love. Boy and girl live happily ever after.” But “You can’t really love someone else until you can love yourself.” Hank Phillippi Ryan’s The House Guest is an invitation to put on your black tank suit, a black floppy hat, and Jackie O sunglasses and raise a glass in toast “To freedom…Someday, maybe, have a husband, a child, a real dog. Or not. But either way, be happy.”

“It’s not the money that is bad, it’s how people use it.” The House Guest, by Hank Phillippi Ryan, is a story of love, mystery, betrayal and fresh beginnings. The narrator did an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged through all the twists and turns. It is the mystery that keeps you hanging on to the end and the main character, Alyssa, was likable, most of the time. Although I believe the author could have done a little less mental commentary for Alyssa. I found myself thinking- this is extensive, more times than none. Yet not bore-some enough that I wouldn’t recommend this read! Definitely a good listen for a long drive.

Alyssa and her husband Bill are going through a separation when she meets a woman named Bree in a bar going through her own relationship issues. So naturally Alyssa ends up inviting Bree to come stay at her guest house while she sorts some things out. The two becomes insta-besties and offer to help solve each other's problems.

I picked this up because it was billed as a "diabolical cat-and-mouse thriller" but that wasn't an accurate description. The plot was slow moving for a good portion of the book. The premise of inviting someone you just met to stay in your guest house didn't ring very true to me. The characters were not very likeable. The gaslighting was played out, I didn't know if the MC was unreliable, just dumb or something else, but ultimately, I didn't really care because I wasn't invested. It took a lot of exposition at the end of the book to bring it all together and it was too little too late for me personally by then. The best part of the book was the great narration by Stephanie Willing.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of The House Guest for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

With the upcoming divorce, her scheming husband manages to take everything away from her: friends, respect, and her beloved home. And he manages to get himself on the FBI's wanted list. As a cherry on top Alyssa decides to befriend Bree, a young girl she meets at the hotel bar who shows signs of domestic abuse.

Great thriller. Loved Alyssa's storyline and her ability to keep it cool at the most stressful time. Bree's story from the very start smells fishy. And her unnatural attachment to Alyssa tells the reader that she has some hidden motives. Overall, the book is very entertaining. There is not a dull moment in Alyssa's life. Loved all the characters and fun plot twists. Definitely recommend this novel to my fellow thriller lovers.

Alyssa has the perfect life. She’s married to Bill, who raises money for charities and does very well at it, and has given them a very luxurious lifestyle as a result. She’s got rich, country club friends and a good looking husband and an unlimited credit card. What else could she ask for? Well, apparently life isn’t all sunshine and roses because Bill leaves her without explanation and Alyssa is left wondering what went wrong. One night she’s sitting alone in a bar having a drink when a woman comes up and sits beside her who seems to be having man troubles herself. As they get to talking and bonding, Alyssa invites Bree to stay in her guest house while she gets back on her feet and it helps Alyssa not feel so alone at her house as well. In the span of the next few days, secrets are revealed about Alyssa’s husband that she can’t believe are true, but if they are, implicate her as well, so with the help of her house guests, she works to figure out what’s going on. But cans she trust this person she just met?
While the premise of the story was fine, the pacing was a little choppy and there were parts that were just too unbalanced and unbelievable that took you out of the story. The narrator was fine but nothing outstanding. Overall fine but not memorable.

3.5/5⭐️
This one was just ok for me. It was way too much of a slow burn. None of the good reveals happen until about 80% in. I listened to the audiobook and I was just barely engaged and interested enough to keep listening but in the end I was still left a little underwhelmed.

Thank you to Macmillan audio for the advanced copy of this book. I’d like to start by commending the narrator on a great performance. Her tone, pace, and inflections made this an easy listen.

Alyssa’s perfect life is turned upside down when her handsome, and absurdly rich, husband ups and leaves her with no explanation. Manipulative and controlling, Alyssa’s ex will stop at nothing to socially embarrass and ruin her. Finding comfort at a nearby bar, Alyssa happens upon a strange woman, Bree, who is running from a stalker. On a whim, Alyssa invites Bree to stay in her guest house. When the FBI comes pounding on Alyssa’s door asking questions about her husbands shady business practices, Alyssa realizes her problems are bigger than she feared.. But is relying on this stranger as a confidante the answer? No one is who they seem in this novel billed as a cat and mouse thriller.

I enjoyed this listen, with a few minor complaints though they may be of my own making. The REALLY big twist left me confused. I thought maybe I had zoned out and missed a chunk of important information in an earlier chapter, and I just couldn’t right myself. The very end tied it together a little bit, but I was still left with several “wait what, how, who??”. The plot was intruding, although one element was predictable for me as it is vaguely similar to (of all things) a romcom that I reference often.

I do agree with some of the reviews that there were a lot of moments you wanted to reach into the boon and shake Alyssa by the shoulders and scream “ Girl what are you doing????”. But I can go with the flow for the sake of a plot when it’s compelling enough.

House Guest was my first Hank Phillippi Ryan book, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the digital version in exchange f or my own opinion.

I liked this book, but it was a tad longer than I would've liked. I did think this book had a unique way of getting revenge on men, Alyssa, whose husband divorced her for no good reason, and has left her cash poor meets Bree, another woman who has been also had her fair share of men misbehaving badly.

The second time they meet, Alyssa (formerly Alice but her husband wanted it changed to Alyssa because he's just that kind of man) decides to let Bree live in her guest house because her husband not only left her practically desolate, he took all their friends, as a couple, too.

They get close and hatch a plan and I just feel like its a good plotline, just 20% too long, and the last 20% was the ending, which was the best part in this cat and mouse game!

I would recommend this book, although it wasn't one of my favorites from the author. 3 stars

The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan does it again! She sets up a scenario that is so easy to see yet so hard to see through. Just Who is this house guest really and is her guest’s guest truly a guest? Ryan winds us through a shadowy twisted trail while handing the reader a rope to either find our way home, or hang ourselves trying to outguess the author. I was tempted to do both at times. I LOVED every twist, especially with the petty, vindictive estranged spouse. (or louse?) Highly recommend this 5-star read!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Alyssa is going through a divorce and thinks her husband may be gaslighting her. He’s used to winning everything, and she’s sure he’ll find a way to win their divorce. Splitting from him has ended all of her social connections, and she’s so lonely, she decides to invite a woman from the bar to stay in her home as well.

I think I read a different book than the one people are raving about. The summary seemed interesting, but Alyssa’s zero personality and constant circular thoughts had me on the brink of DNFing the whole time. It last just be me, because there were many 4 and 5 star reviews for this book.

The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan published February 2023. This will be a bestseller. When Alissa is suddenly being divorced by her rich fundraiser husband she finds herself making friends with a stranger. When this woman becomes her house guest and suddenly they are helping each other to solve their problems. This book will keep you guessing who is truly who they say they are.

I had never read anything by Hank Phillippi Ryan before <i>The House Guest</i>. But I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and the synopsis on Netgalley.

There wasn't anything that I disliked about this novel, but I can't say that I found it wholly engrossing either. I absolutely loved the set up though. With all the domestic suspense that I've been reading, it was nice to read a story that was focused on two women as opposed to a husband and wife.

Ironically, it was actually the scenes between Alyssa and Bill that I found the most interesting. Also the house itself had character of its own and I loved that. I couldn't get into the side-plot about Bree and her brother though.

BUT, I'm all for stories about women banding together, especially in a thriller scenario. So I would definitely read another book like this.

Thanks so much to the author, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for the gifted advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are entirely my own. { partner } All of my reviews can also be found on Instagram @Tackling_TBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog

TW: discussion of death/murder

This was a really fun and interesting read, with some very thrilling moments. For me this book nicely in the sweet spot where I didn't want to put it down while I was reading, but it also wasn't keeping me up past my bed time because I refused to do so, you know?

I listened to this as an audiobook, and it was so much fun! The narration was really well done, definitely making it worth listening to on audio, if you're wanting to read it but you're on the fence about which format to tackle it from.

As far as the characters go I really enjoyed both of our two female leads, Alyssa and Bree. I felt like they balanced each other out in a fun way, and I would totally read a sequel with the two of them and their friendship. I didn't love any of the other characters all that much, but I don't really think you're supposed to, so I'll call that a win in the writing.

Overall I would absolutely recommend this book to friends, fellow readers, and anyone looking for a thriller with only a handful of tense scenes. I think that the best way to read this book would be buddy reading it with a girlfriend or two, and discussing over a martini or a glass of bubbly!

Hank Phillippi Ryan’s The House Guest features an incredibly twisty storyline. Every time I thought I had a handle on things a new twist would be introduced. Alyssa Macallan’s life is falling apart. She’s unsure why it’s happened, but now she’s separated from her husband, on the verge of divorce, has no real friends, and thinks her husband is sneaking into her home while she’s away. Why would he do that? She hasn’t got a clue. While out one night, drinking in a hotel bar, she meets Bree, a woman who has problems of her own. She ends up befriending Bree and inviting her to stay in her guest house while she seeks to help Bree with her issues. Before long Alyssa thinks she’s helped resolve some of Bree’s issues and now Bree wants to return the favor, but her suggestions seem rather extreme and Alyssa begins to wonder just how well she knows Bree and how much she can trust her. There are a ton of misdirects and twists that keep the story engaging, but it’s not without some issues. Two that really stood out to me. We jump right into the story without really getting to know/bond with Alyssa. Right from the start we are just supposed to sympathize with her and hate her husband. And that’s the other side of it. We are supposed to hate her husband and yet he’s barely in the book. He’s in one chapter in the middle of the book, where Alyssa is overhearing him talk with the housekeeper and then doesn’t show up again until the very end. I just think a bit more of a set up would have helped garner more sympathy for Alyssa, as well as more interaction with her husband would help us understand her feelings toward him better. It's definitely an enjoyable if somewhat flawed story. Stephanie Willing does an excellent job with the narration. I’d like to thank Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced audio copy of The House Guest.


https://www.amazon.com/review/R1L3TTQC9P6GFA/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I feel a bit silly that this is my first novel of hers that I have read! I thoroughly enjoyed this suspense filled story and I had a feeling that my guesses would be wrong, but I was way off!

4.5 Stars!

Alyssa is frustrated after being unceremoniously left by her wealthy husband who seems to be manipulating everything around her. At a bar one night, she meets Bree who is dealing with her own bad boyfriend and invites her to stay with her in the guest house. When a online DNA service matches Bree with a recently deceased relative with an inheritance, Dezi, the lawyer for the estate seems to also become a permanent guest. When an FBI agent comes and pushes Alyssa into giving information about her soon-to-be ex and possible fraud, this situation seems to escalate into new territory. What exactly are these new friends willing to do to help Alyssa?

This was a fun story that kept me engaged and guessing! I thought I had it. I really did. But I didn't. Neither will you.

The audio was a fantastic way to have this story surround me. I listened at 2x and had no issues at all with the narration. It held all the tension and questions.

Thank you to @NetGalley and @macmillan.audio for the ALC of this fantastic story! It is available today!

And if you all haven't checked out the YouTube Channel The Mighty Blaze, absolutely look it up! Hank and other authors began this Channel for author chats during the pandemic and it continues to be a great place to find great book chats! (& you can win books too!)

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I listened to this via audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. The voice differentiation for characters was well done; I could tell who was speaking without needing the text. I was excited to get to read this one, however it was all just so unbelievable! Most of the book I was frustrated with Alyssa and her overly trusting (yet still suspicious?) personality. A woman walks into a bar and then befriends someone who comes to live with her and then she finds out she has millions of dollars coming her way and the lawyer who told her this starts practically living with them as well. Why do characters in books never do what's best for them? Just too over the top for me and as an aside, the author used "as a result" way too many times!

Just when I think Hank Phillippi Ryan can't top her last book, she does. The House Guest was a constant roller coaster of, wait, who's the "villain" here, or is there a villain? I absolutely loved the characters, and, although I probably wouldn't have invited a near stranger to stay in my guest house, it made for the best story, It really is true - You can't always get what you want. But sometimes you get what you deserve, All the starts to Hank and the House Guest! Thanks so much for the opportunity to review.

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

YES thank you Hank Phillippi Ryan again for another entertaining thriller!!!! I did not trust anyone!!!