Member Reviews
Daniel Hurst never misses, seriously. This is my 4th read by him, and this is my 2nd favorite so far. This was almost like a palate cleanser and it was such a fun easy read.
Four bizarre people and two weddings. I liked the cover and the idea but a lot of the plot was really incredulous which left me shaking my head so much that it’s a wonder it didn’t fall off! Take the major event - central London and no one saw anything?? No CTV, no one leaving/entering, driving/walking past, no one looking out of any of the windows anywhere? These days you can’t even scratch your own nose without it being witnessed. Nothing rings true about this story and I can’t see anyone behaving like Chrissy did at the end! Kate was almost as bad as her partner and deserved him. The book was certainly engrossing and would do nicely for a holiday.
The Bride to Be by Daniel Hurst
Once again Daniel Hurst has not disappointed me and once again, he has surprised me. I thought I had it all figured out. Not a chance. While I did get some stuff right, the ending blew me away.
Daniel Hurst has a way with words, an excellent way, a way to keep you guessing as to what is coming next. The Bride to Be is the fourth of his books that I have read this year. I am sure I will find others.
If you want a gripping story pick up any of his books. You will not be disappointed!
04.08.23
Lots of twists in this one. It's quite a quick read or maybe it just seemed that way because of how hooked I was. Great characters, especially Kate,
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
What do you do when your betrothed is showing signs that maybe this is not the person for you and your wedding is just a few weeks away? This is what Kate is struggling with while trying to find her wedding dress. The day is fast approaching and she cannot find "the one." This is adding additional tension to their relationship. While looking at another wedding shop, she sees another bride shopping for a dress. The woman is stunning and then Kate spies who she is shopping with - her groom! They are so happy together and Kate is jealous of how happy they appear to be. She follows the pair when they leave the pub and decides that the groom is her ideal person for her.
As she is following them, she realizes, the happy couple has secrets of their own. They are not the sunny, happy couple they portray in public. She decides to try to help, but ends up creating a mess.
In some twists and turns that happen next, what will happen when people learn about both couples secrets?
I was on the fence about this book. There were parts that I thought that could be better, however, I did not expect the ending. That was a twist.
Daniel Hurst's "The Bride To Be" is a riveting psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a storyline that weaves together suspense and emotion, Hurst has crafted a novel that is both gripping and profoundly moving.
At the heart of this novel is a narrative that explores the complexities of love, trust, and the secrets we keep to protect those we care about. Hurst's writing is sharp and focused, drawing readers into a world where each twist and turn could unravel the fabric of the lives he so vividly portrays. The pacing is masterful, balancing moments of intense action with deeper, introspective passages that provide insight into the characters' innermost thoughts and feelings.
"The Bride To Be" introduces us to a cast of characters that are both relatable and intriguing, each with their own flaws and strengths. Hurst has a gift for creating protagonists who are not only compelling but also deeply human, making it easy for readers to invest in their journey. The dynamics between the characters are crafted with precision, ensuring that the relationships evolve in ways that are both believable and impactful.
What sets this novel apart is Hurst's ability to blend genres, merging the suspense of a thriller with the emotional depth of a drama. The result is a story that not only keeps readers guessing but also resonates on a personal level, tapping into universal themes of love, loss, and redemption. The twists are clever and unexpected, but it's the emotional core of the story that leaves a lasting impression.
The setting of the novel, atmospheric and vividly described, adds another layer of intrigue. Hurst's descriptions are so evocative that the setting becomes almost a character in its own right, contributing to the overall mood and tension of the narrative.
In conclusion, "The Bride To Be" by Daniel Hurst is a standout novel in the psychological thriller genre. It's a compelling tale of mystery and emotion, crafted with skill and care. Whether you're drawn to the suspenseful plot, the deep character exploration, or the beautifully rendered setting, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain. Hurst has delivered a book that is not only thought-provoking but also immensely satisfying to read.
A newish author to me, Daniel has written a fair amount of novels I am working my way through. This is another well written, thrill ride! I thought o had of figured out, I was so wrong!!
This wasn't my favorite Daniel Hurst book, but it still was an okay read. I didn't really connect with Kate or Mark. I wasn't rooting for either by the end of the book. There was a twist revealed at the end that didn't really need to be added. I will continue reading Daniel Hurst's books, but won't put this on my list of favorites. Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this read.
"The Bride To Be" by Daniel Hurst is a compelling exploration of love, doubt, and the consequences of chasing an idealized version of happiness. Kate, the protagonist, is on the brink of marriage but finds herself grappling with doubts about her partner Mark. When she encounters a seemingly perfect couple during a wedding dress fitting, her fixation on their happiness becomes an obsession, leading her to question her own choices.
The novel masterfully delves into the complexities of relationships and the internal conflicts that arise when faced with doubt. Hurst skillfully builds suspense as Kate becomes fixated on Tristan, the groom of the seemingly perfect couple. The exploration of both couples' lives beneath the surface adds depth to the narrative, revealing that perfection is often just a façade.
Kate's internal struggle and the decisions she faces as the wedding approaches create a tension that keeps readers engaged. The author navigates themes of self-discovery and the consequences of pursuing an idealized version of love. The character development is well-executed, and Kate's journey is both relatable and thought-provoking.
The portrayal of the dark secrets hidden by both couples adds an intriguing layer to the story, creating a sense of anticipation as the narrative unfolds. Hurst's writing is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the emotional and psychological aspects of the characters' lives.
In conclusion, "The Bride To Be" earns four stars for its gripping storytelling, well-crafted characters, and the exploration of complex themes surrounding love and doubt. Daniel Hurst delivers a thought-provoking narrative that invites readers to reflect on the nature of relationships and the consequences of pursuing an idealized version of happiness. This novel is recommended for those who appreciate psychological dramas with a touch of suspense and a realistic portrayal of the intricacies of love and commitment.
A fast paced read. Like many of Daniel Hursts books it was a bit predictable, and some of the characters left you rolling your eyes, but it was enjoyable enough and a quick weekend read.
A emotional physcological thriller with twists galore. I was intrigued from the very first page. I just had to know the outcome.
Although quite far fetched the story there are lots of twists and is an easy read with a great style if writing which flows nicely
I've really been getting into Daniel Hurst's novels lately, and was so glad to get the chance to read this one! It was a twisty, crazy kind of story that kept me wondering how things were going to shift from one moment to the next! I was invested in the characters and trying to figure out how it would end. I love books that keep my interest the whole time, and this quick read fit the bill!
I love all of Daniel Hurst’s books! This one was just as suspenseful and shocking with the twists as the rest. I look forward to reading more from this author
Another great thriller by Daniel Hurst. He ropes you in from the very first page and I could not stop reading!
I love daniels books and this one is fantastic.
I love the twists and the ending. You don’t want to spoil it but it keeps you in the edge of your seat to find out what happens
Kate seems to have the perfect life. She is engaged to the absolute perfect man, or so everyone thinks. What they don't see if how he partner Mark sometimes mistreats her and leaves her wondering if he is really the one for her. While dress shopping Kate sees the perfect couple. They have what she wants and she becomes absolutely obsessed, even going so far as to follow them. She decides that Tristan is her ideal partner. After an accidental like of a very old photo on Instagram of his, Tristan reaches out and befriends Kate. However, Kate quickly learns that they "perfect couple" is far from perfect themselves.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read but I didn't find the twists as big as I usually like in a book. The characters were good and I really found myself rooting for Kate and really hating Mark haha.
I would recommend this book for a quick read with a few twists. I would also like to read more by this author to see if the other books are similar or if they have more twists.
Thank you to Netgalley, Daniel Hurst and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced copy for free. This is my honest review.
Bride to Be started off with a vague twist that I kept thinking back to as I read this story about love, lies, and deception. Overall I found this book to be a quick read keeping me back in. There were some parts that seemed a bit far fetched and repetitive, but it was good enough to keep going. I can’t say I was super surprised with how it ended, I was hoping for a bigger plot twist, but I still didn’t predict it. Overall, it was an okay read, I’d recommend it if you want a book you can read in 24 hours.
This is the second Daniel Hurst book I’ve read and I have to say he seems to be great at writing annoying lead female characters. I’m torn on my feelings about Kate.
Kate is engaged to Mark. They have been together for a few years and as with all relationships, everything was wonderful in the beginning. As their relationship progressed Mark started to change and his feelings for her were very bipolar. Once they got engaged, as Kate put it, she was stuck. Mark went from a loving significant other to verbally and mentally abusive. Kate said once they got engaged he treated her however he wanted because he knew as the wedding got closer that she would be to embarrassed to call off the engagement let alone end their relationship. Mark was very controlling and mentally abusive.
One day while trying on wedding dresses at the bridal boutique a couple catch her eye Tess and Tristan who are also engaged and shopping for wedding dresses. Soon Kate stalks Tristan and becomes obsessed with him. She later finds out that he too is in an abusive relationship only his is physical. Here’s where I am torn, I feel bad for Kate and what she goes through in her relationship. However, her obsession with Tristan is crazy. I get it she feels hopeless in her relationship and she feels like she has to save him even though he doesn’t want to save himself. I did enjoy the way Kate saved Tristan in the end, though there were some parts that seemed a little far fetched.
I did enjoy this one a lot more than I did The Doctors Widow. I kept reading because I had to know what happened to Kate. I found myself hoping she got the happy ending she deserved. Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I give this book 3.5 stars.
I will always be a Daniel Hurst fan, his books are great & this one didn't disappoint!!! I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen!!!