Firstly, I'd like to rate this book 3.5 stars, which I'll round up to 4. It's a chilling, suspenseful, and well-executed psychological thriller that kept me on my toes. While it may not be quite reminiscent of "Wait Until Dark" or bear strong similarities to "Gone Girl," it offers a fast-paced and enjoyable domestic thriller experience, albeit with a slow start that initially resembles women's fiction and a deep dive into the dynamics of a marriage.

Now, let's delve into the heart of the story. Ellie's life takes a dramatic turn as she embarks on a journey to break free from a psychologically abusive marriage. At first glance, the narrative may not scream "thriller," but the meticulous exploration of Ellie and Jeff's complex relationship lays the foundation for an engrossing tale. The author carefully peels back the layers of their history, providing readers with valuable insights into the characters' psyches.

Jeff's character is masterfully crafted, and as we delve deeper into his psyche, our disdain for his controlling nature intensifies. The narrative also delves into the dynamics of other characters, particularly Hannah, shedding light on the challenges they face.

As the story unfolds and takes a darker turn, it is punctuated by unexpected revelations that ratchet up the suspense. While some of these twists may not be entirely surprising, they are undeniably satisfying, contributing depth to the plot. The true thriller elements of the story come to the forefront in the later chapters, transforming the narrative into an irresistible and gripping tale that keeps you glued to the pages.

The novel offers a meticulously crafted and mesmerizing read, complete with distinctive and intriguing characters. The plot is steeped in suspense, and the author's writing style is impeccable. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers that deliver unexpected twists and compelling character development, this book is a solid choice.

Overall, "For Worse" provides an engaging narrative that captivates you with its absorbing storyline. While it may not fit the typical thriller mold from the outset, the gradual buildup only adds to the overall depth of the tale. With its compelling characters, suspenseful plot, and the author's exceptional writing style, it forms an absorbing read that leaves you eager to explore more of the author's works in the future.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

I really enjoyed this book, there was plenty of great twists and turns throughout to keep you reading.. The characters were good, the plot was suspenseful and the style of writing was perfect. This is the first book that I have read by this author, I’ll be keeping my eye out for more in the future. I would recommend this to anyone who likes reading psychological thrillers.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the copy of For Worse, a brilliant debut by L. K. Bowen. It didn’t feel like a thriller at first because a lot of time is spent dissecting Ellie and Jeff’s cute meeting and their relationship, but it’s time well-spent because it laid the groundwork for the rest of the book. I really liked the insight into Jeff’s personality, even though it made me hate him even more. I also liked Hannah’s insight into her relationship with her boyfriend and how Ellie helped her think through it. It really resonated with me and my life, which rarely happens in novels.
When the book started to get darker, there were plenty of surprise reveals that really added to the suspense. I wasn’t completely surprised by what we finally learned, but it was still satisfying. When the book finally took a detour into thriller territory near the end it was so gripping I couldn’t stop reading. If you want a mesmerizing, well-written read, with distinct and interesting characters you will love this book.