Behind A Closed Door begins with a therapy session. Abby and Brendan Hollander's marriage is in trouble. They decide to go to see a marriage counselor. When the first session ends, their therapist recommends that they download an app called Sugar and Spice to improve their sex life.

In the beginning, the app seems interested in only spicing their sex life but progressively the challenges take the young couple far out of their comfort zone and into a game where they are manipulated.
Although it was a fast-paced book with a good storyline, it could have been a bit shorter. I lost interest by the last quarter of it and struggled to finish it.

Brendan and Abby are having marital problems, so they book an appointment with a couple’s therapist. She recommends an app – Sugar and Spice – to bring adventure back into their romantic lives. A sexy version of truth or dare, it starts off innocently enough, but the app’s demands quickly go off the rails.

Would you kill for the one you love?

Behind a Closed Door takes a fun concept and gives it a sinister twist. Throughout the book, we primarily follow Brendan and Abby, but there are other characters who get POVs, including the mysterious Romeo and Juliet. Their scenes were fascinating to read, and I do wish we’d gotten more of the story written from their perspective.

As much as I wanted to love this book, it required a few suspensions of disbelief that were a little too out there. I’m not talking about anything that the app made them do, or all the drama that occurs later in the book. I found it incredibly difficult to believe Brendan, who is a professional working in investigation and security, would download this app in the first place. The red flags were flying high when the program required them to provide access to their microphones and cameras. They had to enable location services and tracking across other apps. The very first thing that the app does is book them a date at a restaurant that’s very difficult to get into, and covers the bill for them. Nothing is free. If an app doesn’t charge you money or make you watch ads, then you’re the commodity. It’s profiting off your data.

Brendan uses this phone for work, so even if he didn’t care about his own cybersecurity, he would know that his career could be on the line by compromising a device he uses for work.

There’s also something that the app does very early on in the book that didn’t sit right with me. Not because of what happens, but because of how the husband reacts. It was at that point that I knew for certain “JD” is a man, because a woman would never be so casual about SA in a book like this. If I were Brendan in this situation, I would have insisted we delete the app immediately.

Despite these plot holes/inconsistencies, the book was a fun read, with many great twists along the way.

This was a rollercoaster of a book! Abby and Brendan’s marriage has hit a rough patch, and their therapist recommends downloading an app to help bring them closer. At first, it seems to be helping, until things take a bad turn and finding out who or what is behind the app becomes crucial. I really enjoyed this book and, even though it’s long, read it rather quickly. I look forward to recommending near release day! Thanks for the opportunity to read!

Sometimes a book comes along that just ticks all the boxes. This is that book for me. It's clever, suspenseful, terrifying & intriguing. There's violence, there's spice. It fully captivated me.

If you are looking for a book that is going to draw you in and keep you there and maybe make you question your morals a little... a lot? This is the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley & Hampton Creek Press for an advanced copy of this book.

Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ what an app!!!

Multi faceted plot full of twists and dangerous scenarios. I’d certainly think twice about what apps I download.

Excellent fade paced thriller!!

Wow!! First 5 🌟 of the year for me!

JD Barker just never disappoints - this book was a wild, thrilling ride from start to finish. If you’re looking for an intense read, with lots of unexpected detours, you’ve come to the right place! Definitely recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!

Check trigger warnings! This one is action packed and dark, but didn't stop me from reading late into the night to finish. Suspense, romance, and made me question downloading apps on my phone!

This a little different to Mr Barkers previous books, not a bad thing, But it will definitely make you think before you download apps and automatically accept T & C’s.

The first half of this book really pulls you in, the second half has a lot of action but can be a little confusing with how the story is flowing. Some scenes leave you asking is this needed, where is this taking me? The ending was a little disappointing for me.

Overall, a book that plays with your emotions. I didn't enjoy it as much as I think I thought I might but has not put me off more of Mr Barkers books. So, 4 Stars from me.

Abby and Brendan’s marriage has hit a rough patch so they decide to do the logical thing and seek help from a marriage therapist. When at their first appointment, the therapist makes an odd recommendation, that they both download a new app called Sugar and Spice. This app will help them to strengthen their bond and in turn strengthen their relationship. At first when they download the app, it starts out pretty tame and makes them feel like it could actually be positively impacting their relationship. As time goes by, the app becomes more and more sinister. Who is in control of this app and what is the purpose of it? They must get to the bottom of the situation without putting themselves in danger.

This is the first book I’ve read by JD Barker and it p slower for me than the first. There were a good hundred or so pages that drug on and I felt like probably could’ve been removed from the book and it still would’ve had the same effect. Overall, it was a fun book that I enjoyed reading.

Thrilling. It’s not just all the action and these poor characters that always get pushed to the limit. This time Barker not only does what he wants with the reader, but also gives food for thought regarding the power we give to the internet without considering anything besides the immediate benefit

My only con point is the deus ex machina. But this is the first book in months that hooked me up and that’s great!

Abby and Brendan have been married a long time and are stuck in a rut. Determined to save their marriage, they agree to see a counselor who asks them about their sex life. Admittedly, things have gone a bit stale in that department, so she recommends the hottest new app: Sugar and Spice. It’s a sort of truth or dare for adults with a points system that first puts Abby and Brendan playfully at odds. They’re competitive by nature and each wants to hold the high score. Many sugars and some hot, hot spices later, their marriage might not be fixed but their sex life is turbo-charged.

Cut to the killers. It wouldn’t be a JD Barker novel without some twisted sadist, so what motivates Romeo and Juliet to check off names on a hit list gleefully? And what does it have to do with Abby and Brendan?

When the Sugars and Spices take a nasty twist Abby and Brendan want out, but it’s too late. Sugar and Spice isn’t for quitters.

JD Barker has written a steamy, playful, and terrifying novel about couples, the bonds forged from adversity, the dangers of technology, and the power of greed. I couldn’t put it down! What starts as an R-rated story about a couple ended up being a fast-paced thriller with a tech twist. If I wanted to turn in my virtual assistant devices before Behind a Closed Door, I’d gladly donate them all now. Highly recommended for readers who don’t mind their thrillers extra spicy. I especially loved the Author’s Note at the end. JD “made the words” and I’m so glad he did.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and JD Barker for the ARC of Behind a Closed Door.

Labelled as an erotical thriller, this book (and soon film apparently) is so, so much more!

It will play with your emotions, your sense of logic and what's right and wrong - when a game is just a game and shouldn't have real life consequences, or should it? How far would YOU go? For many who downloaded the Sugar and Spice app, they went all the way - all in an effort to win the ultimate prize.

The tasks given out by the Sugar and Spice are carefully orchestrated so the players get roped in and are prepared to complete tasks which are subtly getting more and more borderline to what's allowed in the eye of the law - until it's waaaay past.

Psychology and human greed at their best!

Take A Deep Breath And Hold it Cuz You Won’t Take Time For Another One Until You Finish JD. Barker’s Latest Book

I won’t take your time describing the plot of Behind A Closed Door, J.D. Barker’s latest thriller, as this is already quite well done in the Book Description above; and because I think it’s one of those books that the less you know prior to starting, the more you’ll find your pulse pounding from beginning to end.

For me, Behind A Closed Door grabbed my interest from about the very first word, held me captive throughout, and didn’t allow me to take another breath until the very last word. Now, how many books can you honestly say that about that you’ve read???

I found the first half of this book hooked me due to its interesting characters and the ultra-intriguing app that has taken over their lives. An app you might not personally want to follow ...but also one you won’t be able to stop yourself from reading about. The second half of of the book is filled with exciting action, action and more action, which finally concludes with an almost heart-stopping ending.

Now, with that being said, it’s important to realize that Behind A Closed Door is a book that requires the reader to be willing on many times to suspend disbelief, both in terms of the characters’ actions and dialogue, as well as some plot twists. If this seems like it would bother you, then I suggest you skip this book. This, however, was not a big problem for me, nor do I think it will be for many of Barker’s fans. In the hands of lesser writers, Behind A Closed Door—with all of its many plot elements and characters — would not succeed very well. But that is far from the case with J.D. Barker as its author. If you’ve read any of Barker’s other book's I think you know that he excels at (what he calls) “literary popcorn” and in making the readers feel that they are “right there” in the middle of all that happens in the story.

While not my favorite book by J.D. Barker, what he delivers in Behind A Closed Door, despite its limitations, is all I could have asked for in a thriller to help me escape from some of the realities of life.

#Behind A Closed Door #Net Galley

What a perfectly dark, twisted and delicious thriller! Barker is always able to suck me in from the beginning of his books, and this one was no different!

Abby and Brendan Hollanders marriage is on the rocks, and after their couples counselor suggests spicing things up with the app Sugar and Spice, their world gets thrown into a game of Sex, mystery and murder.

This was hands down one of the best thrillers I’ve read in awhile. Thank you NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for my ARC, in exchange for my honest feedback!

Absolutely fantastic read, as expected from JD Barker!
It kept me gripped from the first page and I sped through the whole book in two sittings. I absolutely couldn't put it down.

Thrilling until the end!

Behind A Closed Door begins with a therapy session. A couple's relationship, Abby and Brendan Hollander's marriage is in trouble. When the first session ends, their therapist recommends that they download an app called Sugar and Spice to improve their sex life.

In the beginning, the app seems interested in only spicing their sex life but progressively it becomes more intense until the app asks Abby to kill someone or Brendan will die. Abby believes this is true but she is nowhere near ready to murder a stranger or is she?

J.D. Barker writes very interesting characters that take over your life while reading his books. I could not put this book down. I had to know how it was all related and what ending was I getting.

Was I able to guess some of the twists? Yes, but not all of them. This could be a great movie!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Hampton Creek Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is not a typical J D Barker book but I liked the idea and the way it was executed. Well, after reading this you might think twice before installing any application on your phone.

A couple, Abby and Brendan seek a help of a therapist and come to know of a app called Sugar and Spice that could help them to win their trust and spice of their relationship back. The app first gives them easy and sexy tips in the form of truth and dare later taking a drastic turn.

It was a typical cat and mouse tale and the deaths in between the chapters made it interesting. Although I thought the ending could have been a bit better but nevertheless I really enjoyed the read.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.

I want to start off with a huge thank you to NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press, and J. D. Barker for an eARC of this title.

I kept hearing about J.D. Barker from people posting about how amazing the The Fourth Monkey (A 4MK Thriller) series was. Its on my to be read lest, but I have yet to get to it. When I saw this title available for request I took a shot, not thinking I would get selected. I'm sure glad I did.

From the first few pages I was into it and could not get enough. The book does not disappoint and had me from the start. The more I read the more I wanted to read and the entire time I was picturing this like a movie. I kept thinking to myself now I have to go read the 4MK series. J.D Barker takes the reader on a wild ride and I look forward to checking out more from this author.

D Barker has a knack for creating irresistibly engrossing books. Despite usually facing a mental block with longer reads, I breezed through the 4M series and this one, finding them to be remarkably quick reads.

"Behind A Closed Door" plunges readers into the complex dynamics of Abby and Brendan's relationship, which is initially reignited by the suggestion of a therapist-recommended app called Sugar & Spice. However, as the app gradually assumes greater control, the couple becomes enmeshed in a mysterious and dangerous game orchestrated by unseen forces. Suspicion and distrust loom large as they navigate the treacherous web they find themselves entangled in.

While some aspects of the story may verge on the extravagant, it serves to highlight the unsettling plausibility of the narrative. Brendan and Abby's gradual realization mirrors our own tendency to unquestioningly accept the terms and conditions of digital platforms, never anticipating the potentially perilous consequences.

For fans of JD Barker's work and those who crave a blend of sizzle, danger, and skillfully crafted thrills, "Behind A Closed Door" comes highly recommended.

I found the book to be refreshingly original, resembling the excitement of watching a blockbuster action movie. Contrary to my expectations based on the 4MK series, the book took an unexpected turn. The first part was notably rich in spice, while the latter half was action-packed. Overall, I enjoyed the book, appreciating its departure from typical thriller conventions and its unique premise.