BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Perfect Housemate' by Lorna Dounaeva.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Lorna Dounaeva, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 28th March 2024.

This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be my last!!

This novel consists of a prologue and 50 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

Wow!!! This book is fantastically written and had me hook, line and sinker from beginning to end. The descriptions were so in depth and vivid that the hair on my arms was standing on the ends and my heart was pounding throughout. The synopsis, title and cover were perfect for the storyline.

I was absolutely absorbed throughout this page turner. It is filled with tension, suspense, lies, secrets and omg the twists!!! I DID NOT see any of them coming!!! A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS Lorna!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me but by God you did that over and over and over!!! What an ending!!! One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking psychological thrillers I have EVER read!!! You lady have one hell of a talent and I cannot wait to get hold of your previous and future books. I cannot remember the last time I was so hooked by a book but you managed that big time!!! The storyline is filled with shocks, friendship, secrets, twists, suspense, tension, deceit and everything you could ask for in a gripping thriller. There was so many explosive twists that I did not see coming!!! There was so much going on and it was very fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I'm not going to go too much into the storyline as I don't want to give anything away and everything you need to know is in the incredible synopsis. To find out more yourself then you will just have to grab your copy today to find out won't you?! Lorna has created an unpredictable and unputdownable, gritty, suspense and tension filled explosive page turner that will have you addicted from the first page to the last!! Her fantastic evocative writing skills brings the storyline and characters to life in front of your eyes and will keep you glued to the pages!

Clear your schedule before you start as I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down!! Practically every chapter ended on a cliff hanger so no way could I put it down!! Absolutely hooked!! I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!!!


I was completely invested in both the storyline and the characters. Each of the characters had their own unique personalities and I felt differently about each of them. Lorna has managed to create several realistic, flawed, unlikeable and questionable characters that she brings to life with her creative and evocative writing skills and puts them into what should be an everyday storyline but makes the reader question everything and everyone they are seeing, reading and meeting throughout!! As with the storyline I won't go into any details about the characters as I don't want to run the risk of giving anything away and spoiling this incredible storyline for future readers. I will say that I did not have a clue who to trust and I never did work out who was hiding what. All in all a great mix of characters that worked well with this storyline and regardless of whether you love them or hate them they all played their parts perfectly along with Lorna's fantastic writing skills making each of them jump out of the pages coming to life in front of your eyes.


Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and the prologue and first chapter of Lorna's 'The Wife's Mistake' which promises to be just as addictive as this book and is one I'm looking forward to reading myself!!

Overall an absolutely heart racing, never wracking, unputdownable addictive psychological thriller!!!

302 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

#ThePerfectHousemate #LornaDounaeva #Bookouture #BookoutureAnonymous #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited

@ThePerfectHousemate @LornaDounaeva @Bookouture @BookoutureAnonymous @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited


https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R

https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86

https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prf

This one is a gripping page turner. I read it in 2 days, I just couldn’t get enough. It grips you from the beginning and just moves at a steady pace throughout. It’s full of twists and turns and doesn’t let up. You get a mix of likeable and dis-likeable character’s and I have to admit I did find June a little annoying at times but I think that was the point. The author did a great job of building the storyline and the suspense along with both the storyline and characters being really well developed. Really enjoyed this one and it’s definitely one for the TBR list.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review #ThePerfectHousemate

This was a decent read. It kept my attention, and the first half of the book pulled me in. June wasn't loveable, but I feel that her being an unlikeable character fit into the storyline. It was hard to connect with any of the characters. More character development would've assisted with connection to the characters.

There were good twists throughout. There was suspense and buildup to the big reveal towards the end. The big twist was unexpected! Throughout the story, I thought I knew what would happen, but I was wrong. There were a few things I figured out along the way, but that didn't take away from the story for me.

The ending was a let down for me. The storytelling didn't really give "thriller" for me, but overall it kept me engaged and entertained.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Loma Dounaeva's 'The Perfect Housemaid' is an enthralling thriller, boasting a meticulously crafted storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As a newcomer to Dounaeva's works, I found myself captivated from the very first page. The intricate plot twists and skillful character development showcased Dounaeva's mastery of the genre, leaving me eager for more. 'The Perfect Housemaid' is a testament to Dounaeva's storytelling prowess, weaving a narrative that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. It's no surprise that I am now a devoted fan, eagerly anticipating future works from this talented author.

Living in the perfect home in a perfect location can June and her friends find a new perfect housemate?
June and her flatmates have been friends for years, they know each other's quirks and rarely fight. When Poppy is invited to be their new roommate June can not shake the feeling that she might be out to get her. She is the only one who sees Poppy for who she really is, or does she? Will June’s past come back to haunt her?

I had to put this book down several times for the pure frustration I shared with June. Most of us have experienced a roommate like Poppy, but what if your other friends didn’t believe you? I thought I had this book pegged out to be another version of “Single White Female” but was then introduced to The Creep. Who is really doing these things to June? As we learn how Poppy and June might be connected from the past we also learn more about June than we originally thought. Is June a reliable narrator, is anyone who they seem?

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This book took me a while to read as it didn't hold my attention. It was just hard to get into the storyline.

The Perfect Housemate has a very interesting premise. A group of 4 friends are living together and due to some expensive bills, need to add a new roommate to the mix. After a very quick search they found Poppy from the local watering hole. Poppy is kind and the girls love her....except for June who believes Poppy is trying to either take over her friends or ruin her life in some way.
On the surface this book has a lot of twists, short chapters and is very fast paced. These are all things I like, especially when it comes to a thriller. However, this book fell short for me. I think there needed to be some more development in the story in order to really connect to the characters and find it believable. I will say the prologue gave the book a great start and a great hook which I was waiting to get to within the story itself. Unfortunately the story just felt a little abrupt and some portions/storylines were not fully explained or explored and it just left me wanting more. The end of the book was left as a bit of a cliffhanger so for those who like this story, it may mean that there is a part two.

This book was so good. Good story and great characters.

Perfect pace and I really hope we get a sequel. Can’t wait to read the other books from that author.

I love books like this. It starts out fairly straight forward and I think I know what’s next. Then doubt is sown and I begin to wonder who is victimizing whom.
It’s a good twisty tale. I have to say all of the housemates are quirky, even odd. June is OCD about a lot of things and pretty over the top. After reading more I discover June isn't quote so pure and innocent as she tries to radiate.
I did have some of the story figured out but then other parts remained murky.
I’m so glad I never had housemates after reading this book.

This was an okay ready for me. It was an easy fast read for me but fell a little flat. Not much action and kind of boring.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this eCopy to review

A great thriller from Lorna Dounaeva. The Perfect Housemate is an easy read following June and her housemates Tamsin, Kimmy and Flick as they take in another lodger Poppy, who seems perfect until she isn't. June's feeling of paranoia increase throughout the book, will her secrets be revelled? Who is the culprit? One thing for sure you will not see who it is coming. Expertly crafted to keep you guessing with a shock ending.

I love a good fast paced thriller! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I am a big fan of the back and forth POV and this book gave plenty. I also liked the unique timeline as it’s not something I typically see. The main character wasn’t overly likable, but I could definitely relate to her on some things. I absolutely loved the ending!

You let her in...you shouldn't have...

A delightful domestic thriller with an air of toxicity that just reels you in. This is a quick and easy read that I devoured in one sitting, despite its rather annoying characters.

June and her housemates - Tamsin, Kimmy and Flick - are struggling to make the rent, pay the bills and feed themselves in their spacious Clapham house. So they decide to advertise for a fifth housemate.

Enter Poppy. Almost at once she falls in love with the house and the basement room they ave prepared for her. June had painted it a sunny yellow that she found welcoming but soon after moving in Poppy had gone over the walls with a deep aubergine colour. The effect was rather creepy but somewhat stunning coupled with the fairy lights she adorned the room with.

It isn't long before strange things begin to happen though everyone thinks that June is just being paranoid as she seems intent on the fact that Poppy has taken an instant dislike to her. From her missing library card to to her stolen bike to her profile being added to random datig sites, June is sure Poppy is behind the incidents. And then when the entire household goes down with gastroenteritis after eating June's beef stew, except Poppy of course who refused to eat it on the grounds she hates mushrooms, June begins to wonder if Poppy had somehow poisoned the stew that made them all ill. But no one wants to hear June's accusations.

Then Kimmy comes home excitedly sporting an engagement ring after her boyfriend Ralph had popped the question. Soon she begins planning her wedding and she insists all the housemates are her bridesmaids. But first, the hen do...which turns out to be a week in Mykonos!

But June won't be going to the Greek island with them because she will have met a fate that will preclude her from the event. But as she hears her housemates start the day and ge ready for their holiday, she tries to alert them to her whereabouts...but will they hear her in time?

OK so most of the characters were pretty annoying and not many had any redeeming qualities. And yet it was pretty clear that the most obvious suspect wasn't the one behind it all. I kind of had it figured out but it still didn't ruin my enjoyment.

An addictive read from the start with several twists to keep you guessing.

I would like to thank #LornaDounaeva, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePerfectHousemate in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

The girls are struggling to make ends meet, so they agree to have another housemate to split the cost of things. June is super nervous about adding another housemate to the mix because the rest of them are like family, so when Poppy comes knocking June is dubious.

When Poppy starts inviting the other housemates along to days out and forgetting June, June is worried she’s made a huge mistake in allowing Poppy to move in.

Without giving anything away, this book was a brilliant read that kept me thinking I had it all worked out until the very end, and then incoming twist! Looking forward to reading more books by Lorna Dounaeva

The Perfect Housemate is a domestic thriller and one of my favourite genres. I had not read anything by this author but when I read the blurb for this one it was right up my street. This was to me a completely gripping page turner and one that I was certain that I knew what the outcome was going to be but things don’t alway turn out the way you think or do they ? A superb read packed full of twist and with strong well written characters some of whom you will definitely like more than others. Finishing with to me a perfect ending which had my mind going into overdrive as I processed everything. This was truly a 5⭐️ read for me.

A decent read. Very quick and easily read with alternating POV chapters. June was a rather annoying character at times. Not a lot of redeeming qualities, but of course I think that was the point.
Who the killer was didn’t surprise me. I think it was a pretty forgone conclusion it wasn’t the main suspect.
3 stars and I would honestly give it 3.5 if I had that option.
All in all a decent and engaging read.

The Perfect Housemate by Lorna Dounaeva is a gripping story.
I was hooked from the start. These characters were complex and interesting.
This book captured me in the first few pages … a story which had me interested in what could be going to happen next and why.
The writing is suspenseful and easy to read. There was a fair amount of description but I really enjoyed reading every word. The writing was great and the characters pulled me deep into their story.
This author is becoming a new favorite.

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

June and her housemates can't afford the rent anymore so they bring in a new housemate to help cover the expenses. Soon, it starts to feel like the new edition has it out for June, and she doesn't feel safe in her own home anymore.

I enjoyed this book very much. I was getting so frustrated and angry on June's behalf. The author does a great job painting a vivid picture so you can easily put yourself in the protagonists shoes and experience her feelings.

The plot was very well crafted and there were full of hints and red herrings sprinkled all through the story. It kept me hooked and I did not see the twist coming, which I very much appreciated.

The cliffhanger in the end was surprising and I really hope there will be a sequel so I can find out what that was all about.

This book was 'good'. The plot was based on a group of friends couldn't afford their rent so got a housemate. The housemate was playing tricks on the protagonist June. All of these things keep happening and June blames Poppy as she is the new housemate and is the obvious culprit. The story takes a turn that you do not expect and is very well written. There was something about the book that didn't excite me like other thrillers do. I would definitely reccoment reading it. It is fast paced once it gets going and an easy read. I would read more of Lorna Dounaeva's novels for sure!

** I received this book for free as an arc from NetGalley in return for an honest review.**

June becomes wary when a new addition, Poppy, enters their tightly-knit household. Despite initial reservations, Poppy seamlessly integrates, until suspicions arise when she excludes June from a social outing. Fearing Poppy's potential to reveal a buried secret, June's discomfort intensifies as she senses Poppy's scrutiny. Even within the safety of their home, June feels uneasy, questioning Poppy's intentions. Determined to uncover Poppy's identity and what she really wants, June grapples with the possibility of confronting her own dangerous past. The question arises: which housemate is truly the dangerous one?

Overall score: 4.4/5

Ratings:
1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 The beginning of "The Housemate" was a slow burn, but once the story kicks into gear, everything starts unraveling at lightning speed, keeping you gripped throughout. Lorna Dounaeva excels in weaving a twisty thriller.

2. **Characterization:** 4/5 For most of the book, these characters frustrated me, making me want to shake them. You're left unsure if you have a reliable narrator, but June’s genuine feelings towards the characters shine through, making them feel authentic.

3. **Writing Style:** 5/5 I absolutely love Lorna Dounaeva's writing style. The story is excellently crafted, perfectly suited for a twisty thriller like this.

4. **Originality:** 4/5 While the beginning might not be particularly unique, the narrative's unraveling and the ending offer a refreshing dose of originality.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 5/5 This book had me feeling nervous, paranoid, and scared throughout. The ending wrapped up beautifully, and the bomb dropped at the end left me reeling in the best way possible.

Well, I did receive this as a free book I would spend money on it. I enjoyed it and I could see myself reading it again. I recommend that you pick it up.

If you enjoyed "The Housemate," you might also like "The Wife Upstairs" by Rachel Hawkins. It's a modern psychological thriller that reimagines the classic tale of "Jane Eyre" in a contemporary setting, filled with secrets, lies, and unexpected twists. Like "The Housemate," "The Wife Upstairs" will keep you on the edge of your seat with its gripping storytelling and complex characters.