Member Reviews

A gripping plot once the story unfolded, the pace and storyline kept me intrigued until the end.
I like a book where the tension builds and this was like that for me.
Really enjoyable thriller

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I am very sad when I have to leave a low review, but I really cannot rate this higher.

To start with the pros: I never knew where any of it was going, there were lots of unexpected twists and turns. Normally I can predict the way a book is going to end, but I truly had no idea where this was going, and that in and of itself was enough to keep me turning the pages.

I think where this book fell flat was in the execution. The writing was very simplistic and rushed, which did not build much suspense at all. Any sort of question the characters had was answered almost immediately, and the dialogue was very stunted. The book also switched perspectives mid-chapter which could be very hard to follow. Lastly, I had no connection to any of the characters and they all felt very one-dimensional to me. I think with a little more work character-building and suspense building this could have been a really great read, but I struggled to finish it because of how disjointed and superficial it felt.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture publishing, and Rona Halsall for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Bride and Groom is a story of moral dilemmas and a cautionary tale of "how well do you really know someone". Ethan and Nicci share a horrible secret; one that they plan to hide with their vows but the thing about moral dilemmas is that the stress eats at you until you start to crack.

This book is written from a 3rd person POV from both Ethan's and Nicci's perspectives, and I found the first half to be slightly disjointed, but that may just be the writing style is different than what I am used to. Nicci's character is relatable in her people-pleasing habits, and I was able to also relate to the distrust she felt in other characters in the book.

Overall, this book had a great plot and I did greatly enjoy the second half of the book, so much that I couldn't put it down once I hit the halfway point. That is where I found myself gasping several times and feeling what Nicci was feeling throughout the remainder of the book. This one is more of a slow-burn mystery, with some thrills and twists packed into that second half of the story.

A huge thank you to Bookouture for trusting me with another ARC review; you've quickly become my favorite publisher and I find myself seeking out books you have published.

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Rona Halsall has given us another tight, tense and totally twisted psychological thriller in Bride and Groom! Things are not what they seem in this latest story of a bride and a groom with many, many secrets. Trying to figure out the truth is where the fun lies. You will find yourself holding your breath!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

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This was just ok. The characters were unlikeable and the main character kept repeating her thoughts. There was little to advance the thoughts, just the same thing over and over. Better by the end.

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc. This one had marraige drama, infedility, betrayals and family stuff! Quite a few surprises. Not as fast paced as I had hoped, but still a great plot and story.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bride and Groom by Rona Halsall is totally gripping psychological thriller packed with shocking, gasping-out-loud, truly mind-blowing twists! Like - wow, wow! Who would know that this book will take turns like this? And the last twis, sweet pepper! Whatever I would think, there is no chance in the universe that I would guess it!
Serious madhouse!

Nicci is a people pleaser. She will always try to think about everyone else instead of her own happiness. Ethan, her soon-husband-to-be is gentle, caring, perfect, and will always be on her side.
When Nicci accidentally hits someone and runs, Ethan is happy to keep her secret. But how easy is it to keep secret so big? What if you find that the victim could be someone you know?

So far I loved every single book by Rona Halsall and this wasn't an exemption! Rona Halsall knows how to create suspense and how to make your blood boil!

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this copy!

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Bride and Groom by Rona Hals and qall is another great read from the author.
It’s Nicci’s big day and she is getting married to Ethan. She should be happy that she is marrying the love of her life. But an accident happened whilst she was driving, and someone was killed and the guilt on that day is playing on her mind. Did she kill someone? Although the details are a bit hazy as she was drinking Etan says it was an accident and they shouldn’t report it or it will not only harm her father, but also harm the business that they all work at.
I have followed this author from her first book, and she never disappoints. This is a fast-paced thriller with lots of twists and turns and some red herrings along the way. Although for me personally thought is was a bit farfetched at times. I enjoyed it anyway. 4 stars from me.

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Walking down the aisle in the packed church, sunlight glints off my ivory silk gown. This should be the happiest day of my life. But as I carefully lift my veil and greet my husband-to-be, my heart is pounding with fear. Does someone out there know what we've done?

The pace is a bit on the slow side., but that didn't stop me from being hooked by the end of the first chapter. The story begins as Nicci and Ethan are getting married. They've added an extra vow as they share a devastating secret. But the secret is escalating, and they both have secrets from each other. There are so many secrets being kept, and even more lies being told. We are taken down lots of different paths before we reach the conclusion. This well-written story of betrayal could be intense at times. Overall, another great read.

Published 5th April

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC of #BrideandGroom in exchange for an honest review

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3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story- A few days before their wedding, Ethan and Nicci make a terrible mistake. Nicci is in turmoil over the mistake but Ethan persuades her to keep it to themselves.

My thoughts - This is what I would class as a ‘popcorn thriller’. An easy read that you just fly through. The story started slow but did pick up the pace midway through. There were some twists that keep you guessing. It’s written in 3rd person, which made me feel a little disconnected from the characters. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would read from this author again.

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A gripping and compelling psychological thriller that starts with a bang and keeps ramping up the tension to the end. Great characters and a plot that unfolded at pace. I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

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#BrideandGroom #NetGalley
When Nicci and Ethan get married, it’s not long before Nicci’s dad, Pete, makes Ethan Managing Director. Ethan is keeping secrets from Nicci but she’s got lots on her mind, thanks to events prior to the wedding. With events spiralling out of control, can Nicci keep her marriage on track? What is Ethan hiding and what is Nicci’s best friend, Stacey, keeping from her?
It felt different.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy.

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Nicci and Ethan have a secret. Their entire life can fall to pieces if the secret comes out.
Ethan sees an opportunity to charm his way into this family, and won't let anyone come between Nicci and him.

I found the start of this book quite tedious, I felt that Nicci's character was wishy washy, and Stacey and Ethan took advantage of her weakness and inability to say no.
Ethan was just too good to be true, I think Stacey was the only character that sussed him out for what he actually was.

The book seemed to gain a lot of interest in the second half for me, and I couldn't put it down. There were a couple of twists that surprised me, and I found the ending very satisfying.

3/5 stars from me. I would recommend to readers of Freida McFadden.


Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

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Nicki and Ethan are both harboring secrets as they walk down the aisle on their wedding day. Each of them are keeping a secret from each other, and they also share a secret that could destroy them both.

Now, with events starting to spiral out of control, the illusion of the perfect couple is quickly falling apart. Will these secrets destroy them?

This story was well formulated, but it starts off as a slow burn with unlikable characters. However, the author has weaved such an intricate web of deceit, drama,and betrayal it will keep you glued to pages as the intrigue builds into a faster, well paced narrative

I'm a long-time fan of Rona Halsall and devoured The Bigamist last year.in one sitting. I'm definitely looking forward to her next book.

Thank you to netgally, Bookature, and the author for my advanced copy. My review was voluntary.

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Nicci and Ethan are getting married in a few days. They're consumed with the last minute details after a party with friends. Their evening takes a turn for the worst after a figure appears in the dark road on their way home.

Now they have a secret to keep until death do them part. But Nicci is struggling with this secret and Ethan will do everything he can to make sure no one knows what happened that night. But is this the only secret the couple has?

If you love Freida McFadden, you will love this book!!

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Reading this book 10 days before my wedding may not have been the best idea.
If marrying someone, especially after reading this book, make sure you truly know them.
There were lots of twists snd turns in the book and it's a really good read

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Such a gripping, exceptional read. I loved how quickly the facts of the story were presented. It is a well executed plot with great characters and easy to follow plot. I was engrossed from start to finish. An easy five stars.

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A story full of secrets and lies. So many twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat the whole time ..

My only complaint was the way it was written. I prefer that the characters be broken up into separate chapters as it made for a confusing read. Once past this I still recommend.

Thanks Netgalley and bookouture

All Thoughts and opinions are my own

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The cover wasn't the greatest at really displaying what the book was all about. The description is very well, it's your basic thriller nothing more.nothing less. Easy read and definitely something to read on a stay at home type of day.

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Another brilliant book from Rona Halsall, this had me completely gripped and I couldnt put it down. Full of twists and turns and shocks, I loved it!

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