The Honeymoon is a different kind of psychological thriller. You are following Austin and Stella in dual timelines. They are in love get married leave on a very romantic honeymoon to Venice and Austin disappears. Stella is determined to find her new husband. There are great twists you don’t see coming. Just when you think you figured it all out there’s a surprise twist ending. Thank NetGalley

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded down). I am definitely in the minority when it comes to this book. The reviews are so high which made me very eager to read it and thrilled when given an advanced copy but I have to be honest, it was just okay to me. I thought it started off really well but then it turned into a very, very, VERY slow burn! The alternating timelines of “now” and “then” I did enjoy, but again, it just seemed to drag on. As far as characters, I can’t say I really liked any of them. I guess I felt bad for Stella for the majority of the book but I wouldn’t really say I liked her character. To be honest, I was set at a 2 star rating at about 50% of the book BUT the little unpredictable shocker at the end was deserving of a higher rating. I prefer a fast paced, exciting book but I could see why the ratings are higher for someone who doesn’t mind a slow burn because the storyline itself was good and the ending (including the epilogue) made it worth reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

To see other reviews I’ve left, please check out my Instagram and Goodreads pages:
*Instagram - bookworm_traveler808
*Goodreads - Cherihy808

This was incredibly engaging and gripping! Lots of twists kept it moving at an intense pace and the final twists at the end made my jaw drop. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!

Being on your honeymoon in one of the most romantic cities in the world is supposed to be the happiest time of your life; one that you can talk about to your children and grandchildren for years to come. Unfortunately for Stella, her's is memorable for all the wrong reasons.

There was much about The Honeymoon that I enjoyed. The tension and suspense was well developed and the descriptions of Venice really made me feel that I was there. Stella's shock as she comes to terms with the living-nightmare of the situation she suddenly finds herself in is portrayed in a successful way as we follow her around the back streets and dark corners of this beautiful city as she desperately searches for the fairy-tale that she thought she was living.

However, it isn't without its irritations. The duel timeline makes Stella seem naive at best, as you find out more and more in the Then chapters you wonder how on earth she could think her husband to be was a trustworthy catch. But this could be overlooked if you believe that love is blind. However, what Boland gets right about Venice, can't be said for Christchurch. I have first hand knowledge of the area and these people and their lives just don't add up - no one is called Stella and Austin around here for a start! It really was like reading a book written by two different people and I just wish that there had been some way of filling in the background information without constantly breaking the tension built up in the present.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an early copy of The Honeymoon. It’s always exciting to see a new Shalini Boland book out, she does NOT disappoint. I had questions from the beginning of this one and WOW did they get answered. I really can’t understand how Shalini thought of this plot, it was WHOA!!! I NEVER saw the twist coming at all. A fast read, in one day, sooooooooo good!! Both sets of parents were just lovely characters, you would wish them for your parents. Make sure you have nothing to do when you start this, you won’t be able to put it down. Thank you again.

Despite the reservations from her dad, Stella is happy to be marrying the love of her life Austin. Their engagement has been fraught though with a court case looming with Austin's work partner Brad and the interference from his ex girlfriend Keri. But the wedding goes ahead and they embark on their honeymoon in Venice. But on the first night, Austin goes missing and Stella spends her days searching for him. But when Brad rings her convinced that Austin has disappeared deliberately she wonders if their whole relationship was built on a lie.
Shalini Boland is an automatic read for me, her books get under my skin and I cannot put them down. The tension is on point and each story as fresh as her first.
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, my opinions are my own and not expected

Another great book from one of my favourite authors. A well written storyline with plenty of twists and good characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this great ARC with a brilliant ending that I never guessed.

Newly weds Stella and Lewis Austin on honeymoon in Venice, and Austin goes missing, so what's the story behind his disappearance?
As this story unfolds with loads of twists and turns, the story is mind blowing from start to finish keeping you thinking I have got this then suddenly you haven't but you just have to carry on reading.
This author is so clever in her work every single book is different and I enjoy every single one.
Five big ones from me leaving me hungry for the next one.

"The Honeymoon" by Shalini Boland is a unique psychological thriller told in dual timelines from the first-person perspective of newlywed Stella. The story alternates between past and present, before and after the honeymoon of Stella and her husband Austin.".

Stella, a dance instructor, and Austin, a successful business owner, have been together for four years before finally taking the next step and getting married. Austin appears to be the perfect husband—attentive, loving, and caring. However, their bliss is disrupted by his ex's attempts to drive a wedge between them and Austin's troubles with his business partner, adding to their stress.

After their marriage, they embark on their honeymoon in Italy, hoping to relax and leave their troubles behind. However, what was supposed to be the perfect time of their lives turns into a nightmare. On the first night of their honeymoon, Austin goes out to retrieve a credit card he forgot at a restaurant they dined at earlier and has not seen since. Stella's stress intensifies as she frantically searches for him to no avail. The plot thickens as curious tidbits emerge, and we delve deeper into the characters' lives

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. While I initially expected a typical disappearance plot, it was anything but. The suspense was expertly crafted, slowly creeping up on the reader. The author skillfully builds tension and atmosphere throughout the book. The ending was intense, keeping me on the edge of my seat, and the epilogue managed to shock me, despite suspecting some plot twists.

The story is mostly character-driven, focusing more on the traits and emotions of the characters. I found Stella likable to a certain extent. There is enough action that the reader is immediately drawn into the story with further details of past events dropped like breadcrumbs along the way. As I felt that some characters got away too easily with their actions, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. Nonetheless, I loved the book and highly recommend it to fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers with a bite.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"The Honeymoon" by Shalini Boland is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Boland masterfully weaves a tale of intrigue and mystery, drawing readers into a world of uncertainty and doubt.

Stella's nightmare honeymoon in Venice unfolds with chilling suspense as she searches desperately for her missing husband, Austin. Boland expertly crafts a plot filled with twists and turns, leaving readers guessing until the very end. The atmospheric setting of Venice adds an extra layer of tension to the story, making every shadowy alley and winding canal feel ominous.

What I loved most about "The Honeymoon" is its exploration of trust and betrayal. As Stella delves deeper into Austin's past, she uncovers dark secrets and questions everything she thought she knew about her husband. The psychological depth of the characters and their complex relationships kept me hooked until the final page.

This book truly kept me up at night, turning page after page to uncover the truth behind Austin's disappearance. With its heart-pounding suspense and shocking revelations, "The Honeymoon" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Shalini Boland has once again delivered an unforgettable story that will leave readers breathless.

I enjoyed this one a lot. All the characters were great in it and it kept me entertained to the very end. I'm pretty good at guessing the endings but this one I did not. Would definitely recommend this for quick entertaining story. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars

Shalini Boland's newest thriller, The Honeymoon, is a wild ride that will leave your jaw on the floor with every twist and turn. Stella just married Austin, a charming entrepreneur with a bitter ex-girlfriend and a tumultuous relationship with his business partner. Stella sees only the good in Austin until he disappears on the first night of their honeymoon in Venice and mysterious circumstances surround his.disappearance. As the police investigate and Austin's parents fly out to join the search, Stella becomes more embroiled in Austin's secrets.

I'm so grateful to NetGalley for the ARC of this amazing roller coaster ride of a novel that will keep you up all night!

Alright, imagine this: Stella and Austin, the lovebirds fresh off their "I do's," are living it up in the city of canals, Venice. But wait, what's this? Austin pulls a Houdini and disappears without a trace, leaving poor Stella in a panic! So, what's a determined wife to do? She turns into a detective faster than you can say "ciao" and dives headfirst into the mystery.

Now, buckle up because this story doesn't unfold like your typical Italian opera. No sir, it's a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns as we hop between past and present, trying to piece together what in the world happened to Austin. But hey, fair warning: while the journey's scenic, it's like navigating Venice's maze-like streets—it can feel a bit slow getting to the big reveal.

And speaking of reveals, let's talk about that ending! Just when you think you've figured it all out, Boland drops a bombshell that'll leave your jaw on the gondola floor. Seriously, I'm still reeling from it, and I reckon it's gonna be stuck in my head for days to come.

So, hats off to Boland for crafting an ending that's more satisfying than a plate of homemade spaghetti. And big thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the change to review this ARC. You guys rock!

This was a gripping thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. Enjoyed it a lot and will definitely recommend it to others.
Thank you very much for the advance copy of The Honeymoon. Love Shalini Boland books.

Boland's stories get better and better every time I read them! This one specifically had better twists and turns than their predecessors, each more exciting than the last.

I can always trust Shalini Boland for a good thriller. I requested this feeling that way. However, this storyline was just so unbelievable and lame to me. The whole missing husband thing and the business partner just had me rolling my eyes. I did not enjoy this one, sadly. 2.5 stars

I found this book a little slow and hard to get into the first fe chapters. I am so glad that I continued as it was worth it. Did not see the end coming at all and loved the plot twists in it.

I adore Boland's books for their tightly weaved plots, fast-paced action and astonishing twists. 'The Honeymoon' was no exception to this. Boland writes this between the present day and the recent past, this meant I knew something would not add up but could not ascertain what and it was great to see the two timelines collide and for me to start to work out what was going on. Of course, I never truly can with Boland and I was thrilled by a really spectacular twist that I did not see coming.
Stella is a fantastic central character, she is strong and yet fragile in a very human way. I enjoyed getting to know her and those around her and learn the many secrets of the characters involved. We see her at her happiest and her worst and Boland does a great job at capturing these raw emotions.
The setting of Venice is of course stunning and provides a maze for the search for Austin to take place in. Everything about this book just comes together to make for a truly fantastic read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy.

Shalini Boland never fails to deliver a 5 star jaw dropping plot twist filled book. I'm always blown away by the last paragraph and then blown away again by the epilogue. I loved every second of this book and read it in one sitting!

I always enjoy Shalini’s books, and The Honeymoon is another great thriller. Stella is on her honeymoon with her perfect husband, Austin. She wakes on the first night and, still groggy, she finds him getting dressed and saying he needs to pop out... He should not have been gone for more than an hour or so, therefore when he does not return for several hours and Stella searches for him. What has happened to Austin? Will Stella find him? Is Austin really the perfect husband?
I absolutely inhaled this book, reading it in one sitting as I had to find out the truth of The Honeymoon. A great book which I would highly recommend to fans of Shalini, and those new to her works.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.