I am a huge fan of Lisa Unger and I felt the premise of this book showed promise -- a reality tv show + a game of hide and seek = the perfect thriller novel. This book had so much potential, but didn't live up to it for me. It was a slow burn that I had such hard time completing and took me over a month to finish because I just couldn't get into it and I read several books in that same span of time.
I felt like there were three different storylines going at the same time. .The actual game part of this was extremely rushed and not playing out that well at all. The other two stories were very predictable, with no real "shocker" at the end.

I appreciate the ARC and will be purchasing this title for our public library.

In this gripping new thriller by Lisa Unger an adult game of hide and seek quickly turns to a game of survivor. Despite the rumors about the Island of Falcao being cursed, contestants flock to the island for a chance to win big money. Main character Adele is one of the contestants. She is hoping the prize money will free her struggles with debt and she and her two children can finally relax about money. What was supposed to be a fun competition soon becomes dangerous. Threats of a dangerous storm along with the questionable ethics of the host, Maverick and his team, the competition turns sinister.

This was such a fun, twisty read. It was told from multiple POV'S but was well written so you knew who each character was and some of their background. Lisa Unger proves yet again she is a master at writing a thriller. I highly recommend this especially if you're into all the survivor type shows

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 - Lisa Unger
Pub Date - February 18, 2025
Media - Ebook
Rating - 3/5

Thoughts - Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked the premise of this book -- a reality tv show + a game of hide and seek = the perfect thriller novel. This book had so much potential, but didn't live up to it for me. It was a slow burn that I had a really hard time completing and took me almost a week because I just couldn't get into it.
I felt like the author had three different storylines going at the same time, which...is fine, but usually they merge into something that makes the reader gasp. That was....not the case here. I felt like the actual game part of this was extremely rushed and not really playing out at all. The other two stories were very predictable, with no real "shocker" at the end.

Overall, entertaining novel, but nothing special.

I liked this book but I didn’t love it. I thought there were too many point of views in the story and it took away from the focus of the story. I did like the idea of the story.. reality tv, stormy weather, remote island.. it is a spooky setting that I loved! I wanted to keep reading because I had to know how it ended,
Overall it was a good book but could have been better if there were limited point of views and didn’t stray for reality show theme.

Another Lisa Unger!! I had high hopes, but was very disappointed. I found it difficult to follow along with the story. I could not bring myself to like the book, despite enjoying her previous books. 2 stars

I can always rely on Lisa Unger for a great thriller read. This one is a slow burn, but I was so engrossed in the characters and story that I found it hard to put down.

I am super intrigued because there is an "Eaton House" in upstate NY as part of the story. I googled and no such places exists as far as I can tell. However, I grew up in a similar victorian home to the one described and it was in Eaton, NY. So every time this part of the story came up, the visualization I had down to the creepy basement and woods out back was very real! This was definitely a surprise bonus element added to the story that really enhanced my reading experience.

The setting was great and had definite creepy vibes. There were twists that I never saw coming. The added suspense of an impending storm and being trapped on the island really added to the story. This gave survivor vibes and I loved every second of it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Could I put this book down, nope! Another Lisa Unger book that I devoured! The twists and turns kept coming all the way until the end, and it kept me guessing.

There were multiple POV, but it was easy to keep track of, which is not always the case. I enjoyed the suspense of this novel.

The only downfall for me was that I was hoping there was more to the game.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for the ARC.

In Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten, a game of hide and seek turns deathly. WeWatch (essentially YouTube) superstar Maverick is going all out with his new challenge- a high stakes game of hide and seek where the winner takes home a cash prize and likely thousands of new subscribers. For single mom Adele, winning the game could make all the difference. But can Maverick and his cohorts keep the contestants safe? After all a storm is coming and their last hide and seek game ended with the disappearance of a young woman.
There’s a lot to like in this book. Adele and her children are easy to root for, and the twist turns keep the book engaging. For me, however, I found that there were a few too many subplots that kept me from getting fully invested in the main action. I also felt that several times along the way the plot points felt a bit unlikely (like the mysterious shaman with the private army warning Maverick and the contestants away from the island). That being said, it was an interesting read if you’re willing to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride.
3.5 rounded to 4

A well written thriller, once again from Lisa Unger! It was easy to read, as it was SO well written! Adele is desperate for money, after her husband defrauded his own company and went on the run. As Adele spent a year cleaning herself up and getting fit, she decides to apply for an extreme game of hide and seek that her son Blake brought to her attention. The adventure there is wild, as is what happens with her kids at home. Well told, I was hooked from the start!

Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten by Lisa Unger is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat ride that expertly weaves together multiple storylines. Each character brings a unique perspective, adding layers of suspense and intrigue. From mysterious disappearances to dark family secrets, the plot twists keep you guessing at every turn.

Lisa Unger masterfully jumps between timelines, creating a sense of urgency that keeps you hooked. While some moments feel a bit fragmented, the way everything ties together in the end is both satisfying and unexpected. Fast-paced, intense, and full of surprises—this is an easy 4-star must-read!

As an extreme game of hide and seek quickly turned from stunt to survival, I held my breath as the plot twisted and turned to its dramatic conclusion. Pacy and gripping, I couldn’t read fast enough. Take it on holiday and savor every deliciously dark page

This has been one of several thrillers I have read recently about secluded reality show contests gone bad--it seems to be a new subgenre. This one was good--not the best but not the worse either. I'm not entirely sure that the subplot of the husband who disappeared fit in with the overall story. It seemed like its only purpose was to give the main character motivation for appearing on the show and was a little distracting. The plot was a little slow going but ramped up about two thirds of the way into the book, and I didn't particularly care for the jumping around timeline. It relied heavily on virtual reality/social media as part of the action. Maybe because I don't care for those topics it was harder for me to relate or get into the story.

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 is another great thriller by Lisa Unger. The story is engaging and the characters relatable. It was a fast read that Unger fans will devour.

This was what I expected, and a little more interesting with the side stories of Chloe Miranda and Miller. I found the switch between Tavo and Gustavo to be confusing, and it felt like it ended a little quickly for me. Other than that, enjoyed and will recommend!

*Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten* by Lisa Unger is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls readers into a web of suspense, secrets, and unexpected revelations. Unger’s talent for crafting complex characters and layered narratives shines through as she unravels a story filled with tension and dark twists. The novel follows a protagonist whose seemingly ordinary life begins to unravel as buried memories and hidden truths come to light, forcing her to confront her deepest fears. Unger’s writing is immersive and atmospheric, building a palpable sense of unease that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last.

One of the standout features of this novel is Unger’s ability to delve into the intricacies of the human mind, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and the blurred lines between reality and perception. Her characters are richly developed, flawed, and utterly relatable, which makes their journey all the more compelling. Unger’s plot is expertly paced, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the mystery, keeping the suspense taut throughout. *Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten* is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries of truth and force characters to face the darkest corners of their psyche. It’s a chilling and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

Unger had been on a roll, but this one is phoned in. An overdone premise that’s been much more intriguingly & surprisingly explored by others; shopworn observations about social media; in short, a bundle of cliches. And not suspenseful at all. And so many typos!

3.5. I liked the premise of this book an abandoned resort a real life game of hide and seek. Corruption. I didn’t love that it wasn’t as twisty as I was hoping but I still really enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hide and seek? On a haunted island? Streamed live until there is a winner? Sign me up.

Adele has faced a lot over the past few years being a single mom trying to make ends meet as an accidental influencer. When her son suggests she enter Maverick's hide and seek challenge to win a million dollars she finds it a little hard to say no. App on entering Falco island Adele has an eerie feeling, but knowing she'd be in the same predicament as she left unless she wins leads her to stay. As a storm approaches the contestants not only have to survive the storm but also the games.

I loved the story and the set up to the challenge, but was a little let down when I realized the challenge was so far into the book. I loved the twists and turns we take with each 'side' of characters and the mystery behind it all, I just wished it happened a little more in the game? I liked that I physically read it as it did have so many POV but also loved seeing each side so in depth. Overall loved the book and cannot wait to read more!

Adele, a single mother who joins an extreme game of hide-and-seek on remote Falcao Island, hosted by the charismatic daredevil Maverick Dillan. What starts as a social media stunt quickly spirals into a deadly contest as a storm rages and a real threat emerges. The fast-paced plot and many unexpected twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, while Unger’s vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters enhance the immersive experience.

It’s hard to go wrong with a Lisa Unger novel. Although this isn’t my favorite of hers, it’s still a very gripping, heart-pounding thriller.

In the time of social media, when views are money, people will go to extremes to get followers. So when Adele, a single mom and an influencer herself, sees that an extreme game of hide and seek could reap a reward of a million dollars for the winner, she maxes out her credit card on survival gear, and heads to the remote island where the game is being played. As a storm rages and the organizers of the game seem to be fighting amongst themselves, Adele and two other contestants realize they need to fight for more than the prize money. Who will make it home?

I love the reality tv setting for this novel. The characters are very well written, each with a distinct personality, and you’ll never guess the extremes one will go to for money in this one. I highly recommend this 4-star novel to thriller lovers and anyone who loves a very well written book. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC.