I spent the first half of this book wondering where it was going, was it a romance or a mystery? The tension between the two main characters made me think it was going to lead more towards romance until the mystery starts to unfold.

I absolutely loved the ending of this book and I have no idea how to talk about it without a bunch of spoilers, ugh. I will say that I am looking forward to reading more of Kiersten Modglin's work in the future because that was a great mystery.

Lauren Ezzo and Melanie Carey did a great job narrating this story. They kept me engaged and wanting more. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I loved this quick suspenseful told from the perspectives of Bridget and Vera Bitter. Bitter House is chocked full of hidden secrets that unravel slowly, maintaining reader interest from start to finish. The narration was wonderful and my attention was captivated throughout the story. I highly recommend this one for fans of popcorn thrillers.

Another Kiersten Modglin book - - another winner!

This was a good blend between romance and mystery. Our main characters, Bridget and Cole have known each other since childhood but there's a definite long standing jealousy between them. The misunderstandings and heartache that formed from their experiences were understandable but still quite sad. They both had tragedy and so much hurt from their childhoods. So, when Bridget's grandmother, Vera leaves them both her home, Bitter House, Bridget is confused. Cole isn't even a relative. He's the son of Vera's housekeeper who always lived there. And he was always cruel to Bridget when they were children. At least that's how she remembers it. So, it doesn't make any sense to her that Vera would leave her tied to Cole through the house.

The story is told by giving you a feel for the past and how it wove its way into who everyone became. The past flows into the future and who the characters are now. The way the information is parceled out a little at a time is perfect. I really enjoyed the book and felt like it pulled me into the storyline and kept me engrossed.

I received an early copy of the audiobook. The narration was done so well. I felt that it really captured the characters' voices and mannerisms. It was an enjoyable listen and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy listening to their books.

Thank you to NetGalley for this early copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC

I admit it took me some time to get into the novel. I didn't see the thriller aspect at first and felt it was more an enemies to lovers romance. However when the letters started appearing it became more interesting. I really liked the ending, while the rest of the novel was just ok. Not a lot of character development, but I like how their relationship ended up and how the story wrapped up.

This is my second Kiersten Modglin book and I definitely enjoyed it. It was a shorter audiobook coming in just under 6 hours so this was easy to finish all in one shot.

I also liked the narrators a lot and found that they rounded out the story nicely. There’s nothing worse than when narrators don’t fit the character voices you have imagined.

There wasn’t anything really notable or memorable about the audiobook here but it was enjoyable.

The actual story was pretty interesting and definitely had a dark twist to it. Again, I feel like the story was a bit predictable but overall, I liked it.

I did take away one star for the romance. Maybe this is a me thing but I find spicy romance and thrillers should stay in their own lanes. I think when I’m in the mood for one, it’s just that one genre, I’m not looking for a crossover genre.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kiersten Modglin's latest thriller, "Bitter House," immerses readers into a world where secrets refuse to stay buried and the past haunts every corner of a dark, mysterious estate. The story follows Bridget, who is reluctantly drawn back to her childhood home following the death of her cold and distant grandmother, Vera Bitter. Inheriting the ominous Bitter House is not the welcome surprise one might expect; instead, it's the beginning of a chilling journey into the depths of family secrets and personal grudges.

From the moment Bridget steps back into Bitter House, the tension is palpable. Modglin masterfully creates an atmosphere thick with suspense and unease, making the reader feel the weight of the manor's dark history. The return of Cole Warner, Bridget’s childhood adversary, only adds to the tension. Their forced cohabitation brings old resentments to the surface, compelling Bridget to confront long-buried emotions and questions.

The narrative takes a thrilling turn with the arrival of the first letter, opening the floodgates to a world of secrets and deception. Modglin skillfully weaves a tale where nothing is as it seems, and every revelation is more shocking than the last. The shadowy halls of Bitter House become a labyrinth of fear and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

"Bitter House" is not just a story about uncovering secrets; it’s a deep dive into the complexities of trust and the dangers lurking behind familiar facades. Modglin's ability to create bone-chilling suspense and compelling characters makes this novel achingly addictive. Fans of psychological thrillers and gothic mysteries will find themselves utterly captivated by the eerie charm of Bitter House.

In this bone-chilling, page-turning thriller, Kiersten Modglin once again proves why she is a master of the genre. "Bitter House" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery wrapped in layers of darkness and suspense.

This was an excellent book. I enjoyed guessing at what the family secret was and finally figuring out during the reveal. It was bittersweet and the ending was enjoyable. The narrators were fantastic.

Another great book by Kiersten Modglin that would be perfect for a series! She is the master of an intriguing, fast-paced plot and the perfect amount of spice. I listened to the audiobook version in one sitting. The narrator did a fantastic job capturing the story and truly bringing it to life. Bitter House is a must-read!

Rating: 4/5 Stars
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Bitter House was nothing of what I was expecting but that was a very refreshing change.
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Bridget inherits her grandma’s house, but so does her housemaids son. They hate each other. Then a letter comes saying that Vera was not who she thought she was. Dude I ate this up so fast. Once I started I couldn’t stop and I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns this one took. The characters were likable. Bridget and Cole had a great connection, I wish there was maybe a smidge more drama between the two, but thats a me thing.
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Told in a dual POV through the eyes of Bridget and Vera we get both sides to the story as things begin to unravel. This is more of a slow burn that what I’m used to with KMod but I still really enjoyed this one. It’s not overly thrilling but its has an eerie and suspenseful atmospheric vibe in the sense of what is happening within the story. That sounds so vague but I really dont want to give anything away. The final twist as to the mysterious letters was awesome. I felt like it was unique and I loved it.
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I listen to this one via audiobook Lauren Ezzo and Melanie Carey and they two of them were phenomenal. This was so entertaining to listen to. They complimented one another perfectly.
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Looking for a good suspenseful mystery? Pick this one up. KMod is a very entertaining author. This was released on audiobook on 7/9 be sure to check it out! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Kiersten Modglin for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The storyline was captivating, and the narration was done with so much emotion! The narration was read where you really felt you could feel the characters pain and emotion. Also, a woman narrated doing a man's voice can be hard. It was nailed in this!

I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I was left speechless. Once this story starts it does not stop. I never once felt like okay come on let's get to get the good stuff. The good stuff starts on page one and goes until the last page! The character development was strong and realistic.

Bridget is notified that her grandma has passed and left her the Bitter house. This is a shock to Bridget as they have not spoken since her grandmother kicked her out of the house years ago. Bridget is unsure what to do with the house but turns out she won't have to make that choice alone. Her grandmother also left the house to someone else. That is not even the tip of the ice burg. There are secrets locked away in this house and they are dying to escape. Can she trust her new housemate? Can she trust her family? Why did Vera leave them the house? Why did Vera kick her out and stop contact with any family? Did Vera ever care?

This is a fast past story that keeps you involved throughout the story. You become invested in the characters and what is to come next. Whether you read this story or listen to the wonderful narration, there will be zero disappointment. You won't be left bitter, that is the truth!

This was my first book by Kiersten Modglin and i can tell you it will definitely not be my last. I truly loved how the the story unfolded and the twists that werent really twists. I was rooting for Bridget and Cole to be together. The family dynamic was so hard to hear but in the end it turned out happy and it just goes to show that people show love in all different kind of ways. You may not know, see or feel it at the time but its there.

Bitter house by @kierstenmodglinauthor
🎧 Narration by Lauren Ezzo and Melanie Carey
Rating: 👍🏻

🏠Psychological thriller
🏠Mystery + suspense
🏠Romance sub plot
🏠Family secrets
🏠Multi timelines
🏠Enemies to lovers
🏠Childhood friends(ish) to lovers
🏠Close Proximity
🏠Dual pov

"She saved you. She raised you. You never really knew her."

Another Kmod that doesn't really fit into one genre.
Not thriller vibes this time...
More a mystery + small romance
Short, fast paced
Uncovering secrets from their past and loved ones. Two childhood *friends* are left ownership of their childhood home in her grandma's home.

Huge thanks to @dreamscape _media @netgalley and @kierstenmodglinauthor for ALCS

I love a mystery with a sinister mansion, and Bitter House was the perfect location for this quick and twisty story. Driven by letters left by a mysterious person, the gradual uncovering of the mystery of Vera was satisfying. The development of Cole and Bridget’s relationship added a captivating level of emotion, as we saw different sides of Vera through their eyes. As with another Kiersten Modglin I read recently, this was more a mystery romance than dark thriller.

I think what elevated this read for me was the narration. The emotional interpretation by the narrators created a more visceral sense of the mystery, and the interplay of Bridget and Vera’s voices at key points in the story made for a captivating and gripping experience.

Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.

Liked the uunderlying theme of this book but it felt a little rushed and short to me. Would’ve loved more epilogue.

Bridget is upset to learnthat after her grandma has died, she is now the co-owner of Bitter House, the house built by her grandma's first husband. This wouldn't be a problem but because the co-owner is the housekeeper's son, who got to stay at the house when her grandma kicked her out, there's a lot of anger and resentment on both sides. Bridget just wants to sell the house and be done with it, that is until she starts receiving anonymous letters that detail her grandma's secrets. Fighting her aunt and cousin to keep the house and digging through all the house's secrets creates a fast paced mystery that is resolved with a lot of emotions and a small twist that isn't really a twist. I didn't really like Bridget as a character, but she does grow on you. Not as dramatic as Modglin's other titles but still a satisfying story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Bitter House has the beginnings of a perfect mystery and throughout we are offered classic red herrings which keep the listener on tenterhooks.

Unfortunately, the author’s need for a more romantic focus is what lets the book down and ends like a romantic novel where we must all live happily ever after, leaving the plot twist falling flat.

What should have packed a punch left no impact and as a result this will not be a book I recommend.

A huge thank you to Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for Bitter House by Kiersten Modglin in exchange for my honest review.

Kiersten Modglin is one of my go to authors for a fast pace / binge worthy read! She never disappoints and Bitter House was no exception. This can be best described as “perception vs reality” in this mystery you’ll find yourself binge reading at record speed. The narrators did an awesome job keeping me engaged and gripped. They kept the story flowing so effortlessly and I loved that! There was never a slow go moment, just on your edge suspense that the narrators built up so well.

I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR!! I can’t wait to see what K Mod writes next. 4 binge worthy stars!

3/5 stars

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the advanced listening copy!

SYNOPSIS -- When Bridget's parents tragically died in a car accident as a child, she was taken in by her Grandmother, Vera Bitter, only to later be cast away without reason. Now, years later, Bridget is called back to Bitter House upon her Grandmother's death, and given ownership of the property. She's shocked, however, to find out that she's sharing the property with a man she has always despised, and even further shocked to receive letters alluding to Vera's secret past. Will Bridget sell Bitter House, or will she uncover the secrets Vera has hidden here for many years?

This was a solid, enticing thriller. There wasn't as much suspense or chaos as in KMod's usual books, so that was a bit of a letdown for me. I enjoyed the dynamic between Bridget and Cole a lot, and I think that added to my overall enjoyment of the story. There were some really solid and unexpected twists in this one, and the ending was wrapped up nicely! Overall, I enjoyed this book but I don't think I'll remember major details in the months to come.

I liked how the book went back and forth between current time Bridget and past Vera. It was a quick read and kept my interest going. Just a few things that caused me to decrease my rating - for one, the way she reacted towards Cole made it seem like he did something really awful, when it was just that they weren't friends growing up. And then their chemistry didn't seem genuine. I did like how the story wrapped everything up.

I didn't expect this BUT I enjoyed it, I love a bad ass character and Vera Bitter was the epitome of that, she took matters into her own hands and made sure that the women around her didn't have to put up with abuse. Overall, this was a fast-paced entertaining story and the narration was great.
Thank you @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the ALC