good mystery about a couple and staying in a house and the other couple there. kept me on my toes . good mystery and figuring stuff out.

James Devery has fallen in love with his boss’s wife, the glamorous Mrs. Eastman. He dreams about her. He writes about her. He wants to be with her forever.

But that won’t be easy. Because James is just a young builder’s apprentice, hired to work on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion.

On the surface, it seems James doesn’t stand a chance. And yet… he suspects Mrs. Eastman isn’t entirely happy with her handsome, successful husband. The cracks in their marriage are starting to show, and James is determined to make the most of them.

Because he has a dark secret. A secret that means he can’t give Mrs. Eastman up, he absolutely must have her. And he’ll do anything – anything at all - to be with her.

What he doesn’t realise is his single-minded obsession will fuel a spiral of lust and treachery, taking all three to a hell beyond their wildest imaginings.
Loved it

Overall this was a good book. Does have some suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. With that being said it is just another love triangle gone awry. I am ready for a psychological thriller that does not involve a "perfect couple" with someone who wants to insert themselves into the relationship with a "twist" I would give this book 3.5 stars it was good and was well written just over the theme.

A good old fashioned mystery. Family secrets, lovers to enemies, etc, etc. There's some good stuff here.

ARC provided by Inkubator Books in exchange for an honest review.

In The Makeover, Matt McGregor crafts a delightful and heartwarming narrative that explores the transformative power of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. This engaging contemporary fiction novel invites readers into the lives of its relatable characters, delivering a story filled with humor, emotion, and plenty of surprises along the way.

The protagonist, whose journey we follow, is on a quest for self-improvement and reinvention. McGregor skillfully portrays the challenges of navigating a world that often places unrealistic expectations on appearances and self-worth. The author’s keen insights into the complexities of identity and the societal pressures surrounding beauty resonate throughout the narrative, making it relatable for anyone who has ever felt the need for a change.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist embarks on a journey that involves not just physical changes but also a deeper exploration of self-acceptance and personal values. McGregor’s writing shines when depicting these moments of vulnerability and strength, allowing readers to connect with the character on an emotional level. The character's growth is authentic and beautifully rendered, offering a message of empowerment that lingers long after the final page.

The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the narrative, with each character bringing their own quirks and perspectives to the story. Their interactions provide a mix of humor and heartfelt moments that enrich the protagonist’s journey. McGregor balances lighthearted banter with more serious themes, creating a well-rounded reading experience that keeps readers engaged and invested.

The romantic element of the story is equally compelling, featuring a budding relationship that unfolds naturally and sweetly. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their connection feels genuine and relatable. McGregor expertly navigates the ups and downs of love, reminding readers that true beauty comes from within and that the right partner sees beyond the surface.

The Makeover is a charming and uplifting read that tackles important themes with grace and humor. Matt McGregor’s engaging writing style and relatable characters make this novel a delightful addition to the contemporary fiction genre. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted romance or a story of personal transformation, this book delivers on all fronts.

This fast paced thriller starts off when the FMCs rich husband moves her to rural Montana after his mother’s death. His estranged younger sister is already living on the property while he has the main house remodeled for his wife and himself. There are twists and turns in every chapter. There’s definitely something for everyone in this story. Stalker. Murder. Doomed marriage. Money. Greed. Family drama. I truly enjoyed this book, I did, however, guess the ending. This book had a good grip on me the entire time.

Thank you NetGalley, Matt McGregor, and the Publishing company for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Wow! I really enjoyed the book! Plots with twists and turns that I didn't see coming! Richard is cunning but he really underestimates Virginia. So does Gillian. But the book ends where it shows never be complacent. Always watch your back. You never know who or what is hiding in plain sight.

Description sounded good but I couldnt get in to the story. Sorry but this one isnt for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Matt McGregor’s “The Makeover” is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark recesses of obsession, desire, and betrayal. Known for his ability to craft intricate and suspenseful narratives, McGregor delivers a story that is as unsettling as it is compelling.

The novel centers around James Devery, a young builder’s apprentice who becomes infatuated with his boss’s wife. James’s obsession with her grows as he works on the Eastmans’ enormous mansion, as he sees cracks in her marriage. Driven by a dark secret with an unyielding desire to be with Mrs. Eastman, James’s actions set off a chain of events that spiral into violence.

The plot is meticulously crafted, with each chapter revealing new layers of intrigue and tension, keeping readers captivated.

“The Makeover” explores themes of obsession, power dynamics, and the destructive nature of unchecked desires. McGregor delves into the psychological complexities of his characters, particularly James, whose single-minded pursuit of Mrs. Eastman leads to unforeseen consequences.

The novel also examines the facade of perfection in relationships and the hidden turmoil that often lies beneath the surface.

McGregor’s writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the tension and unease that permeate the story. His ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters adds depth to the narrative, making the reader deeply invested in their fates. The dialogue is crisp and realistic, reflecting the psychological underpinnings of the characters’ interactions. McGregor’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter ending on a note that compels you to keep reading.

“The Makeover” is a standout psychological thriller that offers a chilling exploration of obsession and its consequences. Matt McGregor has crafted a novel that is both thought-provoking and suspenseful, with a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways. This book is a must-read for fans of the genre who enjoy delving into the darker aspects of human nature.

Matt McGregor has proven his prowess in the psychological thriller genre with “The Makeover.” This novel is a testament to his ability to weave complex, emotionally charged narratives that resonate long after the final page.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read.

I couldn't find any other listings on Goodreads for Mcgregor, is this a debut?

The Makeover is a pacey thriller that's told from multiple POV. Unreliable narrators, an unexpected sister and hidden agendas lead the way with Mcgregor taking us on a twisty roller-coaster ride woven with secrets, lies and retribution.

Just when you think it's all over and your heart can stop racing there's one final twist at the end, one final twist that I did not see coming!

A gripping plot, great characters and an enjoyable suspense fuelled read.

Thank you,  Netgalley,  Matt McGregor, and Inkubator Books for the ebook.  This was the perfect type of thriller with every twist and turn you love.  It was a fast-paced page turner that will keep you up at night wanting to know more.

This is...definitely a book.

The author tries to do a twisty thing that ends up being a really obvious from the go thing. I appreciated the try, though.

Our characters are very unbelievable and there's really no one to root for.

Main character is a door mat, though I think door mats may have more personality.

Unfortunately, this just didn't work for me.

* ARC via Publisher

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The plot was fairly unique and kept me guessing. The ending developed well and took me by surprise.
I’ll definitely read more by this author in future.

Oooh what a read. A fast paced thriller perfect when it's a cold and wet afternoon

Thank you for the opportunity to review the book

"I turn but there's no one there. My heart is racing. I could have sworn it was him - the man I killed. I suppose this will be my fate: to always mistake the rustle of leaves for the whispers of ghosts. But who cares? I'm free, and that's all I ever wanted.
Now, I can finally live."

📘If you like:
Short chapters ✔️
Dual timeline / POV ✔️
Unreliable narrator ✔️
Diary entries ✔️
Marriage / family drama ✔️

The cover and plot of this book drew me in and I like that it has short chapters.
After the revelation about who the killer was, I had to go back and reread chapters on clues I have missed. The reading experience was a heady mix..Some things fell into place while others did not seem to add up and left me confused. Like it's unbelievable that some of the characters got away unscathed. But that's ok since some of the characters I don't really care much about. There wasn't enough of the back story or character development of our main characters. The ending was kinda rushed but still an overall decent enough thriller since I did not predict some of the twists.

Happy publication day and thank you to NetgAlley and the publishers for the arc! 🖤

2.85 ✨

I enjoyed the plot and the playing with timelines, but the plot twists were not as surprising as I wanted them to be. The hints weren't too vague so it didn't really hide how things turned out, especially for an overthinker, such as myself. It was a pretty quick and well paced read, coming in at under 300 pages, it allows for minimal filler content, so things never strayed from the original plot lines.

Thank you to Matt McGregor, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.

Well I wasn’t expecting this! I really enjoyed this story and the twists. I am expecting another book because of the ending. I do wish we got a little more background to all of their stories but otherwise, really good story!

This was a read that pulls you in, trying to determine who is good, who is bad, and what their motivations might be. I spent about 75% of the time watching this slowly come to life, and 90% of the time wondering what the blippity blip was actually going on. When all is said and done, I think it would have been beneficial to have a bulletin board with pushpins and different colored yarn to put it all together. I also think that there wasn't enough of the back story or development of the characters. I like a little show with my tell, and I don't think there was enough of that. I also expected more of a boiling bunny rabbits (which only makes sense if you know the Fatal Attraction tie-in) vibe, but that wasn't really what this was. I enjoyed my time spent reading this, but I think it could use more plot and character development.

Thank you NetGalley! This one had potential and intrigued me at first. I just couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted to

The cover and plot of this book drew me in right away and the twists and turns kept me reading until the end.