Too Good to Be True

4 Wild Stars.

Oh No He Didn’t! Oh Yes, He Most Certainly Did!

Baawaaah! There were times when I actually clapped and times when I cringed. It doesn’t get better than that.

A Brilliantly Plotted Car Crash Waiting to Happen.

Significant others who are less than trustworthy? AS IF!

Character development at its best.

Three cheers for Carola Lovering for writing a stellar, character driven domestic suspense, told from several POV’s that grabbed my attention from the get go and kept me glued to the end of my seat.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Carola Lovering for the arc.

Published on Goodreads on 6.7.20.

Wow! The beginning was good but the twist and ending was amazing! A definite recommend! Written very well and I would love to see a sequel. It flows well and the plot with Heather & Burke keeps thickening! The vision with the journal entries worked very well in this book. The endings of most of them left me speechless! Absolutely great work!

OMG! This is the first book I have read by Loverling and I am hooked. I read this book over two days and could not put it down what a suspense it was and what a great psychological thrill! This book contained it all -- great characters, great timeline, thrill, suspense, and the twist is crazy. Loved Loved Loved this book. So glad I requested. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read and to NetGalley. Cannot wait to recommend this one to everyone!

I received a copy of TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to the author and publisher for this opportunity.

FIVE stars and here’s why:

CAROLA LOVERING kept me reading all day – I couldn’t put it down! It was very intense and the fast pace writing kept me turning page after page and before I knew it, I blew all my to-do list and finished the book! The three points of view was completely well written so that you really got a good sense of each character, and the author really has character development done in spades. If you love suspense stories that will keep you riveted the entire time, excellent writing, and characters that won’t leave you alone, , then this book is for you. I read it in one sitting just to find what happened next. Highly recommend!

I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. I ate it up in just a few sittings. I loved the backstory of Heather and Burke, especially how Heather's life tied back to Skye. The characters, whether you loved them or hated them, we SO well developed. I really felt compassion towards Heather, even though she purposely set out to make someone hurt the way she had been hurt in the past. I fell in love with Skye, and understood how Burke did as well.... I don't want to give anything away, but I absolutely adored this rollercoaster of a book. I will be recommending this one, as it is hands down one of the best books I have read in a long, long time.

Having loved Carola Lovering’s debut, Tell Me Lies, I was over the top excited to receive a copy of Too Good to Be True. Admittedly, I am huuuuge fan of toxic relationships (probably shouldn’t boast that so much) - at least in books, that is! Upon diving into THTBT, I immediately learned there was some sort of triangle and the relationships were all as toxic as they come. Color me hooked! While this one is definitely different from Tell Me Lies, it has the same binge-worthy quality where you can’t stop turning the pages and your jaw will drop. I ultimately enjoyed this one a great deal and continue to look forward to reading what Lovering writes in the future!

Skye cannot help keeping looking at her left hand. After a whirlwind relationship, a proposal was the last thing that she expected. She suffers from OCD and has much self-doubt, especially after the tragic death of her mother. But she is smart, beautiful, and well off.

The man at the center of her life is Burke Micheals. He is an older man but handsome, loving, and intellectual. Something Skye had never experience before. But there are truths that are being withheld. And he has something planned for Skye.

Too Good to Be True is a story told from present to past and in alternating voices of Skye, Burke, and Heather. As the story unfolds we meet Skye in the present as she meets Burke at a resort in Montauk. We learn about Burke's point of view through journal entries, something he learned at couple’s counseling years ago. And then introduce Heather, Burkes first love whom we meet in the past. The narration travels back and forth through multiple perspectives seamlessly and at about the halfway point, we are privy to Heather’s most intimate thoughts. This is a twist that hooks the reader with the past, present, and future all crashing together.

The best aspect of the novel is the rich character development. The back and forth build layers providing the context of each character's behavior. Journal entries jump back and forth and provide great suspense while creating a dramatic storyline. And who is being reliable? it’s definitely a great ride with a crash ending.


Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Carola Lovering for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Run. Go read this right now. What a great book. Couldn’t put this one down. So glad I got the chance to read this one

Too Good to Be True is an excellent, multilayered novel! I haven't read a thriller/suspense THIS good for a long time and am thrilled to have read an early copy of this one! I can't wait to discuss it further with other readers in 2021!

Full review to come closer to release.

We all know if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Someone needed to remind protagonist Skye Starling of that old adage. Skye is a 29-year-old woman with a severe case of OCD, which in her case manifests as compulsions like knocking on everything wooden in her apartment. Because of this, she's been truly unlucky in love until she meets Burke. Burke is 46 and professes to love Skye despite her OCD. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to Skye, Burke is married to Heather and father to three children. Burke and Heather have conspired to have him meet, romance, and propose to Skye in order to bilk her of millions. It's a pretty straight-forward story of bad man meets nice girl until about halfway through when author Carola Lovering takes a sharp right turn!

Too Good to be True reminded me a lot of Gone Girl, which I loved. The story is told through the viewpoints of lovestruck but lovely Skye, Burke by way of a diary of letters to his marriage counselor, and Heather, who we meet thirty years earlier when she was a teen working as a nanny in a rundown town called Langs Valley and dating Burke. The characters are all beautifully developed, and the mystery is masterfully crafted. Skye is a lovely human being. Burke is a loser who wants to be a better man. And Heather is one of those women, who if she only worked as hard at bettering herself as she does at destroying others, could have a wonderful life. Sadly, she's just a bitch.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of Too Good to be True and recommend it highly to all lovers of mysteries and suspense. It's sure to be on all the best seller lists when it is published in March 2021, so add it to your TBR pile.

My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Y’all I just knew I was going to love this book once I started and I was right!’ Seriously the characters are phenomenal and you will not want to put this one down. Go read it!

Skye and Heather both had aspirations - different, yet the same. Skye works as an editor and is "trust fund" rich. Heather grew up among poverty but after working as a babysitter for Libby, had her eye on the prize - a rich husband - Heather's goal since her teens...Heather and Libby became close. Gus, Heather's 4 year old brother, even accompanied her to babysitting at Libby's home.

In common was Burke. Burke was twenty years Skye's senior, handsome and financially independent. Skye and Burke enter a whirlwind romance.

But was Burke genuine, sincere? Or did he have motives that he hid well?

This story is hard to put down!!!

A super read!

Many Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a real rollercoaster ride.

An absolutely riveting read! A tangled family drama through two generations. Multiple perspectives and narrators add to the confusion. Who is telling the truth?

I absolutely loved this domestic drama, with some suspense and twists mixed within. It was well written, original, and unputdownable! I had most the twists figured out, but still was absolutely emerged and unable to set to the side! A must read for those who love well written domestic dramas, with a few twists, and amazingly developed characters! One of my top reads this year! Highly, highly recommend!
Will make sure to buzz it around platforms and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I figured out the ending in this novel several times only to be proven wrong. I love the characters and the storyline was captivating.

Skye is a 29 year old woman with OCD. She has had it since her Mother’s death when she was 12. Burke is a 46 year old married man with three children. They meet “cute” and begin a relationship. Skye knows nothing about Burke’s marriage and he has lied to her about his past, yet he did tell her that he was incarcerated for a year for insider trading and also addicted to opioids. They marry, although Burke is still married to Heather as he has been for many years. Both Heather and Burke came from a depressed area and have strived to make a better life for themselves and their children. The story is told from each of their viewpoints, through letters Burke has written to his therapist, conversations Skye has had with her therapist and friends and through their relationship with each other. It is remarkably well done and will hold the reader’s interest throughout. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC for an honest review.

Wow! Good one! This is one of those books that you have to gobble up fast. Good portrayal of different classes of people- have & have nots. Believable characters. You may have a hard time deciding which side to root for in the battle over vengeance and happiness. Heather’s drive, strength and motivation are unusual for someone with her background. And poor Skye with everything a young woman could want (well, not her OCD) except someone to really love. The one thing that nagged at me was how her dad didn’t do a background check on his daughter’s fiancée. People with money don’t really make mistakes like that. Especially when it was such a fast romance. I did like how it all turned out.

I loved Carola Lovering's debut, Tell Me Lies, so when I got approved for Too Good to Be True, I was so excited! I can't decide which book was better. This book was a crazy ride full of unlikeable and exasperating characters, and some unexpected twists. I couldn't put it down! The story was cleverly woven together and although it all made sense, I didn't see it coming - the best kind of plot.

I loved this book! I loved how it was told in different perspectives from the different characters. This was a nicely crafted, twisted story and was not what I expected. This exceeded all expectations and I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well developed and I love the way the back story was told parallel with the current plot. You will not be disappointed!

This has got to be one of the most well executed thrillers I have read so far this year. Does that sound too good to be true? (See what I did there?) Yes, but I am being 100% honest!

Skye Starling is rich. Filthy rich. She has everything she could ever want in her life, but love has eluded her, seemingly due to a strong case of OCD. Then she meets Burke, an older man, and it’s love at first sight for both of them (or is it?). After a whirlwind romance, Burke proposes marriage. Skye has never been happier, but will soon find out that some things in her amazing life are just too good to be true.

Talk about plot twists! I had to be away from this book for hours after getting to a pivotal scene, and it was pure torture! The writing by Carola Lovering is so smooth. This is my introduction to her work, and she is an expert at crafting a HIGHLY UNPUTDOWNABLE, suspenseful piece of fiction. It’s a fun, gripping and 100% enjoyable journey with many unexpected moments. I can’t recommend it enough to fans of the genre.

My sincere thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Carola Lovering, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is the best suspense novel I've read in years. The story is so gripping and the character development is so strong that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I figured out the "connection" fairly early on, but that didn't impact my enjoyment of the book, as I was so anxious to see how everything came together and what ultimately happened with these characters. Even with having figured out that one point, there were still plenty of twists and turns. Without giving anything away, there's a bit of an unreliable narrator issue that bugs me a little because I don't like feeling "tricked." But overall, this is an extremely well-written story and I'm delighted to have been introduced to this author.

I love an unreliable narrator, and since this story is told from several points of view, it's a lot of fun to try to figure out what's what. It's also a complex story where most of the characters have both positive and negative traits, which is more true to life than having a pure villain. I particularly enjoyed the first three-quarters of the book; the pace of the last quarter or so began to drag a bit as things were wrapping up. Overall though, this is a solid, entertaining read.

I was given this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
My honest review...I could not put this book down!
It grabbed me right from the first page, I was hooked...no skimming either! Ha!
I love how the tail is told thru three voices and how you can love, hate then love a character again. And the nice little twist in the middle was a welcome change to the predictable end of the book twist. At least with this twist we get to actually see what happens to the characters.
There is not really anything I can say about the book since the twist is in the middle of book and I don't want to give spoilers away.
But if you like romance and a bit of a revengeful twist, you've got your summer read right here. It was a very easy book to fall into and great character writing.
I'm definitely going to recommend this book to my book clubs!!
Thanks for sharing this awesome story!

Wow! This was one exciting rollercoaster ride! I was surprised by every twist and turn in this gripping domestic thriller. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist shocked me! Highly recommended!

This one was a great read! First for me from this author. A very enjoyable book.
I will be looking for more from this author. So much happening in this one and easy to get into it.


Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.

Terrific a chilling page turner. First book for me by Carola Levering she weaves an amazing story,.Characters that come alive a story that had me gasping.Run grab this book.#netgalley #st.martinspress.

Wow, Carola Lovering has truly knocked it out of the park with Too Good to Be True! I devoured Carola’s first novel (Tell Me Lies) so I was going into Too Good to Be True with high expectations—those expectations were met and exceeded!!!! I enjoyed how the storyline had many layers that were brilliantly unveiled one layer at a time! I was 100% on the hook the entire way through and the well placed twists and turns made this book unputdownable! Too Good to Be True is a 5 star read that I think would make a fantastic book club selection! Carola Lovering has officially become an automatic 1-click for me and I am so excited to see what she comes out with next!

Amazing!! I got just two hours of sleep last night... this book simply wouldn't let me go. The characters were great from start to finish! The storytelling - done though journal entries and regular chapters - was brilliant.

I received this book "To Good to Be True" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. This book was good from beginning to end. I thought the characters were great and the story was amazing. I didn't want to put this down. Lots of twists and turns. Great book! I will be reading more from this author.

Delicious fun!

This exceptionally well-crafted thriller takes the "unreliable narrator" theme to new heights. I was completely tricked by some of the very clever twists and turns in the beginning of this book.

This story is probably best to go into blind, but I will tell you it is told in part by a man, Burke, who may or may not be too good to be true. It also features two women, Skye and Heather, who have significant obstacles in their pasts. Reading these narrators allows you to pick your favorite, and then maybe have the rug pulled out from under you.

While I loved the tone and the characters, what I am really most impressed with in this book is the mystery and the construction of the plot. In the very beginning of the book I was rolling my eyes and yelling at the book (internally, MOSTLY) about what I thought were plot holes. Somehow as if by magic (and using several very clever twists and devices), the plot totally filled those holes and everything came together. I was extremely impressed with how it was all executed. My one complaint, which is a serious nitpick of an otherwise awesome book, is that at some point at the very end I kept waiting for another shoe to drop or another twist that never came. Maybe I am the victim of too many overly twisty thrillers that I have gobbled up this year. But this book was pretty much perfectly plotted, deliciously told, entertaining AF, and just very fun and addictive reading. The ending was also great, even though it was different from what I expected. This is my first book by Carola Lovering, but it is so good (almost "Too Good To Be True") that I will purchase her next book plot unseen. It is a very, very well-written, smart, well-plotted thriller. More than that though, it is just deliciously fun, and a great quarantine escape.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Carola Lovering for the ARC of this book. This review is my own. This book gets an almost perfect 4..75 stars from me! (Because nobody in the book is quite perfect, and they all have their own flaws that make them interesting, this seems to fit.) Great book that is a cut above the rest of the summer thriller crop.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this book for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book. I loved reading the backstory of all the characters from years ago. I fell in love with the characters and sympathized with what they were going through. The journal entries added to the plot and helped with the book twist. This was the first book I have read from this author and I loved reading it with all it's twists and turns.

Holy Cow, hang on to your seat! This is one of the best psychological mysteries I’ve read in a very long time. Talk about a Double Cross, how about a Triple Cross! Just when you thought you knew a character well, and you thought (very smugly) that you knew where the story was headed, there would be an eye popping twist. And the twists just keep on coming. This was truly a story that was hard to put down., with well thought out characters. I don’t want to give too much away, I’ll just say, , sit back and be prepared for a very entertaining read. This was my first novel by Carola Lovering, but it won’t be my last. I will be recommending this to all my book club members., and I will be purchasing copies for our library. Thank You to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for sending me a digital copy of this great book for an honest review..

Wow! If you love the mystery/psychological suspense genre like I do, then you will love Too Good to Be True. It’s very well written with lots of fun twists and turns. This was my first Carola Lovering book and I will definitely look for her others now. The story goes back and forth in time from 30 years ago to the present and a lot of it is written through letters. The main characters are Skye, Burke, and Burke’s wife Heather. Skye comes from a life of privilege while Burke and Heather come from poor families where their parents abandoned them. Their lives become intertwined in all kinds of ways and none of them will ever be the same. This is a quick, easy read that I definitely recommend. Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for an ARC in exchange for an honest review..

The story takes the reader into the lives of a family and two young high school students. It is written in the first-person style and goes between each person basically three of them, Burke and his wife Heather, and Skye a young rich girl. At first, I found it rather confusing but as I went into the story more it made perfect sense. This is a story of wealth....those who have it and those who want it at any cost. It also is a story of betrayal. It is a fantastic story that pulls the reader in the farther you get into the book. There were a few OMG moments for me, but the author put them in at just the right time and it added to the story. I really enjoyed reading it. I am voluntarily reviewing this book that I received from NetGalley.

"Too Good to Be True" by Carola Lovering was one of the best books that I've read in a while. Just when I thought that I knew what was going on in the story, BAM!, another surprise. This twisty thriller kept me guessing until the very end. I loved that the story was told from multiple POV's. It made it more twisted and exciting. I was so into this book, that I literally couldn't put it down and found it hard to stop reading. Definitely a 5-star book! I can't wait to read more from this author! #NetGalley #TooGoodtoBeTrue #CarolaLovering

"Oh what a tangled web you weave" etc. etc... This book is a boat load of tangled webs. Enjoy the ride, I thought it was very fast paced and I could not stop reading it. I highly recommend you take a few hours and cozy up and read this fascinating story told by a few (flawed) human characters. I cared about Skye and Heather and as you continue on in the book you get quite a few surprises from what you end up feeling about Burke and you may change your mind a few times about these people-the writing is very descriptive and you will want to find out just what is really going on here.....

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book.

I started reading this book and thought "typical thriller about a man up to no good...is there anything new here?" Turns out there definitely was - this is a fun, fast-paced story with lots of secrets, hidden connections, and unexpected twists. 4 stars!

Our heroine Skye is beautiful, smart and rich - a true catch if you're willing to deal with her crippling OCD (surprise, surprise, most men aren't). But then she meets Burke, an older man, and things start to fall into place. They even call each other Goose, because geese mate for life. The catch: Burke is already married and is using Skye for her money. Another thread of the story finds teenage Burke and his girlfriend Heather striving to make it out of their opioid-addicted small town. Lovering did a great job balancing the two stories and connecting them with a few well-placed twists.

I really liked the characterization here - even though not all the characters are likable, they are well-drawn, and there's more to them than meets the eye. If you like domestic thrillers, I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Refreshing thriller that makes you question love and the price you pay to make your spouse happy. Will definitely check out the authors other novels!

A tangled web that was actually amazing
This was head and shoulders above the usual fare in domestic thrillers.
For starters, we didn't see a single gormless character that would drive me up the wall with their stupidity (I'm looking at you, The Breakdown by B.A. Paris). In fact, all the characters were relatable, flawed, and human. There were no cartoonish villains and saints.
I rooted for Skye and Burke all the way, and their romance just rang true to me.
"Being in the same room with him is mostly just - relief. Cold water when you've been parched for hours. The feeling of coming home after a long time away."
And those adorable nicknames Burke gave to the women he loved! <3
The plot was another forte, it's clever and believable. I didn't see the twists coming!
All in all, I enjoyed every minute of it. I plan to read all the books by Carola Lovering (who's a new author for me). Keep them coming, please!
Will I recommend this book? Hell yeah!
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin Press, and Carola Lovering for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very addictive novel and I spent a lot more time reading at a time than I meant to. Good plot, great characters and a nice twist. This really was a book that got better with every page I read.

When Skye Starling meets Burke Michaels it is like a dream come true and it is only months later when Burke proposes. Skye is a wealthy woman who has suffered from OCD since her mother's death and this has had a detrimental affect on her relationships.
Burke is a good looking guy who is a lot older than Skye and everything seems too good to be true, but Burke isn't who he claims to be. Told through the letters to his therapist we learn that Burke is happily married and and using Skye to obtain money.

There is a lot more to this story but don't want to give too much away, this is a page turner and well worth a look.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and St Martin's Press for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Just finished this book after two days of constant reading. The characters were so well written that I could see them as if on a screen right in front of me. The background story from thirty years in the past was essential to tell this twisty story of love, loss, betrayal and revenge. This was not the typical story of the evil husband who is not who he pretends to be, but much more complicated and surprising.
Read,Too Good To Be True, while home during this pandemic and you'll forget the precarious state of the world in 2020.

WOW! This book blew me away! Read it in 2 sittings, it was that good!
The relationship between the three characters were amazing, and the POV story telling worked so well. I thought I had it figured out a few times during my read but then a twist proved me wrong every time. I cannot wait to see what else Carola Lovering has to offer. Highly recommend!
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the arc.

Wow! This was a great read! Too Good To Be True has an excellent plot that is paced to perfection with lots of delicious twists and curves. I really like how the author set the book up with three main character's perspectives coming from three different points of the same timeline until they all converge. The character development was very satisfying as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this ARC.

I can't say too much here without giving the plot away, but this book was one of the best deliciously twisted, mind blowing plots I have ever read! Burke and Heather are married with three children and are having financial problems. Burke has lost his job and is having difficulties finding a new job because of his past. Heather, since she was a teenager, has always longed to become wealthy and live the good life. She longed to be just like Libby, a wealthy women she babysat for when she was in her teens. Since her current life was not a at all what she had envisioned for herself, she came up with a plan that will change everything and coerced Burke to carry it out. Will this plan give Heather everything she ever wanted.? Does she care who will get hurt if her plan succeeds? The answers to these questions are not what you will be expecting!

A very good thriller

My very first book from Carola Lovering and loved it. A psychological thriller just the way I like them. Kept me guessing and entering into Burke's mind was very intriguing. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Just finished this book and loved it! I liked the way that the story was told from different characters perspectives although at first I had trouble following the story . There were many twists & turns along the way which kept me turning those pages! Too Good To Be True was my first book by Carola Lovering and will be looking for more titles by her. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this advanced copy!!

Completely excellent!

This book had me guessing all along the way, trying to reconcile three different people, stories and timelines with more twists that I thought possible.

A binge read, finished in less than 24 hours.

Thank you NetGalley for this glimpse in to Skye's life.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

This psychological thriller is told from three points of view using real-time narrative, diary entries, and notes to a marriage counselor. The reader cannot begin to imagine the twists and turns the story will take. I really enjoyed the roller coaster ride!

I absolutely loved this book! I have not read any of Carola Lovering books before, so I am going to have to read her previous book now. It was a great thriller, read it basically in one sitting!

A cleverly crafted story which takes place over a thirty year period. The writing flows ever so smoothly and the characterizations are richly drawn. I loved this book. Its twists and turns keep you going. I’m very impressed with this author and will definitely look forward to more from her.

Thanks Net Galley for the chance to read and review.

Compulsively readable, my whole day was shot once I started this. Soooo worth it.

I was instantly pulled into this story of deceit, betrayal and lies. But who is doing the lying and why? I absolutely had to find out and it was spectacular.

Do yourself two HUGE favors:

1. Read as little as possible about this book before diving into it.

2. Read it the minute it comes out.

Thank you to Carola Lovering, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it was amazing.,
It was written from the perspective of three different characters, Surprisingly not confusing. Characters were extremely well introduced and described
The story revolves around Burke and Heather and Skye. We learn about Heather's past during the first part of the novel, and then things turn as we learn about Burke and Skie's relationship. Then we learn that there is a connection between all three... The story is well-written, I wanted to keep reading... there was suspense, drama, excitement, tension
I did not want this story to end, or at the very least have a sequel
The relationship between the characters is unknown near the beginning but we become aware as the story unfolds. and as we read their journals. Slowly it all starts to make sense and the pieces start to come together, and then things take an unexpected turn, the story line does a complete, our brains are processing what really happened.
Well done, well written, I want another book like this

Fantastic psychological suspense thriller! I just glossed over the description before I decided to read it but it had enough elements (secrets, lies, obsession, family tragedy) to intrigue me. It was easily one of the best books I've read this year in this genre. I don't want to give anything away because a book like this is better when you go in blind, but you will be surprised. Expect the unexpected and enjoy.

An addictive, edge-of-your-seat thriller that you will find yourself HOOKED on the storyline! I loved the twisty, shock-filled chapters as the story unfolds. I enjoyed reding this story and following along the tangled lives of Skye, Burke and Heather, and it was interesting to read the story from alternate point of views as well as alternate timelines, both past and present. I love a good dark and twisted love story and this book did NOT disappoint!

This book has characters that you will find yourself experiencing many different emotions, often at the same time as well - loving, hating, despising, and others you will feel sorry for. At least that's how I felt when following along the point of views from the characters as their own individual story was told.

A fantastic read that you need to keep your eye out for when it is released, you definitely don't want to miss this book!

Wow! This book blew me away! What a twisted and unique storyline. It's hard to review without giving anything away, but here goes:

Skye Starliing is a beautiful young woman who suffers from a crippling case of OCD that started after her mother dies as a young girl. Due to the OCD, she has a hard time maintaining relationships. She has finally met an older man, Burke Michaels, and he has swept her off her feet. They have a whirlwind romance and he proposes a few months after they meet.

Interspersed throughout the story are letters that Burke has written to his therapist that cast him in a very bad light.

Another point of view in the story is from a 17 year old girl named Heather, who is basically raising her baby brother. She meets a woman and starts babysitting for her. This woman is very helpful and supportive and they become good friends. Heather vows to be like this woman and have a better life, and she is convinced that her boyfriend Burke is in the way of her success.

This story has so many nuances and really shows how far some people will go for love or revenge. I have also never read a book that has me liking every flawed and bad character, no matter what they have done,

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy,

Wow. This was not what I was expecting when I started this book. The way everything played out and the twist. So well done.

I loved how the author took us down a path and then boom, complete switch up. Characters you hated became characters you cheered for.

Very enjoyable! I'll read more by this author

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author Carola Lovering for providing me with an ARC of Too Good to Be True!

This was such a fun and dark thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

I didn't know who to believe, where the story line was going, and was kept on my toes the entire way through. I also loved that some romance was thrown in, too. The eye opening portrayal of OCD was spot on (I suffer myself) and really explored those compulsory behaviors you cannot control.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

I loved her last book, so I was super excited to get another chance to read a book she’d written.

I was not let down.

I recommend future readers go in blind so as not to give anything away. I loved the multiple POVs. No one seemed reliable in any way. What was true? Who was lying? Ah!

It’s a great journey with unforgettable moments. It’s gripping, flows smoothly.

Whoa that was a whirlwind of what just happened!! The writing was excellent and the plot was original. In hindsight I think I should have seen "it" coming but didn't.

As mystery thrillers go this story was certainly on target with some romance to boot.

This novel has a clever twist I didn't see coming. There are three primary characters of focus. Heather and Burke Michaels and Skye Starling carry this tale through to it's twisted end.

My heart absolutely broke for Skye, her past and her ongoing issues. As for Heather and Burke, I still don't know how I feel long after the last page was turned.

4.5 stars. Three points of view made for a very gripping mind f**k. The author threw in twists and turns along the way that kept me hooked, especially one major twist halfway through that I felt stupid for not spotting so much earlier. The author takes the reader along for a roller coaster ride that was exciting the entire time. This is one read you won’t want to put down.


Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the arc.

What a book! I could not put it down. This author flawlessly crafted three main character’s point of view. Each chapter was written from one of the character’s perspective. Unlike other books, there was no confusion as to who was talking even thought some of the chapters were in a different time period, past or present.

Without giving the storyline away (it is best not knowing anything) I can say that three quarters of the way thru my thought of 2 of the main characters totally changed! There was so much expertly woven into the storyline. There was love and betrayal. Fabulous book! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Too Good to Be True by Carols Lovering had me hooked from the very start. I loved the way the story was written and portrayed through the diary and the plot twists and turns had me saying “Oh My God” out loud. I would highly recommend this book to those who love a good thriller or mystery. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

This book, man. I thought the book was going one way and it threw me for a loop. I really liked how the author went between the various view points to tell the full story. At the halfway through the point I had to stop and think it all over and I had to do it at the end of it as well. It was so well done and thoroughly enjoyable! Loved it!

OMG - could not put this book down! There are so many fantastic storylines that end up inter-connecting - I just loved this book! It is one that will stay with you because it’s just that good!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of Too Good to Be True in exchange for an honest review.

Oofta - what a fun and exciting read. I highly recommend you go into this read as blind as you can. There are so many fun surprises waiting for you in the pages of this novel and the only right way to find them out is to read for yourself.

Too Good to Be True is about love, marriage, revenge, grief, power and greed. It takes you through the world of addiction to the high life on Martha's Vineyard, interweaving the past, present and future in creative and insightful ways. You hear this story through the eyes of the three main characters, opening your world to different insights, thoughts, feelings, regrets and hopes. Just when you think you know the direction of this cast, you're quickly thrown through another loop, always on your toes.

A fabulous read and once I highly recommend for your TBR bookshelf.

This is a smart, addictive book that I finished in hours! So many WTF moments and shocking twists. I loved that I never knew what to expect. I loved the dark secrets and the flawed characters.
Look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced ebook copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of Too Good To Be True.

It’s hard to summarize the book without giving much away. I will say that the author did a masterful job of weaving together several narratives to form the story. One in present time, one in past flashbacks, and one in past journal entries. They all worked together seamlessly to make a full and rich story. It was a mystery/women’s fiction that I just couldn’t put down!

Finally a thriller that’s developed with really thought out characters and a twisty plot. I absolutely loved the first half of the book, and thought I had figured it out, but not quite! It’s best to go in not knowing too much about the plot, except you’re in for a wild ride.

Gripping, hard to put down novel about the twisted relationships between three people. The author provided a thoughtful portrayal of OCD, grief, and trauma. I didn't particularly love any of the characters as people but found them all to be nuanced and interesting. There were different timelines but instead of being confusing, it was all done in an easy to follow way that added tension to the central plot. I highly recommend this thriller and can't wait to read Lovering's next novel!

From the very first page to the very last page, I was totally involved in this novel.
The author wove a story so intriguing that I found myself surprised at every twist it took.
I couldn’t put it down.
I don’t want to give anything away, so I will stop here.
Don’t miss this!

I am a huge fan of this author and this book did not disappoint me! I love books with in reliable narrators and this definitely fit the bill. I was never sure who I could trust or what story I could believe. I found the book as a whole to be super satisfying. Must be willing to suspend belief in realistic situations! I finished this book in less than 24 hours.

Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author, for letting me have a copy of this book to read and review. This story started amazing. I was into it, could not stop turning the pages to learn more and get into the story and let the story take me for a ride. Definitely a fun read.

I enjoyed Lovering’s first novel, Tell Me Lies...but I thought this one was even better! First off, I loved the way the story was woven together. Not only is it told from three perspectives, but they are in different formats and in different periods of time. It left me guessing what would happen all the way to the end. The book also really makes you consider how much our childhood’s shape us, as well as what we are capable of overlooking when it comes to someone that we love. Read this one, it does not disappoint!

Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering. Oh my, wasn't expecting to get so involved in this story. Couldn't put it down, which lead to a couple of days of marathon reading with the kindle pages flying past. Romance, mystery, tension, twists, and so much more, It is Too Good to Be True. Highly recommended!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I was so excited to read this book! I loved “Tell Me Lies” and this book proved just as good. I could not stop reading. The characters were believable and incredibly intriguing. You will definitely be on a rollercoaster throughout this one. Hang on; you won’t be able to see what’s coming! Excellent read!!

Carola Lovering’s first book, Tell Me Lies, was one of my favorite books of last year. When I saw this arc I snapped it up. While it didn’t floor me the way Tell Me Lies did, it was still excellent. This book as first glance seems like it will follow in a similar vein to Tell Me Lies. The presentation of the manipulative and scheming man at first is like that of her first novel. As the book continues, however, it becomes more of a thriller in the tradition of Gone Girl (not quite so twisty or dark) but it kept me on my toes. Unfortunately, I can’t really say more about the specifics of the plot without giving away the story and ruining it.

I was literally raging in the first 25% percent only to find myself doing an emotional 180 by the latter half of the book. There are a lot of threads in this book. The author handles multi points of view and timelines deftly. In fact, I would say that the points of view and timelines make the book.

This is another solid effort from Lovering. She’s made me a fan. I’ll pick up whatever she writes next.

This book was such a joy to read as the story was so well told, and the author really has a unique knack for making you sympathize with each character, regardless of their often cruel and insensitive actions. This is one of those rare psychological thrillers that really keeps you guessing every step of the way. With a very well-crafted plot, I found the story kept me interested and wanting more, even after it ended. This is an electric, raw, and emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless until the last page. A definite must-read!!!

To Good To Be True by Carola Lovering
Pub Date 03/02/2021

There are three point of views in this book. Which you really aren't sure which one is accurate. There Skye who has severe OCD. Then there's Burke who is married to Heather. And then there's Heather's POV. The chapters alternated between the three of them.
This is a emotionally nuanced psychological suspense, and an obsessive, addictive love story.

I loved this book! It had me hooked from the beginning. This was a very well written book. If it seems to good to be true, it usually is. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy for a review!

Skye Starling is the most amazing type of heroine. Sure, she’s rich and beautiful, but also totally relatable. And while she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, she’s also been through hell. So really, the reader, we’re rooting for her from page one.

Now Burke, on the other hand. I totally from the very beginning got a seriously Dirty John vibe from him. You know, the true crime series on USA based on the real-life story of John Meehan? I digress, but he gives off that super sexy older man, but I’m seriously hiding something vibe.

Then we also meet Heather, whose story is taking place a long time ago. And of course, it will meet up with the other story, but let it run it’s course. But Heather seriously thinks the world owes her something and who knows why?

Too Good to Be True started out like any thriller, but then, like any amazing thriller, the twists started coming. And fast. And while I can’t say much without giving details away, just know that this book is not too good to be true. See what I did there?

I’d recommend Too Good to Be True to fans of Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendrick’s collaborations, and Lisa Jewell fans. You won’t be disappointed! Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced e-galley in exchange for my honest review. This one is out March 2, 2021.

4.5 stars****

Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering is a suspenseful, twisted love story; it is a must read! I've got to admit I've read way too many thrillers/suspense novels on couples and revenge, etc, and the plots tend to become the same thing over and over again.

The story centers around Skye Starling, a beautiful, rich girl who has OCD, and her new boyfriend, Burke Michaels. Burke is married to Heather but in desperation of money to support his family, he gets involved with Skye and plots to scam her money.

The story alternates between different narratives of Skye, Burke, and Heather. Some perspectives are also told from a diary POV, and switches from past and present narratives. There's a lot going on in the plot of this book, so you need to really focus, but the author's use of the different perspectives really gets the flow of the story moving.

Early on in the story, I figured there would be a huge plot twist -- and it was not hard to figure out what it would be. What I wasn't expecting was to be hit with several other plot twists I wasn't expecting. It's been a while since I read a suspense novel that really intrigued me and caught me off guard. Applause to author Carola Lovering! Love this book! Must read.

Too Good To Be True by Carola Lovering hooked me hard for last three days.
The book is revolving around three main characters all of them narrating their side of the story. The story is fast-paced and unputdownable.
I really enjoy reading it and I have to remind myself that the author is comparatively new as her writing is exact gripping for a thriller. .The best part is that all the stories are moving simultaneously and keep the reader interested
A great thriller with a sprinkle of romance a perfect read..
I rate this 4 stars and recommend to every thriller reader

#netgalley #carolalovering #toogoodtobetrue

The title Too Good to Be True definitely fits this suspenseful, yet mysterious romance about Skye Starling and her boyfriend, Burke Michaels. Their kinship is too perfect to feel real, but you get sucked into the special connection they have and start wishing it all works out. Their past and present relationships seem to constantly disrupt their fast-paced courtship.

There are three character's narrating their story which created a complex, crazy path to the end. I didn't see several things coming as the story unraveled. This page turner grabbed me at the beginning, and I didn't put it down until I was finished. The ending became more like a happily ever after rather than a continuously twisted plot, but again, I didn't imagine this twist either. I felt like it took away from the first half since it is a psychological thriller. I guess the title is truly perfect.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin Press for this book for an honest review.

What a book. Hooked from the first page. Sub plots to die for and the love story for both women was interwoven and historically interlinked brilliantly. This is a must read

Okay all, if you read the description of this book you know why it sucked me in - multiple points of view AND multiple timelines? Sign me up!

This book knocked it out of the part for me, but it did so because I didn't know anything about it going in. If you're going to pick up this book (and I highly recommend you do!) then don't read a whole lot about it before you dive in. Because you do NOT want the twist ruined.

This is one of those books that I went into kind of assuming what I thought would happen, and then the twist partway through totally threw the train right off the tracks (and into the next county).

This is the type of book in which you're going to think you like certain people and dislike others. You'll think you know who you're rooting for, but honestly, you have no idea. You'll get sucked into the worlds of Skye, Burke, and Heather and you'll believe you have the whole thing figured out.

But you don't.

Give yourself the whole day to devour this book, because you will not be able to put it down.

Carola Lovering wrote a love story like no other. She immediately hooks you with her character development although at times not very likable. Her use of diary entries give you insight into their psyche and schemes to settle old scores while seeing what truly matters to them. The book spans three decades and details the lives and marriages of two couples. Twisty and well written! #TooGoodToBeTrue #CarolaLovering #NetGalley

Wow! I am not sure what I just read!

This book was a crazy journey. I loved her and hated him. Oh wait, I love him. Oh wait, she did what? I got totally sucked into this book and this world. And even when I thought I knew where this was going, I was still "all in" on the journey. I was totally enjoying it and looking forward to the big reveal.. But then... the book took a left turn and I had to rethink things.. Ok, still enjoying the journey, and then..... huh? You need to read this for yourself to figure out what I am talking about! :)

Its a fun, exciting, absorbing read. Totally sucked in. And it had that "magical something extra" that I can't define, but makes me really love a book.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

Ever since her mothers death, Skye’s OCD has ruled her life, and sent more than a few men running the other direction. That all changes when she meets Burke. Their romance is fast, but she cannot wait to marry him her love. Little does she know that Burke has a pretty big secret. He is already married…and is only using Skye for his own needs.

This book kept me up way past my bedtime! I had to know more. I did not see the twists coming, which these days is a huge win for me! You will love some characters, you will hate some others, but overall you will love this read! It’s hard to review this one without giving away any spoilers, which I don’t want to do! I loved Carola Lovering’s first book, but it was so different from this one, I cannot wait to see what Lovering does next!

SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I was hooked from the first page, didn’t guess any bit of the twists and turns and have already recommended it to several people.

I loved that Too Good to Be True was written in three different points of view. It’s pretty easy to write in different voices and time periods while leaving the reader lost, but Lovering nailed it. I truly identified with each character, and, despite how flawed (and sometimes psychotic) they each were, I loved them.

It was a highly entertaining story that kept me guessing the whole way through. Lovering, I’m checking out what else you’ve written immediately!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The death of her mother when she was only 12 years old caused Skye to develop OCD. She’s almost 30 years old, is heir to millions of dollars, is young and beautiful, but has never truly been loved because of her OCD compulsions. Everything changes when she meets Burke. Though he’s much older, their relationship clicked from the moment they first met. He understands her and, though he’s seen her OCD in action, loves her anyway.

Burke has loved his wife for over 30 years. She’s the mother of his three children and, though he’s tried so hard, they’ve never been able to achieve the life of riches she’s always wanted. Money is always tight, and bills are always due. He’s desperate to find a job, but no one wants to hire an ex con.

Heather blames Burke for her miserable life. If it wasn’t for him she could have been enjoying life without a care in the world. He owes her, so she’s going to make him pay. It’s up to him to fix everything, and make sure she gets what she deserves.

“Too good to be true” is a hard book to put down. As stories and histories are revealed, characters come alive. Sides are taken, battle lines drawn, and allegiances formed. When the dust settles Carola Lovering’s true brilliance is revealed.

Highly recommended for Adults.

I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I know this book doesn't come out until 2021, but it is earning a spot on my top books read in 2020! As soon as I started reading Too Good To Be True, I could not put the book down and finished it in less than 48 hours. This book will hook you right away and you may think you have it all figured out by the end of part one, but Carola Lovering hits you with some curveballs in part two and makes you question everything you think you know about what is going to happen.

I loved that the book offers the perspective of the three main characters with each chapter. The characters also flip flop between likable and unlikable throughout the whole story making you question who you really should be rooting for in this toxic triangle. The chapters switch back and forth between different timelines, but it is needed to build the story and it flows easy where it is never confusing.

I always base my book choices off of the synopsis, but this is the one book where it helps to not read the synopsis and go in blindly. Too Good To Be True will take you on a wild ride and it is so worth it!

When social climbing goes wrong. Very wrong.

A must for fans of Greer Hendricks' "The Wife Between Us" or Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl," Carola Lovering's "Too Good to Be True" is a terrific contemporary psychological thriller and warning of what can happen when ambition and greed meet on a collision course.

Skye Starling is a beautiful, young, single heiress with a team of loyal girlfriends, a Barnard degree, and a spacious, stylish (and paid for!) apartment in NYC. Sound "too good to be true?" Well, she's still dealing with the death of her beloved mother, smarting from a bad breakup, and living with crippling OCD, a disorder that keeps her from working in a normal office, exiting rooms with doors or looking at clocks without feeling like she's going to implode. But she's about to meet a "perfect" man who will change her life and fill the gaping hole in her heart. Or will he?

Carola Lovering's new novel from St. Martin's, while not perfect, is packed with plot twists and surprising turns of events. Engaging themes of love and deceit, ambition, disappointment, greed, and revenge run throughout as well as explorations of family, loyalty, and commitment. The trap of social media is also a big part of the story. I hesitate to use this cliche, but I couldn't put it down. This will be a huge beach read for 2021.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

At first, I thought this was a stereotypical psychological thriller. Girl meets boy. Boy turns out to be psycho. Or girl turns out to be psycho. What have you. It isn't that AT ALL. Too Good to Be True explores mental health issues, particularly OCD. I thought that Carola Lovering did this with grace and eloquence. I definitely think more candid discussions need to be had and I have noticed more and more fiction authors are attempting to start these dialogues.

While this novel was fast-paced, it also would generate some excellent book club discussion!

Great book that keeps you reading with many surprises! Is it a mystery? Love story? Both! Filled with greed, revenge, and just when you think you understand what's going on it surprises you with a new twist. Highly recommend this book!

Loved this! Gripping story, featuring sub stories which all link up fabulously ! Loved it all would def recommend!

Too Good To Be True by Carola Lovering is an amazing, keep you guessing, suspenseful story. Skye is a young, financially successful woman living her best life until she meets Burke. Skye's whole world turns upside down, for the best! She has finally met her Prince Charming. After a whirlwind romance, Burke proposes and the wedding planning begins. Everything in Skye's life is perfect, or is it? Skye begins to get mysterious emails from an ex-boyfriend. Skye's friends don't think Burke is everything he seems, but is that because he is so much older? The mystery begins to unwrap and keeps you guessing until the last chapter.
Carola Lovering wrote this from Burke, Skye, and Heather's point of view. Some are written as journal entries and some as flashbacks from the past. Lovering clearly identifies each chapter and is very easy to follow long. Her writing is easy to read and she does an excellent job at keeping your attention throughout.
I will be recommending this book to others and looking for others works by Lovering. Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and Carola Lovering for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 5 stars #NetGalley

Good read! I thought I knew where this story was headed and I was completely wrong - which I LOVE! Really fun, quick read.

Too Good To Be True was my first book by Carola Lovering and I have a feeling it won't be my last. She provided a story that was filled with characters that I felt for and characters that I just didn't like. But she did it by writing a story based on unreliable narrators to make sure she had you wondering what was going on, especially in the first half. It was a little soap opera like, but that added to the appeal.

This story is told in 2 parts and in 3 POVs (Burke, Skye and Heather). A couple in their 40's seems to be going through a "mid life crisis" and is looking to dig themselves out of hole they continuously find themselves in. We get to know the characters very well by the way the story is written and the character development.

The first half goes back and forth in time. Heather's POV is in the past and Skye and Burke are in the present. With the addition of having diary entries to get to know the characters and their actions added a fun, yet evil twist. This was the part that really made me angry with certain characters.

If you can, I would recommend going in as blind as you can, so you can be surprised by the twists and the characters and their actions. The plot was entertaining and overall, I enjoyed the story and the twist. I had some hate for certain characters, but that is because Lovering did such an amazing job with creating Skye, Heather and Burke and their backstories. She really made you want to root for some and kick others. I felt the first half was a little slow and didn't always have me glued to the page, but I was invested in the journey and where it was taking me. The second half totally threw me for a loop in the best way possible. The ending was a little too "wrapped in a bow" for me, but still worked for the story.

Overall enjoyed it and liked the unreliable narrators.
Which unreliable narrator will you believe?

Too Good to Be True by Carola Lovering is the story of finding peace, love, and stability through revenge, manipulation, and obsession. Heather Price is a teen who takes a babysitting job for the well-to-do Libby Fontaine and her husband, Nate. Libby and Heather hit it off and become friends of a sort. When a tragedy strikes, Heather spends the rest of her life consumed with the Fontaine's.

The Fontaine kids are all grown up, but Heather still lurks in the shadows. As some twists complicate Heather's plan of revenge, she sets her sights on Skye Starling, Libby's daughter. Let the games begin!

Heather is psycho and has one thing in mind. Poor Skye suffers from OCD and thinks she'll never find love. The middle man, Burke Michaels, has a lot to sort out.

It's a really good read! The timelines are great. The pace is pretty quick. The characters are interesting. This is definitely a stay-up-all-night-to-finish read.

Excellent read! This story is told from 3 characters' POViews. I suggest NOT reading the summary. Here's what you should know:
Burke tells his story of growing up in a bad area and the choices he's made that ultimately lead him to meeting Skye. Skye tells her story of losing her Mom at a young age and how she meets Burke. Heather's story will bring all three of these characters together in a delicious and TWISTY way. I read this in 2 days!