This was a great thriller. It really brings up the question of do you really know the person you are married to ? It brings up a lot of questions and worries between the couple when the wife starts noticing things about her husband she hadn’t before

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

Intense and emotional - betrayals, broken trust, lies, and foremost ignoring serious depression. Obsession rears its dangerous head in a few different ways, coloring everything. Dark and angsty, secrets unfold in ways you won't ever expect. Not a happy read, but a strong one.

To Have and To Hold by Lilly French is an emotionally charged and deeply engaging romance novel that explores the complexities of love, commitment, and the challenges that come with relationships. French creates a world where the dynamics between the characters are both tender and tumultuous, drawing readers into a heartfelt story of passion and personal growth.

The story follows two main characters as they navigate their evolving relationship. At its core, To Have and To Hold is a love story, but it is also about self-discovery, healing from past wounds, and the sacrifices that sometimes come with being in a committed partnership. The central couple’s chemistry is palpable, and their emotional connection is what propels the story forward. However, their relationship is tested by outside forces and personal struggles, creating a realistic and relatable narrative about the ups and downs of being in a relationship.

French’s writing is fluid and immersive, allowing readers to become invested in the characters’ journey from the very first chapter. The pacing of the book is well-balanced, offering a mix of tender moments, emotional confrontations, and moments of lightheartedness that keep the reader engaged. The romantic tension between the protagonists builds naturally, and the character development is one of the novel’s strongest points, as both characters face their own fears and vulnerabilities.

What stands out in To Have and To Hold is the emotional depth French brings to her characters. Both protagonists are well-rounded and complex, with rich backstories that inform their actions and decisions throughout the book. Their relationship is not without its challenges, and the novel takes an honest approach to the struggles couples often face, making their journey toward understanding each other all the more rewarding.

The themes of trust, loyalty, and the importance of communication in relationships are explored in a way that feels genuine and relatable. French also touches on the idea of personal growth within a partnership and how love can be a transformative force for both individuals involved. The balance of romance with deeper emotional undertones adds richness to the story, making it more than just a typical romance novel.

Conclusion: To Have and To Hold is a heartfelt and emotional romance that explores the intricacies of love, trust, and commitment. Lilly French delivers a beautifully written story with compelling characters and a plot that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of a relationship. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy romance with emotional depth and a focus on personal growth within relationships.

To Have and To Hold was indeed a thriller that I couldn’t put down. There were so many twists and turns that were woven through the story but I couldn’t help but feel frustrated at the complacency Emma showed. Her view was she was being patient, and had she first acted on her instincts I feel like she would’ve had a more favorable outcome. All in all I seriously couldn’t put the book down—even wanting to skip ahead to parts. Remember not everyone gets the happy ending they feel they deserve.

I'm a huge fan of Lilly French and this latest novel didn't disappoint me. A really fast paced thriller with a great plot and cast of characters that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Emma is a devoted wife and mother, seemingly living a perfect life in the idyllic suburbs of Sherford. Together with her husband Luke, she runs a successful cleaning business while nurturing their three children. However, beneath the polished surface of her perfect life, an unsettling darkness begins to creep in as Emma notices troubling changes in Luke's demeanour – late nights at work, hushed phone calls, and suspected lies that leave her feeling isolated and frightened.

Emma's world shatters when she stumbles upon a hotel receipt hidden in Luke's jacket, igniting a firestorm of suspicion and fear of infidelity. Torn between the love she feels for her husband and the gnawing doubts consuming her, Emma confides in her best friend Georgia, whose insistence on the worst-case scenario only serves to amplify Emma’s paranoia. As she delves deeper into Luke's life, Emma uncovers harrowing evidence of his disturbing obsession with death and morbid imagery—a stark contrast to the man she thought she knew.

Tensions spiral into chaos when Emma and Luke embark on a romantic weekend getaway, only to find themselves ensnared in a treacherous web of lies and betrayal. At a secluded retreat, Emma's worst nightmares come to life as she confronts her worst fears, ultimately unveiling the shocking truth about her marriage...

...for better or for worse, every choice has a consequence!

Loved it. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others.