Such a Loving Couple by Hayley Smith Published by Bookouture on November 8, 2023
Genres: Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thrillers
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
Buy on Amazon
I blink open my eyes, taking in bright lights and a white room. A man smiles warmly at me from the end of my bed. ‘Honey, I’ve been so worried,’ he says gently. ‘Do you remember me? I’m your husband.’ My blood runs cold. I don’t know where I am, or who I am. All I know is I’ve never seen this man before…
As he packs my things, the nurses tell me Freddie hasn’t left my bedside since the accident I was in days ago. They tell me I’m lucky. We seem like the perfect couple, and together we’ll figure out what happened. So I go home to a beautiful house with a fancy marble kitchen and manicured garden that is supposedly ours. But deep down I know something isn’t right. Even though my memories are gone, this doesn’t feel like my life.
Slowly, flashes of memory come back. First the accident – the pouring rain, a swerving car, a sudden scream. Somebody whispering, ‘I’ll love you forever’. But most heartbreaking of all are the haunting memories of a blue-eyed little girl. Is she my little girl? Was she in the accident too? Or is she in terrible danger?
Freddie is determined to keep me safe and hide me from the world. But I can’t shake the feeling that we aren’t the loving couple he wants us to be, and that beyond this house a precious child needs me now more than ever. So why am I here? What does Freddie want? And how far will I have to go, to discover the truth?
My Thoughts
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it is an exceptional work. From the moment I started reading, I was immediately drawn into the suspenseful world of this thrilling novel. The story centers around Becka, a woman in a baffling situation after a tragic accident. She wakes up with no recollection of her identity, friends, family, or even husband.
Speaking of her husband, Freddie, he is portrayed as a devoted and caring partner who has been by Becka’s side throughout her recovery. He is determined to make her happy and help her regain her memories. However, as the plot unfolds, Becka starts to experience fragments of her past through flashbacks, photographs, dreams, and unexpected encounters with a mysterious old lady who lives next door.
Through these moments of recollection, Becka starts to sense that something is not quite right. The author skillfully keeps the readers guessing and on the edge of their seats, constantly questioning what is happening and who is being truthful. The twists and turns in the narrative captivated me from the beginning, and I found myself unable to put the book down.
As a relatively fast reader, I usually breeze through books within a few days. However, this particular novel had me hooked and completely engrossed. I was desperate to uncover the lies, the secrets, and ultimately, the story’s resolution. It was a rollercoaster of emotions as I delved deeper into the mystery, trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Becka.
The author’s ability to create suspense and maintain a sense of intrigue throughout the entire book is truly commendable. The story’s pacing was perfectly balanced, keeping me engrossed while allowing me to savor the unfolding of the plot. The characters were well-developed and complex, adding depth and layers to the narrative.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller with a touch of mystery. It is an enthralling read that keeps you guessing until the end. Prepare to be captivated by the author’s masterful storytelling and prepare for a thrilling journey alongside Becka as she unravels the truth about her past.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read and review this book.
About Hayley Smith
Hayley Smith is married with three children and lives in Derbyshire, UK.
She has worked as a graphic designer, youth worker and musician, and has been involved for many years in organising music festivals and gigs.
Having a penchant for all things alternative, she often dips into the counter-culture scene for writing inspiration, producing quirky rough-edged characters and dark, unpredictable twists, turns and moral dilemmas.
