I. Am. Speechless. I’ll admit I was terrified to read this book. Not because of the genre, but because it was by sweet Colleen Hoover. I know she’s a great writer, but I don’t read everything she writes. I love dark suspenseful reads with f*cked up characters. They’re my favorite reads and I didn’t want to be disappointed. I was skeptical, to say the least. I was trying to find something to read and said “WTH, why not? It’s on ku.” So I started reading, and this book had me shook. It was epic. I was terrified to swipe the pages. Colleen Hoover is a beast. Her writing had me feeling like an invisible participant in the lives of her characters. I don’t know what my role was, maybe that of petrified neighbor. I finished this book hours ago and I’m still feeling anxious about it. I can’t say much about it without giving anything away. I went in blind, didn’t read the blurb nor did I read any reviews. I’m so glad for it. This may very well be my last read of 2018. I don’t know what I could possibly read next. I apologize for doubting this author’s abilities. I am truly humbled. I’m sure my review is all over the place, but that’s what I feel after reading this book. I don’t know what to believe, how to feel, or… I. Just. Don’t. Know. Damn. Just damn.

5 stars

-Natasha

Blurb:

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

A standalone romantic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, releasing December 18th.