Easy read holiday thriller. Good characters, some odd storylines but nonetheless I enjoyed this book. Good holiday book!

The main character was whiny and annoying. I couldn’t get far into this as I couldn’t take her seriously. While I’d like to know what happens, I couldn’t get over the main character or the way it was written - it seemed very amateur.

Oh this is exactly what I was after, a juicy domestic drama that I raced through in a morning!

Kate and Jeff have made it in life, they own a luxury villa in an idyllic Mediterranean setting, he is a hugely successful lawyer and the two have been in love since they met at uni, Lets ignore the fact that he's a workaholic who never picks up a finger to help, or that Kate feels she has lost the connection they once had. This holiday is going to bring them back together now that their daughter has grown up....

The first night out, Kate sets eyes on Coco Moss, an acquaintance from university who moves in very exclusive circles. Kate has always been in awe of her but plucks up the courage to say hello and invite her over. Coco is reluctant at first but is won over. But when Coco and Jeff see each other for the first time in the villa they both turn white and look like they've seen a ghost- there's obviously something there but will anyone tell Kate?

The story romped along at a rate of knots, I didnt come up for breath when I was reading it. I really felt for Kate as the truth hit her in waves.
The Summer Holiday would make a great TV drama, Id definitely watch it!

Well worth reading - a solid 4 stars from me!

"THE SUMMER HOLIDAY" S.E. Lynes, Bookoutute, NetGalley e-book Thriller Thank you NetGalley for the S.E. Lynes titled "The Summer Holiday". Kate Barrett is 53 years old. For the first time in 17 years, she went on holiday with her husband Jeff alone. They are amazed by the beauty of Spain. What happened there? What does Jeff have to do with Coco Moss? Can past events affect the future? I was very curious what this was about. At first, I found the book boring, but it got better as the pages progressed. The action was in full swing and gained momentum. We have three main characters: Kate, Jeff and Coco. I have a feeling Coco is going to mess up the Barrett marriage a lot. The book "The summer holiday" kept me slightly in suspense. It's exciting, especially since I knew more about our heroes. I learned their devastating secrets. I didn't understand Jeff's behaviour. I thought he was a slippery type. I felt sorry for such a husband. Coco Moss, this is some kind of life misunderstanding. I didn't like this heroine. If you like psychological thrillers, you should read it.

I loved the beautiful writing in this book. A book is won and lost on its atmosphere and this was perfect. I am considering Catalonia next year now.

This book is a great thriller but it makes its name with the very odd and fascinating relationship between Kate and Coco the surprise guest. Written to keep you curious and it hits perfectly.

This is more than a beach read it’s a read everywhere.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. I liked this book alot, it kept me guessing and had a nice plot twist

27 days until summer ….

I don’t know about you but the Summer has always been my favorite season. Sun kissed skin, margaritas, and a book in my hand, now that is what dreams are made of .

I absolutely love summer/beach themed books and what better choice than The Summer Holiday!

This book was put on my radar by the cool kids over in the bookstagram world . So now, I will get you all excited by doing the same ! I can not wait for all of you to read this one!

This book is twisted! I zipped right through it in one sitting and I was left with my jaw on the ground!

Don’t take my word for it, head on over to your favorite bookstore and check it out for yourself!

Teaser :

One loving couple. One surprise guest. One week to destroy everything…

When the doorbell rings, I take one last look round the villa. The nuts and olives are in bowls; the white wine is chilling in the fridge; everything is ready for my old college friend, the guest I’m dying to impress.

When I open the door, Coco steps from the dusty street into the cool tiled hall, as effortlessly beautiful as ever. But then her face freezes in horror, her mouth falling open. I turn to see my husband Jeff behind me, his eyes wide, his cheeks pale.

After a moment, they both smile, pretending nothing happened at all. But I know what I saw.

This holiday was meant to rescue my marriage, not ruin it.

But the connection between my friend and my husband isn’t what I thought.

All three of us have something to lose, and something to fight for.

And when the truth comes out, not all of us will survive

One of the standout features of this book is the beautiful description of Catalonia. Lynes transports the reader to a beautiful setting, with vivid descriptions of the scenery, food, and wine. The setting creates an atmosphere of relaxation, making the unexpected and sinister events that occur all the more shocking.

The characters in "The Summer Holiday" are complex and well-developed, with their own secrets and flaws. Lynes does a great job of creating tension and suspicion among the characters, leaving the reader questioning what is going to happen and whom to trust. Kate, the protagonist, is relatable but not that likeable, though her struggles are clear to see and add depth to the story.

Kate’s infatuation with Coco is weird and intriguing at the same time. It seems that everyone wanted to be Coco at university and if they couldn’t be her, they wanted to be her best friend. Kate didn’t actually manage either and seems to have fantasised about her since, the cringe-worthy way she interacts is over the top and not a great portrayal of someone in their 50’s who has been married for over thirty years, more like that of a teenager who is starstruck.

The plot of the book is well-constructed, with several twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Although some of the plot points felt a bit contrived and some of the twists were predictable, these minor issues did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. The suspense builds steadily throughout the story, leading to a satisfying and surprising conclusion.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the exploration of the relationships between the characters. Lynes delves into the complexities of friendship and the secrets that can be hidden even among close friends. The characters' past traumas and secrets add depth to the story, making it more than just a typical psychological thriller.

Overall, "The Summer Holiday" is a well-written and engaging psychological thriller. The vivid setting, complex characters, and well-constructed plot make for a thrilling and satisfying read. I would recommend this book to fans of the genre who are looking for a quick and enjoyable summer read.

Well, that escalated quickly! As noted in the blurb, just one week is enough to unravel a relationship that has been in place for over 30 years. A cautionary tale? Perhaps. Kate and Jeff are on vacation at their villa in Cadaqués. A chance sighting of a fellow student from college is the first domino to set off a chain of events that will change their lives forever. S.E. Lynes does a brilliant job in delivering the narrative from three POVS: Kate, Jeff, and Coco. Coco's is especially intriguing as she is addressing her version of events directly to Jeff. The result is a uniquely presented love triangle. I was reminded of The Doctor’s Wife by Daniel Hurst as there is a good amount of "He said, she said" going on. Love that as a reader, there is a 360 degree view of the action. A surprise or two is saved up until the end and the pacing kept me turning the pages. Will definitely try another book by this author.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

While on the one hand this gripping story plays out along the lines I’d imagined, on the other it is full of surprises and I somehow didn’t expect it to become quite so dark.
It starts off with a common occurrence – a chance meeting with an old acquaintance during a summer holiday. Kate and Jeff are holidaying at their luxurious villa. She spots Coco, the coolest kid in their university days. All then spirals out of control as an innocent, if contrived, invitation leads to devastating consequences.
S.E. Lynes is so insightful and has this wonderful ability to portray real people on the pages of her books. Kate is just such a perfectly portrayed character. I actually cringed at her neediness and insecurity as she desperately tries to get Coco to notice her. And then there’s Coco herself, seemingly imperturbable, with her je ne sais quoi and old-school-wealthy way of being.
It soon becomes obvious to Kate that her husband, Jeff, shares some dark secret with Coco. We’re drawn inexorably into this bizarre triangle as the three dance around each other, each trying to outwit the other.
A fascinating and scary read.

This is a classic S E Lynes book whereby her beautiful writing just transports you to wherever a book is set. I felt the heat of the sun, the warmth of the sand, the smell of the sea, and most of all, a feeling of intense dislike to some seriously screwed up people!

Once again, Lynes doesn't fail to deliver with a blockbuster just in time for summer.

As recommended as always!

Good solid story. Kept you guessing the whole way and a couple good twists towards the end. Short chapters, easy to read. Really enjoyed this book. Would recommend it to others.

Overall, this book was a little bit slow in the beginning, but the ending made up for it. Great for a vacation read!

This is a heart-pounding novel that will captivate readers from start to finish. The author skillfully crafts a suspenseful narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring an enthralling reading experience.

The story introduces readers to a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. As the plot unfolds, their lives become intertwined in a high-stakes game of danger and deceit. The author expertly maintains a sense of suspense throughout the book, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to create a palpable atmosphere of tension and unease. The author's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers into the world of the story, making them feel as if they are right alongside the characters, experiencing the thrilling events firsthand.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, S.E. Lynes - 4.5 stars!

Jeff and Kate are on a long-awaited holiday at their villa in Spain, vacationing for the first time without their teenage daughter, who is on her own vacation with friends. Jeff is a workaholic and Kate is used to spending time by herself, but hoping to right the ship on this vacation. Then she runs into Coco Moss, a friend Jeff and Kate knew at university. She was the ultimate "it" girl at school and both Jeff and Kate wanted to be in her orbit. Kate arranges Coco to come to dinner and is shocked when Jeff and Coco exchange a terrified moment when spotting each other for the first time. What's going on?

This was a great psychological thriller, told in the POVs of both Jeff, Kate and Coco over a week's time, although their stories go back to their university days. All of these characters are flawed and you can feel each of their needs by their actions. I was glued to these pages and that ending was amazing!

The Summer Holiday was so good! I like that there were characters I adored as well as characters that I couldn't stand. This book definitely had realistic characters which is always a bonus. I didn't find this book to be super twisty but it still held my attention.

One loving couple. One surprise guest. One week to destroy everything…

When the doorbell rings, I take one last look around the villa. The nuts and olives are in bowls; the white wine is chilling in the fridge; everything is ready for my old college friend, the guest I’m dying to impress.

When I open the door, Coco steps from the dusty street into the cool tiled hall, as effortlessly beautiful as ever. But then her face freezes in horror, her mouth falling open. I turn to see my husband Jeff behind me, his eyes wide, his cheeks pale.

After a moment, they both smile, pretending nothing happened at all. But I know what I saw.

This holiday was meant to rescue my marriage, not ruin it.

But the connection between my friend and my husband isn’t what I thought.

All three of us have something to lose, and something to fight for.

And when the truth comes out, not all of us will survive…

This is the ninth book I’ve read by S. E. Lynes and I wasn’t disappointed! It did take me a few chapters to get into this one, but once I did, I found myself getting lost in the book with the beautiful descriptions of Catalonia’s beaches, scenery and the luxury villa where a large part of the story is set. This is the perfect book to get you into the summer mood. Although none of the main characters are particularly likeable, they are intriguing, deeply flawed and complex characters, so it doesn’t take anything away from the book. The protagonist, Kate is probably the most likeable of the three but I found myself feeling sorry for her whilst also wanting to give her a good slap to wake her up. Some of her behaviour was mildly frustrating but added to the whole story.

The story is more of a slow burn at the beginning with the suspense building slowly in the background, there were quite a few twists that managed to surprise me and I think the author did a great job with the small cast of characters in the book, this was helped by the alternating POV’s and alternating timelines which were both done well.

My thanks to the author and Bookouture for my advance copy to read and review via Netgalley. Out now!!

S.E. Lynes is a great author. She writes with confidence and passion for her story. She does know how to write a cracking good story I tell you.
We meet Kate & her husband Jeff in this one.
Married for many years, their marriage seems stale and one sided for much of the story.
I quite liked her character Kate. Unsure of herself and lacking in confidence, she loves her husband and feels it is her job to look after him. Look a little more closely and she's tired of it. Tired of getting nothing back, tired of the expectation and being taken for granted.
So when she casually bumps in to an old acquaintance Coco Moss, she feels she needs to take her life back in some way and think about herself, put herself first.
I liked how this story was told through the perspective of all three involved, Kate, Jeff and Coco. It gives us a great insight in to each of them.
The phrase "With friends like these, who needs enemies" came to my mind so often while I was reading.
Coco is not a friend I would care to have in my life.
I wanted so many times for Kate to stand up for herself with Jeff & Coco.
A brilliant read, so full of drama, tension and suspense, I loved it.
Well done Susie. The Summer Holiday is so worth your time.

a great page turner,fast paced, and many twists throughout.

This author never disappoints. I found "The Summer Holiday" a fantastic read. I highly recommend it

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this arc. all thoughts and opinions are my own and arent influenced by anyone else

Kate and Jeff have jetted off to Spain for their first holiday without their daughter. A week of relaxation, sun, sea and...

The Summer Holiday is well plotted, twisty thriller that flows at a fast pace, culminating in an explosive ending.

The story is narrated from the POV of Kate, Jeff and Katie's old college friend Coco, as they all add their versions of events.

It's definitely going to be a summer holiday to remember, just not in the way you thought it would be!

Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐