Sugar & Spice is the latest app craze taking the world by storm, but for Abby and Brendan Hollander, downloading it leads to a dangerous game of life and death. When the app assigns them a series of increasingly taboo tasks, they soon find themselves caught up in a twisted web of seduction and violence

I enjoyed this book. It’s well written, paced perfectly with great and believable characters. There is sex, mystery, technology and it’s got a real story. There are twists and turns as the pace of events increases. This is a great read.

Could not put down. Great story line & characters. Easy to read & kept me wanting to reading until the end. Will recommend to others

This is my first JD Barker book and I appreciate the opportunity to read it from NetGalley and the author. I recognize the author as a highly popular author and was very intrigued by the premise. I will say that I was expecting the intrigue and mystery. What I was not prepared for was the all-in writing style the author uses and the over-the-top nature of some of the themes. My mistake. If you like JD Barker's writing style, then I'm sure you will be more than prepared for this novel. Overall, I enjoyed the book, (it was my mistake about content), so ignore that part of the review. I did enjoy how the story points out exactly how little most people read the "terms and permissions" of the apps that they download, me included! It is truly scary to have that pointed out and especially in a novel where nefarious intentions are presented.

Thank you Netgalley, JD Barker and Hampton Creek Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the eArc of Behind A Closed Door.

This had me gripped from start to finish and probably a bit close to home in our technological world. Abby and Brendon are having a few issues within their relationship and after agreeing to go and see a therapist, they were recommended an app called Sugar And Spice. A truth or dare app that will spice up your love life, bring you closer as a couple, dares you to do things that are risqué and of course, a bit of healthy competition of earning points. At first, it's all new and exciting but then, things take a darker, more sinister route.

The whole narrative had me pinned to my seat reading, it has good pacing and the characters are well defined and different. As the threads of Abby and Brandon's life comes together with the underlaying story, you are in a rabbit hole of possible outcomes. The twists and turns are well executed and the finale/ final twist. I didn't see coming at all. A delight to read as a light spice/erotic and heavy on the thriller. Great combination!

4 stars

Sexy, twisty, thought-provoking thriller! In Behind Closed Doors, we meet Abby and Brendan, a married couple seeing a therapist to work out some of their trust and relationship issues. The therapist questions their lack of intimacy and suggests a popular app called Sugar and Spice, which is an adult truth or dare game where you earn points for playing. Brendan and Abby start to explore the app and the closeness and friendly competition that it introduces.

We are then introduced to Romeo and Juliet, a couple that seems to be on random murder spree which we learn through the book is not as random as it appears. They are also players of Sugar and Spice, and the app is not an innocent, fun game as it initially seemed.

I enjoyed how the book started off in one direction and had a few twists along the way. The pace for learning about Brendan and Abby, and their friends and their careers moved the book along. As Brendan and Abby they learn more about the app and the bigger picture, they realize they signed up for more than they thought and also gave the app permissions they did not intend when they glazed over the fine print. Makes you think about all times we also click "yes" on the terms of service and how we assume everything in our best interests. I will say the journey to the conclusion escalated and may be borderline over the top, but in a very enjoyable way that brings everything together...and maybe a reminder to not let our technology rule us.

I also love the characters that this author develops. They are well thought out and I loved that there are a few strong, smart females in this story. I recommend this book for anyone that want a fast-paced tale that is hard to put down!

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy.

On the edge of my seat from start to finish! JD Barker you've done it again!! This was an exhilarating story that started as a fun and spicy game and turned into a psychological thriller that would put some nightmares to shame.

Interesting and a little too close to home. Sugar & Spice is not the app you would want to download.

Abby and Brendan's relationship is believable and written well. The story takes you on an interesting ride through marriage issue, reconnecting, trust, and knowledge. Makes you actually second guess before you download just any app. It felt like watching a movie reading which was enjoyable. It isn't a hard puzzle to solve. When it comes to the ending it seemed a little rushed and unrealistic to what might actually happen. Might just be my own personal experiences interfering with that but I don't think anyone with advance computer/ technology skills would fall for something so simple. All in all a good read.

Thanks netgally and publishers for this ARC.

"Behind a Closed Door" by JD Barker is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Fast paced and thought provoking, with twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the very end. This s a must-read for fans of the genre.

Thrilling, suspenseful and unpredictable, Behind a Closed Door surprises till the very end. The plot weaves in clues and seemingly unrelated events that end up having a huge effect in the overall story. The author wrote this book for his own enjoyment, not for his agent or his readers or anyone else. It shows in that it’s pure fun. I liked the characters a lot. They may not be perfect but I was rooting for Abby and Brendan. The supporting characters are a little over the top but they were still fun to read. I’ll say this as cryptically as possible as to not spoil the story but Brendan’s job was not the most engaging part of this. I find that type of law enforcement excruciatingly boring, but the author actually makes it interesting. When I say this is popcorn fiction I mean it as high praise. I love a story that will keep me entertained. I love that the author embraces that type of novels, because it’s the type of books I enjoy reading and he is extremely effective trapping the audience and keeping us turning the pages. 2 1/2 sugars + 2 1/2 spice = 5 solid stars.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Hampton Creek Press.

Although the author already release several amazing books, this is my first read from his writing. And I am glad gave this one a shot.
The story open with Abby and Brendan Hollander downloading Sugar & Spice, sexual game apps for spice up their married life. And this apps was a part of their couple therapy suggestions. The premise so related with our own modern life. It is intrigued and keep the tension up with reality that something so simple as installing new apps could make life become nightmare. Everyday become challenge with high stakes of life and death. Not only for them but for other people related to them.
The pace very fast and the writing is easy to follow. I can see whole plotline will become super alive at action movie.
The characters isnt really standout but both likeable and I felt deepest sorry for their condition. They both want save their marriage with extra steamy and got tangled on hunger games situation.
.
4.5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and Hampton Creek Press for providing a copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expectation Publication : 15 March 2024

This really varies in his normal works but I liked it. A true original storyline that just sucked me in from the first chapter! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this early copy

I have been putting off this review for weeks because I don't know how to even begin.
Okay, let's try.
I couldn’t believe my luck when I found that this book was available. So of course I quickly clicked Read Now, downloaded it and started reading it asap.
The beginning was so strong, it was terrifying, creepy ( something I have come to expect from Barker’s books) and mysterious. I couldn't put the book down, I needed to know what was going on, who was behind it all and you know the drill. Then I hit the 40% mark and well things started going downhill from there. The plot started dragging. It felt like the pace had slowed and the plot was unnecessarily getting stretched, just to fill up the pages. The characters started grating on my nerves, all of them were regressing instead of growing as a character. Sure that was the whole point of the book, showing us how morally grey we all are but see, I don't have an issue with villains, I love them. I love their origin story, love when a character goes from goody two shoes to being a bad guy but the characters in this book started becoming dull and pretty 2-D. In Jake Peralta’s voice: YA BORING!
Still, the plot was interesting and very engaging. The whole concept of an app that makes you do stuff for money and the way technology has us in a chokehold. All of this was interesting because that’s our reality. Our phones are dictating us, tracking and listening to us. Take technology’s negatives and mix it in with our perpetual greed and you have an episode of Black Mirror in your hands. Unfortunately Barker couldn’t pull it off.
I thought to myself, it’s okay let’s wait for the ending, this author usually writes crazy endings. Nope, I was wrong. The thing is I knew who was behind it all from the get go so when it was revealed I wasn’t phased in the least. I was like, oh okay with a shrug. I was disappointed because the ending of a book is everything for me.
Will I recommend this? If you’re going into this thinking it'll be like The Fourth Monkey, well you’ll be disappointed. Since I loved the concept of this book I’d recommend reading it just for the concept and the first 40% . Nothing else. The ending was so bad, I am still fuming. So before I decide to not recommend it AT ALL, I am going to end my review right here.

When you pick this book up, all I can say is be prepared to have your mind blown. That may be dramatic to some, but that's exactly where this book had me the entire time. This for me was a masterpiece that I am grateful that I was able take part in. Barker is a great story teller. He has a way of pulling us (the reader) in with a host of secret, lies, and deceptions, that keeps us guessing (Was it him, Was it her? Was it them?). I personally noticed that each character is well developed. We have a clear understanding of who everyone is and what they are about. Each character seems to have been meticulously crafted with their own backstories and motivations. I have found that with such a great level of detail, it makes the story more real and relatable. In the end, this book left me still thinking - wanting to disect/discuss, even now, having completed this over a week ago. Check this out and have your own experience, you won't be sorry!!!

My thanks to Hampton Street Press, J.D. Barker and Netgalley.
I loved this book. However, I'll not be leave review. Barker is good. His asshole-centric and creeptoid shit is unwelcome.
He knows what he did. He should take it to heart. Because most women would not forgive him for his VERY FUCKING CREEPY shit!
I'm giving this one notice....don't fuck up again Mr. Barker, because we women will only take so much. Your "much" is now in the past. Don't do it again.
I love this authors fiction. I always have. I've not ever read a damn thing from him that doesn't make my horror stricken heart think otherwise.
While this story wasn't one of my favorites, it still made me happy as shit to be a Barker fan.
Keep them coming and stop the creepster shit. I'd already be starting the divorce proceedings. Just saying.

Could. Not. Put. This. Down! I read this chunky, spicy, adrenaline fueled, popcorn thriller in under 2 days! Wow, just WOW! This story is so far fetched, fun, nail biting, and it terrified me enough to want to throw away all my devices and buy a burner phone. Haha, just kidding….maybe! Also, just a heads up, the first 30% of this story is pretty spicy since Abby and Brendan Hollander, married for 10 years and have lost their way a bit, enter couples therapy and their therapist recommends a new popular app to help reignite their love life. After that, the story speeds up to overdrive with some over the top situations thanks to the app advancing past sexual suggestions and offering them more sinister assignments. I am a huge fan of this author’s Fourth Monkey trilogy. Barker definitely tried something different in this one but it’s written with his signature tight plotting, character development and humor. Barker makes his stories leap off the page and become a 3D experience! Thank you Netgalley, Hampton Creek Press and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on May 13, 2024

Although this book seemed to begin slow for me for some reason, it kept my attention and did pick up in speed. This story is based on something that I could see happening albeit on a smaller scale. But the thought of it is actually scary because of the possibilities of today's technologies! I would say many of us, too many of us in my opinion, do not pay close enough attention to fine print, nor do we even read it a lot of the time. Perhaps after reading this, we will. I know that I will be paying closer attention to what goes onto my electronics for sure!
Strong characters in the story made it easy to follow, and another one for the good books read by J. D. Barker.

Thanks so much for allowing me to read for review!

AJB

I would like to thank NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

I previously read the 4MK Thriller series by JD Barker, and loved it, so I was excited to learn of this new book, deemed a "sexually-charged dark thriller". It sounded like it was right up my reading alley.

This book centers around a couple, Abby and Brendan Hollander, who seem to be in a boring marriage. Enter a new and very popular app called "Sugar and Spice" which is recommended to them by their therapist. Well everything starts out ok, but as the prompts get more and more personal, the stakes also get higher and higher.

It's very obvious that no one reads the fine print when downloading apps (I too am guilty of this), but have Brendan and Abby made the biggest mistake, possible of their lives. The app is definitely not what it seems. Neither is anyone Brendan and Abby meet along the way. Murder and mayhem ensues and follows Brendan and Abby, whether they want it or not. You can't get out of the game when it has completely taken over your life and all of your devices. Really makes you wonder who you can really trust, because pretty much everyone is playing the game and could be out to kill you.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. The premise was good, and it was definitely sexually-charged and violent. However I guess it just didn't sit right with me. With technology and apps the way they are, I guess the plot is plausible but maybe it just hit too close to home. It was a page-turner, though. And the big reveal of the puppet-master and app mastermind definitely surprised me.

I may recommend this book to my friends who like a good thriller, but I feel like it's a very niche audience.

Abby and Brendan Hollander’s marriage is in trouble until their therapist recommends a new app called Sugar and Spice (an erotic truth or dare game). Despite being glitchy they give it a try and now their relationship and sex life are quickly improving. They are having fun trying new things and trying to accumulate more points than their partner until the game takes a dark turn. They soon find themselves caught in a dangerous game where violence and sex go hand in hand…Would you kill a total stranger to save someone you love?

Behind a Closed Door is being marketed as an erotic thriller…50 shades meets The Game. Usually I really enjoy Barker’s fast paced thrillers but this one was way over the top. I think the concept was solid in which a young married couple are trying to work through some difficulties in their relationship. The app provides them with a way to reconnect with their partner through a game of truth (sugar) and dare (spice) in which you accumulate points for completing the task. That’s where the story gets out of control because the app has access to everything and everyone and people will do anything, including violent acts, to gain points. As the story continues it just keeps spiraling out of control and the characters and plot are just so unbelievable you just roll your eyes and move on. That being said I still have faith that I will enjoy further novels by this author. I give him credit for trying something new it just wasn’t something that worked for me personally.

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

This book didn't work out for me. I ended up DNFing due to the issues I had with the way topics were handled. I don't think that it was well written or really lived up to the premise. I also think that there were some comments made when discussing the intimacy of the main characters that came across as aphobic and does not give room for relationships that may feel like sexual intimacy is not as important to keeping their relationships alive. Couple's counseling should focus more on what each partner needs, not how much sex they are having or how they are having it if they deem sexual intimacy to be so important to a relationship, not enough sexual intimacy would end it.

Thank you NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press, and JD Barker for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I have to start by saying how excited I was to start this book. I had read A Caller’s Game by JD Barker, and after enjoying that, and reading the description of this book, I knew this would be right up my alley! (And I wasn’t wrong!)

This book had me at the edge of my seat! What an exciting concept - a seemingly fun steamy couples app that can have some devastating results. It also gave a great reflection into data privacy, and how much our smartphones really are listening.

I truly enjoyed this book. I can’t express enough how intrigued I was by the concept and the plot.

Major bonus points due to the shortness of the chapters! Each chapter ranged (I read on the kindle) from 1 minute to six minutes per chapter for reading speed. That was a welcome delight!

I do think the storyline for the side characters Romeo & Juliet brought a level of goriness that I wasn’t expecting! There was definitely a good amount of gory blood in this book… do with that information what you will.

The ending was a little predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!