This was such a great and funny read, definitely very relatable for some families out there I am sure. A divorced couple mixed with new partners and child, what could possibly go wrong? Loved the theme of Christmas throughout and how each character had their own different quirks. Definitely one of my favourite reads of this year! Can't wait to see what else Caroline Hulse writes.

With thanks to Netgalley and Orion fit for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Congratulations to Caroline Hulse for her debut books The Adults.

Divorced couple Claire and Matt wanted to spend christmas with their daughter seven year old Scarlett. Claire and Matt decided to spend five days at the Happy Forest Holiday Park with their respective partners Alex and Patrick. Scarlett was accompanied by her invisible friend Posey a 5ft purple boy rabbit with a tag by his bum that said made in China.

I knew I would be in for a treat when the book began with the transcript of a 999 call Alex made calling for an ambulance. A man was lying unconscious, bleeding heavily after being shot by an archery arrow..

The story was told from the POV of Scarlett, Matt`s partner Alex, a scientist and finally Claire`s partner Patrick a barrister. The most interesting characters in this book were Alex and Patrick who felt like the outsiders in the cottage.

Alex seemed a little cold and as a scientist was apt to over analyse things. The incident with the injured partridge reminded me of a scene in Everyone Loves Raymond. Although she was an intelligent woman she seemed to put up with Matt who was a man baby who was seemed to still love his ex Claire. She was jealous of Claire who seemed like the perfect housewife always cooking. She was also upset because Scarlett disliked her and would talk to Posey about her under her breath.

I liked Patrick the middle aged barrister with two teenagers from his first marriage. Patrick knew he was boring and felt like he punching above his weight with the attractive Claire. Patrick was into to health and fitness and was entered into an iron man contest but was too scared to tell Claire. During the holiday he felt annoyed that Matt insisted in calling him Pat.

My favourite characters were Scarlett and Posey. Scarlett and Posey disliked Alex because they thought she was a scientist who tested on rabbits. After the partridge incident Posey became scared and said he would be careful around her. I found the Posey thing fascinating because he was intelligent and astute about the adults.

I enjoyed the interviews with the employees of Happy Forest after the incident, it was interesting how strangers perceive things. The circumstances of archery incident was surprising, definitely not what I was expecting.

I thought the plot was funny and the perfect book to start my countdown to Christmas 2018. I look forward to reading more from Caroline Hulse in the future.

A really entertaining read, very funny but heartfelt. I enjoyed the way that we got all the different perspectives, it gave the story a raw honesty.
The characters were very believable and the dynamics worked perfectly.
A definite recommend.

Well, what a Christmas break!! Note to self: however you celebrate yuletide, don't do it like this ...

Matt and Claire used to be married; they have a daughter, seven year old Scarlett. These days, Claire's new partner Patrick lives with them whilst Matt moved in with his girlfriend, Alex. So whose bright idea was it that they all head off to a 'fun' park to spend Christmas together? Either no-one knows - or nobody's owning up!

I love Christmas! Having been a single parent - and completely believing in putting children first, well above personal feelings, my ex-husband did come and spend Christmas day with me, our two children and my now husband. But go away with him and a girlfriend for days on end? Not on your life! This novel is alternately gobsmackingly shocking and amusing. Including Scarlett's 'friend' Posey the rabbit was a brilliant idea and frankly it's a toss up as to whether Posey or Scarlett was the most grown up of all of them!

From sober over-politeness to drunk revelations and attacks, this is one book which will keep your attention. One thing for sure, this author has a wicked sense of humour which shines through all the upsets. The book begins with a disaster and there are little snatches of that, reminding the reader that something monumental occurred. I rather liked how this was done; it added to the mystique. It kept my attention from start to finish - the only annoying thing was the use of a couple of repeated words which jarred and seemed unwieldy, interrupting the flow of the story. I even googled the author to check if she was in the UK!

That aside, it was fun being a silent spectator on the relationships of others; whilst I didn't find it hilariously funny, it was honest and amusing. 3.5*

My thanks to publisher Orion for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

For anyone who’s done a Center Parcs holiday, you’ll know there are moments when the polished veneer slips and things become strained...or maybe there are genuinely people who can do prolonged periods of time together without all manner of things getting in the way. If there are, they won’t get this. Me, I found myself thoroughly amused (and a little grateful things had never got quite that bad for us).
Matt and Alex are new partners. For one reason or another, they end up going on holiday with Matt’s ex, Claire, and her new partner so they can spend Christmas together with their daughter.
Of course this enforced holiday together-time reveals a lot of unspoken tensions. The four adults, child and imaginary friend (a 5ft purple rabbit) are an odd mix and it doesn’t take long for the polite veneer to crack.
At the very beginning we’re told someone is shot on the archery field. What we’re then shown is the build-up and exactly what happened.
Hulse shows these characters with warmth, and a knowing nod. There’s a witty tone throughout and a definite sense of poking fun at so many of our sensibilities/interests.
Thanks NetGalley for providing me with a great fun read, that made me truly thankful for my own family set-up.

The story line could have been good, but for me, it didn't really deliver. If you took it as a light hearted romp through family relationships and the complexity of new partners, ex partners, young children, imagined friends, then it was more credible. But it just seemed to switch between what could have been quite sinister and threatening, to something that just seemed unlikely. Unfortunately, I read the blurb, saw the reference to Eleanor Oliphant, and was hoping it would be similar. Sorry, I read it all, but I just didn't enjoy it.

"The Adults" introduce us to Matt and Claire, their daughter Scarlett and her imaginary 5 foot tall purple rabbit Posey. Nothing wring here, right, except for the fact that Matt and Claire are ex - spouses and they both have new partners, Alex and Patrick. Still nothing wrong, right? Up to this moment, when Matt comes up with this super - dooper great idea (he had good intentions. He thought only about Scarlett!) of spending the entire Christmas holidays together, in a theme park. Together, like, 2 exes, their new partners, their daughter and Posey. Well, what could go wrong? They're all adults, no?
Actually, everything could go wrong. Matt is not completely over Claire, or at least it looks like this, Scarlett fears Alex and her being a scientist and killing rabbits (so not true - but you see where it's going), Patrick trying to prove that he's really someone different and Claire being the stoic one, taking everything on her chin. But they're really adults, so they can get it right.
Or not?

Already the idea for this book: 4 adults, among them 2 ex's, 1 child and 1 imaginary five foot high purple rabbit Posey going together on Christmas holidays - I mean, mayhem is vouchsafe, right? I was hoping for a brilliant family drama with a great touch of humour to it, and I've got quite such a story, that I totally loved.

The characters are very well - rounded, except for - and I'm really sorry to say it - Scarlett. She was 7 years old, going on 70, except for her imaginary rabbit Posey there was not much of a child in her. She was just too mature for my liking, the way she was speaking was more an adult and not a child in her age, and it bothered me. But altogether, they were all so... you know, human, so true to life, with all their flaws and little lies and secrets and vague hints. Matt was a man - child and I wasn't sure what both of them, Alex and Claire, have seen in him to be honest. Alex tried, she tried so hard and for most of the story I really liked her but I hated her being so meek around Matt - she should have bang his head on the wall and not try to pacify him. Claire was too perfect to be true and Patrick, well I think Patrick was the most entertaining one of them all, with his insecurities and his "punching over his weight". They were all so different, which only made the story even more captivating, as they all had their flaws and their own personalities that I either agreed with or didn't agree, and so you could often catch me rolling my eyes, sighing, wanting to bang some heads together. They've seen things differently, which added tons of banter and humour to the book, as they tried to convince the others to their views. They felt real and honest, and that's all what counts. They made me feel frustrated, I wanted to shake them and palm them in their faces - I simply lived their lives together with them.

The story is told from three points of view: Alex and Patrick's, who are the new partners of Matt and Claire, two ex's, and the daughter of the last two, Scarlett. Oh, and sometimes also Posey, Scarlett's imaginary rabbit. It was a great idea, I think, as it gave us the great perspective of how it is to watch people you love in everyday patterns with their ex, and how different they are towards the present partner and towards their ex, how different their perspective on the same thing could be, how they start to see things that they haven't see before, or had not wanted to see. There were also chapters interspersed throughout from the police investigations, and of course, there are as many opinions and variations as there are people.

This story reminded me much of Claire Sandy's books and writing, and she's the queen of creating messy but loving families - I love her books, and "The Adults" come now very close. I think this is this kind of book that you must be able to also read between the lines to completely get the feeling, the characters and to appreciate the events, and I really liked it - it was clever, intelligent and not straight - forward.



Caroline Hulse has explored relationships in a clever, genuine and brutally honest way. Some of the situations made me laugh out loud, some made me cringe with embarrassment, but they were never even close to ridiculousness, they were still close to life and realistic. I loved the writing style - it was witty and chatty and offbeat. The author could truly well capture all the feelings and insecurities of the characters, and show what really makes them tick. "The Adults" was a great and entertaining domestic drama, a comedy of errors that felt like a real breath of fresh air. You know from the beginning that the things won't go smoothly and the way the action developed truly lived up to my expectations. Even though the story deals with some heavier, intense issues it is still a light read.
It's actually not so easy to write this review, guys, as it usually is with books that you really like, that you liked everything about them, and I really liked "The Adults". Except from one or two issues that I had a little problem but could also live with, there was nothing that I didn't like in this book, so really, what I could say is that it was bloody brilliant read, just up to my street and go, treat yourself to a copy, I'm sure you're going to find it entertaining, amusing and also thought - provoking. Highly recommended!

I wasn't as excited by The Adults as I thought I'd be. Interesting premise - separated couple decide it would be great for their daughter to have a family Christmas in an activity village, complete with parents' new partners.

Strangely, this set-up is destined for disaster...sharply witty characterization at times, but a bit flat overall. My favourite character was Posey the imaginary rabbit, but even he couldn't tip this story from ordinary into stand-out for me. It's not that long since I finished and already it's blurring in my mind.

What could possibly go wrong when two blended families take a Christmas vacation trip to the Happy Forest holiday park in the attempt to share a normal family Christmas ???

Everyone wishes for a harmonious relationship with their ex, especially when they share a child but going away to spend Christmas together with new partners definitely spells disaster to me. Can ex partners still remain friends.??

The story begins with a telephone call to the ambulance service. Someone has been shot by an arrow .... . We then travel back to explore the events leading up to the incident. Claire and her new boyfriend Patrick, Matt and his new girlfriend Alex along with Scarlett who is seven and her imaginary friend Posey a giant rabbit are all thrown together to enjoy family fun. Jealousy , rivalry , secrets, and past history all combine in an explosive event !! ....but what has happened ??

Caroline Huse explores family relationships in a witty insightful way. The dynamics of new relationships involving the emotions of children is dealt with brilliantly. I personally found the book a bit slow to begin with but I'm glad I continued reading as I really enjoyed it . Definitely an original book which was easy to read .

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this great book!!

This for me was a light hearted read if you don’t take it to seriously. I found the characters hard to warm to and this did at times make me think it wasn’t for me but I carried on till the end and I’m glad I did.
Scarlett’s Mum and Dad want her to have a normal family Christmas but is this really possible she they are separated and they bring there new partners into the family mix for Christmas. Just knowing that the reader can see that this is not going to be a happy family Christmas.
At times I did chuckle when reading this book, mainly at Scarlett with her imaginary friend and then other times I felt it was a little flat.
Overall it was an ok read that I’m glad I finished.

I found the premise of this book really interesting and thought that the subject matter had the potential to be equally as hilarious as it would be awkward.

Claire and Matt decide to spend Christmas together for the sake of their daughter Scarlett despite the fact they are no longer together and both have new partners. Claire brings her boyfriend, Matt brings his girlfriend and Scarlett brings her invisible bunny friend who has a remarkably sharp tongue. Together they all muddle along and try and enjoy their festive break at the holiday park...

My main feelings are reading this book is that is was hilarious in places and very sharply observed to the point of making me physically cringe whilst reading some chapters. The arguments they had, the anxious and paranoid thoughts they all had about each other and Scarlett's misunderstandings were all very funny.

Secondly, I really liked the flashbacks and police interviews which were interwoven with the main plot. From the beginning the reader is aware that a major mishap has occurred and the way in which this story unravels and the reader is told more and more really keeps you interested in the story.

I did hugely struggle with the characters, however, I didn't enjoy the Scarlett/Posey storyline and felt it slowed the pace of the story down. I also couldn't abide Patrick and Alex. It seemed ridiculous to me that Claire and Matt weren't still together and I was disappointed in the end when they didn't ditch their annoying new partners and make a go of things again.

Overall, I read the book extremely quickly and enjoyed it a lot because of how amusing it was. It was a good book to give a few hours to on a quiet day.

I’d seen this book several times on NetGalley but kept scrolling past, eventually I gave in and clicked on it to see what it was about. It sounded like an interesting read so I clicked on the Request button. After requesting I thought I wouldn’t get approved for a copy to read but several days later an email popped up on my phone saying I had been approved to read and review the book by publisher. Now a week after reading the book I’m so glad that I pressed that request button and here’s why.

I found this book to be a lighter and more relaxing read compared to my usual types of books. The Adults is written well and very easy to read. It is a great summer read, although watch out, the storyline is set during the Christmas period, which was a bit weird especially when sitting in the garden enjoying the wonderful heatwave in the middle of July. There were some amusing parts in the book that made me smile, and what made the book more enjoyable.

The characters were all likeable, however, my favourite was Scarlett and her imaginary friend the rabbit (brought back memories of my own imaginary friend when I was that age).  Her character sounds so cute and innocent.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group - Orion Books for my eARC in return for an Unbiased review.

Sorry to say this book wasn't for me. I had such high hopes after reading the description.

It turned out to be different to my usual Thriller and Crime genre. I did try to read it with an open mind, however I still struggled with it.

I’m really very sorry, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Thank you to Netgalley, for my arc.

I'm sorry to say that this turned out to be the disappointing case of the blurb being better than the actual book.

When I read the blurb for this I was so excited, it sounded fantastic. I was not disappointed this was brilliant.
The characters where just perfect and I really loved them both.
The whole book will have you in fits of giggles.
One of the best books I have read in ages it was so fun and exciting.

Relationships are complicated things. This novel picks apart two relationships that are intertwined, around a small girl and her imaginary friend. It is a story that takes place over the Chrismtmas holiday, tense at the best of times. It tells of love, friendship, partnerships, lies, truth, feelings. and Accidents.

I adored this book. It was so funny and so sharply observed. Alex and Matt are a thirty something couple. Matt is separated from Claire the mother of his daughter, Scarlett. Scarlett has an imaginary friend, a rather grumpy 140 cm high rabbit called Posey. Claire is now in a relationship with Patrick, a nice man with a desire to be an Ironman (no, not the superhero, just one of those who does a super hard triathlon). It's Christmas and Claire has suggested they all go to The Happy Forest (center parcs by any other name) together. Are they adult enough to carry it off? Well, what do you think? The ensuing sniping that goes on between the couples, the anxieties they have, all are so well done. Matt in particular is very insecure around super-fit Patrick and resorts to a passive aggressive tactic of calling him Pat which Patrick of course hates and being falsely naive about the rhythmic banging of the pipes that goes on every evening at bedtime. But the best part is when Scarlett (and by default Posey) overhear something about vivisection and decide that Alex who is a scientist is going to murder Posey. The conversations that Posey and Scarlett have about this are simply brilliant. This book is for anyone who's got children, who's had a difficult breakup or even just a tense family get together. If you've been to Center Parcs so much the better. Many thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.

I was looking forward to reading this book, it sounded quite different to my usual choice of thrillers and Sci Fi etc but I enjoy a change of genre every now and again.However I just couldn't get into this book, I didn't like any of the characters,and found it all rather silly.I was expecting it to be written in a tongue in cheek,funny way but didn't get the humour if there was any at all.All in all I felt very disappointed and didn't like the book at all. Sorry and hope others enjoy it more than I did.Thanks to the publishers and netgalley for an ARC.

Thought this looked an interesting read, 2 couples, ex partners, one daughter and a rabbit (imaginary). As the story unfolded it was obvious there was plenty of misgivings on all sides, was slightly comical in places and maybe a little unbelievable in others. Overall not a bad read.

Really fresh and original and I thought she captured the distinct voices really well, particularly the little girl's. I really enjoyed it.