Cover Image: The Adults

The Adults

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Member Reviews

At first, I wasn’t so sure if I would like the parallel story lines of going between the past and present, but it definitely worked with this book. I found the beginning a bit slow, but after the drunk scenes with Alex, I couldn’t put the book down. This book definitely is an interesting look into a dysfunctional “family,” but all characters prevail in some way at the end, which I found enjoyable.

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This book surprised me. I didn't think I would like it, but ended up enjoying the story and characters. The premise seemed silly at first, but I wanted to find out more once I realized the main character had some problems. To be honest, I started this book and was not sure if I'd read it. Then I peeked at some of the Netgalley reviews, and they encouraged me to give it a chance. I'm glad I did, because it was a quick, entertaining read. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending, but it was enjoyable.

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I loved this book! The story is relatable and the characters could easily be people we know. And I think we all need a 5 foot imaginary purple rabbit in our lives!

I really enjoyed the writing style and I like it when authors use different styles of writing in books-emails, Interviews, text messages, etc.

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I'm afraid I didn't find this book to be as humorous as some, and there really wasn't a single character I liked. Maybe I am just not part of the audience for whom it was written, as so many others like it so much.

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I was reading this one and another ARC at the same time and I legitimately had to put the other one down because I could not stop thinking about The Adults.

The book centers on Scarlett and her parents, Claire and Matt, and their respective significant others, Patrick (not Pat) and Alex. They all decide to go on Holiday together under one roof. And they expect this will actually end well..

The drama and comedy that ensues was one of pure delight. It was slightly reminiscent of Big Little Lies in format and content but a bit toned down, in a good way. The author switches us from present to past and to police reports collected. The story was very easy to follow with the switches in time, which isn't always the case.

And the drama! Until about 70% through, I just could not figure out who I liked and who I detested. Each character had such high positive attributes and such gross shortcomings that it was hard to tell who was genuine, who was lying and who was actually an adult. But Scarlett and her invisible friend, Posey, were some of the most amusing throughout.

Overall I was really drawn into the characters, their stories, and how their pasts all came together to this one event during this one Holiday. I thought about them a lot outside of reading and was surprised at how authentic the character development was written out.

The ending was concluded marvelously as well. I had no clue of how things actually played out until the last pages when it was revealed. And I'm always one for a good happy ending, but I hate the cheese factor of most of them. This one felt very real and legitimate. No cheese in sight.

I would definitely recommend this book and will be looking out for future works by Caroline Hulse to dive into.

**Many thanks to Caroline Hulse, Random House Publishing Group, and NetGalley for an advanced e-book in exchange for an honest review.

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I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

This was an easy and amusing read about a Center Parcs type holiday during which one member of the party is shot by an arrow during an archery session. The party consists of 7 year old Scarlett, her divorced parents (Matt and Claire) and the divorced parents' new partners, Alex and Patrick. Scarlett is also accompanied by her imaginary rabbit friend Posey, whom I could have done without. It was difficult during the narrative to work out when Scarlett and Posey were communicating in Scarlett's head and when she was speaking aloud, and the final scene when Posey leaves for good went on far too long.

I enjoyed this story, which was told from the perspectives of Alex, Patrick and Scarlett (occasionally in a voice a little too old for a seven year old). There were chapters interspersed throughout where the police carried out interviews into the shooting and these contained some clever misdirection. The ending was a little ridiculous, but just about convinced, and the author was very hard on her male characters - my only other quibble would be what either Claire or Alex had ever seen in Matt.

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I started reading this book, expecting a quick, fun read. I was impressed though, to learn that this book had quite a bit of depth. All the characters were fairly easy to relate to in one way or another. I would definitely recommend this book!

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I really enjoyed this quirky read. I liked the characters, especially 7 year old Scarlett and her imaginary friend Posey (a rabbit). The unlikely scenerio, a blended family spending a 5 day holiday together, is a bit unorthodox for most families, I would venture to say......having said that, all the “so called”, ‘we are all adults and can handle this’ proves differently. All their insecurities are exposed, which makes them very “human” and how they work through everything, is very “adult” in the end. This book is amusing and sometimes uncomfortable when they all let “their hair down,” but that’s what makes it interesting and so much fun to read. Thank you Netgaally and the author, Caroline Hulse and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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I received an ARC of this book from Random House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I give this book 5 stars! The Adults by Caroline Hulse was a quick witty read and thoroughly enjoyable. The story is wildly comedic with likable, relatable characters; like watching a friend's "I told you so" drama unfold before your eyes. Surly nothing could go wrong with 4 adults, (2 of them ex's), a child with an imaginary rabbit spending Christmas together... This laugh-out-loud contemporary drama is sure to keep the reader engaged from start to finish. I think The Adults would be the perfect light read during the bustle of the holidays.

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This is the story of exes Matt and Claire, their respect partners Alex and Patrick and their daughter Scarlett. For Christmas Claire and Matt come up with an idea for the sake of seven year old Scarlett for themselves, their current partners and Scarlett to spend the holiday together at a kind of camp ground resort. The story starts off with Alex calling the police because someone has been shot with an arrow in the archery course at the resort, the story then backs up to a few weeks prior to the incident. This was a well written story, I thought I had it figured out about 50% in and was happily surprised to find at the end that I was only sort of right! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read with a twist.

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I loved this book. 4 adults, 2 were married at one point have a daughter, Scarlett., head off for an extended Christmas holiday. Scarlett’s Parents wanted her to spend Christmas with both her parents, unfortunately one of the adults ends up shot. You may think you know who did it, but won’t figure it out.

The only trouble I had was with some of the slang as I’m in the states.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I picked up the novel based on the cover and blurb. It was enjoyable and interesting read that I would recommend to fans of contemporary fiction.

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This was clever. These characters and the plot were so unique. What an awkward situation, so full of tension.

It was interesting to me that each character could turn from likable to unlikeable with each new situation. It made the story fun because there wasn’t anyone in particular that I was rooting for, at times all, and others none.

The mystery was fun, explained in a series of interviews of resort employees mainly. I was very curious at the beginning how exactly it would play out. As the story unfolds and the rest of the craziness occurs it almost takes a backseat but not in a bad way.

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Overall enjoyed this book! The plot kept me interested and was unique! There are not a lot of books on the market that touch on the subject of blended families and how awkward it often is. The author did a great job of intertwining the imaginary friend “posey” of the child, as well explaining the background for how and why the friend came to be. A couple negatives; the subject of alcoholism is handled fairly lightly and not with the seriousness the topic deserves. Additionally, several times in the book the author uses the “c” word pretty liberally which is jarring? Although I understand, more widely accepted in other countries. Overall, I would recommend to friends!

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I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was absolutely hysterical – wonderfully quirky characters and a lot of warmth and insight about human relationships. I eagerly recommend this one and I can’t wait for the next from this author

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A quirky, read about how blended families try and function within social norms. Yet, social norms don't alway keep us from acting like small children. The Adults is a great reflection of how divorce, custody, and new relationships make us do stupid and foolish things.
#TheAdults #NetGalley

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Such a bad idea....a divorced couple and their new partners going off for a 5 day Christmas vacation. I think the reader can see where this is going, and they are correct. Awful plan, inevitable crisis and a fun book to read. Yes, it’s predictable but certainly a good read. All this takes place in an English version of a glamorous family camp.

Since the book begins with an emergency call to get help for a member of this jolly quartet, who has been shot by an arrow, the reader is waiting for the arrow to hit. The complications of their relationships and the inevitable rivalry is well developed. Thrown into the mix is Scarlett the seven year child of Matt and Clare and her Harvey-like friend, Posey the invisible rabbit.

Oh, this is enjoyable, good to read with a group and discuss the pitfalls and boundaries of blended families.

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