Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. This title came to me in a bit of a book drought. So glad that it came my way, and I highly recommend it. Two women, both claiming a little boy is their own. This book started veering into plot developments I truly didn't expect. The story is narrated in past and present as well as from the point of view of both women. I liked, and didn't like, both of the women at alternating points. There are also some peripheral characters that I found very well done.

This was a solid 3 star read for me. I really enjoyed 3/4 of this book but I felt a little unsatisfied with the ending which just wrapped up very quickly and it wasn't totally believable. The writing is not anything amazing but it was great "escape reading" and perfect for this busy time of year. I was very interested in the topic, which was the more "dark side" of paid surrogacy. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their back stories and Beck (aka Stuart Neville) did a great job building up the suspense.

As the story went on each of the women became more desperate with their desire for the baby and this part was harder for me because I often felt most for the baby himself.... I enjoy domestic thrillers and think this would be a great beach read or one to discuss with friends because it has some very interesting talking points.

An entertaining read that kept me engrossed and turning pages. It’s a great beach read and a fine twist at the end. I say, bravo!

Thank you very much to Netgalley and Crown Publishing for a chance to read this title before it publishes. Libby needs a break. She’s just sold her first book and has planned a vacation with her son Ethan. Her husband left her three years before. Annie has just been laid off from her waitressing job and is looking for another job when she’s shown an ad about getting paid for she’s not sure what. But she pursues it anyway.

These two woman’s path collides in the land of surrogates and clients. But not in an easy relationship. The twists will have you on the edge of your recliner and staying up until 2 a.m. to see what happens. Oh maybe, that was just me.

I loved this book. It took me far away from the stress of this season and gave me an escape I’m still pondering today. Haylen Beck, aka Stuart Neville, writes beautifully and compellingly. Try this thriller, I think you’ll like it.

Lost You: A Novel by [Beck, Haylen]

So . . . not exactly great literature, but I still really enjoyed it.



Review copy provided by publisher.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this compelling, fast-paced, provocative psychological thriller. Two desperate women become involved with a shady agency which matches women longing for a baby with a surrogate. 3.5 stars

Libby is unable to become pregnant and is obsessed with having a child to love. Her husband does not approve of hiring a surrogate but would agree to an adoption. Libby refuses this option and proceeds in obtaining a surrogate by way of an agency operating outside the law.

Anna has been laid off from her work as a waitress and is living in a cold, run-down mobile home. She is very worried about how she will support herself. She answers an ad in the local paper offering generous payment to young, healthy women. On meeting and being interviewed by the agency, she learns that she will be well paid if she agrees to give birth and relinquish the baby.

Since the agency is operating illegally, what recourse does she have if she breaks the agreement and decides to keep the baby? There is a shady employee determined to enforce the agreement when surrogates refuse to give up their babies. How does Libby, the prospective and heartbroken mother react on learning she will not receive the baby she has eagerly hoped for, prepared for, and dreamed about? All documents had been signed by her and fees paid.

As the two women become more desperate and emotionally unhinged, they both make some irrational and bad decisions. I was unable to sympathize or connect with either woman in their plights. I came to feel that the baby boy might be better off without either woman as his mother.

Three years later, Libby is a devoted single mother to her son she calls Ethan. She is on her way to becoming a successful published writer. She is on holiday at a luxurious southern resort with her boy. Anna has tracked her down through the internet and is determined to get her son back through any means necessary. She snatches Ethan. When confronted by the police and hotel security she claims Ethan is her son. They are in a dangerous position. (Not a spoiler since this scene is laid out at the beginning of the book.)

Can there possibly be a happy ending for anyone? This gives an enthralling insight through the hearts and minds of two troubled women. This book would be a quick, popular summer read and should provoke interesting book club discussions.