****Review****


Utterly gripping psychology thriller.

This book had me gasping out loud, just when I thought I had the plot line another twist comes. K.L.Slater does a fantastic job of building up the suspense, revealing little titbits.
This story is not a love story, I makes you realise no matter how much you think you know someone, they hold secrets close to the chest. Either through fear of hurting the ones you love or just for selfish reasons.
This book to me say that no matter how much you go through, mental health, death that if your strong enough you can survive anything. The women in the book are strong and edgy. I couldn’t help but root for them.
This book is well written and grips you from the start.
Thank you to Netgalley/ K.L. Slater/ Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is truly a psychological thriller in every sense. The twists keep coming and it seems that the more unreliable the characters are, the better the plot. This centers around single mum Darcy, who lost the father of her two boys recently to illness and suffered a mental breakdown in trying to get back on track. His family are codependent and overly supportive in trying to help but when she meets someone new, everyone has a stake in the outcome of the relationship.
The story is overwhelming in scope of tangles between parties but Slater does a good job coming to a conclusion for each twist and turn.
Definitely recommend for those that like a fast paced psychological thriller.
#Single #Netgalley #Bookouture

Single by K.L. Slater gave a whole new meaning to the idiom ‘Too good to be true.’

Single mother Darcy is doing her best to offer her sons the best, with the ubiquitous presence of her in-laws and her late husband’s sister. It quickly becomes apparent that Darcy has gone through a really tough time after the father of her children. When her youngest son was saved by a handsome doctor coming out of nowhere, I knew I would be wary of Darcy throughout the book. Her reaction and thoughts had me rolling my eye, and I was soon to be proved right, as this fateful event triggered a series of meetings that led to what looks like the perfect ‘second-chance love story.’

Perfect… Perfect… K.L. Slater knows how to quarter each letter and make them bleed until nothing is left but a metallic taste in your mouth!

Single is filled with threats coming from all sides. I felt like I was riding a drifting raft in the middle of the ocean during a storm! The ground under the characters’ feet felt thin as ice. I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly was wrong, but I was almost seasick!!! The author has a way to get you invested in a novel, even though you haven’t warmed to the protagonists. It takes a lot to keep me on my toes about the lives of people I wouldn’t befriend, but the Queen of Unforeseen Twists did it!

Darcy’s new love George sounded too good to be true, but I didn’t have time to analyse my suspicions as I also had to keep an eye of Darcy’s late husband’s family, very keen to keep their grandchildren by their side. On top of it all, both Darcy and George deserved slaps for lying by omission, or lying period, therefore putting their new family life in danger.

At the heart of this novel lies trust. Who do you trust? Who is evil enough to betray you? What drives someone to destroy everything to reach their goal? I couldn’t shake the feeling that every relationship in this book was based on sand, threatening to immerse everyone at any second!
Tension and uneasiness make Single a deeply disturbing read!

Just finished this nailbiting book and it was soooo good!
Thank you Netgalley, KL Slater and Bookouture for giving me the chance to read this advance copy.
Darcy a young widow with 2 small boys is still reeling from the shock of losing her partner Joel to cancer and then finding out he has another secret life with a woman named Daniella.
Her whole world is consumed with stalking Daniella on social media. Joel's family worry about her state of mind and decide to apply for custody of the boys.
Meanwhile Darcy meets handsome Dr George Who comes with his own set of issues....
Nothing is as it seems and red herrings are everywhere. Treat yourself to a cozy weekend of reading you won't regret it! 5 stars 🌟

Darcy has two sons and a past. She is very much guided by her former husbands family after he died. When Kane the youngest child has a severe asthma attack one day a doctor comes to her rescue. The beginning of the book takes us to someone sounding like they are struggling with their mental health, having dressed totally in the wrong clothes and then finding themselves in hospital. We later find out who this is , why and what happened. Darcy and George start dating, something she hasn’t told her inlaws as even four years after Joel died they think it would be far too soon to begin seeing someone. They help Darcy look after her boys when she works but are beginning to take over her life. Both her and Goerge have someone in their past they wish they could get rid of. K.L Slater knows magic. Magic that gets you into the plot quickly and characters you take to (or not in some cases!) . This is a clever premise and that wondering who the guilty parties were, having thought of different characters along the way and there are lots of twists and turns on the journey. The ending and unveil for me didn’t quite have that wow/ OMG factor which I have had with other books by this author. Might be me. That said it was an enjoyable read and kept me within it pages.

It's been a while since I've picked up a K.L. Slater book and I don't know WHY IT TOOK ME SO LONG. This is my third book by her and this one is just as addictive and bat shit as the rest. I mean, if I'M not going to be here for the crazy, who will? You? YOU? Haha - of course you are!

What I especially love is how quick these reads are. You simply want to keep going to figure out what the hell is happening because there's always something going on and nothing is ever what it seems to be. Now, I'm ALL about suspending reality and taking on some ridiculousness. Sometimes it can get a little TOO convoluted and then it starts to lose a little magic. Unfortunately this one DOES go in this direction.

There are just too many twists trying to be worked into this. While I didn't see every single one coming my way... well, with all that was going on, I was going to miss catching a few of those balls regardless. I don't think the flashbacks did any favors to the story and sometimes it was difficult in figuring out whose voice was talking within a chapter. Then the ending kind of went abrupt to three months later and now my neck hurts because whiplash.

HOWEVER, this book was still absolutely addicting and despite all the little things that didn't *quite* work, I did love the insanity of it all. How quickly everything unraveled. How everything ended up tying together. All the YES for ALL the crazy. It's why I love these books so much. My favorite K.L. Slater so far is Blink - so if you love crazy thrillers, definitely read Slater and definitely read Blink. I would still recommend this one as well - just remember the book is insane, not you. *wink*

Ooohh. That was really, really good. For a while I wasn’t sure what to think or who to believe. Somehow everybody in this book was hiding something and was a little sketchy. In true K.L. Slater fashion this story has twists and head games and it’s scary good. Five stars and highly recommended.

I have just discovered this author! I really enjoy reading her books! This books was a quick, easy read! I highly recommend it!

Darcy has struggled since the death of her husband, Joel. Her in-laws have been very keen to help with her two boys. Grateful though she is, she sometimes feels that they are taking over. On a day out her younger son has an almost fatal asthma attack & is saved by George- a handsome hospital consultant. Before long she & George are seeing each other. The boys get on with him. She loves Romy, George's daughter. But this is no happy ever after. Darcy is sure she is being followed. Her in-laws are not happy she is in another relationship. George can be very secretive, especially about the stalker he seems to have..

I have enjoyed K.L.Slater's previous books so I was really looking forward to this one & I was not disappointed. I was hooked from the beginning. This is a terrific read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Darcy is struggling after the death of her husband, Joel. Still reeling from a huge secret Joel kept from her, Darcy’s life is far from perfect. She seems to have an okay relationship with Joel’s parents and sister-in-law and considers them family even if they wield a little too much control over her life. Things are about to change though when Darcy’s son takes a fall at the park and George, a local doctor, saves her son’s life. Darcy finds herself smitten with the doctor and before you know it, Darcy is moving in with George and his young daughter. But, George has a secret he has not shared with Darcy. He has a stalker, one that has secrets she wants to share. Is Darcy in over her head or is George the perfect man she can love forever?

Wow! I have read some twisty books before and K.L Slater definitely brings new meaning to “twisty.” Slater just hits you time and time again and you are often left wondering what the hell is going on! I can say with complete honesty, this is a story you will never figure out until Slater smacks you in the face with the truth. I tried and tried to come up with my own scenarios and yes, I was completely wrong many, many times.

Single is told primarily from Darcy’s perspective, but with its many characters in the mix we get to hear some of the story through their eyes. Even though there are quite a few characters, the story is very easy to follow along and I never had to reread a paragraph to figure out who was who. While I sometimes struggle in the beginning with multiple characters and remembering everyone, Slater lays out her characters in such a way that makes it easier for readers to grasp right from the beginning. I would attribute this too K.L Slaters amazing characterization and development.

There are a few different storylines running through the course of this story and you might say to yourself “Well how is all of this even relevant?” Believe me, it all comes together nice and smoothly and once this happens all of the puzzles start clicking into place and what you thought you knew takes a whole different turn and leaves you quite speechless. This really is one truly messed up story that is so good you will cry after the last page is read because you are so addicted and need more!

Single is a brilliantly written twisted story that will captivate you right from the first page and then drag you deep down in a tunnel full of many surprises. This is the second book I have read by K.L. Slater and I can see why she is now a favorite author of mine. Another 5 star read from me and one you do not want to miss.

Not my first book by the author and won't be my last either.
I enjoyed this twisted story with many characters povs, turns that i didn't see coming my way and although it's not a romance, there's love in it and how some feelings are much more stronger than others for many characters to a point that will drive their life and decisions.
Another great thriller by the author and looking forward to more.

I never read reviews before starting a book. I want to keep an open mind and not get influenced by the comments of other readers. Afterwards I do take a peak and it's always funny to see how some people totally love a story while others almost threw it out of the window. You can't please everybody, but I was, without a doubt a very happy camper.

I totally adored this book and it seriously made my head spin. I did not who I had to trust and who was telling the truth. 

Someone I thought was a victim, suddenly seemed to be a baddy and vice versa. Someone I thought was being wronged, all of a sudden seemed to be the wrongdoer. After finishing the book, I had to check myself in the mirror to see if my head was facing in the right direction.

The short chapters make the story fast paced and the whole is utterly confusing in the best possible way. Long live the twisted minds to keep us, readers, entertained. 5 stars.

Thank you, K.L. Slater and Bookouture.

Before starting this book, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. The synopsis seemed a bit vague and looking back at it now, it doesn't even begin to prepare the reader for what's to come.

After Darcy's husband passes away leaving her with two children to take care of, his family help Darcy in her time of grief. Years later it is still evident that they judge Darcy and claim that she is unfit to take care of her children. The whole family dynamic is dysfunctional right from the beginning when you question whether their controlling behaviour is out of care for the welfare of their grandchildren or whether it a bit extreme and manipulative. As a reader this definitely irked me and I was desperate for Darcy to stand up for herself.

Then the handsome doctor, George, walks into the scene directly after the family tell Darcy that she isn't ready to think about dating. He is the hero in Darcy's story as he rushes in and saves her son's life. Their relationship starts to blossom, all their kids get along, Darcy's in laws admire George, it all seems so perfect. But is it really?

Darcy starts receiving cryptic messages from a stranger and slowly starts to reveal that George has a bit of a history and dark past. Is he really who he says he is? Can he really be so perfect?

As the story unfolds, more lies, deceit and illusion come to the surface which keeps the reader guessing. There was one point through this novel that I was completely perplexed. I was questioning every character's story and motive, wondering who was actually telling the truth. This is a novel where once you are hooked, you'll be racing to the end to find out the truth.

This was a page-turning thriller that literally kept me guessing most of the time. With so many twists and turns and lies and deceit, it definitely won't keep you bored.

Single by K.L. Slater is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 
My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Darcy's husband Joel died four years ago, and she found out that he had been keeping secrets.  She sort of lost it for a while, and her in-laws took control of her two small boys.  But she's back now, and has full custody, and it is time to move on with her life.  She doesn't have to remain single the rest of her life, even though Joel's family feels it is too soon.  Even her sister-in-law is siding with her parents.  They all continue to question her mental health.

George's wife Lucy committed suicide six years ago, and after a disastrous dating experience that he can't seem to leave behind, he has remained single.  He has been looking after his young daughter with the assistance of his housekeeper.  Perhaps it is time he found someone to share his life.

When Darcy and George meet, it seems perfect.   But Joel's secret is still out there, and so is George's ex-girlfriend.  There are others also conspiring against the happy couple.  Unfortunately, Darcy and George haven't been completely forthcoming with each other either.  There are some major secrets that need to be told, and Darcy is beginning to think she has again put her trust in the wrong person. 
 

My Opinions:   

I admit to not liking this book at first.  It felt like just one more psychological thriller with very little "meat".  I didn't like any of the characters, and when you can't relate to the characters, it is a really hard read.  However, at about 40% into the book, the whole thing changed.  I suddenly realized I didn't want to put it down.  Now,  that is usually way too late for me, but....The plot just took over, and the twists started coming, and from there to the end, it was one twist after another.  Even when I thought I figured out one thing, something else came along to throw me off.

The book is about family and love.  It is about obsession and revenge.  It is about putting your trust in the wrong person/people.  It is about how far you will go to protect what is yours, and what it takes to remember to love and respect yourself.

So, overall, this book turned itself around for me, and I ended up enjoying it very much.  Before the plot took over, I probably would have given it 2 or 3 stars, but it deserves the 4 star rating.

A captivating and suspenseful drama at its best. Fabulous read
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing Single by K.L. Slater for me to read and review!

Single
By, by K.L Slater
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: * * *
Edition: E-book / Kindle

This book is the 10th psychological thriller by this author, and although I haven’t read all of her books, I’ve read a few of them and I’ve loved them all. Unfortunately, I was slightly underwhelmed by this read.

On the positive side, this author has an easy writing style and she creates vivid characters that stick in the reader’s mind well after the conclusion of the novel. As with many of this author’s other books, this one was easy to read, had characters to love and hate, and had a few twists and turns along the way. Where this novel didn’t work for me was in the pacing and the plot development. I felt that the story lost its impetuous around the half way mark and that’s when things started to drag. I didn’t feel that the story was moving along at a fast enough pace, and I didn’t find myself reaching for my Kindle. Also, I found the plot twist, when it came, to be very rushed, and also far-fetched. One minute the characters were living a certain life, and then suddenly and just like that, and over the course of a page, everyone was acting differently, relationships had formed out of the blue and a situation had developed that seemed odd. I know that that’s the general nature of a “twist” but it just didn’t seem well explored and it just didn’t work for me.

The plot development in regards to the characters on the periphery also seemed off, and rushed. As the reader, I didn’t feel that the link between those characters was fully fleshed out and I didn’t really understand their relationships, or why a certain character after having a very close relationship with someone would just change overnight, trying to hurt and derail the life of that character. I mean yes, I did understand it as explained in the book, but I didn’t understand the behavior of the characters. It seemed off. In one chapter the relationships were normal, and above board, and then by the next chapter, everyone is acting crazy and plotting and scheming. It just didn’t all pull together for me.

As mentioned above, I’ve loved many of this author’s books, but I struggled to buy into this one. I love psychological thrillers with huge twists that leave the reader gasping for air, having to read that page over and over again. This book didn’t have that. The twists were mild, and to be honest, by the end of the book things seemed to be a little ridiculous, like the author felt she needed to quickly finish the book and ramp up the action. It just seemed a little unbelievable, and the quick, neat ending a little too rushed.

So, was this book a total disappointment? No, not really. I did somewhat enjoy the read and I can understand other people really enjoying it. If you’re a fan of this author, then perhaps give this one a try. For me personally, I didn’t find this one as gripping and as well developed as some of the author’s other stories.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

A twisting, turning thrill-ride!

Single mother, Darcy, is on the road to recovery after the devastating betrayal and loss of her husband. She spent time in rehab while her inlaws cared for her young children, but now she has them back and is looking forward to a fresh start.

Until a frightening incident on the playground makes her realize she’s not as strong as she thought. A handsome doctor arrives in time to save her asthmatic son and leaves a lasting impression on Darcy.

Fate steps in and brings the single parents together. A new romance blossoms against her inlaws wishes and the two move in together. Instead of the happily-ever-after, secrets unfold as a stalker from George’s past makes threats and the woman Darcy’s husband was having an affair with makes a reappearance.

This book has more twists and turns than a roller-coaster, and while I felt bad for Darcy and all she was going through, I had a hard time connecting with her. She has a few issues of her own and left me wondering just how stable she actually was.

Overall, this is a well-written mystery that kept me guessing. I give Single 4 lovely kisses!

“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”

Single mom Darcy Hilton is trying to rebuild her life after her husband's unexpected death. When she meets George, a single father, and doctor, she immediately finds herself falling for him. But as their relationship progresses, bizarre things start happening and she becomes convinced that George's ex-girlfriend is stalking her. George doesn't seem very bothered by what's happening to Darcy, leaving her to wonder if she's made a huge mistake by trusting him. This book drew me in right from the first page. The plot is gripping and nicely paced. The author does a fantastic job of building the tension and making you question Darcy's sanity. I see that I'm in the minority here, but I really liked Darcy. I admired her for keeping her cool in the midst of all the crazy things that were happening around her. I was genuinely worried and concern for her and the boys, and was angry at her in-laws for being so controlling. I was rooting for her even when it becomes obvious that she was keeping secrets from us. The last 25% of the story was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were some twists that I liked and some I didn't really care for. Overall I didn't love this book but I didn't hate it either. I really liked K.L. Slater's writing style and will check out more of her books. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Oh what a book.

When you pick up a K L Slater book you know you're in for a hell of a ride.

And this goes beyond that!

She teases you along with the fascinating plot, giving you enough information to think you know whats happening then...boom....major twist!

I was utterly hooked and could not put it down until I'd read every tantalising word.

Another 5 🌟 read.

It’s no secret that I love K.L. Slater’s books, so every time the opportunity to read another one arises, I immediately jump on it.

The story opens with Darcy, a widowed mother of two boys: Kane and Harrison, who relinquishes custody to her in-laws in order to enter a mental rehabilitation center following the death of her husband. Fast forward four years, and Darcy is back with her boys. Unfortunately, her in-laws constantly motherhen her and treat her like an eggshell that is going to crack at any point.

Darcy’s world comes crashing down when Kane suffers a severe asthma attack at the park. Thankfully, Dr. George Mortimer was in the vicinity, and his quick action saved her son’s life. No only is George an esteemed doctor, but he is also a single father to a six year old daughter. Eventually Darcy and George start seeing each other, which leads to George inviting Darcy and her sons to live with him and his daughter.

Life seems like it’s picture perfect for Darcy and George until Darcy receives flowers with a dire message. George claims the flowers are from his ex who’s stalking him. Darcy knows that there’s more to the story than George is letting on, but she’s harboring secrets of her own.

This book was definitely one heck of a roller coaster ride. The plot progresses quickly and is packed with twists and turns. K.L. Slater does a fantastic job of keeping up the suspenseful atmosphere in this one, and I was definitely questioning my own sanity while reading this.

There were definitely times that I found Darcy frustrating because her character is so broken at the beginning, which is a trope in thrillers that I am not a fan of. However, she does end up being the perfect character for the execution of this story, and by the end I was rooting for her.

Overall, if you’re look for a fast-paced and thrilling page-turner, definitely check this one out!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an eARC for review. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars.