Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with this. I found anything that should have been a big moment was quite anti-climatic and I didn't find it particularly thrilling at any points. It also took me quite a while to figure out who was with who and who each person was, generally I just didn't get on with the characters. I personally felt it was poorly written and some chapters just didn't make sense or had jumped all over the place.

Very twisted! and oh so good :) this was full of backstabbing twists and some pretty awful terrible people and it was AMAZING!

Where to start. How about the beginning? The beginning, even though “an event” (do not want to include spoilers) happened, it still felt kind of boring for me. Even the act of the event, felt kind of anticlimactic.

I didn’t enjoy the short perspectives of the different characters as almost “chapters” in the book. Normally, I like hearing the perspectives from all sides, but this was painful. Maybe it would have been a bit better if the characters were likeable and exciting.

Now onto the positives. It seemed this book was really well researched. Being that there was forensic science involved, it seemed accurate and well researched (I am no expert). I always like when an author takes the time to research and provide the most accurate story that they can.

This book was not my cup of tea, and maybe that is why I couldn’t really get into it. I normally like thrillers, but this one just didn’t excite me.

I'll be honest, I started off hating this book. I hated the characters, and none of them were likeable or ones I could identify with.
However, I am very glad I persevered! It was gripping, clever, and I raced through it in a day! Just goes to show, what people will do to save their skin or protect their loved ones.

I found this a very easy read , totally over the top and far fetched but an absolute blast . Jade and Tom have just moved house , Jade is dismayed to see her neighbour Emma , who she worries is exactly her husbands type .
It's clear from early on that Jade has some trust issues , and is paranoid about her husband and Emma . Emma has a new boyfriend whose ex wife tries to warn her that he is violent . This all makes for an absolute corker . I sat in the garden and devoured it in an afternoon . Ridiculously Fabulous !!!!!!!!!

I’ll start by saying I hated Obsession by the same author. I mean I really hated it. I burnt it my copy it was really that bad!
I don’t like to judge authors on only one story but honestly I wasn’t expecting much from My Darling. I went into My Darling not holding previous work against Amanda but within 30 mins of reading I knew this wasn’t going to be for me.

Middle star since didn’t finish. (I don’t like to rate DNF books low)

My Darling by Amanda Robson was my introduction to this author, and if this one is indicative of her other work in any way, I am quite anxious to read more. This is a fast-paced, thrilling read that kept me fully engaged from the very start.

Told in short and concise chapters from the alternating perspectives of Emma, Jade, and Alastair, and with intermittent chapters titled only 'memories', we witness the story of two neighbouring couples whose lives will become entwined in ways that none could ever have anticipated. With plenty of twists, revelations, and secrets brought to light, you will be racing through this compelling and addictive read. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Having read all of Amanda Robson's previous work, I was thrilled to be granted an electronic ARC of her latest book, My Darling; a book that finally comes close to her amazing debut, Obsession .

This was absolutely enjoyable and a thrilling page-turner, made all the more so with its short chapters and fast, no-nonsense pacing. This is a great domestic thriller where you are never really sure who's plotting what and who's gonna fall next. Some happenings were a bit too convenient to be realistic (who reads fiction and thrillers seeking realism though?) but all in all, a very fun read.

Like with all books, I tend to root for the very first character that is introduced and this time was no different. I was also taken by surprise when it revealed which characters the 'Memories' chapters belonged to. The ending was satisfying and I liked how everything came full circle.

Only downside is my ARC has missing headers at times when there is a POV switch, but fortunately it wasn't hard to figure out whose POV it had switched to.

I recommend going into the book with no idea of what to expect i.e. don't read the (thankfully vague) synopsis or reviews. That's the best way to enjoy this delicious thriller.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher’s for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review

A psychological thriller based on the individual story of the 3 main characters. A quick read .Well written with a good plot however a bit implausible at times . 3 stars for me.

It took me awhile to get into the next story, and even though didn't particularly care for the characters, I found myself captivated wondering what was going to happen next.

This author's style of writing has always fascinated me, it takes a while to get used to but it draws you in. This book is one of my favourite genres, a psychological thriller. One thing I always noticed in Ms. Robson's books is that her female characters are strong, independent and messed up in some ways.

This tale is narrated through the four main characters view points. It was a bit confusing at first because there are no separate chapter in each character's narration. In one paragraph you get Jade's inner thoughts and in the next one it's Emma's narrative and it throws you a bit. Alastair and Emma are a new couple, they met through Tinder and are just getting to know each other. Tomas and Jade are the new neighbours that move next door to Emma. To say that Jade has troublesome issues is an understatement.

The plot is intriguing and although at first I thought I had it all figured out the twist in the last half of the book will blow you away. I would have given this book a perfect five stars but the narrative flow of each character was a muddle and a hard slog. All I can say is that if you want to find out if someone gets away with murder then take a chance and read this one. 3.5 stars from me. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for my ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review. Wow! I can't believe some of the developments that take place in this book. I am loathe to give anything away because that will ruin it for future readers but here are my thoughts. My Darling is a chilling look at love, sex, paranoia and obsession.

Two couples quickly find themselves intertwined in a deadly game in which there can only be one winner. Jade and her husband Tomas move next door to the sultry and successful Emma. Emma , a dentist, is dating Allistair a forensic scientist employed by the police department. Jade immediately decides that Emma has designs on her husband and the body count begins. While the characters engage in absolutely reprehensible behavior they are cunning and industrious, and I simply couldn't look away.

The novel takes an unflinching look at domestic violence, mental health and murder. It is clear that the author conducted a tremendous amount of research into forensic science and the reader is spared no detail. Seriously, this book is not for the faint of heart! Also, if you are curious about how to get away with murder, look no further! This is practically a how-to guide!

If you are looking for a fast paced psychological thriller that will keep you up well into the night check out My Darling. Disturbingly good!

I really enjoyed this one! Great storyline and characters with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Kept me on the edge of my sit until the end.
Will be recommending to others!!

A fast paced and sinister story that will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation. I found this story very intense and creepy but I couldn't put it down. Amanda writes with such passion and includes lots of information that keeps the reader interested. With Amanda's books you can never guess what is coming and that is what I really like about her books. A true masterpiece by a brilliant author.

This book was crazy, and I mean this in a good way. I cannot remember the last time I read a book where there were so many flawed characters.



Emma and Jade are neighbors living in a nice suburban neighborhood. Jade is married to Thomas, Emma is with Alastair but Jade is convinced that Thomas is having an affair with Emma. When Thomas dies and Emma looks like the likely suspect, it looks like she will go to jail. Thank goodness Alistair is a forensic scientist working on the case. He can protect Emma. He can manipulate the evidence to protect the woman he loves. But is Alistair really the benevolent loving person he portrays? His ex-wife doesn't think so. This story is told from different point of views, including Jade, Emma, and Alastair. The multiple point of views increases the tension and kept me on the edge of my seat.


The story moves back and forth between present-day and the past. These insights into the past provide clues as to the killer and the motive. There we so many twists and turns in this story that my head was spinning. Just when I thought I had figured it out, a new twist would surprise me. This is a book that is a must read but should be read slowly. There are many characters to keep track of.

Confession - I'm an Amanda Robson junkie. I came upon Obsession just as it was published, and have never looked back, nor have been more excited to know a new novel is on it's way. And My Darling did not disappoint.

The style is completely different from Amanda's previous novels, but this only increases the level of urgency of needing to know what next. The short sharp passages flipping between the characters is addictive, and once you get used to the format, it has so many OMFG moments, and brings a whole new feel to psychological thrillers.

I'd suggest putting aside some serious time, because I thought I'd make a start and read it over a couple or three days. Tis rare to start a book and be so enveloped that you close it when you've finished it.

My Darling is an insane rollercoaster...enjoy the ride. I did.

Wow...this book is absolutely, 100% certifiably insane, and I mean that in the best way possible!

I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s about Jade and her husband, Tomas, who have just recently moved into a new house next door to Emma, a dentist. One night over cocktails, Jade awkwardly confides in Emma and tells her that Tomas cheats on her with other women. It is not long before Jade believes Tomas and Emma are having an affair.

I think the less you know, the better. I was absolutely hooked by this juicy, twisted thrill ride! I audibly gasped at the direction the story turned at about 20%, and the twists continue from there. It’s a fun, unputdownable, fast-paced story just oozing with suspense and craziness! I absolutely enjoyed myself while reading it, and would recommend to anyone who can just enjoy the ride and not get caught up on things that would never happen in real life!

Thank you to Amanda Robson, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My Darling is a great example of a book that may have been better on screen - most likely a Lifetime movie (no shame there, I happen to love the occasional guilty pleasure).

I normally like multiple points of view, but this particular book utilizes very short vignettes to jump from character to character. We only get a small snapshot of his/her life - and motivation - before we're moving on. And I do not need all characters to be good to enjoy a story - far from it - but there are very few redeeming qualities for so many of the main characters.

One aspect that I found interesting, that kept me reading - it is no secret whodunit in the murder of Tomas Covington. We know right away - the question is, who will go down for it? So begins a game of cat-and-mouse as our 3 main protagonists all point fingers at one another.

While I wasn't heavily invested in the fate of the characters, My Darling did keep it interesting enough to keep reading til the end.

Thank you to Netgalley for this preview!

When Jade and Tomas move in next door to Emma, she would never in a million years believe how much her life would change. When Emma is accused of murder, her only hope is boyfriend Allistair, who is a forensic scientist. Can Allistair turn the tables on Emma’s accuser and help prove her innocence?

A good twisty tale full of secrets and lies which made for an entertaining read.

3.75-Stars

Although I’m an avid reader of contemporary romance novels and most subgenres, the short synopsis of My Darling grabbed my attention. It left nothing to the imagination and more so because normally a third-person present tense is used regardless of the story’s structure. Could it be that the first-person narrative takes precedence in this book? Well yes, but the protagonists’ thoughts regarding other characters resembled direct speech as ‘you’ is spoken frequently. The catch—three voices are heard, yet a fourth is felt strongly. And I have to say that Robson’s writing style is daring. There’s no prologue, chapters or epilogue; just names at the beginning of new passages, and the reader gets to learn about past happenings in sporadical flashbacks. One would think it’s not going to make for easy reading, but I found the book’s tone thoroughly engaging.

To begin with, I had trouble matching the characters’ love interests. Never one to let these details get the better of me, I jotted down who was who and lift off, the story started to flow. It’s quite fast-paced, extremely descriptive whilst in some scenes commentaries about what the players were wearing and more I found a tad overdone. However, this other hiccup was nothing in comparison to such a thrilling read. Basically, jealousy is the menu of the day. Throw in psychotic minds for seconds worked wonders and becomes the backbone of the story. Sitting back, I seriously had to consider certain actions taken. Were they a form for worse or greater things to evolve? It’s up to you to judge!

‘Men never mean what they say.’

Jade and Tomas are newbies in the neighborhood. She’s sharp-witted, pushy but more important, mistrustful of her husband. Her account of how she felt showed me how mentally unhinged she is. Tomas is loving and despite being aware of his wife’s issues, he’s quick to excuse her. Goodness me, who lives and works across the street I didn’t know whether to pity, applaud or breathe deeply in hope

‘She comes every day. Watching me like a hawk.’

Overflowing with twists; the one in which I never saw coming certainly left reeling! I have to mention the cover. You’ll understand its perfection when you dive into the book. I’m not going to say too much about the other characters or the well-thought-out plot as it would be a shame to spoil this riveting standalone for you. Seeing as Emma’s a professional woman, I have to add with tongue in cheek that I found her naïvity somewhat misleading. And the boyfriend—could he hold the key? One thing’s for sure, the police will have their work cut out for them.

‘I have taken such a risk for you.’

I liked the exactitude of Robson’s research and even though I’m not a fan of choppy prose, it worked well because more often than not, this is how we speak. Albeit having had trouble rating this story, it’s bitingly memorable and for readers who like spine-tingling cut-throat suspense, this is for you! Bravo, Robson!

Thank you Avon Books UK and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read My Darling in exchange for an honest review.