A twisted story of how five friends and an acquaintance who travel for a destination wedding return as suspects. They still pretend to be friends when in truth they are frenemies with secrets. Just by the description I thought The Guilt Trip would be a murder mystery, but to my surprise this was more of a drama with suspense that revolves around the said secrets. The plot was interesting but the writing fell flat for me, I was confused at places. I felt like the author experimented with the ending, wasn’t concrete like I expected it to be. I don’t regret reading this though.

Thank you St.Martin’s Press Minotaur via Netgalley for the arc.

Sandie Jones's books are not for me. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a suspense filled story about six friends as they get together for a wedding. Some of the story you could guess ahead of time but there were a couple of great twists at the end. Overall I enjoyed this one even if some of the events were a bit over the top and the decisions made by some of the characters were frustrating. That’s what makes the story move forward though and it’s what keeps us engaged as readers. Give this one a try if you like a suspense filled story. It’s fast paced and perfect for summer.

I'm a bit torn about this book, because for about 80% of it, I was wondering when we'll actually get to the suspense/thriller part of the story. It promises murder, but that only happens very late in the book. Having said that, I *LOVED* the complexity of the characters. When I let go of the expectation of a fast-moving thriller, I found that I actually really enjoyed reading about these vulnerable, flawed, complex characters. So I would definitely recommend this, but don't go into it expecting a thriller. It's more of a slow-burn suspense drama.

This book is fantastic! I loved every minute of the audiobook and those twists and turns in the story were amazing. The characters were complex and I loved that nothing was as it seemed. I need to get the physical copy for my shelf as this is a new favorite!

I had high hopes for this book after reading and loving The Other Woman a couple years ago. While the premise was interesting and the writing was fantastic as always from Sandie Jones, the book was a major slow burn. It took until the very end of the book to get a twist that wasn't predictable and then it was just over. The main character was so over the top and unlikable I think that played a big factor as well.

I enjoyed this book, but probably won't remember it. I think that I enjoyed this author's other read much more.

I love books about friends that have been together for years and then something happens and it all falls apart. I wonder what that says about me? 🙂

The Guilt Trip was like reading a soap opera. Lots of drama, mis-direction, gossip, talking behind backs, dishonesty and big, dramatic reveals!

It’s not the best Thriller I’ve ever read but it sure was a fun one! I was easily led where the author wanted me to go and only had the faintest idea of what might actually be going on. I did guess eventually but probably way to slowly. Such fun!

The very beginning was a bit confusing, in my opinion. So many characters introduced at once, I had them all mixed up for a couple of chapters. But once I straightened it out, the rest of the read was simple.

Thank you to #MinotaurBooks and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I wouldn’t classify The Guilt Trip as a thriller. I felt it was more of a soapy drama with a splash of thrills. You need a score card to keep up with all of the lies and deceptions. Initially I didn’t like any of the characters, but grew to really like a couple by the end. This is a quick, easy read that kept me interested and entertained. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my copy.

This book was a slow burn for me. We follow best friend couples Rachel, Jack, Noah and Paige as they travel to Jack's brothers wedding. Will is marrying Ali, but something about Ali doesn't sit well with her soon to be sister in law Rachel.

As the story progresses we watch Rachel become more paranoid with every memory and clue. She has cheating suspicions with some of the couples, but perhaps she isn't looking in the right direction.

The author writes the story in a way that keeps the page turning, but that happens near the back half of the book. The first half of the book is a historical build from the couples relationships, from present day to previous events (this part was the slow burn for me). These memories start to put ideas and thoughts into perspective for Rachel.

I will say I didn't see the ending coming, it was a twist that I didn't expect and that is a credit to how the author wrote the storylines and relationships.

I gave this book 3 stars, it kept me interested, at times I did find Rachel to be a bit annoying, however by the end of the book, I found myself rooting for her. I would recommend this book for the fall, it has a thriller element to it that is perfect for cozy, fall reading.

Six friends head to Portugal for Ali and Will's wedding. Each friend has a history that is interlocked with the others. Drama, Twists, and turns in each chapter leaving you unable to put the book down to get some shut eye! your head will spin for sure!

The story was very slow and then the last quarter was so fast that I felt like I was reading an entirely different book. It ended with quite a few unanswered questions and was overall pretty predictable. I did enjoy it though and look forward to more by Sandie Jones.

initial thoughts: overall, this book was just “okay.” the majority of the book delved into the three main relationships in this story, and the drama & miscommunications that happen in these relationships.

there wasn’t really a murder mystery or thriller element to this book, and the last 25 pages of the book seemed completely wild & out of left field. the ending was just a bit too unbelievable to me.

I won’t let this book stop me from checking out other books from Sandie Jones, as I’ve heard really great things about her other books.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel. I was not able to connect with the characters so I won't be leaving a full review.

Overall I liked this book. Parts I thought were repetitive but I liked the story, the mystery and the confusion of who's sleeping with who and who is lying. I really liked the description of where the wedding was taking place, it sounded so relaxing and beautiful, thought no one in this story had a fun trip!

This was such a very good read. Complicated, dysfunctional, lots of assumptions and deceptions. Just as soon as you are sure you know what's happening, you learn that you really don't! We have Rachel and Jack, who have been married for years and have a pretty solid foundation. Then we have Rachel's friend Paige, who is married to Rachel's very best friend from her younger days, Noah. Rachel and Noah had and currently have a pretty amazing friendship. But, there is no love lost between Jack and Noah. Then we have jack's brother Will, who is marrying Ali. And Ali is just a very special kind of person - the girl you love to hate. She's beautiful, brash, dramatic and flirty. All six of them come together at a destination wedding in Portugal and that's where the story starts to unravel in train wreck fashion.

Sandie Jones' latest novel, "The Guilt Trip", was another winner in my book. Rachel and Noah are old college friends who once toyed with the idea of romance. However, they both ultimately grew up and moved on, marrying Jack and Paige. Now, the four of them are in their early 40's, and are traveling to Portugal to attend the wedding of Jack's brother, Will, to the gorgeous and impetuous Ali. While Ali seems to be very popular with the male set, Rachel and Paige cannot help but be suspicious of her. Even Jack seems to want to question his brother's choice of bride. However, as the weekend progresses and the wedding is swiftly approaching, it becomes crystal clear that Ali is not the person that any of them thought that she was.

Rachel is determined to uncover any secrets that Ali may be holding close to her chest. However, in doing so, she begins to realize that other guests may also have something to hide.....something that they do not want exposed, at any cost. Who is the real villain here, and will long-standing friendships remain after the weekend is over?

I loved this book. There were a couple of predictable moments, but it was such a fun and juicy read that I was able to forgive them. Overall, another winner in my book by Sandie Jones!

The Guilt Trip is about three couples on a destination wedding trip. Lies and secrets are revealed, threatening the relationships.

Will and Ali are getting married. Rachel is married to Jack, Will’s brother. The other married couple is Paige and Noah, an old friend of Rachel. There are six characters, but the story is told from Rachel’s point of view. The characters are all hiding something, and none are particularly likable.

I’ve read other books by Sandie Jones, and enjoyed them all. The Guilt Trip wasn’t quite as thrilling as I was hoping, but it was still an enjoyable read. Good for fans of dramatic domestic suspense novels.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Isolated island? Drama? and Mystery? PERFECTION. I loved The Guilt Trip, its mystery, and how it reminded me of And Then There Were None (a classic!).

This book was basically about 3 couples figuring out who was cheating with who. I don’t typically mind a cheating subplot, but for it to be the WHOLE plot it was just a little much for me. Most of the action happened the last 15% of the book. And by then it was rushed and left me confused. I’m still not exactly sure what happened, but I wish that had been drawn out more or a dual timeline of before and after. Overall, just not for me.