Fantastic... I absolutely loved this book. I just could not put it down. It had me gripped from start to finish.

The Play date is a fast paced thriller, where the suspense starts from the very first page and continues throughout. With twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and an ending you don't see coming. This was my first book by Victoria Jenkins but it most certainly will not be my last.

Unfortunately, this one was DNF for me. I was really struggling with the first quarter of this book and I could not really get into it. Normally at this point of a book, especially a psychological thriller, you get something that sparks your interest and grabs your attention but that was not the case here. Too slow of a beginning to make me read further.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Playdate by Victoria Jenkins is another strong addition to this author's already impressive body of work. Having read and enjoyed The Argument, I could not wait to get my hands on her latest, and I was not at all disappointed.

Dani is a single mother to two year old Layla, and lives a relatively quiet existence. When she decides to take Layla to a local playgroup, she is hesitant for fear that she will be an outcast among the already established network of mothers. But when she meets Adele, mother to Ivy, Dani finds herself taking this woman, one who seems to understand her struggles, into her confidence. It is soon revealed, however, that Adele's picture perfect life is not what it seems, and Dani finds herself trying to make sense of her friend's secrets, while desperate to conceal her own.

This is a compelling read that will keep you guessing. Following a bit of a slow start, the intensity increases, and I was fully involved for the duration.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

Very gripping story.. Many times I thought I knew what was happening, then it changed direction.
Really enjoyed this!

3 for neutral, unfortunately, I tried to read this a few times, but just didn’t grab me. Might be my mood, as I’m normally a huge fan of this author, but will definitely update it able to finish at a later date.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley, this is a new author to me . I’ll be reading more of her books!

Captivating and chilling. Not all is as it seems and people aren’t who they say they are.

Friendships,lies ,children and secrets.

Twisty and thrilling and cleverly written. I loved it.

Published 21st May

There is good and bad to be found in this book.
Let me get the bad out of the way first. The story takes a loooong time to get going. There are a lot of random occurrences and character mentions that seem to have absolutely nothing to do with each other.
It’s obvious that the author is laying the groundwork for what is to come, but it takes quite a while to do so. And there are a lot of internal monologues or passages where the character is thinking something. In other words, a lot of thinking and not doing.
That all changes roughly halfway through the book when the pieces start to drop into place. At that point, you can actually see what the author was doing in the first part.
It soon becomes apparent that neither of the two main characters, Dani and Adele, are honest about who they are and how their pasts have influenced the present situation.
The author was clever in allowing the reader to see glimpses into the reality of each character, although sometimes it was so subtle that it was more “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it.”
I actually didn’t care for Dani too much. Her attitude and actions were sometimes irresponsible and frankly annoying. I had to remind myself that she was a very young mother. That was an important point.
I had a difficult time getting a feel for Adele. By the end of the book, it was obvious why that was the case. But in the reading of it, I never really got a grasp for – at least until the author wanted her to be fully understood.
There were plenty of red herrings and twists that were thrown in to distract. In that case, it was much like what was happening to Dani, so that was effective.
And at about 75%, the book really took off with non-stop action. Suffice to say that if you thought you had the main twist figured out, you probably didn’t.
In some regards the book felt unbalanced because the first half was so slow, and the second half sped right along. But in retrospect, the first part is meant to lull the reader and lay the foundation for the good stuff that happens in the second part.
Stick with this one. The payoff is definitely worth it.

Thrilling. Tense. Fast paced. Suspenseful. I could not put this one down. A masterful tale, brilliant plotted. Just wow. I cannot wait for more from this amazing writer.

This read is a slower burner to start compared to what I usually prefer but once it got going the pace didn’t let up I found myself engrossed and needing to read on. Loved this authors style of writing as it’s done in such a way that the intrigue and suspense is another level and you just have to keep reading. If there was ever a book that you could use the phrase “don’t believe everything you read” then this is it. Interesting characters that we get a lot of background information on some but could have done with a bit more on others. Enjoyable read that keeps you guessing...

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC that was published on the 21st of May.

Dani works in a hair dressers and is a single mum to two year old Layla who she loves with all her heart but also admits that there are days when she could quite happily run away and never come back. They lived with Dani's mother Caroline with whom Dani had a bit of a tempestuous relationship. One morning whilst attending Layla's playgroup, Dani is introduced to Adele who also had a young daughter called Eve and they soon find themselves developing a close friendship. Soon Dani has taken Adele into her confidence and feels comfortable sharing some but not all her secrets with her. Adele lives with someone called Callum and appears to be in a controlling, abusive relationship. But, as very often happens both in reality and the world of fiction,things are not as they appear to be, both women are harbouring secrets and after Dani becomes the victim of a terrifying campaign of harassment and intimidation, she begins to suspect that someone knows about the events from her dark past. What secrets are the women hiding? Who was Scarlet and how did she fit into the story? Will Dani be able to figure out the identity of her cunning tormentor before time runs out for someone she cares about?

This enthralling thriller is written from the alternating perspectives of Dani and Adele and the story is predominantly set in the present day although there is also segments where Dani takes the reader back into her past. Dani was a feisty individual who had a bit of a short fuse at times especially when she was dealing with her daughter's temper tantrums. I remember only too well the clique atmosphere and how difficult it could be to fit in with the other parents when my children were at playgroup so I could fully empathise with Dani during the scenes that were set at Layla's playgroup. We all like to have friends and it was easy to understand how she became attached to Adele so quickly. I really liked and felt a connection with Dani and therefore felt a lot of sympathy for her when her life started to fall apart around her. Adele was a very complex character who's parts of the story were chilling, very cleverly written and deceptive.

The Playdate is a extremely well written tale of parenting, families, friendships, relationships and deception that hooks the reader in from the first page, keeps you guessing and glued to your kindle. The story builds in intensity, your feelings of anxiety intensifying until you are a bag of nerves perched on the edge of your seat. The author masterfully manipulates the reader into believing one version of a character's narrative and then suddenly reveals that things are not as they appear to be. The story doesn't have a very large cast of characters but the individuals who do appear are well developed and realistic. A very enjoyable, addictive, gripping thriller and very very highly recommended.

There’s a Spanish saying that says that man is the only animal to stumble twice on the same stone (I don’t know what would be the English equivalent). Well, it must be true cause now I’ve “stumbled” thrice with Victoria Jenkins’ twists and have been caught completely unaware once again. Did I not learn anything after the shocking twist in The argument? Apparently not, cause halfway through The playdate I had one of those “Wait! What??!!” moments that forced me to go backwards and re-read some chapters. Well done once again with the misdirection! I’ve always thought that making the reader think one thing while actually reality is nothing like that must be terribly difficult.

I could not help but feel some sympathy for Dani. Yes, she might have done some not so great things in the past, but being a young single mum with so little support network must be overwhelming. I know I got overwhelmed when Dani’s daughter, Layla, had one of her tantrums. When she meets Adele at a playgroup it looks like she has finally found a friend, but Dani isn’t the only one with secrets.

Although the story took off at a slower pace I found myself completely engrossed from the beginning. Who is targeting Dani in that smear campaign? A little bit into the story the pace picked up and didn’t let go until the very end. The ending was satisfying although I would have liked to know a bit more about Adele’s background.

A really enjoyable domestic thriller, well written and with several turns you won’t see coming. You might think you have it all figured out but…wait for it! cause once the unexpected happens you will not be able to stop reading.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Every time I read a book by Victoria Jenkins I’m always questioning everything as I know it always turns out how I least expect it and this book was no different. I enjoyed the different characters and how they lived very different lives. The background detail on each character made me feel like I really understood why they behaved the way they did. There were lots of little background stories and I loved how it all came together in the end however it was not where I imagined it would go.

Thank you to bookouture & NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review

Victoria Jenkins has stepped into the foray of psychological and domestic thrillers after the success of her Detectives King and Lane series, with THE PLAYDATE being her fourth thriller thus far. I've always enjoyed her books and, although this one didn't hit the mark for me as much as her previous two, it was still an exciting and compelling read.

From the beginning we meet two very different mothers. Dani is a young single mother to screaming tantrum wielding Layla living with her own mother Caroline whilst training to be a hairstylist. Adele is an older woman living a much more affluent lifestyle - husband, perfect house - with 21 month old Ivy, a beautiful placid child. The children are as different as the mothers.

But both women are harbouring secrets.

Feeling isolated and lonely, Dani is thrilled when she meets Adele at playgroup held every Friday morning in the church hall and it isn't long before the two women become fast friends. She finds Adele easy to confide in, even if she is more her mother's age than her own, opening up about Layla's father and the recent troubles that have been plaguing her. It seems someone has begun a smear campaign against her from threatening mail to emails about detailing her past. And the only person Dani can think of to be behind it is her ex's wife. The wife she knew nothing about when she began seeing him. Who else would hate her this much? Added to that are her struggles with Layla. The child throws the most epic tantrums, screaming the place down if she doesn't get her own way. What is she doing wrong?

Adele is sympathetic to her new friend. It's not easy being a young single mother...particularly to a spirited willful child. And then to be faced with posters all over town with your photo on and emails revealing your past, she can't help but feel sorry for her...almost. For Adele has her own troubles at home where Callum is bitter and controlling. When he discovers she has taken Ivy out, he is livid. She knows the rules - she is NOT to go out with Ivy. But Adele needs those playgroup days. And so she asks Dani and Layla around for a playdate. But first, she must prepare the house, packing away the photos that are on display of the picture-perfect family - husband, wife and child. For it is all a lie. Then Dani sees the bruises on Adele's back before she has a chance to hide them. It seems Adele's life is not quite as perfect as it appears.

Then at the playground with Adele and Ivy one day, Dani has words with one of affluent mums from playgroup with whom she'd had run-ins with before. And it only takes a fraction of that minute for Layla to disappear...and for Dani's world to come crashing down.

There is honestly not much more I can say about this book without giving too much away. It is a cleverly written thriller of smoke and mirrors where nothing is as it seems.

THE PLAYDATE is told through the alternating perspectives of Dani and Adele. The reader knows that both women are keeping secrets but exactly what are those secrets? As the story unravels and the truth is revealed, do the pieces of the puzzle really fit together...or is it another illusion?

Beginning as a slow burn my interest never waned throughout and as the pace picked up I raced through the pages in an attempt to unravel the mystery. The closer I got, the truth was suddenly clear. But what was the endgame and how will it all turn out?

A domestic thriller with a clever twist, THE PLAYDATE is an addictive read from start to finish. Victoria Jenkins is certainly spreading her wings in this genre. Having read all four of her thrillers, I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!

I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePlaydate in exchange for an honest review.

Having read Victoria Jenkins work earlier, I was really excited to read 'The playdate'. It is a story that takes you in slowly and the end is whats the exciting part.

Dani is a single mother of a 2 year old Layla. She lives in a poor neighborhood. She lives with her mother but they do not get along too well. She is experiencing tantrums from her 2 year old and to make her she joins a playgroup at church where she meets Adelle. She seems quite older to have a two year old but both of them hit it off well and keep meeting to grow their bond. Is this friendship truly out of love or is there something more?

The story is written in third person POV but each chapter is written depicting the story from Adele and Dani s point of view. The story has a slow progress ion ...some where in between I felt a bit bored but the author puts in a few instances at appropriate intervals to keep the readers interest in the story. The ending is super twisted and exciting.

If you love to read psychological thrillers with a slow build and an end that surprises you then you should pick this up.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author to approve my request to review. The opinions expressed are entirely mine.

Dani, a young single mum, has a small existence. She doesn't appear to have any friends and lives with her mum who seems to prefer the cat. So when she meets Adele at her daughters playgroup she feels they can become friends. Soon they start meeting up on a regular basis. But Dani needs to watch her back because someone wants to ruin her life. Both women have secrets that they are not willing to tell each other, until the day comes that culminates in tragedy
A great read, my first by Victoria but I will definitely look out for more. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Playdate' by Victoria Jenkins.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Victoria Jenkins, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous.

Publication date 21st May 2021.

This is the first book I have read by this author.

I was originally drawn to this book by its colourful and interesting eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. It also stated in the synopsis that 'Fans of Friend Request, The Silent Patient and The Girl on the Train won’t be able to put this down'. I am a fan of 'The Girl On The Train' so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 43 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


This book is based near Cardiff, Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I actually only live about two hours from Cardiff and have been shopping and stayed there on several occasions so am looking forward to seeing if I recognise anywhere mentioned.

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Dani and Adele. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.


'The Playdate' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Victoria discusses/ includes suicide and loss of a child.

Wow!!! What a rollercoaster ride of a read!!! Fantastically written with vivid descriptions throughout making me feel like I was in the storyline. The synopsis, title and cover suited the plot perfectly.

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting!!! I absolutely LOVE the fact it is set in Wales and written by a Welsh authour being Welsh myself. There were several places mentioned that I don't live that far from including Cardiff and Swansea along with Carmarthen which is only 10 minutes away from me. I definitely think that it being set in Wales was a huge bonus for me. The storyline was absolutely gripping and kept me up until the early hours of the morning as I could not put it down!! I must admit I wasn't hugely surprised when one of the mysteries was revealed but there were several other things I hadn't worked out so that didn't spoil it for me. Those who read my blogs know that it is extremely rare that I give 5/5 to a book where I've worked out who did what but in this case I will definitely be giving 5/5 as I was absolutely gripped throughout and loved reading it. There were points where my heart was in my throat and I was on the edge of my seat, and then the edge of my bed as I was not putting this book down until I finished!!!

The characters were all very well developed and although I had a feeling about one I was completely blindsighted when it came to another of them, I completely got the wrong end of the stick. I think I felt sorry for each of the characters at certain points throughout the book, well apart from the playgroup clique, this is something I have experienced on several occasions myself as a mum. The plot and characters were all very realistic which I think makes it scarier in more ways that one.

I absolutely loved your book Victoria and I would like to welcome you to my top author list. I cannot wait to read more of what promises to be heart stopping reads. This would also make a great heart stopping movie!!!

Overall a heart pounding, page turning, edge of your seat psychological thriller that will keep you up late at night.

Genres covered in this book include Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Psychological Thriller and Crime Fiction amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'Girl On The Train' and anyone looking for a non stop page turner!!!


289 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Dani is a young mom with a toddler, Layla. Adele is an older woman with a young daughter, Ivy. They meet at a local playgroup and hit it off immediately. Dani feels uncomfortable around the posh moms because she's single and had her child out of wedlock. Adele is uncomfortable because of issues she's having with her husband. They feel comfortable with each other.

But all is not what it seems. Both women have things is common ... like secrets and lies. What occurs when leaks begin and shadows are not quite so dark?

This is the stuff nightmares are made of. This is well-written with characters who thrive in an atmosphere of suspense and danger. The suspense starts on the very first page and maintains a high level throughout. Twists and turns lead to a breath-taking, disturbing conclusion. Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

This book follows Dani and Adele. They become friends at a playgroup. Dani's life seems to start falling apart with someone out for revenge on her. It's all about what happens next.

I did enjoy this book. But I felt that there was a lot of build up for a plot that ended up lacking. Also there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary points made in the book which could have easily been left out.

Arranging a play date always seems innocent enough, but what if they weren’t...

A slow burn, but once it catches fire be prepared to whip through the pages! Any guesses I made to the story along the way were squashed as Victoria Jenkins cleverly written twists unfolded. The Playdate is a twisty gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting to pull your loved ones closer.

Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for the ARC!

A new author for me but definitely one I will be checking out more of her books. This started a little slow but I was soon hooked and couldn’t put it down. So many plot twists and turns that it will have you guessing till the last pages. A great thriller which will keep you hooked, opened mouthed till the end.