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The Golden Couple

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Member Reviews

These authors have become a definite go-to for fun, well-written domestic thrillers.

I had a great time reading The Golden Couple. There were plenty of twists and turns and I thought there was enough character development for the two main protagonists. I mean, some connections stretched my ability to suspend disbelief but it was still fun.

Now I wait for the next one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for hooking me up with both the ebook and the audiobook. I used both depending on how much eyeball time I had. The audio was well done so if you like them, you should be fine with the narrators.

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The Golden Couple isn't the first book I've read by this author duo and not loved, so I think it will be my last. This thriller lacked spark and excitement.
The story is told in alternating POV, which I do enjoy when reading domestic thrillers, but I found the pacing was slow, and the characters were flat and uninteresting.
I was never completely invested in the outcome or gripping at the edge of my seat in anticipation of what's to come. I did finish the story, though, and because there was some element of twist, I didn't completely dislike it.

If you enjoy this writing duo or domestic thrillers, check it out for yourself. The Golden Couple just wasn't golden for me.

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The Golden Couple is what some people called the Bishop’s. Years into their marriage they grew apart and due to an indiscretion Matthew and Marissa have sought out an unconventional therapist named Avery who has secrets of her own. This book has a lot of twists, I thought the ending was predicable but soon found out I was very wrong! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I’ve only read one other book by this author duo and I have not been disappointed yet. Essentially, “the golden couple” are Marissa and Matthew and they find themselves in marital distress as one of them has been unfaithful. They’ve decided to obtain the assistance of Avery, a therapist who has lost her license and now selects her clients carefully after they agree to her incredibly invasive therapy program.
During the course of the program, we find that Marissa and Matthew are not as golden as they first appeared to be. We also discover the reason Avery lost her license and that she may currently be in jeopardy.
There are a couple of subplots but they are easy to follow and are interwoven easily to bring about the fantastic conclusion. I did guess that conclusion in the last few chapters but I still enjoyed this book. It was easy to keep turning the pages.

This book was provided to me by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley for my honest review.

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A great character driven novel. Suspenseful clever and a great read. Sorry to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for the late and rather short review. I forgot to review after I read it.

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This story is narrated from the POV of Avery Chambers, the unconventional therapist and Marissa Bishop, the wife who cheated on her husband, Matthew Bishop. The story alternates between telling the story of the Bishops and that of the therapist.

Avery Chambers received her Master's degree in Social Work married to Paul who was an author, 20 years her junior and dies from a seizure caused by an aggressive brain tumor. Avery has her own ideas about how to help her clients and developed a 10-step therapy session program. This practice swayed from the traditional practice she was licensed to practice. After she loses her therapist license she decides to practice by her own rules. She is a woman who isn't afraid to push the limits or boundaries to get the results she seeks with her clients and in her personal life.

Marissa and Matthew Bishop are trying to reconcile after it is revealed that Marissa had an affair with a man at her gym. Matthew is a partner in a DC law firm sleeping in the guest room when he agrees to seek counseling when Marissa suggests they see Avery. Marissa owns a boutique shop called Coco where she sells unique, specialty items and has Polly working as an assistant for her so she can care for their 8 year old son Bennett. The Bishops agree to the unusual therapy techniques of Avery Chambers but aren't convinced that this will work and don't completely reveal the depths of their marital issues. Meanwhile, Avery is dealing with her own personal drama which distracts her focus and provides her own problems.

This is a tumultuous ride of some very flawed characters who are juggling deceit and lies with trust and forgiveness. Will they be able to resolve jealousy and betrayal and find a family worth saving?

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I flew through this one! The (not-so) perfect couple seeks help from a (not-so) marriage therapist with unconventional methods. What could go wrong? Makes for a great story, that held my attention. Cannot wait to read more from this author!

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"The Golden Couple" is an absolute gem of a read that further solidifies my admiration for the author's storytelling prowess. From the very first page, the book captivates with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and the author's signature ability to weave suspense and emotional depth into every chapter. It's a novel that not only meets but exceeds the expectations set by the author's previous works, showcasing their evolution and depth as a writer.

What stands out most about "The Golden Couple" is its unique narrative structure and the psychological depth of its characters. The story delves into the complexities of relationships, trust, and the façade of perfection that people often present to the world. The author masterfully unravels the layers of the plot, revealing the vulnerabilities and secrets of their characters in a manner that is both empathetic and riveting. This approach not only keeps the reader engaged but also fosters a deep connection to the characters and their journeys.

Moreover, the pacing of the story is impeccable. The author skillfully balances moments of tension with character development, ensuring that the suspense never wanes while also providing ample space for the reader to understand and empathize with the characters. This balance is a testament to the author's skill and makes "The Golden Couple" a compelling read from start to finish.

Having enjoyed other books by this author, "The Golden Couple" feels like a culmination of their strengths: an engaging narrative, well-crafted characters, and a story that stays with you long after the final page. It's a book that not only meets the high expectations set by the author's previous works but in many ways, surpasses them.

For fans of the author and newcomers alike, "The Golden Couple" is a must-read. It embodies the best of what makes this author's work so engaging: a captivating story, deep emotional resonance, and the ability to tell a compelling tale that resonates on multiple levels. I wholeheartedly recommend it and eagerly look forward to whatever comes next from this talented writer.

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I have loved every book by Greer and Sarah and this one was no different! I flew through this book and had no idea what was going to happen next. It truly was a book that I enjoyed reading and have told others about as well.

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This is a hit or miss author for me and this time it leaned more toward a miss. The premise based around Avery’s character was unusual but the twist didn’t have a huge punch to it for me and I struggled to feel invested in the cast of characters overall.

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I always enjoy books written by this pair of authors. While this wasn't my favorite from them, I liked the twists. Unfortunately, I was able to see where the story was going, so the ending was a little lackluster.

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Quick, page turner! I wouldn’t expect anything less from this duo. I love their writing style.

You feel the suspense intensity build over each chapter, this one kept me guessing and I love that!

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I love the way that Greer and Sarah weave a psychological thriller into relatable prose. They pack a lot within a 350 page Book that always proves to twist your mind in someway. I suppose that’s why I keep coming back for more.

For the majority of the book I found Marissa, irritating, grating,and wholly annoying. I felt that she was too obsessed with her husband and son. Then by the end I realized, but sometimes what appears to be obsession is an indication of something that’s wrong under the surface. After all, this book is about appearances, right?

Avery had her own issues and I felt that her Psych “concierge” (if you will) was brilliant in a way. I never felt like she truly connected with any of the other characters, in a way a doctor would distance themselves. Yet she still found herself coming back again and again, because isn’t that the Hippocratic oath - to do no harm?

Matthew. Oh Matthew. I’d like to say you were an interesting character in a way that I’d say I like watching paint dry. You and Skip served your individual purposes to bring the story together - and really that’s all that was needed.

I appreciate the way these authors build tension through their books. You grow more and more uncomfortable, even if you can predict what will happen.

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The Golden Couple

A Novel

By: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Publish Date: 08 March 2022

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

General Fiction (Adult)/ Mystery and Thriller

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

Good Reads Synopsis:

Wealthy Washington suburbanites Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all—until Marissa is unfaithful. Beneath their veneer of perfection is a relationship riven by work and a lack of intimacy. She wants to repair things for the sake of their eight-year-old son and because she loves her husband. Enter Avery Chambers.

Avery is a therapist who lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counseling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods. And the Bishops are desperate.

When they glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.

Book Review:

I gave this book 4 stars. This book took me for a ride. Man, I forgot the twists and turns these authors take you on in their books. I really enjoyed the writing style and the twists in this book. I wasn’t able to figure out what was happening until the reveal came.

Marissa loves her son and husband, but she is lonely and one night she makes a mistake that she can no longer live with.

Matthew is a work alcoholic and controlling.

Avery is a therapist with an unusual style. This style works for her and her clients.

Marissa decides she needs to tell Matthew what she did, but she is afraid to tell him alone, so she hires Avery to be the go between. After the reveal Avery asks if they want to save the marriage and what is needed to do so. Avery also realizes that there are secrets that are still hidden, and she has her work cut out for herself. Not only is Avery working with this couple, but several others. One in which she is being stalked for.

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A very unconventional couple's therapist is put to the test by one particular relationship -- as her interventions and motives blow up in everyone's faces. It's a great example of self-fulfilling prophecies, where you suspect a behavior and by testing it you bring it about. This unfolds in a creative and compelling way - a great read!

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The characters were unlikable and unreliable. That's not really my thing. The book read quickly, though.

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Although this book started out slow, once I was about a third of the way in, I couldn't put it down. The authors lead you to the conclusion with care, sprinkling in little twists and turns along the way, giving you just enough information to figure out what's happening without giving the entire ending away too early. This book was very well crafted, and I was very impressed with how I sort of could predict what would happen, but still managed to be surprised!

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How could I not love this book! I was immediately intrigued, from the very beginning and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I loved the pacing, the story line kept me engrossed and it's a story I'd highly recommend - in fact, I've bought several copies for friends and family so they could enjoy it too.

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3.5 stars!! The book had great promise but i ultimatley didnt care for any of the main characters. The writing was great and I read it easily, will def try another title by these authors

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Fun and enjoyable read that kept me guessing from start to finish. Pacing was done well, but did slow down a bit in the middle. I suspected everyone and did not see that ending coming! Another great read by this amazing author duo!

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