Oh WOW! I totally loved this book! I read in in just one day. Captivating from the very beginning and the twists and turns did not let up until the final page. Fantastic characters! This story was the perfect blend of tension, surprises and fabulous reveals. (Not to mention the huge creep factor!) New to me author! Highly recommend.
Thank you Rebecca de Winter, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I requested this on the recommendation of a friend who had also read for netgalley. THIS book does NOT disappoint. I literally messaged my friend and said WTAF did I just read?! You will not want to miss this twisted story of friendship and betrayal

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Best Friends is utterly gripping a phycological mind bender that keeps flying down the rabbit hole of Love, friendship, betrayal, envy, desperation and well all the things when one girl who is best friends with another who has everything she has ever wanted and yet took it all without a second thought. Pushed all the buttons until the other snaps and then you have to wonder though who was really the crazy one. I simply couldn’t put it down it was so good. The deeply ingrained love/hate relationship between Evie and Alice was so immersive of toxic relationships. The tantalizing pace has you on the edge of your seat trying to glean truth from the lies. Ugh so much to say I couldn’t put it down!

I do have to say at the beginning I felt so bad for Evie and simply couldn’t stand Alice but by the end I was blown away at how much alike they truly were. Simply brilliantly written a gut wrenching roller coaster of emotions. It was a fantastic twisted thriller. I definitely recommend it.

A psychotic masterpiece. Rebecca de Winter captures toxic friendship so well I’d have loved this read even without the murder element. The pacing is perfect to keep you reading late into the night, desperate to unpick the truth and lies.

Alice & Evie’s “friendship” was all too relatable, we’ve all had that one girl in our life at some point, right?! The jealousy, the twisted love / hate relationship. I particularly loved that neither woman was likeable in the end, Evie might have suffered the most but as we find out more about her, she wasn’t all that innocent after all.

I loved the way the Ollie storyline came together at the end, Evie finding out about the STD and seeking her revenge was impeccable.

The only reason I am scoring 4 rather than 5 star, is because the timeline at the start of the book was a little confusing. It read as though only a day had passed, but then the narrative was Evie hadn’t spoken to Alice in weeks and I struggled a little with the continuity. However this is a book that only got better as it went on and I did love the overall story.

A Suspenseful Journey into Betrayal and Revenge - "Best Friends" by Rebecca de Winter

Title: Best Friends
Author: Rebecca de Winter
Genre: Pyschological Thriller
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Publication Date: 18.7.23
Rating: 3 stars

In Rebecca de Winter's psychological thriller "Best Friends," I found myself immersed in a gripping tale of friendship, love, betrayal, and revenge. The story follows Alice, who seemingly has the perfect life, and the narrator Evie struggling in her own marriage and feeling inferior compared to Alice. When the two reconnect after years of silence, Evie realizes she knows some dark secrets about Alice and contemplates making her pay.

The book's suspenseful nature had me hooked from the start, with an overwhelming desire to unravel the mysteries at play. However, I also found myself grappling with confusion due to the unreliable narrator. While the story is told from a first-person perspective, the narrator's thoughts often felt scattered, making her motives unclear and leaving me somewhat perplexed.

The pacing of the book initially kept me engaged, as the plot steadily unfolded, creating anticipation and curiosity. However, as the story progressed, I felt that it began to drag, losing some of its momentum. I believe the narrative would have benefited from the gradual revelation of information throughout the story, rather than relying on a big ending to unveil everything.

Although I enjoyed reading "Best Friends" and was eager to discover the outcome, the plot twist ultimately fell short for me. I struggled to connect with and understand the characters on a deeper level, which diminished the impact of the final revelations.

Overall, "Best Friends" provided an entertaining reading experience, filled with suspense and an intriguing premise. While it had its strengths, such as its ability to keep me engaged and the initial pacing, the book missed the mark in terms of character development and delivering a truly satisfying plot twist.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for this book. All thoughts are my own.

This book had twist and turns from every page! It made me question my friends! Thriller fits this book perfectly! Thank you Rebecca de Winter for a b0ok I will recommend over and over!

This novel is so slick. Thrillers have to work very hard to stand out in the market, these days, and this one really does. Evie and Alice and Alice are such multi-layered, fascinating characters and I loved piecing together what had gone on between them twenty years before, and what impact that was going to have on the present. There were so many twists and turns towards the end that I felt like I had whiplash. Hats off to Rebecca de Winter.

The way I was 1000% on Evie’s side! Poor Alice, couldn’t have happened to a nicer girl.

A fun breezy thriller which looks at the dark side of lady friendships. Perfect poolside summer escape!

Alice and Evie are childhood friends with a long history. After an incident forces Evie’s mom to send her away, from her best friend and childhood sweetheart, Jake, Evie moves on and starts her new life. Struggling with infertility and suspected infidelity from her husband, Ollie, she spots Alice at a work conference and sets into motion actions that will alter both of their lives.

I wouldn’t say I was on the edge of my seat, but it was a decent thriller. The author’s description of online pregnancy forums and Evie’s feelings towards her friends getting pregnant while she couldn’t was spot on. Some good twists at the end made up for more of a slow start.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Prepare to be entangled in a mesmerizing tale of love, betrayal, and revenge within the pages of Rebecca de Winter's riveting novel, Best Friends. From the moment I dived into this gripping narrative, I was captivated by the complex web of emotions and the dark undercurrents that flowed through the lives of its characters.

De Winter's storytelling ability shines brightly as she weaves a tale of friendship that spans the test of time. At the heart of this story are two best friends, their bond seemingly unbreakable. But beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic relationship lies a labyrinth of hidden desires, jealousy, and ultimately, betrayal.

De Winter's exquisite portrayal of the characters draws you in, making you feel intimately connected to their journeys. Their hopes, dreams, and fears become palpable, and you find yourself emotionally invested in their fates. The depth of their friendships and the intricate dynamics between them provide a rich scene upon which the story unfolds.

Love, a powerful force that both strengthens and destroys, is at the core of Best Friends. De Winter explores the complexities of romantic entanglements and the blurred lines between passion and obsession. The palpable chemistry between the characters electrifies the pages, immersing the reader in a whirlwind of emotions.

However, it is the element of betrayal that truly sets this novel apart. De Winter masterfully crafts a narrative where trust is shattered, alliances crumble, and the thirst for revenge takes center stage. The tension builds relentlessly, leaving you breathless as you eagerly anticipate the characters' next moves and the shocking revelations that lie in wait.

As the story unfolds, Best Friends becomes a thrilling journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The characters transform, driven by their desire for retribution, making choices that will forever alter their lives. De Winter skillfully navigates the complex terrain of revenge, leaving you questioning the boundaries of morality and the consequences that come with seeking justice.

Filled with vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Best Friends transports you to a world where love, betrayal, and revenge collide. De Winter's ability to intertwine these themes in such a captivating manner creates an unrelenting narrative that keeps you engrossed until the final page.

Best Friends is a compelling and mesmerizing novel that examines the complexities of human relationships. De Winter's masterful storytelling, coupled with her exploration of love, betrayal, and revenge, make this book a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you become entangled in the lives of these characters, questioning the limits of loyalty and the price one is willing to pay for justice.

"Love. Betrayal. Revenge. Enter a world of dark secrets and twisted loyalties in Rebecca de Winter's mesmerizing novel, Best Friends."

"In a web of friendship, trust becomes a dangerous game. Rebecca de Winter weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge that will leave you breathless."

"Friendship shattered. Hearts broken. Revenge awakened. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey in Rebecca de Winter's gripping masterpiece, Best Friends."

"A bond tested, a friendship betrayed, and a thirst for revenge ignited. Best Friends by Rebecca de Winter is a spellbinding exploration of love's dark side."

"Love can be treacherous, friendship fragile. Discover the chilling depths of loyalty and betrayal in Rebecca de Winter's riveting tale, Best Friends."

"A story that exposes the darkest corners of friendship's shadows. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, shocking twist."

"Love knows no bounds. Betrayal knows no mercy. Rebecca de Winter delivers a gripping saga of friendship turned deadly in Best Friends."

"Love can heal, but it can also destroy. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends is a heart-wrenching journey through love, betrayal, and the pursuit of revenge."

"Secrets have consequences. Friendships have limits. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends is a haunting tale of love's downfall and the pursuit of justice."

"Enter a world of twisted loyalties and fractured friendships. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends is a gripping saga that will leave you questioning the boundaries of trust."

This book was dark and twisted. It was a slow burn for sure but held my attention even through the slow parts. Would be interested in more books by Rebecca de Winter!

This is a stinker of a thriller! Dark and twisty, do you ever really know your friends, and is the grass always greener? Read it to find out!

📚Book Review 📚 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Best Friends by Rebecca De Winter

Publication Date: July 18

Evie is struggling with infertility (trigger warning) and her marriage while Alice is living the cookie cutter life with kids, handsome husband and perfect house. Alice & Evie were best friends growing up until Evie was sent away and now 20 years later these two BFF are reuniting but will it be a happy reunion?

Lies, Revenge, loads of Betrayal await you in this juicy book!! I liked the book overall…figured out one twist early on but there were plenty more nice surprises!! My only grips were the chapters were longer than I prefer and I was confused who was talking a few times.

Thank you NetGalley and #stormpublishing the ARC!! #bestfriends

A thoroughly gripping psychological thriller that you can't put down.

The past:
Alice and Evie are childhood friends with very different home lives.
Alice is the perfect child who gets her way and everything she wants , all the time.
Evie does everything wrong and is eventually sent away by her mother, leaving Alice, her sweetheart and her childhood behind.

The present:
Evie has built herself a new life. Now married but life is crumbling around her, with failed pregnancies and her husband acting sketchy/secretive.
While at a work conference, she shockingly spots Alice in the crowd. Instead of speaking to her, she decides to stalk her Facebbok and Instagram seeing that she once again has everything Evie longs for.

From here the story twists and turns keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Sinister thoughts and actions have your head spinning until the explosive ending!

I loved the glimpses from the past and all the layers which made up Evie's personality.
Character development was done extremely well through out the book.

Some things were left a little vague and sometimes confusing which had me re-reading pages which is why I took away one star but over all I really enjoyed the book!

Thank you to Netgally and Storm publishing for this ARC. My review is voluntary.

Oh wow, Best Friends really is full of twists and turns

The opening is slow, it takes some time before things start happening, but once it does, it will leave you reeling!

Best Friends" by Rebecca De Winter is an emotional roller coaster which had me glued to my kindle could not put it down as soon as I started. The story is told from the perspective of Evie who had a difficult relationship with her best friend while at school which has left last damage to Evie. After leaving she hasn’t seen her former best friend in years she a built her new life. When she sees Alice at a work conference she digs deeper in to how Alice has the perfect life she has a wonderful husband and children the one think that Evie really wants. With her marriage falling apart and still not able to have a baby Evie gets back in contact with Alice by opening this can of worms is Evie going to get everything she wants in life or is she going to get further away from it.

This was a fantastic fast paced thriller which kept me hooked. I loved the characters and the ending was great highly recommended this to everyone.

The first half of this book was really good. I enjoyed the storyline…Evie and Ollie seemed like a typical couple (troubled one min, on fire the next). The news of their recurrent miscarriages seems to drive a wedge into their relationship but readers will quickly understand there’s more to the story than that.. much to do with Evie’s past. Fast forward to the second half of the book where Evie’s past comes crashing into her present and old memories and grudges bring out a different side of the Evie we met in first half of book. This was a great twisted read.

"Best Friends" by Rebecca De Winter is an emotional roller coaster ride exploring the complexities of female friendships and the toll they can take on us when they go wrong. The story is mainly told from the perspective of Ellie, the protagonist, and her experiences with her best friend since childhood, Abbie.

The book opens with Ellie dropping out of college due to a mental breakdown, which is largely attributed to the toxic dynamic that has developed between Ellie and Abbie. As events unfold, we learn that Abbie has been manipulating Ellie and using her as a pawn to boost her own social status. Ellie is left feeling betrayed and deeply hurt by her longtime friend.

Throughout the story, De Winter explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the limits of loyalty in friendships. The characters are well-developed and their interactions feel real and authentic. The emotional turmoil they go through is palpable and the reader can't help but feel invested in their journey.

One criticism of the book is that some of the plot twists and revelations may come across as predictable to readers who are familiar with the genre. However, the strong character development and raw emotional journey still make for a worthwhile read.

Overall, "Best Friends" is a touching and relatable tale of friendship, betrayal, and self-acceptance. It is a book that many readers will see a part of themselves in and will leave them reflecting on the importance of healthy relationships and self-care.

Evie and Alice are the two lead characters in this gripping book. Best Friends… well, as friendly as two sociopaths can get. One has everything the other wants, but what lengths will they go to to get everything back?

Jam packed with deceit and lies, I read this in two sittings. I didn’t like either of them, though I did sympathise with Evie’s childhood trauma.
As someone who’s suffered a miscarriage, the first 50% of the book was quite a hard read. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who’s suffered fertility issues.

I enjoyed it though and would read this author again. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.