Ariel is sitting in a company-wide meeting at her family-owned security company when she receives a text from Drew, her ex. He's asking to see her, at their special place. Only problem....Drew is dead and has been for 5 years.

What follows in The Five Year Lie is a very modern story about security, AI, family drama, romance and murder. Sarina Bowen has captured an exciting romance and a thrilling mystery all in one book.

While I did find some of the back-and-forth tedious, I still thought this was a great little thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book

5 Year Lie is an absolute page-turner that skillfully integrates the ubiquitous medium of text messages into its compelling narrative. From the moment I received the book, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. The storyline kept me guessing at every turn, with twists and revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. A gripping read that brilliantly captures the complexities of modern communication and human relationships. Highly recommended for anyone craving a suspenseful and thought-provoking read!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for this ARC e-book in exchange for my honest review!

It’s just an ordinary day when Ariel receives a text message from Drew, the father of her son, that leaves her speechless. The only problem: Drew disappeared from her life 5 years earlier without a trace and is presumed dead (she even saw the obituary). While trying to determine what happened, Ariel uncovers truths and a lot of secrets that even people close to her are willing to go to extreme measures to keep buried.

This was unlike anything I have read by Sarina Bowen. If you are looking for a thriller that keeps you guessing and has a happy ending, The Five Year Lie will not disappoint.

[arc review]
Thank you to Harper Perennial for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Five Year Lie releases May 7, 2024

Ariel is a single mother to a four year old boy, and works at her family’s tech company where they manufacture doorbell cameras.
On a random weekday, she gets a text message from the father of her child saying there’s trouble and that she needs to meet him, only he’s been dead for nearly five years now.
Not to worry, this isn’t a supernatural ghost story — it turns out thousands of people got sent outdated texts from a cell tower that went down five years ago, on the same day that Ariel’s father died.
So what really happened that day? And why did Drew end up leaving Ariel?

I really liked how this was split into dual timelines where the present was told from Ariel’s pov, and the past was Drew’s.
Bowen’s background as a romance author worked really well here where they effortlessly blended a compelling romance and family story with the suspense and inner workings of a thriller.
I’d recommend this to readers that want a revenge mission with secret identities, surveillance, glass blowing, a great cast of side characters, and a bittersweet ending.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Five Year Lie" and all opinions expressed are my own. Thriller, no - mystery, yes. I think it would have had to be more suspenseful to be a thriller for me. This book was a slow burn and some of the book was predictable which I don't mind that as long as I am engaged in the story. I really didn't care for Drew calling Ariel "baby" all the time, just a pet peeve of mine, he should have given her a nickname (from Toy Story haha?). Lots of Toy Story references in the book. I knew that things would wrap up nicely at the ending, that is just the kind of book it is. Overall good. This is my first book by this author and I would try another.

I'm giving this 5 stars because I really just enjoyed every bit of this book. When a single mom gets a text 5 years later from her dead baby's daddy...yes please! I enjoyed the book being set in Maine- it's my home state and I loved that. There are a lot of good characters in this book and although I really didn't like the main character Ariel, I did feel bad for her loss and was invested in her finding out the truth.. The story does end in a neat little package but for once I was happy with a happy ending! Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for the ARC of The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen.

At this point I have lost track of how many of Sarina's other books I have read (it's a lot). I love her style and her storytelling, and I'm happy to read her explorations of writing in a new genre.

In The Five Year Lie, Ariel, a 29 year old woman with a 4 year old son, receives a text message from her son's father, Drew, five years from the last time she heard from him, right before he abandoned her with no explanation. Three months after that he died in a car accident, so it is totally shocking to Ariel to receive a message from a dead man asking her to meet him in one hour. From there we dive into a deeper story from the past - her meeting Drew and falling in love, and her father dying of an accidental overdose - which all occurred over a four month or so span. As present day Ariel tries to determine if this is a hoax or if Drew is still alive, old secrets come to the present, leaving Ariel and her son in danger.

Overall I did like the story. It reminded me a bit of The Last Thing He Told Me with a romance subplot (and I liked it a lot more, I didn't really enjoy The Last Thing He Told Me). The storyline itself is gripping though I would say 80% of the action and movement happens in the last 20%. The story itself starts a bit slow, and we're really following Ariel around while she tries to place items together. I do wish the action had been a bit more distributed, but I was engaged most of the time I spent reading. There was a good connection with smaller details throughout multiple plot points that helped the suspense to build throughout the book.

I found it a bit hard (or maybe unbelievable?) to like Ariel as a character. She's a trust-fund baby, potential future owner of a multimillion dollar tech firm, and lives in her mother's guest house. She works four hours per day as the operations manager of the tech company where it seems like all she does is serve people coffee and cookies. Her passion is glass blowing, which she does every afternoon. She truly does seem to have everything she could possibly want in life and absolutely no motivation to do more than the bare minimum. With all these resources at her fingertips, she does not see anything in life further than her arms can stretch out. The actions she takes in the last 20% of the book are the only time she seems to step outside her comfort zone and what she accomplishes in that time...if she had tried some of these same tactics five years earlier the book wouldn't exist. I get being 24 and mad at your abusive father, but five years after his death and you're still acting that way? Meh.

I also think there might have been a few too many of the romance action/thriller tropes thrown in here - namely that surprise at the end - but also just a bit of the outlandishness of how everything is resolved. I get wanting things to be not gritty and dark, and I understand suspending my belief for the sake of a well told story, but a few pieces of it were just so left field that I wish it had had a similar but different ending. There was a larger conversation beneath all of this about technology and what privacy are we willing to give up for convenience - I would have liked to see a bit more on that outcome. Or even just a bit more of what Ariel now stands for as an individual.

I would still recommend this book to others, and I would still read anything Sarina comes out with after this - romance or thriller. She's a great writer and her style is flexible to fit both spaces. She has 50 other books to enjoy as well for anyone who wants to experience more of her work.

I enjoyed this one! However I don’t know if romance has a place in mysteries and thrillers unless it’s done well and unfortunately the romance part missed the mark for me. But despite that I enjoyed the mystery.

Thank you netgally!

5⭐️

Five years ago, Ariel Cafferty met Drew, a programmer working at her family's surveillance company. After a secret whirlwind relationship, Drew breaks up with Ariel via a message to her company email and completely ghosts her. Not long after the breakup, Ariel learns that she's pregnant with Drew's son. And to make matters worse, she also finds that Drew died in a motorcycle accident without ever knowing about his son.

But then one day Ariel receives a text from Drew stating her needs to see her immediately. Even though she knows Drew is dead, she still goes to the meeting point and no one shows. The message sends Ariel down a rabbit hole of what happened to Drew and the more she uncovers that darker the situation seems. She also discovers that someone is still lying to her and that lie is putting her and her son in danger.

I really liked this! We immediately hit the ground running with the prologue focused on Ariel going on the run with her son before pulling back to look at the history of the story. I liked how the POV jumped back and forth from Ariel in present day to Drew in the past. Everyone we meet was suspicious and I liked trying to pick apart their motives.

I liked that the whole present day investigation stemmed from an offline cell phone tower coming back to life five years later and finally delivering text that had been stuck in limbo for years. I also like that those same messages are what eventually trips up the 'bad guy.' This was a fun read all around.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Paperbacks for providing this ARC to me!

The Five Year Lie is the first Thriller I've read by Sarina Bowen. The story follows April a single mom who works for her family company. Shortly after the book begins she receives a text message that shakes her foundations and imitates a mystery that she starts looking into. This story had me distrusting almost all the side characters, trying to solve the mystery and discern what is tru and what is a lie. I am happy to say that I did narrow down the suspects, and when the reveal occurred I had narrowed down correctly. This story has romantic elements and is told from multiple perspectives in two different time periods, present and 5 years ago. I think the story was really well done, I was entertained and toward the end I couldn't put it down. The set up took some time for me to get into the story as the characters, setting and backstory was explained. Once the action started I was completely hooked.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and voluntarily give my honest review.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: May 7, 2024
It’s a typical Monday morning when Ariel receives a text message- “I need to see you. Something’s happened” from her partner, Drew. There’s only one problem- Drew ghosted Ariel five years ago, and died soon after. Ariel knows that dead men can’t send texts but she shows up at the meeting place anyway and, as expected, nobody shows. But now Drew is in Ariel’s mind and as she continues to ask questions, she knows at least one thing is true- what she was told five years ago was a lie. Although investigating might bring Ariel the closure she deserves it may also upend her family, her career and her life.
This is the premise for Sarina Bowen’s “The Five Year Lie”, a clever, entertaining and addictive psychological suspense novel. I am not familiar with Bowen and haven’t read her previous novels, which is my bad of course, but also stems from the fact that many of Bowen’s previous novels are romance (definitely NOT my genre). “Lie” has some romance elements in it, of course, but it is so, so much more.
The story itself is told from the perspective of Ariel, now, and Drew, five years ago. As both stories converge, the reader is taken on a wicked-fast thrill ride with twists and turns around every bend. Ariel’s family owns a technology company (responsible for creating the technology similar to that in the “Ring” doorbell cameras) but, of course, there’s shady deals being done behind the scenes, which pull more and more people into the plot. Some parts are predictable while others took me by complete surprise, but every page was heart-pounding!
Obviously, the novel is tech-focused, but Bowen does not inundate us with confusing technobabble. “Lie” provides just the right of information to stay on track, and I actually found the tech components to be unique and creative. Add on the mysterious “five years late” text and I immediately got goosebumps.
I think this is the first novel of this genre by Bowen, but she definitely did not make a mistake dipping her feet into this pool! Bowen should try this genre on for size more often and I guarantee, if she does, I’ll be one of the first in line!

I have read just about all of Sarina Bowen's previous books and I was really excited to read a thriller by Sarina. She did not disappoint. Ariel's brief affair with Drew haunted her. He disappeared without saying goodbye. This happened right around the time that he father passed away. Things were definitely not as they appeared. This book took me on a bit of a roller coaster ride. i wasn't sure where the story was going to end up. I hope that Sarina writes more thrillers in the future!

I’ll start by saying I’ve loved Sarina Bowen’s previous work. The Five Year Lie is an exception. I found it to be slow, dry, and without much character development. I didn’t understand the motivations of most of the characters or the family dynamics. Things weren’t coming together or holding my attention, so I found myself flipping ahead, not really soaking up much detail while pressing ahead to the end. While the end was satisfying it didn’t in my opinion redeem the overall story and delivery.

I did not enjoy this book at all. This pacing of this book is incredibly slow, and there is no suspense built up at all, in my opinion. There were “twists” I guess you could say, but all of them were completely predictable. I almost couldn’t finish this book because it was so boring. It was far too “techy” and all of the unnecessary tech jargon ended up making this book a solid 30% longer than necessary. There were too many characters and it made the plot completely convoluted. The “surprise” at the very end was what made this book go from three stars to two for me. Absolutely do not recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley & Harper Paperbacks for an eARC ♥️


"The Five Year Lie" is like a puzzle that you can't stop trying to solve! Ariel's world is turned upside down when she gets a text from her ex, Drew, who she thought died years ago. But the message is cryptic and creepy, and it sets off a chain of events that makes her question everything. Like, seriously, everything. Her past, her present, her relationships - it's all up for grabs. And the more she digs, the more she realizes that someone is playing her. The tension is real, guys! You'll be on edge as Ariel tries to figure out what's going on and who to trust. And just when you think you've got it figured out, BAM! Another twist. It's like a thrill ride of emotions and theories. Plus, there's a romantic thread that'll keep you swooning🔥

I love so many aspects of The Five Year Lie. A whirlwind romance, a sudden disappearance, family secrets, murder and a years long mystery that unravels in a steady tumultuous revelation.

Ariel Cafferty is a single mother to her four year-old son, Buzz. Five years ago she met Drew Miller while working at her Dad’s and Uncle’s business, Chime Co. They had a months long romance that ended in Drew’s disappearance.

In present day, Ariel receives a text message from Drew asking her to meet. But how can this be since she learned years ago that Drew had died in a motorcycle accident? When she goes to meet him, he doesn’t show up. Even after she finds out there was a cell tower outage that caused previously unsent text messages to be sent five years later, Ariel is unsettled. She begins a quest to uncover the real reason behind Drew’s disappearance. With her tech savvy co-worker Zain, the two take a deep dive into Chime Co.’s logs and uncover a conspiracy that propels them into imminent danger.

Wow! Such an intriguing story. This book has all the elements to make a great read. And it is a great read BUT I felt there was a little too much detail in the story and that detracted from my enjoyment.

The story flashes between five years ago and present day. This is informative and gives the reader much needed background information. Some of the writing was unnecessary to me. The details of Ariel and Drew’s relationship could have been pared down with the same impact. The bus ride with Buzz was very detailed and really didn’t bring much to the story. The unfortunate pick pocketing was unnecessary as well. I just felt the story dragged with unnecessary detail at times. Also, the mystery is solved and/or easily guessed by mid story. While there were still a lot of unanswered questions, I would have liked more of a surprise element.

I felt invested in the characters to an extent but I wouldn’t consider this a highly character driven story. For me, the mystery was more the main character than any of the characters. Zain is probably my favorite character in the story. I would have liked more dialogue with him rather than Buzz.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, NetGalley and the author, Sarina Bowen, for providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review.

BRILLIANT!!! Thank you NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review

This gripping and suspenseful thriller seamlessly blends elements of mystery and romance, leaving readers guessing until the final moments!! The intense and heart-pounding prologue immediately captivates, drawing readers deep into the immersive story from the start. The author masterfully crafts dynamic and relatable characters that readers are instantly drawn to and emotionally invested in. Through the smooth transition between present day events and those from five years ago, the mystery gradually comes to light. This captivating story not only evokes a sense of fear but also prompts deep reflection on the ethical implications of technology's pervasive presence in our lives. With its intricate blend of secrets, family drama, romance, murder, and suspense, coupled with fast-paced storytelling, concise chapters, alternating viewpoints, and clever references to the Toy Story movie, this novel delivers a thrilling and satisfying experience, culminating in a remarkable conclusion!! Another thriller to add to my favorites list for 2024!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a chilling text message: "Something's happened. I need to see you. Meet me under the candelabra tree ASAP." The sender's name is Drew-the only man she ever loved, who supposedly died several years ago. Seeing his name pop up is heart-stopping for Ariel, who initially doubts its authenticity but decides to go to the tree anyway. Nobody shows up, but the text shatters everything she believed about the day Drew left her. As Ariel delves deeper, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge the narrative she's been told for the past five years. With each question she asks, the answers become more sinister, revealing a web of lies that someone is still weaving around her. Determined to protect herself and her son, Ariel knows she must unearth the truth before it consumes her. But as she races against time, she realizes that the key to discovering what happened to Drew lies in unraveling the mystery surrounding their past.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling and entertaining thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page! This is my first read by Sarina Bowen and I cannot wait to read more of her books! I do highly recommend and it deserves all the stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙇𝙞𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝘽𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙣

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5

❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️

Overall I really enjoyed this books. I do feel there could have been more at the end, it felt a bit rushed to me. I also was able to figure it out rather early who the bad guy was, so that took away from the story for me.

I love Ariel and her fierceness as a mother. I connect deeply with that aspect of her. I love that she did things on her own terms. Buzz is such a sweet character. As a boy mom, I absolutely loved all the parts with him in it.

Blurb: She thought it was love. Then he vanished.
On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I need to see you. Meet me under the candelabra tree ASAP. The words would be jarring from anyone, but the sender is the only man she ever loved. And it's been several years since she learned he died.
Seeing Drew’s name pop up is heart-stopping. Ariel’s gut says it can’t be real. But she goes to the tree anyway. She has to.
Nobody shows. But the text upends everything she thought she knew about the day he left her. The more questions she asks, the more sinister the answers get. Only two things are clear: everything she was told five years ago is wrong, and someone is still lying to her. 
The truth has to be out there somewhere. To safeguard herself—and her son—she’ll have to find it before it finds her. And with it, the answer to what became of Drew. 
For fans of Laura Dave and Julie Clark, but with a heart-stopping romance that only Sarina Bowen can execute, The Five Year Lie is a page-turning, spine-tingling thriller that will have you guessing until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

This was so good! It hooks you in immediately. Great premise, great characters. A little scary if there's any truth to those ring camera videos. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because it slowed down a bit in the middle. The last 30% or so, though, I couldn't read fast enough. Even if you figure it out, the reveal comes with some twists. I like her writing style, have read a few of her romances, and hope she will continue in this genre. Definitely recommend.