This was a solid 3.5 read. The concept was interesting (black, gothic, billionaire) and the northeast setting was refreshing as this are typically set in the Deep South. The unique nature of the book was good and kept me reading to see if my guess of what was going to happen came true.

Now I would have loved a bit more character development, depth to the story, but overall I was entertained and that’s all I ask for in a book. I am interested, from this book, to read more by the Connie.

This book was so good it got me out of my reading slump!!!!! At first I was wondering where the book was heading and it’s a case of who done it lol but I did not see that twist coming Chloe was something else and I just wanted more of this book because I was on edge and didn’t want it to end but wanted to see how it would end of that makes sense keep up the good work duck a page turner

At first the story is engaging and gives you summer romance until Abby decides to move in at the Riverwild Estate. The sister is mean and Everett has completely changed. Abby notices the room of his dead ex wife is kept locked and everyone in the house is on edge when she is brought up. I have never read Rebecca so I can't compare it to that. I do know this was a short story and easy read. Abby, the main character is annoying with the way she ask her questions about the ex wife and she seems to second guess herself. Abby's moment of self clarity and gaining strength is not all that we expected to be. The ending seemed rushed and I didn't like the few paragraphs when her best friends came. It could have elaborated more on what they did or said during there week stay. It wasn't much of a twist because it was mainly figured out halfway through the book. I would rate it a 3/5.

Book Review: Chloe by Connie Briscoe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Hey, hey, my favorites 😁💚. #annieethebookiee is back with another book review!

Connie Briscoe’s Chloe is a masterful modern twist on the Gothic classic Rebecca. Set against the backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard and the Potomac River, this story seamlessly blends romance, suspense, and mystery with a fresh, cultural lens that highlights Black wealth, class dynamics, and hidden secrets.

The novel follows Angel, a private chef who becomes entangled in the enigmatic world of billionaire Everette Bruce after leaving her toxic employer. Their whirlwind romance seems like a fairytale—until it isn’t. As Angel settles into her new life at Riverwild, she finds herself haunted not only by memories of Everette’s late wife, Chloe, but also by unsettling questions about Chloe's death. The tension builds as Angel uncovers truths that could shatter her perception of the man she married.

Briscoe does an excellent job at creating an eerie, atmospheric setting. The mansion itself feels like a living, breathing entity, with its secrets lurking in every shadow. Angel’s character is relatable—strong, determined, yet vulnerable—and her journey from love to suspicion is both gripping and emotional. The supporting characters, particularly the icy housekeeper Ida, add layers of intrigue that keep you guessing.

One of the strongest elements of Chloe is its cultural richness. The depiction of Martha’s Vineyard’s Black elite and the exploration of privilege within the Black community add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a retelling of a classic story.

That said, the pacing slows down a bit midway through, and some readers might find Everett’s mysterious demeanor a bit cliché. However, the twists and psychological tension more than make up for it.

Final Thoughts:

Chloe is a suspenseful and sophisticated read that will keep you on edge until the final reveal. Perfect for fans of Gothic romance and psychological thrillers, it’s a story about love, loss, and the ghosts that refuse to be forgotten.

Have you read Chloe? Let me know your thoughts!
Until next time, keep reading, my favorites!
#annieethebookiee

This one was not for me. The storyline didn’t flow well and I could not connect with the characters.
****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

Two quick disclaimers:
1) I have not read "Rebecca," so I cannot make any comparisons between the two.
2) This is my first book by Ms. Briscoe, so I cannot comment on how this book fits into or differs from her previous works.

That said, I found "Chloe" to be rather boring after the whirlwind of Angel and Everett's initial romance, as well as a bit predictable. I guessed both twists pretty early on, so I wasn't surprised to see my suspicions were correct. However, nothing really happens until about 85-90% into the novel, and then it's over pretty quickly. The ending was not satisfying to me at all, especially considering the prologue.

Angel... I don't really have too many positive things to say about her. I hated the way she let Mrs. Harrison treat her and I felt like she didn't ask enough questions of Everett in the beginning. Although she does eventually grow a backbone at Riverwild, she was a bit weak in general.

Overall, this book was a bit of a letdown to me. The writing wasn't particularly special or unique, and the climax was, well, anticlimactic. While it did a decent job of building tension, I wanted just a bit more drama, something to make it really come together.