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The Secret Couple
Someone knows what they did…
A laugh.
A touch.
A lingering look.
A dead body.
An affair.
A crime years in the making.
Alison knows she’s in too deep. But behind closed doors, no one is who they seem…
A laugh.
A touch.
A lingering look.
A dead body.
An affair.
A crime years in the making.
Alison knows she’s in too deep. But behind closed doors, no one is who they seem…
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 13, 2022
I was really excited to read this new book from Lark, having immensely enjoyed their previous release a couple of years ago. Perhaps I had too high expectations, because I don’t think this book was half as good and there really wasn’t the explosive plot developments I was seeking.
The atmosphere of this story is incredibly heavy and lethargic. Whether this was deliberate or not, I thought it properly conveyed not only the oppressive, summer heat of the main story, but also the lust that drives Alice’s feelings towards Luke. Heady with passion and physical desire, I think Lark portrays this in the plot and I believe this inadvertently slows the pace down as well. Whereas I was hoping Lark would create a story that was an adrenaline rush, leaving me craving for the next shocking plot development, this was a complete contrast and I think this is why I did not enjoy the book as much.
For starters, I was quite shocked at how trusting Alice is towards Luke. He is a complete stranger, yet she gives herself to him in complete abandonment. I disliked his controlling nature and would have thought that based on Alice’s past, she would have shown more reserve, even more so because of her job as a defence attorney. Yet, her trip to Bath to meet an anonymous call for help leads to Alice getting involved in things she would never imagine. Even when she is hiding secrets from her sister, alarm bells do not ring. Even when it is clear that Luke has a Jekyll/Hyde personality, she still intends to stay with him. And even when crimes are being committed, Alice does not question her relationship. It was quite puzzling to watch this.
My intense dislike for Luke never altered in the story and I think this was why I was not very surprised at some of the plot developments. I had such a deep suspicion of him that I could not see this character in a positive light at all. In fact, I mentally accused him of far more crimes than Lark associates with him! Although some of the plot twists were interesting, they were never enough to keep me gripped.
Undoubtedly, this is a well-written novel with very detailed character development. I liked how the story switched ambiguously to another narrative perspective and also Alice’s ‘confessions’ that appear throughout the novel. It allowed me to reflect on how trusting we are of strangers and even people we know. Yet, at the same time I thought the story needed a bit more originality to have the same explosive impact as Lark’s previous novel.
If you have not read any books by this author, I would not recommend this as a starting point. However, it is an interesting story and I found the title to be more relevant after I had completed this story, showing it is quite thought-provoking, despite my reservations.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The atmosphere of this story is incredibly heavy and lethargic. Whether this was deliberate or not, I thought it properly conveyed not only the oppressive, summer heat of the main story, but also the lust that drives Alice’s feelings towards Luke. Heady with passion and physical desire, I think Lark portrays this in the plot and I believe this inadvertently slows the pace down as well. Whereas I was hoping Lark would create a story that was an adrenaline rush, leaving me craving for the next shocking plot development, this was a complete contrast and I think this is why I did not enjoy the book as much.
For starters, I was quite shocked at how trusting Alice is towards Luke. He is a complete stranger, yet she gives herself to him in complete abandonment. I disliked his controlling nature and would have thought that based on Alice’s past, she would have shown more reserve, even more so because of her job as a defence attorney. Yet, her trip to Bath to meet an anonymous call for help leads to Alice getting involved in things she would never imagine. Even when she is hiding secrets from her sister, alarm bells do not ring. Even when it is clear that Luke has a Jekyll/Hyde personality, she still intends to stay with him. And even when crimes are being committed, Alice does not question her relationship. It was quite puzzling to watch this.
My intense dislike for Luke never altered in the story and I think this was why I was not very surprised at some of the plot developments. I had such a deep suspicion of him that I could not see this character in a positive light at all. In fact, I mentally accused him of far more crimes than Lark associates with him! Although some of the plot twists were interesting, they were never enough to keep me gripped.
Undoubtedly, this is a well-written novel with very detailed character development. I liked how the story switched ambiguously to another narrative perspective and also Alice’s ‘confessions’ that appear throughout the novel. It allowed me to reflect on how trusting we are of strangers and even people we know. Yet, at the same time I thought the story needed a bit more originality to have the same explosive impact as Lark’s previous novel.
If you have not read any books by this author, I would not recommend this as a starting point. However, it is an interesting story and I found the title to be more relevant after I had completed this story, showing it is quite thought-provoking, despite my reservations.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
Extraordinary and Intelligent..................
You do not find a book like The Secret Couple By J S Lark daily in your recommendations. A very different book with a marvelous plot which does not for a second let you guess the climax. The characters are so awesome that you would not be able to guess their real nature. All the characters are woven like they all have a secret to hide. A very different and intriguing story. I was so absorbed in the book that I finished it within a day, could not put it down for a second.
Definitely, the book deserves a 5 Star. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Netgalley and One More Chapter Publishing for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
You do not find a book like The Secret Couple By J S Lark daily in your recommendations. A very different book with a marvelous plot which does not for a second let you guess the climax. The characters are so awesome that you would not be able to guess their real nature. All the characters are woven like they all have a secret to hide. A very different and intriguing story. I was so absorbed in the book that I finished it within a day, could not put it down for a second.
Definitely, the book deserves a 5 Star. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Netgalley and One More Chapter Publishing for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
Read more on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
May 19, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for my copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This book had me hooked from the prologue… it was so tense and descriptive that I felt like I couldn’t breath…
This was such an incredible read, it started off slow paced, setting the scene and then became fast and pacey…
It definitely gave me the feels of being on a rollercoaster. This book was filled with secrets and you never knew when one was about to come spilling out!
Filled to the brim with abuse, secrets, lies, violence. manipulation, jealousy, lust and love!!
I think anyone would find it hard not to feel connected to these characters and their secretive ways.
This book had me hooked from the prologue… it was so tense and descriptive that I felt like I couldn’t breath…
This was such an incredible read, it started off slow paced, setting the scene and then became fast and pacey…
It definitely gave me the feels of being on a rollercoaster. This book was filled with secrets and you never knew when one was about to come spilling out!
Filled to the brim with abuse, secrets, lies, violence. manipulation, jealousy, lust and love!!
I think anyone would find it hard not to feel connected to these characters and their secretive ways.
June 4, 2022
Book Review…The Secret Couple by J.S. Lark
Someone knows what they did…
A laugh.
A touch.
A lingering look.
A dead body.
An affair.
A crime years in the making.
Alison knows she’s in too deep. But behind closed doors, no one is who they seem…
The Secret Couple is a great thrill with some great twists! We follow Alice, a well respected defence attorney that defends women from violent and abusive men, and it is quite the adventure. Needing a break after leaving her husband, Alice goes to Bath to meet a potential client, Luke. But in the end she is getting way more than she bargained for a new relationship, secrets and a whole lot of trouble. This book is full of Secrets, violence, lust, love and temptation! The pace of the story was spot on and you can feel the suspense throughout the whole book! The characters are complex and each one gives you the feeling that they are hiding something. The characters are likeable but at the same time there are moments you won't like any of them but it just makes them feel more real. It's definitely a page turner that will have you glued to the pages to find out how everything ends!
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources and J.S. Lark for sharing this great story with me!
Someone knows what they did…
A laugh.
A touch.
A lingering look.
A dead body.
An affair.
A crime years in the making.
Alison knows she’s in too deep. But behind closed doors, no one is who they seem…
The Secret Couple is a great thrill with some great twists! We follow Alice, a well respected defence attorney that defends women from violent and abusive men, and it is quite the adventure. Needing a break after leaving her husband, Alice goes to Bath to meet a potential client, Luke. But in the end she is getting way more than she bargained for a new relationship, secrets and a whole lot of trouble. This book is full of Secrets, violence, lust, love and temptation! The pace of the story was spot on and you can feel the suspense throughout the whole book! The characters are complex and each one gives you the feeling that they are hiding something. The characters are likeable but at the same time there are moments you won't like any of them but it just makes them feel more real. It's definitely a page turner that will have you glued to the pages to find out how everything ends!
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources and J.S. Lark for sharing this great story with me!
April 28, 2022
This is a great thriller that keeps you guessing until the absolute end! Alice meets Luke on holiday after leaving her husband, Joseph when she discovers he cheated on her with a woman with whom they work. But something bothers her about Luke as even though he is incredibly sexy and wants her badly, she knows he has casual sex easily and she's just gotten out of a disaster of a relationship. But when Luke comes to stay with her for a while, she also realizes she knows too little of his past, his parents, his eventual adoption and she vows to be careful. Now how will that ever happened when she is lusting after a gorgeous man? Secrets, deceit, abuse, jealousy, and temptation; these are only a few of the emotions running through this thriller and believe me, it will keep you thinking you have figured it out...until you haven't! Would love to read more from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! Out May 13th
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! Out May 13th
June 22, 2023
This was boring and I did not like it
October 17, 2023
I hated this book! I only gave it two stars because this author wrote the book. This book was overly descriptive on mundane items and most of the chapters were unnecessary. This story could have been told in 100 pages or less. I only finished the book since I had completed 40% of it when I realized how much I truly loathed it! It took me 10 days to force myself to finish it!
What was the most annoying part of the book, was the fact that Luke was tricking Alice and it was evident from the start! The other irritating part was that Alice, as many times as she had been deceived by men didn't see it! For a smart woman, she really made awful choices. Wouldn't she have been a little suspicious????
I plan to never read this author again!
What was the most annoying part of the book, was the fact that Luke was tricking Alice and it was evident from the start! The other irritating part was that Alice, as many times as she had been deceived by men didn't see it! For a smart woman, she really made awful choices. Wouldn't she have been a little suspicious????
I plan to never read this author again!
September 20, 2024
Cute story, some surprises by the end, but I think it could have been better based on how it's perceived.
May 16, 2022
Thank you to HarperCollins, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow! I have discovered a new favorite author, and I am looking up her previous books now! The Secret Couple by J. S. Lark is an unputdownable psychological thriller. The story revolves around Alice, who makes a living defending women from violent and abusive men. She's getting tired of her significant other, Joseph, who she's caught cheating on her. One day, she meets a handsome and mysterious man. The only catch is, he is a potential client, and it seems like he wants her to take on his case. Can Alice mix work with pleasure?
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue:
"A shaking hand lifts and lowers the mask to sit beneath the old man’s chin. The bones in his cheek and jaw protrude under the paper-white, wrinkled skin. ‘What …’ A long slow intake of breath follows. ‘Are …’ Another horrible breath. But despite the difficulty, the edge in his voice expresses suspicion. ‘You … doing?’ He should be scared.
His fingers lift the mask, reclaiming the oxygen.
The reaper’s hand grips his, stopping the mask from covering his mouth and nose. There’s no strength in the bony hand or the arm trying to resist the reaper’s hold. He’s a skeleton, skin and bone with no muscle or flesh.
The old man’s pupils flare, glistening dark onyx beads in the centre of his eyes reflecting tiny mirror images of the reaper leaning closer, capturing the moment he knows he’s going to die."
Overall, The Secret Couple is a well-written, smart thriller that will appeal to fans of The Silence Patient or An Anonymous Girl. Just like those other books, this one is clearly written by an intelligent author who doesn't go for cheap scares over actual psychological issues. One highlight of this book is the main character, Alice, who is a strong female protagonist. Another highlight of this book is the non-stop suspense. This is a real page-turner, and I was absolutely blindsided by the monumental twist. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, you won't regret checking out this book, which is available now!
Wow! I have discovered a new favorite author, and I am looking up her previous books now! The Secret Couple by J. S. Lark is an unputdownable psychological thriller. The story revolves around Alice, who makes a living defending women from violent and abusive men. She's getting tired of her significant other, Joseph, who she's caught cheating on her. One day, she meets a handsome and mysterious man. The only catch is, he is a potential client, and it seems like he wants her to take on his case. Can Alice mix work with pleasure?
Here is a chilling excerpt from the Prologue:
"A shaking hand lifts and lowers the mask to sit beneath the old man’s chin. The bones in his cheek and jaw protrude under the paper-white, wrinkled skin. ‘What …’ A long slow intake of breath follows. ‘Are …’ Another horrible breath. But despite the difficulty, the edge in his voice expresses suspicion. ‘You … doing?’ He should be scared.
His fingers lift the mask, reclaiming the oxygen.
The reaper’s hand grips his, stopping the mask from covering his mouth and nose. There’s no strength in the bony hand or the arm trying to resist the reaper’s hold. He’s a skeleton, skin and bone with no muscle or flesh.
The old man’s pupils flare, glistening dark onyx beads in the centre of his eyes reflecting tiny mirror images of the reaper leaning closer, capturing the moment he knows he’s going to die."
Overall, The Secret Couple is a well-written, smart thriller that will appeal to fans of The Silence Patient or An Anonymous Girl. Just like those other books, this one is clearly written by an intelligent author who doesn't go for cheap scares over actual psychological issues. One highlight of this book is the main character, Alice, who is a strong female protagonist. Another highlight of this book is the non-stop suspense. This is a real page-turner, and I was absolutely blindsided by the monumental twist. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, you won't regret checking out this book, which is available now!
May 24, 2022
“The Secret Couple” by J. S. Lark follows Alice in the aftermath of leaving her husband. Looking for an escape, she heads to Bath to meet a potential client named Luke. As she spends more time with Luke, she catches herself falling for him, but there are so many secrets between them. She killed her first husband out of “defense” and she suspects he might be involved with the murder of his own parents. Is she in love? Or is this better left as a fling?
This book was a rollercoaster from beginning to end. Alice is so hot and cold with Luke, it’s hard to keep up with. Her professional reasons for keeping him at a distance makes sense, but ultimately her wishy-washy behavior makes things so much worse for her. I’m not certain that I liked her as a character, simply because she didn’t seem to be decisive on what she actually wants with Luke or in her life.
The biggest question in this book is whether or not we allow the people we love to keep secrets from us and if we are entitled to our own secrets. I don’t really work like that, so for me the answer was easy, no secrets. It seems both Alice and Luke debate this question over and over while deciding whether to stay together or not.
For me, the ending fell a little flat from what I expected. I felt like this mystery devolved into more of a drama about relationships. I wanted to care about the court cases, but they seemed so background. In the end, I gave this book 4 stars! It was interesting and quick, but ultimately, I wanted a little more thrill.
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! This book is out now!
This book was a rollercoaster from beginning to end. Alice is so hot and cold with Luke, it’s hard to keep up with. Her professional reasons for keeping him at a distance makes sense, but ultimately her wishy-washy behavior makes things so much worse for her. I’m not certain that I liked her as a character, simply because she didn’t seem to be decisive on what she actually wants with Luke or in her life.
The biggest question in this book is whether or not we allow the people we love to keep secrets from us and if we are entitled to our own secrets. I don’t really work like that, so for me the answer was easy, no secrets. It seems both Alice and Luke debate this question over and over while deciding whether to stay together or not.
For me, the ending fell a little flat from what I expected. I felt like this mystery devolved into more of a drama about relationships. I wanted to care about the court cases, but they seemed so background. In the end, I gave this book 4 stars! It was interesting and quick, but ultimately, I wanted a little more thrill.
Thanks to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! This book is out now!
October 11, 2024
Two stars because I finished it. But barely. Promising start, followed by three hundred pages of confusing, wanna-be clues, into a predictable ending.
June 4, 2022
This book had me hooked from the beginning, with so many secrets, twists, and so much tension throughout-I devoured this book-what a great thriller!
We are introduced to Alice who works defending people, mainly women who have been victims of violence and abuse. She killed her first husband because he was abusive towards her, and has recently left her current husband after she discovered that he cheated on her with a woman that they both work with. Clearly Alice does not have the best of luck. She goes on vacation where she meets Luke, who is incredibly sexy and charming, but also a potential client of hers. Despite his outward appearance and his charm, Alice feels that something feels a bit off with Luke, she just cannot point her finger on it.
Alice is in no hurry to rush into anything serious after her disastrous breakup from her ex husband, but she doesn’t mind something casual, but Alice realizes that she does not know much about Luke and his past, he clearly has secrets he is keeping from her, but then again….Alice has a past and secrets as well.
This is a twisty thriller that starts off as a slow burn but eventually turns into a fast paced roller coaster filled with lots of secrets, jealousy, lust and lies. I loved that the author wrote such complex and deep characters, but I will say that I was not too fond of Alice. The author did a great job with building up the tension throughout the book as it progressed, which kept me turning the pages.
Overall, a great book and I am looking forward to reading other books by the author!
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @onemorechapterhc for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
We are introduced to Alice who works defending people, mainly women who have been victims of violence and abuse. She killed her first husband because he was abusive towards her, and has recently left her current husband after she discovered that he cheated on her with a woman that they both work with. Clearly Alice does not have the best of luck. She goes on vacation where she meets Luke, who is incredibly sexy and charming, but also a potential client of hers. Despite his outward appearance and his charm, Alice feels that something feels a bit off with Luke, she just cannot point her finger on it.
Alice is in no hurry to rush into anything serious after her disastrous breakup from her ex husband, but she doesn’t mind something casual, but Alice realizes that she does not know much about Luke and his past, he clearly has secrets he is keeping from her, but then again….Alice has a past and secrets as well.
This is a twisty thriller that starts off as a slow burn but eventually turns into a fast paced roller coaster filled with lots of secrets, jealousy, lust and lies. I loved that the author wrote such complex and deep characters, but I will say that I was not too fond of Alice. The author did a great job with building up the tension throughout the book as it progressed, which kept me turning the pages.
Overall, a great book and I am looking forward to reading other books by the author!
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources and @onemorechapterhc for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
June 2, 2022
The Secret Couple is an addictive psychological thriller that I lost time reading. I was absorbed and invested in Alice and Luke’s world, eager to reach the ending that I didn’t see coming at all. These characters fascinated me from very early on despite their flaws.
There are a lot of difficult matters discussed in this book, which some readers may find upsetting.
The author’s vulnerable writing style regarding the domestic abuse element is very well implemented without losing the powerfully fierce atmosphere. Plot twists add to the reader’s excitement and inquisitiveness throughout. Just when you think you have predicated the next element, something will happen, taking the reader onto a totally different journey.
This is a must-read for any fans of this genre, and I can not recommend it enough. Available to buy now!
(Thank you Rachel’s Random Resources and One More Chapter for a gifted copy of this book, for an honest and voluntary review.)
There are a lot of difficult matters discussed in this book, which some readers may find upsetting.
The author’s vulnerable writing style regarding the domestic abuse element is very well implemented without losing the powerfully fierce atmosphere. Plot twists add to the reader’s excitement and inquisitiveness throughout. Just when you think you have predicated the next element, something will happen, taking the reader onto a totally different journey.
This is a must-read for any fans of this genre, and I can not recommend it enough. Available to buy now!
(Thank you Rachel’s Random Resources and One More Chapter for a gifted copy of this book, for an honest and voluntary review.)
August 2, 2022
Suspenseful
August 1, 2024
The idea is interesting but not believable. I didn't connect with any of the characters. And can anyone drink 14 gins and tonic in one day, without suffering from alcohol poisoning?
January 20, 2024
Nothing was jaw dropping, just slow.
Chapter 1 sentences drift back in time without warning and would benefit from putting the when first.
At 34 percent still getting drunk without the promised case, letting him do things no lawyer or victim would. Two hotel rooms for almost a week? What lawyer can take that long off?
Typo better human being,
She would buy another knife if men are stalking her. Once someone abuses your phone password, you change it.
Chapter 1 sentences drift back in time without warning and would benefit from putting the when first.
At 34 percent still getting drunk without the promised case, letting him do things no lawyer or victim would. Two hotel rooms for almost a week? What lawyer can take that long off?
Typo better human being,
She would buy another knife if men are stalking her. Once someone abuses your phone password, you change it.
December 14, 2024
Kept me interested, Great twist at the end.
May 30, 2022
The premise for this book told little of what the actual story was about so I kind of went in blind...particularly with not knowing the author or their style. It was a risky move that sometimes pays off...and sometimes doesn't. In this case, it was the latter.
We meet Alice Johnston, a well-respected and successful solicitor who specialises in defending those who need a voice...specifically abused women. Her husband of three years, Joseph, is also a solicitor within the same firm. And unfortunately, he has just confessed to having an affair with their receptionist..."but it was before we were together" he stresses. Alice loses faith in both Joseph and the marriage she thought she had and in a fit of anger, packs a suitcase and boards a train out of Paddington to the West Country.
But what made Alice choose Bath for her impromptu escape? A few days before, she had received an email from an anonymous person asking for her help. There is no name, no details, no information as to who or what she'd be walking into. The person requested that she meet them in a hotel restaurant in Bath...hence her impromptu travel plans. She checks in and collapses on the bed and sleeps half the day away before preparing herself for her meeting.
After waiting for some time, Alice realises she has been stood up...or maybe the person changed their mind about meeting her. Had they contacted her to let her know she wouldn't know as she left her phone turned off and locked in a drawer in her room to escape the incessant text messages from Joseph. But then she is approached by the young bartender, Luke, who has been serving her who then discloses that it was him whom she was waiting for. He informs her that he wants her to represent him. For what? Nothing yet...but for something he wants to do.
Intrigued and puzzled in equal measure, Alice tries to question him further to which he replies "Not tonight. This isn't the place."
Luke then invites her out the following night but reveals even less about his plans and what he requires of her and seems more intent on showing her a good time, drinking and pub crawling. Inevitably, they begin a romance which is insane since she knows nothing about him and he still continues his line of "Not tonight. Later."
Honestly, it was all dribble in my opinion and I didn't care for either Alice or Luke. I have no idea what he intended doing and why he needed Alice's services because he seemed more interested in bedding her than anything else. If this is a thriller, it a slow one. And if it is a slow burn, it is glacial - both in speed and intensity.
I realise I am in the minority here with so many rave reviews but I've said it before than I don't care for slow burns unless they intrigue me. And this one didn't. The premise said very little and I wish I had just moved past it instead of choosing to step into its minefield.
If you like slow burns, then you may well enjoy this one. I honestly couldn't get past the first creepy 20% of the 437 pages I'd otherwise subject myself to. It was dark and depressing and if a book fails to grab me within that time, then I move on. Life is too short and my TBR pile too big to read books that I don't enjoy.
I would like to thank #JSLark, #Netgalley, #OneMoreChapter and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheSecretCouple in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
We meet Alice Johnston, a well-respected and successful solicitor who specialises in defending those who need a voice...specifically abused women. Her husband of three years, Joseph, is also a solicitor within the same firm. And unfortunately, he has just confessed to having an affair with their receptionist..."but it was before we were together" he stresses. Alice loses faith in both Joseph and the marriage she thought she had and in a fit of anger, packs a suitcase and boards a train out of Paddington to the West Country.
But what made Alice choose Bath for her impromptu escape? A few days before, she had received an email from an anonymous person asking for her help. There is no name, no details, no information as to who or what she'd be walking into. The person requested that she meet them in a hotel restaurant in Bath...hence her impromptu travel plans. She checks in and collapses on the bed and sleeps half the day away before preparing herself for her meeting.
After waiting for some time, Alice realises she has been stood up...or maybe the person changed their mind about meeting her. Had they contacted her to let her know she wouldn't know as she left her phone turned off and locked in a drawer in her room to escape the incessant text messages from Joseph. But then she is approached by the young bartender, Luke, who has been serving her who then discloses that it was him whom she was waiting for. He informs her that he wants her to represent him. For what? Nothing yet...but for something he wants to do.
Intrigued and puzzled in equal measure, Alice tries to question him further to which he replies "Not tonight. This isn't the place."
Luke then invites her out the following night but reveals even less about his plans and what he requires of her and seems more intent on showing her a good time, drinking and pub crawling. Inevitably, they begin a romance which is insane since she knows nothing about him and he still continues his line of "Not tonight. Later."
Honestly, it was all dribble in my opinion and I didn't care for either Alice or Luke. I have no idea what he intended doing and why he needed Alice's services because he seemed more interested in bedding her than anything else. If this is a thriller, it a slow one. And if it is a slow burn, it is glacial - both in speed and intensity.
I realise I am in the minority here with so many rave reviews but I've said it before than I don't care for slow burns unless they intrigue me. And this one didn't. The premise said very little and I wish I had just moved past it instead of choosing to step into its minefield.
If you like slow burns, then you may well enjoy this one. I honestly couldn't get past the first creepy 20% of the 437 pages I'd otherwise subject myself to. It was dark and depressing and if a book fails to grab me within that time, then I move on. Life is too short and my TBR pile too big to read books that I don't enjoy.
I would like to thank #JSLark, #Netgalley, #OneMoreChapter and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheSecretCouple in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 27, 2024
I’ve debated how I would write this review a few times. Overall, I did NOT like this book. I think it was a good idea, but poor execution. There was a LOT going on//being revealed and some of it seemed like it was just trying too hard for a *big twisty reveal*. Some of the things the FMC allows/takes part in/forgives seems contradictory to the character we were introduced to and the “secret” at the end isn’t a reason for her to have looked over all the crap from her “secret” boyfriend. As I said, it had some good parts but overall it was all over and tried too hard and fell flat.
December 13, 2023
I wanted so many times to DNF this book, but I managed to finish it.
I can't really give it a good rating as I did not enjoy this book at all. I could not get into any of the characters, it was not my cup of tea. The plot dragged on when it could of been done in less than 300 pages. I didn't care that the woman was using an A5 notebook, some of the dialog was unnecessary.
I don't recommend this book to anyone.
I can't really give it a good rating as I did not enjoy this book at all. I could not get into any of the characters, it was not my cup of tea. The plot dragged on when it could of been done in less than 300 pages. I didn't care that the woman was using an A5 notebook, some of the dialog was unnecessary.
I don't recommend this book to anyone.
December 30, 2023
I have tried with this. Have read on kindle to 20% but it’s so slow and the two main characters are so unlikeable that I can’t bear to continue.
May 21, 2022
Thank you to @0neMoreChapter_ and @JaneLark for this advanced copy of The Secret Couple in return for an honest review.
Description 🔖
Alice is a well respected defence solicitor and until very recently her life was going exactly as she thought it should. But then her marriage breaks down and her immediate reaction is to shut off. Conveniently, she receives a mysterious request for a meeting from a potential client and so welcomes the distraction and the chance to get out of London.
After meeting with Luke, Alice ends up getting much more than she bargained for. A new relationship and whole lot of risk. Both of them have secrets. Both of them are in too deep to go backwards.
General Thoughts 🤔
This book was definitely a thinker. I spent so much time finishing a chapter and then just pausing to ponder over what had happened and what I thought would happen next. There were so many twists and turns and I saw nearly none of them coming. As a result, I had a constant feeling of unease whilst reading and it never seemed to simmer. I always felt like something really bad was about to happen.
Characters 👫👭👬
The main characters in the story were Alice and Luke. I felt quite impartial about Alice; I didn’t love her but I didn’t hate her either. She was a cold woman but she recognised that trait in herself and she had good reason for constantly having her guard up. Although Luke was probably the less likeable out of the two of them, I think I empathised with him a little more for some reason. His background and upbringing didn’t give him the best start in life and I think he was a product of that.
I’m not sure that the two of them were healthy for each other, but somehow it seemed to work. Whether or not I think that something could last between them in the long term, whether it be as friends or otherwise, I’m really not sure.
Writing Style ✍️
The timing and pacing of this book was everything and I love that the author was able to make me feel tense the entire way through. There wasn’t really a climatic build up to something, it genuinely was just constant for me and it was that which kept me turning the pages.
I also appreciate this authors ability to write complex characters with undesirable sides to them, but keep them likeable and not turn them into villains. I think there is a fine line between the two and this book was able to walk that line successfully.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I haven’t seen an awful amount of publicity on the usual channels/sites about The Secret Couple and I think it deserves more visibility. This is a perfect book for a Saturday night in, with a glass of wine when you feel like being taken along on a ride that will make you feel uneasy, tense and excited all at the same time.
Description 🔖
Alice is a well respected defence solicitor and until very recently her life was going exactly as she thought it should. But then her marriage breaks down and her immediate reaction is to shut off. Conveniently, she receives a mysterious request for a meeting from a potential client and so welcomes the distraction and the chance to get out of London.
After meeting with Luke, Alice ends up getting much more than she bargained for. A new relationship and whole lot of risk. Both of them have secrets. Both of them are in too deep to go backwards.
General Thoughts 🤔
This book was definitely a thinker. I spent so much time finishing a chapter and then just pausing to ponder over what had happened and what I thought would happen next. There were so many twists and turns and I saw nearly none of them coming. As a result, I had a constant feeling of unease whilst reading and it never seemed to simmer. I always felt like something really bad was about to happen.
Characters 👫👭👬
The main characters in the story were Alice and Luke. I felt quite impartial about Alice; I didn’t love her but I didn’t hate her either. She was a cold woman but she recognised that trait in herself and she had good reason for constantly having her guard up. Although Luke was probably the less likeable out of the two of them, I think I empathised with him a little more for some reason. His background and upbringing didn’t give him the best start in life and I think he was a product of that.
I’m not sure that the two of them were healthy for each other, but somehow it seemed to work. Whether or not I think that something could last between them in the long term, whether it be as friends or otherwise, I’m really not sure.
Writing Style ✍️
The timing and pacing of this book was everything and I love that the author was able to make me feel tense the entire way through. There wasn’t really a climatic build up to something, it genuinely was just constant for me and it was that which kept me turning the pages.
I also appreciate this authors ability to write complex characters with undesirable sides to them, but keep them likeable and not turn them into villains. I think there is a fine line between the two and this book was able to walk that line successfully.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖
I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would. I haven’t seen an awful amount of publicity on the usual channels/sites about The Secret Couple and I think it deserves more visibility. This is a perfect book for a Saturday night in, with a glass of wine when you feel like being taken along on a ride that will make you feel uneasy, tense and excited all at the same time.
September 4, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Chilling, complex and creepy, psychological crime thriller fans will be gripped by J S Lark’s latest The Secret Couple.
As a lawyer, Alice deals with secrets and lies on a daily basis – and nobody knows better than she does just how insidious and destructive they can be. Alice might appear to be on the right side of the law, however, her past had left her with no other choice but to skate very close to the edge and to commit criminal acts that if discovered could have serious consequences upon her life and her future. Alice appears to lead a life most people would give their right arm for – until she discovers that all is not as perfect she had thought. What will Alice do now? Will she find herself left with no other choice but to fall foul of the law again?
When business takes Alice to Bath to meet a prospective client, little does she realize that she is going to be sucked into a dangerous situation where she could stand to lose everything. Alice knows that she should put a stop to it and to walk away from this situation she has found herself in, but that proves harder than she initially thought. Resisting the allure of temptation and desire becomes absolutely impossible – until Alice realizes that she’s in far too deep…
Is Alice’s life about to come crashing down around her ears? Or is there one final twist coming her way that could end up changing everything?
J S Lark’s The Secret Couple is a fascinating, layered and intelligent psychological crime thriller where nothing is what it initially seemed. Unpredictable, engrossing and disturbing, The Secret Couple tells a dark and twisted story of complicated, and damaged characters that will leave readers on the edge of their seats desperately waiting to find out what is going to happen next.
Haunting, gritty and gripping, J S Lark’s The Secret Couple is a chilling rollercoaster ride readers will certainly not forget in a hurry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chilling, complex and creepy, psychological crime thriller fans will be gripped by J S Lark’s latest The Secret Couple.
As a lawyer, Alice deals with secrets and lies on a daily basis – and nobody knows better than she does just how insidious and destructive they can be. Alice might appear to be on the right side of the law, however, her past had left her with no other choice but to skate very close to the edge and to commit criminal acts that if discovered could have serious consequences upon her life and her future. Alice appears to lead a life most people would give their right arm for – until she discovers that all is not as perfect she had thought. What will Alice do now? Will she find herself left with no other choice but to fall foul of the law again?
When business takes Alice to Bath to meet a prospective client, little does she realize that she is going to be sucked into a dangerous situation where she could stand to lose everything. Alice knows that she should put a stop to it and to walk away from this situation she has found herself in, but that proves harder than she initially thought. Resisting the allure of temptation and desire becomes absolutely impossible – until Alice realizes that she’s in far too deep…
Is Alice’s life about to come crashing down around her ears? Or is there one final twist coming her way that could end up changing everything?
J S Lark’s The Secret Couple is a fascinating, layered and intelligent psychological crime thriller where nothing is what it initially seemed. Unpredictable, engrossing and disturbing, The Secret Couple tells a dark and twisted story of complicated, and damaged characters that will leave readers on the edge of their seats desperately waiting to find out what is going to happen next.
Haunting, gritty and gripping, J S Lark’s The Secret Couple is a chilling rollercoaster ride readers will certainly not forget in a hurry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2022
While reading this book it could well be assumed that one of the main characters is an alcoholic, never in any book have I read of such copious amounts of straight gin and wine being consumed. Alice is a high achieving criminal lawyer but unfortunately she has experienced real brutality in her first marriage. She has been acquitted of the murder her husband. On the rebound she falls for and marries another lawyer, Joseph and by all accounts the marriage has been successful up until the point where he admits to a sexual encounter with an office worker even though it was before he was involved with her. The reader might well ask, why say anything about any relationship prior to his marriage to Alice who overreacts, goes off the rails, packs up and leaves. It's at about this time that she receives a cryptic message from a person in another town and for which in showing poor judgment arranges to go to this town and meet the correspondent.
From here on the read drags on from one drinking hole to another. The correspondent is a man, Luke, who is about ten years younger than Alice, a barman at the hotel she is staying at. He drags out the reasons why he has contacted her, intrigued she plays along. Luke could be called a stalker, he knows a lot about Alice, her past and that of Joseph's past. As a child he and his brother experienced brutality from both their parents. Both were adopted into different nurturing middle income families where they experienced quality care. However, for Luke the scars are all too apparent and for which with his master plan he intends to seek revenge on those of his past. Alice is kept in the dark about this ultimate plan with Luke creating fantastical stories and causing havoc just to keep her put. Alice's family in the meantime are worried about her as well as Joseph. All of a sudden, the author starts to draw the reader into the finality of this debacle of events and unless well versed in murder novels will be surprised as the tangled web unravels.
From here on the read drags on from one drinking hole to another. The correspondent is a man, Luke, who is about ten years younger than Alice, a barman at the hotel she is staying at. He drags out the reasons why he has contacted her, intrigued she plays along. Luke could be called a stalker, he knows a lot about Alice, her past and that of Joseph's past. As a child he and his brother experienced brutality from both their parents. Both were adopted into different nurturing middle income families where they experienced quality care. However, for Luke the scars are all too apparent and for which with his master plan he intends to seek revenge on those of his past. Alice is kept in the dark about this ultimate plan with Luke creating fantastical stories and causing havoc just to keep her put. Alice's family in the meantime are worried about her as well as Joseph. All of a sudden, the author starts to draw the reader into the finality of this debacle of events and unless well versed in murder novels will be surprised as the tangled web unravels.
August 2, 2022
Alice is drawn to Bath by an anonymous email that she thought was from a potential client, She was a top notch solicitor from London. Luke works in a bar in a hotel where Alice is staying but is not allowed to fraternize with the guests so suggests meeting elsewhere so they can talk. Alice has just broken up with her husband, Joseph, so decides staying in Bath for a few days is ok while she finds out what this is about.
When they meet though, Luke asks her questions. He has looked her up on the internet and knows a lot about her. He is like a closed book but they enjoy each other’s company, Alice is paying for everything as Luke doesn’t have a lot of money. They go out and Alice finds she’s enjoying herself. She’s enjoying his company.
There is an awkward moment one night when they meet three men on a street and Luke makes her go on without him. He comes back later, he’s ok. Later on the news she hears about a dead body being found and it looks like one of the men they had the hassle with.
The more time they spend together the closer they become but Alice suddenly decides to go back to London. Luke has never possessed a mobile phone until then when he buys one so he can keep in touch with Alice.
The atmosphere between Joseph and Alice could be cut with a knife and she wants a divorce. There is no going back with him now.
I found this book very slow going but it could just have been me in a reading slump. It did liven up towards the end part of the book and that did get quite interesting with all that was going on.
When they meet though, Luke asks her questions. He has looked her up on the internet and knows a lot about her. He is like a closed book but they enjoy each other’s company, Alice is paying for everything as Luke doesn’t have a lot of money. They go out and Alice finds she’s enjoying herself. She’s enjoying his company.
There is an awkward moment one night when they meet three men on a street and Luke makes her go on without him. He comes back later, he’s ok. Later on the news she hears about a dead body being found and it looks like one of the men they had the hassle with.
The more time they spend together the closer they become but Alice suddenly decides to go back to London. Luke has never possessed a mobile phone until then when he buys one so he can keep in touch with Alice.
The atmosphere between Joseph and Alice could be cut with a knife and she wants a divorce. There is no going back with him now.
I found this book very slow going but it could just have been me in a reading slump. It did liven up towards the end part of the book and that did get quite interesting with all that was going on.
January 4, 2023
A book I couldn't put down, because I wanted to know if Alice would come to her senses about Luke, a secret younger man who knows so much about her yet keeps his own back story quiet. She finds herself drawn in and played by him..a theme that's continued in previous relationships - her first husband she was found not guilty of killing him due to the abuse she'd suffered, and claiming self defence. Luke comes into her life asking for her to become his solicitor in case he needed her in future, after she's separated from her cheating husband.
It's a disturbing relationship, she's hooked on Luke and the excitement and surprises he brings to their relationship she initially tries to push back on. But Alice can't help but be drawn in to the complex relationships and trouble he seems to bring to his life.
I did guess part of the ending, but not all of the timescales and planning that took place.
Alice is a flawed character, seeming to be weak, drinking too much, avoiding hearing what her family would recommend and support her in, while being drawn into another troubled situation. Despite her being in legal work, she seems to let a lot of dubious behaviour go which I find strange. She seems to draw trouble towards her in many of her relationships, and it's an uncomfortable read in places.
I don't think I really enjoyed the book because I disliked the main characters, but I was hooked in wanting to see what happened in the end.
It's a disturbing relationship, she's hooked on Luke and the excitement and surprises he brings to their relationship she initially tries to push back on. But Alice can't help but be drawn in to the complex relationships and trouble he seems to bring to his life.
I did guess part of the ending, but not all of the timescales and planning that took place.
Alice is a flawed character, seeming to be weak, drinking too much, avoiding hearing what her family would recommend and support her in, while being drawn into another troubled situation. Despite her being in legal work, she seems to let a lot of dubious behaviour go which I find strange. She seems to draw trouble towards her in many of her relationships, and it's an uncomfortable read in places.
I don't think I really enjoyed the book because I disliked the main characters, but I was hooked in wanting to see what happened in the end.
May 11, 2022
Alice Johnston is a well-respected solicitor for Dunston and Drew Defense Lawyers. Her husband, Joseph, another solicitor, has just confessed to having an affair with another woman.
When she gets an email from an anonymous person asking for her help, she is intrigued. This person has requested that she travel to Bath and they will meet in a hotel bar. After waiting for awhile, she realizes the person who contacted is Luke, a bartender. He says he wants her to represent him for something he wants to do.
As Alice and Luke get to know one another, they drink a lot. Alice can hold a lot of liquor. They spark a romance that goes despite the fact that she is 10 years older than he is.
Luke and his brother Ryan were abused by their parents and ended up in foster homes. It has been quite awhile since they have been together and finally that happens. Their parents are elderly and ill and they want nothing to do with them. But when both of their parents are murdered, the police want to know if the sons had something to do with it.
This is a very dark and depressing story. There are many twists but all in all I did not care for Alice or Luke. Two losers. Not a book that I would recommend.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When she gets an email from an anonymous person asking for her help, she is intrigued. This person has requested that she travel to Bath and they will meet in a hotel bar. After waiting for awhile, she realizes the person who contacted is Luke, a bartender. He says he wants her to represent him for something he wants to do.
As Alice and Luke get to know one another, they drink a lot. Alice can hold a lot of liquor. They spark a romance that goes despite the fact that she is 10 years older than he is.
Luke and his brother Ryan were abused by their parents and ended up in foster homes. It has been quite awhile since they have been together and finally that happens. Their parents are elderly and ill and they want nothing to do with them. But when both of their parents are murdered, the police want to know if the sons had something to do with it.
This is a very dark and depressing story. There are many twists but all in all I did not care for Alice or Luke. Two losers. Not a book that I would recommend.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 16, 2023
I finished my last book while on vacation and realized I did not have any more downloaded on my kindle, nor my library card handy for checking out something new so I grabbed some free books from Amazon Prime.
This was absolutely okay. It is well enough written for a free book, but nothing fabulous. Lark understands trauma and domestic violence and creates some believable characters.
However, her plot points are absolutely not believable. The whole thing is an elaborate plan and simply does not ring true. Furthermore, Alice's continued manipulation by Luke is so reminiscent of her previous two relationships as to be annoying. She justifies and forgives in just the way she did with Ron: "I've know Luke has controlles things between us from the very first day--that wasn't the first day. He was controlling things long before that."
If Lark wants Alice to be a role model for survivors of DV, I would rathee this was not a "love" story, but ended with them as friends oe estranged. Given the history and controlling, I don't recognize their relationship as love.
Overall though, entertaining and compelling.
This was absolutely okay. It is well enough written for a free book, but nothing fabulous. Lark understands trauma and domestic violence and creates some believable characters.
However, her plot points are absolutely not believable. The whole thing is an elaborate plan and simply does not ring true. Furthermore, Alice's continued manipulation by Luke is so reminiscent of her previous two relationships as to be annoying. She justifies and forgives in just the way she did with Ron: "I've know Luke has controlles things between us from the very first day--that wasn't the first day. He was controlling things long before that."
If Lark wants Alice to be a role model for survivors of DV, I would rathee this was not a "love" story, but ended with them as friends oe estranged. Given the history and controlling, I don't recognize their relationship as love.
Overall though, entertaining and compelling.
June 15, 2024
A real page turner of a book that I couldn't put down. Alice is a lawyer who represents domestic abuse victims. When she receives a text asking her to go to Bath from an anonymous source she boards a train and leaves. Alice is married to Joseph also a lawyer who has recently had an affair with a waitress. This is Alice's second relationship after her first marriage ended when her husband Ron was stabbed by Alice in self defence.
Alice meets anon in Bath who turns out to be a man Luke who she has an affair with and falls in love with. She then becomes part of his world. Luke is a vigilante who winds up in trouble was involved in county lines as a teen and has two abusive parents and one brother Ryan who he loves dearly. Both parents during the course of the book are murdered by who you may think is Luke. Except it isn't. The murderer is Joseph Alice's husband. Joseph, it turns out, represented Luke when he was a teen and now Luke is out for revenge.
After all of the psychological suspense the ending of the book results in Alice being pregnant with Lukes child and Joseph locked up.
Whirlwind of a book
Alice meets anon in Bath who turns out to be a man Luke who she has an affair with and falls in love with. She then becomes part of his world. Luke is a vigilante who winds up in trouble was involved in county lines as a teen and has two abusive parents and one brother Ryan who he loves dearly. Both parents during the course of the book are murdered by who you may think is Luke. Except it isn't. The murderer is Joseph Alice's husband. Joseph, it turns out, represented Luke when he was a teen and now Luke is out for revenge.
After all of the psychological suspense the ending of the book results in Alice being pregnant with Lukes child and Joseph locked up.
Whirlwind of a book
June 10, 2022
The Secret Couple is an intense and at times dark read. I was drawn in completely and really did find it quite hard to stop reading. It is a slow burner but I love this in a book. You get to really know the characters well and the plot just gets stronger and stronger. I know many people don’t like to be told “the twist is totally unexpected” but trust me that has to be said and the twist is epic.
There are many secrets and untold lies running throughout and Alison, beginning a new relationship soon begins to wonder, is she really in to deep? Is Luke trouble or the answer to her prayers? The best thing in this book is that the characters have flaws, like us all. They are not likeable all the time, there is violence and temptation abounds and I enjoyed every single page. A proper thriller that has you gasping out loud and feeling somewhat drained by the events. If an author can evoke these strong feelings that you invest in the characters, then its a damn fine book. The suspense will keep you glued to The Secret Couple. Perfectly brilliant and unforgettable tension builder.
There are many secrets and untold lies running throughout and Alison, beginning a new relationship soon begins to wonder, is she really in to deep? Is Luke trouble or the answer to her prayers? The best thing in this book is that the characters have flaws, like us all. They are not likeable all the time, there is violence and temptation abounds and I enjoyed every single page. A proper thriller that has you gasping out loud and feeling somewhat drained by the events. If an author can evoke these strong feelings that you invest in the characters, then its a damn fine book. The suspense will keep you glued to The Secret Couple. Perfectly brilliant and unforgettable tension builder.
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