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The Split
The end of our marriage was only the beginning…
Last night, we celebrated our anniversary. Over candlelight, we talked about the children, our work, and I was so happy, and felt so loved.
But the next morning, when I check my phone, there is a message. From a friend. And a string of photos appear of my husband, Will, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Going into fancy hotels. Standing at a window, his arms around her, her head on his shoulder…
I beg Will to tell me what’s going on. But all he can say is that it’s not what I think. As if the betrayal wasn’t bad enough, he won’t even be honest with me.
And now there’s someone watching our house. Will is acting like a stranger and I think he’s following me. I can’t trust him anymore, and I desperately need to know who sent me those photos and why.
But maybe Will is telling the truth.
Maybe it’s not what I think.
Because the more our pain stops us talking, and the more the two of us tear each other apart, the more I wonder if I ever knew him at all – and what I’ll have to risk to protect my children.
And when at last the secrets are revealed, will the truth save our family, or destroy us all?
A thrilling, gripping page-turner about a marriage falling apart and the darkness love can contain. Readers who love Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and Shari Lapena will be hooked by The Split.
Last night, we celebrated our anniversary. Over candlelight, we talked about the children, our work, and I was so happy, and felt so loved.
But the next morning, when I check my phone, there is a message. From a friend. And a string of photos appear of my husband, Will, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Going into fancy hotels. Standing at a window, his arms around her, her head on his shoulder…
I beg Will to tell me what’s going on. But all he can say is that it’s not what I think. As if the betrayal wasn’t bad enough, he won’t even be honest with me.
And now there’s someone watching our house. Will is acting like a stranger and I think he’s following me. I can’t trust him anymore, and I desperately need to know who sent me those photos and why.
But maybe Will is telling the truth.
Maybe it’s not what I think.
Because the more our pain stops us talking, and the more the two of us tear each other apart, the more I wonder if I ever knew him at all – and what I’ll have to risk to protect my children.
And when at last the secrets are revealed, will the truth save our family, or destroy us all?
A thrilling, gripping page-turner about a marriage falling apart and the darkness love can contain. Readers who love Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware and Shari Lapena will be hooked by The Split.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
1304 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Lynes
19 books820 followersS. E. Lynes is the #1 Amazon best selling author of THE HOUSEWARMING, and 'intelligent and haunting' psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? and HER SISTER'S SECRET
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
February 8, 2024
I have read and loved several of Lynes’s books, and this was no exception. When it comes to psychological thrillers Lynes always delivers, which shows the author knows what hooks you and keeps you turning the pages.
In the split the two main characters Will and Jessica split after compromising pictures of will with another woman is sent to her. Their relationship soon starts to sour and a war is imminent. But something isn’t quite as it seems.
This might seem like your typical revenge plot, but it’s so much more. First, the characters were well fleshed out, with rich emotions that were described beautifully. Their pain felt raw and real, and my heart bled with them. Then there is the manipulation and promise of buried secrets and tantalizing revelations. You try to figure out what’s going on along with the characters, and the need to know more is there from the start. I am sure I will remember this one for a long time, the events felt believable but stood out enough to not go into the vault of similar stories that makes it hard to recall later. The story was well-executed with enough details to make it come alive without slowing everything down too much. I also loved that if you pay close attention, you will know where it’s going, and boy does it deliver in the end!
I definitely recommend this for all thrillaholics out there.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion
In the split the two main characters Will and Jessica split after compromising pictures of will with another woman is sent to her. Their relationship soon starts to sour and a war is imminent. But something isn’t quite as it seems.
This might seem like your typical revenge plot, but it’s so much more. First, the characters were well fleshed out, with rich emotions that were described beautifully. Their pain felt raw and real, and my heart bled with them. Then there is the manipulation and promise of buried secrets and tantalizing revelations. You try to figure out what’s going on along with the characters, and the need to know more is there from the start. I am sure I will remember this one for a long time, the events felt believable but stood out enough to not go into the vault of similar stories that makes it hard to recall later. The story was well-executed with enough details to make it come alive without slowing everything down too much. I also loved that if you pay close attention, you will know where it’s going, and boy does it deliver in the end!
I definitely recommend this for all thrillaholics out there.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion
February 22, 2024
The Split kept me on my toes, turning the pages at warp speed wanting to know what was going to happen next in this riveting page turner! The secrets in this book are practically jumping off the pages.
The day after celebrating their anniversary, Jessica receives a message with pictures that break her heart and shatter her happy life. There are many pictures of her husband, Will in increasing alarming pictures with another woman. In tears, her heart broken, she confronts her husband who offers no explanation beyond that it is not what it looks like. Angry, hurt, confused, and heartbroken, Jessica throws him out of their home.
That is only the beginning of this shocking, brimming with secrets, and twist filled book. There is a lot going on in this book. S.E. Lynes threw in quite a few well-placed twists to not only keep readers invested but to keep the pace moving at a nice speed. I could feel the characters hurt, their pain, their anger, their shock, and their confusion. I enjoyed how S.E. Lynes showed how people grappling with hurt and heartbreak do not always make the best decisions or at least well thought out ones. That they are operating on pure emotion which sometimes gets in the way of making better judgement calls. I found myself chanting "communicate, Communicate, COMMUNICATE" throughout the book.
Gripping, shocking, tense and well written.
I look forward to reading what S.E. Lynes writes next!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
The day after celebrating their anniversary, Jessica receives a message with pictures that break her heart and shatter her happy life. There are many pictures of her husband, Will in increasing alarming pictures with another woman. In tears, her heart broken, she confronts her husband who offers no explanation beyond that it is not what it looks like. Angry, hurt, confused, and heartbroken, Jessica throws him out of their home.
That is only the beginning of this shocking, brimming with secrets, and twist filled book. There is a lot going on in this book. S.E. Lynes threw in quite a few well-placed twists to not only keep readers invested but to keep the pace moving at a nice speed. I could feel the characters hurt, their pain, their anger, their shock, and their confusion. I enjoyed how S.E. Lynes showed how people grappling with hurt and heartbreak do not always make the best decisions or at least well thought out ones. That they are operating on pure emotion which sometimes gets in the way of making better judgement calls. I found myself chanting "communicate, Communicate, COMMUNICATE" throughout the book.
Gripping, shocking, tense and well written.
I look forward to reading what S.E. Lynes writes next!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 5, 2024
writing: good | plot: very average | ending: woah nelly
my opinion
First of all, thank you to becbingesbooks for the lovely buddy read and bish sesh as always LOL. Together, we clocked every twist in this book, and while I'm not someone whose rating depends solely on the shock-factor, it was disappointing. I can't clock EVERYTHING okay?? Not with this single digit IQ. You need to bamboozle me at least once.
Besides the predictability, this was repetitive. The first 60% is a family drama with a dash of suspense. Each pov can be summarized as:
Jessica: Will is a certified bum. Also, why can't he read my mind? Just because I said I wanted a divorce—in writing, no less—doesn't mean I actually WANT one. How can he not understand that?
Will: The kids would've been taken away by CPS if I wasn't an unemployed loser... I mean house husband/life coach.
Finally the pace and action ratchets up in the last 40%, but seeing as it all came to a predictable end, it wasn't that exciting upon reflection. At least the writing was solid.
I say this with all the disrespect I can muster: Will should not be allowed to vote. How many red flags does one need to be deep throated with before he clues the fuck in?
Very middle of the road book. Sadly, do not recommend. What I do recommend is talking to your spouse about major conflicts before it spirals into absolute mayhem. Thanks.
pros & cons
pros: writing was solid
cons: extremely predictable, slow but no emotional pay-off, miscommunication trope on bath salts, repetitive, will is the dumbest man to walk the earth you can't convince me otherwise
____
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
my opinion
First of all, thank you to becbingesbooks for the lovely buddy read and bish sesh as always LOL. Together, we clocked every twist in this book, and while I'm not someone whose rating depends solely on the shock-factor, it was disappointing. I can't clock EVERYTHING okay?? Not with this single digit IQ. You need to bamboozle me at least once.
Besides the predictability, this was repetitive. The first 60% is a family drama with a dash of suspense. Each pov can be summarized as:
Jessica: Will is a certified bum. Also, why can't he read my mind? Just because I said I wanted a divorce—in writing, no less—doesn't mean I actually WANT one. How can he not understand that?
Will: The kids would've been taken away by CPS if I wasn't an unemployed loser... I mean house husband/life coach.
Finally the pace and action ratchets up in the last 40%, but seeing as it all came to a predictable end, it wasn't that exciting upon reflection. At least the writing was solid.
I say this with all the disrespect I can muster: Will should not be allowed to vote. How many red flags does one need to be deep throated with before he clues the fuck in?
Very middle of the road book. Sadly, do not recommend. What I do recommend is talking to your spouse about major conflicts before it spirals into absolute mayhem. Thanks.
pros & cons
pros: writing was solid
cons: extremely predictable, slow but no emotional pay-off, miscommunication trope on bath salts, repetitive, will is the dumbest man to walk the earth you can't convince me otherwise
____
Check out my YouTube and my TikTok
February 1, 2024
Wow! This mind-blowing psychological thriller has so many twists and turns I am still reeling. Who is the villain and who is the victim in this twisted tale of deception, betrayal, and revenge? This story proves the old saying that if something is too good to be true it is. Nothing is as it appears in this intricately woven web of mind games. There were times when I thought I knew where the story was leading, but then it would go in another surprising direction. S. E. Lynes masterfully constructs an enticing puzzle that leads to a shocking and breathtaking conclusion. I highly recommend this to all thriller addicts. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 11, 2024
It makes me sad to write this review especially because I am a big S.E. Lynes fan, but, I did not like this book, at all.
A text message with photos of infidelity threatens Will and Jessica's marriage. But is it just a typical act of cheating? Or something more complicated and terrifying?
First off, I didn't like any of the characters, this usually affects my mood whenever I read a book because if I couldn't connect to the main character, I easily lose interest, but I gave this one a chance. The plot is nothing extraordinary, the twists were flat and predictable and I just wanted it to end so I could breathe.
Although I didn't like this book, I'm not going to stop reading Lynes. Maybe this is just not for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!
A text message with photos of infidelity threatens Will and Jessica's marriage. But is it just a typical act of cheating? Or something more complicated and terrifying?
First off, I didn't like any of the characters, this usually affects my mood whenever I read a book because if I couldn't connect to the main character, I easily lose interest, but I gave this one a chance. The plot is nothing extraordinary, the twists were flat and predictable and I just wanted it to end so I could breathe.
Although I didn't like this book, I'm not going to stop reading Lynes. Maybe this is just not for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!
March 8, 2024
I have read 12 of the authors 13 books ( Valentina being the one still haven’t ) and it goes without question that when you start one you never quite know what to expect,every one is very different,unique in it’s storytelling and theme and this book does not break that rule……
I guess to describe this book you would say it covers vunerability,manipulation,inability to want to listen to things and adult grooming…..and yes it is fascinating,well told,tense and a real,honest and kinda scary look into just how quickly sensible,dare I say normal,people are easily played and fooled
I loved the settings in and around West London and also liked the odd quote we got from the dazzling smooth as a peach Ian…..I also was kinda bemused as a vegetarian of 40 years I was made to feel my mouth water over a description of shepherds pie….this author is great at this,every little thing in the story builds a picture in your mind
It’s a cautionary tale,be careful who you trust,be careful who you allow to get into your headspace and be careful when you start it that you have enough time to finish it in one sitting as you will want to
As always,genius writing.
I guess to describe this book you would say it covers vunerability,manipulation,inability to want to listen to things and adult grooming…..and yes it is fascinating,well told,tense and a real,honest and kinda scary look into just how quickly sensible,dare I say normal,people are easily played and fooled
I loved the settings in and around West London and also liked the odd quote we got from the dazzling smooth as a peach Ian…..I also was kinda bemused as a vegetarian of 40 years I was made to feel my mouth water over a description of shepherds pie….this author is great at this,every little thing in the story builds a picture in your mind
It’s a cautionary tale,be careful who you trust,be careful who you allow to get into your headspace and be careful when you start it that you have enough time to finish it in one sitting as you will want to
As always,genius writing.
March 7, 2024
** Happy publication day **
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the journey and wanted to keep reading. But I was also beyond frustrated with the main trope, the characters and predicted almost everything.
The miscommunication trope is my least favourite. This isn't just miscommunication though so that's not a reason to not check it out.
The suspense and intrigue throughout was there, but ultimately I knew exactly where we were going.
As for the characters, they were infuriating. Making extremely bad (and tbh, dumb) choices over and over from the get go. Leading to the book even seeming repetitive at times and various "we get it" moments.
This was a buddy read with Lit with Leigh and it was so much fun, even if we both called what was going on in early days.
I'd consider recommending this to some people, especially if you're not only here for the twists.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the journey and wanted to keep reading. But I was also beyond frustrated with the main trope, the characters and predicted almost everything.
The miscommunication trope is my least favourite. This isn't just miscommunication though so that's not a reason to not check it out.
The suspense and intrigue throughout was there, but ultimately I knew exactly where we were going.
As for the characters, they were infuriating. Making extremely bad (and tbh, dumb) choices over and over from the get go. Leading to the book even seeming repetitive at times and various "we get it" moments.
This was a buddy read with Lit with Leigh and it was so much fun, even if we both called what was going on in early days.
I'd consider recommending this to some people, especially if you're not only here for the twists.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review
February 1, 2024
Communication, communication, communication, people! This story never would have happened if Jessica and Will had just communicated with each other! (Not that it would’ve happened anyway, but let’s suspend our disbelief, shall we?)
Jessica receives a number of very incriminating photos on her cellphone the day after her 7th anniversary with Will, the father of their two young children. Uh, Will—the one thing NOT to say when caught is, “It’s not what you think.” Jessica immediately kicks him out, and then the twists and turns start.
Will receives help (and a LOT of it) from a mysterious benefactor.
But you know what they say….there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
In the interest of full disclosure, I did figure out a couple of the reveals ahead of time, but this is still a good read, and I was entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
Jessica receives a number of very incriminating photos on her cellphone the day after her 7th anniversary with Will, the father of their two young children. Uh, Will—the one thing NOT to say when caught is, “It’s not what you think.” Jessica immediately kicks him out, and then the twists and turns start.
Will receives help (and a LOT of it) from a mysterious benefactor.
But you know what they say….there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
In the interest of full disclosure, I did figure out a couple of the reveals ahead of time, but this is still a good read, and I was entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest feedback!
February 19, 2024
Last night we celebrated our anniversary. Over candlelight, we talked about the children, our work, and I was so happy, and I felt so loved. But the next morning when I check my phone, there is a message from a friend. And a string of photos appear of my husband Will, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Going into fancy hotels. Standing at a window, his arms around her, her head on his shoulder. I beg Will to tell me what's going on. But all he can say is it's not what I think. As if betrayal wasn't enough, he won't even be honest with me. And now there's someone watching the house.
Jessica were happy celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary, but the next day, Jessica receives pictures on her phone. They are of Will with another woman. Jessica is the provider of the family, while Will stays at home and takes care of the children. But when Jessica receives the photos, she throws Will out.
The naivety of Will and Jessica can be frustrating. As the secrets unravel, will the truth redeem or destroy the family? There are lots of twists, the pace is fast, the characters are well-rounded, and I loved this book.
Published 8th March.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SELynes for my ARC of #TheSplit in exchange for an honest review,
Jessica were happy celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary, but the next day, Jessica receives pictures on her phone. They are of Will with another woman. Jessica is the provider of the family, while Will stays at home and takes care of the children. But when Jessica receives the photos, she throws Will out.
The naivety of Will and Jessica can be frustrating. As the secrets unravel, will the truth redeem or destroy the family? There are lots of twists, the pace is fast, the characters are well-rounded, and I loved this book.
Published 8th March.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SELynes for my ARC of #TheSplit in exchange for an honest review,
April 16, 2025
This is the second book I have read by this author. Im loving them and I highly recommend. What I loved about this book was the ending. I guessed the culprit but not the twist.
This book has/is;
* 1st half slow burn, 2nd half fast pace
* Brilliant ending
* Gaslighting
* Manipulation
* Lack of communication
* Suspense
* Friends vs Enemies
This book has/is;
* 1st half slow burn, 2nd half fast pace
* Brilliant ending
* Gaslighting
* Manipulation
* Lack of communication
* Suspense
* Friends vs Enemies
March 18, 2025
Good thriller with some emotional parts.
I won’t spoil of course but it was very well done.
The psychological part is very accurate, the heroine saw her own father with another woman when she was just a child and was gaslighted into believing he wasn’t cheating, but eventually she understood he was a cheater.
She marries a very good guy, not the strongest and the smartest of the pack, but anyway very affectionate and loyal to her and their kids.
Until one day she receives pictures of him with another woman, talking, hugging, going into hotels and kissing.
She dumps him without giving him any chance to explain.
He’s a house husband, meaning he has no definite job, so while she is the breadwinner he takes care of the house and children, doing the life coach sometimes.
And while we understand that there’s a big misunderstanding behind those pictures, the hero meets a fascinating guy that seems so keen to help him with his heartless wife, until the story looks like the roses war, where both hero and heroine wage war on each other without even talking once.
Then, the twist.
I won’t tell more.
It’s good, worth reading.
Neither the hero nor the heroine are blameless. He’s weak and easily manipulated, I mean who believes a stranger he just met in a bar over a woman he has known for many years?
The heroine is also not spotless, she has an affair just some weeks after she and the hero are separated, not yet divorced.
But the mystery part, and the psychological part were really good.
I won’t spoil of course but it was very well done.
The psychological part is very accurate, the heroine saw her own father with another woman when she was just a child and was gaslighted into believing he wasn’t cheating, but eventually she understood he was a cheater.
She marries a very good guy, not the strongest and the smartest of the pack, but anyway very affectionate and loyal to her and their kids.
Until one day she receives pictures of him with another woman, talking, hugging, going into hotels and kissing.
She dumps him without giving him any chance to explain.
He’s a house husband, meaning he has no definite job, so while she is the breadwinner he takes care of the house and children, doing the life coach sometimes.
And while we understand that there’s a big misunderstanding behind those pictures, the hero meets a fascinating guy that seems so keen to help him with his heartless wife, until the story looks like the roses war, where both hero and heroine wage war on each other without even talking once.
Then, the twist.
I won’t tell more.
It’s good, worth reading.
Neither the hero nor the heroine are blameless. He’s weak and easily manipulated, I mean who believes a stranger he just met in a bar over a woman he has known for many years?
The heroine is also not spotless, she has an affair just some weeks after she and the hero are separated, not yet divorced.
But the mystery part, and the psychological part were really good.
February 16, 2024
Will and Jessica have been together for fifteen years, and have two kids, a boy and a girl. Will is a stay-at-home dad and life coach, while Jessica is always commuting and working long hours in London. They have a relatively happy life together, and have just celebrated their wedding anniversary.
Going to bed feeling closer to her husband than she has in a long time, Jessica is content. That all shatters when she wakes up the next morning to an anonymous text containing pictures of her husband with another woman. Hugging, whispering, going into hotels…it’s all right there. Jessica immediately wakes Will up to confront him, and he has nothing to say for himself. At least, there’s nothing he *can* say. Jessica kicks him out of the house, and he heads to a crappy motel.
Will ends up going to a pub by the motel one night, and it’s there that he meets Ian Robbins. After a few drinks, Will starts to spill his marital problems and Ian invites him to live in an attic apartment he owns. Nobody is renting it, and it will save Will money not having to pay for lodging. Will moves in, and once that happens, there is no going back…
I’ve seen a lot of great reviews for this book, but mine might be a slightly unpopular opinion. I just felt that this was so implausible - every last bit of it. I don’t mind that in a popcorn thriller, but this isn’t a popcorn thriller (in my opinion). Still, this was quite entertaining and while the twists didn’t blow my mind, I also didn’t see any of them coming. 3.5 stars!
(Thank you to Bookouture, S.E. Lynes and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 8, 2024.)
Going to bed feeling closer to her husband than she has in a long time, Jessica is content. That all shatters when she wakes up the next morning to an anonymous text containing pictures of her husband with another woman. Hugging, whispering, going into hotels…it’s all right there. Jessica immediately wakes Will up to confront him, and he has nothing to say for himself. At least, there’s nothing he *can* say. Jessica kicks him out of the house, and he heads to a crappy motel.
Will ends up going to a pub by the motel one night, and it’s there that he meets Ian Robbins. After a few drinks, Will starts to spill his marital problems and Ian invites him to live in an attic apartment he owns. Nobody is renting it, and it will save Will money not having to pay for lodging. Will moves in, and once that happens, there is no going back…
I’ve seen a lot of great reviews for this book, but mine might be a slightly unpopular opinion. I just felt that this was so implausible - every last bit of it. I don’t mind that in a popcorn thriller, but this isn’t a popcorn thriller (in my opinion). Still, this was quite entertaining and while the twists didn’t blow my mind, I also didn’t see any of them coming. 3.5 stars!
(Thank you to Bookouture, S.E. Lynes and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on March 8, 2024.)
February 7, 2024
Jessica and Will are celebrating their 7th anniversary when Jessica gets pictures sent to her from a mysterious person and they are of Will with another woman? She throws him out of the house with not letting him explain anything and it all goes down hill from there. This was a good thriller! Thanks to
NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. To be published March 2024.
NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. To be published March 2024.
February 11, 2024
This book was exciting, but I was so frustrated with the 2 main characters that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have. It centers on Jessica and Will, who have 2 kids and a seemingly happy marriage when a stranger sends pictures to Jessica of Will with another woman. Jessica freaks out and kicks him out without even listening for an explanation, and then they both do all kinds of stupid things while estranged until it all comes to a head at the end.
Problems that could be solved if people just communicate is my biggest pet peeve in books and this ALL could’ve been solved if they had just talked to each other. Since they didn’t, we get this whole crazy storyline that is engaging while also not being very believable. I wanted to throttle both of these characters at multiple points during the book. Some of the twists are predictable and some are surprises, and I thought they were well done for the most part. I thought the ending was pretty good but I did have a few questions that were left unanswered.
Overall, this is a good story if you can get past the frustration with Jessica and Will. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Problems that could be solved if people just communicate is my biggest pet peeve in books and this ALL could’ve been solved if they had just talked to each other. Since they didn’t, we get this whole crazy storyline that is engaging while also not being very believable. I wanted to throttle both of these characters at multiple points during the book. Some of the twists are predictable and some are surprises, and I thought they were well done for the most part. I thought the ending was pretty good but I did have a few questions that were left unanswered.
Overall, this is a good story if you can get past the frustration with Jessica and Will. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Split by S.E. Lynes. So I am really torn with this one. The first half of the book was very slow moving. It was more of a family drama novel. I had trouble picking it up to read it. The second half became faster paced and kept my interest. I was looking forward to finishing the book. I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed much more. How do you rate such a book? I am leaning toward 3 stars. Many people have loved this book so I recommend you check it out for yourself.
March 8, 2024
Ooooohhhhhh yes please!!! Such a great read!! Kinda thought part of it but not nearly as much as was going on. Woo-hoo if you love great characters, twists galore..this book is definitely right up your alley. You just never know who you meet.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
February 19, 2024
THE SPLIT was a story filled with a lot of suspense. Once again, I was surprised by the twist that S. E. Lynes had in store for me. If you want a story you can fly through in a day's time, THE SPLIT is for you. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to publication date.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to publication date.
December 19, 2024
While I loved the story, the plot and I was really shocked at the twists thrown in, I found part of the book quite repetitive and slow moving. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2024
How much do you trust your other half? Implicitly or is there an element of doubt and suspicion? Jessica trusted Will to the death until she gets an anonymous text that destroys her world. A text that undermines everything she believes. Her life implodes.
What ensues is a seriously rocky trip through the separation of this couple which is messy. Very messy. Jessica unwilling to listen and Will feeling bound by a level of client confidentiality. Stuck in the middle is their daughter Cassie. Poor thing! The innocents are always the ones who suffer.
Lynes, over the course of The Split, intertwines the chaos of a breakup with some chance meetings that make life that bit more bearable for this frictious couple especially as they navigate their ways through the unknown stormy waters they face. My warring couple was getting some distraction from what was happening which helped them but not their shadow (aka me). Was one of these new acquaintances the “friend” that started this snowball of events or was my mind in overdrive not trusting anyone I crossed fictional paths with?
She impeccably introduces the element of playground gossip into the mix which many will know too well! No one needs that in their life let alone when you’re struggling to hold it together!
The Split is an excellent thriller with twists and turns that made this reader’s mind head into overtime. I mentally sent myself down paths that may be I shouldn’t have gone down, thinking I was being clever but Lynes was always one step ahead of my thought process! Yet another brilliant read from Lynes !!
What ensues is a seriously rocky trip through the separation of this couple which is messy. Very messy. Jessica unwilling to listen and Will feeling bound by a level of client confidentiality. Stuck in the middle is their daughter Cassie. Poor thing! The innocents are always the ones who suffer.
Lynes, over the course of The Split, intertwines the chaos of a breakup with some chance meetings that make life that bit more bearable for this frictious couple especially as they navigate their ways through the unknown stormy waters they face. My warring couple was getting some distraction from what was happening which helped them but not their shadow (aka me). Was one of these new acquaintances the “friend” that started this snowball of events or was my mind in overdrive not trusting anyone I crossed fictional paths with?
She impeccably introduces the element of playground gossip into the mix which many will know too well! No one needs that in their life let alone when you’re struggling to hold it together!
The Split is an excellent thriller with twists and turns that made this reader’s mind head into overtime. I mentally sent myself down paths that may be I shouldn’t have gone down, thinking I was being clever but Lynes was always one step ahead of my thought process! Yet another brilliant read from Lynes !!
January 29, 2024
My Review:
Wow, wow and more wow!!!!! Another fantastic book by this fantastic author. She always keeps me on the edge of my seat. I have to say that this one really threw me for a loop. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. Never would I have guessed any of them not it in a million years. What kept me so intrigued was the plot. I just can’t resist a book that has a lying dog of a husband in it. I can’t stand it when they think they can hide anything from us women. We always know when something is going on with them. Call it woman’s intuition With all this being said I just had to know what was going on in this book and fast. I swiped those pages quickly and stayed up late into the night to finish this. Let me tell you too how great those characters were too. They were all filled with secrets that were dying to come out. I was so into the unraveling of all of it. It kept me on my toes as each secret was exposed. Don’t even get me started on that ending either. It left me totally shocked and speechless. I really hated to see this one end. I can also say that this one will stay with me for a while. You will find out why when you finish it. Make sure you have tissues next to you at the end too. You will need them. I can’t wait for this authors next book. Hopefully it won’t be that long of a wait.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow, wow and more wow!!!!! Another fantastic book by this fantastic author. She always keeps me on the edge of my seat. I have to say that this one really threw me for a loop. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. Never would I have guessed any of them not it in a million years. What kept me so intrigued was the plot. I just can’t resist a book that has a lying dog of a husband in it. I can’t stand it when they think they can hide anything from us women. We always know when something is going on with them. Call it woman’s intuition With all this being said I just had to know what was going on in this book and fast. I swiped those pages quickly and stayed up late into the night to finish this. Let me tell you too how great those characters were too. They were all filled with secrets that were dying to come out. I was so into the unraveling of all of it. It kept me on my toes as each secret was exposed. Don’t even get me started on that ending either. It left me totally shocked and speechless. I really hated to see this one end. I can also say that this one will stay with me for a while. You will find out why when you finish it. Make sure you have tissues next to you at the end too. You will need them. I can’t wait for this authors next book. Hopefully it won’t be that long of a wait.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 17, 2024
I want to start off this review by thanking NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this book.
The book is about a married couple named Jessica and Will, the father is the main caretaker of their two children, while you can basically say that Jessica, is the provider in the family, who works hard. One day Jessica ends up receiving a message with compromising pictures of supposedly her husband with another woman. They end up separating and facing a few issues of their own, both wanting to reconcile - but they aren’t good at communicating with each other and being honest. But the story is definitely more deeper than that..
I am not really sure how to feel about this book. It was good and interesting, the writing was good as well, but in a way it felt a bit repetitive- and honestly the plot twists? Some of them were easy to guess and it wasn’t that big of a shock… Other than that, I do definitely recommend people to get their hands on this book and give it a go!
The book gets published 08 March 2024, and is definitely worth a read! Want to note one thing too, I was not asked or under any obligation to share a review, all opinion is my own.
The book is about a married couple named Jessica and Will, the father is the main caretaker of their two children, while you can basically say that Jessica, is the provider in the family, who works hard. One day Jessica ends up receiving a message with compromising pictures of supposedly her husband with another woman. They end up separating and facing a few issues of their own, both wanting to reconcile - but they aren’t good at communicating with each other and being honest. But the story is definitely more deeper than that..
I am not really sure how to feel about this book. It was good and interesting, the writing was good as well, but in a way it felt a bit repetitive- and honestly the plot twists? Some of them were easy to guess and it wasn’t that big of a shock… Other than that, I do definitely recommend people to get their hands on this book and give it a go!
The book gets published 08 March 2024, and is definitely worth a read! Want to note one thing too, I was not asked or under any obligation to share a review, all opinion is my own.
January 28, 2024
Will and Jessica Draper have a nice life. Married for seven years with two children, they rub along nicely. Jessica is the breadwinner, with Will looking after the home and kids, plus being a part time life coach. When Jessica receives some dodgy photos via an anonymous WhatsApp message, their lives take a dramatic turn for the worse, with both letting circumstances and events run out of control.
An enjoyable read, with a nice, if predictable plot and denouement. The naivety of both the protagonists was at times frustrating, they each needed a good shake up! Although distraught by the thought of her husband having a lover, I think Jessica was more jealous of the Chanel jacket and Gucci pumps 😉.
A first for me by this author and I did like the writing style, apart from the many “wise words”, but that added to the dodgy character!
An entertaining book, will definitely look out for more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture.
An enjoyable read, with a nice, if predictable plot and denouement. The naivety of both the protagonists was at times frustrating, they each needed a good shake up! Although distraught by the thought of her husband having a lover, I think Jessica was more jealous of the Chanel jacket and Gucci pumps 😉.
A first for me by this author and I did like the writing style, apart from the many “wise words”, but that added to the dodgy character!
An entertaining book, will definitely look out for more by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture.
March 11, 2024
The beginning of this book yanked me in. I was so invested in the cheating at the beginning and then going right into the story. I enjoyed this aspect of the book at the beginning and seeing Will and Jessica’s relationship fall apart. But then I started to have issues.
I felt that the whole book had an easy fix of they just needed to communicate. I also found it really hard that she would just see the money missing (although maybe I just check my banking information too much), and also that Will didn’t say anything when he was that far into the situation strikes me as weird especially since it involved Jessica she had a right to know and it seems weird that he wouldn’t have said anything.
Also, the real action didn’t start until about 50% of the meeting, at that point I was already sick of the drama between Will and Jessica, and felt rushed from then on. I feel like there was too much foreboding throughout the first part of the book that I didn’t really feel as involved in the book when the plot really picked up.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt that the whole book had an easy fix of they just needed to communicate. I also found it really hard that she would just see the money missing (although maybe I just check my banking information too much), and also that Will didn’t say anything when he was that far into the situation strikes me as weird especially since it involved Jessica she had a right to know and it seems weird that he wouldn’t have said anything.
Also, the real action didn’t start until about 50% of the meeting, at that point I was already sick of the drama between Will and Jessica, and felt rushed from then on. I feel like there was too much foreboding throughout the first part of the book that I didn’t really feel as involved in the book when the plot really picked up.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
The end of our marriage was only the beginning…
Last night, we celebrated our anniversary. Over candlelight, we talked about the children, our work, and I was so happy, and felt so loved. But the next morning, when I check my phone, there is a message. From a friend. And a string of photos appear of my husband, Will, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Going into fancy hotels. Standing at a window, his arms around her, her head on his shoulder…
Well this one definitely keeps you guessing, I thought I had it all worked out a few times but then discovered I was wrong. Just what I want in a book, I like to be able to question what is happening and then be thrown another curve ball that sends you down a different path. So who can you trust, and even when you think they have deserved this trust from them, are you right?
Great characters brilliantly portrayed and a plot that is incredibly strong and will keep you completely entertained. Will is a stay at home father who works as a life coach but Jessica puts in the long hours in an extremely high pressured role and financially brings the most to the relationship but are they able to face new challenges being presented before them together? Who is holding secrets that may risk the life they lead and will they be strong enough to fight what is ahead?
A very well put together book that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to the next read by this fabulous author. thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Last night, we celebrated our anniversary. Over candlelight, we talked about the children, our work, and I was so happy, and felt so loved. But the next morning, when I check my phone, there is a message. From a friend. And a string of photos appear of my husband, Will, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Going into fancy hotels. Standing at a window, his arms around her, her head on his shoulder…
Well this one definitely keeps you guessing, I thought I had it all worked out a few times but then discovered I was wrong. Just what I want in a book, I like to be able to question what is happening and then be thrown another curve ball that sends you down a different path. So who can you trust, and even when you think they have deserved this trust from them, are you right?
Great characters brilliantly portrayed and a plot that is incredibly strong and will keep you completely entertained. Will is a stay at home father who works as a life coach but Jessica puts in the long hours in an extremely high pressured role and financially brings the most to the relationship but are they able to face new challenges being presented before them together? Who is holding secrets that may risk the life they lead and will they be strong enough to fight what is ahead?
A very well put together book that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to the next read by this fabulous author. thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
April 8, 2024
Oh my LANTA this book was BORING.
Brief overview: A whole bunch of miscommunication or lack thereof entirely during a divorce, leads to the big reveal that finally happens around 75% in. Then the remaining parts was trying to tie up all the loose ends.
One of the main characters was one of the stupidest characters I think I’ve ever had the opportunity of reading. And I don’t think he was intended to read so dumb. That’s the sad part.
The best part about this book was that it ended at 90% instead of 100%. Which is good since the kindle version doesn’t allow for page numbers on this one so I spent most of my time trying to “out read” the “time remaining in chapter” times.
And do British people really call cars “people carriers”??
Brief overview: A whole bunch of miscommunication or lack thereof entirely during a divorce, leads to the big reveal that finally happens around 75% in. Then the remaining parts was trying to tie up all the loose ends.
One of the main characters was one of the stupidest characters I think I’ve ever had the opportunity of reading. And I don’t think he was intended to read so dumb. That’s the sad part.
The best part about this book was that it ended at 90% instead of 100%. Which is good since the kindle version doesn’t allow for page numbers on this one so I spent most of my time trying to “out read” the “time remaining in chapter” times.
And do British people really call cars “people carriers”??
dnf
March 23, 2024The Split by S. E. Lynes starts off strong and intriguing, drawing readers into its mysterious plot from the beginning. However, as the story progresses, the pace gradually weakens, and it meanders without much action to drive it forward. The lack of likable characters exacerbates this issue, as they seem to bring out the worst in each other, making it difficult for readers to connect with any one character. Ultimately, I decided not to finish the book due to these shortcomings.
March 9, 2024
I just love this authors books so when her latest book hit the shelves I had to reschedule my day, sit down on my comfy chair, open my kindle and start to read The Split by S.E. Lynes. This was another brilliant book! Once I read the first few pages I was hooked and could not turn the pages quick enough. It was full of twists and turns throughout which made it an excellent book.
The end of our marriage was only the beginning…............
Last night, Will and Jessica celebrated their anniversary. Over a romantic candlelight dinner, everything was perfect they talked about their children, their work, and they looked so happy together and so in love.......What could go wrong?
But, the next morning, Jessica's phone Pinged a message..........When she checked it said from a friend. Then, a string of photos appeared of Will her husband, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Then, going into fancy hotels. Then, standing at a window, with his arms around her, and her head on his shoulder…..........WTX
Shocked and wanting answers.....She asks Will what is going on!?
All he can say is that it’s not what I think!!! Jessica has the evidence in front of her on her phone.....
But, do photo's lie?
Now there’s someone watching their house. Will is acting very strangely.....Jessica does not know if she can trust him anymore and she has no one she can talk to. She now needs to know who sent me those photos and why.
Is she and her children in danger?
But, maybe Will is telling the truth.
Maybe it’s not what I think.
WoW this book is excellent and I highly recommend it. I loved it.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The end of our marriage was only the beginning…............
Last night, Will and Jessica celebrated their anniversary. Over a romantic candlelight dinner, everything was perfect they talked about their children, their work, and they looked so happy together and so in love.......What could go wrong?
But, the next morning, Jessica's phone Pinged a message..........When she checked it said from a friend. Then, a string of photos appeared of Will her husband, with another woman: walking along the street holding hands. Then, going into fancy hotels. Then, standing at a window, with his arms around her, and her head on his shoulder…..........WTX
Shocked and wanting answers.....She asks Will what is going on!?
All he can say is that it’s not what I think!!! Jessica has the evidence in front of her on her phone.....
But, do photo's lie?
Now there’s someone watching their house. Will is acting very strangely.....Jessica does not know if she can trust him anymore and she has no one she can talk to. She now needs to know who sent me those photos and why.
Is she and her children in danger?
But, maybe Will is telling the truth.
Maybe it’s not what I think.
WoW this book is excellent and I highly recommend it. I loved it.
Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2024
This suspenseful story opens on a happy marriage anniversary celebration between a husband and wife. However, the following day, the wife receives a shocking photo message from a friend depicting her husband walking hand-in-hand with another woman and also being physically intimate. When confronted, the husband evasively claims, "It's not what you think," refusing to explain.
As the story progresses, tensions escalate. The wife senses she's being watched and that her husband is acting like a stranger, making her feel she can no longer trust him. She desperately wants to uncover the truth behind the many photos and who sent them. There's a glimmer of hope that the husband is telling the truth, but the damage to their relationship may be beyond repair.
The mystery deepens around whether the wife truly knows her husband at all. As the secrets unravel, there's suspense about whether the final revelations will redeem or destroy their family.
This book has all the hallmarks of a taut psychological thriller. It plays upon relatable marital fears around betrayal and dishonesty. The alternation between the plot twists that affirm or challenge the husband's guilt will keep the readers guessing. Fans of domestic dramas and suspense thrillers will likely find this a quick, addictive read. The stakes feel intensely personal, as the wife and the children's safety prevails in the balance.
Overall, this psychological thriller will keep you guessing with its many unexpected twists and turns. The compelling mystery that Lynes has adeptly crafted will have you rapidly turning the pages to uncover the shocking conclusion. Fans of the thriller genre will find this book impossible to put down. With the story building to an explosive, jaw-dropping climax, this is a must-read page-turner bound to thrill the reader. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
As the story progresses, tensions escalate. The wife senses she's being watched and that her husband is acting like a stranger, making her feel she can no longer trust him. She desperately wants to uncover the truth behind the many photos and who sent them. There's a glimmer of hope that the husband is telling the truth, but the damage to their relationship may be beyond repair.
The mystery deepens around whether the wife truly knows her husband at all. As the secrets unravel, there's suspense about whether the final revelations will redeem or destroy their family.
This book has all the hallmarks of a taut psychological thriller. It plays upon relatable marital fears around betrayal and dishonesty. The alternation between the plot twists that affirm or challenge the husband's guilt will keep the readers guessing. Fans of domestic dramas and suspense thrillers will likely find this a quick, addictive read. The stakes feel intensely personal, as the wife and the children's safety prevails in the balance.
Overall, this psychological thriller will keep you guessing with its many unexpected twists and turns. The compelling mystery that Lynes has adeptly crafted will have you rapidly turning the pages to uncover the shocking conclusion. Fans of the thriller genre will find this book impossible to put down. With the story building to an explosive, jaw-dropping climax, this is a must-read page-turner bound to thrill the reader. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
March 12, 2024
The Split is the latest psychological thriller by S.E. Lynes and was well paced and full of twists and turns, making it a thrilling page turner since the beginning to the end. The way the author presents the characters was fantastic as always.
It has a dual POV and is such a fascinating story of secrets and lies that will keep you guessing while making us feel the tense and suspenseful vibe. The characters development was greatly done and the way the twists made it impossible to guess how it would end.
Overall, this is an intense and diabolical tale, making it such a rollercoaster of emotions. I recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers that enjoys the intrigue and suspense of the story and like to be at the edge of the seat while reading it.
Thank you, Bookouture & NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
It has a dual POV and is such a fascinating story of secrets and lies that will keep you guessing while making us feel the tense and suspenseful vibe. The characters development was greatly done and the way the twists made it impossible to guess how it would end.
Overall, this is an intense and diabolical tale, making it such a rollercoaster of emotions. I recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers that enjoys the intrigue and suspense of the story and like to be at the edge of the seat while reading it.
Thank you, Bookouture & NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
March 2, 2024
The Split
4.5⭐️
I can totally see how a rating for this book could be swayed by my headspace at the time of reading. The first half is a slow, relatively light psychological domestic drama/suspense that has you screaming at the characters to just communicate. I loved it! But had this caught me at a time when I wanted a thrilling, twisty, dark read then it would have scored lower. That said, after a tame first half, the second half kept me on the edge of my seat-not sure what direction this was going to take.
Jessica and Will just celebrated their wedding anniversary and had a lovely night. Life is just perfect. Until Jessica wakes up to damning photographs of Will and a mystery woman sent by an anonymous number. Jessica kicks Will out and the story follows their individual perspectives (alternating POVs) as they navigate this new life. Each of them spiral as they speculate, ruminate, and miscommunicate.
Thank you to NetGalley, S.E. Lynes, and Bookouture for providing this ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date 08 Mar 2024
4.5⭐️
I can totally see how a rating for this book could be swayed by my headspace at the time of reading. The first half is a slow, relatively light psychological domestic drama/suspense that has you screaming at the characters to just communicate. I loved it! But had this caught me at a time when I wanted a thrilling, twisty, dark read then it would have scored lower. That said, after a tame first half, the second half kept me on the edge of my seat-not sure what direction this was going to take.
Jessica and Will just celebrated their wedding anniversary and had a lovely night. Life is just perfect. Until Jessica wakes up to damning photographs of Will and a mystery woman sent by an anonymous number. Jessica kicks Will out and the story follows their individual perspectives (alternating POVs) as they navigate this new life. Each of them spiral as they speculate, ruminate, and miscommunicate.
Thank you to NetGalley, S.E. Lynes, and Bookouture for providing this ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date 08 Mar 2024
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