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When I Was You
A stolen identity leads a woman down a dark and desperate path in a gripping novel of psychological suspense by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.
After barely surviving a brutal attack, Brienne Dougray rarely leaves her house. Suffering from debilitating headaches and memory loss, she can rely only on her compassionate new tenant, Dr. Niall Emberlin, a welcome distraction from the discomfiting bubble that has become her existence.
But Brienne’s growing confidence in her new routine is shaken when she stumbles across unsettling evidence that someone else is living as…her. Same name. Same car. Same hair. Same clothes. She’s even friended her family on social media. To find out why, Brienne must leave the safety of her home to hunt a familiar stranger.
What she discovers is more disturbing than she could have ever imagined. With her fragile mind close to shattering, Brienne is prepared to do anything to reclaim her life. If it’s even hers to reclaim.
After barely surviving a brutal attack, Brienne Dougray rarely leaves her house. Suffering from debilitating headaches and memory loss, she can rely only on her compassionate new tenant, Dr. Niall Emberlin, a welcome distraction from the discomfiting bubble that has become her existence.
But Brienne’s growing confidence in her new routine is shaken when she stumbles across unsettling evidence that someone else is living as…her. Same name. Same car. Same hair. Same clothes. She’s even friended her family on social media. To find out why, Brienne must leave the safety of her home to hunt a familiar stranger.
What she discovers is more disturbing than she could have ever imagined. With her fragile mind close to shattering, Brienne is prepared to do anything to reclaim her life. If it’s even hers to reclaim.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,023 reviews
April 22, 2021
Another fast paced, not so surprising, twisty but hmm it’s okay, let’s meet in the middle and plan another vacation to Switzerland book. The big twist was caught too early (actually at the beginning by my real spider senses – they’re stronger than Peter Parker’s, trust me!-) too predictable because everyone was acting way too much suspicious. (All those thriller lovers might have sensed easily because they got practiced with real mind bending, WTH I just read kind of rug just pulled out from your feet books!)
The blurb was effective! Brienne Dougray has been attacked to kill and suffered from short term amnesia. Now she locks herself into her house, being afraid of adapting in daily life. Only person she easily connects her new tenant Dr. Niall Emberlin.
Then one day she gets a strange phone call from real estate office that she rented a new place and woman on the phone insists that they’ve met in person. Her search makes her sure that somebody stole her identity during her attack and now she acts like her. She calls a private investigator who acts like she’s a nutcase destroys her last piece of self-confidence so she decides to conduct her own investigation to find her impostor but her search takes her to some place so dark that she may lose her total reality and find out nothing as it seems.
The beginning of the book is a little slower to give us more clues about the psychological situation and inner fight of Brienne. I felt a little annoyed because she was so reluctant and weak at the beginning. She was so passionate to follow her imposter instead of gathering pieces of her old life and connect with her loved ones or get some help from law enforcement. (Only one call indicates she has mental problems shouldn’t make her give up so easy!) Those parts made me question things!
Overall: Second and third parts of the book are more intriguing, action packed, riveting and entertaining. I wish the first part which nearly gets the half of the story shouldn’t be so long. We may get to the chase and we may be get fooled by the twists easily.
I gave first parts 2.5 and last parts of the book 4 stars: so with its 3.25 we had a well written, I absolutely didn’t hate it but it could be better stars book with satisfying ending.
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The blurb was effective! Brienne Dougray has been attacked to kill and suffered from short term amnesia. Now she locks herself into her house, being afraid of adapting in daily life. Only person she easily connects her new tenant Dr. Niall Emberlin.
Then one day she gets a strange phone call from real estate office that she rented a new place and woman on the phone insists that they’ve met in person. Her search makes her sure that somebody stole her identity during her attack and now she acts like her. She calls a private investigator who acts like she’s a nutcase destroys her last piece of self-confidence so she decides to conduct her own investigation to find her impostor but her search takes her to some place so dark that she may lose her total reality and find out nothing as it seems.
The beginning of the book is a little slower to give us more clues about the psychological situation and inner fight of Brienne. I felt a little annoyed because she was so reluctant and weak at the beginning. She was so passionate to follow her imposter instead of gathering pieces of her old life and connect with her loved ones or get some help from law enforcement. (Only one call indicates she has mental problems shouldn’t make her give up so easy!) Those parts made me question things!
Overall: Second and third parts of the book are more intriguing, action packed, riveting and entertaining. I wish the first part which nearly gets the half of the story shouldn’t be so long. We may get to the chase and we may be get fooled by the twists easily.
I gave first parts 2.5 and last parts of the book 4 stars: so with its 3.25 we had a well written, I absolutely didn’t hate it but it could be better stars book with satisfying ending.
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February 25, 2024
Clear your calendar!🤩
Brienne struggles to put her life back together after a robbery that left her with a brain injury.
Alone, with no family she takes in a roommate. He’s a doctor. Gentle, kind and seems to really care about her well-being. Hmmmm, is there a spark between those two? Or is there just a little something more to the good doctor?
That’s all you’re getting from me! Yes, this is most certainly one of those reads! GO IN BLIND!
There are so many fabulous twists! Mind-Games! Gas-lighting! Who can you trust?
You name it…this book has it!
I finished in two sittings! Unputdownable!
Hands down, my favorite Minka Kent book to date! But wait.... She is just releasing her latest book Imaginary Strangers July 23 2024 and its receiving incredible reviews!! So I may be changing my mind about a favorite MK book...stay tuned!!
Brienne struggles to put her life back together after a robbery that left her with a brain injury.
Alone, with no family she takes in a roommate. He’s a doctor. Gentle, kind and seems to really care about her well-being. Hmmmm, is there a spark between those two? Or is there just a little something more to the good doctor?
That’s all you’re getting from me! Yes, this is most certainly one of those reads! GO IN BLIND!
There are so many fabulous twists! Mind-Games! Gas-lighting! Who can you trust?
You name it…this book has it!
I finished in two sittings! Unputdownable!
Hands down, my favorite Minka Kent book to date! But wait.... She is just releasing her latest book Imaginary Strangers July 23 2024 and its receiving incredible reviews!! So I may be changing my mind about a favorite MK book...stay tuned!!
January 1, 2020
This is a light thriller. The first part, which is Part 1 for Brienne, moved slower than the rest of the novel. This first part last from 1%-41% (on a Kindle) and caused the beginning to drag. It's her repeating constantly how she is scared and how she wants to confront the person who took her identity but never acts upon it...other than that she only talks about how she thinks her roommate is cute. So, that made it repetitive and draining. Also, there were several obvious clues dropped during that time that gave away the twist.
I liked the story okay, but I really had to suspend belief for the majority of it. There was quite a lot that was hard to believe. It is an easy read and okay if you are looking for something lighter and don't mind suspending belief.
I liked the story okay, but I really had to suspend belief for the majority of it. There was quite a lot that was hard to believe. It is an easy read and okay if you are looking for something lighter and don't mind suspending belief.
March 3, 2021
4.0 stars— “When I Was You” by Minka Kent is the second book by Kent that I have read. It is a hard book to review because the plot is so strange and detailed that by discussing it you give away a lot of the twists and turns that make the book so readable. Let’s just say the main character, Brienne, is a very unreliable narrator who survived a brutal attack which causes her some mental issues that make her question what she believes to be true about her past. When the man she is living with Niall reveals to be more than just a roommate, the story takes off on a wild ride that kept me interested in this crazy book from start to finish. Although some of the characters’ actions strain what I would consider normal behavior, the characters were intelligent and conniving enough to make the book work anyway. The last third of the book you might be asking over and over — has anyone thought about calling the police? Hello... police? Uh you need to get the police involved? — but in the end the book offers a satisfying resolution to the crazy runaway train plot. I will definitely read Ms. Kent again — she writes books that are never boring and hard to predict which is refreshing when so many books retread the same boring storylines.
June 29, 2023
This is the sixth book I’ve read by this author, and it’s far and away the best.
She keeps the pace consistent; characters have surprises but don’t act nonsensically.
I’m not sure why Brienne gets so discouraged when one idiot PI won’t take her case.
There are a couple of twists, and they are well done; do not come off as cheap.
Ms. Kent structures this novel quite effectively.
I had seen flashes of brilliance from this author in her previous work, but this is the first time she brings coherence to a novel from start to finish.
It is actually suspenseful, and truly thrilling.
Bravo.
She keeps the pace consistent; characters have surprises but don’t act nonsensically.
I’m not sure why Brienne gets so discouraged when one idiot PI won’t take her case.
There are a couple of twists, and they are well done; do not come off as cheap.
Ms. Kent structures this novel quite effectively.
I had seen flashes of brilliance from this author in her previous work, but this is the first time she brings coherence to a novel from start to finish.
It is actually suspenseful, and truly thrilling.
Bravo.
February 5, 2020
'All I want is an answer. An explanation. And for this to end. I don't even need an apology despite the fact that it's beyond reprehensible to inflict mental trauma on someone who has already been victimized.'
3.5 stars rounded to 4
The best advice I can give you about When I Was You is this...despite the incredibly slow pacing at the beginning, keep reading. Once you hit the 40% mark, the novel kicks into gear and the action is fast-paced and fun.
Told from dual perspectives, those of Brienne and Niall, I have to admit the story is a bit far-fetched. The characters actions, particularly Brienne's, could easily be construed as "off-the-wall."
Hey, who knew gaslighting was so believable?
Not only was this my Amazon First pick for January, I also received an ARC from the publisher (many thanks). The opinions are entirely my own. Overall, I'm satisfied. Minka Kent is a very engaging writer, despite a couple issues within the story.
February 15, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DNF ~40%.
Sometimes you can tell right from the beginning that a book just isn’t for you. This was one of those times.
When I Was You stars Brienne Dougray, a thirty-year-old single woman living with PTSD after she was violently attacked. I’ve read plenty of other mysteries and thrillers that feature a female protagonist who is struggling to hold her life together after a traumatic event: Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, Dark Places and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, all books I thoroughly enjoyed. I hoped When I Was You would join that list. It did not.
Brienne is a shell of a character. She has no personality outside of her fear and anxiety and infatuation with her tenant, Dr. Niall Emberlin. She’s passive, two-dimensional, and her motivations are flimsy at best and incomprehensible at worst. When she discovers someone has stolen her identity, she calls one private investigator, and when he doesn’t believe her story, she immediately gives up and decides to take the case on herself, despite having none of the requisite skills to do so. Her decision-making skills do not improve from there.
When I Was You had a slow beginning, the first third dedicated to Brienne’s dull everyday life. Then we get to the first twist, which was so cliché it almost made me stop reading, but because it came so early on, I thought, “Surely there must be another twist,” which there was. It was less cliché than the first, but infinitely less believable, and that was the point at which I put the book down.
Ultimately, the final nail in the coffin for this book was that Minka Kent never succeeded in making me care about her characters or her plot. I didn’t read to the end because I didn’t need to know how it ended. This one was a pretty big disappointment, but at least I didn’t waste too much time on it. Unfortunately that’s the best praise I can give it.
DNF ~40%.
Sometimes you can tell right from the beginning that a book just isn’t for you. This was one of those times.
When I Was You stars Brienne Dougray, a thirty-year-old single woman living with PTSD after she was violently attacked. I’ve read plenty of other mysteries and thrillers that feature a female protagonist who is struggling to hold her life together after a traumatic event: Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier, Dark Places and Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, all books I thoroughly enjoyed. I hoped When I Was You would join that list. It did not.
Brienne is a shell of a character. She has no personality outside of her fear and anxiety and infatuation with her tenant, Dr. Niall Emberlin. She’s passive, two-dimensional, and her motivations are flimsy at best and incomprehensible at worst. When she discovers someone has stolen her identity, she calls one private investigator, and when he doesn’t believe her story, she immediately gives up and decides to take the case on herself, despite having none of the requisite skills to do so. Her decision-making skills do not improve from there.
When I Was You had a slow beginning, the first third dedicated to Brienne’s dull everyday life. Then we get to the first twist, which was so cliché it almost made me stop reading, but because it came so early on, I thought, “Surely there must be another twist,” which there was. It was less cliché than the first, but infinitely less believable, and that was the point at which I put the book down.
Ultimately, the final nail in the coffin for this book was that Minka Kent never succeeded in making me care about her characters or her plot. I didn’t read to the end because I didn’t need to know how it ended. This one was a pretty big disappointment, but at least I didn’t waste too much time on it. Unfortunately that’s the best praise I can give it.
February 21, 2020
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Genre:
Thriller
This is the story of a stolen identity. Brienne Dougray is a survivor of a brutal attack. She suffers from headaches and memory loss due to that. Dr. Niall Emberlin becomes her new tenant and offers her the compassion she needs in her life but disturbing things start to happen and she finds there is an imposter who is trying to steal her whole life from her.
To me When I Was You is just an OK thriller. I can't say I enjoyed reading all its parts. The chapters are short so it is easy to read and the story is told from two perspectives, Brienne and her tenant. I felt the first half was very slow and dragging. Most of that part were not actual events but going on inside the protagonist's mind. The majority of that portion was the main character saying if I do this, this and this will happen. If I do that XYZ will happen! I don't know it felt a bit boring for me. As they say, it was all talks and no action. I felt the author's main intention was to confuse the reader about the mental state of the character. Not sure if that was successfully achieved though.
The second part moved faster as we get to know about the tenant and his motives but a lot of the things were done were just too convenient. Not sure how to describe it without spoiling the story but there were things hard to believe or be convinced about. Part of me wanted just to go with the flow and another part of me kept criticizing the whole thing! When I Was You sounded interesting to me when I decided to read it but unfortunately, at best it was just an OK story.
Available on Kindle Unlimited
January 13, 2020
I read a ton of pre-release books, and when I get them gratis or at low cost from publishers, I figure I owe it to my benefactors to finish them no matter what. And if I've learned one thing over many years and many more books, it's that I'm right to not be too hasty to call it quits.
Such is the case with this book, which I got through Amazon's First Reads program. Somewhere around the 10% mark, I was ready to call it a day. The main character, Brienne Dougray, depicts the kind of woman who, for the most part, I simply want to smack upside the head - the kind who refuses to listen to reason yet complains about her lot in life and can out-second-guess a paranoid schizophenic.
It didn't take long, though, for me to be glad I hung in there. You guessed it: Not only was I pleased (and surprised) by the turn of events, but in spots I was so close to the edge of my seat that I nearly fell off. I won't say Brienne and I could ever be best buds, but the whole thing kept getting better by the chapter.
The survivor of an attack, Brienne has holed up in the old, spacious home she inherited. Just so she won't constantly be alone, she advertises for a tenant; goodness knows she's got the extra room. The ad is answered by Dr. Niall Emberlin, who turns out to be the caring friend and helper she needs. But then, she learns that her identity may not only have been stolen, but another woman is actually living her life: Same name, same car, same physical characteristics. That's puzzling, to say the least - especially since no one seems to have tinkered with Brienne's substantial bank accounts or credit cards.
Gradually, readers begin to suspect there's much more going on here (as does Brienne). But what? And who? And why? Alas, my review must of necessity stop right here; otherwise, I'd be revealing too much. Suffice it to say it's an enjoyable roller coaster ride complete with a few surprise bumps that make it even more interesting.
Such is the case with this book, which I got through Amazon's First Reads program. Somewhere around the 10% mark, I was ready to call it a day. The main character, Brienne Dougray, depicts the kind of woman who, for the most part, I simply want to smack upside the head - the kind who refuses to listen to reason yet complains about her lot in life and can out-second-guess a paranoid schizophenic.
It didn't take long, though, for me to be glad I hung in there. You guessed it: Not only was I pleased (and surprised) by the turn of events, but in spots I was so close to the edge of my seat that I nearly fell off. I won't say Brienne and I could ever be best buds, but the whole thing kept getting better by the chapter.
The survivor of an attack, Brienne has holed up in the old, spacious home she inherited. Just so she won't constantly be alone, she advertises for a tenant; goodness knows she's got the extra room. The ad is answered by Dr. Niall Emberlin, who turns out to be the caring friend and helper she needs. But then, she learns that her identity may not only have been stolen, but another woman is actually living her life: Same name, same car, same physical characteristics. That's puzzling, to say the least - especially since no one seems to have tinkered with Brienne's substantial bank accounts or credit cards.
Gradually, readers begin to suspect there's much more going on here (as does Brienne). But what? And who? And why? Alas, my review must of necessity stop right here; otherwise, I'd be revealing too much. Suffice it to say it's an enjoyable roller coaster ride complete with a few surprise bumps that make it even more interesting.
February 15, 2020
I loved this twisty, topsy, turvy thriller! No, this is not a literary thriller, it's a book that's meant to entertain. It's interesting and addictive and just pure fun.
When I Was You follows Brienne Dougray, who's recently suffered a harrowing attack that nearly cost her her life. Now she's living in near seclusion, afraid of the outside world, with only her roommate, Niall, for company. But are things as they appear? Of course not. Otherwise there would be no book to read!
I particularly loved the whole setup of the book, with Brienne super nervous to do anything, and questioning everything. Throughout the first half of the book, there's a strong sense of menace and a hint of pure bat shit crazy. I couldn't put it down!
It always surprises me how some reviewers hate on books because they find them 'too' predictable or 'too' twisty, but not surprising enough. Did you enjoy the journey? That's all you need. Buckle up and get ready for a roller coaster of twists, turns and surprises, When I Was You is a frenetically paced, absolutely compulsive page-turner.
When I Was You follows Brienne Dougray, who's recently suffered a harrowing attack that nearly cost her her life. Now she's living in near seclusion, afraid of the outside world, with only her roommate, Niall, for company. But are things as they appear? Of course not. Otherwise there would be no book to read!
I particularly loved the whole setup of the book, with Brienne super nervous to do anything, and questioning everything. Throughout the first half of the book, there's a strong sense of menace and a hint of pure bat shit crazy. I couldn't put it down!
It always surprises me how some reviewers hate on books because they find them 'too' predictable or 'too' twisty, but not surprising enough. Did you enjoy the journey? That's all you need. Buckle up and get ready for a roller coaster of twists, turns and surprises, When I Was You is a frenetically paced, absolutely compulsive page-turner.
February 26, 2020
This one started off okay, and really had me going about half way to three quarters of the way through. But, oh no, the ending! It’s almost as if the author forgot this was a thriller, and switched to the hallmark channel. Very sappy, and honestly quite boring.
May 13, 2020
I got this book through Amazon First Reads, which I had never tried before. I’ve also never read Minka Kent’s work, and I was less than... thrilled. I think this was meant to be in the Gone Girl style of mind fuckery, but the holes in the plotting were the size of the Grand Canyon, it was wildly unbelievable, and once the twists are revealed, it loses a lot of it's intrigue. Besides the brief synopsis, I'm hiding everything below behind a spoiler wall, because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone else, and I still firmly believe its better to go into this kind of book cold.
The basic synopsis is that Brienne Dougray questions her sanity as she beings to suspect someone has stolen her identity following a violent attack. There are complications that ensue, and certain characters are not what or who they seem. As much holes as I poke into this story, the twist does merit some shock value.
Overall, I was rushing through the last few chapters and confrontation, which just seemed very silly to me at that point. I seem to be in the minority of the reviews here, so maybe this book just wasn't for me. Hoping the next Amazon First Read is more fulfilling.
The basic synopsis is that Brienne Dougray questions her sanity as she beings to suspect someone has stolen her identity following a violent attack. There are complications that ensue, and certain characters are not what or who they seem. As much holes as I poke into this story, the twist does merit some shock value.
Overall, I was rushing through the last few chapters and confrontation, which just seemed very silly to me at that point. I seem to be in the minority of the reviews here, so maybe this book just wasn't for me. Hoping the next Amazon First Read is more fulfilling.
January 28, 2020
Brienne was brutally attacked months ago, and now rarely leaves home. She has taken on a tenant, Niall, so that she is not alone. When Brienne learns someone has stolen her identity and is living as her, Brienne has to get out of her comfort zone.
Told with the alternating points of view of Brienne and Niall. Brienne is not the most reliable narrator, since she recently survived a brutal attack. Niall is kind and provides Brienne with the support she needs. Of course, nothing is ever quite as it seems, and there are more layers to the story.
After discovering her identity has been stolen, Brienne is led down a complex and crazy path. This novel definitely requires some suspension of disbelief, but it's a fun read.
Told with the alternating points of view of Brienne and Niall. Brienne is not the most reliable narrator, since she recently survived a brutal attack. Niall is kind and provides Brienne with the support she needs. Of course, nothing is ever quite as it seems, and there are more layers to the story.
After discovering her identity has been stolen, Brienne is led down a complex and crazy path. This novel definitely requires some suspension of disbelief, but it's a fun read.
March 3, 2020
3 Stars
This 3 Star Thriller had some very definite 4 Star qualities but overall, I found the premise unbelievable.
SUMMARY
Brienne is feeling pretty vulnerable after a violent, traumatic attack. She is barely able to leave her house and suffers from debilitating migraines, memory loss and anxiety. She lives in the giant Victorian house where she was raised by her grandparents and has recently taken in a roommate (a handsome doctor) because she was feeling too alone. In addition to her issues from the attack, Brienne’s friends are avoiding her, there seems to have been some sort of a rift between them but with her memory loss, she cannot remember what happened. She tries to call but they have all changed their phone numbers.
As time passes, Brienne and her handsome doctor roommate get closer but she is starting to notice weird things. A key was sent to her home for an apartment she supposedly rented but she has no memory of even looking at apartments. After the key arrived, she tried to see if someone had stolen her identity and found someone who looked a lot like her on Facebook using her very uncommon name; Brienne Dougrey. What is going on?? Is someone stealing her identity or did the bump on her head mess with her more than she thought? Is she an unreliable narrator?
WHAT I LOVED
Author, Minka Kent, knows how to create doubt and weave an interesting plot. I changed my mind many times about what was really happening.
I liked the characters and found myself getting attached.
A huge Victorian house was the perfect setting for this story. Having Brienne wandering around a huge old house, disoriented and afraid to leave was ideal. I also like the book was set in a good sized Iowa city. So many books are set in either a huge city like New York or LA, or set in a very quirky small town. I like that Iowa was given a chance to prove itself to be a nice, cosmopolitan place to live.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
The bottom line is that the premise of this book was just not believable to me. I don’t want to spoil it and go into detail, but there were about a thousand different ways Brienne could have proven herself and she really thought of none. I get the whole brain injury thing but I’m not buying it at all.
OVERALL
If you squint and allow yourself to not question the premise, this is an enjoyable thriller. I was just expecting more after reading and loving Stillwater Girls
This 3 Star Thriller had some very definite 4 Star qualities but overall, I found the premise unbelievable.
SUMMARY
Brienne is feeling pretty vulnerable after a violent, traumatic attack. She is barely able to leave her house and suffers from debilitating migraines, memory loss and anxiety. She lives in the giant Victorian house where she was raised by her grandparents and has recently taken in a roommate (a handsome doctor) because she was feeling too alone. In addition to her issues from the attack, Brienne’s friends are avoiding her, there seems to have been some sort of a rift between them but with her memory loss, she cannot remember what happened. She tries to call but they have all changed their phone numbers.
As time passes, Brienne and her handsome doctor roommate get closer but she is starting to notice weird things. A key was sent to her home for an apartment she supposedly rented but she has no memory of even looking at apartments. After the key arrived, she tried to see if someone had stolen her identity and found someone who looked a lot like her on Facebook using her very uncommon name; Brienne Dougrey. What is going on?? Is someone stealing her identity or did the bump on her head mess with her more than she thought? Is she an unreliable narrator?
WHAT I LOVED
Author, Minka Kent, knows how to create doubt and weave an interesting plot. I changed my mind many times about what was really happening.
I liked the characters and found myself getting attached.
A huge Victorian house was the perfect setting for this story. Having Brienne wandering around a huge old house, disoriented and afraid to leave was ideal. I also like the book was set in a good sized Iowa city. So many books are set in either a huge city like New York or LA, or set in a very quirky small town. I like that Iowa was given a chance to prove itself to be a nice, cosmopolitan place to live.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
The bottom line is that the premise of this book was just not believable to me. I don’t want to spoil it and go into detail, but there were about a thousand different ways Brienne could have proven herself and she really thought of none. I get the whole brain injury thing but I’m not buying it at all.
OVERALL
If you squint and allow yourself to not question the premise, this is an enjoyable thriller. I was just expecting more after reading and loving Stillwater Girls
December 28, 2019
What did I just read??? Oh my gosh this book had me at the edge of my seat. I didn’t know who to trust or believe! Brienne Dougray was attacked while leaving work barely surviving her attack she’s now afraid to leave her home or talk to anyone. She decides to rent out a room upstairs in her home to the handsome Dr Niall Emberlin. She soon finds herself relying on him and his friendship as she heals from emotional and physical wounds. When she receives a key in the mail for an apartment she supposedly rented she’s confused. Why would she rent an apartment? She becomes scared did the person that attacked her steal her identity? She begins to investigate and soon discovers a woman whose using her name and looks looks just like her, even dresses like her , drives the same car and seems to be living her life! What’s going on? Both Briennas drink the same alcohol drink, wear the same jewelry and could be twins! With more digging she starts noticing more things that are odd in her life, is she going crazy? With the help of her tenant Niall she begins to uncover things about herself that confuse her more. She doesn’t know who to trust or who to believe in her life and with her mind fragile from her attack she feels like her life is falling apart around her. Is she really Brienne or is something more sinister going on? What she uncovers is more disturbing and will truly shock you! So many twists and turns in this book! I loved it! This was an amazing psychological thriller and I highly recommend it ! Five stars! It blew me away!
June 18, 2023
"الآن يمكنني أن أري ما بداخل الناس من شر. نحن نخدع.. نسرق.. نؤذي من حولنا و نتلاعب بهم.. نرتدي الأقنعة طوال الوقت، و أحيانًا يصل الأمر إلي القتل. بعضنا يسمح لأنانيته بأن تقوده بينما يجلس هو كالمتفرج و يشاهد ما يلحقه بالآخرين من أذي، فقط من أجل مصلحته الشخصية."
"حياة مسروقة" رواية إثارة نفسية و هو خط جديد من إصدارات دار العربي. تفاجأ "بريان دوجراي" بأمرأة تستخدم هويتها.. تشبهها.. تركب سيارة كسيارتها .. تعيش حياتها و تنتحل شخصيتها علي مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي و تحاول كشف حقيقة الأمر و الدفاع عن هويتها و حياتها. مباراة نفسية تحبس الأنفاس. فما الدافع وراء انتحال شخصية بريان؟ تري هل تتوهم؟ و هل ستتمكن من استعادة هويتها؟
الجدير بالذكر إن الرواية من الأدب الامريكي و للأسف خذلنتي روايات الجريمة الامريكية و كنت قررت مقاطعتها. لكن هنا الجانب النفسي للرواية لطيف و سعيدة لصدق حدسي في جزء من الحبكة .. خبرة قارئة روايات جريمة مبتدئ🕵♀️😉
March 4, 2020
"When I Was You" is the perfect example of a fast-paced novel. Even with a slow start, the story catches up fast. The flawless execution of a not-so-unique plot is worth giving this book a chance.
The surprises didn't really catch me off-guard, most (if not all) of the times I knew what was coming next. In the first half, the antagonist is portrayed as a too-good-to-be-true human. That was enough to give the plot away. Maybe the author should consider this point for her next mystery thriller.
The happy ending was expected, and much needed for the gullible protagonist.
The only quote worth mentioning:
"All the horrible things she said and did, it was because she was hurting, and hurt people hurt people."
Thanks to the author and the publisher for a copy.
Verdict: Pick it if you want to get out of your reading slump.
The surprises didn't really catch me off-guard, most (if not all) of the times I knew what was coming next. In the first half, the antagonist is portrayed as a too-good-to-be-true human. That was enough to give the plot away. Maybe the author should consider this point for her next mystery thriller.
The happy ending was expected, and much needed for the gullible protagonist.
The only quote worth mentioning:
"All the horrible things she said and did, it was because she was hurting, and hurt people hurt people."
Thanks to the author and the publisher for a copy.
Verdict: Pick it if you want to get out of your reading slump.
March 28, 2020
“It never fails to amaze me all the things people do when they think no one’s watching, the things they think they can get away with.”
― Minka Kent, When I Was You
"Go to the police, go to the police, go to the police."
Dita
So I was a bit let down by this book although I didn't hate it. In terms of WHY I was let down, my GR friends Dita and Paige say it best. The book was a bit DRAINING. I skipped much of part one because, as has been said, all it really is, is the main character ruminating over how sexy she find her tenant. Over and over again. I got bored.
Part two was a little better and held my attention. But. this book reminded me very strongly of another book called "Before I go ro sleep" and that was a book I disliked. I did not dislike this but just was not invested at all.
I think, once again, I have thriller burnout. Neil or Nielle or whatever his name is was a jerk but the book was so unrealistic in places and with the exception of Samantha, nobody was all that interesting. Samantha was the most interesting character and I wish she'd had her own book.
I usually LOVE this writer but this was was a miss for me.
― Minka Kent, When I Was You
"Go to the police, go to the police, go to the police."
Dita
So I was a bit let down by this book although I didn't hate it. In terms of WHY I was let down, my GR friends Dita and Paige say it best. The book was a bit DRAINING. I skipped much of part one because, as has been said, all it really is, is the main character ruminating over how sexy she find her tenant. Over and over again. I got bored.
Part two was a little better and held my attention. But. this book reminded me very strongly of another book called "Before I go ro sleep" and that was a book I disliked. I did not dislike this but just was not invested at all.
I think, once again, I have thriller burnout. Neil or Nielle or whatever his name is was a jerk but the book was so unrealistic in places and with the exception of Samantha, nobody was all that interesting. Samantha was the most interesting character and I wish she'd had her own book.
I usually LOVE this writer but this was was a miss for me.
January 5, 2020
This book tries to be something much more sinister than straightforward identity theft, but the abundant plot holes and implausibility ruined it for me.
The writing itself is engaging. I was initially intrigued by the situation, and I wanted to know more about Brienne. But we really don't learn much about her at all, aside from what's necessary for the plot.
The major twist is like a train coming at you with its horn wailing. It's easy to see coming from early on.
Pacing is slow for the first third or so. And then the twist happens, and then you have to toss belief out the window. I can't give details without spoilers, so I'll just say that Brienne's gullibility and poor decisions were the only shocking aspects of this story.
The writing itself is engaging. I was initially intrigued by the situation, and I wanted to know more about Brienne. But we really don't learn much about her at all, aside from what's necessary for the plot.
The major twist is like a train coming at you with its horn wailing. It's easy to see coming from early on.
Pacing is slow for the first third or so. And then the twist happens, and then you have to toss belief out the window. I can't give details without spoilers, so I'll just say that Brienne's gullibility and poor decisions were the only shocking aspects of this story.
January 31, 2020
I’ve read all of Minka Kent’s books and good lord does the woman know how to write a super twisty and unputdownable thriller! Her books always suck me in immediately, she doesn’t waste time with a whole bunch of buildup, she jumps right into the action from the start and I was hooked on this one after the first chapter. Her books remind me a little of Tarryn Fisher’s, there’s always a hint of bat shit crazy and I’m about that life 🤣 Not a lot for me to discuss plot wise because spoilers, but if you’re looking for a weekend binge read grab this one when it’s out tomorrow! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 28, 2020
Entertaining
January 19, 2020
This book was implausible from start to finish.
A woman allows a strange man to move into her house without a background check only weeks after being assaulted and left for dead by another strange man who’s identity is unknown? Bullshit.
Said women then allows strange man to convince her she had DID with little evidence other than some photoshopped pictures, despite the fact that all her information (driver’s license, bank accounts, etc) were in her supposed “alter’s” name? Even bullier-shit.
Woman is then voluntarily committed to a psych ward where they treat her without any proper documentation or medical records? Double bullshit.
And the treating psychiatrist smells something so fishy he helps the woman get released, but doesn’t contact the proper authorities at any time? Streams of bullshit.
The woman then returns to the house immediately instead of going straight to the cops? And then does a number of other dumb things without going to the cops? Torrential downpours of bullshit.
I could go on forever about my dislike for this book, but at this point its already stolen hours of life and sharing any more disappointment would just be adding insult to injury.
A woman allows a strange man to move into her house without a background check only weeks after being assaulted and left for dead by another strange man who’s identity is unknown? Bullshit.
Said women then allows strange man to convince her she had DID with little evidence other than some photoshopped pictures, despite the fact that all her information (driver’s license, bank accounts, etc) were in her supposed “alter’s” name? Even bullier-shit.
Woman is then voluntarily committed to a psych ward where they treat her without any proper documentation or medical records? Double bullshit.
And the treating psychiatrist smells something so fishy he helps the woman get released, but doesn’t contact the proper authorities at any time? Streams of bullshit.
The woman then returns to the house immediately instead of going straight to the cops? And then does a number of other dumb things without going to the cops? Torrential downpours of bullshit.
I could go on forever about my dislike for this book, but at this point its already stolen hours of life and sharing any more disappointment would just be adding insult to injury.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2020
Brienne has a good life until one day after leaving work, she is attacked. Her belongings were stolen and she was left with a traumatic brain injury. She lives in a large house that her grandparents bequeathed to her but in light of her recent trauma, she doesn't want to live there alone. She takes on a tenant. Her recovery is slow and soon strange things begin happening.
I've enjoyed a good handful of Minka Kent's novels and this was no exception. I practically read it straight through! The plot flowed and unfolded easily and the characters were interesting. Though it wasn't the most unique premises, I still found it entertaining.
I've enjoyed a good handful of Minka Kent's novels and this was no exception. I practically read it straight through! The plot flowed and unfolded easily and the characters were interesting. Though it wasn't the most unique premises, I still found it entertaining.
August 16, 2023
ظهر فجأة بالظلام بينما هى كانت خائفة واصطدمت به واقفاً في الردهة وجاء صوته ناعماً بأنه لم يقصد إخافتها عندئذٍ علمت بأنه يحيك لها شيئاً لم يخرج للنور بعد....
لقد تعرضت " بريان " لحادث وقد فقدت على إثرها الذاكرة وتسمح لأحدهم بأن يتقاسم معها العيش في منزلها الضخم ، وترى إنها محظوظة لأنه في حياتها يشعرها بالأمان ويبدد شعورها بالوحدة...
وهنا تساءلت كيف يمكن لامرأة أن تثق هكذا برجل غريب لا تعرف عنه شيئاً....من أين تأتي بهذة الثقة العمياء 😏
ستتفاجأ في احدى الصباحات بأن إحداهن سرقت هويتها ولكن لم تسرق بطاقتها الإئتمانية ولم تخترق الحساب المصرفي، يبدو إن تلك الخطوة ستأتي فيما بعد..
هل يمكن أن تسترد هويتها وهى في هذه الحالة النفسية غير المُستقرة....
فهناك من يدبر لتدمير حياة " بريان " ويخطط لإنجاح ذلك..
التقطت إيماءات تبدو عادية من بداية الرواية ولكنني رأيتها الخيوط التي تُحاك من أجل القضاء على حياة " بريان "..لم يكن الأمر صعباً لتخمين ذلك...
الأحداث سريعة ، لكن عادية ليست بالقوة الكافية التي يتسارع لها نبضات القلب أو تلهث وراءها الأنفاس...
يمكن التنبوء بها دون عناء....
مقولة جدتها بأن سيكون كل شيء على ما يرام في النهاية ، وإن لم يكن على مايرام فتلك ليست النهاية...متفائلة جداا 😁
إن كان ثمة ما هو جميل فهو أن الكتاب أعارتني إياه الصديقة الغالية " نسرين " 😍
لقد تعرضت " بريان " لحادث وقد فقدت على إثرها الذاكرة وتسمح لأحدهم بأن يتقاسم معها العيش في منزلها الضخم ، وترى إنها محظوظة لأنه في حياتها يشعرها بالأمان ويبدد شعورها بالوحدة...
وهنا تساءلت كيف يمكن لامرأة أن تثق هكذا برجل غريب لا تعرف عنه شيئاً....من أين تأتي بهذة الثقة العمياء 😏
ستتفاجأ في احدى الصباحات بأن إحداهن سرقت هويتها ولكن لم تسرق بطاقتها الإئتمانية ولم تخترق الحساب المصرفي، يبدو إن تلك الخطوة ستأتي فيما بعد..
هل يمكن أن تسترد هويتها وهى في هذه الحالة النفسية غير المُستقرة....
فهناك من يدبر لتدمير حياة " بريان " ويخطط لإنجاح ذلك..
التقطت إيماءات تبدو عادية من بداية الرواية ولكنني رأيتها الخيوط التي تُحاك من أجل القضاء على حياة " بريان "..لم يكن الأمر صعباً لتخمين ذلك...
الأحداث سريعة ، لكن عادية ليست بالقوة الكافية التي يتسارع لها نبضات القلب أو تلهث وراءها الأنفاس...
يمكن التنبوء بها دون عناء....
مقولة جدتها بأن سيكون كل شيء على ما يرام في النهاية ، وإن لم يكن على مايرام فتلك ليست النهاية...متفائلة جداا 😁
إن كان ثمة ما هو جميل فهو أن الكتاب أعارتني إياه الصديقة الغالية " نسرين " 😍
February 7, 2020
I just finished When I was You and all I can say is that it didn’t live up to my expectations. Brienne Dougra is a survivor of a vicious attack who believes that she is the victim of stolen identity. She is determined to discover who is behind it. Ok so far !! But a few questions, why wouldn’t Brienne just call the police? What about that weird relationship with her roommate? ( you are rich, but you need a roommate😒)? Also, You have over 13 millions in the bank, but you are hesitant about installing a 20k security system? 😒. ⭐️⭐️ In conclusion, the novel lacks character development and is full of predictable twists.
February 6, 2022
This was unexpectedly way too good!
This was my first read by the author, and I'll be reading more.
The story: Brienne has suffered an attack and now, due to situations, have no connections after the incident. One day, she gets to know that someone else is living her life with the same name, same interests, same everything. She has to figure it all by herself.
Things I liked:
💙 I couldn't guess the whole twist. I was fifty percent right. Alas, I enjoyed it very much of how it all unraveled.
💙 I liked the ending too! That's a very big thing as I rarely like thriller endings but this one tied up the story pretty nicely!
Things I didn't like
🔵 The twist was revealed way too early. I wanted to be in Brienne's head for a longer period of time while she was discovering things.
This was my first read by the author, and I'll be reading more.
The story: Brienne has suffered an attack and now, due to situations, have no connections after the incident. One day, she gets to know that someone else is living her life with the same name, same interests, same everything. She has to figure it all by herself.
Things I liked:
💙 I couldn't guess the whole twist. I was fifty percent right. Alas, I enjoyed it very much of how it all unraveled.
💙 I liked the ending too! That's a very big thing as I rarely like thriller endings but this one tied up the story pretty nicely!
Things I didn't like
🔵 The twist was revealed way too early. I wanted to be in Brienne's head for a longer period of time while she was discovering things.
January 16, 2020
Kent’s new thriller is gripping from the very first chapter, as Brienne – who tells the story in the first person – recounts the story of her trauma in painful detail. In the audiobook version, narrator Erin deWard successfully captures Brienne’s vulnerability and paranoia without ever becoming whiny.
The vulnerability earned in those early pages creates significant narrative momentum that will propel many readers to finish the book – which weighs in at an economical 282 pages – in just one or two sittings.
The vulnerability earned in those early pages creates significant narrative momentum that will propel many readers to finish the book – which weighs in at an economical 282 pages – in just one or two sittings.
February 14, 2020
Predictable but very fast-paced! I did see the plot twist from a mile away but I still found it to be enjoyable!
The pacing was a bit of a problem for me. Part I dragged on for quite a bit because nothing really happens.
However, Parts II and III made up for the slow-moving plot and were very fast-paced and gripping. I kept turning the pages and before you know it, I was finished with the book!
In terms of the plot, there were a lot of plot holes and missing pieces. I was left with more questions than when I first started. Who was the man that Brienne saw in her house? Was it really a “visual disturbance”? Who was the person leaving out the cat food? What was the deal with Brian? So many questions!
Characters-wise, I liked Brienne but I felt so disconnected from her. Her backstory was underdeveloped and parts of her life were only revealed because it was relevant to the plot. This goes the same with Niall. There was not enough backstory to understand his motives and aspirations.
Overall, this book was okay. Nothing really stood out to me but it was still a fun, easy read!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing was a bit of a problem for me. Part I dragged on for quite a bit because nothing really happens.
However, Parts II and III made up for the slow-moving plot and were very fast-paced and gripping. I kept turning the pages and before you know it, I was finished with the book!
In terms of the plot, there were a lot of plot holes and missing pieces. I was left with more questions than when I first started. Who was the man that Brienne saw in her house? Was it really a “visual disturbance”? Who was the person leaving out the cat food? What was the deal with Brian? So many questions!
Characters-wise, I liked Brienne but I felt so disconnected from her. Her backstory was underdeveloped and parts of her life were only revealed because it was relevant to the plot. This goes the same with Niall. There was not enough backstory to understand his motives and aspirations.
Overall, this book was okay. Nothing really stood out to me but it was still a fun, easy read!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2020
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"𝐼𝒻 𝐼'𝓂 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 "𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓂𝑒," 𝒾𝒻 𝐼'𝓂 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉'𝓈 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒, 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝒹. 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓂. 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒸𝓉."
This book was nothing like I read before. The premise is simple, a woman got brutally attacked resulting in some memory loss but with each turn of the page, things get more and more mysterious. Characters are well developed and these people are not always what they seem. The most compelling part for me was the way the story was told. It kept me guessing. Revealing details just at the right time. The author didn't dwell in any graphic images or violence and lets you imagine it yourself. To me, those are the best psycho-thriller story. Of all the books I read from this author I think this is her best work yet. I really don't think I can find a big complaint about this book I loved it from the beginning to the end. Highly recommended.
Note: ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
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