Welcome to the neighborhood. Watch your husband, watch your friends, and watch your back.
Cat Winthorpe has worked hard to get what she has: a gorgeous home; social standing; and William, her successful, handsome husband. Then a friendly new couple moves into the estate next door. While cautious, a good neighbor like Cat greets them with open arms and warm hospitality.
Neena Ryder isn’t a fellow lady of leisure. A life coach with off-the-rack dresses, personal issues, and a husband who hasn’t delivered, she’s anxious to move up in the world. This beautiful new town is a step in the right direction. It’s also making Neena aware of what she doesn’t have. Namely, William. When Neena’s infatuation escalates into obsession, it’s just a matter of eliminating a few obstacles to get the life she wants. The life next door.
As Neena’s secret fixation grows, so does her friendship with Cat. But beneath their cordial interactions is a wealth of temptations, secrets, and toxic jealousy. For both women, the desire for a perfect life can turn perfectly dangerous.
A.R. Torre is a pseudonym of Alessandra Torre and is her dark alter ego. While Alessandra writes spicy romances, A.R. focuses on twisted stories filled with secrets, suspense, drama, and danger.
Alessandra/A.R. is a multi-time Goodreads Choice Nominee. Her books have hit the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Charts bestseller lists. Over a million readers have enjoyed her novels in more than thirty countries.
In addition to writing, Alessandra teaches online courses to aspiring and published authors via www.alessandratorreink.com. She hosts an annual conference (Inkers Con) and has built a community of over 40,000 authors.
Good news, everyone! It turns out I'm not broken and can indeed still enjoy domestic thrillers. I was just waiting for an actually decent one to cross my path, and one finally did, thank goodness!
Cat has what every woman in town wants: money, beauty, and social standing. She also has a successful and handsome husband who is devoted to her. Or at least that's what she thought, until a new neighbor moves in next door and starts working for William. Neena wants everything Cat has, and she'll do whatever it takes to get it all.
Talk about riveting! It took me all of ten pages before I was completely hooked. I couldn't put this book down. There was something so compelling about the story here, with these two women pretending to be friendly while scheming and backstabbing to get William's attention. You know what they say: keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
The level of insanity in here built up slowly, ratcheting up until I was good and ensnared in its fun. While what the two women did was rather wack, the reason this story worked for me is that the emotions behind their actions rang true. Torre deftly captures all the nuanced aspects of infidelity and temptation in a relationship, including the urge to stray for the person doing the cheating as well as the feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness for the spouse left in the wake of the destruction.
I did have one small quibble. The epilogue came across as a little odd to me. After everything was wrapped up and I thought the story had ended, it then continued some more. But the version of the people we got in the epilogue didn't really match emotionally with the people we'd come to know throughout the entire rest of the book. So that threw me off a bit. But I'm willing to overlook it for what was otherwise a thoroughly entertaining book.
This is everything I was hoping for when I cracked open the pages: a riotously good time with nasty characters doing questionable things, yet I was still sympathetic to them and happily cheered them on. After such a rare win for me with a domestic thriller, now I'm all excited to read more of the genre... or maybe not.
Wealthy Cat Winthorpe has it all, a rich, successful, handsome husband, fabulous homes, a jet, servants, cars, the highest standing in the community, everyone watching out for her interests because she is powerful. These trappings all come from her husband but she is his rock and he is madly in love with her, their marriage is perfect. And she has worked for all of this, behind the scenes. She knows how to act, what to do, she is made for this life.
Then Cat's husband, William, hires Neena at his company, at Cat and William's company. And Neena and her husband, Matt, buy the abandoned house next door. Next thing you know, Neena is inserting herself into Cat and William's life, running with William, texting William endlessly, and needling Cat about how Cat hasn't been able to give William children.
Almost from the beginning, I knew what was happening and could guess who had done what but this cat fight between Cat and Neena, over possession of everything William, is no holds barred, to the death. Neena knows she can get William, she's so good at this, and she is going to glory in her victory. But she underestimates Cat. Oh, how she underestimated Cat.
Nobody is likeable in this story so I didn't have to worry about anyone and could just sit back and watch the these two women do their work on each other and William. Poor grungy Matt gets to stand by the wayside, oblivious to the goings on. This story is not deep but it's great fun while it lasts.
Have you ever been so engrossed in a read that you forget everything around you exists until you come up for air? That's kind of what happened to me while reading Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre. Alessandra always has a way of drawing me in with her relatable writing, and I'm amazed that she was able to make a book full of despicable, unlikable characters so meaningful to me. If that's not sheer talent, then perhaps the fact that I typically highlight quotes and take notes for my book reviews and was so absorbed I forgot to highlight or note a single instance proves that fact?
While this wasn't necessarily anything I haven't read before, Alessandra has such a way with words that it felt like new and interesting territory. Every second that I wasn't deep within the pages of this story, I was thinking about it, because these characters were so complicated and their actions built a sense of dread which lead to a satisfactory climax. Go in blind, and when you get to the end, flip back to the prologue like I did to double check what you just read. 😉
Don't forget this is a Kindle First Read for the month of November, so you can get an e-copy for free with your Amazon Prime membership, or if you're not a member can pay $1.99.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
Well, I raise my glass to Alessandra Torre after read ultra-dangerous, bat shit serial killer woman killer character who locked herself into her apartment not to harm the people in “Girl In 6E” series! I realized she may waltz between steamy smart and twisty romances (Black Lies truly blew my mind) and sneaky thrillers (Ghostwriter is one of my favorite work of hers.) So when I found out she turned back to the dark side one more time, I heard “Imperial March” played in my ear, I clicked request button without thinking a second to see what kind batshit, mind blowing characters she created and what kind of absurdly complicated situations she put them into.
Welcome to the lovely neighborhood with two so called friends Neena and Cat who are ready to carve each other’s eyes and their fake friendship slowly blows up because they declare war after they start their fight for gorgeous and charming William who is also Cat’s husband and Neena’s boss. Neena is already getting sick of being married with ordinary and ultra-boring Matt (I started yawning at each part I saw his name on the page!) Neena always gets what she wants but now she has a tough competitor. Trust me! Both of the characters are so unlikable, dangerous, evil and when you say: “No, she can do that! It’s extreme! It’s ridiculous!” But a few minutes later you realized: Well, she did, didn’t she?
You think those woman cannot be more disgusting, despicable or nastier but at each chapter they exceed those limits and makes you shock with their rottenness! Shame on them! Their catfight for a guy who doesn’t truly deserve their attention made me shocked several times! I think they desire not a charming, hot guy: they desire the throne! Both of them want to see the other one’s give up and surrender. This is just the game for them and they want to win by bending the rules.
Overall: Normally I give 3 stars to the books with unlikable characters! (I wanted to puke on their heads at several times and sing at them till they die from ear bleeding. -That’s why I am banned from entire karaoke bars in the US!-) But this book was extremely funny, entertaining and it was like watching a box match between Cruella de Vil and Nurse Ratched. The writing is fascinatingly riveting and I couldn’t put it down! So I’m giving extra half stars for the brilliant writing and smart mind of the author that I always admire and I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4!
It was humorous, fast pacing, extremely evil reading with the worst villanelle characters you may truly love to hate!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas& Mercer for sharing this page turner ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
I’m starting to think this author just might not be for me… 😬
I seem to have an unpopular opinion on this book, but I really didn’t enjoy it. This author is sooo hit or miss for me and this was a huge miss. I’m so tired of reading thrillers like this, where it’s two women fighting over the same man and being super manipulative and toxic and weekend revenge the whole book. It’s so boring, I’m over it. This isn’t a thriller, this is a dramatic love story that involves awful people and a lot of cheating and it’s not entertaining. Sometimes I don’t mind these tropes in books, but I need something more happening in the story. This story only exists for this obnoxious love triangle and it’s just so frustrating to read 😅🥲 I don’t mind unlikeable characters in thrillers but there was nothing enjoyable about this story for me. I even tend to like rich people murder vibes, but this story was just not it 😅 if you enjoy really over the top dramatic thrillers, similar to Tarryn Fisher, you’ll probably enjoy this one! This kind of thriller is just not for me.
Blurred lines. Smear enough of them together, and you could change the color of everything.
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Alessandra Torre’s work, whether it’s one of her uninhibited romances or a twisty suspense penned in her alter ego, A.R. Torre, is the compelling nature of her words. There’s an unparalleled craftiness to her character creation and plotlines; the marrying of the two often commanding my undivided attention.
Every Last Secret provides unrestricted access to the minds of two conniving women—Cat and Neena—caught up in a toxic battle driven by jealousy. Through rivaling chapters, the frenemies vie for perfection and the opportunity to outdo one another.
Cat lives a picture-perfect life alongside her sexy, adoring, and uber-successful husband, William. Her days are spent lounging around their estate, gossiping with friends, and chairing an annual event. Yet, hiding beneath that perfectly polished exterior of hers lies a secret with the power to shake her confidence.
And then there’s Neena. A woman who desires what Cat has. More pointedly, William and everything he’s so willingly provided for his wife. In a calculated move, Neena accepts a corporate life coach position with William’s firm, and along with her husband, purchases the abandoned fixer-upper next door. Providing Neena with the excuse she needs to insert herself into their lives and marriage.
As we’ve all experienced in fiction and life, very seldom do people present their true selves or vulnerabilities to the world. And that, right there, is where the beauty of this novel lies. In the uncensored thoughts and insecurities splayed across the pages. Many of which contradict the outward actions of the devious women at the heart of the rivalry.
Rest assured, Every Last Secret is a compulsively readable novel. Yet, it doesn't take a ton of guesswork to predict where things are headed. Mostly due to the nature of the storyline. Although, that's not to say *every last secret* hidden within these pages reveals itself easily or that this twisted tale can't conclude on an unexpectedly soft note.
*Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts shared here.
“I had made the horrible assumption that I was the smartest person in this game.”
Every Last Secret is an entertaining psychological thriller about two women who go head-to-head over a married man. The other woman will do whatever it takes to snag a ring. His wife will do whatever it takes to protect what’s hers. Who will win in the end?
Cat, married to William for 13 years, is living the good life. She is the queen bee of their affluent neighborhood, an equal investor in her husband’s multimillion-dollar business, and the woman others strive to be.
Neena wants Cat’s life, literally. Even though she has a husband who adores her and is moving up in the world, her goal is to become William’s next wife, even if it means destroying Cat and the man she loves.
Cat and Neena battle in an expert game of cat and mouse. The smartest and most vicious of the women will claim her prize.
Chapters alternate between Cat and Neena. I didn’t like either one of them but was interested in seeing how their game would play out. William is their prize--he comes off as bland and manipulative, and not that smart, but he’s an attractive, powerful, and handsome millionaire, so I guess he’s worth it. I really could have lived without William’s perspective. His chapter took this down a notch for me and revealed another dynamic to this game that I didn’t buy.
This is a fast-paced, page-turner. It's a little over the top but offers a nice break from reality. Overall, I enjoyed this book but would have enjoyed the dynamics of Cat and Neena’s games much more if they banded together to take down the cheater rather than each other.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
Ooooooh doggies, this is a deliciously devious read!
I was starting to feel like every last one of my book-loving friends was already in on Every Last Secret, and you better believe I was not going to be left out any longer. Sure enough, this secret is a keeper.
A.R. Torre’s domestic thriller is a little like The Real Housewives of Silicon Valley meets the zaniest days of Melrose Place. (Gen-X peeps, remember that OG whackadoodle show?!) Some characters are rich, while some characters want to be richer. But they ALL have skeletons in their closets right next to the Pradas and Diors.
I gave up on trying to keep up with the Joneses years ago, so it was fun to be a fly on the wall as two despicable ladies matched wits (and things that rhyme with wits) over a good-on-paper billionaire and all his trappings. Would I want to have either of them over for dinner? Heck no! Would I tune in every week to watch their show? You bet! (Don’t tell anyone, though, OK? Let’s keep that a secret.)
4.5 juicy stars
Every Last Secret is currently available on Kindle Unlimited with WhisperSync for those who prefer the audiobook format.
Watching these two phonies fight to be queen bee was PURE entertainment!
Really I despised every character. Except for Matt - YOU just keep being YOU Matt - yet the whole book was just so addictive. A guilty pleasure for sure!
I’m months late to this party, but man am I glad I finally showed up!
Neena Ryder is a woman on a mission. She knows what the ho-hum middle class life is like, but when she and her husband, Matt, move in next door to uber wealthy William and Cat Winthorpe, and she starts working for William’s company, she gets a taste of the good life and she wants more of it, no matter what, or who, she needs to “do” to get there. (Yes - that means two things.) There’s only one problem: she’s not the only one who intends to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. In Neena and Cat’s chess match, everyone is a potential pawn.
I’ve had to think a lot about how to word this review, because on the one hand, I was completely absorbed into this story, and on the other, I was frankly just a little stressed out by it! Torre’s writing is amazing and her characters come alive on the page. I was surprised to feel as much as I did for them, since it could be argued that none of them had the kind of character you’d be rooting for, with the exception (maybe) of Neena’s kind, but doting, doormat of a husband, Matt.
As despicable as their behavior was at times, I was still ultimately rooting for William and Cat and felt very protective of what they’d built together, so I experienced some pretty intense feelings of hostility toward Neena, in her blatantly narcissistic and increasingly unhinged efforts to climb the social ladder. Is Cat a good person? Eh. She’s got her own less-than-stellar issues. Did I still feel for her situation? Heck yeah! Whatever detachment from reality wealth brings, at the end of the day, insecurity makes us all a little crazy, doesn’t it? Does William get a free pass for his behavior? No way! However, I did appreciate how he handled his part in the fall-out of events at the end.
Speaking of the end, I was actually really pleasantly surprised and almost touched by it. I expected it to go in a very specific, predictable direction, and Torre didn’t go there, though at first it seemed she would. Between the character insights and her author’s note, I could see certain characters and aspects of the book in a softer light.
Anyways, I’m leaving plot points vague, since it’s better to let this story unfold on its own, but all I can say is buckle up, because it’s one helluva ride!
★★★★ ½ (rounded to 4, though I may round up after thinking about it some more)
It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a good psychological thriller and this one kept cropping up in my feed with many friends rating it highly. Cat Winthorpe is an influential figure in the monied community of Atherton. A serial committee member, fund raiser, party giver and wife of William (her prized asset). William is handsome and charming, the owner of a large, successful medical company and is of course wildly rich. This charmed couple are the envy of everyone they meet. Especially Neena Ryder who takes her envy a tad too far. Neena, from humble, troubled beginnings is ruthlessly ambitious. She manages to get a job within William’s firm, buy the house next door and generally insinuate herself (and her long suffering husband) into Cat and William’s life. Neena desperately wants a life like Cat’s. In fact, she actually wants Cat’s life, and will stop at nothing to get it. Let the battle begin! Neena’s ambition is formidable and psychotic. Cat is a slightly more sympathetic character ........ well ....... on a good day, with a fair wind blowing!. Both Cat and Neena are larger than life, both are manipulative and scheming (the blokes don’t stand a chance!) and very soon the action gets horribly out of control. Normally, in a thriller its good to have a hero to cheer for ......... no luck in this one though. Unlikeable is a vast understatement, and yet I couldn’t put the book down and devoured it in big gulps. Every Last Secret is fast moving, well plotted and nicely paced. The writing style is light and engaging and perfect for the story. This a smart, glossy and very enjoyable read, perfect for the beach, a holiday or to slip between heavier tomes. Recommended!
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre is a 2020 Thomas & Mercer publication.
Criminally Good!!
Cat Winthorpe has everything Neena Ryder desires- a rich, successful, handsome husband, a place in society, and a beautiful home. But that’s okay- Neena has landed a job as a life coach, working for Cat’s husband, William. She may be living in a house Cat considers a neighborhood eyesore, her clothes may not be designer quality, and she may be currently locked out of the various committees and clubs required for social standings, but she knows how to seduce a man, and she’s made William Winthorpe her target. Before long, she’ll be the one living the charmed life Cat currently enjoys…
Cat Winthorpe welcomed Neena and her husband into the neighborhood, but her senses soon become hyper-aware when Neena seems to always be right where she and William are, always texting about non-work related subjects.
Something is off about Neena and Cat is starting to suspect she’s up to something- and she has pretty good idea what that might be. Neena may think her plans are foolproof- but she’s never matched wits with Cat Winthorpe!!
This book made its rounds on GRs garnering high praise from many of the reviewers, I trust, (back when I could see their reviews and they could see mine. 😤) Finally, my curiosity got the best of me and I checked it out of the KU library.
What a fun cat and mouse game! No real likable characters in this one- but one might find themselves rooting for one or the other at times. The fun comes from watching the two women try to outdo one another as the competition heats up between them.
All the planning and scheming, the huge egos, and the insane lengths the women go through is appallingly entertaining. While it’s a small amount of consolation, when all is said and done, there is some character growth in the end.
Personally, what I thought the ladies really should have been going for, was their own success without needing a man to validate them. These women had the talent to plan, organize, and manipulate which would have carried them far if they had only used those skills to create their own wealth and social standings. In fact, they might have made a great business team. But that’s probably deeper than the book is intended to be.
Overall, this was fun, catty, and very, very suspenseful novel. I was all in- finding it hard to put the book down. It was a super fast read- as I also added audio- which was well-done, as well.
So, for all those who wrote great reviews for this book- thanks for putting it on my radar!!
When I saw that Alessandra Torre had a new book out I was so excited. I adored The Ghostwriter even if it tore my heart out. Well, Every Last Secret isn't The Ghostwriter but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Ghostwriter was an emotional gut-punch of a book where this is more of a trashy, Housewives from wherever type of deal.
This book is far from ground breaking as we have all read this story before. Two women fighting over a guy that is hardly worth it but there is something to be said of two unreliable and unlikable women going for each others jugular at every turn of the page. It's compelling as all get out. Just when you think they can stoop no lower then BOOM! Oh no she didn't becomes oh yes she did!
This book didn't hold many surprises for me but it was still plenty entertaining. Fun? Sure. Ridiculous? Yes. Am I glad I read it? Heck yeah, if only for the reason that I'm thankful to not know any people like this in my real life. Ha! 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Having it all, wanting it all and doing whatever you can to keep what is yours while someone else is trying to take it from you makes for juicy reading.
This book gives new meaning to the phrases "watch your back", "watch your husband", and "watch out for fake friends” My advice - Just Watch Out!
Cat Winthorpe has it all. Good looks, a good looking successful, wealthy husband, a beautiful home, social standing and connections in the community. Neena Ryder is a life coach, who has high aspirations, a loving husband, personal issues and a desire to take what is not hers. Moving next door to the Winthorpes, she soon envies what Cat has and sets her eyes on William, Cat's husband.
Neena, who works for William, beings to become a fixture in their lives. She is constantly around, having get togethers, jogging with William, and making underhanded comments about Cat's cooking and fertility issues.
Cat is on to Neena while Neena's poor husband Matt appears to be oblivious....
Whatever will happen? ln the beginning of the book we get a glimpse into how things are going to end, or do we???
This was a fun book that I easily read in one day. I did not want to put it down. Its great escapism reading. Did it have some faults? Will you see how things are going to turn out? Most likely yes, but will you care? I did not! For me, this book was like my favorite amusement park ride, I know what I am in for, I know what I am going to get out of it, but it is still thrilling every single time! That is how I feel about this book. I saw so many things coming but did not care because it was fun, light and entertaining.
Yes, we have all read books about women fighting with each other over a man, we have read about cheaters and the consequences of cheating, we have read about social climbers, envy and desperation. Many have experienced this in real life, but what is fun about this book is that it is a little over the top. The characters are not that likeable, they are always up to something, and have devious intentions. Will you feel sorry for anyone in this book? Will you like the ending? Will you enjoy this wild ride of a book as much as I did?
I gave this book high marks for the pure entertainment and enjoyment it provided.
This was a captivating page turner and I loved reading about Neena and Cat battling each other all while having smiles on their faces and through gritted teeth.
Entertaining, Fun and gutsy. Highly recommend.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer 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.
3.5 - wait what?? The first 85% of this was SO good and I was waiting the whole time for some big explosive twist/ending and it just never came? I still enjoyed it, kept me interested the whole time, but I’m disappointed in the ending 😭
This novel after 30 pages sounded like other books I’ve read before. Set in a wealthy white suburb with people who have the money for the super large and immaculately landscaped homes, this one didn’t have an unusual premise.
What it did have is a startling beginning! Neena is being interrogated by the police as a possible murder suspect. We work backwards from here.
Cat Winthrop is married to William, the head of a multi-million dollar enterprise. She is also an equal investor in their business. She is well liked in the neighborhood of Atherton and has been with William since he started up the ladder to the top! She is aware that many women desire him, he is handsome, charming, and rich. Cat has always felt that she had a strong hold on him, but she knows there is trouble ahead when their new neighbors move in.
Neena and Matt have moved into the house next door to the Winthrop’s. It was thought that someone would buy it and do extensive renovations, since the neighbors don’t think it’s up to par with the rest of the area.
Neena Ryder is the character that you will instantly dislike. She is married to easy going Matt who loves her and treats her like a queen. Neena isn’t happy with their slow rise to the “upper half”, she has her eyes set on a bigger prize. Neena is one nasty woman she is vain and calculating and set on obtaining her targeted prize.
Neena has just started a job at Winthrop Tech as a “business/life” coach, or morale booster for the team. She is around William Winthrop all of the time. It’s clear that Neena desires William and all that his wealth would bring to her. She just has the small problem of his wife to deal with. She thinks she has it all figured out. But she has to be careful, she has secrets, lots of secrets to protect!!
So the cat fight is on which escalates to over the top actions. The chapters alternate between Neena and Cat with a few spoken by William.
This was a 3 star for me until the ending. While I had figured out parts of the puzzle, there were still some surprises. In the end, there were some moments of honest human emotion and even compassion. But then, you have to think back to the beginning and well . . . . . .that’s for you to discover!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you are a fan of domestic thrillers with a unique twist this one is for you!
As a reader, one thing I know for sure is that I won’t be disappointed by Alessandra’s work.
Her writing was flawless in Every Last Secret. I sped through the pages like my life depended on it. Nothing was more important than knowing what was going to happen next.
This is the story of two very different women, Neena Ryder and Cat Winthorpe. Each can tell the other one might be a problem. The battle has begun and only one will win it.
In one corner we have Neena Ryder. Neena is the new company's life coach hired by Cat's husband William. Neena comes from nothing and although she has loved her husband Matt, she is now ready for an upgrade. Neena is ambitious and she doesn't believe Matt's demolition business can compete with the money some of her new neighbors have. William her new boss, is a hunky man. He is rich, powerful, and connected. Success is something Neena is attracted to and what she believes she deserves to have.
Neena will begin a seduction plan to win William. Her ultimate goal is to make William fall for her.
On the other corner, we have Cat. She seems to have everything. A handsome husband, his love, a beautiful home, and plenty of money to spend as she pleases. After meeting Neena, she knows the woman wants more in life but in the beginning, Cat is very sure of Williams's loyalty. Once Cat realizes that Neena is interested in him as a man, and William is not as responsive to Cat's needs anymore, the game is on.
I honestly can say that I love to see these two women sparring. They were playing chess and I couldn't wait to see how one would outdo the other one and checkmate was called. My money was on Cat. Quiet, organized, and lethal in her own way. (I wouldn't cross her.) Yet, Neena had the street smarts and the Ph.D. which helped with her manipulations.
Was the ending too good to be true? Maybe, but I'm not complaining.
The next question is when is another A.R. Torre book coming out?
This was my first time hearing of author A.R. Torre, and I am so glad I did. I absolutely loved this book!
In a rich community, Cat and her husband, William, are living the dream. William owns a large business, and hires Neena as a “life coach” to boost morale in the office. Neena and her husband, Matt, also end up buying the house next door. Even though Cat initially does her best to welcome them to the community, she determines early on that Neena is not someone she wants anywhere near her...or her husband...or town.
Hell hath no fury...This is an unputdownable, delicious read. The way the two women treat each other and the way they go about their vendettas is extremely entertaining. The fact is, neither of them are someone you’d personally want in your circle of friends, but I have to say there is one I was clearly rooting for in their “war” against each other. While not necessarily groundbreaking, this managed to entertain me for the whole ride, and I could hardly contain myself while racing to the conclusion...which is a particularly satisfying one that manages to fit quite a few emotions in. I would highly recommend and have ZERO complaints about this fantastic read.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, A.R. Torre, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Matthew and Dr Neena Ryder move into a large but rundown house in Atherton, near SF. Next door are the extremely wealthy Winthorpes - wife Cat and husband William who Neena goes to work for at Winthorpe Technology. Let the games begin.
Addiction? Yep. Obsession? Definitely obsessive. Calculation? Oh yes, viciously so. Hatred? For sure. Destruction? Blown to smithereens. This is a fascinating path to one person’s ruin that makes for compelling and compulsive reading and I found it hard to put down. None of the characters are likeable although one of them has likeable traits. It’s like a fight with no rules of engagement - should that be a Cat fight???! I like the touches of dark humour which lightens the growing tension and sense of an impending train wreck. My jaw dropped on several occasions and I love the twists along the way as someone outsmarts the smart. I think ultimately they all probably get what they deserve. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Amazon for this brilliant Prime First Read for November 2020.
One truly despicable (married) woman with a one-track mind: Seduce her new boss, overthrow his wife and become the new Mrs.
It doesn’t get more revolting! (At least not if you ask me!)
If characters you love to hate, who are truly despicable are your thing, you’re going to love Neena!
When I started this book, I had very strong feelings (just ask Kaceey!). I despise cheating and having been the object of someone else’s obsession years ago, I’m not a fan of that either, so let’s just stay that this book struck quite the chord.
As I kept reading, however, something strange happened: I got hooked. (Baawwaah!!) Yep, I admit it, I was hooked like a fish on a reel.
The characters in “Every Last Secret” are heinous, horrible, devious, and dirty and yet, this book is insanely addictive, just like Lay’s Potato Chips.. you literally can’t stop yourself from flipping the pages as quickly as possible, desperate to get to the end. Even though I admit to guessing right, it was still quite satisfying if I do say so myself.
While this novel was a little too “fiery” for me in the seduction/romance department, the suspense was addictive enough to keep me entertained.
“I will have you Yes, I will have you I will find a way and I will have you”
Obsession....relentless...flaming desire!
Oh my goodness! What a wickedly delicious read! A mind-blowing cast of characters that you will just love to hate!
Cat and William have the perfect marriage. Thirteen years and going strong as ever. No one could ever come between them.
That is until William makes a less than wise decision to hire Neena. A motivational coach to build stronger relationships and moral in his company. Cat, leaning on her female intuition, just can’t help sensing that Neena is looking for more than just a job.
“You are an obsession You're my obsession Who do you want me to be? To make you sleep with me?”
And Cat is spot-on with her concerns. Neena has most definitely set her sights on her new boss! Willing to do whatever it takes to have him. Going so far as to even buy the house next door! The fact that she’s already married means nothing to Neena. Nothing will prevent her from getting what she feels is hers, and hers alone!
“My fantasies have turned to madness And all my goodness Has turned to badness My need to possess you Has consumed my soul My life is trembling I have no control”
A.R. (Alessandra) Torre has once again hit this one out of the park! After this magnificent read she’s quickly becoming a favorite author of mine and I can’t read her books fast enough.
Each and every twist...every turn will have you on the edge of your seat! I devoured this one...as I do with all her books! More please!🙏🏼
Here is my secret: everyone says the narrators are unlikable but, all along, I was 100% rooting for one of them. What does it say about me?
Now the question you probably want to ask is: Did I root for Cat or Neena? I'm sorry, but I can't tell you! I don't want to spoil anything about the characters or their motivation. What I can say is that I had a lot of fun reading this clever, slow-burn mystery.
In the first half, we meet the characters and learn about their lives. Even if the pace was slow, it was entertaining and full on tension. The second half is even more compelling, I just couldn't stop reading. And the ending? I thought it was perfect!
I just discovered A. R. Torre (third book in less than two weeks!) and I really like her writing. I loved The Good Lie even more than this one (4.5 stars rounded up), so I can only recommend reading her books asap if you haven't already!
➺ "Blurred lines. Smear enough of them together, and you could change the color of everything."
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Glamorous, seductive, and deliciously nasty- a riveting tale about power, obsession, and the dark depths two women will go to in order to get what they want.
➺ “There were men you owned. There were men you borrowed. And then there were men you took. I would never let anyone take him”
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Welcome to the neighborhood. Watch your husband, watch your friends, and watch your back...
Cat Winthorpe has what seems to be the perfect life. She’s rich with an attractive, successful husband, William.
Neena is a life coach that starts working for William’s company and moves next door to the Winthorpe’s. Neena wants more money, a more charming life and higher class. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Matthew.
Both women came from nothing and married for a better life. Neena will do anything for a better life and Cat will do anything to keep her life. What will Neena do to steal Will? What will Cat do to keep William?
╰┈➤ Every Last Secret starts with a police investigation with a detective asking Neena questions. The story then goes back four months to when Neena and Cat first meet to explain what started it all and go through what happened. I really enjoy when thrillers are in this format. The reader knows a little about what to expect but there are still so many unanswered questions.
The story is told alternating between Cat and Neena’s perspectives. All of the characters have secrets. I am usually not a fan of love triangle and cheating books, but I really enjoyed Every Last Secret.
╰┈➤ It was so interesting seeing the two women judging each other from such different points of view – Neena from a standpoint of a motivational coach who’s used to looking for people’s goals and weighing how far they would be willing to go to see them through. And Cat looking at everyone through what they are able to afford and how that may reflect on the other aspects of their lives.
This really read with all of the drama of a real housewives episode - in some cases only slightly more unhinged lol. It was fun, fast paced and entertaining. I only wished for a little less predictability and more of a twist at the end.
➺ “Broken women cannot be held accountable for their actions.” ࿐ ࿔* ‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹
Bitchy cat and mouse game between Cat, the queen bee wife who has it all and Neena, the gold digger wife desperate to climb up the social ladder and take everything from Cat.
~ Pick this up if you enjoy/don’t mind the following ~
🎭 Drama with a tad of mystery
✔️Predictable
🙍 Unlikeable, rich and snobby characters
🧑🤝🧑 Cat and mouse game between 2 wives trying to one up each other
⏰ 2 Timelines - Present timeline with the investigation and past timeline filled with drama
~ What I didn’t enjoy ~
This is very much a case of this just wasn’t for me. I was hoping for more mystery and thriller vibes but this felt like a soapy drama with nothing but unlikeable characters. It's not a bad thing, but looking at the genre I went in with the wrong expectations. These are some random things that I didn’t like that stood out like a sore thumb for some reason:
- During the first bit of the book we were constantly reminded that Neena is power hungry (the word power was used way too many times).
- Neena’s conversation with William during their work lunch was so awkward. She said she was intimidated because William is powerful. Um? I’m just imagining saying those exact words to anyone from the workplace and I can’t help but to cringe LOL.
- Neena and Cat didn’t have a distinctive voice, they both sounded the same: equally as bitchy and vindictive. The only thing that separated them was their situation and status.
- There were a few scenes of the investigation in present time to add in some mystery and keep us guessing. But they don’t really go into much detail so the dual timeline didn’t add anything for me.
- The ending/last chapter was absolutely ridiculous, the characters suddenly turned a complete 180, initially I thought it was an act and I kept on waiting for something bitchy or dramatic to happen. Nope.
- I wasn’t a fan of the Audible either, the voices sounded so put on.
Baby review because I’m just really sad that I am an outlier yet again for a book that was such a winner for most. It disheartens me to write these reviews.
I think I’m broken. Everyone loved this. Everyone loved The Good Lie. And I liked them both too, until 75% or so. There’s something about AR Torre’s endings that just doesn’t work for me and affects my entire view of the book. About halfway through this one I was so excited thinking I was going to be able to write a review of how it was devious, delicious, guilty pleasure fun. And it was. Even after I was able to predict exactly what was going on, I was still enjoying watching it play out (and rooting for one of the devious ladies!). But I just can’t with the ending. I also wish the two women had seemed more evenly matched in terms of likeability (or lack thereof). A lot of other reviewers mentioned both were awful, but to me, one was caricature-level awful. Literally every gross stereotype about women, cranked up to 10. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I felt both women had more shades of grey.
And I don’t forgive you for doing Matt’s character dirty like that Ms. Torre. How could you….
As I mentioned above though, so many people absolutely loved this one and found it to be crazy, hilarious fun. So please check out their reviews and consider giving this one a shot.
I thought A.R Torre’s ‘The Good Lie’ was such an amazing and gripping read and after reading that, I knew I was bound to eventually pick up something else by her. I can say that at this point, I’ll probably pick up anything she writes. This is the second time I’m rating something over 4 stars for her work (even though half stars, unfortunately enough, aren’t reflected) so we’re 2 for 2!! I started this book thinking ‘wow…I really hate Cat’. Then we got to know Neena better and I was like: ‘Wow…I reallllly hate Neena!’ There aren’t many likable characters in this one but it was intentional as you really see into each character’s motives and decide who is the lesser of the evils. I flew through this and loved every second of it. A downside is that there were some things that were pretty predictable and I also may have liked it more without the epilogue, but overall it was a fantastic story about keeping your friends close and enemies closer. 4.5 ⭐️ rounding up.
Neena know what she wants.......a great job, a home in a prestigious neighborhood, on the board of the wine club...oh and your husband...the question is...does Neena get everything she wants?
Wow, this was a page turner! I literally flew through this book. I thought about it whenever I didn't have my hands on it. It was very addictive! The characters were well developed and I felt like I knew them all. That is not to say that I loved them all but for the most part..they really intrigued me.
A fancy pants neighborhood that everyone knows your business..is that really where you want to be if you are up to no good? When Neena and Matthew move into the neighborhood, well all hell breaks loose in more ways then one.
Well I guess as they say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Pure entertainment that had me in the dark most of the book. Classic jealous girl syndrome- these women were ruthless. I loved it! Twisted, fun and entertaining. I am an instant fan of this author! I am excited that I actually have two more of her books that I am going to bump up and read very soon!
I was so excited that this was offered as an Amazon First read!