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Meet the Parents
“We’re so excited to have you here in our home.� My boyfriend’s mother smiles at me a little too wide. His father’s eyes are hard at the edges. It’s like they’re hiding something. But of course, I already know that�
The mother: Stay-at-home mother Marta lives in her successful husband’s shadow, overlooked by him ever since her darling son Owen went to medical school. She’s not about to let the beautiful Gina take Owen away from her. Marta will play nice, get Gina to trust her. And then she has a plan of her own.
The son: Owen is already certain he wants to marry Gina. She’s perfect. They just have to get through this weekend and then he’ll propose. Sure, his mom can be overprotective. But Owen knows why. He knows what she’s hiding.
The girlfriend: Ever since purposefully running into Dr Owen Whitlock at the hospital, Gina has been playing the doting girlfriend. She didn’t mean to fall for Owen’s charms for real� Now she’s finally meeting his parents at their sprawling, secluded home. Gina knows all about the terrible secrets this family is covering up. And she’ll do anything to make sure they never find out who she really is.
By the end of the weekend, the Whitlock’s beautiful house will have burned to the ground. And someone won’t make it out alive�
Fans of The Housemaid, The Girl in Seat 2A and The Perfect Marriage will be totally hooked.
The mother: Stay-at-home mother Marta lives in her successful husband’s shadow, overlooked by him ever since her darling son Owen went to medical school. She’s not about to let the beautiful Gina take Owen away from her. Marta will play nice, get Gina to trust her. And then she has a plan of her own.
The son: Owen is already certain he wants to marry Gina. She’s perfect. They just have to get through this weekend and then he’ll propose. Sure, his mom can be overprotective. But Owen knows why. He knows what she’s hiding.
The girlfriend: Ever since purposefully running into Dr Owen Whitlock at the hospital, Gina has been playing the doting girlfriend. She didn’t mean to fall for Owen’s charms for real� Now she’s finally meeting his parents at their sprawling, secluded home. Gina knows all about the terrible secrets this family is covering up. And she’ll do anything to make sure they never find out who she really is.
By the end of the weekend, the Whitlock’s beautiful house will have burned to the ground. And someone won’t make it out alive�
Fans of The Housemaid, The Girl in Seat 2A and The Perfect Marriage will be totally hooked.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2024
4,438 people are currently reading
4,404 people want to read
About the author
Emily Shiner
32books587followersEmily lives in the mountains of North Carolina and loves hiking with her dogs--only when she's not thinking up twisted tales, that is. She loves books that keep you up long after you should be in bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
August 29, 2024
Holy Crap! Talk about a shocking, gripping, and jaw dropping book! Emily Shiner continues to shine with ! I thought I had everything figured out and thought how clever I was, but nope! Emily Shiner showed just how clever she was with the thrilling book with an ending that knocked my socks off!
Whew!
Gina and Owen hit it off when they met. She is the girl of this dreams and he wants nothing more than to put a ring on it! But when he takes her home to meet his parents, his mother, Marta is not too happy. She is not willing to step aside and let another woman into her son's life. She'll play nice but.....
Gina has her secrets and is playing nice as well. She knows more about Owen's family than she has let on. She's playing nice, but.....
Holy Moly! This book was bonkers in the best possible way. Meeting a significant others family can be anxiety provoking but when there are those with secrets, those who lie, and those who manipulate, things can go off the rails fast.
This is one weekend for the books and I was there for every dramatic, suspenseful, twisted, and shocking moment. I had no idea what I was in store for and loved this twist filled roller coaster ride of suspense.
Emily Shiner blew me away with ! I loved the setting of their secluded home surrounded by woods. I loved the tension that permeated throughout the book. There is drama, lies, secrets, and deception galore.
I loved the writing and how the book became more suspenseful as the weekend went on. Emily Shiner did a fabulous job with creating likeable characters and despicable characters. This book had me on the edge of my seat loving every second!
Shocking, jaw dropping, addictive and well thought out!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Please read more of my reviews at
Whew!
Gina and Owen hit it off when they met. She is the girl of this dreams and he wants nothing more than to put a ring on it! But when he takes her home to meet his parents, his mother, Marta is not too happy. She is not willing to step aside and let another woman into her son's life. She'll play nice but.....
Gina has her secrets and is playing nice as well. She knows more about Owen's family than she has let on. She's playing nice, but.....
Holy Moly! This book was bonkers in the best possible way. Meeting a significant others family can be anxiety provoking but when there are those with secrets, those who lie, and those who manipulate, things can go off the rails fast.
This is one weekend for the books and I was there for every dramatic, suspenseful, twisted, and shocking moment. I had no idea what I was in store for and loved this twist filled roller coaster ride of suspense.
Emily Shiner blew me away with ! I loved the setting of their secluded home surrounded by woods. I loved the tension that permeated throughout the book. There is drama, lies, secrets, and deception galore.
I loved the writing and how the book became more suspenseful as the weekend went on. Emily Shiner did a fabulous job with creating likeable characters and despicable characters. This book had me on the edge of my seat loving every second!
Shocking, jaw dropping, addictive and well thought out!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Please read more of my reviews at
August 26, 2024
Did I enjoy the book?
Yes, I was hooked from the beginning. The plot is not just good; it's gripping. If you've ever experienced or witnessed the complexities of in-law relationships, this book will keep you turning the pages and connected.
The plot was good; however, the ending had so many holes that I felt I only needed a friend to discuss it. Still, I would recommend the book. It was a fast read for me. It took me some time to organize my thoughts, but I did enjoy the reading journey. The ending is not the only part with a twist; therefore, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Also, I enjoyed that this story has four active characters: Owen (the boyfriend), Marta (Owen's mom), Grant (Owen's dad), and Gina (the girlfriend). The other four characters are never active in conversation, so it's really easy to follow the narrative and plot.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
Yes, I was hooked from the beginning. The plot is not just good; it's gripping. If you've ever experienced or witnessed the complexities of in-law relationships, this book will keep you turning the pages and connected.
The plot was good; however, the ending had so many holes that I felt I only needed a friend to discuss it. Still, I would recommend the book. It was a fast read for me. It took me some time to organize my thoughts, but I did enjoy the reading journey. The ending is not the only part with a twist; therefore, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Also, I enjoyed that this story has four active characters: Owen (the boyfriend), Marta (Owen's mom), Grant (Owen's dad), and Gina (the girlfriend). The other four characters are never active in conversation, so it's really easy to follow the narrative and plot.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the opportunity to read and provide my honest review.
July 25, 2024
Gina and Owen have been dating for just seven weeks when he secretly decides he wants to propose to her. Before he does, he wants to take her to meet his parents - he’s very close with them, especially his mother, and this will be the first woman he’s brought home to meet them. Gina is more than happy to go…because this just so happens to be a chance to close a terrible chapter in her life.
Marta and Grant Whitlock are definitely imposing characters, with their “little cabin in the woods� that is more like a mansion, and their perfect images. Marta is homemaker supreme, never mind that her son no longer lives with her and is in his 40s. Grant is retired, no longer constantly on hectic business trips, which makes Marta happy because those trips usually ended up with extracurricular activities. Their taste is eclectic yet refined, they live for Owen and have spent their lives making sure he has the best of everything, and they are both absolutely wicked.
From the start, we see that Gina is with Owen for revenge, and that Marta knows something about Gina’s past. Though they’ve just met, they already have a horrible, and unspoken, bond - the question is, who will crack first? These women both want to kill each other, and only one will be victorious. The event that binds them is surprising, and the surprises keep coming all the way to the final page, even after the Whitaker house burns to the ground.
This was a really fun thriller - it was suspenseful with some dark humor sprinkled throughout - or maybe that was just me laughing at how deviously delicious this story is! Definitely a page-turner, this will keep you enthralled the whole way through; the story spans twenty years, but it never became disjointed or convoluted. Overall, this is a great read that most thriller readers will enjoy! Four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book tour. “Meet The Parents� is slated to be released on August 28, 2024.)
Marta and Grant Whitlock are definitely imposing characters, with their “little cabin in the woods� that is more like a mansion, and their perfect images. Marta is homemaker supreme, never mind that her son no longer lives with her and is in his 40s. Grant is retired, no longer constantly on hectic business trips, which makes Marta happy because those trips usually ended up with extracurricular activities. Their taste is eclectic yet refined, they live for Owen and have spent their lives making sure he has the best of everything, and they are both absolutely wicked.
From the start, we see that Gina is with Owen for revenge, and that Marta knows something about Gina’s past. Though they’ve just met, they already have a horrible, and unspoken, bond - the question is, who will crack first? These women both want to kill each other, and only one will be victorious. The event that binds them is surprising, and the surprises keep coming all the way to the final page, even after the Whitaker house burns to the ground.
This was a really fun thriller - it was suspenseful with some dark humor sprinkled throughout - or maybe that was just me laughing at how deviously delicious this story is! Definitely a page-turner, this will keep you enthralled the whole way through; the story spans twenty years, but it never became disjointed or convoluted. Overall, this is a great read that most thriller readers will enjoy! Four stars.
(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book tour. “Meet The Parents� is slated to be released on August 28, 2024.)
September 29, 2024
The end managed to save this book from 1* to 2* as there was a twist that added an extra layer. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I won’t be reading another
September 22, 2024
This book felt like reading a bad hallmark horror movie. While it was entertaining, the dialogue was so fake it was distracting.
September 17, 2024
Wow. This was pretty ridiculous. And yet I could not put it down.
Full review: So "Meet the Parents" follows 20 something Gina who is going home with her boyfriend doctor, Owen to meet his parents. Hence the title. Gina has her own reasons for wanting to meet Owen's parents, and Owen's parents, specifically his mother, Marta, has her reasons for wanting to meet Gina.
So let's start off with the good. This was a bonkers book. Gina is not that smart and neither is Marta. They both should wear signs saying "Up to No Good." I liked it though because it reminded me of storylines on Desperate Housewives (and I say that as a fan of that series). But honestly, the rest of the book when you take away the overall plot is just kind of dumb. I have questions about Gina and her plan. I have questions about Marta and her plan. And I call BS on the whole thing because it makes zero sense.
The only redeeming thing I have to say is the twist at the end which was a nice way to end things.
Full review: So "Meet the Parents" follows 20 something Gina who is going home with her boyfriend doctor, Owen to meet his parents. Hence the title. Gina has her own reasons for wanting to meet Owen's parents, and Owen's parents, specifically his mother, Marta, has her reasons for wanting to meet Gina.
So let's start off with the good. This was a bonkers book. Gina is not that smart and neither is Marta. They both should wear signs saying "Up to No Good." I liked it though because it reminded me of storylines on Desperate Housewives (and I say that as a fan of that series). But honestly, the rest of the book when you take away the overall plot is just kind of dumb. I have questions about Gina and her plan. I have questions about Marta and her plan. And I call BS on the whole thing because it makes zero sense.
The only redeeming thing I have to say is the twist at the end which was a nice way to end things.
October 25, 2024
Meet the Parents is not your typical psychological twisty novel. Emily writes suspense superbly, I've never read a book that has left me feeling like I need a heart rate monitor as much as this book has! It's an easy read with every other chapter leaving you with questions and on tenterhooks.
The writing style and premise of the book are comparable to Freida McFadden. I really enjoyed the pace of the book and found it gripping and always wanting more. It was really difficult to put down.
Emily Shiner is an author I won't forget!
I was kindly given this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
The writing style and premise of the book are comparable to Freida McFadden. I really enjoyed the pace of the book and found it gripping and always wanting more. It was really difficult to put down.
Emily Shiner is an author I won't forget!
I was kindly given this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
August 11, 2024
Gina the victim of a crime many years ago
Owen her new boyfriend
Marta and her hubby, Owens parents meeting Gina for the first time
We know pretty much from the beginning how most of them ‘fit in the puzzle� and so there’s no faffing around why they all work it out, they mostly know�.but how much do they know and how much are they going to act in what they know is the question
Marta plays the thin lipped all powerful Mum who adores the ground Owen walks on, naturally she despises Gina and there are some great moments when the pair converse and try to out do each other
Gina plans revenge, and gets more than she bargained for
A good psychological thriller that ticks all the boxes needed to make a dramatic read with the added plus of a boooom of an ending that will shock
Good writing and characters and a title that brings nothing to do with book memories of a great film 😎
Owen her new boyfriend
Marta and her hubby, Owens parents meeting Gina for the first time
We know pretty much from the beginning how most of them ‘fit in the puzzle� and so there’s no faffing around why they all work it out, they mostly know�.but how much do they know and how much are they going to act in what they know is the question
Marta plays the thin lipped all powerful Mum who adores the ground Owen walks on, naturally she despises Gina and there are some great moments when the pair converse and try to out do each other
Gina plans revenge, and gets more than she bargained for
A good psychological thriller that ticks all the boxes needed to make a dramatic read with the added plus of a boooom of an ending that will shock
Good writing and characters and a title that brings nothing to do with book memories of a great film 😎
December 22, 2024
objectively, this book really wasn’t that good. we essentially knew from the beginning where the story was going to go, the characters are insufferable, fmc is kind of a moron, but i ate it up. a messy domestic thriller will get me every time, even when it wasn’t the best written thing in the world. emily shiner’s writing was engaging and easy to read, and i had a good time with it. i’ll definitely have to get to more of her books soon.
� 3.5 stars
� 3.5 stars
August 28, 2024
Wow!
Toxic boy mom, toxic parents-in-law, toxic...everyone!
I had a little hint of what was going on, but it was really just a hint and these characters surprised me again and again. And once things come to a head? Oh. My. God.
This is an absolutely entertaining read that's just pure fun!
(Also, thank goodness my; family is blessedly normal lol.)
* ARC via Publisher
Toxic boy mom, toxic parents-in-law, toxic...everyone!
I had a little hint of what was going on, but it was really just a hint and these characters surprised me again and again. And once things come to a head? Oh. My. God.
This is an absolutely entertaining read that's just pure fun!
(Also, thank goodness my; family is blessedly normal lol.)
* ARC via Publisher
July 31, 2024
Overall: 2.5⭐️
To preface, I'd like to note that I was initially super excited to read this book because I am a domestic thriller girlie, through and through. Anything that has to do with domestic thrillers, complicated relationships between an FMC and her husband/boyfriend, and hair raising family dynamics, are my jam. Unfortunately, as someone who spent the previous year reading nothing but thrillers, this book did not meet my expectations, despite the novel premise that originally drew my interest.
Beginning this review with our FMC... I have truly never been more angry at the stupidity of a main character before in my life. She knowingly puts herself in harms way time and time again, despite knowing EXACTLY what the most dangerous situation and outcome is and having literally all the knowledge available at her disposal. Not only does this happen recurrently throughout the book, she also shows all of her cards / tells the main antagonists that she's onto them and their shady plans from the very beginning.
I also did not like how we were told the plot of the entire book within the first 3 chapters. By the time chapter 3 was done, we knew a) how the book was going to end, b) could deduce what the main plotline of the story would be, and c) nothing throughout the rest of the book came as a surprise. There was so MUCH POTENTIAL that was squandered, and the author definitely could have built the tension gradually over time without info dumping every single character's main motivations (including spoilers for their own plotlines) in the first three chapters.
Lastly, I found Marta and Grant to be incredibly one dimensional and the dialogue stilted and unnatural. Marta was the stereotypical, emotionally incestuous, overbearing boy mom and Grant, a shady father who clearly had something to hide. I think the story would have benefited from Marta not being such an OTT (over-the-top) caricature, and I wish her her cunning nature and cruelty had been more gradually demonstrated over time. There were so many moments where her interactions with Gina could have been more nuanced in a way that left both Gina AND the reader truly guessing, but instead she was relegated to stereotypically childish quips as she bickered with her son's girlfriend, and cringey dialogue.
Overall, I'm super disappointed and was not at all shocked by the twist, especially considering all signs pointed in that direction throughout the entirety of the book. Nothing was left to the imagination, and as someone who reads thrillers and WANTS to end the book feeling totally mindf*ked... that's the whole problem.
Note: I received this ARC through Netgalley, Bookouture, and Emily Shiner in exchange for an honest review.
To preface, I'd like to note that I was initially super excited to read this book because I am a domestic thriller girlie, through and through. Anything that has to do with domestic thrillers, complicated relationships between an FMC and her husband/boyfriend, and hair raising family dynamics, are my jam. Unfortunately, as someone who spent the previous year reading nothing but thrillers, this book did not meet my expectations, despite the novel premise that originally drew my interest.
Beginning this review with our FMC... I have truly never been more angry at the stupidity of a main character before in my life. She knowingly puts herself in harms way time and time again, despite knowing EXACTLY what the most dangerous situation and outcome is and having literally all the knowledge available at her disposal. Not only does this happen recurrently throughout the book, she also shows all of her cards / tells the main antagonists that she's onto them and their shady plans from the very beginning.
I also did not like how we were told the plot of the entire book within the first 3 chapters. By the time chapter 3 was done, we knew a) how the book was going to end, b) could deduce what the main plotline of the story would be, and c) nothing throughout the rest of the book came as a surprise. There was so MUCH POTENTIAL that was squandered, and the author definitely could have built the tension gradually over time without info dumping every single character's main motivations (including spoilers for their own plotlines) in the first three chapters.
Lastly, I found Marta and Grant to be incredibly one dimensional and the dialogue stilted and unnatural. Marta was the stereotypical, emotionally incestuous, overbearing boy mom and Grant, a shady father who clearly had something to hide. I think the story would have benefited from Marta not being such an OTT (over-the-top) caricature, and I wish her her cunning nature and cruelty had been more gradually demonstrated over time. There were so many moments where her interactions with Gina could have been more nuanced in a way that left both Gina AND the reader truly guessing, but instead she was relegated to stereotypically childish quips as she bickered with her son's girlfriend, and cringey dialogue.
Overall, I'm super disappointed and was not at all shocked by the twist, especially considering all signs pointed in that direction throughout the entirety of the book. Nothing was left to the imagination, and as someone who reads thrillers and WANTS to end the book feeling totally mindf*ked... that's the whole problem.
Note: I received this ARC through Netgalley, Bookouture, and Emily Shiner in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
This pov was such a pageturner full of suspence and tention. The characters were. Well written and I loved the way the story evolved as did the characters . The true nature of revenge was skillfully revealed as the story played out. The ending was perfect loved th.e twists. This story was focused on the female pov Gina the girlfriend and Martha the mother. I would love a few chapters from grants point of view and owens. Their story was told via their interactions with the women.
This was a joy to read I was gripped to find out the truth there were so many questions and a lot
made the story more prevailing. . This is pwrfect for anyone who loves a goid thriller . Highly recommended. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this 5 star read. It felt a quick read.
This was a joy to read I was gripped to find out the truth there were so many questions and a lot
made the story more prevailing. . This is pwrfect for anyone who loves a goid thriller . Highly recommended. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author for this 5 star read. It felt a quick read.
August 21, 2024
2.5
The beginning had an interesting premise, but it all felt weird reading Owen's mum chapters. All the characters had some secrets, and I was intrigued learning about them. When some secrets came out and we had the FMC who was making some dumb choices, this made no sense. Like, you were planning all these years and still put yourself in danger? It really did not make sense.
The ending though was unexpected and good.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the free ARC!
The beginning had an interesting premise, but it all felt weird reading Owen's mum chapters. All the characters had some secrets, and I was intrigued learning about them. When some secrets came out and we had the FMC who was making some dumb choices, this made no sense. Like, you were planning all these years and still put yourself in danger? It really did not make sense.
The ending though was unexpected and good.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the free ARC!
December 2, 2024
I’m really shocked at the last two chapters!!
The book was overall good and kept you wanting to read more.
The book was overall good and kept you wanting to read more.
July 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A fast paced psychological thriller. Gina is meeting her boyfriend’s parents for the first time. The point of view on the chapters goes back and forth between Gina and Marta, her boyfriend’s mom. I enjoy this author, she has a great way of pacing characterization and reveals at certain points in the story. It is well paced and descriptive, I loved thinking of being in this giant cabin far in the woods, an hour away from a Walmart.
A few of the themes were pretty cringey, though. I hate how it is set up as female against female. Marta is a “stay at home mom� but her only son is 41, she talks about her son in a very awkward, inappropriate way. Why paint her as the villain instead of fleshing out her husband more? There were a few missing plot holes�. But the book is still pretty fun to read. Great for fans of JT Ellison, Freida McFadden, and Lisa Jewell.
Thank you to #netgalley and #bookcouture for the ARC. Book to be published August 28, 2024.
A few of the themes were pretty cringey, though. I hate how it is set up as female against female. Marta is a “stay at home mom� but her only son is 41, she talks about her son in a very awkward, inappropriate way. Why paint her as the villain instead of fleshing out her husband more? There were a few missing plot holes�. But the book is still pretty fun to read. Great for fans of JT Ellison, Freida McFadden, and Lisa Jewell.
Thank you to #netgalley and #bookcouture for the ARC. Book to be published August 28, 2024.
February 13, 2025
This was unnecessarily long, convulted and incredibly stupid. The main character was coasting on luck throughout because she is the opposite of smart and none of her sleuthing ever resulted in anything. Also, the personality switch up was crazy. From comically inept to psycho maniac. It would have been epic if it were deliberate but it's just an unfortunate product of bad writing.
The twist at the end is so contrived and I saw it coming from a mile away. Word of advice, if a character in a psychological thriller keeps saying another character is innocent and wouldn't hurt a fly? Chances are they're the final boss.
This was so unoriginal but at least it's over. I received this via Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
The twist at the end is so contrived and I saw it coming from a mile away. Word of advice, if a character in a psychological thriller keeps saying another character is innocent and wouldn't hurt a fly? Chances are they're the final boss.
This was so unoriginal but at least it's over. I received this via Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
November 2, 2024
disappointing
Plot a very predictable. Chapters were very repetitive and drawn out.. there are other books that are more suspenseful IMO
Plot a very predictable. Chapters were very repetitive and drawn out.. there are other books that are more suspenseful IMO
August 27, 2024
Thank you Bookouture & Emily Shiner for this read!
I was so excited to see one of my new FAV authors was releasing a new book, and this book didn't disappoint! Emily Shiner has quickly landed her way into my must-read and auto rec author lists.
This book was dark, it was twisted and as I read it, I just knew that there would be some shocking moments ahead. The suspense builds to some literal jaw dropping moments!
I love the way Shiner made this feel like a claustrophobic, cat and mouse game. You are thrown back and fourth between multiple POVs and will be hooked trying to find out how this will end.
Some horrible, well written characters, some humorous moments and overall a dark thrilling read!
Highly recommend this one!
I was so excited to see one of my new FAV authors was releasing a new book, and this book didn't disappoint! Emily Shiner has quickly landed her way into my must-read and auto rec author lists.
This book was dark, it was twisted and as I read it, I just knew that there would be some shocking moments ahead. The suspense builds to some literal jaw dropping moments!
I love the way Shiner made this feel like a claustrophobic, cat and mouse game. You are thrown back and fourth between multiple POVs and will be hooked trying to find out how this will end.
Some horrible, well written characters, some humorous moments and overall a dark thrilling read!
Highly recommend this one!
August 1, 2024
This is one of those great twisted books that keeps you reading long into the night! Owen has been Gina's boyfriend for only seven weeks when he takes her home to meet his parents. She's delighted as she's in love and hopes to marry him one day. But there's something odd about Marta and Grant as it's clear Marta favors Owen over her own husband and does everything in her power to keep him close--and unaware. But nothing is ever as it seems and there are so many secrets and lies as the novel fluctuates between "now" and "then." Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 13, 2024
*Thank you NetGalley & Bookouture for sending me an ARC for an early review. All opinions are my own*
This book was hard to finish, it captured my interest because of the description and cover art.
Gina is visiting her older boyfriend Owen’s parents and home for the first time. It’s clear they haven’t been dating very long, but she already knows something about his family secrets. Upon arrival, Owens family also knows something about Gina. It’s quick to jump right in which I do wish it made you guess a little more throughout the book rather than diving right in.
The dialog between Gina and Owen’s mother Marta is pretty cringey. Marta is very very creepily emotionally incestious towards her son and even uses disgusting dialogue out in the open which I find to be too unrealistic and makes me roll my eyes a little bit. The way she talks about Gina to other characters in front of Gina herself, is rude, but also kind of silly and just unbelievable IMO.
Pros: few characters to keep track of, quick paced and easy to read with fast chapters
Cons: cringey dialogue, repetitive descriptor words, leaves little to the imagination, unbelievable
This book was hard to finish, it captured my interest because of the description and cover art.
Gina is visiting her older boyfriend Owen’s parents and home for the first time. It’s clear they haven’t been dating very long, but she already knows something about his family secrets. Upon arrival, Owens family also knows something about Gina. It’s quick to jump right in which I do wish it made you guess a little more throughout the book rather than diving right in.
The dialog between Gina and Owen’s mother Marta is pretty cringey. Marta is very very creepily emotionally incestious towards her son and even uses disgusting dialogue out in the open which I find to be too unrealistic and makes me roll my eyes a little bit. The way she talks about Gina to other characters in front of Gina herself, is rude, but also kind of silly and just unbelievable IMO.
Pros: few characters to keep track of, quick paced and easy to read with fast chapters
Cons: cringey dialogue, repetitive descriptor words, leaves little to the imagination, unbelievable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An astute and gripping psychological thriller.
Emily has authored a clever, pleasing and compelling story.
Gina and Owen are happily together.
Before they become engaged, Owen wants Gina to meet his parents.
Grant and Marta are the perfect hosts with secrets galore.
They know more than they are letting on.
Marta does not like Gina and continues to make her uncomfortable.
But Gina has her own agenda and with vengeance in the front of the line only one of the women will have her victory.
Meet The Parents is mysterious, suspenseful and very hooking.
An exciting plot, interesting characters, a nice little twist and an unexpected ending.
Need to read more from Emily and will remedy that soon.
Unravel the secrets and enjoy the wild ride�..
An astute and gripping psychological thriller.
Emily has authored a clever, pleasing and compelling story.
Gina and Owen are happily together.
Before they become engaged, Owen wants Gina to meet his parents.
Grant and Marta are the perfect hosts with secrets galore.
They know more than they are letting on.
Marta does not like Gina and continues to make her uncomfortable.
But Gina has her own agenda and with vengeance in the front of the line only one of the women will have her victory.
Meet The Parents is mysterious, suspenseful and very hooking.
An exciting plot, interesting characters, a nice little twist and an unexpected ending.
Need to read more from Emily and will remedy that soon.
Unravel the secrets and enjoy the wild ride�..
October 10, 2024
This was a very twisty read. It starts off very quickly and I was so immersed in it that I just wanted to keep reading. The characters were so wicked and the ending had a real twist. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2025
Même si l'originalité n'est pas au rendez-vous, l'histoire parvient à divertir
August 8, 2024
I have been devouring thrillers this year. However, Meet The Parents didn’t do it for me. The plot was expressed very early on in the book. The “suspense� felt extremely slow and hard to read. The plot did not quicken until near 75% into the book.
August 30, 2024
I love this authors books. I can always count on a unique novel with twists, that I do not see coming.
Marta is the wife of a successful husband and their son Owen is the apple of his mothers� eye. Obsession for her son is not a strong enough word for her involvement in her son’s life.
When Owen, who is a successful doctor, brings Gina home to meet his parents he wants their approval. Owen knows THIS will not be easy. Her obsession for her son and the way she protects him comes with a hidden agenda.
I am not going to spoil anything, but this family has so many secrets and who will come out alive?
Thank you Bookouture for the advanced eARC.
Marta is the wife of a successful husband and their son Owen is the apple of his mothers� eye. Obsession for her son is not a strong enough word for her involvement in her son’s life.
When Owen, who is a successful doctor, brings Gina home to meet his parents he wants their approval. Owen knows THIS will not be easy. Her obsession for her son and the way she protects him comes with a hidden agenda.
I am not going to spoil anything, but this family has so many secrets and who will come out alive?
Thank you Bookouture for the advanced eARC.
September 18, 2024
This was predictable for me!
July 23, 2024
Owen is a surgeon and has recently met Gina who he is falling heavily for. As the relationship is of great importance to him, he decides to take Gina home to meet his parents, Grant and Marta Whitlock. He is quite anxious about how they will feel as this is the first girl he has wished his parents to meet, and he knows it will be his mother that will be the hardest to get approval from. Grant runs a successful business and Marta plays the role of adoring housewife and takes this position very seriously. Owen is their only child, and he is Marta’s world to the point of obsession.
Marta sets out a plan to get rid of Gina as soon as possible and Grant is in on this as well. But Gina may have her own reasons for being in a relationship with Owen, what will make this harder will be that she does fall in love with him which was not part of her original plan.
This is a very twisted tale, and everyone has their own agenda and secrets. Did these two really meet by chance or are there forces at work that instigated the whole relationship, each oblivious to the scheming and deception that is all around them. The book kept me entertained and I would recommend it to others.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Marta sets out a plan to get rid of Gina as soon as possible and Grant is in on this as well. But Gina may have her own reasons for being in a relationship with Owen, what will make this harder will be that she does fall in love with him which was not part of her original plan.
This is a very twisted tale, and everyone has their own agenda and secrets. Did these two really meet by chance or are there forces at work that instigated the whole relationship, each oblivious to the scheming and deception that is all around them. The book kept me entertained and I would recommend it to others.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
September 2, 2024
Meet The Parents by Emily Shiner
#Meettheparents
#Emilyshiner
Rating 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Oh boy, what a ride! Intriguing with a twist!
Emily never disappoints
My review
Gina is off to meet Owen's parents. They haven't been dating long. It's clear right away that his mother does not like Gina
Something happened to Gina when she was little, and Marta Owen's mom just may know something about it.
Marta doesn't want Owen to have anyone but her.
Gina is out for revenge. Meeting Owen was on purpose. Get him to fall in love with her. Meet his parents and deal with them. She never intended on falling in love with him back, and this Hard
When Gina gets to the house, strange things happen. Her cell phone charger is suddenly missing, and everything, including the garage, is locked
Gina knows Owen's parents are hiding a secret of the past that can bring them both under. Gina's aunt was killed long ago, and one or both of Owen's parents has answers about what happened
She just needs to stay alive long enough to get the proof she needs and without bringing suspicions to Owen as to what she's up to
#Meettheparents
#Emilyshiner
Rating 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Oh boy, what a ride! Intriguing with a twist!
Emily never disappoints
My review
Gina is off to meet Owen's parents. They haven't been dating long. It's clear right away that his mother does not like Gina
Something happened to Gina when she was little, and Marta Owen's mom just may know something about it.
Marta doesn't want Owen to have anyone but her.
Gina is out for revenge. Meeting Owen was on purpose. Get him to fall in love with her. Meet his parents and deal with them. She never intended on falling in love with him back, and this Hard
When Gina gets to the house, strange things happen. Her cell phone charger is suddenly missing, and everything, including the garage, is locked
Gina knows Owen's parents are hiding a secret of the past that can bring them both under. Gina's aunt was killed long ago, and one or both of Owen's parents has answers about what happened
She just needs to stay alive long enough to get the proof she needs and without bringing suspicions to Owen as to what she's up to
August 13, 2024
I received an ARC of Meet the Parents from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you to the publisher, Emily Shiner and NetGalley for the opportunity!
I am a big Emily Shiner fan, and consume her books rapidly when I get my hands on them. So I was very excited to see this one come up!
Owen takes his girlfriend Gina home for a long weekend to meet his parents Grant and Marta, and learns just how opulent of an upbringing Owen had. It’s clear that Marta despises Gina…and Grant has an unsavory fascination with her as well. Everyone seems to be keeping a secret…and it’s a huge game of clue. The way we bounce between present day perspective of Gina and her past is intoxicating and leaves the reader wanting more.
I was shocked at the last minute turn of events in this one, and I was left to speculate just what happened to everyone in the end. I highly recommend this fast paced read!
I am a big Emily Shiner fan, and consume her books rapidly when I get my hands on them. So I was very excited to see this one come up!
Owen takes his girlfriend Gina home for a long weekend to meet his parents Grant and Marta, and learns just how opulent of an upbringing Owen had. It’s clear that Marta despises Gina…and Grant has an unsavory fascination with her as well. Everyone seems to be keeping a secret…and it’s a huge game of clue. The way we bounce between present day perspective of Gina and her past is intoxicating and leaves the reader wanting more.
I was shocked at the last minute turn of events in this one, and I was left to speculate just what happened to everyone in the end. I highly recommend this fast paced read!
January 6, 2025
A very strong 3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️!
As if having to meet your boyfriend’s parents isn’t nerve wrecking enough, the characters in this book had me questioning everyone’s motives from beginning to end.
🔪
28-year-old Gina meets her short-term boyfriend’s seemingly perfect parents, but what starts as a warm welcome quickly unravels into a chilling nightmare. Although the big mystery is pretty easy to solve within the first half of the book, the Frieda McFadden-like twist at the end of the book was unexpected and bumped this book from a 3 ⭐️ to a 3.5!
🔪
I can confidently say I enjoyed Emily Shiner’s book. I have to point out last page of chapter 22. I felt like I was going pass out from the ANXIETY (in the best way, of course!)
🔪
I can’t lie, all four of the characters are really easy to hate. A part of me believes that serves a purpose in the long run, but at times, I was undeniably annoyed by each of their presence in different ways. Overall, certain parts of the story lack the depth that a strong 4-5 ⭐️ thriller would get, but I can appreciate the author’s buildup of the backstory.
🔪
All in all, I’d recommend this easy read, especially if you’re just getting into thrillers or enjoy a handful of anxiety-inducing moments.
As if having to meet your boyfriend’s parents isn’t nerve wrecking enough, the characters in this book had me questioning everyone’s motives from beginning to end.
🔪
28-year-old Gina meets her short-term boyfriend’s seemingly perfect parents, but what starts as a warm welcome quickly unravels into a chilling nightmare. Although the big mystery is pretty easy to solve within the first half of the book, the Frieda McFadden-like twist at the end of the book was unexpected and bumped this book from a 3 ⭐️ to a 3.5!
🔪
I can confidently say I enjoyed Emily Shiner’s book. I have to point out last page of chapter 22. I felt like I was going pass out from the ANXIETY (in the best way, of course!)
🔪
I can’t lie, all four of the characters are really easy to hate. A part of me believes that serves a purpose in the long run, but at times, I was undeniably annoyed by each of their presence in different ways. Overall, certain parts of the story lack the depth that a strong 4-5 ⭐️ thriller would get, but I can appreciate the author’s buildup of the backstory.
🔪
All in all, I’d recommend this easy read, especially if you’re just getting into thrillers or enjoy a handful of anxiety-inducing moments.
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