Abby and Brendan have been married a long time and are stuck in a rut. Determined to save their marriage, they agree to see a counselor who asks them about their sex life. Admittedly, things have gone a bit stale in that department, so she recommends the hottest new app: Sugar and Spice. It’s a sort of truth or dare for adults with a points system that first puts Abby and Brendan playfully at odds. They’re competitive by nature and each wants to hold the high score. Many sugars and some hot, hot spices later, their marriage might not be fixed but their sex life is turbo-charged.

Cut to the killers. It wouldn’t be a JD Barker novel without some twisted sadist, so what motivates Romeo and Juliet to check off names on a hit list gleefully? And what does it have to do with Abby and Brendan?

When the Sugars and Spices take a nasty twist Abby and Brendan want out, but it’s too late. Sugar and Spice isn’t for quitters.

JD Barker has written a steamy, playful, and terrifying novel about couples, the bonds forged from adversity, the dangers of technology, and the power of greed. I couldn’t put it down! What starts as an R-rated story about a couple ended up being a fast-paced thriller with a tech twist. If I wanted to turn in my virtual assistant devices before Behind a Closed Door, I’d gladly donate them all now. Highly recommended for readers who don’t mind their thrillers extra spicy. I especially loved the Author’s Note at the end. JD “made the words” and I’m so glad he did.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and JD Barker for the ARC of Behind a Closed Door.

Labelled as an erotical thriller, this book (and soon film apparently) is so, so much more!

It will play with your emotions, your sense of logic and what's right and wrong - when a game is just a game and shouldn't have real life consequences, or should it? How far would YOU go? For many who downloaded the Sugar and Spice app, they went all the way - all in an effort to win the ultimate prize.

The tasks given out by the Sugar and Spice are carefully orchestrated so the players get roped in and are prepared to complete tasks which are subtly getting more and more borderline to what's allowed in the eye of the law - until it's waaaay past.

Psychology and human greed at their best!

Take A Deep Breath And Hold it Cuz You Won’t Take Time For Another One Until You Finish JD. Barker’s Latest Book

I won’t take your time describing the plot of Behind A Closed Door, J.D. Barker’s latest thriller, as this is already quite well done in the Book Description above; and because I think it’s one of those books that the less you know prior to starting, the more you’ll find your pulse pounding from beginning to end.

For me, Behind A Closed Door grabbed my interest from about the very first word, held me captive throughout, and didn’t allow me to take another breath until the very last word. Now, how many books can you honestly say that about that you’ve read???

I found the first half of this book hooked me due to its interesting characters and the ultra-intriguing app that has taken over their lives. An app you might not personally want to follow ...but also one you won’t be able to stop yourself from reading about. The second half of of the book is filled with exciting action, action and more action, which finally concludes with an almost heart-stopping ending.

Now, with that being said, it’s important to realize that Behind A Closed Door is a book that requires the reader to be willing on many times to suspend disbelief, both in terms of the characters’ actions and dialogue, as well as some plot twists. If this seems like it would bother you, then I suggest you skip this book. This, however, was not a big problem for me, nor do I think it will be for many of Barker’s fans. In the hands of lesser writers, Behind A Closed Door—with all of its many plot elements and characters — would not succeed very well. But that is far from the case with J.D. Barker as its author. If you’ve read any of Barker’s other book's I think you know that he excels at (what he calls) “literary popcorn” and in making the readers feel that they are “right there” in the middle of all that happens in the story.

While not my favorite book by J.D. Barker, what he delivers in Behind A Closed Door, despite its limitations, is all I could have asked for in a thriller to help me escape from some of the realities of life.

#Behind A Closed Door #Net Galley

What a perfectly dark, twisted and delicious thriller! Barker is always able to suck me in from the beginning of his books, and this one was no different!

Abby and Brendan Hollanders marriage is on the rocks, and after their couples counselor suggests spicing things up with the app Sugar and Spice, their world gets thrown into a game of Sex, mystery and murder.

This was hands down one of the best thrillers I’ve read in awhile. Thank you NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for my ARC, in exchange for my honest feedback!

Absolutely fantastic read, as expected from JD Barker!
It kept me gripped from the first page and I sped through the whole book in two sittings. I absolutely couldn't put it down.

Thrilling until the end!

Behind A Closed Door begins with a therapy session. A couple's relationship, Abby and Brendan Hollander's marriage is in trouble. When the first session ends, their therapist recommends that they download an app called Sugar and Spice to improve their sex life.

In the beginning, the app seems interested in only spicing their sex life but progressively it becomes more intense until the app asks Abby to kill someone or Brendan will die. Abby believes this is true but she is nowhere near ready to murder a stranger or is she?

J.D. Barker writes very interesting characters that take over your life while reading his books. I could not put this book down. I had to know how it was all related and what ending was I getting.

Was I able to guess some of the twists? Yes, but not all of them. This could be a great movie!

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Hampton Creek Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is not a typical J D Barker book but I liked the idea and the way it was executed. Well, after reading this you might think twice before installing any application on your phone.

A couple, Abby and Brendan seek a help of a therapist and come to know of a app called Sugar and Spice that could help them to win their trust and spice of their relationship back. The app first gives them easy and sexy tips in the form of truth and dare later taking a drastic turn.

It was a typical cat and mouse tale and the deaths in between the chapters made it interesting. Although I thought the ending could have been a bit better but nevertheless I really enjoyed the read.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the review copy.

I want to start off with a huge thank you to NetGalley, Hampton Creek Press, and J. D. Barker for an eARC of this title.

I kept hearing about J.D. Barker from people posting about how amazing the The Fourth Monkey (A 4MK Thriller) series was. Its on my to be read lest, but I have yet to get to it. When I saw this title available for request I took a shot, not thinking I would get selected. I'm sure glad I did.

From the first few pages I was into it and could not get enough. The book does not disappoint and had me from the start. The more I read the more I wanted to read and the entire time I was picturing this like a movie. I kept thinking to myself now I have to go read the 4MK series. J.D Barker takes the reader on a wild ride and I look forward to checking out more from this author.

D Barker has a knack for creating irresistibly engrossing books. Despite usually facing a mental block with longer reads, I breezed through the 4M series and this one, finding them to be remarkably quick reads.

"Behind A Closed Door" plunges readers into the complex dynamics of Abby and Brendan's relationship, which is initially reignited by the suggestion of a therapist-recommended app called Sugar & Spice. However, as the app gradually assumes greater control, the couple becomes enmeshed in a mysterious and dangerous game orchestrated by unseen forces. Suspicion and distrust loom large as they navigate the treacherous web they find themselves entangled in.

While some aspects of the story may verge on the extravagant, it serves to highlight the unsettling plausibility of the narrative. Brendan and Abby's gradual realization mirrors our own tendency to unquestioningly accept the terms and conditions of digital platforms, never anticipating the potentially perilous consequences.

For fans of JD Barker's work and those who crave a blend of sizzle, danger, and skillfully crafted thrills, "Behind A Closed Door" comes highly recommended.

I found the book to be refreshingly original, resembling the excitement of watching a blockbuster action movie. Contrary to my expectations based on the 4MK series, the book took an unexpected turn. The first part was notably rich in spice, while the latter half was action-packed. Overall, I enjoyed the book, appreciating its departure from typical thriller conventions and its unique premise.

It was worth the wait of 2 years for Barker's new book....WOW!!!! This book makes "50 Shades of Grey" look like a fairy tale! I could not put this book down and honestly it gave me heart palpitations.. You will definitely be very cautious of apps you download - this book brings technology and sex apps to the next level - so scary!!! J.D. - please don't make us wait too long for your next book.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the awesome opportunity to read Behind a Closed Door by JD Barker . Sugar & Spice is the latest app craze taking the world by storm, but for Abby and Brendan Hollander, downloading it leads to a dangerous game of life and death. When the app assigns them a series of increasingly taboo tasks, they soon find themselves caught up in a twisted web of seduction and violence. This book was an on edge of seat keep wanting what’s next book. I loved it to the end!

I don’t have enough words to describe this book. I’m so thankful to be able to read this book early through netgalley. I got it around Christmas and was so excited my husband laughed at me! I love J.D. Barker books and craved more of his books so when this one showed up I was so very happy. This book will take you on a roller coaster ride of action, love and suspense.The characters you get to know each and everyone you build that likable and anger towards them and the ending was perfect and not seen coming and I love to read his author notes all I can say is thank you Mr. Barker for hitting send finally to share this book with us.

I am a massive J.D. Barker fan and this book did not disappoint! Abby and Brendan, are having some marriage problems, after a few therapy sessions, they find themselves downloading an app calles "Sugar & Spice". At first the app is fun with its questions and fun little dares but eventually things begin to take a turn.

All it takes is one Spice that Abby doesn't complete, and the game turns from fun to destructive. This is going to make a great film, as it was a super unique and fun read. However, as much fun I had with this one, I also found myself loosing focus at some points.

nah nah nahhhh
she said they trust her scalpel so i know you’re in on it!!!
i just don’t know… how… >_>
<_<
for how long this felt (and happily so!)
i feel i need another book
i need to delve further
come on jd
chop chop
tell me you’re writing a sequel
go ahead and comment on this post bc i know you’re gonna see this! 👀😤
who da heck is elsa!
what is going on at the end! i need more answers
i sped read and couldn’t put this down, had to know what was going on

Sugar and Spice, but it’s not always nice!

Abby and Brendan Hollander’s marriage has become a little stale, and they decide that some counselling sessions will help. Their therapist Dr Donetti suggests they download an app called Sugar and Spice that is apparently taking the world by storm. They take her advice in order to help spice things up. Big mistake!

Initially it puts a little welcome steam back into their love life, but as the app sends ever more weird and dangerous missions for them to complete, they realise (too late) that it’s completely taken over their lives.

Well, ten out of ten for originality Mr Barker. This is a cautionary tale about clicking on some random app without checking (All) the terms of service - and how many of us actually do that - that small print that goes on forever? The app turns out to be a very dark and dangerous online game, but it provided lots of tension and it was certainly a page turner! I always thought my smartphone was the best that technology could offer - the bees knees, but ‘ Behind A Closed Door’ got me thinking that there was a lot to be said for my old flip phone after all!

3.75rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for the ARC .
This book was a wild ride. There’s several plot twists that kept me guessing, and I was thoroughly entertained throughout the book. Good read!

This author is one of my favorite authors of late, he has a real masterful way of telling a story that really grabs your attention and keeps it. Abby and Brendan have been married for a while, hoping for a child, both working and both feel like they want more from their relationship, so decide to see a therapist. She recommends they download an app, Sugar and Spice (this book will make you think twice about downloading an app) is an app that promises to add some excitement to a relationship, at first both Abby and Brendan pick Sugar types of challenges, most are a little risky, sex in an elevator, buying and wearing expensive/sexy clothing, touching sexually in public. But then the Spice challenges start, and they aren't so sexy and that's where things get scary. Another story line follows Romeo and Juliet (a not so romantic couple, they appear to be murdering indiscriminately) , at first what they do doesn't tie together with what is happening with Abby and Brendan, until their paths cross and things go from scary to downright terrifying and Abby and Brendan are in a fight for their life as well as trying to figure out what or who is behind the chaos that has become their life. I will say I found the beginning made me a bit squeamish with some of the sex acts, but once past that I really did enjoy this and would recommend it. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Hampton Creek Press for the ARC.

During a marriage counseling session, Abby and Brendan are given a suggestion to download a relationship app called Sugar and Spice to add some inspiration into their marriage. Brendan is a financial analyst who discovers that a company he is assigned to investigate is siphoning money into a secret account. Abby is a writing her second novel and decides to use inspiration for her new book from the Sugar and Spice tasks they are given from the app. Little did they know, the app takes over every “smart” device in their lives. They discover millions have downloaded the app and earn points for every task they complete, and with each task completed the next task becomes more daring. Soon the app becomes deadly putting Brendan and Abby at the top of the hit list.

by J.D. Barker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WHAT A PAGE TURNER!!!

J. D. Barker is a fantastic author who just isn't talked about enough and I don't understand why! If this is your first time trying this author I STRONGLY suggest you start 'A Callers Game' or 'The Fourth Monkey' series next.

I loved the concept of this book, it had a real John Marrs feel to it. (in particular 'The Passengers') it also made me want to ditch my smart phone.

Can not recommend this book enough as a must read for 2024