JD Barker co-wrote The Coast to Coast murder with James Patterson and it was one of my favourite books for the year....so I was ridiculously excited to get my hands on Behind a Closed Door.

We have Abby and Brendan who at their first marriage counseling session, when their counselor suggests they try the Sugar and Spice app to help connect them again and spice things up.

We also meet Romeo and Juliet who seem to be on some sort of murderous spree..... and then Brendan and Abby's best friends, Hannah and Stuckey. Eventually one realises the app is more sinister and not just about spicing up relationships....

The book started off intriguing and the writing is great, I do love Barker's writing style, but there was just something that didn't connect me to the pages. I did finish it though, so maybe that counts for something.

There was one twist that was very obvious to me, one scene that was really disturbing as a woman, and perhaps that got me checked out. I didn't have the desire to keep turning the pages and I didn't feel that there was much tension or suspense for me. Perhaps it was the legal/financial jargon that I didn't enjoy or need....I think that possibly a different angle around that plot would have had me more invested.

I will say that reading the Author's notes at the end of the book, I can appreciate why he wrote the book, it really is a cautionary tale of how technology is taking over the world....literally!

As said in the blurb, would you kill a total stranger to save someone you love?

This alone drew me into this book, it gets you thinking doesn’t it? Would you?

Abby and Brandon are struggling within their marriage, they go to see a therapist who tells them to try this new craze app that everyone is going on about - I mean, it’s the highest rated app, so trustworthy, right?

The app starts with a bit of fun, boosting their sex life, but then things get deeper, more sinister asks are popping up. Soon the couple find their lives being dragged through some very dark stuff.

Without giving any more away, you must read this book! I thought the overall experience of the book was brilliant, I did struggle personally about 3/4 of the way through and I just wanted to find out what happens, but the ending did not disappoint

Let me first state that I am a big fan of J.D. Barker.

Then let me say that "Behind a Closed Door" exhausted me. There is that much action. It's almost two books within a book. We open with steamy sex that builds and builds. Then the intrigue comes onboard and we start a more typical Barker adventure through the twists, turns, and action that make his books to addicting.

"Behind Closed Doors" is a layered novel that should keep J.D.'s fans satiated for awhile. Then again, it might have us begging for more. Read it and see.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a new book by JD Barker available. As much as I have enjoyed reading his past books, this one not so much. The subject matter was not a comfortable read. While I am sure that Mr Barker’s many fans will enjoy the book, this one was not for me.

Thank you the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book

Wow. The app Sugar & Spice is truth or dare for adults. The key word is “adult,” so the book begins with much erotica. Then the tune changes to violence, bloody and painful. Throw in debauchery. Almost 500 pages of these tunes was a bit much for me. I liked the ending and the lesson it has.

The producer of “Get Out” has bought rights to this novel. Be prepared to wince while watching!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Barker is back with his unique brand of horror and I could not be happier.

Sugar & Spice is the app everyone is talking about. But downloading it could be deadly!

On the advice of their therapist ( my alarm bells went off), Abby and Brendan download the app, thinking it will lead to some erotica and put the spice back in their relationship. The app tells them to do things. At first, not too out there. But the tasks get progressively more shocking. And violent.

There are multiple story lines here and that keeps you on the edge, trying to figure out who is behind this sick game.

At first I thought we were going in a different direction. Maybe a bit of S&M? Nope, it’s just Barker setting up another dark and twisted tale. Thank goodness!

Netgalley/ IBPA, Hampton Creek Press, May 06,2024

"Sugar and Spice and all things nice..."

Not so much!

This one is a little different from the author's previous books. Abby and Brendan Hollander have decided to see a therapist to work on some of the issues in their marriage. When their therapist suggested an app titled Sugar & Spice, they decided to give it a try. It will bring a little heat, sizzle, and steam back to their marriage. Things start interesting enough but soon the app is giving them more twisted and dangerous things to do.

Initially, I wondered is Barker veering off into S&M territory? Is this his foray into erotica? Not so fast! There are many layers to this story. We have our main characters - Abby and Brendan Hollander and their friends. But there is also Romeo and Juliet who are killing people that an unnamed person (on a phone) is instructing them to do so. There is a lot more at play in this book than I initially thought there was. A lot of dangerous and sinister things are at play!

J.D. Barker's books are original and unique. They are also well written and well thought out. I had no idea where this book was going or how everything was connected. When everything came together, I had several "aha" moments and thought very clever and well played, Barker, well played.

For me this was a mixed bag. There were parts that I thought were absolutely brilliant and other parts where my attention waivered a little. But overall, I enjoyed this unique book and appreciated the author's note at the end of the book where he shares what inspired him to write this book. It was extremely relevant and timely.

Original, dark, well written, thought provoking, and captivating.

Where to start? Hmm...I love J.D. Barker's writing! He's never written a story I didn't like/love/suck me into its world. BEHIND A CLOSED DOOR was the ultimate roller coaster ride.

No spoilers, of course. You'll need to read the book, I hate when people ruin the story by saying and then THIS happened... I'll tell you that this is the story of two couples who start out loading an app and playing a game. Things evolve from there. I don't think that J.D. outlines, rather he writes as the characters evolve. So, don't assume you can figure this out. This author has one of the most twisted minds imaginable. This novel builds to a kickass ending that I just loved.

Book clubs take note: J.D. has even written some questions for you to take to your group. It's sure to help get the conversations flowing.

I can't wait to read (and see) everything else he has coming. Another thought before I leave. CLOSED DOOR seems to have a running theme of love. Looking for a love story? Here's a five star thriller love story

"Behind a Closed Door" by J.D. Barker is a gripping and suspenseful novel that introduces readers to the dark and dangerous world of the Sugar & Spice app. This book promises a thrilling ride, combining elements of romance, mystery, and psychological suspense.

The story revolves around Abby and Brendan Hollander, a couple whose decision to download the Sugar & Spice app sets off a series of events that will challenge them in unexpected and perilous ways. The app assigns them tasks that escalate in taboo nature, leading them into a sinister game where the stakes are life and death.

Described as a fusion of "50 Shades" and David Fincher's "The Game," the novel holds the promise of a sexually charged dark thriller. The comparison suggests a narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships and the psychological toll of participating in a game that blurs the lines between seduction and violence.

The tagline, "Would you kill a total stranger to save someone you love?" immediately raises ethical and moral dilemmas, setting the stage for intense and thought-provoking scenarios. The book seems to explore the lengths to which individuals are willing to go when pushed to the limits, particularly in the name of love and survival.

J.D. Barker, known for his mastery of suspense, brings his storytelling prowess to this novel. As the New York Times bestselling author of "The Fourth Monkey," Barker has established himself as a skilled writer in the thriller genre. Readers can expect a well-crafted narrative with twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seats.

The promise of a major motion picture adds an extra layer of anticipation, suggesting that the story's visual elements and intense atmosphere will translate effectively to the screen.

In summary, "Behind a Closed Door" appears to be a tantalizing thriller that explores the dark side of technology, love, and human nature. With its intriguing premise, the novel aims to deliver an immersive reading experience filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected twists.

If took me a few minutes to really wrap my head around this book. There’s suspense & murder & it all feels like a game but then things take a turn for the better and for the worst. I enjoyed it. I unfortunately won’t be reaching for it again because I was Looking for different kind of vibes. I’d say that there tons of suspense & it’s a great thriller but I’m more a a Spicy Dark Romance Person.

If you are a fan of the 4 Monkey series by J.D. Barker he has an ARC on Netgalley of his newest release Behind a Closed Door.

I just finished this action packed thriller. It kept up late into the night and I enjoyed this more than the 4MK series. It has trigger warnings and is more sexually graphic than some of his other novels.

Abby and Brendan have hit a rough patch in their marriage. On the recommendation of their marriage counselor they download an app called Sugar & Spice. The app is similar to truth or dare but for couples and bedroom related activities. As the prompts from the app progress things start to get pushed too far. How far will Abby and Brendan go to save their marriage and each other? It was thrilling to read and find out. I give this book a solid four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley, Hampton Creek Publishing, and J.D. Barker for this ARC.

While mostly known for his 4MK series, J.D. Barker does not disappoint in his newest novel. Filled with the same thrills, twists and mind bending story line that makes his books so good, yet it’s unique enough to not be anything like 4MK.
The content of the book is more adult that his previous titles however it does not detract from the story itself. It was a thrilling and engaging book that I could not put down! He did it again.
Follow a couple as they download an app to help strengthen their relationship. Suddenly the innocent Sugar and Spice “games” start to get too real and dangerous yet they can’t seem to be free of it. The harder they try and get away, the more they see just how much of society is involved and under this app’s control.
Highly recommended and completely worth the read.

This is a twisted book hands down. however you won't be able to put it down. the author is brilliant.

I'm so glad Mr. Barker "made the words." While it was a long wait, it was certainly worth it. This is non-stop action and I savored every minute of it.

Romeo and Juliet are great characters and they really love each other, but it is a twisted relationship. The first few Sugar & Spice prompts were kind of exciting. I knew they might get darker, just not how much.

Welcome back JD! We missed you!

★ ★ ★ ★ //5

Behind A Closed Door
by: J.D. Barker

THOUGHTS:

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book by the author and I am loving the writing style, everything about it. This book was such a tense fast paced read! I was literally sitting at the edge of my seat the entire time. I sat and took the time to dedicate and entire day to this book and I read from front to back. I loved all of the twists and turns that were put into this read. I enjoyed the characters, I felt as though their dynamic, growth and development through the book was perfect and I felt as though they were relatable. This book gave me a whole new thought to Truth or Dare and I was absolutely here for it. I cannot wait for more to come out from JD and I will absolutely be recommending this book and this author to my book besties.

Thanks @netgalley and Hampton Creek Press for this ARC. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was eager to read this book because I loved @jdbarker_author’s 4MK series. Those books were disturbing. This one might be more so, but in a very different way. Read the reviews first and know that the book is graphic, disturbing, and probably not for everyone. I was shocked so many times during this book. I also though could not put it down and did not expect that ending at all. Wow! It’s a very different kind of book, but Barker is one incredible suspense writer. Things started to come together for a conclusion at the 40% mark, and he had me on the edge of my seat for the next 60% of the book. A really interesting lesson/commentary is embedded in here too. All of this together makes the book very worthy of a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rating. Coming your way in May 2024.

I absolutely could not put this book down! It was incredible, sexy, and thrilling. The beginning of the story could have lead multiple ways- all of them would have been great. This would make a great movie or TV show and I think you could do what other authors have done- start off the same, but take the plot a new direction.

The only edit I noticed was in chapter 71 it says "piss-pore" I think that should be "piss-poor."

What drew me to Behind A Closed Door was the 'Soon to be a major motion picture!' tag. The synopsis sounded right up my alley and I had to get on board.... Little did I know it would be the crazy train!

This book didn't really feel like a horror (Although there is definitely graphic violence), which is one of the genres mentioned with it. I felt it was more sci-fi/tech, action, slightly erotic (At times) with a hint of mystery. Reading this was just one one hell of a ride. I really was left at times wondering, 'What did I just read?' This was my first J.D. Barker book and if I'm honest, I don't think it'll be my last. His writing style is definitely one I favour.

Each time I thought I had things worked out, I was hit with something else. Honestly, I was laughing on minute and then it was like a switch being flicked! The characters I don't really want to talk about, you need to make your own mind up about them and that includes Abby and Brendan. All I will add if you like a good conspiracy mystery on ACID, then this might be for you!

A solid 4 stars, I read this over a few sittings. I loved the whole App thing and the 'game' made it a unique read for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a fan of JD Barker since discovering the 4MK series years ago. I immediately became obsessed with Barker's way of telling a story and have loved everything he's written since. Behind a Closed Door seemed like a different type of book than what Barker had previously written but right up my alley. I enjoyed this scandalous, at times steamy thriller and couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

I believe this will definitely be a buzz book come May 2024!

Behind a Closed Door is a phenomenal thriller, a cautionary tale that delves deep into the modern day obsession with technology.
Abby and Brendan have hit a rut in their marriage. When their new therapist suggests a spicy app that’s supposed to bring couples closer together, they decide why not?
What starts out as all fun and games turns into a deadly high stakes competition where no one can be trusted.
This is a sexy, past paced thriller that really gets you thinking about what we put out into the world through our apps and who may be listening on the other end.
My only complaint with this book is that the main characters best friends are insufferable from the second that they’re introduced.
I loved Abby and Brendan’s relationship and their growth throughout the book and I really enjoyed how thought provoking Behind a Closed Door is.
This was my first J.D. Barker book but it definitely won’t be my last!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.