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.

When I saw that J.D. released an ARC for a new book I jumped on it! I loved 4mk trilogy and other books that he has written. This book did not disappoint, it was action packed and had great characters. I could not put it down and stayed up way too late to finish it. I loved this book.

Los libros que más me impresionan/asustan son aquellos que relatan cosas que se cree solo son "ficción" pero en realidad son un reflejo de la realidad. "matar a alguien por puntos en una aplicación" no creo este muy lejos de la vida real. Lamentablemente.
No sé ni cómo expresar todo lo que tengo en mente después de leer(puede que actualice mi reseña después) pero wow todo lo que pasan los protagonistas por descargar una aplicación es de locos.
Lo bueno: La trama me mantuvo hasta el final intentando entender que más pasaba. Era un susto todo el tiempo por ver que pasaba. Se me hizo original. Noe esperaba para nada el final en esa última "reunión de terapia"
Lo malo: Adivine algo de cierto personaje desde el principio, siento que fue muy obvio, 👀 los amigos no me agradaron 🙄 muy de doble moral y malos amigos si lo pensamos, y siento le faltó como más contexto en ciertas cosas que hacían y se daban por solucionadas de la nada. Me faltó más escenas eróticas jajaja no se siento le hubieran dado un toque Dark muy divertido.
Lo feo: Creo el final todo fue muy "conveniente" y no sentí sorpresa al descubrir cosas, no se. Creo le faltó algo a todo el desenlace.
Pd: Romeo y Juliet mis favoritos (estoy mal de la cabeza lo sé)

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This book was scarier than any horror novel out there. Our reliance on, and trust in, tech of all forms is horrifying, and this book tells a story that highlights just that.

Genius plot. Interesting characters. Sex. Murder. Love. Action. You need to read it. I would bet 1 million points that the movie will be amazing also! Now to find everything else he has ever written...

One couple’s marriage problems + a sexy app game of truth or dare should equal a good time.. but with J.D. Barker at the wheel- it was WILD! Action-packed, twisty, a little spicy.. I loved this! Definitely a little different from 4MK & A Caller’s Game (which I also loved!) but definitely up my alley. Behind a Closed Door is in my top 3 favorite reads of the year, for sure! (My husband is so jealous because he has to wait for the audio hehe)


I am so grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was somehow heartwarming and deeply disturbing all at once. I loved how relatable the characters and their marriage was. I was not the biggest fan of of how gory the murder details were but that is entirely a personal preference. I had visceral reactions to the heinous actions being committed, however it was extremely thrilling!

495 pages

3 and 1 / 2 stars

I simply adore Mr. Barker’s writing. I’ve read all of his previous novels and devoured them. They were so exciting, and very fast reads. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, even to sleep.

However, I did not enjoy this entry very much. It is a departure from his crime-related books. The antagonists were simply abhorrent to me.

That being said, Mr. Barker’s writing is consistently fine. His characters are fully formed and very vibrant. They are truly believable. I was there witnessing the horror, which made the experience worse for me. He has received five star ratings from me for his past novels. I will continue to read this author’s work. I am a dedicated fan.

I want to thank NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

I just finished Behind a Closed Door and this book made me want to get myself a burner phone. This book takes you on a wild ride and I love it! I’ve read some of JD Barker’s books and this is another 5 stars for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Hampton Creek Press for providing me the ARC.

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 in this sexually charged dark thriller.

First off I loved the cover! I am not normally a horror reader but because this was another favourite author I decided to give it a go. This is definitely something different from him as I have read all the books he has written and I did really enjoy it. It is an absolutely bazaar concept and not overly horrific, but incredibly fast paced that once you start you will race through as it s it is very hard to put down and is incredibly thrilling and gripping.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

Behind a Closed Door by @jdbarker_author is very dark, graphic and not for the faint hearted.

Brendan and Abbey are having marriage difficulties do enable tbf help of a marriage counsellor who recommends they download the app 'Sugar and Spice' to help spice up their marriage.

At first the app is harmless but then it gets dark, very dark. Brendan and Abbey must complete a series of challenges, test their friendships and stay together to stay alive.

This book has many twists and turns but also makes you seriously question our reliance on electronics and the influence and intrusion they have on our daily lives.

Switch off your phone, sit back and be prepared for edge of your seat suspense from beginning to end. I cannot wait for the TV series/film.

#suspensethriller #hamptoncreekpress #bookrecommendations #bookreviewer #halloweenreads #octoberreads #booklover #bookstagram

***Thank you to Net Galley, Hampton Creek Press & JD Barker for the chance to enjoy this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review***

One of life's biggest fears (at least for me anyway) is being watched. Technology has become so advanced in the matter of years that the idea of an app or some sort of social media platform can *watch* or monitor what we do is not only very plausible but also downright creepy.

In true JD Barker fashion, the story had me in a chokehold merely pages in. It was sleek, sexy, action-packed, and downright creepy. Our main characters are in a bad spot in their relationship. In comes the app Sugar & Spice. Think of like truth or dare but kind of sexy and a whole lot of wild.

Things go wrong and then they go very wrong.

It brings us to the question.... Would you kill a total stranger to protect/save your partner?

I think we would all react in various ways. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my read and I think you will too!

Love JD Barker - his stories have you on the edge of your seat.

Will definitely watch this if it's being made into a movie but remove the tag line Fifty Shades meets The Game..........Fifty Shades is nothing compared to this!

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy

5/5

I went in to this world blind and was pleasantly surprised when I realized I was getting similar vibes to the movie Nerve (the one with Emma Roberts and Dave Franco).

The story takes place with Abby and Brendan at a marriage counseling session. An app is recommended to them to help spice up their relationship; think truth or dare but for adults. Or in this case, sugar and spice.

If you’ve seen the movie Nerve, then you can imagine how WILD and… deadly, things can get when truths, dares, and technology begin to take over.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hampton Creek Press for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. Behind A Closed Door absolutely blew my mind! It was a tense, adrenaline filled, wild ride of a story. I can't recommend it highly enough.
It drew me in immediately and didn't let go the whole way through. I stayed up until 2am to finish it, I just couldn't put it down.

The concept is scarily possible in an age like ours, with such advanced technology.
It has everything I love in a good psychological thriller: Darkness, great twists, relatable characters, a bit of spice and a genius storyline.

I loved Abby and Brendan. I genuinely cared what happened to them, which made the book more tense and exciting to read.
Romeo and Juliet were great characters too, I both loved and hated them.

I love how diverse JD is with his writing, you never know where he's going to go next, but I always look forward to finding out.

5 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️