This book had such a different and original storyline that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It’s not very often that I literally cannot put a book down but Sweat had me forgetting to blink.

It comes with some rather heavy and specific trigger warnings, including abusive/toxic relationships, control and food related topics.

It sheds light on abusive relationships, highlighting that it is not necessarily about violence, and that controlling behaviour can have just as a negative impact through food, diet and exercise. It also shows the after effects of abusive relationships as the main character, Cassie, is battling with paranoia and an inability to be honest about her trauma.

I loved the writing style, the way each chapter signifies a dual timeline, leading perfectly to past events that help better understand the characters. Each page had me wondering what was about to happen, which is exactly what I want from a book like this.

Emma Healey allows the reader to feel various emotions about the main characters, from sympathy to frustration. WHY WON’T ANYBODY LISTEN TO CASSIE? But as you progress, you notice how the abuse can affect an individual's perspective on their experiences and those around them.

Such a fantastic read! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this arc ebook to read.

This book made me uncomfortable, angry, frustrated and I was as on the edge of my seat the entire read. This book is told through two different timelines and by our main character, Cassie. We experience what her life was like with her abusive ex, Liam, and how it is now in the present day when he makes a return. All characters were deeply flawed and I felt myself being so frustrated for Cassie and anxious alongside her. Liam was terrifying with his abusive tactics as much as he was infuriating. I found myself pleading with characters to believe Cassie throughout. Though this book was triggering and I was angry while reading, I couldn’t put down, needing to know what was going to happen next. The ending did frustrate me but I didn’t expect it to be sunshine and rainbows as the entirety of the book didn’t elude to it being a happy ending. Brilliant psychological thriller.

Sweat follows Cassie who is working as a personal trainer after she has left an abusive relationship with her ex boyfriend, Liam. An opportunity is presented to Cassie and it means she gets to look at men without fear which women never get to do.

This was an absolutely amazing book and it was so compelling. I’ve never read from this author before but I’ll definitely read from them again. I don’t want to give any spoilers for the book so just be warned that this has some big triggers for abusive relationships/eating disorders. The writing was very good and I loved reading about Cassie and her experience. It was uncomfortable at times because one minute I felt anger and the next I felt pity. It had some fantastic commentary on abusive relationships, particularly the way women and men are viewed differently. For example, men being seen as caring or protective when really it is controlling behaviour. I loved reading this and I’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy when it releases. I’m just sad I have to wait so long for a physical copy. This is 5 stars for me and I would 100% recommend this. I would actually recommend this for fans of Piglet by Lottie Hazel because the tone was very similar and it had some similar commentary when it came to food and weight.

I really really enjoyed this and it was a really original story. You were kept in suspense all the way through with many twists and turns. It wasn't what I expected and was really well written.

Fast-paced, unputdownable thriller! I read this so fast because I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen with Cass and Liam. An unlikeable cast which I loved! Incredibly frustrating where you want to shout at all the characters to listen, the writing is great if you get that kind of reaction from readers.

This book had me on the edge of my seat and made me so uncomfortable. The characters were flawed and incredibly difficult to read about. Cassie was paranoid, and rightfully so, given her abusive relationship with Liam. I didn’t necessarily enjoy Cassie as a main character, but I still felt her anxiety and panic and sympathised with her. The book is told through two timelines as Cassie revisits her abusive relationship with Liam through her present day connection with him. I was furious reading this book, screaming internally for someone to listen to Cassie and believe her. Liam was so incredibly infuriating, and equally terrifying with his abusive tactics and controlling behaviour. I couldn’t put this book down, I needed to know what was going to happen, even though I was so angry reading. A scary reminder of the control people have over us.