I loved Elizabeth Is Missing but struggled with this novel. I think this is largely because my main requirement for enjoying a book is that I have to care about at least one of the characters, and I found myself profoundly unmoved by anyone in Sweat, least of all the protagonist, Cassie.

I understand that there needed to be a motive for her to want revenge against her controlling ex but the device used by the author to allow for this was just laughably unrealistic in my opinion. And after that, I was unable to really engage. I finished the book because I want to maintain my review ratio in return for the ARC, but if this hadn’t been a Netgalley choice I would’ve given up. Two stars for a topical theme.

I didn't read Elizabeth is Missing so came to this entirely because the premise stood out to me. I was so drawn in by Cassie; it's impossible not to empathise with her as you learn the backstory of her relationship with Liam and Emma Healey does a remarkable job making the reader more and more uncomfortable as Cassie's behaviour becomes increasingly erratic and dangerous. It's all written with such nuance and the gym setting and focus on the body is so well captured.

That said, I found the thriller-y aspect didn't really deliver for me. The tension ratcheted up so much over the course of the novel and then collapsed in a quite silly (sorry!) scene that didn't feel in character for either person involved.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this for the characterisation, exploration of a workplace and culture we don't often see, and the uncomfortable, murky moral position it puts the reader in, rather than the thriller plot so I'll very much still be recommending it.

This book was wildly different from what I was expecting - in a great way. I've never read anything quite so oddly captivating and spine tingling, while also being incredibly frustrating. It's the type of book that makes you want to shake the main character until she's awake (and eats a nice snack!)
I did find the first few chapters to be extremely slow, to the point of me almost giving up - but it absolutely picked up in the second half. My main critique, though, is that while I found the main character of Cassie to be incredibly fierce and powerful, I didn't understand her "why" until it was clearly revealed until about 2/3 of the way through this story. As much as I was invested in what was happening, I also really just didn't get along with her actions.

This book deserves every trigger and content warning under the sun - but if you can get past that... highly worth it for as satisfying an ending as you could hope for, I suppose. I'll be thinking about this one for a while...

I recently finished reading the book "Sweat," and it was quite different from what I was expecting. Despite that, I found myself loving it. It's a captivating dark thriller that delves into the theme of "control" and how it can manifest in various ways. While the book was challenging and uncomfortable to read at times, I was completely engrossed and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to thank net galley and the editorial for allow me to access this book

Sweat is a very interesting, unique, and dark thriller. What would you do if you came face to face with your abuser again, and they were blind?

The main theme throughout the book is “control” and how it can manifest. It’s a difficult and uncomfortable read for the most part, but I was completely hooked and read it in the space of a couple hours.

I just had to know how it was going to end; genuinely felt on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn’t put it down.

Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for something fast-paced, but please check trigger warnings before reading.

Sweat is a clever and disturbing thriller that delves into the complexities of coercive control and toxic relationships. At its core, the book follows the intense and unsettling dynamic between Liam and Cassie. Liam, obsessed with physical perfection, believes that by pushing Cassie to her limits, he’s helping her reach her full potential. Their relationship, once fuelled by exercise and a shared desire to be their "optimum selves," becomes suffocating as Liam controls every aspect of Cassie’s life.

When Cassie finally walks away, leaving Liam and their unhealthy relationship behind, she rebuilds her life, becoming stronger and healthier in every way. But two years later, when she unexpectedly crosses paths with Liam, the sight of him reignites something within her. However, this time the tables have turned—Cassie holds the power, and it’s Liam’s turn to sweat.

The book brilliantly captures how controlling behaviour can quietly infiltrate a relationship, gradually tightening its grip. The portrayal of body image issues and the obsession with exercise as a tool for control is both realistic and thought-provoking. The dual timelines, seamlessly switching between Cassie’s past and present, are handled expertly, adding depth without confusion.

Sweat is a gripping, cleverly crafted story that will resonate with readers, particularly in its exploration of power, control, and reclaiming one’s life. Highly recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with substance.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview.

This was a really enjoyable read. The main character was well written and relatable. It does delve into some difficult relationship dynamics which could be hard for some to read.

I was drawn in quite quickly and found myself NEEDING to know how it played out. I enjoyed some of the dark humour that was included throughout the book. It felt like Cassie got the opportunity to act on all those things you think you would do if you could get away with, and I thought her struggling with that was well written.

I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a good thriller.

This is a clever and disturbing thriller which demonstrates really authentically how coercive and controlling behaviour can creep into relationships. There's also some really interesting themes of body image and 'excercise for weight loss'. As a surivior of domestic abuse, I found the descriptions really familiar and believable. It's a really gripping and clever premise too.



With thanks to Cornerstone and Netgalley for the ARC.

Such an uncomfortable read, a coercively controlling toxic 'relationship'. I agree with other reviews that all of the forms of coercive controlling behaviour should have been named and put under the spotlight.

TW: emotional/mental abuse, control, food control, eating disorders, attempted murder.

This was an emotional uncomfortable read but it was executed brilliantly. Cassie's a personal trainer who thinks she's managed to get rid of her abusive ex boyfriend Liam. Until one day he turns up at her gym but he's different. A brain tumor has made him blind so Cassie decides it's time for a little payback but nothing with Liam can ever end well. This shows how easy it is to end up in an abusive relationship without even really knowing it's happening and how it feels when no one believes what you're saying and how it can continue to affect your life even after you think you've healed. This goes back and forth between Cassie and Liam's relationship and their time together now and I honestly think this was the best way to really get a feel for the characters. I felt for Cassie and it makes it so much worse knowing women and men all over the world are going through things like this all the time. This is a hard read so I'd go into it knowing that but it had me gripped from the first page and I couldn't put it down I needed to know how it would end. Highly recommend.

Triggers: abusive r’ship. I did find the first few chapters a bit drawn out. But, it was overall a thought provoking and juicy read. FMC development and personality is ever changing and keeps you reading.

Didn't love this, found it to be quite slow - but the ending picked up and would recommend for the strong voice.

This book is incredible!

I loved how well written it was, I loved Cassie and her character. I think the growth of her character is one of the best I have read this year so far!

The dual timelines flowed perfectly, and you didnt find them confusing.

Check trigger warnings - but this read is great! Go in blind.

I did struggle a little with this book. I felt it was a little dragged out and found myself rushing through parts.

However I did like the concept and the book did explore some difficult issues like addiction and obsession. There was an aspect of control between the characters and the way in which it was presented was interesting as I didn’t always know what to believe which extended the theme of manipulation.

There were plenty of twists to keep me reading and overall it wasn’t a disappointing read. Definitely worth a go.

I didn't enjoy this book. I found the idea that the ex-boyfriend couldn't identify the protagonist as unbelievable. However, I thought combining the control over food and exercise was an interesting concept.

Another strong novel from Healey. Sweat had me gripped and had solid pacing and characterisation. However, it was a tough and (at times) harrowing read.

I was really hoping to get into this book but to say I persevered with it it is a true remark.

The story could have been cut down by at least a third. The storyline set out interesting and covered an emotional issue, but I did feel it went on.
Emotional blackmail the others could see but not the victim herself.

Not a book for the young impressionable.

Sweat by Emma Healey is a raw and evocative exploration of the complexities of modern life and the weight of everyday struggles. Healey's writing is both sharp and introspective, capturing the nuances of human emotion and the ways in which stress, fear, and desire manifest in our lives. The story delves into the inner worlds of its characters, exploring themes of anxiety, self-worth, and the often-overlooked toll of simply getting through the day. With its compelling prose and relatable insights, Sweat is a thought-provoking read that resonates deeply, reminding readers of the shared challenges and quiet victories that shape our existence.

Hooked from page one. Absolutely loved the dark humour that rippled through in parts. Sweat by Emma Healey is one of those books you’ll find hard to put down. Thanks to NetGalley, Emma Healey and publishers for the arc.

I wanted to like this book as the subject matter was interesting. However, try as I might, I couldn't get into it. I wasn't at all drawn in by the writing style and found myself really not caring about the characters. Maybe a 'marmite' kind of book? Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy in exchange of an honest review.