This one seemed a little all over the place and thrown together quickly - the slower pace at the beginning did not match the end nor did the characters match motives. The son in the beginning was a nuisance and within two chapters because the most important thing in the book. Overall not a fave from me but could be for someone else

This book was incredible. I honestly could not put it down and I didn't want it to end! I wish (hope) there is a sequel because I want to know how their lives will be!

2.5 Stars

Carly Michaelson unwittingly entangled herself in the lives of Nelson Carter’s family. As the threads tightened, dark secrets started to emerge. But it might be too late to save his innocent son, Jake, and herself.

The prologue intrigued me, but unfortunately, it went downhill from that point forward. The writing was dull and lacked the intensity needed for the genre. The characters were one-dimensional, and everyone seemed asinine and incompetent. The only thing I liked about the book was Jake.

Not My Mother had a promising premise but regrettably lacked in the execution.

2.5★

Carly Michaelson has been in a dead-end relationship for years, but her bond with ten-year old Jake strengthens as his family seems to be deteriorating. With suspicions and odd occurrences, Carly is determined to uncover the truth and protect Jake.

“You don’t have to be scared of monsters; they aren’t real.” “Some are. The ones who look like people but are really awful,” he said, keeping his voice low, barely even a whisper.”

Going into this book, I was expecting a thriller but this story lacked tension, plausibility and character dimension. Though there were a few plot points that had some grit, there wasn’t enough to feel the suspense.

"Not My Mother" by Theo Baxter is a thrilling ride from start to finish. What makes it so enjoyable is its ability to keep you guessing. The story is full of surprises, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like books that keep you guessing and have plenty of suspense, "Not My Mother" is definitely worth a read.

First and foremost, thank you Netgalley for providing me with this ARC!

I really wanted to enjoy this read but it was pretty dull. It was very fast pace, which I felt made the characters seemed rushed. The little romance aspect of this felt too forced. 'Love at first sight' I guess some will call it, but it lacked chemistry. For me, I didn't feel any connections with any of the characters. I was hoping it could be at least a little more realistic but everything that happened made me think WTHeck? Especially when FMC anonymously asked a doctor online about the mothers symptoms and he suggests something so outlandish crazy. I've never known a doctor that would suggest such an extreme without even have met the patient.

Not My Mother by Theo Baxter immediately snatched my interest and kept me captivated to the end. Well written, well researched, well developed, with believable, relatable characters.
It was twisted and was a truly bingeable book. I couldn't read it fast enough.
The pacing of the book is relentless, drawing the reader in with its fast-paced narrative and engaging plot twists.

Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for this approved eARC!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #InkubatorBooks for the book #NotMyMother by #TheoBaxter. This book about a boy whose mother gets attacked and afterwards he thinks she isn’t his mother. He doesn’t feel safe and stays with a family friend who tries to protect him. I read this book in one sitting and recommend it.

Another great book from Theo Baxter, this one kept me guessing and turning the pages until the shocking conclusion. I loved the ending, it was great!

Basically a run of the mill story, nothing to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
The main character was a ten year old boy who acted more like the adult than any of the other characters. Not really believable. The attitude of the police was ridiculous. In light of the evidence provided by Jake and Carly, they ignored everything and no investigations were carried out. The whole book was long winded and mediocre. But one good point was everything turned out right at the end.

For once I can say “pulse pounding” is a perfect way to describe this book. I demolished this in one day, staying up past my bedtime to finish it. This one had me guessing, and wondering if I could trust anyone in this story. It’s a work of FICTION and some reviews gasp at the thought of a mom & dad giving their child over freely to someone they don’t really know that well (but come on, how well do you really know your child’s caregiver, teacher, coach, after school caregiver, etc - it’s not that far fetched). The book is sad, as far as the child and what is happening, but it’s so magical how caring and heartfelt the MC is, and I’m glad she was portrayed how she was (flaws and all).

1.5 stars rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for giving me this free eARC for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I did not like this book. One of the main characters is a 10-year-old kid. No one treats him like a kid. Maybe because all the other characters, who are adults by the way, act like children. Nelson is one of the most ridiculous characters I’ve come across. He could have been forgiven if the character dynamics were explained better. Or explained much at all really. We see very little of how things were before Amanda’s accident. As a result, there’s little for readers to go off of for her as a character. It’s also unclear how her relationship was with Nelson, Carly, and Jake before the amnesia. I have so many questions and none of them are even about this “fake mom” fiasco.

The writing is drawn out. Majority of the scenes are unnecessary to the story. The narration follows every little detail of Carly’s everyday life. Hence, we would get boring descriptions of the simplest things like—deciding to get pizza, calling pizza place, placing order, hanging up the phone… The whole book is written like this. If transitions are difficult, doing hard scene breaks would still be better than this type of overwriting. Interestingly enough, certain scenes that should’ve been described in great detail are just glossed over or summarized in 1-2 sentences.

To end on a more positive note, I do think that it’s nice to see “the other woman” as the kind main character—the mom who stepped up. If the dynamics were done well, this could have been a great rep in a Modern Family way.

This book easily could have been a 4-4.5 star book. Unfortunately due to some serious plot holes and implausible moments I feel that this is a 3 star book.

I felt that as an adult, Carly too readily makes decisions based on statements made by a 10 year old boy. Most adults would consider must more realistic answers before coming to the conclusions that she does much too early in the book. There is also the behavior of the police. I can understand them thinking she's a hysterical woman at first, but as evidence mounts up they all continue with the dismissive attitude. This leaves it up to Carly and 10 year old Jake to find out who is pursuing and trying to kill them. On occasion Jake shows more maturity than Carly does.

As what was intended to be a thriller, every time the book picked up speed, it lost momentum because these moments brought down any built up tension.

Thank you to Inkubator Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#netgalley
#notmymother

This was just an ok read for me. I do read a lot of thrillers so this one was just pretty average for me, but if you don’t you may like it! I thought the concept of the ex girlfriend caring for the son was unique but as usual, the incompetency of rather lack of care from the police was cliche. I also don’t care for romance thrown into my thrillers unless it makes total sense to the plot. Overall I was entertained but I probably wouldn’t pick it up again.

Thanks Netgalley for a copy of this work in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are that of my own!

I have been looking for a book like this since I have started reading thrillers. They way this author writes leaves you wanting to know what happens next. You will think you have the book figured out, but with all the twists and turns, you will find out that you were wrong and you will have to pick your jaw up off the floor.

Jake Carter, who is 10 has an enemy and his life is in danger. His caregiver is focused on keeping him safe and find out who's intention is to harm him, with or without the police.

The relationship between Jake and his caregiver is so sweet and loving. But the twist at the end of the book will leave you wanting a part two!

I rate this book 5 stars and will recommend this book to all my friends and family!

10 year old Jake Carter has an enemy, and his life is in danger. His dad’s mistress, Carly becomes his caregiver, and is determined to keep him safe and find out who is after him, without help from law enforcement.

I absolutely loved this book! The writing is fun and kept me interested the whole time. The beginning was not intense, but still flowed steadily as you got to know each character and formed strong opinions of them. When the pace started to pick up, it got intense! I will definitely look into more books by Theo Baxter!

Thank you #NetGalley and #Inkubator for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

oh WOW i've been struggling too find a book too keep my interest lately but this one had me gripped i read it in a night.

its a really good read fast paced and lots of tqlwists and turns that will make you keep reading and just wanting more.

its a shame this is a one off thriller as i would love to read about these characters again you can really get behind them.

i love Jake and Carlys relationship.

The big twist shocked me i'm surprised it didnt occur to me but as there were other things going on it was a sorta distraction.

I will read anything Theo Baxter writes. This as well didn't disappoint!

As usual it had me hooked from page one. It was intense and the author always writes with the reader in mind because every time i start a book by this author i cannot put the book down. The plot was jaw dropping and i never seen the end coming. Every time i read one i say oh this is the best one written and once again i always say this is my favorite until the next :)

Great book and great writing never a disappointment.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

This was my first book by Theo Baxter. It drew me in from the beginning and loved the intensity of Not My Mother. It is full of mystery and suspense and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My first Theo Baxter read did not disappoint. Immediately you're sucked in wanting to know who's chasing Carly and the little boy she's with. It left me on the edge of my seat with every page turn. I will definitely be recommending this one and reading more by Theo.