Kind

Amazing read! The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

An absolute page-turner, Lllewellyn's novel is gripping, sincere and terrifyingly veracious; not only the plot is engrossing, but also the characters are realistically depicted.

This was a fascinating read that kept me cheering on Isla to fight for a better life. Definitely a page turner that left me wanting to read the next book in the series!

3.5 stars for this thriller-ish story. Would have gotten more if the main character wasn't so insufferable!


A well-written thriller that would have benefitted from a beta reader. I'm sure anyone could have told the author that the FMC was extremely unlikeable due to her being such a pushover - I really don't know how she stuck around for some of the stuff she had to go through in this relationship!

I also feel a bit cheated not knowing this was a series. That should have been stated on the page. Unfortunately, the sequel is no longer available on NetGalley and I don't think I'll be buying it myself.

I enjoyed the writing, though it could use some editing - I noticed several typos. Thank you to NetGalley for graciously prodiving me with this eARC.

Would recommend for: A book that comes to mind is Before We Met by Lucie Whitehouse. If you like the type of thrillers that deal with obsessive partners, this may be a good one for you.

This book was very disturbing as it was a very accurate portrayal of someone who disappears under emotional and physical abuse. I was just glad she put her and her daughter's needs first and left the situation. Tough read.

I didn't really feel like I ever got invested in this story at all. The characters and plot were a bit underdeveloped for me, There didn't seem to be a reason why Isla would have been drawn into a relationship with Richard, who reveals his abusive personality right from the start without counterbalancing it with any charm. There were some parts that described the reasons why some people stay in abusive relationships, but not really why this one would have ever been born.

Tell us a bit about yourself ….. Hi, I'm Isla a 30 something lady looking for friendship and maybe more. I'm arty, fun loving and a wee bit quirky, in a good way of course! I love music, painting, yoga, art exhibitions, good food, excellent wine, fabulous company and candlelight! What are you looking for? Someone who doesn't take themself too seriously. A kind, honest and genuine guy hopefully with similar interests to share all the good things that life has to offer. Let's just see what happens, I thought, a new sense of self worth and optimism growing inside. I clicked submit.... Nothing could have prepared Isla for what lay ahead….

The book was well written and had characters that demanded attention. It was a twisted plot that I really enjoyed. The only thing I didn't like about "Kind" was the main character, Isla.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #Kind
Pub Date: 19 Oct 2018

I really enjoyed the fast pace and how easy it was to read. It was engaging and relatable. The characters were easy to follow. The cover art is very well posed and well suited yet enticing.

‘Kind’ is a convincing tale of domestic control, violence and coercive behaviour. Gripping, and written in a style that made me uncomfortable, much in keeping with the theme of the book.

I found Isla tricky to ‘get on’ with - yes I rooted for her throughout, but I feel the biggest flaw in Isla’s character is that we know little about her history, and therefore I’m not sure what drives her to meet a guy who says she ‘better respect him’ in only their second communication. I mean, talk about alarm bells!

The book was well written with characters that demanded attention. For me, though, the tale of a, ‘shy, nervous young girl meets older abusive man’ is a little overworked, and this book didn’t offer anything outside of this now standard trope. I did enjoy the final third of the book - especially the interactions with the lawyers, police and charities who support Isla through her escape, and I think these scenes show great promise for the next book.

Wow - what to say? I have mixed feelings about this story. First of all, I have Ulcerative Colitis and I do not eat half of the things Isla does. No wonder she has flare-ups. I did not have to quit my job. I had to get better, too, and still work. Isla does not have too much sympathy from me.

Secondly, I could not fathom how LONG it took Isla to realize that Richard was the abuser - not his wife? I would have checked her profile out before a 2nd or 3rd date! Of course, Daniel, Richard's son, was scared, too

Third, WHY didn't Isla leave Richard? She has (had) friends, parents...

Lastly, Lily, you are fantastic! I have been clenching my fists the entire time! Though I only liked Louise and Daniel, the characters were well thought-out and real. Thanks for the book!!!

Many thanks to both the Publisher and NetGalley for a wildly intense read!

Very good read. Controlling man and a woman who he controls like she is his property. This grabs and does not let go. This book took me through a variety of emotions. Very well written. I will be looking for more of this author. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

A powerful, thought provoking story that speaks in explicit detail about dominance and abuse and how easy it is to manipulate and control someone. 

Books of this calibre should really come with a warning label. A big flashing light that warns you that once you start this book you will be sucked right into the issues it addresses. It was such a dark and complicated story, one that focuses on health, abuse, grooming and obsession. All exposed in such a gripping tale. 

I think that’s what made the narrative so thought provoking. The author was able to introduce a fictitious tale that worked well but also voice an opinion on an issue that is so serious and happens every single day. For this I would give ‘Kind’ all the stars it deserves. 

However, I think perhaps the FMC could have done with a slight personality check to become a little more realistic. I found myself getting exasperated with her lack of common sense and obedience and I know women are subjected to such treatment, but this was instant. There was no gradual build up, no ‘grooming’ just immediate obedience. 

I wasn’t aware either at the time of starting this book that it was part of a sequel. I would have been happy for the story to have concluded and some form of resolution acquired. My need for the story to be done with was so great that I personally think a sequel would just not work. I haven’t read the sequel and I don’t think I will purchase it either. It may work and if anyone has read it I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Overall, it was an ok read. Not ground-breaking but still tackled serious issues. It deserves a first time read. 

I would like to thank Netgalley, Troubador and Matadaor Publishing and Lily Llewellyn for a copy of ‘Kind’ in exchange for an honest review.
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Zubs 💛💋