A great locked in mystery. It is beautifully written with great characters. The setting provided a great eerie background. An excellent psychological thriller and a debut.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

"It should be a perfect, romantic trip for two.

EXCEPT THAT HE'S NOT WHO HE SAYS HE IS.

BUT THEN AGAIN, NEITHER IS SHE."

That part of the blurb, this promise of unfurling a mystery is what made me request Nobody But Us from NetGalley. The fact that it took me several tries before I was able to get pass the first few chapters gives some indication of my thoughts on this book.

We're presented with a "handsome well respected professor" Steven and his college student girlfriend Ellie on their first weekend trip away to celebrate their 6 month anniversary. However they both have secrets and their own agenda, when both collide, it's pretty graphic.

Before they arrive at their romantic getaway you already have the measure of them both and realise that appearances are deceptive, something is off with them. Domineering Steven and passive Ellie are a perfect match or so we are meant to believe but as the weekend goes on, we are shown the fractures in their relationship.

Both personalities were so unlikeable even before the reveal, that the confrontation made you think how could things get any worse - and we care less about Steven and Ellie. I was highlighting the heck out of my kindle edition with notes like 'he said this...', 'this reveals the hidden side...', 'she did...'. When things got real I just couldn't believe them, how could these caricatures be more polarised?

Rather than give way to giant spoilers, I will give some context and say that for those who appreciate trigger warnings, this sits firmly within the #MeToo movement and incorporates all the adjacent skeevy elements around grooming.

The atmosphere of the location (remote, snowy) and house (big, shrouded in dark, hidden areas), perfect as a murder mystery/horror setting was what kept me interested until the end. Also, it was nice to know that my guesses were mostly correct.

Overall an okay fast paced read (when skimming) but predictable, illogical in too many places, unsavoury and unpleasant temperaments meant that I didn't enjoy this read as much as I wanted and expected to.

Despite the clunky writing style (that did aid to the mysterious plot) I was engrossed! The twist was totally unexpected and everything leading up to it was amazing. The back and forth was a bit disorientating, but the atmosphere of Chesapeake Bay was outstanding, it definitely made up for a few annoyances with the main characters - very difficult to get on their side.

Dark and compelling revenge thriller, inspired by the #MeToo movement and the author's personal experiences.

Steven and Ellie are setting off to a secluded country retreat for their first weekend away together. Steven is a teacher and much older than student Ellie. This isn't Steven's first relationship with a student, but she hopes it will be his last.

The story unfolds across dual timelines and from multiple points of view, building up to a gripping ending

A powerful and emotion-inducing read, with multiple character perspectives, timelines and a dark but well-handled twist. A quick and interesting read.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

I found this to be a dark, compulsive thriller full of twists and a lot of it's not what you think moments. The couple themselves were multi-layered and although it took me a while to get into, the plot did move along. The setting of the isolated cabin really added to the tension. Some difficult themes, well handled and a great ending.

When Ellie Masterson and Steven Harding escape New York for a romantic getaway in Chesapeake Bay to celebrate their six-month anniversary, it sounds like the perfect weekend. It’s a chance for them to relax, spend some time together and get to know each other better. Ellie is a 23-year-old student and Steven is a college professor and 15 years her senior.

After a shocking and bloody prologue, the story is told from the perspectives of the couple, interspersed with flashback chapters in which we hear from another person who appears to know Steven and has had a relationship with him in the past.

The house they’re staying at is very modern with big windows but located in a forest and close to the ocean. It’s rather creepy and both Ellie and Steven are unnerved by the darkness and remoteness of the location and there’s a strong sense of foreboding and unease, right from the start. No phone signal – what could possibly go wrong?!

This is no ordinary short break and, before long, Ellie and Steven are both in danger, discovering things they didn’t know about each other and experiencing the weekend from hell! They’re hiding secrets and, as the truths come out, they’re left reeling and confused by the shocking discoveries.

Told over three days, the story is intense, intriguing and cleverly plotted, and the isolated cabin setting is atmospheric and perfect for the situation that unfolds, especially when the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall. The main protagonists are well described too – they’re rather unpleasant and I hated them both at times.

Nobody But Us is a twisted, torrid tale that had me gripped! Full of twists and turns and numerous revelations, it’s a tense, claustrophobic and terrifying read. I was constantly on edge as I frantically turned the pages, racing through the short chapters, never knowing what was going to happen next! What exactly is going on? Are either of them going to get out alive?

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and it had some important themes and definitely stayed in my mind after I’d finished it! I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next book.

Creepy and extremely atmospheric. I was on pins as soon as I started reading it. It takes you on such a thrilling rollercoaster that you’ll be sad when it’s finished. An absolute triumph of a book.

Wow a book and a half. I loved every minute of reading this book. Thank you so much, hopefully there will be more by Laure.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC - It's a good thing I've downloaded all my books ahead of time before they were all archived. I know it's late but here is my review. From the moment I first saw this book I fell in love with the cover. I had such high hopes for this book however I'm not quite sure if I'll ever be a fan of slow burn thrillers. I just felt like it was really slow for me and I didn't care so much for the characters - I couldn't feel anything for them unfortunately so it's a 3 star rating for me. Facts that I love about the book though are: Dual narrative and still had a bit of twists (although predicted it). I would still recommend it to thriller fans.

Ellie has planned a weekend away to celebrate her and her boyfriend's, Steven, 6 month anniversary in a romantic, secluded location

I struggled at the start of the book to understand where this book was going but it slowly starts to make sense when both of their secrets are revealed and the weekend doesn't go quite as planned for one of them

Don't want to give too much away as it's hard to review without giving away the plot, but a thought provoking theme which made me question what i would do with the knowledge/information about someone in a position of authority

Did not finish - I couldn’t get into this one unfortunately, the writing style really jarred and I couldn’t get on with it, sorry! From the blurb I thought it would be my thing, but I just couldn’t get past the writing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for this book.

I felt the writing was done well in this book but there was just something missing for me and I couldn't get into it and enjoy it as much as I hoped I would.

This book was really exciting. I found it started off slowly and I wasn’t sure how this book was going to go, but then it started too pick up pace in the middle and continued until the end. I was shocked at the events that happened in the book but it was very action packed. There were a lot of plot twists throughout the book and it made the second half of the book go by very quickly.

I thought the main characters were very mysterious, we got to read from the perspective from both Ellie and Steven. There was also chapters spoken from the perspective of a mystery character. Ellie and Steven were both very secretive and sneaky around each other. It mainly involved these two characters so I don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil it.

As I mentioned before, the pace was increased in the second half of the book making it a quick read. Along with the alternating chapters which kept the book exciting and helps the reader get to know both characters. The chapters were short so made the book feel like a quick read. The beginning of the book was slow but knowing something was going to happen, it kept me motivated to read further.

I would recommend this book to those who like thrillers and mysteries, this was an interesting one and a unique read. With there being two main characters, it is difficult to work out who is in the wrong. This is definitely an entertaining read!

“Nobody but Us” by Laure Van Rensburg

“STEVEN HARDING IS A HANDSOME, WELL-RESPECTED PROFESSOR.
ELLIE MASTERSON IS A WIDE-EYED YOUNG COLLEGE STUDENT.
Together, they are driving south from New York, for their first holiday together: three days in an isolated cabin, far from the city.
Ahead of them, the promise of long, dark nights - and the chance to explore one another's bodies, away from prying eyes.
It should be a perfect, romantic trip for two.
EXCEPT THAT HE'S NOT WHO HE SAYS HE IS.
BUT THEN AGAIN, NEITHER IS SHE . . .”

#Review -
Considering only two people are in this story and is told alternatively from both of their perspectives, the ambience is dark, menacing and at times quite distressing. The #MeToo theme is drawn from the authors real life experience and she has been very brave in broaching the subject, which obviously caused her upset for many years. Justifying doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, when the power dynamic is shifted, it was interesting to see the stereotypical relationship reversed. Sadly, it’s an all too familiar issue but I liked how the author portrayed it in such a tense psychological thriller without losing any of its potency. Set in an isolated cabin, which itself gives the reader the heebie jeebies, there’s also the sinister sensation they may not be alone. If this was a movie, which I hope one day it is, you’d be watching it from behind the sofa, anticipating the next terrifying move.
The prologue starts the story with the ending, allowing the reader to see that something very bad has happened but not what, with whom and why. With flashbacks to both characters pasts, this allows the pieces of the mystery to be placed correctly in the puzzle and make sense of the sinister situation. When the denouement occurs, it is still a sudden shock though. I didn’t particularly like either Steven or Ellie but I think this was the intent, as between them they make the most totally *messed* up couple I’ve ever read about!

Laure van Rensburg uses every rule of English language grammar, to create a sharp, suspenseful story that certainly hits the spot, creates tension and occupies a horror style atmosphere, where the next five minutes could change in an instant! A truly exhilarating debut ride that highlights #MeToo and the effects left on the women and young girls involved - kudos Ms Rensburg 👏

#NobodyButUs - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for this copy for review! It is definitely one that will keep you awake all night because it is completely binge worthy and terrifying!

When Ellie and Steven both go away for a romantic break, you already know something is lurking from the writing. Dark shadows, creaking ceilings and large windows looking out into darkness already set the scene for a horror story. The question of “who is out there?” was my first thought, but of course the twist was much more jaw dropping.

The development of the characters has you gasping at every turn, from Ellie’s vicious but clever actions to Steven’s abhorrent views on women. It depicts the clear power struggle in a man who thinks he is one of the good guys, but who holds women down during sex without consent and has the type of “small young women who I am protector of”. Ironic that the thing he misses most when he is tied up, (no spoilers on who is doing the tying!) is stretching out his arms and legs!

Nobody But Us is almost psychotic with very dangerous characters. The twists are nothing short of genius and I was constantly saying “oh my god, how many were there?!” Without giving away spoilers, you will definitely be shocked.

If you love thrillers, this one is definitely for you and (though please excuse this awful pun) the ending is to die for.

Thank you again to Netgalley!

Ellie Masterson is a young college student who is heading away from the city to an isolated retreat where she can finally enjoy spending time with her boyfriend Steven, away from prying eyes and gossip. The problem is that Stephen Harding is a college professor, considerable older than Ellie and theirs is a relationship that many would disapprove of. However, what should be a romantic and welcome getaway, soon begins to unravel. Neither Ellie nor Stephen have been completely honest with each other and the secrets that gradually begin to be uncovered lead to devastating consequences for them both.

I don't want to go into any more detail about the story because it is important to go into this book without any spoilers. What I can say is that the story, the setting and the cat-and-mouse style creates a terribly claustrophobic and tense atmosphere. Having two, possibly, unreliable narrators really keeps you guessing right until the last few chapters and made it impossible to put down.

Nobody But Us is a dark and compelling mash up of Misery and Fatal Attraction - a brutal, raw and contemporary tale of revenge, and a reminder to always be vigilant because you can never really know what another person is thinking. To find out after reading it that the story was inspired by an event in author Laure Van Rensburg's life made it all the more heartbreaking and important. Unfortunately the themes explored in the book are not fictional, they are all too real, but this is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time.

I have to say, I really struggled with this book, the synopsis grabbed me and I was ready for an intense thriller, big plot twists and that edge of your seat feeling. Unfortunately, for me it just didn’t hit the spot for these but I think that’s because the book is more focused on one element than the ‘thrill’ aspects.

The first few chapters gave me a sense of unease, I didn’t really like either of the characters and I didn’t really know what was happening - there was a lot of discussion and details but not a lot of action. I think this was the authors intention though, neither character is designed to be liked and they are both fighting their inner demons, just in very different ways. She also manages to create that sense of unease where you don’t know what to expect next or where the book is going (to a certain extent)

As the book progresses the background becomes more clear and you do start to get a bit more of that thrill action but I could see how it was going to pan out so it just felt a little flat. I know others have felt completely different though so maybe this just wasn’t the book for me.

It is a very important issue that the author is raising with this book and I don’t want to put that down at all, it just wasn’t what I’d expected when I opened the book