In his latest book, J.D. Barker takes an ordinary suburban couple, Brendan and Abby Hollander, who are busy dealing with the usual work-life balance and suspicions of cheating, and thrusts them headfirst into a high stakes game.

Their troubles begin with the downloading of a sexy-game application to their cellphones called Sugar and Spice, sort of the adult version of Truth or Dare, and one thing leads to another and their lives spin out of control as they realize they have granted permissions for the app to fully access everything from bank accounts to photos and that there are others playing the game, trying to earn their way up the ladder to gold or platinum status. Points are awarded for completing tasks and the tasks are far more risque than one might imagine, leaving one open for blackmail and embarrassment and social media shame. But that’s only the beginning of the challenge which takes the young couple far out of their comfort zone and into a game where they are blackmailed and manipulated. Soon, they're falling deeper and deeper into a pitfall they'll find almost impossible to escape.

This book has more layers than I expected. As all the pieces fall into place, revelations abound and I can't help but salute Barker's astuteness and strategy. The story becomes a complex and compelling puzzle, with suspense, intensity and an abundance of twists and turns. Each chapter keeps us firmly hooked on the wreck of Brendan and Abby's lives. The plot is meticulously constructed, tighter than in Barker's previous works. The tension builds inexorably, making the work action-packed and undeniably entertaining.

This is one of those novels that you can't put down and the pages turns by themselves. And I read that there will a movie based on this book.

This was a great read, as always with JD Barker books!

Great characters and storyline. Lots of twists that I didn't see coming so hard to put down.

my first by this author, a different type of thriller than i usually read and it was a bit too much romance/sex for me at first and got a bit weird/confusing at the end but was overall an interesting ride.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

Well I am a bit lost for words! This book has everything - excitement - relationships. - topical complex plot. I really loved a few of the threads - like the way an app could take over people and their lives. A prediction of our future? I liked the haunting degree of suspense throughout. Encouraged page turning!

Unfortunately it also had more than a little silliness and nonsense! The antics of the character Romeo was often verging on being totally silly! So disappointing!

I reckon this book is not my cup of tea and would probably rate it as a two. However I feel that would be very unfair to the creative and inventive author. So the book gets a three rating from me. Many people will love the book, I am sure - views expressed are just my honest opinion.

Another great read from a great mind. Behind A Closed Door is twisty and thrilly and so addicting! You definitely do not want to miss this one!!

Another fantastic read by the author that bout us the 4MK series. I loved every character even the nasty ones. I loved the spicy theme and the subtle sprinkle of sugar. You come to expect the unexpected from J.D Barker and it didn't disappoint. Thank you Netgalley for my ARC copy.

I was immediately engaged in this book for the first half even though I felt the characters were either desperately reckless or really naive in continuing as far as they did with the app. I continued with it just to see how it all ended. I will read other books by this author because I did like his writing style. I am just not the target reader for this book as many others have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to Netgalley for a chance to read and review Behind a Closed Door by J.D. Barker.

Behind A Closed Door is about couple Abby and Brendan whose marriage has gotten a little stale. They heard about an app called Sugar and Spice that will help elevate their relationship. The app has a series of prompts similar to truth or dare.

The app starts out with some sweet prompts and they start to get closer to each other. All seems great but the prompts start to get strange a little bit dangerous. Before they know it they are getting in too deep and it turns into a dangerous game!! It's hard to get into without spoiling but if this premise sounds interesting, go pick up this book!! This is a wild ride and I couldn't put it down. It is fast paced and very thrilling! My first from this author and won't be the last.

4 out of 5 stars
Expected publication May 13, 2024

Clever and dark - and unexpected. Slow to start but pulls you in further and further as the game progresses. Evil blending with reality - and maybe those computer games aren't so harmless after all ...

I received this book as an ARC on Net Galley. I have read this author before and had high hopes, however this book was an action packed mess for almost the beginning of the book. The plot is not realistic, starting with the fact that the characters acted so recklessly with proceeding with the app in their first interaction with it. For two people that are supposed to be smart that was stupid. And it just got more and more stupid as time went on.

I gave this 2 stars instead of one because it was action packed, so it tried to keep your interest. However, the story was so crazy that there were times where I audibly said, "this is so dumb" and stopped reading. I continued to read in order to see how all the dumbness would end. Otherwise, I would have stopped 40% of the way through.

Another great read from this Author he always seems to write the most brilliant books.
This book would put you off of downloading apps.
This book was a wild, thrilling ride from start to finish.

Although being listed under romance, I didn’t see it as a romance, which I found disappointing as I was looking forward to that side of the story. However I really enjoyed the thriller/suspense side of the book and I was fully hooked on the story.

A plot full of twists and deliciously dark turns. In this day and age, it certainly makes you think about what apps you download. A great thriller.

I love this author. Looking forward to reading more from him.

I loved the first half of the book but the second half got a little confusing for me (im easily confused).

I picked this up as it was under the romance category, and I thought it seemed really interesting. I would say it isn't really a romance, there's relationships in it but its mainly a suspense/thriller. However, I did actually really enjoy it. The twists and turns made for a suspense filled story! I couldn't actually guess where it was going most of the time, and it kept things fascinating.
I found the authors writing enthralling and easy flowing, the characters were good but there was something missing for me and I'm not sure what that was. I just didn't feel connected to the characters as much as I wanted to. Whilst I could relate to the concept and some of the ideas, I didn't so much with the characters and their emotions.
It was a wild ride throughout the book, and I just wanted to feel it with them!
But honestly I would recommend this read to others, and I already have done to some friends!

Thank you for the ARC provided by Net Galley

What a story! This book was compared to 50 shades meets the game. I’ve seen both & in my opinion it definitely gave me more Black Mirror vibes the entire time because of the whole technology aspect & yes the game as well. I loved this book from the first page to the very last. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Would they get caught doing their spice? Would they decide not to do it? Well that happened & everything blew up around them. It was such a wild ride I’m still processing everything. I loved the whole Romeo & Juliet ending (even though they irked me during the book) but their ending was very poetic to me. I had a feeling about Kim.. I really did. My gut is usually right. All in all, this was fantastically written and a must read!

This book starts with such a punch. A married couple, going through life, and becoming a bit distanced from each other, so they start therapy. Their therapist jumps right in, addressing their issues and giving them an assignment to download the new Sugar & Spice app. This app promises to liven up your sex life, personal life and realign your goals with your partners. What could possibly go wrong?

As Abby and Brendan work on their relationship, the app keeps directing them to more and more risqué topics and actions. Soon both of their workplaces are affected, which is no coincidence. The app seems to know all and be everywhere all at once.

The first 40% of the book is a five star, quick read. You won't be able to put it down. However the next 20% drags quite a bit, and you will have time to put it down and pay attention to your family again. The ending picks up and left me with a satisfied ending. I'm averaging to four stars.

This book is not for everyone. If you do not want to read a steamy book, or a book that crosses many lines of sexual assault, then it's not for you.

I always enjoy reading J.D. Barker’s books and I was delighted to be sent a copy of his new book Behind A Closed Door.
Brendan and Abby download an app called Sugar & Spice onto their phones an attempt to spice up their marriage and make their relationship closer.
At first things were exciting and fun but then they were instructed to do more tasks that were risky and dangerous.
A rollercoaster ride with plenty of action and lots of twists.
This story is to be a major motion picture soon and I can’t wait to see it.
Thank you to J.D. Barker and NetGalley for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another engaging and original thriller by J.D Barker!

It's starts off as a domestic tale, then some 50 Shades before turning into a Black Mirror techno-thriller. The character development throughout is strong and with enough twists and turns to keep you reading way past your bedtime. Fans of Barker's 4MK series won't be disappointed!