PHEW! This book was a rollercoaster... in a good way!

The novel covers two timelines: the rise and fall of Cassie and Liam's abusive and coercive relationship, alongside them unexpectedly reuniting in the present day. Now, I've seen reviews where people believe Cassie's acted wrong throughout the novel, but I am not here to read people doing the right thing. Liam put her through hell and clearly traumatised her in more ways than she can realise, and I had no problems with her actions - because its fictional. It's fun to read people to socially unacceptable things! And give the girl a break, he definitely had this coming.

Liam was eerily realistic, intimidating enough to cause unease through words on a screen. I never knew which way he was going to go. One scene in particular really stuck with me and even a week later I uncomfortable thinking about it - which is an excellent sign this is a book worthy of your time. My only issue is the ending, which I felt a bit flat about after living alongside Cassie for her crazy rollercoaster of a trip. Without trying to give any spoilers, she deserved better.

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the chance to review. All opinions are my own :)

This is an extremely claustrophobic book with some very difficult issues covered - self-harm, domestic abuse, eating disorders, coercive control and two characters neither of whom are particularly likeable or believable.

Cassie is our protagonist. She is a few years out of a relationship which was exceptionally abusive. It has left her with mental scars that may never heal. Her ex Liam was a controlling person who pushed Cassie into an eating disorder and over-exercising, which has not left her in the intervening time. She works as a personal trainer whose obsession with food and exercise has pushed her friends and family away.

However, one day she gets a new client. Liam who claims he has lost his sight. She pretends to be another trainer in order to get close to him and the abusive relationship is switched. But can she believe a word Liam says? Is he truly blind or is this yet another way of keeping her close;of controlling her every move.

The tone of this book remains sinister throughout. It gets more and more claustrophobic and threatening as the narrative continues and Cassie's state of mind becomes more precarious. But there was a tiny niggle at the back of my mind the entire time - that Cassie might just be an unreliable narrator; that you were never quite sure who the real manipulator was.

I enjoyed this book up to a point. It is not an easy read due to the subject matter. It certainly left me feeling powerless and anxious a lot of the time. I'd say Emma Healey did an excellent job of putting doubts into my mind about what was real and what was not. Recommended.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Random House, Cornerstone for the advance review copy.

Sweat is a novel told in two timelines by the narrator, Cassie. In the past Cassie is living in a relationship with Liam, who has all the control and two years later in the future, where it appears that Cassie has the control. Cassie is not a particularly reliable or likeable narrator and the subject matter can be quite hard to read. I found it quite hard to engage with the story to start, but really liked the premise of the book and was pleased I kept on reading. It is well written and different to anything else I have read recently. Personally, I like a book that has me squirming, gets my heart pounding with anxiety for the characters and outcomes and Sweat did just this.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Cassie is trying to get over her last relationship, staying for and working in a gym. Along comes her ex boyfriend, although this time it appears she may just have the advantage for once. We learn the story of this very toxic and controlling relationship, however as it goes along you do start to wonder which one of these characters is the most psycho. The characters are not likeable, the obsession with food and exercise becomes repetitive, and the strange behaviour just gets weird.

Wasn’t a fan of this one which is really disappointing as I was so excited to read this but it unfortunately fell flat to me with only the past timeline keeping me engaged. A more detailed review is linked below on tiktok.

💧 ‘Sweat’ by Emma Healey combines suspense and psychological thriller elements to create a compelling study of the long-term effects of a toxic relationship. The story follows Cassie in the present day as she deceives Liam, her ex-boyfriend and personal trainer, in a bid for closure—and revenge. In the past timeline, we uncover more about Cassie’s relationship with Liam and the controlling behaviour he subjected her to.

💧 ‘Sweat’ is unlike any other novel I’ve read. The premise felt fresh and original, and I was engrossed not only in seeing how far Cassie would go in her present-day deception (keeping this intentionally vague to avoid spoilers) but also in the past timeline, where her harrowing experiences contextualise her current motivations.

💧 These dual timelines result in two very complex and compelling characters, which sets ‘Sweat’ apart from your typical psychological thriller. At times, I wasn’t sure whether to root for Cassie or feel sorry for Liam—and often felt both emotions simultaneously. However, I also felt immense empathy for Cassie, as Healey tactfully details the psychological warfare she endured.

💧 This is a harrowing read at times, particularly in Healey’s exploration of themes like coercive control, disordered eating, and body image. Healey handles these themes with care, but they may be difficult for some readers, so it’s worth proceeding with care.

💧 I highly recommend this novel, especially for fans of character-driven psychological thrillers or those interested in the intersections of fitness culture, control, and trauma. It’s a thought-provoking read that’s sure to keep you guessing right up until its explosive climax.

Final rating; 4.25/5

‘Sweat’ by Emma Healey is out on 30 January 2025 and available for pre-order now!

Many thanks to Cornerstone/Penguin Random House UK for providing this e-book for review consideration via NetGalley.

Cassie ends up as a personal trainer to her (now blind) ex-boyfriend, Liam, and takes the opportunity to even the score. This is a part break up story/ part revenge story with two of the most unlikeable characters I've encountered in a long time. Rather than being put off, however, I found their lack of appeal was a draw in itself. As we moved between the past and present, with ever-shifting power dynamics, it had me questioning both of their actions. Every time I thought Cassie couldn't get any worse or do something more unhinged, she proved me wrong. Any time I began to feel some sympathy for Liam, there was another glimpse of their past relationship that sent me reeling. Anticipating the exposure of Cassie's plan and the inevitable confrontation between the two had me racing through the pages. A great, compulsive read with a perfect ending.

A very interesting and dark read compared to my usual genres. Having heard of author Emma Healeys novels before, but not having read them, I was really keen to read Sweat.

I found Sweat to be dark and hard-going at times, which for me I personally did find quite difficult, but I am glad I persisted and did finish this novel.

I am finding it hard to explain Sweat, but here goes - Cassie has been in a relationship with Liam, he was not nice at all really was controlling of Cassie, Liam comes back into Cassies present and we see the dynamics of a somewhat reversal of the controlling behaviour once shown by Liam.

I did really struggle as for me it just felt hard going, but I am sure for others they will love this novel.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Two years after escaping her abusive relationship, Cassie comes face to face with her ex... It's Liam but with one major difference, he's now blind. With an opportunity to seize control from the man who took it from her, SWEAT asks what you would do in that situation? Would you behave differently?

There's no denying Emma Healey can write a page turner and SWEAT is one of the most accurate presentations of coercive control - painfully so. Told in flashbacks, there were descriptions of events during their relationship where I had to put the book down because I couldn't read any more. But the present day narrative wasn't all that pleasant to read either as the reader watches Cassie push the limits of reasonable.

Disturbing, uncomfortable, horrifying: the experience of reading this book was not enjoyable for me. But that's kind of the point, I think. By the end of the book, you fully understand Cassie's need to retake control (or to exact revenge) but the ended lacked satisfaction.

A review of two halves - a well written account of a nightmarish plot. You can't look away even though you really kind of want to.

Cassie is the victim of a coercive relationship she eventually manages to escape. Liam subjects her to toxic abuse.
Two years later she is working as a personal trainer and their paths cross again, only this time she holds all the power. She gets involved in a dangerous game and she may not turn out the victor.
I enjoyed this book, however I did feel it was too long in places and had a disappointing ending. I would read this author again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

This is a multi layered read. At first it seems like a very well written and addictive psychological thriller, which it most definitely is, but actually it so much more. This story really gets into your head as neither of the main characters are particularly likeable which is very interesting as then you have no particular sympathies for either character. You can then enjoy the unique experience of almost being like a voyeur in Cassie and Liam’s relationship, trying to work out the dynamic between the two. It also deals with some complex relationship issues which really make you think about the balance of power and how love and control aren’t always easily distinguished.

Sweat is a gripping psychological thriller that examines the effects of coercive and abusive relationships. Primarily told in flashbacks, Sweat follows Cassie as her new life gradually implodes when confronted with her ex-boyfriend. Now in a position of power, Cassie is able to enact her revenge but at what cost to herself.

Touching on issues of health, body image and extreme exercise, Healey deftly conveys compassion, anger and a surprise ending.

'For months - years - I'd moved, hid, ducked, grateful to avoid Liam's scrutiny. That was over. I didn't have to hide anymore. I could look at him. It was my turn'.

Two years have passed since Cassie managed to physically escape Liam's clutches, his controlling behaviour, his corrosive presence. Even once she left, she had to endure months of stalking and harassment, but that too has finally ceased. That is, until she's introduced to her next, blind, PT client: Liam - the ex. A maelstrom of memories gurgle up, popping with possibilities of revenge, 'Wouldn't you want to at least enjoy the possibility of doing something? Getting your own back? Taking revenge?'. However, what seems like an opportunistic chance to toy with the man who caused her so much grief, turns into its own form of obsessiveness.

'Sweat' switches from the present to the recent past, slowly revealing the increasing web of toxicity Cassie has been caught in, highlighting the cause of her increasingly erratic behaviour in the present. This story is dark but you will keep turning the pages to find out where it all ends up. For me, the ending wasn't as strong as I would have liked but it does manage to tie up a lot of loose ends, which I appreciated. I also thought some points within the story could have had a bit more pace, to keep up the thrill. Overall though, this book has an intriguing premise that will keep you turning the pages just to find out what actually happens in the end!

'He'd got something he wanted: my compliance again, my obedience, my fear'.

Unfortunately I am DNFing at 50%. I just got bored. Feel like the points this book is trying to make could have been made by now. And Cassie is becoming more and more unlikable. I managed to find out the ending in a GR review and it didn't seem worth it.

Sweat is a difficult book to review, in fact it was a difficult book to read. It's about a toxic, abusive and coercive relationship...and revenge. Both of the main characters are hard to like but maybe that's the whole point. The storyline, and ending, stayed with me and had me thinking for a few days after finishing. It's totally different from her book 'Elizabeth is Missing' which to me shows what a skilled author Emma Healey is. Look forward to reading more from her. Many thanks to author, publisher and netgalley for an early reading copy.

This is such a terrifying prospect- Cassie has in effectively been gas-lit by her ex, Liam. At the beginning of of the book, Cass has escaped his clutches and is living independently trying to pick up the pieces and build a new life as a personal trainer.

Then, Liam arrives at the gym she works at, but he is blind and vulnerable and Cass takes him on as a client to help him with his fitness. Nothing is quite as it seems and Cass takes a lot of convincing that Liam has suddenly become blind. She does not know who to trust and allows Liam’s vulnerability to allow her to retrace old steps. The line between laying old ghosts to rest and taking her revenge on him is blurred and I had no idea where this story was going to go. Cass is both victim and aggressor. Some of the scenes are so tense and well written that I found myself holding my breath. The stalker during her running is one of my worst nightmares!

Such a clever ending, which I did not anticipate. I’m not sure who I felt sympathy for the most by the end!

Absolutely tore through this book. Some triggering subjects regarding DV, coercive control and eating disorders but completely immersive and compelling. I was, though, disappointed with the ending.

No matter how I tried I couldn't get into this book. I found the storyline of abusive, coercive behaviour uncomfortable and unpleasant so this was not a book for me. You can't win them all

I started Sweat and thought, hmm this might be a little too slow for me. But shortly after the premise started to unfurl and I had to know more. I was confused to start with, but I was with Cassie every step of the way.

Hiding by my fingers and shouting 'no don't do that', 'bad decision' and 'noooooo'. The relationship between Liam and Cassie is insidious and without giving too much away I could never navigate who was in the wrong. It was cleverly plotted out. A great, tense read.

A solid read that got better and better. I think it took me a while to get into the style and the characters. I didn't love the vindictiveness but I did start to understand it. And the plot in the second half gathers momentum, with an exciting climax and justified ending.

I enjoyed the framing - the world of fitness and nutrition and what happens when its taken to the extreme. Lots of interesting guidance. But I always struggle when I cant relate to or like the main characters. Cassie was in an emotionally abusive relationship with Liam. Its complex because in some ways he was pushing her to be stronger, healthier. But clearly it was too extreme. Cassie manages to escape and it feels like karma when he becomes blind and joins her gym. Now the shoe is on the other foot. She has the power. She is conflicted by her emotions but mostly she wants payback.