In this twisty thriller from New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a frustrated author looks for her muse in a remote hideaway, but what she finds defies all expectations…and reality.
Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.
Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career―and herself.
Then he shows up.
Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.
Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.
When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her―the reputation only she can reclaim.
What did I think?
Woman Down is my first Colleen Hoover book and whilst I wasn't blown away I still quite enjoyed it. I would say it's more of a romantic suspense than a thriller but it is very gripping.
Petra Rose was at the top of her game when her book was made into a film but, as we all know, the book is usually always better than the movie and her fans were not happy with the adaptation. Being the chief income earner in her household adds an extra strain when Petra has writers block so she books a lakeside retreat to concentrate on her writing. Inspiration is about to hit Petra right in the solar plexus and this bestseller could cost her more than it makes.
I really didn't know who Petra could trust in this riveting storyline. It felt like she was a mouse in a trap being played with by several cats and I wasn't even sure if some of it was her own vivid imagination. It gets very dark and disturbing as the story goes on and whilst I couldn't understand Petra's actions, I did feel for her. I think she has lost so much of her confidence and it's a downward spiral that is difficult to escape from.
Dark, gripping and a bit steamy, Woman Down is an interesting glimpse into the life of an author and a sobering reminder of how much words can often hurt.
I received a gifted paperback for the Tandem Collective readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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