In an unforgettable twist, Brazier creates a thrilling narrative that is not only compelling but is also a commentary on society today. Demi is not someone who backs down to the agenda of the uber-rich, and only Lyla senses this. However, there are some spectacular scenes that I still think about which is rare for me in novels.But when their new tenant Demi moves in, their game becomes a bit more complicated. Honestly, there were just too many things going on in this to flow well and not be confusing. However, there is a twist in this game and that lies in their guest Demi, who has something to hide as well. It’s dark and twisted– I got major “Cruel Intentions” vibes. The most unique aspect of this novel was this “game” played by Lyla and her husband where they rent out their guesthouse and have to ruin the life of their guest. I also didn’t think the inner thoughts of both characters were distinct enough. I think it’s fine if one of these is done, but both are a lot to mentally keep track of. I personally wasn’t a fan of the switch between the two POVs and having to recalibrate to the changing timelines. The story is told from the perspectives Demi and Lyla. Unfortunately, this world I don’t want to be a part of. When I learned she was coming out with a new novel, I was excited to see what dark world, I’d be thrown into next. I read Brazier’s first novel “If I Disappear” last year and enjoyed it. I got confused about what this book was trying to achieve, which is, of course, more of a statement on me than on the book. Even if you have to leave a few bodies behind. Because every good rich person knows: in money and in life, it’s winner take all. In a twist that neither woman sees coming, the game quickly devolves into chaos and rockets toward an explosive conclusion. But Demi has been struggling forever, and she’s not about to go down without a fight. At the end of her rope, she seizes a risky opportunity to take over another person’s life and unwittingly becomes the subject of the upstairs couple’s wicked entertainment. After all, there is nothing worse than a bootstrapper.ĭemi has always felt like the odds were stacked against her. The wealthy couple invites self-made success stories to live in their guesthouse and then conspires to ruin their lives. Lyla has always believed that life is a game she is destined to win, but her husband, Graham, takes the game to dangerous levels. Support local! Buy the book on BookShop!Ī destitute woman deceives her way into the guesthouse of a Hollywood Hills mansion and inadvertently becomes a target in the twisted game of the wealthy family upstairs in the next intoxicating novel from Eliza Jane Brazier.

This has not impacted my rating and this review is voluntary. I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book from Netgalley and Berkley Books.

Eliza jane brazier