BOOK REVIEW: For Better and Worse by @HuntAuthor @harlequinbooks @miraeditors #bookbestiesforbetterandworse
Hold on while I pick my jaw up off the floor and wait for my heart rate to slow—because this book really did a NUMBER on me in the BEST possible way!!! Reading this book was like watching someone else’s nightmare unfold and being unable to wake them up! With each twist and turn the tension cranked up a notch until I couldn’t have put the book down if I wanted to—I HAD to know what was going to happen next! I actually don’t think I’d have been able to sleep without finishing it! What a ride!
About the Book
“Well, then.” Nat raised her wineglass in a mock toast, as another boom of thunder sounded outside. “To our future as criminal masterminds.”
Will clinked his glass against hers. “To getting away with it.”
On their first date back in law school, Natalie and Will Clarke bonded over drinks, dinner and whether they could get away with murder.Now married, they’ll put the latter to the test when an unchecked danger in their community places their son in jeopardy. Working as a criminal defense attorney, Nat refuses to rely on the broken legal system to keep her family safe. She knows that if you want justice…you have to get it yourself.
Shocked to discover Nat’s taken matters into her own hands, Will has no choice but to dirty his, also. His family is in way too deep to back down now. He’s just not sure he recognizes the woman he married. Nat’s always been fiercely protective, but never this ruthless or calculating. With the police poking holes in their airtight plan, what will be the first to fall apart: their scandalous secret—or their marriage?
Reflection
Where do I even begin when talking about this book? It is truly unputdownable, for starters. Once it gets going, it is on a one-way train that exits at a shocking finale. I’m still buzzing with how exciting this book was, and I finished it over 24 hours ago!!!
The moral dilemma here is one that really gave me pause.What is someone to do when a loved one is hurt, and they know that the criminal justice system will likely favor the perpetrator, while tearing their loved one apart? If the justice system doesn’t do it’s job, is it ever okay to make your own justice? I must admit, I am an extreme rule follower. The type of person that makes a full stop in the dead of night with not a soul around, just because of the sign. The type of person who actually struggles to jaywalk, even when everyone else is. But this book actually made me empathize with taking a vigilante approach to justice! Something I didn’t think I’d support ever.Credit due to Margot Hunt, who really opens our mind to the dilemma faced by these parents. And what made it even more compelling is that this type of failing of the justice system happens all of the time, all over this country.
In terms of the story itself, what a wild ride! When I say it was like being able to watch a nightmare unfold and not be able to wake the person up, I mean it! I did not expect how much suspense and terror could be built into what starts as a horrible but realistic scenario. I found myself cheering on people I’d usually condemn, and that is quite a testament to what Hunt was able to craft here. The experience of reading this book completely immersed me in the story. I am still shaking my head in awe of what I experienced! In a way, the book shows us that our own minds can be our worst enemy of all. Humans are flawed. We make biased risk that doesn’t always payoff. The key is, learning to live with the fallout…
Book Besties
I read this book with two of my book besties, Jennifer and Berit. I am the first to say I can’t wait to check out their reviews after a delightful discussion! Check them out here:
Berit at Audio Killed the Bookmark
Jennifer at Tarheel Reader
32 Comments
yayareadslotsofbooks
It was a parents’ worst nightmare and I think the author did a wonderful job portraying that. Glad you enjoyed this book.
Mackenzie
Thanks so much!!! Yes—it really would be a worst nightmare. It really made me empathize with them seeking their own justice!
jennifertarheelreader
What a wild ride indeed, Mack! Terrific review and this book was absolutely engrossing! And thought provoking! ♥️
Mackenzie
Yes I agree!!! I really loved it and it definitely made me think about some things in the morality space that thrillers don’t normally evoke!!!
Christopher
Your rave definitely sold me on it. Picking this one up!
Mackenzie
Yay!!! Oh I think you’ll love it!!!
Berit&V@Audio Killed the Bookmark
Fantastic review! Love reading with you!
Mackenzie
Thanks, Berit!!! This was a really fun one to read together because it was so wild and suspenseful!!!
RoseMarie
Holy moly! Awesome review! This does sound like a wild ride. Adding this to my TBR list, I do love a good unputdownable book😀 🧡
Mackenzie
Thanks, RoseMarie!!! It’s really a fun ride, I read it almost all in one day!!!
RoseMarie
Wow! I will be giving it a read for sure 😊
Holly B / Dressedtoread
Great review Mack! I think we both Loved it! Can’t wait to read her next book <3
Mackenzie
Me too and now I’m going to buy her first one that Kendie recommended!!!
Stephanie
Gosh, I passed on this one because I didn’t think I’d like it! Now I’m smacking myself after reading Jen, Berit, and your reviews! I’m definitely going to add to my TBR! Fantastic review!
Mackenzie
Honestly I think you’d find it fascinating! It really poses a moral dilemma and I found myself cheering for things that I’d normally oppose. Very well done!!!
Stephanie
I think I would! In hindsight I think I liked the fact that I only had the freedom of 2 ARCS this month more than anything and made myself turn down everything, lol. I love books with moral dilemmas…you just never know what you’ll agree with and this one sounds like it presents a great one. I’m definitely going to read it!
Mackenzie
That is a luxury!!! But I do hope you get to this one at some point 💕
Stephanie
It definitely is! But I’m spending the month reading my January and February ARCs since I have too many instead of reading my own books like I’d planned so that plan backfired, lol. I added it to my Christmas list so we’ll see! If not, I’ll buy it myself! ❤🎄💚
Mackenzie
Perfect!!! My January and February are really full too! It seemed doable a month or so ago when I accepted them!! 😅😅
Stephanie
Yes! I thought so too but forget about school starting back in January, lol. The books are hard to resist…😂😅
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Love your review, Mackenzie! Can’t wait to get to this one.
Mackenzie
Yay!! I think you’re going to enjoy it, Jonetta!!!
carhicks
What a dilemma for anyone to face. I am a rule follower as well, but want to read this one to see if I can relate to the characters. I say I would do anything for my children and grandchildren, but would I? Great review Mackenzie.
Mackenzie
I think this book will convince you that you would!!! The dilemma these parents face must be the worst thing a parent can face!!!
carhicks
I must read this very soon.
Mackenzie
Yes you do!
Carrie
Awesome review Mackenzie! This one definitely does make you stop and think…. well, I don’t know about stopping reading but it made me think!
Mackenzie
Haha it was hard to stop!!! But yes, it made me think!!! I wouldn’t consider myself a vigilante but I understood the desire for justice!!!
Carrie
Yes, it was even more understandable coming from her prospective as a defense attorney because you just know that it’s true that victims get put through so much. : (
Mackenzie
Oh yes that’s so true!!! She would know what it’s like for the victims in these cases 🙁
Carrie
Yes, seeing how she knows the questioning she puts others through in court day after day you could just see the change when it came to her own child and being able to do that.
Mackenzie
Yes exactly!