What a meandering mess. The book is nothing but a back and forth of stage dialogue and thoughts inside the head of the main character, which I don't care about at all. I wouldn't mind if this back and forth lasted for a few dozens of pages, no biggie. But I am now at page 104 and it is still going on. I couldn't take any more of this mindless banter. The characters are one dimensional without any personality whatsoever. I got through about 100 or so pages then decided that just couldn't spend any more time with these folks. As I was wading through this sludge, I could not help but feel that the main character is simply an extension of the author's own personality and sexual needs and desires. If that is the case, then the author needs to get a boyfriend or a partner or two fairly quickly. ( )

Tmeper by Layne Fargo is a riveting, suspenseful book.

One of the best debuts I’ve read ( )

I received this ARC in a Goodreads giveaway. So first let me say thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book..

I won't give a synopsis of the book, because that is not how I like to review. I enjoyed this book. It was a fast read and a fun one! And as like many have said before me, some of the characters I didn't like, but that did not stop me from reading this non stop for 4 hours today. Every story needs someone that is unredeemable and this book has that! And though there were parts of this book that didn't excite me, it was Layne Fargo's writing that kept me interested! I look forward to reading more books by this author! ( )

Kira Rascher is extremely ambitious. She will stop at nothing to get a role on a play named Temper. This would be the role of a lifetime, and it will require her to work with one of the most difficult men in the industry, Malcolm Mercer. He is a director who takes whatever he wants from his performers. Kira is more than aware of Malcolm's reputation, but it doesn't deter her in any way.

Malcolm's theater co-founder, Joanna Cuyler can spot trouble a mile away when it comes to Kira's audition for the play. She is Malcolm's partner in a romantic sense, even though she knows what he does with his actresses. Even so, Joanna is really disturbed by Kira's presence.

Malcolm, Kira and Joanna all have dangerous secrets. These very secrets could indeed affect the play, but more so, their lives. Their desires are base, through and through, and if it takes violence to get what each of them want, well, so be it.

I kind of love it when I read a story where I just about despise everyone. Kudos to Layne Fargo to created such unlikable characters, whether they are primary or secondary. Despite my ire, I have to admit to finding this story enthralling. After all, watching people self-destruct, even when they strive to see others fail, is weirdly entertaining.

I cannot wait to see what this author has on tap next. She wrote a fantastic psychological thriller and I am ecstatic that this debut author could keep me focused from beginning to end. She has an upcoming read in 2020, Learn Her Wrath. I imagine it will be another terrific read.

Many thanks to Gallery and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )