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Carrying Clover: A psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist!

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Who’s planning the worst and expecting the best?

Camille Robins luck is about to change as she embarks on a new chapter of her life, moving to the city near her best friend, Lizzie.

A chance meeting at Lou’s B&B, Camille meets George, a handsome man who sweeps her off of her feet.

Camille can’t believe her luck! George can’t believe how perfect she is....

Was it a fate romance, or part of an evil plan?

Who’s planning the worst?

A fresh new twist on a psychological thriller, fast-paced, clever and thought provoking that will make you question who is the lucky one.

Luck, love, deceit and heartbreak will keep you turning the page. And a breathtaking twist you won’t see coming, will stay with you long after you have finished reading

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First published September 19, 2021

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Lorey Durston

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
4,023 reviews434 followers
September 7, 2021
This is the main reason I blog as this could easily have passed me by.

Carrying Clover is a great read. One of those ‘just another chapter’ kinda reads that I found myself sitting up until the wee hours to finish it.

This is one of those reads that I’m wary about talking about the storyline as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I will just say if you enjoy psychological thrillers then I definitely recommend this gem.
Profile Image for Nicki.
620 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2021
This gripping, chilling thriller is narrated predominantly from the perspective of Camille, a thirty - four year old woman who had recently escaped a controlling relationship. She is looking forward to moving into her new apartment in Bristol and starting her new job working in the cafe owned by her best friend Lizzie. Because there was a three day difference separating her moving in date and the end of the tenancy for her previous accommodation, she had chosen to stay at a picture perfect B&B situated in the countryside and owned by someone called Lou. It is whilst Camille was staying there that she finds herself talking to handsome George, a pharmaceutical sales rep who sweeps her off her feet with his caring nature and gentlemanly behaviour. Camille had grown up in foster care and was a emotionally vulnerable individual who just wanting to feel loved,falls fast and hard for the charming stranger. You would have thought that after the events during Camille's previous relationship, she would have been wary about getting involved with another man so quickly but despite warnings from Lizzie, things moved very fast between the couple. One of the morals of this captivating story was that you should really appreciate what you have in life because very often people are not who they appear to be. I can't say that I thought Camille was a very likeable individual but that didn't mean that I didn't feel any empathy for her as the story unfolded. Her relationship with Lizzie was quite volatile after something that Camille had done in the past. Could Lizzie be trusted? Had she really forgiven Camille? Or was she still harbouring feelings of jealousy and resentment and drawn Camille to Bristol to enact a twisted plan of revenge?

Scattered throughout the story was chapters that were written from George's perspective and gave the readers a insight into his innermost thoughts about his interactions with Camille and his true feelings towards her. George was a seriously nasty but very cunning and manipulative individual who was hiding his true identity behind a handsome mask. But why had he targeted Camille? Would she be able to escape another toxic relationship? And what was the significance of the beautiful, clover shaped necklace?

Carrying Clover is a extremely well written, chilling, gripping, addictive read that hooks the reader in from the first page, keeps you guessing and glued to your kindle. The plot is intricate, intelligent and highly topical, has a number of unexpected twists and a truly chilling conclusion. The small cast of characters were vivid and realistic, mostly unlikable and not very trustworthy. This is a fantastic read, very very highly recommended and I look forward to reading many more of this author's books in the future.
2 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2021
well what a little beaut this was, saw it advertised on a book blog and got drawn in by the cover (yes im a sucker for covers) and this one did not disappoint! Was def my type of book fast paced with short chapters that gripped you in from the beginning. I found my self saying just one more chapter, from about chapter 7, but didn't put the book down until it was finished. And that ending OMG how did I miss that never saw it coming at all!!
full of suspense and lots of twists to keep you guessing, don't want to give to much away.

A must read for book lovers out there, will be keeping a close eye out for Loreys next book - can't wait
Profile Image for L.S..
769 reviews30 followers
September 3, 2021
This was an enjoyable read for the most part, well-paced and suspenseful. There are three main characters, of which Camille and Lizzie are “related” in that they grew up with the same foster family. And while Camille sees Lizzie as her best friend and sister, the same cannot be said for Lizzie. She bears a hefty dose of resentment towards Camille, initially stemming from jealousy from when they grew up together – Lizzie saw Camille as the favourite child who always got what she wanted. That resentment is further inflamed when we learn that Camille “stole” Lizzie’s boyfriend, although seeing as he turned out to be an abusive partner, you might think she’d have been glad to see the back of him.

Fast forward to present day and Camille has escaped that abusive relationship and is looking to start over. She’s bought a new flat (from inheritance money – and another reason for Lizzie to be jealous) and will be working for Lizzie in her Bristol café. Camille is going into this full of hope and optimism. Her positivity proves to be remarkably naive.

As the flat is not ready to move into, Camille books into a B&B for 2 days. This is where she befriends the owner, Lou, and another resident, George – the third of the main characters. Once again, her positive nature sees no issue with the speed in which George goes from fellow resident at the breakfast table to sending her flowers and gifts when she moves into her own place and starts work.

The story is told mainly from Camille’s point-of-view, interspersed with short chapters that give an insight in what’s really going on in George’s mind – and there is a lot of bitterness and ill-will in his thoughts. He clearly sees Camille as gullible, as the perfect prey for his plan, though we are never sure of his plans until the very end. What we do discover is that there is an accomplished liar behind all that charm.

Lizzie’s viewpoint is also explored in similarly short chapters, long enough to reveal her contempt towards her sister-friend. I did wonder what Lizzie’s motive was in offering Camille a job if she really didn’t like her that much. At least George seemed to have a plan – to control Camille – but the reasoning behind Lizzie’s action was less clear. Nonetheless, both George and Lizzie have personality issues in that they can be so nice, welcoming, and thoughtful to Camille to her face, yet in reality both of them vilified Camille in their thoughts. It was quite disturbing to see how they managed such strong emotions. Such is the strength of the story in that the tension is high, and it keeps you guessing as to how it will end, especially as Camille comes across as so needy. There are times when she does question things, but those are fleeting, and she is too easily manipulated to see what’s going on until it’s too late.

The ending is surprising, but – it might just be me - I didn’t quite get why George needed to use other women in the way that he did given the “other” relationships in his life. I have to assume there were fertility issues elsewhere, though it was never confirmed as such (try writing that without creating a spoiler alert)

Whilst Carrying Clover has an exciting plot with oodles of suspense, the writing itself would have benefitted from a thorough edit (unless I unknowingly received an uncorrected proof) Nonetheless, an enjoyable read … and I do love that cover.
3.5* rounded up.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,313 reviews112 followers
August 27, 2021
First, I want to thank Lorey Durston and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

OH WOW!!! You may think you know someone but how well do you really know them?! Lorey Durston left me shaking my head in disbelief and totally speechless in Carrying Clover. Ohh if you like messed up, twisted, incredibly suspenseful psychological thrillers this is a no brainer you must add this to your must read list. It is one of the best books I have read this year (and I am on my 116th book of the year).

I absolutely loved the cover of this book. It was designed so beautifully and represented the theme of the book so well.

This is my first time having the honor of reading and reviewing Lorey Durston’s writing. She is an incredibly gifted storyteller. Carrying Clover was so creative and so different from anything out there-I was just blown away. She definitely made a lasting impression on me and must read more of her stuff.

One aspect that I liked that made this book unique was in between the story there were side conversations to let you into the characters head into what they were thinking.

There were literally times when I wanted to yell and scream because George would piss me off as to how creepy he was!!

Lorey did a fantastic job with the suspense of the story leading up to the big and I mean BIG climax!! So many omg Lorey went there moments that were oh so good.

Somehow this book needs to get into the hands of the people at Netflix! This would be such a huge hit!
Profile Image for Evelyn Jane Thorne.
734 reviews11 followers
September 5, 2021
Carrying Clover has me hooked from the very beginning and I found myself not being able to put it down until I found out how it ended. My favourite thing about this book is definitely the perspectives of George and Lizzie because they were so entertaining. Their perspectives also gave insight into events that happened in the past which in my opinion was very beneficial. George made me laugh more times than I probably should have but I honestly couldn’t help it. I honestly didn’t like Camille too much because she was way too needy and selfish. I never saw any of those twists coming whatsoever and I can’t wait to see what this author does next
Profile Image for Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) .
1,062 reviews128 followers
September 4, 2021
If you enjoy psychological thrillers then this might be one for you !

In this book we meet Camille in a chance meeting she finds love...or does she ? With unexpected twists and turns this book keeps your brain alert and keeps it wanting to find out if what you think is correct.

The storyline of the book is one that I don't think is predictable, it kept me hooked on it and it is one that I won't be forgetting in a hurry. With a cast of characters that all add something to the story it is definitely a book that I would recommend
Profile Image for Julie Tomkins.
5 reviews
November 14, 2021
Brilliant thriller.

Really enjoyed the story, emotional rollercoaster with each character. Having the extra chapters with view points from other characters really built the tension and plot twists. Well worth a read if you like the unexpected.
Profile Image for Misfits farm.
2,099 reviews86 followers
August 7, 2021
Camille is about to begin a new life- a new home and job. As the flat isn't quite ready she spends a couple of days at a b&b where she meets George. She has recently got herself out of what appears to be a rather controlling relationship and can't believe her luck when George chats her up. Her new job is with her “ sister” Lizzie - they were both fostered as children and were close, however there was something, we don’t quite know what, that put them apart for a while. Occasional chapters give us things from George’s perspective and some from Lizzies point of view. When Camille falls pregnant George is even more protective and controlling. If something is too good to be true…..?? The title refers to a necklace George gives Camille saying it was his mothers- something which later appears to be a lie
I enjoyed this, there is that air of tension and something amiss and although we know who is doing what, I couldn't quite see where it was going to end- a well planned plot. Camille is a little naive especially having just come out of a troubled relationship but is quite clingy and needy which facilitates George’s motives.
An enjoyable read with a twist or two.
Profile Image for Caroline Venables.
627 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2021
This really is a gripping psychological thriller that messes with your head.

When Camille really believes she has her life sorted out she has no idea that other parties are not so enthusiastic. She is going to work for her best friend and she has a new love interest too. While she is busy enjoying this new phase in her life, something far more sinister in is play.

I really enjoyed this book and felt so much for Camille. There were lots of twists to keep me guessing how this was going to end.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sharon Rimmelzwaan.
1,464 reviews44 followers
October 2, 2021
Carrying Clover by Lory Durston is one of them books that makes me rejoice that I blog. A book that I could easily have missed if not for taking part in blog tours and thus is a little gem.
Camille is starting again. She has a job with her foster sister, Lizzie and has bought herself a flat with money she inherited. She is so hopeful that this is her new start and everything will be great. Her flat isn't ready so she books into a B&B for two days. While there she makes a friend of the owner, Lou and George another resident. George seems like the perfect man for her. Camille just thinks everything is falling into place for her.
The story gives us the two women's back story and we see that although Camille thinks of Lizzie as a sister, Lizzie doesn't feel the same way, as we see. She resents Camille for a lot of things in their past including Camille 'stealing' her boyfriend.
Told mainly from Camille's point of view with the occasional chapter from George, who is among many things a liar. We are given insights into his thoughts, which aren't what you would expect. He only sees Camille as an easily controlled woman and weak.
Lizzie is given her own chapters as well. This shows us what she is exactly and none of it is nice reading. Both Lizzie and George want to control Camille and you see how strong they feel in their bitterness and hateful thoughts about her.
A tense and suspenseful read that really does keep you guessing and wishing Camille wasn't so easily manipulated by these two character's that clearly mean her harm. She does question things but not nearly enough. The author has created a unique and intriguing story with an ending I didn't see coming and characters I loved to hate!.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Lorey Durston for the gifted copy of the book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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