The Golden Couple

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Having lost her license, Avery Chambers is no longer bound by the regulations imposed on other therapists. She has created a 10 session approach to “fixing” people. It’s unconventional, to say the least. She delves into her clients' lives in a big way. But people sign up to work with her, based on the success stories. Grief isn’t linear. It isn’t logical. There’s no structure or civility to it; it grabs you when you least expect it and digs in its nails until you succumb. I am very much in the minority with my feelings about this one. I tried to love this book, but my overly critical brain wouldn’t shut up, and instead of love, it ended with eye rolls. I think this is a good domestic thriller and can recommend it to those who enjoy a strongly character driven novel.

His grasp is strong and dry. “Matthew Bishop,” he replies. I take in his square chin, light blue eyes, and broad shoulders. There was also a perfect balance between the past and present, as well as between both story lines and how well they intertwined...not sure if this was due to the joint writing effort from two authors, but it just worked. I also loved that even though Marissa and Matthew were supposed to be sort of a 'posh' couple, in many ways they felt down to earth and accessible and there was GENUINE emotion tied in when the authors detailed their marital strife. I love when a thriller can also tug at my heart strings a bit, and this one certainly did! I rise and walk to my front door, peering through the peephole before I pull it open. Marissa and Matthew glide across the threshold as if they’re accustomed to making an entrance. When we are in love, we usually ignore certain behaviors and actions (including a few red flags) of our lover. We would have reacted to those actions if they had been done by anyone other than our lover. This book tells us the importance of looking at our relationships from a different angle to get a clearer picture of our relationship before it is too late. Marissa & Matthew are the Golden Couple - the one everyone wants to be. Until Marissa reveals infidelity and they seek out Avery, a 10-session highly-sought-after “therapist” to patch the marriage. Oh, then everything goes completely cray-cray.I need to write a book where Karens get their comeuppance. Now THAT is a novel idea (ba-dum-dum-tssss!) Besides the eye rolling on the continuous descriptions of HOW BEAUTIFUL this couple is (and who cares?), my issue with the book is that the plot is utterly predictable. When left with two possible suspects on the “could be guilty” board, it’s not that hard. There is nothing new in this plot. We have read many thrillers with similar stories, and the twists can be easily predicted if you are a person who is familiar with the world of thrillers. The way Avery’s character is crafted and her concept of ethics and ten session clients might irritate many readers. Blond, fit, wealthy, successful, Marissa and Mathew Bishop have it all. Or is seems so on the outside, looking in. But Marissa is lonely and abandoned in this marriage and even the eight year old son of Marissa and Mathew knows things aren't right. He says he doesn't want to be with his dad if his parents get divorced, which horrifies Marissa. Their son shouldn't know the marriage is troubled but he does.

it's still fun to read these goofy psych suspense books where all the characters are dialed up to 10 on the drama scale and married couples are so full of secrets. Marissa wrings her hands, the large diamond on her ring catching the overhead light. Her flawless skin is pale. When the Bishops glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger. This story is not your typical mystery. There’s no dead body or traditional crime to solve. But that doesn’t make it any less suspenseful. Avery Chambers won’t take you on as a client if she doesn't think she can "fix" your problem in 10 sessions. Her technique is unorthodox/controversial methods. She lost her license due to her methods but that hasn't stopped her helping her clients nor has it stopped people from seeking her out.

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i do have a baseline appreciation for the idea of a therapist who lost their license because of their UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS but still doing the same work as a 'consultant,' counseling folks with all the training but none of the pesky rules or oversight - nothing to rein her in AND THE TAGLINE IS: when 'do no harm' becomes 'do what thou wilt,' that's when the fun freaking starts.