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He Started It
He Started It | Samantha Downing
65 posts | 57 read | 38 to read
Were you hooked by My Lovely Wife? Be the first to read Samantha Downing's next gripping psychological thriller HE STARTED IT by pre-ordering your copy now. Siblings can bring out the best in you. Or the worst... PRAISE FOR MY LOVELY WIFE 'Wow! My Lovely Wife is a stunner - full of twists, well-drawn characters, and riveting suspense' Harlan Coben, bestselling author of Don't Let Go 'Dexter meets Gone Girl - I loved this this brilliantly dark and twisted novel. One of the best books I've read this year' C.J. Tudor 'An assured and deliciously engrossing debut. It will linger long after you've reached the last page' Sarah Pinborough, bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes 'Absolutely unputdownable' Liv Constantine, bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish 'The next Gone Girl' Marie Claire
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review
Pandalif
He Started It | Samantha Downing
Mehso-so

3.75/5
Good but not for me. I found the characters unlikeable and the plot unbelievable especially towards the end.

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Nessavamusic
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

The story of three siblings and two spouses going on a road trip to earn an inheritance from their grandfather. As the journey progresses the truth about a long ago road trip unravels. This is most definitely a full on unlikeable narrator/pretty much everyone is unlikeable story. If you don‘t like unlikeable characters in your books definitely avoid this one.⬇️

Nessavamusic I did not enjoy this one as much as this authors other books, but I could not stop reading to unlock the mystery. 3⭐️ #Roll100 pick done (edited) 2y
Cinfhen Hmmmm, not sure if I want to open this can of worms 🐛😁😂 2y
Nessavamusic @Cinfhen it has her great writing, but the characters are so unlikeable 2y
Cinfhen Now I‘m back in the curious camp 😆seems like I should #BorrowNotBuy 2y
Nessavamusic @cinfhen that‘s what I did 2y
38 likes5 comments
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Bec_lectic
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Pack your bags and put on your seatbelt for one crazy road trip! After the death of their grandfather, three siblings set out to redo a trip they had all taken 20 years prior and the twist and turns this story takes will leave you with whiplash. Crazy story with and even crazier ending that made me yell “what”!

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Samary
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Literally gasped at one point haha! Really been loving her books.

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BarbaraBB
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

This book pulled me right in. I loved My Lovely Wife and had high expectations. Three siblings go on a road trip through the US to bury their grandfather‘s ashes by which they will earn their inheritance. I soon discovered they are all unreliability and have their secrets. The tension builds up fine but in the end I felt let down. Between a pick and a so-so.

TrishB Great pic ♥️ 3y
BarbaraBB @TrishB Cheesy Amsterdam in Winter 😀 3y
TrishB Wonderful Amsterdam! 3y
See All 11 Comments
Megabooks Sounds interesting. I‘ll see if I can borrow it. 👍🏻 3y
Libby1 Maggere brug? (I hope I remembered the correct spelling!) 3y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks it‘s definitely a #borrowdontbuy. Audio is good too (I partly listened to it). 3y
BarbaraBB @Libby1 it‘s a replica of the Magere Brug (correct!) over a skating rink across from the Rijksmuseum! 3y
Cathythoughts Sounds good ! Borrowdontbuy sounds like good advice … I‘ll get the kindle version 👍🏻 3y
Cinfhen Love the photo!! I‘ve seen lots of mixed reviews for this one. Disappointing because I really loved 3y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen Me too but this one is not as goof unfortunately although it is enjoyable. 3y
Cinfhen I‘ll look to #BorrowNotBuy 😍 3y
78 likes2 stack adds11 comments
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Madison91
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

I found this book so strange, it‘s like it took a different turn in the middle then again at the end. It was so fast to read because it was really excited, but at the end I just felt myself feeling “WHAT?!”

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Emmybird01
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

5/5 for this one! This book was so good. I was pulled in from the start. I love a good mystery thriller and this did not disappoint. I loved the weird in this and the twists! It‘s definitely my kind of book.

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Madison91
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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FEBRUARY! I‘m still reading my last book of January but at least I got to it! And still going strong with no new books purchased in 2021 😂

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candc320
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

There is no other way to describe this novel then an insane road trip! On the surface it seems innocent - 3 siblings and 2 significant others re-enacting a childhood trip they took with their grandfather now that he‘s passed away - but so many family secrets and hidden agendas are brought to light along the way before an epic betrayal of an ending. Insane in all the best ways! Quick read and propulsive. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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GeauxGetLit
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Anyone up for a road trip from hell around the country with your estranged siblings? Yep, most people would pass; however, when you have an inheritance to gain that states you must go on this road trip, well you make do.
The 2 week road trip consists of non stop twists and turns that leaves you scratching your head wondering what was that about?
The finale was a complete shocker as it brought everything together and you will be saying, NO WAY!

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BarbaraBB
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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#WeeklyForecast 52/20

This last week will be all about comfort reading. Some #tob21, a thriller (He Started It) and hopefully also Tangerine, which I have been meaning to read for years.
After that, I‘m all set for the 2021 challenges!

Cinfhen Exciting!!! Starting 2021 with a clean slate 4y
squirrelbrain I really liked Tangerine! Have a great week! 4y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain That‘s good to know! I am about to start it! 4y
vivastory Looking forward to your thoughts on these. Tangerine sounds intriguing. 4y
64 likes4 comments
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a.bookish.byrd
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️

ItsAnotherJen That cover looks it came from like a country music video 4y
36 likes1 comment
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Purrfectpages
He Started It | Samantha Downing
Mehso-so

Three estranged siblings take a road trip to painstakingly (and confusingly) recreate a road trip taken with their grandfather after his death. The siblings leave important details out to keep their significant others from knowing the whole truth. They are also far from being truthful with each other. There is literally no one to root for here, taking family dysfunction a whole new level.

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Purrfectpages
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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I‘ve been seeing a lot of buzz for this one. Let‘s find out if it‘s worth the hype!

janeycanuck It‘s so bizarre! Just when you think nothing else crazy could possibly happen, you realize you are only half way done! Hope you enjoy it. 4y
31 likes1 stack add1 comment
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suzie.reads
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Really enjoyed this a very twisty read, ending was abit rushed but still good.
Great for reading USA aswell as they travel through about 5 or 6 states
#ReadtheUSA2020 #Nevada (47th state) #Murder2020 (book 85)

41 likes1 stack add
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JHSiess
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

.。.:* 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 *.:。.⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝗪𝐢𝐟𝐞 was a twisted, twisty delight. But it was just the tip of the crazy iceberg. 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ramps up the madness in 𝐇𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐭. You'll never guess what's coming . . . or get over the ending. But you have to read it if you love thrillers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⁣⁣

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸: https://tinyurl.com/y35pysy9

39 likes1 stack add
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saheffernan
He Started It | Samantha Downing
This post contains spoilers
show me
Mehso-so

3.5 stars. I loved the roadtrip story with the crazy roadside attractions following the journey of the siblings as they are forced to come together and recreate their first roadtrip for an inheritance. Dead parents, husbands, siblings, trying to solve all the mystery and thrilling aspects you follow along. The book ends very aburpt leaving you wondering what happened/happens next but overall a great audiobook in my opinion.

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Tiffiney
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book...and was anxious to see how it ended...and then...the end happened, and I felt let down 😞

Hooked_on_books I agree about the end. I found it far too abrupt and thus not quite believable. But I did enjoy the majority of the book. 4y
Clwojick Same! 4y
44 likes2 comments
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janeycanuck
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

I LOVED My Lovely Wife so I couldn‘t wait for this one. The setup of three siblings recreating a road tip they took with their grandfather as kids was so intriguing. And man, the twists... with 80 pages left, I gave my SO rundown of everything that happened and he asked what was left for the rest of the book. That ending was something... it felt rushed to me and kind of anti-climatic but deserved. Downing is now a must-read author me.

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Jeannineth
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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I loved My Lovely Wife. So I‘m hoping Samantha Downing delivers another 5 ⭐️. And that shovel 😂

58 likes1 stack add
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janeycanuck
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Books continue to flood in at the library for me. I‘m both excited and overwhelmed.

ChasingOm I love your candle! 😂 4y
janeycanuck @ChasingOm thanks! I got it in a FabFitFun add-on sale along with another one called You Need To Calm Down. 4y
sb3626 I feel that so much! I keep being bad and requesting them expecting them to take longer than they do and I just can‘t say no 4y
43 likes3 comments
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candority
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

Ooof, that ending was a major letdown… But the rest of the book was decent. 3⭐️

This is my #CharactersGoOnARoadTrip pick for #SummerFun bingo and another #BookSpinBingo read!

janeycanuck I just finished this. When I had about 80 pages left, I gave the highlights to my SO and he said “what the heck is left for the last 80 pages?!” 4y
candority @janeycanuck Right?! What did you think of the ending? 4y
janeycanuck @candority I have mixed feelings. I feel they kinda had it coming but also that it was rushed and that it didn‘t quite pack the same punch as some of the earlier twists. It wasn‘t satisfying for me. 4y
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candority @janeycanuck Yeah, I felt the same way. 4y
janeycanuck @candority I do love this insanely over-the-top drama, though. I can‘t wait for Downing‘s next one. 4y
JHSiess Shades of The Sopranos finale. PTSD. 😳 4y
66 likes7 comments
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Jemgirl2014
He Started It | Samantha Downing
Pickpick

"He Started It" is highly addictive. I wouldn't recommend reading it if you have stuff to do because once you hit page one, that said stuff will fall by the wayside. Oh my God! Now I want to visit the Codger Pole! ? The only thing I have a problem with is the ending. Why does this character get the final say? Kind of lame. I hope this gets picked up for a movie. So original!

MyNamesParadise I have the author‘s first book, My Lovely Wife, but haven‘t read it yet. Glad to hear this one was addictive! I‘ll have to check it out! 4y
Jemgirl2014 @MyNamesParadise I've read "My Lovely Wife" That one is fantastic too! I hope you enjoy thrm as much as I did. ? 4y
MyNamesParadise @Jemgirl2014 I‘ll have to start My Lovely Wife soon! 4y
Jemgirl2014 @MyNamesParadise Cool! Let me know what you think! 😀 4y
16 likes4 comments
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meowmeowd
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

I loved this twisty thriller! Three self-absorbed siblings on a horrendous road trip across the country, a grandfather‘s multi-million dollar inheritance at stake, hillbilly stalkers, and soooo many secrets and lies revealed along the way. And wow! What an ending! The last chapter is like a fireworks show with reveals and possible endings going off on every page. Plus, Karissa Vacker did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

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Hooked_on_books
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Three siblings are unhappily recreating a road trip while the author slowly feeds out information about what is happening now and what happened then. I enjoyed most of this book and felt the tension was well built. However, there are some components that don‘t quite fit (including the title) and the ending is overly abrupt. So really between pick and so-so.

BarbaraBB I had high hopes for this one after 4y
Cinfhen Same @BarbaraBB !!!!!!!! 4y
Hooked_on_books @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen As did I. My Lovely Wife is definitely better. 4y
BarbaraBB It‘s always good for my TBR to unstack! 4y
DAB I want to read this book just because of the title and the jacket. 4y
40 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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swishandflick
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

I had no idea what the final destination would be on this dysfunctional family road trip, but it turned out to be disappointing. Made for a quick, entertaining enough read, though ultimately felt disjointed and flat.

JenniferEgnor I do love this table though! 4y
88 likes1 comment
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Booknerd2
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Panpan

This was an absolute miss for me. Very long and drawn out with little reward at the end.

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Jenken1998
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Library run to pick up my holds, hubs is running errands so i am reading in the truck #deweysreadathon #reversereadathon

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AudiobookingWithLeah
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

○ MYSTERY/THRILLER/SUSPENSE ○ AN INHERITANCE AT STAKE ○ ROAD-TRIP FROM HELL ○ ONE JAW-DROPPING TWIST AFTER ANOTHER ○ MONEY REALLY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL
Damn, that was crazy AF...It was as if the author was slowly spoon-feeding us bits of info as the story progressed and towards the end, she was using a shovel instead of a spoon. It was coming at me from all angles...I think this is why there is a shovel on the cover of the book.

13 likes1 comment
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jackilynn
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick
15 likes1 stack add
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SilversReviews
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

Why would their grandfather require his grandchildren to re-live a trip they took with him when they were young in order to inherit his fortune?

Find out what it is all about here: https://tinyurl.com/y2o57olt

@smariedowning

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jillannjohn
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

This book was all kinds of crazy and the twists surprised me every time. I think the last 50 pages I was saying Wow, Whoa, or No out loud. I would hate to go on a road trip with this family!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

jenniferw88 🐈❤❤❤ 4y
rubyslippersreads 😻😻😻 4y
Velvetfur Aaww what a happy snuggly puss! Adorable 💜 4y
Mariposa_Bookworm Did you read My Lovely Wife? I did the same thing with that one. So good!!! 4y
jillannjohn @Mariposa_Bookworm I‘m definitely going to read that one now!! 4y
55 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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jillannjohn
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Only about 50 pages in and I can tell this is going to be 🦇 💩 crazy. And it‘s making me want to take a road trip! #imaybecrazy #lazysunday

MicheleinPhilly This cover always makes me 😂. 4y
jillannjohn I think it‘s what caught my attention. 😂😂 4y
38 likes2 comments
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Artsywink
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Read this book in one day. I thought it was fast paced, messed up, and I loved it. I‘m definitely going to check out her previous book, My Lovely Wife.

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Velvetsun
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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5 Stars

This book....was out and out banana pants crazy.
In the best possible way!
He Started It was by far one of the most
entertaining reading experiences I‘ve had all year. It is about a family road trip. A very
dysfunctional family road trip.
It‘s a wild one, guys!

Read my full review on my blog!

https://this-bookish-girl.blogspot.com/2020/07/he-started-it-samantha-downing.ht...

26 likes2 stack adds
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SoManyBooksNotEnoughTime
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

🎂📚 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲! 📚🎂⁣

Reviews To Come (#RTC)⁣

𝐇𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 @berkleypub
𝟺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝟻 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⁣

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧 @Torbooks
𝟺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝟻 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⁣

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐓.𝐌. 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧 @stmartinspress
𝟺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝟻 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⁣

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Velvetsun
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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So excited to start this one today! #happybookbirthday

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Jemgirl2014
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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The books just keep coming in! 😄

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BookishTrish
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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💯 exhausted today and hoping the tween doesn‘t have other plans #pageturner

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ClairesReads
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Mehso-so

Easy reading for a sick day but ultimately a bit too chaotic and hyperbolic for me to get too excited about.

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JeaMar82
He Started It | Samantha Downing
Pickpick

This was good but I loved My Lovely Wife more. Still kept me guessing though.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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BookishBelle
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

I finished this #lmpbc book today. What a wild ride! And that ending! Whoa! This will be on its way to you soon @Kappadeemom along with Roanoke Girls (your June book). That‘s a wrap for this round. Can‘t wait for another round of #lmpbc ! @phatsallylee @Victoriahoperose

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BookishBelle
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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#bookandbreakfast You know it‘s good when you read while you eat! 😊

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BookishBelle
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Y‘all! I started this #lmpbc book late this afternoon and I‘m already 102 pages in (that‘s a lot for me) despite stopping for supper and a little Celebrity Family Feud with my man! It‘s a page turner so far. I can‘t wait to find out what happens/happened! @Kappadeemom @Victoriahoperose @phatsallylee

20 likes1 stack add
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BookishBelle
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Got this #lmpbc book in the mail today! It is Lucy-approved! 🙃 Thanks for the card @phatsallylee !

@Kappadeemom @Victoriahoperose

#dogsoflitsy #petsoflitsy

CBee Lucy is precious 🧡 4y
BookishBelle Thanks @CBee ! 🧡 4y
38 likes1 stack add2 comments
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OutsmartYourShelf
He Started It | Samantha Downing
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Pickpick

Started off strong but about halfway through I became irritated with the characters. I also hated the ending but I think the author did a good job in depicting the sometimes fraught relationships between siblings. I vacillated between 3-4 stars but decided on 3.5 🌟

Thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, for the opportunity to read an ARC. #NetGalley