Book Review: The Engagement by Samantha Hayes

he Engagement by Samantha Hayes, wow, what a wild ride! If you love psychological thrillers that have you on the edge of your seat, twisting and turning with every page, then this book is an absolute must-read. I devoured it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down—The Engagement grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. If you’re a fan of books like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, you’ll definitely want to add this to your reading list!

So, here’s the deal: The Engagement is about a mother, Hannah, and her daughter, Belle. When Belle introduces her fiancé, Jack, to her mother, Hannah’s world starts to unravel. At first, everything seems fine—until Hannah lays eyes on Jack. He’s tall, with dark stubble and these jet-black eyes that seem to hold so many secrets. And when he wraps his arm around Belle’s waist, it’s like a switch flips in Hannah’s mind. All of a sudden, she’s gripped by an overwhelming sense of fear. She recognizes Jack—not as the charming man he’s pretending to be, but as someone from her past. Someone she barely escaped from. Someone who’s now threatening her daughter’s future.

Hannah’s reaction is immediate and gut-wrenching. You can feel the panic rising in her chest as she tries to steady herself, clinging to her husband’s arm. This isn’t just a normal mother’s concern over a new fiancé—this is real fear. Hannah knows Jack’s capable of dangerous things, and she’s terrified that Belle is walking right into a trap. But the thing is, Belle is in love. She’s excited about her engagement, and she’s ready to move forward with her life. She’s not going to let her mother’s fears control her. And therein lies the heart-breaking conflict: Hannah is doing everything she can to protect her daughter, but in doing so, she’s smothering her.

The book dives deep into Hannah’s psyche, and that’s what makes her such a fascinating character. She’s not just overbearing for the sake of it—she’s been through a lot. Her past is filled with trauma and lies, and she’s convinced that she’s the only one who can protect Belle from making the same mistakes she did. But the more she tries to control Belle’s life, the more she pushes her away. It’s a tragic dynamic, one that anyone who’s ever had a protective parent can relate to. You see Hannah’s intentions, and you understand why she’s acting the way she is, but you also see how her actions are tearing her relationship with Belle apart.

What really hooked me in was the tension between mother and daughter. Belle is an adult now, and she wants to live her own life, make her own choices, and be with the man she loves. But every time she tries to assert her independence, Hannah’s fear and suspicion only get in the way. It’s a constant battle between love and control, trust and fear. I felt so torn between understanding Hannah’s protective instincts and feeling for Belle, who just wants her mom to let her go and make her own decisions. The emotional depth in this book is incredible, and it makes the suspense all the more gripping.

And then there’s Jack. Oh boy, Jack. From the moment he enters the picture, there’s something about him that just doesn’t sit right. He’s charming, but there’s an undercurrent of danger that you can’t ignore. The way Hayes builds the mystery around him is masterful. Just when you think you’ve got him figured out, another layer is peeled back, and you’re left questioning everything. What is Jack really hiding? Is he the man he appears to be, or is there something darker lurking beneath the surface? You won’t be able to stop second-guessing every interaction, every word, every move Jack makes. And that’s what makes the book so addictive—you’re constantly trying to piece together the puzzle, and just when you think you have it solved, another twist throws you off course.

The pacing of the book is perfect. Hayes knows exactly how to build suspense and tension. Every chapter leaves you wanting more, and before you know it, you’ve raced through the entire book in one sitting. The twists and turns keep coming, and the stakes keep getting higher. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and I promise you’ll feel the same way. The ending? It’s one of those jaw-dropping moments that will make you want to go back and reread the whole book to catch all the clues you missed. It’s the kind of twist that completely changes everything, and I didn’t see it coming at all.

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Engagement is a must-read. It’s a perfect blend of suspense, family drama, and emotional depth. You’ll be hooked from the very first page, and trust me, you won’t be able to put it down. The complex relationships, the secrets, the twists—it’s all so well done. If you love a good, heart-pounding thriller with characters who will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading, this is the book for you.