Book Review: The Request

THE REQUEST | David Bell
06.30.2020 | Berkley
Rating: 4/5 stars

Ryan Francis has the life everyone dreams of having. He’s got a great job, a loving wife, and a brand new baby boy. Ryan’s social media presence would lead anyone to believe he has it all, but what they don’t see is the secret he has kept hidden for years. The risk of having his secret exposed runs high as Blake, Ryan’s closest friend from college, suddenly appears one night. Blake says he needs a favor and Ryan has no choice but to help unless he wants his perfect life turned upside down. What Ryan doesn’t bank on is the chaos that is waiting for him if he complies with Blake’s request.

David Bell has become one of the authors who I eagerly wait for their new releases every year. I can always count on Bell to come up with a high octane and over-the-top story that is a thrill to read! Bell’s latest book, THE REQUEST, perfectly fits this mold with enough twists and turns to keep a reader flying through this story!

Social media has a way of allowing the world to showcase their best self. It’s a place to show all of the things you’re proud of and hide anything unseamly. Ryan Francis is thriving through social media, but what his friends and family don’t see is the stress and regret he carries with him every day. I love when authors choose to craft their main characters in a way that is easily relatable to the general public. While everyone may not live on social media to the extent Ryan does, the concept is still one familiar in today’s society.

Perhaps Bell’s most successful traits across all of his books is his ability to propel the story forward. Bell utilizes short chapters to drive the reader forward in the story by keeping tensions high. The reader follows along with Ryan as things spiral out of control at a rate that feels lightning fast. This structure makes the story flow quickly, allowing the book to become a binge worthy read.

THE REQUEST is perfect for summer reading beside the pool or at the beach. This is a fun story that can perhaps feel a bit over-the-top at times, but in the most enjoyable way possible! If you haven’t tried a David Bell book yet, what are you waiting for?

This book is available to buy from: Amazon | Book Depository

A huge thank you to Get Red PR and Berkley for my gifted copy!

Disclosure: What Jess Reads is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This in no way influences my opinion of the above book.