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Blood, Sweat, and Desire

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During a night of drunken revelry, three couples spontaneously agree to swap spouses for a wild weekend that promises liberation from the monotony of their lives. They’re all friends—what could possibly go wrong?

As the weekend unfolds, the six find themselves in a pressure-cooker of hidden desires, festering grudges, and unbearable tension. And when one of the spouses is found brutally murdered, they all begin to reconsider the people they thought they knew so well.

Emily, a successful businesswoman with a seemingly ideal marriage, eagerly embraced this thrilling escape. But when she becomes entangled in a web of guilt and suspicion, life quickly spins out of control. Is it paranoia, or is she right about being pursued by someone determined to get what they want?

As the investigation barrels down a rocky path filled with shocking revelations and unexpected twists, Emily must come to grips with the darker side of herself and the people closest to her. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, can she survive unscathed?

Blood, Sweat, and Desire begs the question: How far would you go to have the life you’ve always wanted? Dive into a world where betrayal, lust, and the dangerous consequences of our most primal urges collide in a breathtaking, lightning-paced novel that will keep you up at night reading. Don’t miss this electrifying thriller—your next obsession awaits.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2023

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About the author

Britney King

28 books1,585 followers
Britney King lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, children, two very literary dogs, one ridiculous cat, and a partridge in a pear tree.

When she's not wrangling the things mentioned above, she writes psychological, domestic, and romantic thrillers set in suburbia.

Without a doubt, connecting with readers is the best part of this gig. You can find Britney online here:

Email ➜ hello@britneyking.com
Website ➜ https://britneyking.com
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/BritneyKingA...
TikTok ➜ https://www.tiktok.com/@britneyking_
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/britneyking_/
BookBub ➜ https://www.bookbub.com/authors/britn...
Goodreads ➜ https://bit.ly/BritneyKingGoodreads
Newsletter ➜ https://britneyking.com/newsletter/


For exclusive content — including two free short stories — subscribe to her mailing list at britneyking.com or just copy and paste this link into your browser ➜ https://britneyking.com/get-exclusive...

Happy reading.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
60 (14%)
4 stars
87 (21%)
3 stars
136 (33%)
2 stars
94 (23%)
1 star
28 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy White (mandylovestoread).
2,311 reviews663 followers
July 21, 2023
If you are looking for a wild ride, Britney King is your girl. What begins as an innocent seeming story, soon spirals into a dark and steamy tale that you have to read to believe.

Blood, Sweat and Desire is a story of a group of longtime friends, and weekend away that changes everything forever. Copious amounts of alcohol and a night of games ends in murder. Which of them is capable? None of them are who they appear to be, all hiding deep, dark secrets from each other. Full of twists and lies, this is a crazy, read in one sitting book that you will devour.

Thank you, Britney King, for my advanced copy to read.
Profile Image for Suzy.
386 reviews279 followers
March 20, 2024
2 stars! ⭐️⭐️

WTH was that? Actually, one star but an extra one given because it was (thankfully) super short!

This was my first Britney King book and I must say - not impressed. The premise sounded good - juicy secrets, lies, betrayal - the things I love in a thriller. It had some of that, but mostly horrid people doing horrid things. Not one shred of entertaining value considering how this book was described.

So glad this didn’t suck up a bunch of reading time because that ending was terrible. Did I miss something? Some of these 4 and 5 star reviews have me scratching my head.

Profile Image for Lisa Wetzel.
551 reviews29 followers
July 25, 2023
Blood, Sweat, and Desire is Britney King’s newest psychological thriller and you won’t believe it!! Buckle up and hold on to your seat, you are in for one of the wildest roller coaster rides of the summer! Ms. King takes us on a ride of suspense and intrigue. This one does start out sounding a little innocent but “POW”, King hits you with one of the darkest and steamiest thrillers! It is extremely well written, fast pace and unputdownable. Filled with betrayal, deceit, lies, envy, jealousy, murder and some of the deepest, darkest secrets you will read! There are many shocking revelations and an unbelievable ending!! This is one intoxicating read and I for one loved it!! I have read I few of Britney King’s books and she ALWAYS has my jaw in the floor!!! Highly recommend this one and any book by this fantastic author!!!!

Thank you Hot Banana Press and Britney King for another awesome book to read and review! Like always I look forward to your next one. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
#hotbananapress #britneyking. #bloodsweatanddesire
#psychologicalthriller. #arc
Profile Image for Heather.
428 reviews33 followers
August 6, 2023
Love Britney King. She could write anything and I’d love it. This book was no different. Birds of a feather flock together. That’s the best way to sum up this book.

It did feel like there were a lot of metaphors in this book. It felt a little distracting at times but didn’t take away from the story itself.

Devoured the book in a day.

Can’t wait to see what this next year of book releases brings from the Queen of fked up stories.
1,458 reviews34 followers
September 7, 2023
Like many others, I will read anything King writes as her books are always juicy, dark, and incredibly surprising at the end! Personal chef Michael finds a dead body in the freezer and the fun begins! Seven friends have gathered at a dinner party when one of them suggests a "swap" for the evening; no strings attached, no one will ever know what did or didn't happen. But two of the main characters, Emily and Jack have their own issues and secrets we become convinced are devious and unnatural. And of course you will never figure out who the real villain(s) are as King is brilliant in her plotting and planting red herrings everywhere! Loved it!
216 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2023
Not a fav of Britney Kings but it did keep me interested. I was left with a few questions at the end though…
Profile Image for Christie Gerren.
109 reviews
March 5, 2024
I have become quite the fan of Britney King. Every book I have read so far has been a total page turner. She has quite the talent of starting with an innocent beginning and totally unloading a dark, steamy and twisted storyline that keeps my pages flying.

Blood, Sweat and Desire delivered!! Starting out as an innocent couples get away gone wrong and BAM! It is hard to describe this title and how good it really is without revealing spoilers, which I do not like doing, but if you like a dark and twisted rollercoaster of a psychological thriller then this book is for you!!!!
Profile Image for NMonroe.
311 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2023
A story of friends who really aren’t your friends. Emily and Jack are toxic af; and I love it!
54 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2023
Blood, Sweat, and Desire is vintage Britney King's writing brilliance! The premise is simple: six college friends get together for a relaxing weekend at a luxury estate. During a booze-filled night of imbibing, reminiscing, and story-telling, the weekend hostess suggests that the friends take their relationships to a new level by consensually swapping spouses for the night. Despite initial trepidation, all eventually agree for various reasons.

As the night proceeds, grudges with spouses, festering envy, hidden desires, years-old jealousies, and primal urges are revealed. Lucid decision-making is perhaps clouded by excessive alcohol consumption. Then all hell breaks loose the following day as one of the spouses is found brutally murdered.

Emily is a worthy successor to the intriguing women protagonists that are characteristic of Britney King's novels. Emily’s husband, Jack, is the male protagonist. On the surface, they seem to have an ideal marriage. But in reality, both are hiding many secrets from their friends and one another. Emily and Jack are risk-takers and daredevils with unique moral codes.

While most of the story is told from the point of view of Emily, some chapters are from Jack’s perspective. And several chapters are observations from “Anonymous,” an unrevealed member of the weekend getaway.

Emily and Jack’s marriage quickly disintegrates following the ill-fated weekend as old secrets surface, and trust is eroded. Emily also becomes distrustful of her long-time friends, and questions are raised about whether it is her paranoia and guilt or if people are plotting against her.

The book's final third is filled with multiple twists, turns, and unexpected revelations and is definitely “unputdownable.”

Blood, Sweet, and Desire is a white-knuckle thrill ride of a well-plotted, well-paced, and well-written story interspersed with tales of jealousy, envy, animosity, betrayal, lust, revenge, and primal urges. I loved everything about Blood, Sweet, and Desire and am pleased to give it my highest possible rating.

I received an advanced reading copy (ARC) for an honest review. My review is provided voluntarily and enthusiastically.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,697 reviews49 followers
November 29, 2023
I had this on my wish list for ages and it finally became available through my library. I’ve heard so many good things and this book has such a stellar Goodreads rating and rave reviews.

I gotta say… I don’t get it.

I genuinely didn’t enjoy the book because it felt flat and one dimensional. I didn’t like the writing at all. The plot had a ton of potential to be amazing, but I didn’t think it was executed well.

I’m disappointed, but I think if you’re new to thrillers or want something super quick, this might work for you.
82 reviews
April 4, 2024
I would have DNF but the book was quite short so I persisted.

1/5 stars

There was really no substance to this book. It barely scratched the surface of the story trying to be told and I didn't find it entertaining in the least. The story refused to go anywhere worthwhile.

The main female narrator was so awful and robotic. There was no passion or character in her voice.

The characters were all so terrible with no redeeming qualities that I could not enjoy a single one. The character development was poor and the writing style wasn't great either.

There was no spice or desire that this book hinted at. Even the twist could be seen from a mile away. Just 4hrs of horrible people doing horrible things.

This book is a hard pass.
Profile Image for Bookish_Sally.
382 reviews10 followers
July 29, 2023
Very intriguing as always. The hook definitely did the job.
The characters, plot, setting it all played out perfectly together. The “anonymous” surely kept me going back and forth between who did what and why.
After finishing this book I can’t help but feel there’s some connection to a previous book at the end of this one. I could definitely be mistaken though.
Either way, I have loved every single one of author King’s stories. I’m excited to see what’s next.
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
807 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2023
I believe I've read most of Britney Kings novel. I think this one is a winner! Fast paced, great characters, and a plot that grabs you in the beginning and twists you every which way. Close friend get together for a weekend and one comes up with the idea odd. a mate swap. Then the idea becomes a a thrill ride. Didn't see that ending coming!
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,507 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2023
Bizarre

If twisted characters and plots are your thing, you will love this book. Not one redeeming quality amongst them but macabre couple, Jack and Emily make for a sinister good time, until one fateful night when they start to question everything. Definitely different but the saying keep your friends close and your enemies closer applies.
Profile Image for Sheela.
96 reviews
March 19, 2024
Really quick read that had me guessing until the end. There were some plot lines that felt unnecessary as well as some characters. I feel deeply unsatisfied about Ava’s arc but also wonder if there is a prequel about her and her husband and if the group was involved in that as well. There are no characters to root for in this book, but there is a clear worst player.
43 reviews
October 14, 2023
Wow! What a great read.

This was a very engaging book. I couldn’t put it down, because there were so many twists and turns that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book.



March 15, 2024
The twists and turns of the book kept me on my toes, and every time I thought I knew "who did it" something else happened that changed my mind.
Beautifully and captivatingly written, I cannot wait to read more by the author
Profile Image for Scott.
223 reviews
March 21, 2024
This was fast paced with short chapters-what I love. It was a little confusing to try and keep the couples matched up. A little bit of a jump around in the beginning was hard to follow. Overall, it kept my attention and entertained me.
219 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2024
I kept going back thinking I zoned out whole readjng. It was disjointed and choppy and did not tie together. It felt like several really good book ideas thrown together haphazardly. But it's being talked about on social media, so maybe it's just me?
Profile Image for Missy Adkins.
17 reviews
August 3, 2023
A Must Read

So many times I literally gasped out loud. Twist and turns you never see coming! Definitely a must read. You won’t be disappointed
Profile Image for Brittany Beasley.
5 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2023
I read this book in about 6 hours. It’s extremely elementary and unlikely. It does have attempted twists and turns, but they also seem unrealistic. Unfortunately not very impressed
Profile Image for Andrea T.
174 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book all the way till the last chapter. I’m so confused.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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