The Swap

Robyn Harding

Jun 2020 · Simon and Schuster · Narrated by Amanda Dolan, George Newbern, Joy Osmanski, and Pete Simonelli

About this audiobook

In this riveting tale that “will keep you on your toes until the very end” (HelloGiggles), two couples embark on a toxic relationship after a night of sexual shenanigans, unaware of the manipulative teenager with an explosive secret at the center of it all—from the USA TODAY bestselling author of The Party.

Low Morrison is not your average teen. You could blame her hippie parents or her dreary, isolated hometown on an island in the Pacific Northwest. But whatever the reason, Low just doesn’t fit in—and neither does Freya, an ethereal beauty and once-famous social media influencer who now owns the local pottery studio.

After signing up for a class, Low quickly falls under Freya’s spell. And Freya, buoyed by Low’s adoration, is compelled to share her darkest secrets and deepest desires. Finally, both feel a sense of belonging...that is, until Jamie walks through the studio door. Desperate for a baby, she and her husband have moved to the island hoping that the healthy environment will result in a pregnancy. Freya and Jamie become fast friends, as do their husbands, leaving Low alone once again.

Then one night, after a boozy dinner party, Freya suggests swapping partners. It should have been a harmless fling between consenting adults, one night of debauchery that they would put behind them, but instead, it upends their lives. And provides Low the perfect opportunity to unleash her growing resentment.

An “explosive, sexy, and completely absorbing” (Kate Moretti, New York Times bestselling author) thriller, The Swap is perfect for fans of Megan Miranda and Lisa Jewell.

Ratings and reviews

Shifting perspectives weave throughout a story of manipulation, obsession and violence in Robyn Harding’s latest novel, The Swap. Low (short for Swallow) is an awkward young woman whose upbringing in a nontraditional family has alienated her from her small island community. Dissociated from her own sexuality and identity, she latches on to a local artist offering pottery classes. Freya is dangerously captivating but mercurial, and Low becomes increasingly desperate to monopolize her mentor’s attention. She is intensely jealous of anyone else in Freya’s orbit, and terrified that she will be abandoned by this fascinating person who finally shows her the respect and affection she craves. Low is so besotted that she becomes a stalker whose every moment is spent trying to infiltrate Freya’s life. Jamie is Freya’s best friend and Low considers her the primary threat to their relationship. Jamie is also vulnerable to Freya’s charms. Her deep insecurity and low self-esteem combine with infertility struggles and a stressed marriage. Freya seems to enjoy the competition between her admirers and leverages her power to get them to succumb to her whims. It certainly seems that Freya’s ability to attract followers is endless. Max, Freya’s former-athlete husband, who is recovering from a career-ending scandal seems subordinated to his wife. Brian, Jamie’s husband whose own artistic efforts have stagnated also succumbs easily to Freya’s extraordinary charms. As testament to her control over the other characters, Freya easily orchestrates a partner swap one fateful night with Jamie and Brian. The rest of the novel addresses the impact this exercise in infidelity has on all the players involved. The Swap is an interesting study in obsession and self-punishment, but often stretches credibility and veers into over-wrought emotion. Freya’s point-of-view is the least represented and the plot relies upon the reader’s acceptance of her ability to hypnotize others. Since she is underdeveloped and inscrutable, it becomes difficult to understand why the other characters are blind to her many faults erratic behavior. Harding keeps the tension tight, however, and fans will enjoy this page-turner if they are seeking a thriller that is engaging but not profound. Thanks to the author, Scout Press/Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Don't waste your money.

Great.DAUGVA

About the author

Robyn Harding is the author of numerous international bestsellers, including The Party, The Arrangement and The Drowning Woman. She has also written and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC, with her family and two cute but deadly rescue chihuahuas. Visit her at RobynHarding.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @RHardingWriter or Facebook @AuthorRobynHarding.