There are times I loathe being a book blogger. It means you have to piece together your feelings for a book and how you like it and what you think other people will think of it and sometimes these things aren’t the same. I’m a cover girl. Covers play a HUGE part for me in picking a book, even though I read on a Kindle so the colour and sometimes the graphics are null and void. And so I leapt for this, what looked like a psychological thriller with some form of a murder/ suicide involved. It turned out to be more drama than thriller and left me a little disappointed. I have to admit the telling in present tense third person (as in ‘holding her breath, she crouches down’) put me off a little. It suited the start but then when I read on, I found it off putting, distancing me from what was going on, a group of people enjoying themselves at a wedding until it becomes clear that one of them is about to jump out of a hotel window.

The story itself is seemingly about Penny, who is having doubts about her husband. Given how I thought it would go from the blurb, I would have been happy had it continued with Penny’s story but from here on we are bombarded with characters. I’m a huge fan of character heavy books, but here there were so many and both in terms of voices (as in POV) and the actual dialogue there was just too much and I was confused pretty quickly. I had no descriptions to grab on to and so chose to go with ‘the pregnant one, the one having an affair’ etc. The characters were nearly all unlikable, and again I found myself very distanced from them. Reading may be about moving into another world but having so many people who showed no remorse for the pretentious way they acted just made me sigh. Every character had issues/a backstory which were sometimes sprang on you and I have to admit at times I rolled my eyes with the introduction both of bad language (use of the ‘c’ word and people using the word piss and sh*t), abuse and drama that hadn’t been alluded to, though in hindsight for example with the mention of the church I should have known. The biggest issue was how well the author wrote, which I know sounds so weird after such an awful review (I honestly do feel bad), but the settings and the vocabulary used were fantastic and made me regret that it was a book I just didn’t warm to and I have to reiterate that others will love it.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Avon for this book in return for an honest review

Rating: Unfortunately 2.5/5

Sorry to say; I found My Husband’s Lies by Caroline England a struggle to read.....Usually after I've read the first few pages I am into a book but this one did not grip me, like other books I have read. I found this book hard to read and you were introduced to, too many characters who all played a vital part in this story. I got lost reading it on who they all were and it became confusing.

I received this book via Netgalley thanks to the publisher; Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest opinion.

You’d think I’d be sick of reading so many thrillers/suspense novels but NOPE. Keep them coming, authors! My Husband’s Lies by Caroline England sounds like just the right mix of suspense and intrigue with a hint of domestic life.

Told in alternating points of view, each person has well-hidden secrets and as the book moves on, slowly things are revealed.

Here’s the official synopsis:

On the afternoon of Nick and Lisa’s wedding, their close friend is found poised on a hotel window ledge, ready to jump. As the shock hits their friendship group, they soon realise that none of them are being as honest with themselves – or with each other – as they think.

And there are secrets lurking that could destroy everything.

Makes you wonder about the people you know and what kind of secrets they hold close!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for letting me read "My Husband's Lies" by Caroline England for an honest review. All opinions are my own! And I wasn't forced to leave a review!

My first time reading that author and I don't regret it.

It's well written, interesting, never boring, good flow... I love how the characters are described, the first chapters to introduce them and different POVs... which could also be confusing at times.

It's about secrets...
I couldn't put it down, I found it intriguing, I read half of it last night and the rest today.

I give it 4 stars because I found it a little bit hard to follow at first, too many characters, it was a bit confusing.

Review shared online on NetGallet, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon when published.

I really liked the storyline and the drama involved with each couple. However, the characters merged together which made it difficult to differentiate them. I’ve given it 3 stars but it’s probably more like 3.5 stars.

2.5 stars

I really thought I would like this one because the plot was very interesting but I was sadly disappointed. It’s too bad because it really is a great story but it was just missing something.

The story had way too many characters and from time to time I found myself becoming confused as to which character was which. Ot got really annoying because I had to keep flipping back to find who was talking.

The story was told in many different point of views but I did enjoy Dan’s point of view the most interesting. The rest were kind of just boring for me which is upsetting because they could’ve been so much better. This book did have one thing I enjoyed. Secrets and lies. Okay two things. For me, that’s what kept me reading. I wanted to see if the characters would figure out or if they knew the whole time but hey were playing dumb. A tad bit disappointed but well wrapped.

I did like the ending for some of the characters especially Penny, she’s an interesting one. If you enjoy couples with secrets, then this might be the book for you because it’s full of it. It’s not a mystery, or a thriller, but secrets are plenty!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This was tricky to get into because of the number of characters, it got a bit confusing and I had to go back and re-read BUT I'm so glad I persevered, great storyline and really engrossing, loved it!

Set in Manchester, the reader is pulled into a drama-fuelled, twisted and absolutely compelling series of secrets, deception/betrayal, a story of friendships, the past, relationships, obsession, crossed wires and blurred lines, broken boundaries, lust, mental health, dysfunction and a whole lot of crazy confusion! Prepare yourself for this #badboy as once you start, you will just need to keep reading right until the very end!

This novel had a fantastic opening! The type that left we wanting more – BOOM! 👊🏻 I really enjoyed the engaging plot, with a superb build up of suspense that made me question everything and everyone! There were just SO MANY SECRETS 🤐😱 and I mean that in a good way – My jaw was aching from all the OMG moments! I mean what a messed up group of friends! The narrative was spot on and I really felt invested in the characters, even those who were not particularly likeable. This book will have your emotions all over the place – sad, anger, sympathetic, furious – I never knew whether I was coming or going!

How ’bout I mention the fantastic array of characters we meet in this novel now! The “A-Team” as they liked to refer to themselves were a bunch of emotionally dysfunctional people who often threw caution to the wind, were selfish and failed to take into account how there actions would affect those around them. The characters are vividly brought to life and oddly relateable with at times and on many levels. The drama that unfolds was thought-provoking, shocking, sad and at time furiously unnerving … and I LOVED every minute of it!

Would I recommend this book? Oh hell yeah! Every breath-taking, spine-tinglingling and riveting chapter will take hold of you as you feverishly turn the pages to reach the fantastic WTAF conclusion! This is the first book by Caroline England that I have read, and I can tell you with absolute certainty…it will not be the last!

I did enjoy this book but I can see why other reviewers gave up. There are so many characters thrown into the first 10% of the book that it can be really confusing trying to remember all their names, relationships and issues etc. That said, once the information is embedded, they become the group of friends you have always known, each with individual attributes and issues. I really enjoyed this book and implore readers to stick with it.

Actually really really surprising this was brilliant.
Amazing story line so many things that this book touched on were so very true to life.
A very big big 5 stars

My thoughts...
This is going to be a review that is hard to write without including spoilers. There was just so much going on and so many twists, that is will be hard not to reveal secrets hidden in the book's plot. I hate when I read a review just to get an idea if I am going to like a book and the reviewer reveals half of the twists. So bear with me and I will do my best not to spoil it for you.

Most people have that group of friends in high school that they share everything with. Usually upon entering adulthood they end up going their own ways, saying they will meet for drinks or coffee but never do. They slowly drift apart as adult responsibilities take precedence. This doesn't apply to this group. They have stayed in touch and are much a part of each others lives. This group of friends playfully referred to themselves as the A Team, which consisted of Dan, Nick, Will and Jenn.

The book opens at a wedding being held for Nick and Lisa. During the wedding, Will's wife Penny displayed bizarre behavior, climbed onto a window ledge and appeared to be contemplating jumping. The book takes you through each characters relationship with each other. As with any group of people that have known each other this long there are many secrets lying beneath the surface. Nobody can deny that as a teenager you bond more with your peers while you work your way through life, not always making the right decisions. So it may seem shocking that this group knows so many things about each other, but not if you consider they have been through so much together.

The ONLY reason I am giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is because it was a slow burn for me. I really struggled the first part of the book to follow along. There were so many characters introduced in the first couple of chapters that I had to restart the book and take notes. Now this might not be the case for you. I personally just like to get pulled into a book and not have to concentrate on that many relationships at one time. It did open at the wedding and to be fair, all the people in the book were present at the wedding so they needed to be introduced. It just got confusing when there was brothers, aunts, uncles, parents and then the A team and their wives all at once. I just feel like I need to explain why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, because it really was a great read.

In summary, if you like a really scandalous read, this is the book for you! There a ton of surprises and scandals that for sure! It has a little bit of everything in it. Some of the issues addressed were -infidelity, mental health, drug use, infertility, paternity and sexual preference. That may sound like alot but isn't that true to life? Everything in this book is very realistic. So scandalous yes, but true to life also yes. This is what you get when you have a group of friends that have been through so much together and you know all their secrets....their many, many secrets. Very entertaining book.

4 stars from me!

I

I really enjoyed this book. It is an intriguing read with a large cast of characters. I didn't particularly like any of the characters but the story was so well written that I was engrossed until the end. It was very compelling with many unexpected twists and turns to the story and I couldn't put it down - it kept me guessing right up to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read and reviewed Caroline’s previous book ‘Beneath The Skin’ last year and I really enjoyed it so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and I think it is Justas good, if not better with more complex characters!

I loved the plot, it was twisty and had plenty of surprises for me as a reader. The characters were great, they had complex personalities and I loved the interaction. It really brought the whole story to life for me as we got to see what goes on behind the curtains so to speak. The writing style was superb and I found the whole story addictive!

Five stars from me, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to see what she releases next!!

This book follows the life of 4 friends, known since their childhood as the “A team”. They have been friends since they were younger, and are now adults. The story is told in different POV’s. The 4 friends are Jen, Nick, Will and Dan. Jen is now married and they have 3 daughters together. Nick has just recently gotten married. Will is married with no children. And Dan is expecting a baby with his girlfriend. The story is a bit confusing at first as it jumps around from narrator to narrator and it takes some time to figure out who they all are and how they tie in together.

They are all keeping secrets, not only from each other but from the other important people in their lives. As you read through the story those secrets are revealed and the story begins to unfold.

The story begins with the night of Nick’s wedding to his wife Lisa. Something shocking is about to happen at their wedding – one of their friends is about to do something life-threatening…or is she? Someone they know well (or do they?) is found at the window ledge of the hotel they are at. Is she going to jump? What is going on? So much deception and lies, and they are all involved.

Overall I enjoyed this book, and you learn so much about the characters in the book. It had me wanting to know what would happen next, and had a few twists and turns to keep you guessing and wanting more. Great read for anyone who loves suspense and thriller type books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher Avon Books UK for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars for me

WOW!!!!
This book has left me with my mouth gaping open in complete shock at the ending.
Absolutely brilliant.
MUST READ!!

OMG! This book!

I have just finished reading My Husband’s Lies by Caroline England and my mind is still reeling. This is a story about four friends, the A team. Dan, Jen, Will and Nick have been friends since they were kids. The four are now either married or in serious relationships. Dan and Geri are expecting their first child. Jen is married to Ian and they have three daughters. Will is married to Penny and Nick is getting married to Lisa. The story is narrated through multiple POVs alternating between Dan, Nick, Penny and Jen. The first two chapters were a little confusing because of the number of characters. However, once I got to know all of them, the story began to flow easier and I became totally immersed in the narrative.

This is a story about friendships, family, love, lots of lies and secrets. Through the chapters, we get to know each of the characters. Most of them were complex and in a way, damaged. Some were struggling to keep old secrets while others were trying to uncover buried ones. Each character’s story was deeply moving. I don’t even have a favorite because all of them evoked different emotions from me including supporting characters such as Seb. I cried, laughed, smiled, got angry and then cried again. This book definitely gave me all the feels.

Towards the end, I thought my emotional roller-coaster ride was over but then came the ending. I felt lost when I turned the last page. I wasn’t ready for the story to end, especially in that way. I still wanted to know what would happen to the characters . The final chapter had taken a darker turn. I needed to know how it all went from there.I wasn't ready to say goodbye.

Have you ever been so attached to characters that they feel like real people? I will miss this book's characters. I know they are fictional but I can’t stop thinking about them and wondering how their lives turned out. At some point, I wanted to be their friend. Or at least have friends like them… well minus the secrets and lies. I liked how they were there for each other and I could identify with some of their struggles.

I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough!

What an enthralling,immersive, character-driven page-turner!

When I read that Caroline England had a second book out I was thrilled. I really enjoyed Beneath the Skin last year and you can read that review here.

My Husbands Lies did not disappoint I really enjoyed my time with the characters and storyline. I love my books to have depth and to take me on a journey. Caroline England is a true whizz at building a story.  I compared Caroline's writing style to that of the tv series Dr Foster.  It doesn't have the pomp and circumstance that some thrillers have. With a cliffhanger or murder in every chapter. It's unnecessary with My Husband Lies, the characters are honest and raw, and they take the lead.  

With My Husband's The book takes us on a behind the scenes look at what goes on behind closed doors and when the fake smiles fade. With each couple facing their own troubles, it's truly fascinating and relatable. 

I can't say enough positive things about this book. I love Caroline's writing and would snap up anything she writes. 

A book that slowly draws you in bit by bit and leaves you completely satisfied.

Thank You Net Galley and Avon Books for the early copy of My Husband’s Lies. Unfortunately I had to stop reading, there were so many characters by the ninth chapter I was so confused already re-reading everything that I had read, it was going in all different directions. I really am disappointed because it looked like it would’ve been an interesting book.

I found this book difficult at the start. There were many characters which blended into each other. But then I started to think of them as the cast of Friends. The underlying theme of this book is the lies we all tell, sometimes to save face or ease pain. Once I had a handle on this group of friends and the challenges life throws, I enjoyed the story immediately. A story that consumed right to the final page!

The tagline of this book is 'Everyone has a secret...'. Well, there are quite a lot of characters and it's fair to say that there are an awful lot of secrets floating around. What a tangled web of a story!

Other reviewers have likened My Husband's Lies to a soap opera and yes, it definitely has that 'ending on a cliffhanger with the most amazing turns to the story' feel to it. The A Team consists of Will, Dan, Nick and the honorary boy, Jen, who've known each other since school and are still just as good friends in their 30s. The action kicks off straightaway with one of the characters appearing to be about to jump off a hotel window ledge. The reason why doesn't become clear for some time, but in the meantime we are thrown curveball after curveball in the lives of these fabulous characters.

One thing I would say is that this is very much an ensemble piece and, as such, no particular character stood out as a main player. And each of those characters has a partner, parents and other family members who play a part in the story. So there's quite a lot of people to try and remember. I think a crib sheet would have been a good idea. But each character is relevant to the story, particularly in how the parents' actions shaped their children's lives, and so this is not a complaint, merely an observation.

This book is deliciously twisty. Each chapter left me gagging for more, only to move on to another character in the next chapter and lead me into their life and their problems....and repeat. It's incredibly well-plotted, very well-written and completely engrossing. It's a bit like being a fly on the wall and seeing deep into the lives and inner feelings of your subject.

And that ending! It shocked me to the core and I was muttering away to myself, hoping I was wrong about what was about to happen. I shall say no more but I'm a bit bereft about having to leave the characters behind. Whilst I think the ending worked extremely well, I would love to see a return to Will, Nick, Dan and Jen - a sequel perhaps.

I'm writing this review in the evening, having finished the book in the morning. Normally, I just move straight on to the next book but I'm finding I'm still thinking about My Husband's Lies. It's one of those books that has burrowed its way into my mind and my heart. It's an absolutely brilliant domestic drama and, in case you haven't guessed, I loved it!