This book drew me in from page one and kept me up way past my bedtime as I couldn't out it down .The unique story structure depicting how one small decision can change the course of your life reminded me of the Gweneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors, but with a devious twist. While I didn't actually like Lila, Ethan or Sam as people, that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the novel or investment in the outcome of Lila's choices. At times, I actually found myself rooting against Lila in both of her paths. The authors delivered some great red herrings throughout the book and little clues along the way that become clear when you finish the novel . This is the perfect weekend or vacation read !

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read an advanced copy of this book on exchange for my honest review.

This book was written with a salute to the movie, Sliding Doors. In one life, Lila is captured and the other life she is free. This book was all about Lila Bennett and the choices that shaped her life. She is a high-powered defense attorney that has made a few questionable decisions in her life but still views herself as a "good" person. Personally, I found it hard to not like Lila, even though I questioned some of her choices. While reading, I kept thinking---would I view her choices differently if she was a man? Double Standard, anyone!?! 😉

I focused on the word "free" because I felt that she was still beholden or "captured"; if you will, by her decisions in life (read it and you will feel the same). The authors wonderfully explored this theory brilliantly to lead to a great ending. I feel that readers of their previous novel will enjoy this book! I rated this book a 4.5/5 stars!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC for my honest review.

What an amazing book with a very unique storyline! Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have killed it again with The Two Lila Bennetts. Lila Bennett has made some selfish choices that have her life spiraling into someone she doesn't recognize. One decision had literally split her life into two scenarios that were moving forward simultaneously so that you didn't know which one was happening. Lila Bennett was asked to have a drink with a Partner at the law firm she works at to celebrate her huge win in court. Should she go home to her husband or go drinking? One Lila Bennett allowed her good side to be heard louder and started look at her mistakes as something that needed and could be fixed. The other Lila goes the other way and was kidnapped. She started reflecting on her self-centered, destructive life decisions to figure out who would want to harm or possibly kill her. She is forced to face her demons during captivity and her life started to unravel. Neither Lila ended up where I thought they would as both of them reached the end.

The superb writing from both ladies created character depth, suspense, surprise, and pushed me to keep reading late into the night. I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Y’all. I devoured this book in one sitting. It was amazing! I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I have loved every novel written by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke and this one was no exception. The writing was brilliant and I loved the dual plot lines. It was pure perfection! I will not say anything about the plot because to fully enjoy and immerse yourself into Lila Bennett’s world, you need to go in blind. If you are looking for suspenseful, unputdownable, original and well written thriller, then look no further!!! I can’t wait to see what these two authors will come out with next!!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke.

I will preface this review with the thought that I loved the structure and writing of this book. The sliding doors concept was amazing and unique and so well constructed. I really really wanted to love this one.

I just did not. I was annoyed the whole time by both Lila Bennetts. She is just not a character I could read without rolling my eyes and really just feeling annoyed by her and her entire attitude.

But this one has plenty of rave reviews and I loved it all except the main character so my review is definitely a personal opinion and not a judgement on the book. Not all books are going to work for me and this unfortunately feel into that category.

Lila Bennett has made a lot of bad decisions over the years when it comes to her career, family, and friendships. Her bad choices have finally caught up with her and karma has come knocking. Lila’s life has been split in two...literally.

In one life she has been taken hostage by someone who appears to know much more about her than they should. Trapped in a concrete cell, Lila is forced by her masked kidnapper to confess to the wrongs she has committed over the years or be killed. In an alternate life, Lila manages to escape capture, but is still subjected to watching her lies unfold, one secret at a time. How will she choose to redeem herself?

I realize the above synopsis is vague, but I think you’re going to benefit from walking into this novel blind. I knew the above and was still surprised when I hit the part in the book where Liz and Lisa switch from one reality to the next. There’s that sense of, didn’t I just read this? Then you realize that things have flipped on you and you’re about to go on a fun ride with Lila!

Lila Bennett is portrayed as having committed many sins over the years. Her secrets vary in degrees and some are much worse than others. Despite what the reader might think of Lila’s actions, what is at the core of her story is that she has taken actions that have hurt others. This isn’t a story about shaming Lila’s life, but more so about Lila coming to terms with the reality of how her actions impact those around her. We live in a world where people are very selfish in their thoughts and are constantly striving to better their lives without realizing the impact their decisions can have.

I was extremely impressed with the way Liz and Lisa chose to balance free Lila versus captured Lila. There are several times where they hint to the alternate realities overlapping. I thought these overlapping moments were entertaining and helped to link the stories together. If I had to choose a favorite reality I think I would opt for free Lila only because we got to spend more time watching Lila in actions. In the free parts, Lila isn’t reflecting, but making changes. While the two realities are kept separate, they truly do work hand in hand to create a whole picture. I was highly impressed by the level of detail Liz and Lisa chose to include in each reality of the book. The reader is exposed to different clues in each alternating section that help give answers about what is going to happen to Lila in each scenario.

This is my first time reading a book by Liz and Lisa, but not my first time reading a book written by a duo. I think that these two authors work seamlessly together and at no point did I feel like the story was coming from multiple people. You can feel how in sync the two authors are together. I highly recommend adding THE TWO LILA BENNETTS to your TBR!

(*spoilers*)

This is a very unusual telling of a story, and with so many books on the market, it is difficult to find something so new. In this novel, Lila Bennett is a cut-throat defense attorney who has questionable ethics in every area of her life. She may be helping guilty people go free, she cheats on her husband, she was unethical in law school, and she is a horrible best friend. Finally, a case comes that makes even her conscience feel guilty, and she starts to think about making some changes.

This is where the book gets interesting. This is essentially two different stories about the same person, happening every other chapter. In one set of chapters, Lila is captured and tortured by someone from her past and forced to take a really hard look at herself. In the alternating chapters, Lila is free and struggles to make some better choices while facing other hardships.

In some places, it is like one Lila can feel the echo of the other, and in the end, the two suffer very different fates. I do wish there was more explanation at the end. Was I reading two alternate realities? There is a bit at the end of the book that alludes to this, but it is not explicit.

I still really enjoyed this book, and the fact that I want to know more only speaks to its success in gripping and engaging the reader.

The publisher’s summary of The Two Lila Bennett’s by Liz Fenton and Lisa Stenke made me want to read this book. I will try to not give too much away, since this is a page turner that will suck you in from the start.

Liz Fenton and Lisa Stenke have once again written an amazing book. I loved Girls Night Out and this book tops it. The story draws you in at the start and holds you to the end. The tension builds and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a psychological thriller that must be read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who this genre and is looking for a compelling read.
Thank you #Netgalley and #LakeUnionPublishing for approving my request. The opinions in this review are solely my own.

"Stop. No one is all good or all bad. And life isn't black and white. You of all people should understand that. We do our best."
"But what if I haven't'? Done my best?" I whisper.
"Then go fix it," she says simply. "That's all we can do when we make mistakes. Try to make them right."

And it gets better with every book this writing duo publishes. Liz and Lisa managed to delivery another perfect, clever read.

Love these books where we have multiple POV's, the what ifs, the possible scenarios, the possible endings, the twists in events and the totally unexpected ending. Love that Lisa and Liz always prove me wrong when it comes to believing that I "had it figure out", when in fact, I was not nearly close to it, and we end up with that unexpected outcome which always surprises me, in a good way.

What I love the most about the Two Lila Bennetts is the main character itself, Lila. Her determination to right her wrongs, to change, to do what is right despite the possibility of losing everything. How the subject of the decisions we make in life is present throughout the whole book, the importance of family, how we deal with our decisions and how these affect the people around us, our love ones. How one good or bad decision can change our lives forever.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the free advanced copy, in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the way this book kept me guessing the whole time! It was full of suspense and mystery. I loved trying to figure out what was happening throughout the whole book! They've got another winner!

This is a fantastic book, which makes the reader think carefully at how the choices that we make can lead us down very different paths. Lila Bennett is a lawyer who spends her time defending those who may or may not be guilty. She has made some terrible choices and the two paths she travels down help to show how those choices have shaped her. I loved the way in which the story was written, showing both the "free" and "captured" side of Lila's story. This was unexpected and a quick read as it was difficult to put down. Hard to write a review without giving away too much so do yourself a favor and give this thriller a chance! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion

3.5 stars, rounded up
Cleverly written psychological thriller with Lila in two parallel situations: Captured and Free.
I appreciated the journey this character went through with her self-discovery. The ultimate resolution is satisfying and actually somewhat believable. Pacing is quick and deliberate, I never felt any portion of the story getting bogged down, it flowed very well, and the interplay between the captive and the free sections also had great pacing. I never felt like we stayed too long in one at the expense of the other.
I have liked previous books by these two authors, and I think they are starting to really find their groove with the past couple of books. I will definitely read more from them in the future.

4.5⭐️
I LOVED the concept of this story! It’s told in two different timelines, two different choices. It shows just how our actions no matter how small or big always impact our lives. You see how changing one action could change the rest of your life.
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Lila Bennett is not perfect and I honestly didn’t like her very much, BUT there is so much character development throughout the story. We are presented with two very possible realities and Lila is pushed to confront the consequences of all her actions. She is a ruthless criminal lawyer but can she change?
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I was fascinated by this concept of writing for many reasons. As someone who usually after a big event tends to create alternate realities in my head to see how things might have different I was all about this book! The most important reason why I loved this book is because it shows just how impactful every decision we make is, no matter how big or small!
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Thanks to @netgalley , @lakeunionauthors for my review copy!

4 1/2 ⭐️‘s

Clever and uniquely executed, this book will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last word. Flawlessly told in two scenarios, this book is twisty and keeps you flipping pages faster and faster as the story progresses. Lila has made some very bad choices in her life, but does that make her a bad person? “At the end of the day, we are just a sum of the choices we make.” Can someone really change? What will the final outcome be? “Life can change in an instant. One decision. One wrong turn. One missed opportunity. That’s all it takes. And everything you had can be gone. So cherish it while you still can.” An awesome read from Lisa & Liz! Well done!!

The Two Lila Bennett's was an intriguing, psychological thriller that held my attention but wasn't too dense that I got weighed down or bored. It was the perfect book to curl up with and read for an entire day!


Lila is a well known defense lawyer who handles many high profile cases. She fought her way to the top in a mans world, but has made some less than great choices along the way. She struggles with her inner self and "good vs. bad" throughout the novel. In one life she is held captive, while in another she is free but being hunted by someone. This one is sure to keep you guessing!


Thank you to Netgalley, the authors, and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced eARC copy. I received this in exchange for my honest review.

I have enjoyed all of the books by Liz and Lisa and loved their new book. They tried something very different in this book and I thought that it was a huge success. I couldn't put the book down until I got all of my questions answered and knew how Lila's life was going to turn out.

This book is told in two voices -- not in two time periods or by two different people but by one person - Lila Bennett - with her life split in two with different outcomes for each. In one scenario, Lila is kidnapped and forced to apologize to the people she has hurt. In the other scenario, she goes home to her husband but due to circumstances wants to make amends to the people she's hurt. Ok, so who is this Lila Bennett. She is an attorney who fights for people even if she thinks they are guilty, she plays dirty and is really an unlikable person. Or is she? She loves her mom, even tho her mom irritates her; she loves her husband but then why is she having an affair, she loved her best friend but they why did she cheat her out of a prime job.... Lila is ruthless and arrogant and driven to be win at any cost. Can she change and become a good person? As important, who has kidnapped her? My opinion changed several times but I didn't even imagine the ending!

So clear your calendar before you start this book and jump on the roller coaster ride that Liz and Lisa create for you! You're bound to lose some sleep over this one!

I love how this book is written. It takes you on a wild thrilling wild. I love these 2 authors and I knew I had to read this book. They never disappoint!!! I would recommend to anyone!

The Two Lila Bennetts is the story of a choice and how that choice affects the outcome of one's life. Lila Bennett has a choice to make, should she end her affair with her boss, Sam, who is also her best friend, Carrie's husband, and head home to her husband, Ethan, or should she go to dinner, drinks and what follows with Sam? As Lila makes that choice, the novel splits into two different scenarios, each based on a different choice. What are the consequences of those choices? Will she lose her husband, her career and her best friend? Will she choose wisely and not hurt all the people she loves?

Wow! This books had so many twists and turns, especially in the way it is told between the two versions of Lila's life after the choice. The writing, as always with Liz and Lisa, draws you in immediately, and keeps you turning pages until the shocking end. I'm always amazed at how two authors' writing can be seamless and uninterrupted, and the story never falters, but rather thrives from their combined efforts.

I received an advance copy. All my opinions are honest and my own.

So......... an homage to Sliding Doors. How each decision moves your life in one direction or another. Maybe a she said / she said kind of thing? Either way, knowing there were two separate authors on this book kept the idea that they each took one life option and ran with it. At the end did they flip a quarter to see whose life triumphed? I think overall the readers win. But, with the two timelines and twists and turns in both, this can't be that perfect summer beach read. Make sure you commit the time and brain power to not get yourself lost in the mess that Lila Bennett has made for herself!

This was a very unique premise for a book (sliding doors) and I enjoyed the alternating chapters. I will say that because the chapters alternated and there seemed to be two universes operating at once it made the “thriller” aspect of this book very low stakes. I wasn’t all that nervous about the outcome because none of it seemed real? I think the whole broken marriage, cheating, and unlikeable protagonist is getting overdone so that also made me care less about what happened to Lila. This wasn’t one of my favs but if you are looking for something different in style this would be a good pick for you.