First, I want to thank Arianne Richmonde, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book with this review.

Arianne Richmonde reminded me why I am divorced in The Newlyweds! If you are looking for a sappy love story about a recently married couple-you won’t find that here. Oh no! You will find lots of drama, tons of secrets, lots of twists and turns, and a totally shocking ending.

Arianne dedicates this book to her mother. She taught her all about creation, taking things into my own hands, and being brave.

At first I couldn’t stand Vivian as she annoyed me. She just went on and on how she had to be perfect with her diet, drive the right kind of car, etc. This was all to be a perfect wife for Ashton. No woman should change for any man!

This book hit on some very important topics like Alzheimer’s, Domestic Abuse, Mental Health issues and DNA testing.

Arianne painted a beautiful picture into our heads as I could visualize the mansion. I would have loved to jump into the scene and see the bottlenose dolphins swim across the water.

I loved that Vivian volunteered her time at Community Promise that provided a safe, temporary shelter and meals for those in need. She specifically worked with women and youngsters. It really was a great organization she was working at.

.The Newlyweds is fantastic. It grabbed my attention from the first chapter and it didn't let go until the last page. I didn't want to put it down as the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat.
I would highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

"Originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com."

Ashton and Vivien seem to have the perfect marriage and the perfect life. Ashton is a respected neurosurgeon and Vivien volunteers at a community life center. They have a beautiful, renovated house on the water in South Carolina. But all is not what it seems. In fact, none of what you see is what you think it is.

Vivien’s life isn’t what she wanted. She tragically lost her parents in a car accident in Europe and has been on her own for years. But wait! Is that really what happened? Where are her parents exactly? Ashton and Vivien met at a bar and fall in love. Or, is that really how they met? There are so many twists and turns in this book that as the reader, you don’t know when your head is going to turn again. Just when you think you have everything down, another twist comes along and sends you reeling.

The marriage between Vivien and Ashton is surprisingly chilly. The reader will see early on that there is not a lot of love and affection that passes between them. There are references to making love, but rarely. Their relationship sets the scene for a creepy psychological thriller. We automatically know something happening with this couple. Vivien has strange bruises and then a black eye. The girlfriends she meets through Ashton’s friends believe she is being abused and force her to see a divorce lawyer.

And what about Cady? Cady is a homeless teenager who has arrived at The Community Life Center with claims of rape and that her mother kicked her out. She can’t stay at the center, and Vivien offers hera place at the lovely cottage on the grounds of Distant Sands, the home Vivien and Ashton share. But who is Cady and what is her connection to Ashton and Vivien? Why does her presence turn everything upside down?

The big reveal takes place about halfway through. Perhaps too soon for some readers, but I found it perfectly apt. This book is all about the player being played, and it is immensely rewarding to the reader. Every character becomes suspect, and no one is who they seem to be.

The Newlyweds is captivating and keeps the reader guessing throughout. This is the second book by Arianne Richmond that I have read, and she is a master of windy roads and twisty turns. This book is no exception. Readers will be on the edge of their seats and the grand finale will leave them quite satisfied but also wondering who is the bad guy here?

This is one of those books that sounded so intriguing in the synopsis, but the actual story failed to deliver. What should have been suspenseful and twisty came across as cliched and boring.

The first line of the synopsis mentions two sides to the story, so I was expecting Ashton’s POV at some point, but the story stayed in Vivien’s 1st person POV the whole time (though we do get a couple monologues from him in the final chapters). I think that even without the synopsis basically giving the whole plot away, I would’ve known very early on that Vivien is not what she appears to be. It made the first half of the book seem unbearably long. And the “big reveal” employed one of my least favorite narrative clichés – Vivien relays her whole backstory and scheme in a third person story that even begins with “once upon a time.” My eyes rolled so hard. Everything that happened after that was predictable and I’ll admit that I skimmed large parts of it just to make it to the end.

Overall, The Newlyweds was not for me. I was hoping for some fun cat-and-mouse type of suspense, but it all played out like a predictable Lifetime movie. I did like the setting, though. That and the fact that I actually felt compelled to finish the book and not DNF it, is why I’m giving this book 2 stars.

Overall Rating (out of 5): 2 Stars

How well do we know our spouse? Are we aware of every facet of their lives? What secrets keep families together?

Ashton Buchanan, wealthy, well-connected, caring son, best Neuro surgeon. Vivien couldn't have asked for a more doting husband. But their newly married life is already rocking a little. Things aren't as perfect as their friends and the others see it.
Vivien keeps herself busy by devoting time at the local center, where she meets Cady and invites her to stay at a cottage in their grounds. Who is this girl who agrees to move in and then tries to make her self at home at Vivien's home?

Vivien seems to be a victim of domestic violence, but she is totally devoted to Ashton and cant bring herself to accept this side to him.

As the story unfolds, one realises where the deception lies. The ending wasnt too great but overall a good read.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

The story starts well. It's Vivien's wedding day. She is happy, of course she is. Marrying Ashton, an internationally famous surgeon who lives in an amazing home. A man she tells us she really loves. And yet there's that small sliver of doubt.

Written from Vivien's viewpoint , what follows is a plot that twists and turns as she begins her married life. Who does she trust and does the handsome, enigmatic doctor have a darker side?
It definitely kept me reading. Then a revelation part way through had me thinking - well, what's coming next? However, I'm afraid to say I was a tad disappointed at the outcome.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC of The Newleyweds in exchange for an honest review.

The Newlyweds is a psychological thriller like nothing I have experienced before, with lies and deception and a few huge plot twists too. Just when I thought I knew where this story was going... PLOT TWIST, I really couldn’t guess what was going to happen next. I was enthralled from early on and could not put it down!
Vivian was the main character, the newly wedded wife; I felt for her early on, when I thought I knew what was going on. Her husband Ashton, well I didn’t like him to start with then I felt for him. By the very end, I didn’t like either of them. It really is a case of not all is as it seems. That is all I am going to say, apart from...you really need to read this.
Arianne Richmonde wrote this book exceptionally well, making the reader left aghast at every twist.

The story starts with Vivien Dubois and Ashton Buchanan getting married. They project a perfectly happy couple. Vivien is stylish, elegant and demure. She works as a volunteer helping underprivileged children. Ashton is a successful surgeon, handsome and in command of himself. They are head over heels in love and are an ideal couple. Is this too good to be true?

Soon there are cracks seen in the marriage. Vivien sports a bruised eye and Ashton seems to lose his temper more often than before. Yet Vivien never complains and never says or tolerates any unpleasant words about Ashton. But something doesn't look right between them. Is their violence behind the doors or is it something more sinister?

I must admit I was intrigued when I read the blurb. Stories based around secrets in a marriage is an age old concept we can never get enough of. The first half definitely keeps you wanting more. The author writes with a deftness revealing only enough to make the reader want to know more. But there's only so much one can be teased before you stop caring. Nevertheless the reveal is made midway in the book and one would expect a conclusion accordingly but the author then stretches the book to a point of completely changing the narrative.

As much potential the story had, it's not fully utilized by the author and the reader is left to grasp at the straws. I felt the writing too was a little underwhelming.. perhaps it was the character's voice. Its told in a first person POV who is an unreliable protagonist but she came across as a petulant child. There are certain information thrown in the form of conversation that didn't come across as necessary. Over all I felt the structure of the book itself as lacking. It definitely did not feel as 'gripping thriller' but the author knows how to keep the reader hooked in enough ways.

I absolutely adore this author and this book has been utterly impossible to put down. This is an author who can pull me in instantly and keep me on the edge of my seat.

This book has kept me guessing and been completely unpredictable. I have devoured this gem in just one sitting and already can't wait to read more by this author.

The characters in this book are great. They are literally the perfect mix of likeable and dislikable. I have to say the characters are realistic and relatable.

The plot is completely unique to anything I've read previously and I have loved it. I am a fan of this author anyway and cannot wait to read more.

This book was provided to me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is starts with the wedding of Vivien and Ashton. Ashton is a wealthy neurosurgeon and Vivien has tailored her life to fit into Ashton’s world. They have the perfect marriage… or do they? Vivien and Ashton have a long-time relationship, except, only one of them knows it. Secrets are around every corner. But they are buried deeper than anyone knows. This is definitely a “till the end” kind of story. This book is set in Beaufort South Carolina and is very descriptive. I was impressed with this story, and would recommend it. Thank you NetGalley, Arianne Richmonde and Bookouture.

Absolutely brilliant, I’ve read books from this author before , and they were good , but this is by far the best . Lots of twists and turns where you can’t figure out who’s doing what , just when you thought you know the ending it ends up with another ending . This is the best novel I’ve read in a long time , I’d highly recommend,

Ashton and Vivien have been married for a short time. Vivien thinks of Ashton as her every thing. He is a neurosurgeon and revered in his community. They have the perfect marriage or do they? People have noticed the bruises on Vivien. Vivien does refute the gossip going around. So as a reader you are sucked into feeling sorry for her because without Ashton she is nothing. However, nothing is as it seems.

The story goes left a quarter in and all is revealed. Very interesting twist. In the end I wasn't sure who to like or not like. Adrianne Richmond's kept my interest in this book. However, the character that was added in the end needed more fleshing out and explanation. It was a bit rushed and I felt confused in the end.


Thank you #Netgalley for the a opportunity to read #TheNewlywed by #AdrianneRichmonde

The Newlyweds is a psychological thriller that follows the life of Vivien and Ashton as they transition into life as a newly married couple. Vivien is seen trying to fit into society and uphold her name as the perfect wife to Ashton. As the story progresses, we get pulled into the narration assuming that Ashton is abusive in the marriage. But no way! After building this narrative, the author starts to pull apart the plot and reveals so much more that is happening underneath.

As the real story emerges, the reader is in for a roller coaster ride filled with lies and deception. Noone is as they seem and everything we learn is a lie. The author has done an amazing job with the plot line and narration, making us like some characters, dislike some and then completely change our minds about the entire set of characters. For every plan, there is a master plan and then another one.

Though some parts of the plot line didn't make sense or fully fit in, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was truly shocked by some of the revelations. I would never have guessed at anything that happened. This is the beauty of the story telling and I highly recommend this book for fans of psychological thrillers!

The Newlyweds
By Arianne Richmond

This is my first book by Arianne , and 1000% NOT MY LAST. 🙌🏼
I love her slow build up of the twist in her writing!

This book starts with a story, and as you’re building it up you’re getting everything from Vivians perspective. The description of her perfect husband Ashton who is a neurosurgeon , his beautiful home Distant Sands🏘 and there life together was perfect until 22%. But at 23% it begins to fall together and you devour it from there. ( pay attention to those first few chapters !!).

When the twist comes , and Vivian tells her story - you will be blown away 🤯

Stick with the story. It’s a great book
🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars from me

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of the book ❤️

This is an amazing book, it’s full of twists and turns. It started slowly and I wasn’t sure where the author was taking it, however quickly picked up the pace and drama.
I really enjoyed this book and liked how everything wasn’t quite how it appeared and had been assumed.
It’s definitely worthy of 5 stars.

Vivien is married to Ashton the man of her dreams. Someone she's been obsessing over for over seventeen years. Finally she has him as her husband. Her plan can now continue to unfold. It never hurts to give Karma a helping hand.
This is a book I chose to read and review from Netgalley.
It keeps your attention and has so many twist and turns, it's like riding a tilt-a-whirl.
A psychological thriller that will leave you questioning everyone around you!!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookoture for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my opinion.

This book takes you on a twisty, turny, unforgettable journey until you don’t know which way is up! Just when you think you have it figured out, you will be shocked! This book is unputdownable! I highly recommend. It’s an easy read that will have you asking if you really can know anyone or if anything is what it seems. Get your copy today!

This sounded right up my street. Love a good psychological thriller. To begin with I did wonder where it was going and was it going to continue that way but then it got going and OMG 😱. Read it in a day and just couldn’t put it down. The majority of the characters were really well developed but still with an element of mystery but some weren’t developed enough for the parts they play within the plot. Sometimes you like them, other times you hate them and other times you just pity them. Definitely brings out lots of emotions. The author really gives you a lot of twists but the storyline is so deceitful and you really don’t know what way it’s going or when you think you do your still not right. Definitely recommend...

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC that will be published on the 19th of Jan.

The Newlyweds by Arianne Richmonde is a twisty psychological thriller. Vivien marries Ashton and tries to be his perfect wife. But then, friends of hers start to notice the bruises and the black eye, and the rumors start. Is she a victim or is something else going on? This book certainly kept me guessing, but I didn't really like any of the twists. I thought they were rather unbelievable, and I didn't find any of the characters to be likeable. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

A marriage full of secrets and lies. Some of this story is good and some of it is not quite believable. I didn’t like any of the characters which made it hard to keep reading.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy.