This was a great read! I could not put it down! I thought I had everything figured out, but I was wrong! There were twists and turns all throughout.

It took Leah a long time to break free from her abusive ex-husband, but she’s finally setting up her own place with her kids, decorating and creating her own vegetable garden, while running her hair salon in town. When a new neighbour moves in next door, she is hopeful they can be friends...until it turns out the new neighbour’s partner is her ex-husband. Leah is sure he’s moved in just to torment her, but he’s so good at charming the pants off everyone that she always ends up looking like the raving lunatic. 

This book made me SO MAD, but in the best way 😄 I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, raging on the other side of the page for Leah and everything she had to go through.  Craig really was a piece of work. Is there anything worse than those gas lighters that have everyone else eating out of the palm of their hand? Ugh.

I’ve read a couple of Samantha Hayes books now and they are always twisty and intense, just how I like my thrillers! I honestly couldn’t put this down. 

The twists came thick and fast towards the end, rounding out a fantastic, tense rollercoaster of a book!

The book starts with a body being found in a bonfire on Leah’s property. We don’t know who it is but just keep that in mind. Leah is so happy to move into her new cottage after finally getting through the divorce from her A-hole of a husband, Craig Forbes. She and the children (Zoe -14 and Henry - 7) can now relax and enjoy themselves. Leah even has plans for a vegetable garden in the big plot of land behind her courtyard. But - alas, their joy is short lived.

New people are moving into the much larger house next door that they share a wall with. Leah meets Gillian who seems quite nice and can’t wait until “Rexie” returns so they can have a little get together. But Leah’s jaw drops when she sees Craig walking up the path next door. It can’t be, but it is. Craig is Gillian’s Rexie!

Oh he is loving this. He takes every opportunity to deride Leah, to scare her, to gaslight her and all the other tricks that such abusers employ. It was actually a bit distressing for me to read about it. But wait - this is Samantha Hayes and she always has some surprises up her sleeve. Leah is not going to take this lying down.

There are some interesting supporting characters too, and they have secrets. One of them is a whopper. Meanwhile Craig is up to his usual tricks, it’s a wonder he can remember how many women he is stringing along at any given time. Things come to a head when the body is found and all the secrets are laid bare.

Poor Leah, she did some silly things but with the pressure she was under they were forgivable. Craig was an excellent villain, there was no chance of liking him even a little bit. The story is a little OTT and a lot bonkers and some suspension of disbelief is required but even so it is a very entertaining story with a good level of drama and suspense. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This thriller ended up being a three star read for me. I was conflicted with how I wanted to rate this book. First, the majority of the book lacked that sense of "thrill" in my opinion. It felt more like a women's fiction book instead of domestic thriller. The thrilling part didn't really show up until almost 80% into the book which was a huge let down for me. Second, I found some aspects to the plot to be unrealistic which also took me away from the story.

Overall, the writing is easy, sucks you in and has shorter chapters. Some cons are lacking the thrill factor, unrealistic pieces and felt more in the branch of women's fiction.

Perfect for fans that are trying their hand at domestic thrillers. This one would be perfect to start out at- not too much gore, not too scary, light on the thrill.

What a brilliant book which held my interest from the first page until the last, full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed reading about Leah. All the characters were well developed and I really thought I had got it all figured out, but sadly not. What can I say about the ending, just brilliant, everything brought to a satisfactory conclusion, what more can you want in a book?

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this brilliant ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Samantha Hayes' novel The Ex-Husband is a psychological thriller with elements of mystery and suspense. As Hayes surprises her readers with her different takes on domestic situations, her ability to create spellbinding characters with a dissolving sense of reality stands out in this gripping book.

Synopsis:
Leah and her two children recently settled into a comfortable newly-acquired home away from the old memories of their former life. Craig, Leah's ex-husband is mentally and physically abusive. When Leah welcomes new neighbor Gillian to the neighborhood, she is shocked to meet Gillian's live-in partner Rexie. Craig known as "Rexie" to Gillian, is Leah's ex-husband. Craig is a powerful real estate agent who conveniently found Leah and bought the house next door. How far will Leah go to protect her children from Craig?

The Ex-Husband is edgy, chilling and foreboding. Hayes exposes the darker parts of the human psyche using fear and emotional vulnerabilities. The result is an intense story with a shocking unexpected plot.
(3.5 bumped up to 4⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The Ex-Husband by Samantha Hayes is available on June 28th.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for allowing me to review this atmospheric book. Salute to bestselling author Samantha Hayes for her outstanding twenty fifth novel, The Ex-Husband.

3.5 rounded up to 4.
What a whirlwind of a book! It’s set in the UK, so I didn’t understand some of the terms, but by the end of the book I felt well versed in the lingo. If you like suspenseful books and plot twists, this is definitely for you. I can honestly I was not expecting all of the twists that came about. I sat there reading with my mouth wide open, because of the shock. I was definitely on my toes the whole time reading this, so make sure you have a big chunk of time to read because you will for sure devour this book. The epilogue was great, and super shocking.

I was kindly accepted for this ARC by @netgalley, @samanthahayes and @bookouture. Thank you so much again.

I absolutely adore a good psychological / domestic thriller and it’s been a while since I’ve read one that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. So I’m glad I got a chance to read this.

It’s an easy read for a thriller but nonetheless keeps you hooked until the end. I couldn’t put it down. I was reading it on my phone during silly hours of the morning. It had everything you want in a psych thriller : plenty of plot twists, shady characters and a good story line.

I felt 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨 bad for Leah. From the first few chapters, I knew exactly what was going to happen, the author set it up so well. So when Craig appeared on the scene as her next door neighbour it had me going “𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨𝐨” out loud ! He was such a frustrating, toxic and utterly despicable character. Just what I love in a psychological thriller. They all need at least one.

It had me on the edge of my seat. And the plot twists were brilliant. I did not expect the ending at all.

I’d definitely recommend this if you love a good psychological thriller like myself 👍🏼

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟: Louise Candlish, Paula Hawkins, B A Paris

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. I really liked how engaging this book was and the storyline was easy to follow but also kept me guessing until the end. If you are looking for a good thriller with twists and turns until the end, look no further!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60864580

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

Interesting read. I hated how frighteningly easy it was for Craig to do whatever he wanted and some of the police parts didn’t feel right but I still enjoyed it.

A story on how abusive and cohesive relationships can destroy lives.
As Leah tries to get her life and those of her 2 children on track after her divorce from Craig, Craig is not going to let it happen. As Leah discovers more deceit from her Ex husband. Friends who she thought would believe her, doubt her actions. The new neighbours are not so friendly after all. The boyfriend was not who she thought he was. All this culminates into Leah making a life changing decision, which hopefully should free her from all the worries.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC

A body smoldering in a fire in a backyard. Police on the scene trying to determine what happened. This is just the beginning.

Leah picked herself and her children up and moved into a small house near her parents and her salon after a nasty divorce. As she is settling into her new life and refurbishing her little home, the vicarage next door abruptly gets sold and Leah finds herself with new neighbors. Meeting the lady of the house, Gillian, leads to drinks once Gillian’s partner, Rex, is in town from business travel. Something about it all seems unsettling to Leah and it’s when her ex-husband walks in that her world comes crashing down. Her ex-husband, Craig, is Rex and has moved in next door.

As the depth of Craig’s manipulative, narcissistic behavior is revealed, layer by layer, you find that you are not only triggered with anger over his character, but also revolted by the reaction of Leah to her ex-husband. The storyline pushes you through, but I found myself rolling my eyes at Leah’s decisions making in regards to all things Craig. Even the friends that the former couple share blindly believing what he says about Leah, again insert eye roll. When the guy she is dating decides that she isn’t ready for a new relationship, you find yourself relieved that someone is thinking with a clear head in the story. Props also given to Leah’s friend, Jodi, for trying to be a voice of reason in her life regarding how she acts out based on what Craig says or does.

Overall, I give my feelings for the main characters ⭐️ and the story itself ⭐️⭐️⭐️. It’s a decent thriller and it didn’t have a lot of gaps in the story itself. There were some (in my opinion) far fetched things in the plot involving Leah’s mom and also Craig, but maybe I just stick to a vanilla life without complications like what happened in the book.

#netgalley #arc #bookouture #samanthahayes #theexhusband

Edge of your seat read with lots of twists and suspense. Gaslighting husband moved in next door what can go wrong. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Although this book kept my anxiety at a 9 for 90% of it, I couldn't put it down.

Trigger warning: gaslighting husband, abuse

Leah recently divorced mom of two who finds herself living next to her ex-husband. Over the course of the book he makes her look crazy where friends and family, and eventually her children take his side. When a burning body is found in her backyard they assume it was her ex. More and more evidence is mounting that she was the one who murdered him, or so it seems.

This book definitely has a lot of twists and turns but if you were a victim of domestic abuse or a gaslighting partner please read with caution.

You thought you were safe. Until he moved in next door…

I haven’t lived here long. The house is small and a little rundown, but each piece of faded floral wallpaper I peel away feels like unwrapping the second chance I never thought I’d get. I’m finally free to wear what I want, and I don’t flinch when I accidently burn dinner. My new home is warm, and the kids are safe inside. Anywhere would feel idyllic after the nightmare marriage I’ve just escaped.

But then I see my ex-husband Craig stroll past my window and let himself into the house next door. Fear chokes me. How did he find me? Does he want me back, or to destroy me for good?

“The Ex-Husband” by Samantha Hayes was an ok read. The premise of the book promised much more than it actually delivered. The plot was formulaic and there was just such a lack of tension throughout the book. I knew where things were going before they happened and for me, it was a struggle. The characters were flat, dull and at times, irritating. I think psychological thrillers can be a bit of a hit or miss and unfortunately this one missed the mark for me.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Leah has moved to a new house with her two children and is trying to get over her recent divorce.
When new neighbours move next door she is shocked to see that it’s her ex husband and his new partner.
Things go from bad to worse and Leah has to do something to get her life back on track.
A story that was unbelievable in parts with many twist and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

You thought you were safe. Until he moved in next door…

Leah is divorced from her husband Craig and is revelling in the freedom life now offers where she can do what she wants without her ex being there to manipulate, degrade and basically make the life hell. She purchases an old property which she is beginning to do up. Her two kids are with her and her ex seems to hardly be interested in their lives which is at times making the children hurt and extremely upset.

Leah had wonderful neighbours when she purchased the house but before she knows it they are moving on. One day, while she is working in her daughters new bedroom, she sees a truck pull up and realises new neighbours will be moving in. This is the beginning of Leah's new nightmare and how her life is going to change from the peace she has now as her ex husband moves next door.

I found myself not wanting to put this down as I was wondering how it was all going to come together and what fate would await her abusive ex. Sometimes karma is a bitch and I was loving it. If you enjoy a fast paced thriller that you will enjoy this as I have with all the stories Samantha Hayes has produced.

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for and honest and unbiased review.

The book had me at the edge of my seat pretty much from the very beginning. I couldn't wait until I get to the point where Leah finds out that her new next-door neighbour is her ex-husband and luckily it's happening quite at the beginning. After that the book has so many twists and surprises, every character has his own twists and secrets 😮 I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.

Loved this book so much , very fast paced and will be reading more by this author
Full ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From me.

This book was fantastic!!! I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t wait to see what happens next with a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I will definitely recommend this book to others.