No no no I had no idea..wow. excellent book. Tge storyline was written perfectly, draws you in abd then leaves you will mouth hanging open. Loved this book.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
This book was really good!! There were a few really good surprises along the way that I hadn’t a clue we’re coming! I always love when a writer is able to make things unpredictable. There was so much happening that kept me intrigued to know more the entire book. Very fast paced and enough detail and surprises to keep things interesting! Loved it!

This is a pacey thriller that kept me guessing, with lots of twists as the flashbacks reveal more and more. Good character development and a really well-paced plot. Plenty of red herrings and character complexities to confuse you. The ending was really well done.

Do you know those days when you have a lot to study for the exams that are slowly coming up but you have found a really good book and now you are like “yeah, there is always time to study, I will do it later”?
Well, this is one of those times. I would never thought, I would have liked this book so much (maybe because I don’t read a good thriller from like decades) but here we are.

The story begins with Madeline who tells from her point of view that during the night of her honeymoon with her husband and her friends, she goes to take some pictures around while everyone else is sleeping (well, apparently not everyone) and while she was taking them someone pushes her from the cliff so she falls and die. (or so we think)

From the beginning, the book never stops boring you because something new is always up.
How can I demonstrate it wasn’t boring? Well, I read this in one day so you know…

Talking of our characters - 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 (the dead girl): I liked her, everyone described her as a spoiled girl and yes, she was rich and she had money but it wasn’t her fault if she was born in this way. Honestly, during the book she never acted like a spoiled brat. It cringed me when she called her dad, daddy every time. I mean you are twenty-three years old not eight but apart from that she never did something upsetting.

𝙂𝙬𝙮𝙣: the dead’s girl best friend, I didn’t like her that much… I suspected it was her the killer of Madeline. She was a bad friend, I mean if you really love someone you are not jealous instead you are happy for them. Also, you don’t flirt with the future husband of your best friend if you are a good friend and (the most important) you don’t get engaged to him after you die!! Yes, she was sad after Madeline died but I think it was because she was attached to her, after all, they went to college together not because she loved her.

𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣: the dead girl’s husband, I don’t know what to think about him… As for Gwyn, I thought he was the one who killed Madeline (at a certain point, I thought they were both involved). He didn’t really have a personality.

𝙍𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙘𝙖: I won’t spoil, however, I liked the fact she was determined to discover who killed Madeline and never gave up. At the beginning I thought she was another person but when I found out who she really was, I was like: “omg, how could she be her” I was very anxious when she was in places where she didn’t have to be, I was always scared someone could unmask her.

𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙖: the dead girl’s sister, she was neutral to me, well till you know…(you will know what I mean when you read the book)

Would I advise this book? Yes, if you are looking for a good thriller and you want a book where you can’t take your eyes of it because it’s so engaging that you want to know what happens next.
The book is well written and the final plot twist omg! I would have never expected this. Also, it reminded me of Gone Girl. Maybe the end of the book was a little rushed but I think that's subjective. It’s not an easy read but worth things are not always easy, right?

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Jessica Payne for a copy of this arc!!

This book absolutely blew mind! I read it cover to cover in two days. Only putting it down because I had to work (otherwise I can't buy any more books). I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, mostly because I both loved and hated virtually all the characters. I just had to know what was going on. I very much enjoy Jessica Payne's writing style, and not only continue to read everything she writes, but I will recommend her to anyone who will listen!

I thought the start of the book — Rebecca's voyeuristic run — would hook me into the story. And it did, for a bit. Her narrative was unusual and very compelling. However, the flashbacks lost me. Too many people, and many of them felt one-dimensional. I found myself rereading paragraphs to keep everything straight, and at the same time, it seemed like nothing really happened. This ended up in my DNF pile, which is a bummer because it got so many great reviews. Hopefully it will continue to find its audience.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. This book was a fun read and kept me guessing the whole time. There were several twists I didn't see coming and one I did. I loved the short chapters to keep the book moving quickly. I would recommend this book.

Never Trust The Husband by Jessica Payne is thriller that reminds me of the quote “keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” This book embodies that quote. Rebecca is trying to avenge the death of her friend Madeline. She has suspicion that Madeline’s new husband may have had something to do with her death and tries to get close to him and his new fiancée who also happens to be Madeline’s best friend.

This book is told in dual perspectives and dual timelines. Rebecca’s timeline is in the present and Madeline’s timeline is in the past.

While I did figure out one of the twist early on, there were so many new twists and turns to uncover as the book went on. Throughout the book little things were revealed that had me questioning everything I thought I had figured out. It was hard to figure out who to trust and that makes you question everything.

This quote from the book stuck with me “But if I’ve learned anything over these past years, it’s that people don’t necessarily show you who they are. They show you the version of themselves they want you to see.” That is so true of this book. There were many times I wondered if a character was acting, lying, or telling the truth.

I enjoyed this book and the last 20% of the book had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t see the ending coming. While I didn’t finished the book with questions, I do however wish there was a last chapter maybe set in the future so we could get a glimpse of where the characters ended up.

I liked that there were short quick chapters and the plot was engaging and had me hooked and staying up way too late saying “just one more chapter.”

This book will be released on March 5, 2024. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

"Never Trust the Husband" shares about afterlife of Maddie after her untimely death during what was meant to be a blissful honeymoon expedition. The author's captivating narrative style draws readers into a web of intrigue, skillfully concealing the identity of the culprit and their motive. From the outset, the suspicion hangs heavy over Maddie's husband and best friend, creating an atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty. This uncertainty is masterfully sustained, heightening the intrigue as the story progresses. However, as the plot unravels, there's a noticeable shift in pacing. The narrative begins to meander, losing its initial momentum, possibly due to uncertainties about how to navigate the protagonist's response to the unfolding truth. Despite the gripping buildup, the climax falls short of expectations. The resolution feels abrupt and hastily executed, almost as if the narrative is scrambling to tie up loose ends.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, that excels in creating an aura of suspicion and mystery but the pacing and a rushed ending slightly diminished the otherwise enthralling experience.

I was drawn into this book immediately and I just couldn't put it down until I finished. It really surprised and excited me!

Never Trust the Husband
By: Jessica Payne
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am a huge fan of Payne’s books so as soon as I heard she had another release I signed up for two tours. I cannot say enough about her books!!!

Past: We know right away Madeline has been pushed off a cliff.

She is on her a camping trip in Washington with husband Benji, and her best friends. Sadly her honeymoon was canceled, so this was a last minute trip.

Present: A mysterious lady named Rebecca wants answers in Madeline’s death! She infiltrates Benjamin and his new fiancée Gywn’s because she feels they know something about Madeline’s death. Gywn was Madeline’s best friend. I love how the chapters are set up with headlines about the discovery of a body, 3 years after Madeline’s death.

The cast of main characters include Rebecca, Benjamin, Gywn, and Madeline’s estranged step-sister Elena.

Get ready for a spicy novel about friendship, jealousy, money, power and revenge! All that you want in a Psychological Thriller. Payne is an auto-buy for me!

Thank you Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Bookouture for having me on your tours.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Jessica Payne for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review. Never Trust the Husband is released on March 5th, 2024.

__________________

FIVE ADDICTIVE STARS.

This is one of those books that will pull you in from the first page and have you reading until the last sentence. I could not stop.

_____

Synopsis:
Madeline is on her honeymoon with her new husband and friends backpacking on a cliff when she goes to take some pictures and feels hands, next thing she knows she's being pushed over the cliff.

Three years later her husband is marrying her best friend, just after she's declared dead. Interesting huh? What is her husband doing with her best friend?

Then we meet Rebecca who is following the husband and the best friend to find out who really killed Madeline, and maybe to try and get revenge?

_____

My Thoughts:
This book has thrills, it had suspense, and most of all it had TWISTS. I literally was screaming when the twists happen. This will be one of my favorite books of the year!

I loved the dual pov's over the timelines of before the wedding and leading up to the honeymoon and today trying to piece everything together.

This was a fast paced, inhaling read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Looking for a Thriller that will give you a book hangover?? This is it! I finished Never Trust The Husband a few days ago and I’m still thinking about it. I could not put this book down and the twists at the end were SO GOOD!!! One of the best books I’ve read in 2023! Definitely put this on your TBR list.

This is another fantastic thriller by Jessica Payne. The plot is deliciously far fetched, however that added to the enjoyment.
I raced through it in almost one sitting. It’s a great read and a book that I will certainly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-ARC of Never Trust the Husband!

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🛥️ got engaged on a boat in the Puget Sound
🤨 like an unreliable narrator
🏃‍♀️ enjoy going for runs
🫥 feel like you’re invisible

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

You look so happy in your wedding photo, gazing at your perfect new husband, glass of champagne held high in a toast. You chose to ignore the warning signs, but he hid more than one secret from you. And now he’s gotten away with your murder…

Every night I watch Benjamin and Gwyn in their gorgeous, glass-fronted Seattle home. Your ex-husband. Your best friend. Newly engaged, they’re busy dreaming of their future.

The official story is that you disappeared, but I know the truth. They killed you.

I know Benjamin’s new business is in trouble, that he desperately needs your money. I saw the way Gwyn looked at him at your wedding reception, finding any excuse to be close, to laugh too loudly at his jokes. After all, she always wanted your perfect life.

But don’t worry, Madeline. I won’t let it end like this. I can see everything from my place in the shadows between the trees. With their house lit up, they are on display. I’ll bide my time and worm my way into their home, their lives. They will never know the truth about who I am.

You didn’t get your happily ever after, and neither will they…

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This one immediately captured my attention with the prologue, and I was really interested in learning who Rebecca was. I initially had two guesses as to who it might be, and one of my guesses turned out to be correct. I also guessed the second twist but only after the first one was fully revealed, but I was definitely surprised by the why behind everything that happened. I didn’t expect any of that reasoning, so it was a nice ending. The story was told nicely - I loved going back and forth between the past and present and between Madeline and Rebecca’s POVs. Overall, this was a really fun thriller, and I look forward to reading more from Jessica!

This was a twisty and quick read rhat I finished in less than 24 hours. It’s centered on Madeline 3 years ago and Rebecca now; Rebecca is trying to avenge Madeline’s apparent murder that happened on her honeymoon now that her husband is planning to marry her best friend.

The characters made sense to me, even though not all is them were likable, and I enjoyed the back and forth between timeframes. I did figure out a couple of the twists but there were so many I didn’t catch them all. The book takes place in Seattle, a city I know well, which I also enjoyed. I thought the ending tied things up just a little too cleanly but it was not unsatisfying.

Overall, this is a fun book that I would recommend to those who like psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, twisty read featuring revenge, jealousy, and betrayal. The chapters were short, but the content made it quite addicting and hard to put down at the end of each one. Fans of McFadden will devour this. While I did figure out one twist, there were still many more that I didn't. The only discrepancy was that the age was off in the beginning and the end, but this is an ARC, so maybe that was caught and will be fixed by publication. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining read that fans of her previous work will love. Three and a half stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture, for this ARC.

Never Trust the Husband
By Jessica Payne
Publication date: March 5th 2024 by Bookouture

Jessica Payne is an author that has never disappointed me so far. I don’t need to read the description, I know she will deliver. “The Good Doctor” was one of the best reads of 2023 for me.

The Prologue was already perfect! Madeline is in her honeymoon trip with her new husband Benji and a couple of close friends. Wanting to surprise her husband, she sneaks out at night to set up for the perfect time lapse photo. Until she feels a hand between her shoulder blades, pushing her down a cliff.

Three years later, Benjamin is about to marry Gwyn, who was Madeline’s best friend. But their common friend Rebecca is doing her all to prevent this marriage to happen.

betrayal, grief, revenge, exquisitely crafted characters, the perfect pace, Jessica has done it again!! This is an example of how to craft the perfect thriller, how to mix emotions with just the right amount of twists.

I was happy for the dual timeline and the dual perspective from both Rebecca and Madeline.
Some of the twists I figured out or was at least fairly sure I had them figured. Other things I did not see coming. That’s what I enjoyed most, the anticipation of what to come. In the end, you’ll never know who to really trust.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Jessica Payne for my gifted copy. I was under no obligation to review, all opinions are own.

Wow, I just couldn't put this book down. I was instantly hooked and wanted to find out what happened to Madeline! I loved the then and now time line. How you think you know where the story is going and then BAMM! you get thrown for a loop. I love this author and even though I know it is coming I still get blind sided every time.

I absolutely loved this book and I thought I had Rebecca figured out but I was completely wrong!

Madeline was pushed on her honeymoon over a cliff. Rebecca now wants to get revenge and figure out who the killer is.

The boat scene was so sinister and will sit with long after this book is done. I can't get enough of this author and can't wait to see what she writes next.

Excellent book!! I read in one day! Honestly, once you start this book plan on spending your day reading, You will not be able to put it down. I love Jessica Payne's books and this book just shows how talented she is to craft such a captivating thriller! What really happened to Maddy ? Who tried to murder her ?and why? SO many twists and so much suspense! Absolutely recommend this book. If I could give more stars I would. This book is everything I love about a mystery. Read it!! You will love it !!