4.25/5 stars, rounded down

Thank you Bantam for the advanced reading copy!

NOTE: this is a sequel to THE LAST MRS PARRISH and you need to read that one first, for a lot of reasons! This should NOT be read as a standalone.

SYNOPSIS -- Amber Patterson Parrish has spent the better part of the last year working on her status as a prominent socialite in Bishops Harbor. Fresh off of her husband, Jackson's tax-evasion scandal, this was no small feat. Unfortunately for Amber, Jackson is soon-to-be released from prison, complicating both her life and her finances. Meanwhile, Jackson's ex-wife, Daphne, is living her best post-divorce life in California, determined never to return to her old life. Her daughters, however, don't seem to be having the same feelings, dragging Daphne back for their own good. When someone sets out to even the score from one of Amber's past mistakes, this triad of chaos must put aside their differences and start working together to save themselves... only question is, who isn't playing for the team?

I loved and hated this book simultaneously, but in the best way haha! The characters are all so unlikeable, that it was honestly hard to get through at times. Even Daphne, who I wanted to like, is so demure and hard to root for at times. However, this book, like THE LAST MRS PARRISH, is full of surprising twists until the very end. It was fun to pick up after the last book and follow up with some of these horrendous characters and their chaotic lives. Daisy Ann's perspective added some great dimension to this book; I think it could have easily been written without it but this added SO MUCH to the story and was a great inclusion. This was a great follow up to the first book, and it was fun to re-read THE LAST MRS PARRISH directly ahead of this one. This wrapped up their stories very nicely and I definitely enjoyed this overall!

Unrelated pet peeve: when characters use the same phrase over and over and over -- if Amber says "that rich bitch" one more time, I'm gonna lose it!

Read Completed 6/23/24 | 4 stars
Do I need to read THE LAST MRS. PARRISH first? Yes! This is actually a direct continuation of the previous book, not just a companion. It would be pretty crucial to understand everything that's going on. I'd also recommend reading THE FIRST SHOT, which is a novella / short explaining Amber's situation before she came to the Parrishes. It's not required, but there is a ton of crossover and while explained in THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH, I think it's a good idea!
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This was a fun read! I wasn't sure what to expect and where we would pick up after the way THE LAST MRS. PARRISH ended, and while I felt there was potential, I wasn't sure if we really needed a sequel. Now I'm glad we got it because thrillers are so often stand alones and we don't get to continue the stories, or the stories just don't warrant a sequel. We still had more to tell here and wanted to see Amber pay her consequences as well.

The book has a little bit different of a feel since in the first book, we were so shocked by the twist mid-way. THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH doesn't have that one giant twist to be wildly shocking, but there are some really fun little twists and turns along the way. The ending was satisfying and also even leaves room for a third book, should the authors want to pursue it, but not in a way that's a huge cliffhanger.

I also really liked the addition of Daisy Ann, who we met in THE FIRST SHOT, and I was so happy to see that Daphne still had Meredith in her corner. It was a sigh of relief to have Meredith there, helping her, and believing her story. THE LAST MRS. PARRISH was so tense and miserable at times because Daphne was so alone. I liked that she got a support system here. I also really liked seeing Daphne even stronger and more determined. This book continued to grow her character and while she still has to deal with the Jackson / Amber nightmare, she knows what she's in for and has some back-up plans to her other plans.

I really liked this read! It really made the story necessary to tell because life wasn't over after the ending of the last book. I thought it was a good way to continue on and spend more time with these characters.

The Last Mrs Parrish was such a great book it needed a sequel. We had to know what happened to Jackson and slimy Amber. Can I just say that Liv Constantine does a marvelous job writing a character I literally want to punch. I hate Amber so much, and in the book Jackson is just as bad.
I’m sure you read the synopsis of the book so I’m not going to repeat that. I want to tell you that if you haven’t read this book yet- get it right now and start reading it. No need to re read the first one because we get reminders of what happened. Poor Daphne, she’s stronger in this book but also only cares about her children. Girl, take the gloves off! And we meet a new character named Daisy Ann, she’s going to stop at nothing to payback Amber for “killing” her daddy years ago in a hunting accident. Way to get your revenge Daisy Ann!
This book is full of twists and turns and it overall a great read. Thank you NetGalley and Random House for an ARC copy!

I’m not sure this exactly counts as a thriller but the suspense was a fun change from my usual genres and I had a lot of fun with this one! I thought this was a solid follow up to the first book with some interesting new characters. I thought the different POVs were cycled through really well and I was invested in all three storylines equally, which is always really important to me when I'm reading a book with multiple POVs. The ending went a little off the rails for me because I feel like it tried to wrap things up too perfectly. I'm torn between saying the ending was a good callback to earlier events (spoiler: the jewels that Amber sold) but also it wasn't satisfying that characters we weren't really familiar with were the deciding factor in some of these things (spoiler: I thought it moved a little too fast as well. Jackson gets out of jail then is almost immediately hospitalized by the thugs that beat him up. Not that I would have ever expected Daphne to exact any physical revenge, I was still a little surprised that these goons just randomly came in were able to tie things up in a bow). Regardless, I really really enjoyed! Would definitely recommend to anyone who has read The Last Mrs. Parrish.

I was so excited when I heard The Last Mrs. Parrish was getting a sequel! And even more excited when I was approved for an ARC of the book!

This was such a fun, fast paced read! I was hooked from the very beginning and loved the multiple POVs because you never knew who was playing who. This book had my jaw on the floor multiple times! Just when you thought these characters couldn’t be more cunning, they turn around and surprise you with something next level.

If domestic suspense is your jam, this is the book for you! This book has all the secrets, lies, and more. Thank you Liv Constantine and Bantam for my gifted eARC!

this book didnt pull me in like i was expecting but was a fun read if you have time and want to try something new i would recommend it

The sequel I didn’t know I needed. The next Mrs. Parrish is just as cunning as the first. I will say I enjoyed book one more, however this one still delivers. Brining you your favorite characters with all their drama, secrets, & backstabbing. You be disappointed by picking this one up and getting some closure.

Dnf @ 7%

This sequel just wasn’t my cup of tea. I loved the first book and the whole “i support women’s rights and wrongs” vibe but with this one I just couldn’t connect with the characters. It might have been due to the fact that the first book and the sequel had so much time between them.

This could be a good book if you read the first bike right before it or read this one as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free earc in Effie my honest review

I really enjoyed this book, I even thought it was better than the first! Going into it I wasn't sure it was really necessary to make a sequel but I loved it. 5 stars!

*The Next Mrs. Parrish* by Liv Constantine is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of envy, deceit, and ambition. Written by sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine under their pen name, this debut novel weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

The story revolves around Amber Patterson, a woman who believes she deserves more than her current lot in life. She sets her sights on the luxurious life of Daphne Parrish, the seemingly perfect wife of the wealthy and handsome Jackson Parrish. Determined to usurp Daphne’s place, Amber ingratiates herself into the Parrish family’s inner circle, manipulating events to achieve her goal. However, as she gets closer to Jackson, she discovers that the Parrish family's glamorous facade hides dark and disturbing secrets.

Constantine’s writing is compelling, effectively building tension as Amber’s devious plans unfold. The narrative is split between Amber’s perspective and Daphne’s, providing a multi-faceted view of the events and allowing readers to understand both women’s motivations and vulnerabilities. This dual narrative structure adds depth to the characters and enriches the storytelling, making the twists and turns all the more impactful.

Amber is a complex and fascinating antagonist. Her cunning and relentless ambition make her a character readers love to hate, while her backstory provides insight into her actions and adds layers to her personality. Daphne, on the other hand, is portrayed with a blend of strength and vulnerability that makes her a sympathetic figure. As the story progresses, the contrast between these two women becomes starkly apparent, leading to a climactic and satisfying conclusion.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as jealousy, power, and the superficiality of appearances. The authors skillfully depict how envy can drive individuals to extreme measures and how the pursuit of perfection can mask underlying truths. The glamorous setting of the Parrish’s world serves as a sharp contrast to the darker elements of the plot, highlighting the disparity between perception and reality.

*The Next Mrs. Parrish* is a exciting psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Liv Constantine’s debut is a testament to the power of well-crafted suspense and character-driven storytelling. It’s a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers and anyone who enjoys a tale of twisted ambitions and shocking revelations.

I really love the first book in this series so was excited to check back in on what was happening in Connecticut. It was…fine. Overall, I feel like there were so gaping plot holes and it was darker than book 1 to me. I liked but didn’t LOVE.

Liv Constantine is back with another book full of suspenseful twists and turns! The Last Mrs.Parrish definitely could have been a book on its own without this one but I was thrilled that there was another book with the toxic trio including Daphne, Amber and Jackson!

2.5 Stars

When I saw that there was sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish, my first thought was questioning why this book needed a sequel. Guess what?!? It doesn’t!!

The Next Mrs. Parrish continues where the first book leaves off. Amber is still married to Jackson and raising their son. Jackson is in prison and Daphne is living on the other side of the country with Jackson’s daughters.

The Next Mrs. Parrish is a bit more fast-paced than its predecessor. The authors must have read the first book’s reviews and picked up the pace in this book. While I hated the characters in this book as much as I did in the first, at least the authors were a bit more responsible with how to portray the despicable Amber and Jackson (you’ll know what I’m talking about if you read The Last Mrs. Parrish). And the ending was a bit more satisfying.

So why only 2-1/2 stars?? Well, it is a better rating than the authors’ first book. But both books made me feel gross and I couldn’t wait for the books to end so I could move on from these awful characters.

I am hoping there isn’t a third book in the series.

I really enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish and this sequel is no different. This is a great domestic thriller full of smart twists and lots of action. Jackson and Amber’s characters were written in a way that made me literally despise them. How can two people be so awful? I deducted one star for having to suspend some belief several times. Some of the choices a few of the characters made (I’m looking at you Daphne 🤨🤔) had me scratching my head but I had to just keep reading. I loved the way that all the twists and storylines circled back to each other. And I loved Daisy Ann’s character. I recommend this one for any lovers of psychological/domestic thrillers but I really feel like you need to read The Last Mrs Parrish first before diving into this one.

Read if you like:
▫️rich people behaving badly
▫️mind games
▫️multiple POV
▫️tense twists

This was such a fun, twisty sequel to the first book! It was such a relief to see Jackson and Amber get more of a comeuppance, and I loved all the twists and turns getting there. The first book felt a bit more devious, but this book kept me hooked until the very end!

Fans of The Last Mrs. Parrish will not be disappointed with the sequel. Liv Constantine weaves another twisty tale with a new heroine to cheer for. The Next Mrs Parrish picks up a year later. Jackson Parrish is getting out of jail, his wife and con-artist Amber has spent most of their money with her lavish lifestyle and is looking for her next big score so they can go their separate ways. Jackson’s ex, Daphne has settled in to her new life in California but her oldest daughter is struggling and is desperate to see her dad. In an effort to help her daughters heal, Daphne returns to Bishops Harbor. Jackson and Amber team up with a nefarious plan and despite her best efforts, Daphne once again is the victim. Meanwhile we’re introduced to a new character - Daisy Ann, a strong Texas woman who reveals more of Amber’s insidious past.
As much you’ll root for Daphne and Daisy Ann, reading Amber’s deplorable narrative is unsettling as the perspective rotates primarily between the three women. Fans of suspense and thrillers will enjoy this novel which keeps you guessing until the end but I recommend reading the first one first.

I loved The Last Mrs. Parrish and was very excited to find there was a sequel. Unfortunately, this fell flat for me. It was challenging to keep up with the different points of view and it didn’t keep my attention.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for this advance copy of one of my highly anticipated summer reads, The Next Mrs. Parrish - this one dropped a few weeks ago and is available for purchase now!

One thing you can count on from Liv Constantine is messy, awful characters that you love to hate, and our girl Amber is back with more ridiculous antics, ready with another scam. Daphne and Jackson and their whiny/horrid selves (respectively) are also back, along with another POV addition of Daisy, and a new side plot woven in. Is this absolutely chaotic, hard to believe and just ridiculous? Absolutely. But if you’re in the mood for a domestic thriller, your girls have got you covered. I loved the first one, and I was worried that I wouldn’t remember enough about the characters, but I was able to jump right back in.

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy in exchange for this honest, unhinged review. Pub date: 6/18/24

The Next Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started reading this novel since I absolutely loved The Last Mrs. Parrish then realized there was a sequel, The First Shot. The Next Mrs Parrish is the 3rd novel in the series. Reading The First Shot introduces you to a new female character, Daisy Ann and delves into the past of Amber (next Mrs Parrish).
The Last Mrs. Parrish is told from 3 POVs. The last Mrs Parrish (Daphne), the next Mrs. Parrish (Amber), and Daisy Ann (someone from Amber’s past). What a game of cat and mouse between these 3 women and Jackson (the Mr. Parrish)!
Jackson is released from prison and Amber plans to take all his money and leave. Jackson wants to reunite with his ex, Daphne but Daphne will not fall for his abusive ways again. Daisy Ann is out for revenge. Different alliances are formed, all with their own motives, but who can you trust? A story of betrayal and characters you cannot help but hate. Who will come out the victor and the master planner at the end?
Fast paced read, with each character trying to plot and counter one another. Who is reliable and trustworthy? Who is full of deceit? I enjoyed the ride! Definitely recommend reading First Shot first to get the backstory on Amber! A huge thank you to @NetGalley and @RandomHousePublishingBallantine for the Advanced Ebook. #TheNextMrsParrish #NetGalley

The Next Mrs. Parrish is a quintessential juicy summer thriller that will keep you turning the pages as you melt in the sun while sipping on your beverage… It has *all the vibes* and it’s just plain fun…! Liv Constantine is back and better than ever with this long awaited stand-alone sequel to their Reese’s Book Club pick debut novel THE LAST MRS. PARRISH…

You can certainly dive into this book and start the series; they provide all the information you need to know to enjoy it; but for true fans of the OG book you will be obsessed back in the mind of Mrs. Amber Patterson Parrish once again.

A tale of revenge, deceit, and lies; you will inhale this story quickly! A true beach read 👏🏻