This is the first time I have ever read a book from this author. I found the book to be very good, and full of excitement. I read it pretty quickly because I kept wanting to find out what was going to happen next. I liked it so much, I want to see what other books this author has written.

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

This suspense is perfect fans of HGTV and Chip and Joanna Gaines! At times it made me question the “reality” of “reality”! Rarely do you see infertility woven into a thriller which provided a fresh take. All in all I think this book will find its way into the hands of appreciative readers.

This story is proof that sometimes the call is coming from inside the house I was expecting a thriller, but this read more like a domestic drama with some suspenseful elements. I was filled with so much fury about all of the women in the protagonists life, that if I wasn’t reading this on my kindle I would’ve thrown the book.. this girl had not one single legit friend in her entire life. Overall, if you like domestic drama, and also want to feel enraged at women who enable men to act badly towards other women, this might be the book for you!

Thank a so much @netgalley & @scribnerbooks for the eArc!

I loved this!

I don’t even watch home improvement shows, but I was so into this one.

The author completely played with my head when it came to one character and I was so concerned about Dawn.

The book is funny, suspenseful and absolutely pulls at the heartstrings.

Very twisty and clever and I was just so sorry that it was over (but it had a good ending).

• ARC via Publisher

I decided to pick up this book because the tagline was “Gone Girl Meets HGTV reality show,” and that alone convinced me to read it. However, the book didn't meet my expectations and didn't have the same shocking vibe that I was anticipating. Some parts of the book were interesting and suspenseful, but most of the plot was very far-fetched. None of the characters were likable. I was very baffled that none of Dawns friends stuck by her and her awn's so-called friends were conned by Wyatt's charm. lThe ending was satisfying and was glad that Dawn got the resolution that she deserved.


Thank you to NetGalley and to Scribner for giving me a copy.

Wow. I breezed through this book within a day. I simply did not want to put it down. I was so invested in this story and in Dawn as a protagonist. The Perfect Home is about a reality show couple who seem to have it all. Their show centers around the home renovating they do together. Wyatt had the show before he met Dawn but it really got popular because of them as a couple.

The viewers are meant to see Wyatt as a handsome and charismatic man who can do it all. While Dawn is the nag always throwing some sassy quip his way and constantly going over the decorating budget. Dawn is actually more reserved and tends to disappoint fans that meet her by not being very personable. Wyatt on the other hand is what he appears to be. On the surface anyway..

Everything starts to fall apart when they decide to have a baby. Wyatt wants to take pills that aren't legal to have in the US to help with his low sperm count. Dawn is against the idea because it's too risky. Not only are they illegal but there are side effects. He orders them anyway and Dawn convinces herself it's actually wonderful he wants to have a baby with her so bad he'd lie to her and take shady pills.

So she gets pregnant almost immediately and wants him to taper off the pills. They do change him and not in favorable ways. She eventually has twins and he really gets mean and also does creepy things like standing there staring off at nothing. The whole time I'm wondering, did the pills change him that much or is this how he is and he's starting to let her see that? Maybe both, the pills just enhance things?

Why I even questioned that is because you get to read Wyatt's point of view as well as Dawn's. You find out he's actually pretty manipulative and conniving. He's obsessed with having the perfect image and wants to be even more famous. Dawn soon finds out his plans to get more ratings and thus more popularity. What she stumbles across was actually quite chilling to read.

What follows is Dawn's attempts to protect her babies from the man she no longer trusts. She takes the twins and goes on the run and I loved that she immediately left and didn't try to stay and get evidence, wait and see or try to reason with him. She was just like, "Nope, we're out of here!"

Going on the run with two infants is hard enough but Dawn is also recognizable. And thanks to the show, people tend to love Wyatt more. He's able to create the narrative that she's the unstable one and he just wants his babies home safe and to get Dawn the help she needs. Dawn knows she'll never win in the court of public opinion and she'll need evidence. She could also use some support. This situation definitely proves to her who her friends really are is all I'll say.

The tension never lets up as things escalate. Wyatt has everyone eating out of the palm of his hand while Dawn desperately tries to prove he's lying and keep him away from the babies. I was rooting for her so hard and hating everyone else besides her few allies. It was so frustrating that so many people believed what they were told and not what was so obvious!

That's how people really are though. We all know that couples, individuals and families can look perfect but could be hiding ugly secrets. Most of true crime is based on that fact. And yet knowing there's nothing real about reality shows, people tend to believe what they're shown and form attachments to who they see. They let their own biases get in the way too. I loved how The Perfect Home explored all that. Also how easily women are villainized and dismissed as crazy.

I definitely recommend The Perfect Home for those who want a dark domestic thriller that is enjoyable to read. The only time I was disappointed was with how Dawn chose to handle certain betrayals at the end. I'm getting frustrated again just thinking about it! That's all I'll say so as not to spoil anything. If you want to run through a gamut of emotions and be thoroughly entertained, you must read The Perfect Home.

Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you, Scribner for the copy of The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz. I loved the description and the premise was really appealing. I wish I had connected with the characters more, but one was a sociopath and the other was the epitome of a doormat. I hated how often we were reminded that HE was gorgeous and desirable and because SHE was plain she was lucky to get him. I’m not sure why I lost interest as I read, but thank goodness it started to get better about three quarters of the way through. I’m not sure the ending was satisfying, but it was still a quick good read. 3 stars

I wanted to like this book more than I actually did, to be honest. The premise: a wealthy couple, who star in a home renovation show on an HGTV-like network, find themselves moving from wildly-in-love to diametrically opposed, with the lives of their children at risk, in the blink of an eye. Or, so we are led to believe. The truth is much more complicated, and unravels slowly. One of the central puzzles of this book involves figuring out who is telling the truth and who is gaslighting the other. I was engaged enough to plow through, wanting answers, but also disappointed in some of the twists and how things ultimately unfolded. For me, it was a very good, but not excellent thriller. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

This was an interesting read. I did enjoy the book and it was paced enough to keep me interested. I would have this on a list to recommend to other readers. I will be looking forward to more books from this author.

Wyatt and Dawn Decker are the perfect couple to host the wildly popular home renovation reality TV show, “The Perfect Home.” He’s charismatic and makes everyone feel instantly important and she is an American everywoman who is quick to roll her eyes at his antics. Their chemistry is gold. But trouble’s brewing. They desperately want children to make their family complete, but Wyatt’s boys are not cooperating. When he takes an experimental fertility drug the Decker’s perfect story comes off the rails.

I loved this book! It’s a dual POV so the reader gets Wyatt’s and Dawn’s perspectives on what’s happening. It’s twisty, funny, compelling, and tasty. Reading it is like opening up a bag of chips and downing every last one before coming up for air. I think the word may be addictive. I tore through it loving the setting (Nashville), the premise (a reality show that hid the truth), and the characters (even the bad guy is lovable). Can’t wait to read the next book by Daniel Kenitz.

Thanks to @simonandschuster and NetGalley for an advance reader copy.

As a lover of HGTV and thrillers, this was a page turner for me. The plot was engaging, and though not terribly realistic, it kept me engaged. I am a ‘glass half empty’ type of person anyways, always wondering if couples on social media or home renovation shows are actually as happy as they portray. This book is a perfect window into that line of thinking. I would definitely recommend this book, though I am a mood reader so I would have to be in the right mindset as some of the subjects can be triggering.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Wyatt Decker has a so-so home improvement show -- until he marries Dawn, and their ratings begin to skyrocket. Dawn is seen as the perfect compliment to Wyatt's charming, pretty-boy persona. However, their world is not perfect, as they struggle with infertility. After they have twins, due to Wyatt taking an unregulated, overseas supplement, Dawn sees his personality change, and uncovers a plot that has her fleeing with her twins.

Though parts of the story were engaging and suspenseful, I didn't really connect with the main, nor the peripheral, characters; they just weren't very likeable. A lot of what happened toward the end of the book seemed far-fetched.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

In "The Perfect Home," a gripping domestic thriller, Dawn Decker navigates the treacherous waters of fame and deceit alongside her husband, Wyatt, as they star in a home renovation reality TV show. While Wyatt is driven by an insatiable desire for fame, Dawn feels increasingly uncomfortable with their celebrity status. The couple's struggles with infertility lead Wyatt to take dangerous fertility drugs, resulting in the birth of their twins but also triggering a dark transformation in his personality. When Dawn uncovers Wyatt's chilling plan to stage a tragedy for publicity, she flees with their infants, only to find herself vilified by Wyatt, who paints her as an unstable kidnapper.

As the narrative unfolds from both Dawn and Wyatt's perspectives, readers witness the unraveling of their marriage and the lengths Dawn must go to protect her children and expose Wyatt's true nature. Faced with public scrutiny and betrayal from friends, she ultimately finds unexpected support from her estranged stepfather. This novel explores themes of media manipulation and personal resilience, blending suspense with a critique of reality TV culture. With its engaging plot twists and relatable characters, "The Perfect Home" offers a compelling read that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the final page.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book/Story: ⭐️⭐️.5️
Book Cover: ⭐⭐⭐️

TRIGGER(S): INFIDELITY, FERTILITY ISSUES, CANCER, DOMESTIC VERBAL/PHYSICAL

POV: Dual, First Person
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Trope(s): None
Spice: None
Genre: Domestic Thriller
Debut Novel: Yes
Safe or Dark: Dark
Release Date: January 7, 2025

I don’t think I can ever view couples on home renovation shows the same ever again. Not that I watch HGTV anyway.

Ben and Erin Napier, Bryan and Sarah Baeulmer, Dave and Jenny Marrs, and Chip and Joanna Gaines are as happy as they appear. *Narrows eyes in thought*

I had to google who those people were.

It’s no secret that the media twist stories to their advantage. Only showing us what they want us to see and working hard to get us to believe a particular narrative. This book only reinforces that idea. I just loved that this story played on the idea that not everything we see on television is the truth.

A little personal tidbit: I absolutely adore the name Wyatt. WHEN my husband and I wanted kids (many moons ago), it was in the running if we had a boy. Well, at least it was on my list.

I apologize to anyone who might be personally offended by this. But Harlene is the worst name I have ever heard. Every time I read it, I cringed. I felt legitimately mad for Wyatt and Dawn’s daughter since they named her that. Harlene Mae, to be precise.

Ah, yes, the societal pressure that is put on women to be babymakers. A tale as old as time.

The idealism that a woman's choice to not have children or those who have no maternal instinct are less of a woman in general.

As a female who is childfree by choice, I didn't appreciate the parental “I want grandkids before I die” guilt trip, the idea that our parents deserve to have grandchildren and we need to give it to them mindset, or the couples who don’t have little spawns are useless and lonely vibes. I get that those were things that were needed to progress the plot of the story. But it still gave me the biggest of icks.  

“What good are you to your parents if you don’t make something of yourself before you die?”

My husband and I are far from being lonely and lead a very fulfilling life without children. I knew what this book was about going into it. I just didn’t think that the first half would hit such a personal nerve with me.

Please know that I’m not heartless. I love kids! I adore my nieces and nephews to pieces. I don’t ever fault people for wanting to have children, even if I might not understand why, and I absolutely can sympathize with couples/individuals who have trouble conceiving.

*Takes deep breath and calmly sips coffee.* Okay, I’m going to get off my soapbox now.

The Dawn being a “plain Jane” and Wyatt being a “hot hunk of man meat” thing was way overdone as well. Why did the fact that Dawn was a “regular girl” have to be brought up so often? It almost felt insulting to not only the character but to women in general. Shouldn’t the focus have been less about the couple's looks and more about the dynamics of their marriage?

I honestly had a super hard time getting invested in any of the characters in this story. I didn’t care for Dawn or Wyatt. Dawn's woe is me attitude got on my nerves rather quickly. I wanted to sympathize with her, but she made it difficult. I often found myself being more frustrated with her than I was with Wyatt. Dare I say at times I was on his side!? I tried hard to build a connection with both of them, but alas, it just didn’t happen.

I couldn’t stand Alice and Victoria. For people who were supposed to be Dawn’s closest friends in the world, they sure did do her dirty. They took Wyatt’s side over hers and consistently allowed him to gaslight them into thinking Dawn was the bad guy in this situation. I’d rather have no friends at all than two friends like them. They were just... yuck.

“And what is friendship, really? An unsigned agreement, voluntary siblinghood.”

I will say that the first half of the book progresses much slower than the second half. Although we hit somewhat of a lull in the middle of the story, the latter part of the book worked better for me.

As for the ending, it felt rushed, and things were wrapped up in a neat little bow. I would have liked more from it. More turmoil. More struggles. More issues. Just more.

The good thing about this plot is that it’s an original idea. Not one I’ve seen done many times. With the addition of the home renovation concept, it was an interesting twist on the “you never know what happens behind closed door”/”not all couples are as perfect as they might seem” narrative. Props to Daniel Kenitz for that one. The fact that the writing was easy to follow and the chapters were short didn’t hurt either. All in all, it was a quick read despite the slower start.

“Dawn once told me a life well lived ends with an empty tank of gas.”

TLDR: A DOMESTIC THRILLER/DRAMA WITH UNLIKEABLE CHARACTERS! STILL MIGHT BE WORTH A READ!

As always, please remember that reading is subjective, and that’s what makes it so great. 😊

I would like to thank Scribner and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.

This is my voluntary, unbiased, and honest review.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! I admit to being addicted to home Reno shows. I’ve also wondered, while watching them, what the couple are truly like in real life. This book is great for people into home Reno and thrillers as there are several twists that made it a fun read. First, the main characters and how the story is told by alternating points of view was done well. You see Dawn and her gratitude journal as she and her husband navigate their show business jobs and try to conceive. Then you see Wyatt, who sucked her into this lifestyle and job as he struggles with his infertility. Cue an experimental drug with some wild side effects and BOOM twins. I enjoyed the overall story and connection to a reality Reno show and the twists and betrayals (at least one of them actually had me gasping). While I didn’t find all of it realistic, I did appreciate the general thriller aspect of the book. I could see this one being a major beach reach next summer and a book club pick. FYI profanity, talk of emotional and verbal abuse, struggles with mental health issues, and infidelity

The perfect home is a reality television home remodel show with married couple Wyatt and Dawn. The camera loved Wyatt and is swayed by his smile and charming personality too bad it is all fake. You feel for Dawn as all she wants to do is protect her children and in order to do that she has to take them away. Wyatt sways everyone to believe she will harm the children and that she needs help.

Wyatt was a chameleon and most people fell for the act.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I enjoyed this story and how fast paced it was. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this genre.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: January 07, 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

I am keeping this short and sweet but this was a thrilling wild ride. If you want a book that has you hanging off the end of your seat, that has you turning page after page to see what’s going to happen next—this is for you. The writing was fantastic, the backdrop for this story, the characters…there’s nothing that I can say I didn’t enjoy or love about this. How far would you go to have a baby…we find out just how far and what unfolds in this book with Dawn and Wyatt. I don’t want to give much away with this so I will leave you with this tidbit. I love a dual perspective as well and you get that here. I loved to see this made into a mini series or a show FOR SURE that’s what I’m hoping happens and considering that this book is about two married stars of a hit series called The Perfect Home I can’t see why it’s not PERFECT enough of an idea haha! I can’t wait for everybody to grab this book when it releases!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. I liked the characters! Great writing style and I liked the storyline. This book kept me guessing. I finished it in one sitting.