What do you think?
Rate this book
Happily Married
My husband is keeping secrets. I’m watching his every move…
Jake and I were childhood sweethearts. Strong, dependable and with a smile that melts my heart, he is the perfect husband and father to our beautiful little daughter. We have our money troubles – but getting a lodger, Kara, calms the panic I feel about our bills. Jake is reluctant but what choice do we have?
I’m relieved that Kara is so sweet, playing endless games of hide and seek with Elsie and settling into our home. But when I catch Jake and Kara sitting close together on the sofa one evening, they jump apart when I walk into the room. Jake promises it’s nothing…
When I search Kara’s room, I know for sure. My husband is keeping a terrible secret. And it’s much, much worse than I imagined.
Confronting him will tear our marriage apart, but I’ll do anything to protect my precious daughter.
Even if it means putting on a smile as I greet Kara at the breakfast table.
Even if it means lying to my husband’s face.
Even if it means someone has to die…
Jake and I were childhood sweethearts. Strong, dependable and with a smile that melts my heart, he is the perfect husband and father to our beautiful little daughter. We have our money troubles – but getting a lodger, Kara, calms the panic I feel about our bills. Jake is reluctant but what choice do we have?
I’m relieved that Kara is so sweet, playing endless games of hide and seek with Elsie and settling into our home. But when I catch Jake and Kara sitting close together on the sofa one evening, they jump apart when I walk into the room. Jake promises it’s nothing…
When I search Kara’s room, I know for sure. My husband is keeping a terrible secret. And it’s much, much worse than I imagined.
Confronting him will tear our marriage apart, but I’ll do anything to protect my precious daughter.
Even if it means putting on a smile as I greet Kara at the breakfast table.
Even if it means lying to my husband’s face.
Even if it means someone has to die…
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2023
2177 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Jenkins
25 books353 followersVictoria Jenkins is a Welsh author who has made a name for herself writing the highly popular Detective King and Lane series of novels. The first novel in the series was “The Girls In The Water” that Jenkins first published in 2017, to much critical acclaim and popularity among crime fiction fans.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
The series of novels features Detective Constable Chloe Lane and Detective Inspector Alex King, who are the lead investigative characters that solve some mysterious murders in their hometown.
Jenkins lives with her husband and daughter in South Wales, where her series of crime novels featuring Detectives King and Lane is based.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
September 4, 2024
Jake and Natalie have been together since high school. They own a dairy farm and live with their three year old daughter Elsie. When finances begin to collapse, they take in a lodger. Kara is a beautiful young woman.
Natalie begins to see changes in Jake and suspects him and Kara are having an affair. It gets ugly and we have an unreliable narrator not revealed until later partaking in making Natalie look like a bad mother. DCS becomes involved when Elsie is left unattended and has unexplained injuries. It is really a vindictive tale of a promiscuous husband and a mean girl that will stop at nothing. Then there is the shock factor midway that blew everything out of the water that I thought was happening.
Great story! Katie Villa did a wonderful job narrating!! Another book off the TBR :)
Natalie begins to see changes in Jake and suspects him and Kara are having an affair. It gets ugly and we have an unreliable narrator not revealed until later partaking in making Natalie look like a bad mother. DCS becomes involved when Elsie is left unattended and has unexplained injuries. It is really a vindictive tale of a promiscuous husband and a mean girl that will stop at nothing. Then there is the shock factor midway that blew everything out of the water that I thought was happening.
Great story! Katie Villa did a wonderful job narrating!! Another book off the TBR :)
April 26, 2023
Jake and I were childhood sweethearts. Strong, dependable and with a smile that melts my heart, he is the perfect husband and father to our beautiful daughter. We have our many troubles - but getting a lodger, Kara, calms the panic I feel about our bills. Jake is reluctant, but what choice do we have? I'm relieved that Kara is so sweet, playing endless games of hide and seek with Elsie and settling into our home. But when I catch Jake and Kara sitting close together on the sofa one evening, they jump apart when I walk into the room. Jake promises it's nothing. When I search Kara's room, I know for certain my husband is keeping a terrible secret. And it's much, much worse than I imagined.
with plenty of twists and great characters, I was quickly invested in this story. There are secrets being kept, and I never saw the plot twist coming. This is a fast=paced, gripping page turner, and I could not devour it quick enough. When the truth starts unfolding, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. The story is told from multiple perspectives which can be hard to keep up with. It would have helped if we had known beforehand who was doing the narrating.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #VictoriaJenkins for my ARC of #HappilyMarried in exchange for an honest review.
with plenty of twists and great characters, I was quickly invested in this story. There are secrets being kept, and I never saw the plot twist coming. This is a fast=paced, gripping page turner, and I could not devour it quick enough. When the truth starts unfolding, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. The story is told from multiple perspectives which can be hard to keep up with. It would have helped if we had known beforehand who was doing the narrating.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #Bookouture and the author #VictoriaJenkins for my ARC of #HappilyMarried in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2024
The blurb caught my attention and I went in thinking I would DNF because we are led to believe that there may be cheating in this story, and while that is true, it is also not what one expects either so for that reason, this book got a 2 star from me only because t is NOT a romance and should not be marketed it as such because that is what I was expecting, However, it is a very interesting read which really deserves a 4 star if it was in the right category of suspense/mystery.
However, like others stated, the different POVs which makes it difficult to follow on whose voice it is and the constant misspelling or words in sentences left out was a mess. For the life of me I can't understand why authors don't check their work before they go to print. Aren't they embarrassed to have people read their work and know they can't even spell? Sheesh!
For those interested in the plot, I've spoiled it here. Don't read any further if you don't want to know what's it about.
However, like others stated, the different POVs which makes it difficult to follow on whose voice it is and the constant misspelling or words in sentences left out was a mess. For the life of me I can't understand why authors don't check their work before they go to print. Aren't they embarrassed to have people read their work and know they can't even spell? Sheesh!
For those interested in the plot, I've spoiled it here. Don't read any further if you don't want to know what's it about.
June 11, 2023
That was one crazy book.
Excellent domestic thriller that I couldn’t guess.
All the povs had no name and you presume to know who it is, but it’s not.
The story slaps you in the face half way through, then gets really exciting.
And it’s never what you think until the very end.
Excellent writing from Victoria Jenkins. A very underrated book.
Excellent domestic thriller that I couldn’t guess.
All the povs had no name and you presume to know who it is, but it’s not.
The story slaps you in the face half way through, then gets really exciting.
And it’s never what you think until the very end.
Excellent writing from Victoria Jenkins. A very underrated book.
April 25, 2024
A slow-burn psychological thriller. An average twist, a mixed bag of characters and interesting fast-paced last sections.
Natalie & Jake are married and are at a stage when their relationship feels jaded. They have a young girl Elsie who needs medical attention. Tyler is a friend, who helps at their farm. With their income being stressed, Natalie works part-time at a pub, and they consider renting out a room at their farm. Kara Barton, rents their room, saying this is ideal as she works in IT remotely and likes calm. Natalie starts to suspect that Jake is having an affair and wonders if it is with Kara or someone else. There are also strange incidents which feel like threats to her, but she cannot be sure.
I liked how the story builds with Natalie’s perspective and you really feel for the agony she goes through. There is also the perspective of the other person – named past half of the book. The pace is slow for the most part, and the tension holds well. I found the twist to be average, though as is typical of psychological thrillers, the writing prior to that is deliberately structured to mislead. Natalie and Kara are very good characters. Jake’s character is weak, Tyson’s character average and a bit sensationalist.
Overall, the last sections make this a worthwhile read.
Natalie & Jake are married and are at a stage when their relationship feels jaded. They have a young girl Elsie who needs medical attention. Tyler is a friend, who helps at their farm. With their income being stressed, Natalie works part-time at a pub, and they consider renting out a room at their farm. Kara Barton, rents their room, saying this is ideal as she works in IT remotely and likes calm. Natalie starts to suspect that Jake is having an affair and wonders if it is with Kara or someone else. There are also strange incidents which feel like threats to her, but she cannot be sure.
I liked how the story builds with Natalie’s perspective and you really feel for the agony she goes through. There is also the perspective of the other person – named past half of the book. The pace is slow for the most part, and the tension holds well. I found the twist to be average, though as is typical of psychological thrillers, the writing prior to that is deliberately structured to mislead. Natalie and Kara are very good characters. Jake’s character is weak, Tyson’s character average and a bit sensationalist.
Overall, the last sections make this a worthwhile read.
May 14, 2023
From lies to secrets to gaslighting, this latest book by Victoria Jenkins caught me by surprise more than once. With pressure to keep their bills paid, Jake and Natalie decide to take on a boarder. They are running a farm and are struggling to make ends meet. They both agree to rent a room to a woman named Kara, an IT worker, but it doesn’t take long for Natalie to have regrets.
Suspicious of Kara from almost the very start, Natalie begins having unusual issues, not the least of which lands her in the hospital. These problems extend to her young daughter, thus raising red flags.
To say that this book has twists is an understatement. Victoria Jenkins led me down a twisty little trail, leaving me shocked and breathless. Oh, read this book to the very end, because the Acknowledgment pulls this wonderful story together with a tight little bow.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Suspicious of Kara from almost the very start, Natalie begins having unusual issues, not the least of which lands her in the hospital. These problems extend to her young daughter, thus raising red flags.
To say that this book has twists is an understatement. Victoria Jenkins led me down a twisty little trail, leaving me shocked and breathless. Oh, read this book to the very end, because the Acknowledgment pulls this wonderful story together with a tight little bow.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 12, 2023
Natalie lives on her family farm with her husband Jake and her small daughter Elise. Like a lot of family farms, they are struggling with money, causing Natalie to get an evening job and deciding to rent out one of her rooms. She chooses a woman named Kara, who seems to be a sweet roomie.
The title would have you believe that Natalie and Jake are happy in their marriage. However, we quickly learn that there is very little affection between the two. He is distant, and doesn’t seem to care much about Natalie. We also learn that Jake has been messing around with someone else, and they’re a little crazy. Okay maybe a lot of crazy.
I liked that we get to see multiple points of view, Natalie and Jake’s affair partner. There are some huge misdirections at first and we think we know who the characters really are, but we’re wrong. You really can’t trust anyone in this thriller.
4.5 star rating
The title would have you believe that Natalie and Jake are happy in their marriage. However, we quickly learn that there is very little affection between the two. He is distant, and doesn’t seem to care much about Natalie. We also learn that Jake has been messing around with someone else, and they’re a little crazy. Okay maybe a lot of crazy.
I liked that we get to see multiple points of view, Natalie and Jake’s affair partner. There are some huge misdirections at first and we think we know who the characters really are, but we’re wrong. You really can’t trust anyone in this thriller.
4.5 star rating
October 24, 2023
Horrible
I hate to give bad ratings because I know how hard it is to write a book but this book was very hard to go through. It was confusing and the writing style didn’t resonate with me. I had thoughts of abandoning it but I have a need to finish the books I started. The characters were despicable. The plot was unoriginal, the ending was anti climatic and all around it was a very unsatisfying read. Sorry. I really wanted to like it
I hate to give bad ratings because I know how hard it is to write a book but this book was very hard to go through. It was confusing and the writing style didn’t resonate with me. I had thoughts of abandoning it but I have a need to finish the books I started. The characters were despicable. The plot was unoriginal, the ending was anti climatic and all around it was a very unsatisfying read. Sorry. I really wanted to like it
May 11, 2023
A husband with a secret...a wife dying to tell...
All the recent books of late of brides and weddings and being happily married...I'm sensing a theme here. But then, not all seem to be all that happy, do they? Even when they think they are. But when a couple's marriage is on the verge of breaking point, even the slightest push can set all sorts in motion. Which is exactly what happened here.
HAPPILY MARRIED is really anything but. It's a book that is difficult to review without inadvertently revealing something and it makes you question everything you thought you knew.
Natalie and Jake were childhood sweethearts, having been together since they were fourteen years old. Now almost two decades on, they live on Natalie's family's dairy farm trying to make a living and only just scraping by. The pandemic hit them hard, then their cattle fell ill and money they make is barely putting food on the table let alone making a decent living. Farming is a 24/7 job and sometimes Natalie has to wonder if it is all worth it. So she has the idea to let their spare room out to a lodger, to help make ends meet, but Jake is reluctant. But then...what choice do they have?
Enter Kara. A young vivacious woman who works in IT remotely since it became "a thing". But she's also attractive and Natalie isn't imagining things when she knows Jake has noticed too. And when she comes home one evening to find them sitting a little close together, sharing a bottle of wine and a few laughs, suspicion fills her soul. They jump apart a little too quickly, a look of guilt on their faces. Jake promises me it's nothing...but I'm not so sure.
She's not imagining it. Jake has been distant with her for months. He flinches whenever she touches him. He won't look her in the eye; refuses to talk to her. What is she to think?
And then strange things start happening. Natalie faints and ends up in hospital. Their 3 year old daughter Elsie collapses from sheer tiredness that is not normal. Natalie begins to misplace things, forget things and imagine things. She has been under enormous amounts of stress of late...Is she really starting to lose her grip with reality?
This was one very cleverly plotted tale. Just when you think you know whats going on, along comes a killer twist that turns everything on its head and you're left going - "what the...? what did I just read?" It will make you stop where you are, flick back a few pages or chapters to re-read them to see if you read it correctly. Well, I sure didn't see THAT coming! But once that was made known, the rest easily fell into place for me. After that twist, Jenkins couldn't shock me again. I figured the rest of it out easily enough.
HAPPILY MARRIED is a fast paced addictive page turner that is easily devoured in one sitting, which I pretty much did. The style is simple and easy to follow, the chapters short and snappy and just the way I like them. The multiple perspectives can be confusing at times and many have stated they believe it would have been helpful it each narrative was identified, including me...but there was a reason for that. But it easily enough identified with Natalie in the third person and Jake's "bit on on the side" in the first person.
Victoria Jenkins has really found her niche in the psychological thriller genre after her successful King and Lane police procedural series. I have enjoyed many of her standalone thrillers and this one is no exception.
Overall, HAPPILY MARRIED is a compelling fast paced thriller where none of the narrators appear reliable and you can trust no one.
I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HappilyMarried in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
All the recent books of late of brides and weddings and being happily married...I'm sensing a theme here. But then, not all seem to be all that happy, do they? Even when they think they are. But when a couple's marriage is on the verge of breaking point, even the slightest push can set all sorts in motion. Which is exactly what happened here.
HAPPILY MARRIED is really anything but. It's a book that is difficult to review without inadvertently revealing something and it makes you question everything you thought you knew.
Natalie and Jake were childhood sweethearts, having been together since they were fourteen years old. Now almost two decades on, they live on Natalie's family's dairy farm trying to make a living and only just scraping by. The pandemic hit them hard, then their cattle fell ill and money they make is barely putting food on the table let alone making a decent living. Farming is a 24/7 job and sometimes Natalie has to wonder if it is all worth it. So she has the idea to let their spare room out to a lodger, to help make ends meet, but Jake is reluctant. But then...what choice do they have?
Enter Kara. A young vivacious woman who works in IT remotely since it became "a thing". But she's also attractive and Natalie isn't imagining things when she knows Jake has noticed too. And when she comes home one evening to find them sitting a little close together, sharing a bottle of wine and a few laughs, suspicion fills her soul. They jump apart a little too quickly, a look of guilt on their faces. Jake promises me it's nothing...but I'm not so sure.
She's not imagining it. Jake has been distant with her for months. He flinches whenever she touches him. He won't look her in the eye; refuses to talk to her. What is she to think?
And then strange things start happening. Natalie faints and ends up in hospital. Their 3 year old daughter Elsie collapses from sheer tiredness that is not normal. Natalie begins to misplace things, forget things and imagine things. She has been under enormous amounts of stress of late...Is she really starting to lose her grip with reality?
This was one very cleverly plotted tale. Just when you think you know whats going on, along comes a killer twist that turns everything on its head and you're left going - "what the...? what did I just read?" It will make you stop where you are, flick back a few pages or chapters to re-read them to see if you read it correctly. Well, I sure didn't see THAT coming! But once that was made known, the rest easily fell into place for me. After that twist, Jenkins couldn't shock me again. I figured the rest of it out easily enough.
HAPPILY MARRIED is a fast paced addictive page turner that is easily devoured in one sitting, which I pretty much did. The style is simple and easy to follow, the chapters short and snappy and just the way I like them. The multiple perspectives can be confusing at times and many have stated they believe it would have been helpful it each narrative was identified, including me...but there was a reason for that. But it easily enough identified with Natalie in the third person and Jake's "bit on on the side" in the first person.
Victoria Jenkins has really found her niche in the psychological thriller genre after her successful King and Lane police procedural series. I have enjoyed many of her standalone thrillers and this one is no exception.
Overall, HAPPILY MARRIED is a compelling fast paced thriller where none of the narrators appear reliable and you can trust no one.
I would like to thank #VictoriaJenkins, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HappilyMarried in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 3, 2023
"Jake and I were childhood sweethearts. Strong, dependable and with a smile that melts my heart, he is the perfect husband and father to our beautiful little daughter. We have our money troubles – but getting a lodger, Kara, calms the panic I feel about our bills. Jake is reluctant but what choice do we have?
I’m relieved that Kara is so sweet, playing endless games of hide and seek with Elsie and settling into our home. But when I catch Jake and Kara sitting close together on the sofa one evening, they jump apart when I walk into the room. Jake promises it’s nothing…
When I search Kara’s room, I know for sure. My husband is keeping a terrible secret. And it’s much, much worse than I imagined."
'Happily married' revolves around the marriage of Nathalie and Jake. Together with their daughter Elsie, they live on a farm and to get extra income they place an appeal to rent out part of their home. The beautiful Kara responds to the advertisement and comes to live with them.
Meanwhile, Nathalie senses Jake becoming increasingly distant and wonders if he is having an affair. Maybe with Kara? The two get along quite well. Strange things have also been happening since Kara has been living with them and Nathalie doesn't know if she can trust her.
And then suddenly there is a big plot twist. One I didn't see coming! So these are huge pluses.
The story itself was a bit slow, but I didn't expect this twist. The second part has a little more action, but it is no longer mysterious.
'Happily married' was a nice read. The writing style is nice and the variety of characters was also interesting. It may not be the best story, but it's not bad!
I want to say a big thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy!
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
I’m relieved that Kara is so sweet, playing endless games of hide and seek with Elsie and settling into our home. But when I catch Jake and Kara sitting close together on the sofa one evening, they jump apart when I walk into the room. Jake promises it’s nothing…
When I search Kara’s room, I know for sure. My husband is keeping a terrible secret. And it’s much, much worse than I imagined."
'Happily married' revolves around the marriage of Nathalie and Jake. Together with their daughter Elsie, they live on a farm and to get extra income they place an appeal to rent out part of their home. The beautiful Kara responds to the advertisement and comes to live with them.
Meanwhile, Nathalie senses Jake becoming increasingly distant and wonders if he is having an affair. Maybe with Kara? The two get along quite well. Strange things have also been happening since Kara has been living with them and Nathalie doesn't know if she can trust her.
And then suddenly there is a big plot twist. One I didn't see coming! So these are huge pluses.
The story itself was a bit slow, but I didn't expect this twist. The second part has a little more action, but it is no longer mysterious.
'Happily married' was a nice read. The writing style is nice and the variety of characters was also interesting. It may not be the best story, but it's not bad!
I want to say a big thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy!
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
April 10, 2023
Oh my goodness. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
First of all, thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review!
Second of all, OMG. This book had me mind boggled beyond belief with the twists. If you like thrillers and being on the edge of your seat I highly recommend this read. I have had Victoria Jenkins on my tbr shelf for so long and I’m sad I have waited this long to read one of her books until now because it was so good.
I swear every time I felt like I was onto something, something else happened and I was more determined to find out how this was going to happen end. When the BIG plot twist came I had to go back and actually reread some chapters just to make sure I wasn’t imagining it….it took me completely by surprise. I will admit my only downside is keeping up with the altering POV in the later chapters. I wish that they were identified in the chapter heading for at least the second half of the book, for this reason I knocked it half a star.
First of all, thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review!
Second of all, OMG. This book had me mind boggled beyond belief with the twists. If you like thrillers and being on the edge of your seat I highly recommend this read. I have had Victoria Jenkins on my tbr shelf for so long and I’m sad I have waited this long to read one of her books until now because it was so good.
I swear every time I felt like I was onto something, something else happened and I was more determined to find out how this was going to happen end. When the BIG plot twist came I had to go back and actually reread some chapters just to make sure I wasn’t imagining it….it took me completely by surprise. I will admit my only downside is keeping up with the altering POV in the later chapters. I wish that they were identified in the chapter heading for at least the second half of the book, for this reason I knocked it half a star.
April 19, 2023
Holy Cow, this book.
Five stars for Happily Married, and kudos to Victoria Jenkins!
This was a short read that got me immediately hooked. Just when you think you had it all figured out, BAM, you get hit in the face with a wild twist! It’s been awhile since a book has had me on edge like this one did.
This novel is about a couple, Natalie and Jake, who own and run a dairy farm. The farm is struggling so they decide to rent out a room to a lodger to help with finances. Unfortunately for Natalie, her life seems to spiral out of control shortly after her new lodger arrives.
I’ve never read anything by Victoria Jenkins before but this gripping, suspenseful novel definitely sold me as a fan!
Thank you to NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advanced readers copy!
Five stars for Happily Married, and kudos to Victoria Jenkins!
This was a short read that got me immediately hooked. Just when you think you had it all figured out, BAM, you get hit in the face with a wild twist! It’s been awhile since a book has had me on edge like this one did.
This novel is about a couple, Natalie and Jake, who own and run a dairy farm. The farm is struggling so they decide to rent out a room to a lodger to help with finances. Unfortunately for Natalie, her life seems to spiral out of control shortly after her new lodger arrives.
I’ve never read anything by Victoria Jenkins before but this gripping, suspenseful novel definitely sold me as a fan!
Thank you to NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advanced readers copy!
June 21, 2023
Twists and turns!!!! So good 🙌🏻🙌🏻✅
January 31, 2025
Well it’s a mystery and not a romance.
There’s also cheating but not the kind of cheating you expect.
There’s not much suspense imo, the heroine thinks her husband is having a relationship with their lil daughter new nanny, but he’s not.
She trusts the wrong people.
Nanny has a second agenda but not the one you think.
But imo it was quite too simple because the characters are basically 6, so by exclusion it’s easy to say who’s guilty.
But in the end there’s also an unexpected twist.
It’s an ok reading.
No second hero here.
No going back with the cheater…for obvious reasons…
There’s also cheating but not the kind of cheating you expect.
There’s not much suspense imo, the heroine thinks her husband is having a relationship with their lil daughter new nanny, but he’s not.
She trusts the wrong people.
Nanny has a second agenda but not the one you think.
But imo it was quite too simple because the characters are basically 6, so by exclusion it’s easy to say who’s guilty.
But in the end there’s also an unexpected twist.
It’s an ok reading.
No second hero here.
No going back with the cheater…for obvious reasons…
May 11, 2023
Holy banana pants ! What do we have here, a new author to me that I need to check other work out there , because this book / story sold me completely. Talk about psychological domestic thriller ! Short chapters intense enough to keep you hooked to keep reading , you cannot put this one down without knowing the reveals . Plus half way through the book is a major plot twists , I bet you won’t see it coming . It will make you rethink all you’ve read until then and second half of the book takes the story is whole another direction , but it does not feel disconnected from what you read until then , but instead made me think how I couldn’t guess any of it ! With little over 200 pages this book packs a punch .
It’s a 4.5 / 5 star ⭐️ read for me .
Thanks Netgalley , Bookoture and author Victoria Jenkins for providing me an ARC copy .
Don’t miss reading this one !
It’s a 4.5 / 5 star ⭐️ read for me .
Thanks Netgalley , Bookoture and author Victoria Jenkins for providing me an ARC copy .
Don’t miss reading this one !
May 7, 2023
This is a great book to read without knowing anything about it. I did and it shocked me a few times. That is hard for a book to live up to.
Jake and Natalie are living a quiet life on the farm with their daughter Elsie. Money is tight, so Natalie comes up with the idea to get a boarder for the spare room. Along comes Kara, and Natalie couldn't be happier.That is until she begins to wonder if Jake and Kara are keeping something from her.
A small cast of characters makes it easy to keep track of. A little difficult to decipher who is speaking at times, but I believe this was done intentionally by the author.
You may think this is your run of the mill predictable book in the beginning, but don't give up! You won't be sorry!
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.
Jake and Natalie are living a quiet life on the farm with their daughter Elsie. Money is tight, so Natalie comes up with the idea to get a boarder for the spare room. Along comes Kara, and Natalie couldn't be happier.That is until she begins to wonder if Jake and Kara are keeping something from her.
A small cast of characters makes it easy to keep track of. A little difficult to decipher who is speaking at times, but I believe this was done intentionally by the author.
You may think this is your run of the mill predictable book in the beginning, but don't give up! You won't be sorry!
Thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.
January 3, 2024
Couldn't put it down. Intensely fast paced, twists and turns and great characters. A brilliant psychological thriller!
July 28, 2023
I wasn't sure about this book at the beginning because it was a bit difficult to figure out who was narrating but the twists as they came were something I wasn't expecting.
Good read.
Good read.
April 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I will admit the synopsis of this thriller drew me in; Jake and Natalie live and work on the farm she inherited from her parents, but lately things in their marriage haven’t been great. Jake is ignoring her, won’t show any affection to her, and just generally acting strange around her. Natalie knows something with him is off, but can’t figure out what.
With money tight on the farm, Natalie puts out an ad for a renter for extra income, and shortly after Kara moves in. After she moves in strange things begin to happen. And it doesn’t take long before Natalie thinks Jake and Kara are having an affair together.
As things begin to unravel, at around 55% they just came to a shocking turn. And from there on out the twists just became more confusing to keep up with. POV changed in almost every chapter and in the later chapters it was difficult to try and figure out who it was narrating and who they were talking about. Towards the end there was even a chapter thrown in that you didn’t realize until a couple pages in that it was actually telling a story from decades ago. It was just too much.
It was slow to start, but did pick up around half way through. But for me the writing style just got sloppy and confusing, so I didn’t really enjoy it. I also wasn’t a fan of how many twists continued to make its way into the ending of the story. It was just too unrealistic.
I will say I did enjoy the last two sentences of the story though, but overall this wasn’t my favorite read.
I will admit the synopsis of this thriller drew me in; Jake and Natalie live and work on the farm she inherited from her parents, but lately things in their marriage haven’t been great. Jake is ignoring her, won’t show any affection to her, and just generally acting strange around her. Natalie knows something with him is off, but can’t figure out what.
With money tight on the farm, Natalie puts out an ad for a renter for extra income, and shortly after Kara moves in. After she moves in strange things begin to happen. And it doesn’t take long before Natalie thinks Jake and Kara are having an affair together.
As things begin to unravel, at around 55% they just came to a shocking turn. And from there on out the twists just became more confusing to keep up with. POV changed in almost every chapter and in the later chapters it was difficult to try and figure out who it was narrating and who they were talking about. Towards the end there was even a chapter thrown in that you didn’t realize until a couple pages in that it was actually telling a story from decades ago. It was just too much.
It was slow to start, but did pick up around half way through. But for me the writing style just got sloppy and confusing, so I didn’t really enjoy it. I also wasn’t a fan of how many twists continued to make its way into the ending of the story. It was just too unrealistic.
I will say I did enjoy the last two sentences of the story though, but overall this wasn’t my favorite read.
August 11, 2023
My husband is keeping secrets. I’m watching his every move…
Jake and I were childhood sweethearts. Strong, dependable and with a smile that melts my heart, he is the perfect husband and father to our beautiful little daughter. We have our money troubles – but getting a lodger, Kara, calms the panic I feel about our bills. Jake is reluctant but what choice do we have?
WOW!! An amazing psychological thriller that brings you through all the valleys, up all the hills, down all the slippery slopes and through every twist and turn a thriller should! This will make you second guess ever wondering if you truly know someone or if you know someone you don't know better than the one you do! When the story first begins, you will not expect what you're about to read and while reading from multiple perspectives, you'll keep pace easily and won't totally get it until you realize who's been narrating. Incredibly written and a 5 out of 5 read for me! Thank you Netgalley and Victoria Jenkins for taking me down the rabbit hole of intense expectations!
Thank you Netgalley and Victoria Jenkins for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Jake and I were childhood sweethearts. Strong, dependable and with a smile that melts my heart, he is the perfect husband and father to our beautiful little daughter. We have our money troubles – but getting a lodger, Kara, calms the panic I feel about our bills. Jake is reluctant but what choice do we have?
WOW!! An amazing psychological thriller that brings you through all the valleys, up all the hills, down all the slippery slopes and through every twist and turn a thriller should! This will make you second guess ever wondering if you truly know someone or if you know someone you don't know better than the one you do! When the story first begins, you will not expect what you're about to read and while reading from multiple perspectives, you'll keep pace easily and won't totally get it until you realize who's been narrating. Incredibly written and a 5 out of 5 read for me! Thank you Netgalley and Victoria Jenkins for taking me down the rabbit hole of intense expectations!
Thank you Netgalley and Victoria Jenkins for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
May 15, 2023
Happily Married by Victoria Jenkins is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The story revolves around a couple, Jake and his childhood sweetheart, who are struggling to make ends meet. To ease their financial burden, they take in a lodger, Kara, who seems to be a perfect fit for their family. However, when the wife catches Jake and Kara sitting too close for comfort, she becomes suspicious and starts to dig deeper. As she uncovers more about her husband's secrets, she realizes that the situation is much worse than she had initially thought.
The book is a fast-paced page-turner that hooks readers from the very first page. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and their perspectives are presented in a way that makes them feel real and relatable.
Overall, Happily Married is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.
The story revolves around a couple, Jake and his childhood sweetheart, who are struggling to make ends meet. To ease their financial burden, they take in a lodger, Kara, who seems to be a perfect fit for their family. However, when the wife catches Jake and Kara sitting too close for comfort, she becomes suspicious and starts to dig deeper. As she uncovers more about her husband's secrets, she realizes that the situation is much worse than she had initially thought.
The book is a fast-paced page-turner that hooks readers from the very first page. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed, and their perspectives are presented in a way that makes them feel real and relatable.
Overall, Happily Married is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.
September 23, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up!
Wow! This was such a good thriller lots of twists and turns, most completely unexpected and clever. I finished within a day, a real page turner and ticks all the boxes of what I look for in a psychological thriller.
I’ve not read anything from Victoria Jenkins before, I love discovering new authors. If you love Lucy Foley and Alice Feeney, then you must read Victoria Jenkins.
Not quite 5 stars, as the jumps in POV was sometimes too confusing. I also would’ve liked to have had more backstory on the marriage and see Jake and Natalie’s relationship, rather than being told from Natalie’s POV how their relationship was unfolding.
Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC
Wow! This was such a good thriller lots of twists and turns, most completely unexpected and clever. I finished within a day, a real page turner and ticks all the boxes of what I look for in a psychological thriller.
I’ve not read anything from Victoria Jenkins before, I love discovering new authors. If you love Lucy Foley and Alice Feeney, then you must read Victoria Jenkins.
Not quite 5 stars, as the jumps in POV was sometimes too confusing. I also would’ve liked to have had more backstory on the marriage and see Jake and Natalie’s relationship, rather than being told from Natalie’s POV how their relationship was unfolding.
Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC
August 15, 2023
Loved it!!!!
I'm the kind that usually guesses atleast somewhere close to the spoiler. But this twist knocked me off my seat.
It was great.
And the complaints people have about the POV is legit, but once I got the hang of it, I didn't find any difficulty, probably because I took sometime to adjust to it.
I loved everything. The story, the narration, the character portrayal.
A very unusual story.
Do check it out if you're a fan of suspense thrillers.
I'm the kind that usually guesses atleast somewhere close to the spoiler. But this twist knocked me off my seat.
It was great.
And the complaints people have about the POV is legit, but once I got the hang of it, I didn't find any difficulty, probably because I took sometime to adjust to it.
I loved everything. The story, the narration, the character portrayal.
A very unusual story.
Do check it out if you're a fan of suspense thrillers.
April 12, 2023
Happily Married
Victoria Jenkins
May 2023
Bookouture
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks a mil Netgalley and publishers Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this one in pretty much one sitting. It had short easy chapters and I flew through it after getting hooked from the first chapter.
The couple, Natalie and Jake are far from Happily Married as the title suggests - he is cold and distant towards his wife and we learn early on about an affair ... although that twist reveal at the beginning of part 2 -I never saw coming! Wow! What a shocker!!!
I thought this book was well written, with a good plot line and kept me gripped throughout. I will defo look out for more books by this author. While it isnt up there with my favourite psychological thriller or wouldnt make my top books of the year list in this genre, it was an enjoyable read.
Cant wait to see what the aithor comes up with next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Victoria Jenkins
May 2023
Bookouture
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks a mil Netgalley and publishers Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I read this one in pretty much one sitting. It had short easy chapters and I flew through it after getting hooked from the first chapter.
The couple, Natalie and Jake are far from Happily Married as the title suggests - he is cold and distant towards his wife and we learn early on about an affair ... although that twist reveal at the beginning of part 2 -I never saw coming! Wow! What a shocker!!!
I thought this book was well written, with a good plot line and kept me gripped throughout. I will defo look out for more books by this author. While it isnt up there with my favourite psychological thriller or wouldnt make my top books of the year list in this genre, it was an enjoyable read.
Cant wait to see what the aithor comes up with next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 22, 2023
Wow! This is my second book from Jenkins, and I love her books. I’m pretty sure I have whiplash after reading this book with all the twists that I didn’t see coming! I thought this was a pretty straight forward book, that I had it all figured out. NOPE! Guess again! I really enjoy books that do this to me. It’s not fun if I am able to figure everything out. The story is told from multiple points of view, third person for Jake and Natalie, and first person for the person with whom Jake is having an affair. None of the characters seem reliable, not even Natalie, and that’s just because someone is messing with her! Jenkins has a way of writing that you can’t put the book down, and you simply must devour the book. That makes this a quick read. And when it’s over, you’ll be searching for your next Jenkins book. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a good thriller, a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
April 20, 2023
This is the first time I am reading a book written by Victoria Jenkins and I am pleasantly surprised by her story telling technique. It is smart, it is brilliant, it is gripping. What's more, you can never see the twist coming. She keeps you busy with so many details, that you are taken aback when the truth unfolds because that was not what you were expecting.
A fast paced, page turner this is a book for a weekend or a lazy day. You can breeze through it because the writing is simple and easy to follow. Also, the story is so interesting that you would not want to put it down till you get to the end of the book
A fast paced, page turner this is a book for a weekend or a lazy day. You can breeze through it because the writing is simple and easy to follow. Also, the story is so interesting that you would not want to put it down till you get to the end of the book
April 27, 2023
Happily Married was very reminiscent of another thriller I read but I cannot put my finger on which on. That didn’t take away from this story though! A very fast paced read which had me finishing this in 24 hours. The twists were very good and the ending left me wanting a follow up book.
As for most thrillers, the characters weren’t my favorite but I think that’s what makes for a great thriller. A husbands secret, a new tenant, and an entire past that will come out. Little Elsie was precious and her mother Natalie is a great mother who trusts her instincts. Having this book set on a 500 acre farm gave for that eerie, out in the boonies feel. All in all, would recommend!
As for most thrillers, the characters weren’t my favorite but I think that’s what makes for a great thriller. A husbands secret, a new tenant, and an entire past that will come out. Little Elsie was precious and her mother Natalie is a great mother who trusts her instincts. Having this book set on a 500 acre farm gave for that eerie, out in the boonies feel. All in all, would recommend!
April 4, 2023
another brilliant read from this author. Natalie loses both her parents in an accident. So she and her husband Jake take over the farm with the help of her oldest friend Tyler. they have a young daughter Elsie who has a heart condition. but money is a problem. Natalie comes up with the idea for a lodger but jake not like the idea but a young woman Kara would love the room. she moves in .Natalie has noticed Jake is cold to her and starts to think he is having an affair with the new lodger and things start to happen that scares Natalie and they have a visit from social services I wont say no more but this book is so addictive and so very twisty
August 20, 2023
Wow!
One of my favourite reads of 2023. I don’t want to say anything to spoil anyone else’s first read so I’ll just say this: if you love a multiple person narrative with twists and turns, this is the book for you!
Slight spoiler:
The way the author plays with our unconscious bias is so clever. It’s used so effectively and I genuinely had to stop reading to completely reorganise my thoughts of the characters and their situations.
One of my favourite reads of 2023. I don’t want to say anything to spoil anyone else’s first read so I’ll just say this: if you love a multiple person narrative with twists and turns, this is the book for you!
Slight spoiler:
The way the author plays with our unconscious bias is so clever. It’s used so effectively and I genuinely had to stop reading to completely reorganise my thoughts of the characters and their situations.
May 23, 2023
So interesting right from the start! I thought I had it all figured out but I didn't and that twist came out of nowhere. I feel like some details, like the reasons behind doing what he did could have been explained more because while I understand the backstory, I didn't real see what the motivations were, besides wanting the farm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews