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The New Husband
Mary always dreamed of a perfect husband. Now she’s got one.
When Mary's husband Brent returns from a month-long wellness retreat, he seems like a totally different person.
Before he went away, Brent was anxious, depressed, and in danger of losing his job.
Now, he’s decisive, optimistic, and full of energy. He also has big plans to start his own business ... big plans which require a lot of capital.
As Mary spends more time around her husband, she begins to realise just how much he's changed in every little way. Is the man she’s living with really the same person she married?
And who is the guy in the grey SUV who keeps following her? Does he know something sinister about her husband?
Little by little, Mary realizes Brent has been hiding a dark secret about what really happened on that wellness retreat. And as she draws closer to the horrifying truth, she finds herself trapped in a nightmare beyond her wildest imaginings.
When Mary's husband Brent returns from a month-long wellness retreat, he seems like a totally different person.
Before he went away, Brent was anxious, depressed, and in danger of losing his job.
Now, he’s decisive, optimistic, and full of energy. He also has big plans to start his own business ... big plans which require a lot of capital.
As Mary spends more time around her husband, she begins to realise just how much he's changed in every little way. Is the man she’s living with really the same person she married?
And who is the guy in the grey SUV who keeps following her? Does he know something sinister about her husband?
Little by little, Mary realizes Brent has been hiding a dark secret about what really happened on that wellness retreat. And as she draws closer to the horrifying truth, she finds herself trapped in a nightmare beyond her wildest imaginings.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2023
1052 people are currently reading
1195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
August 9, 2023
When Mary's husband Brent returns from a month-long wellness retreat, he seems like a totally different person. Before he went away, Brent was anxious, depressed, and in danger of losing his job. Now, he's decisive, optimistic, and full of energy. He also has big plans to start his own business.... big plans that require a lot of capital. As Mary spends more time around her husband, she begins to realise just howe much he's changed in every little way. Is the man she's living with really the same person she married? And who is the guy in the grey SUV who keeps following her? Does he know something sinister about her husband?
Filled with twists and suspense, this well written thriller held my attention throughout. There are so many secrets and lies in this gripping read. I had to keep reading to find out why Brent had changed so much after staying a month at a retreat to try and help his depression. The story is told in the past and present-day format. It's not long before things start to change. This was a most enjoyable read. I loved the twist at the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #BrianORourke for my ARC of #TheNewHusband in exchange for an honest review.
Filled with twists and suspense, this well written thriller held my attention throughout. There are so many secrets and lies in this gripping read. I had to keep reading to find out why Brent had changed so much after staying a month at a retreat to try and help his depression. The story is told in the past and present-day format. It's not long before things start to change. This was a most enjoyable read. I loved the twist at the end.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #BrianORourke for my ARC of #TheNewHusband in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
This was an interesting concept but neither the writing style of the characters really excited me. The story centers on Brent and Mary who have been married for 10 years and are going through a rough patch when Brent gets a chance to attend a life-changing 30-day retreat. When he returns, he seems like a new man, but won’t say much about what happened at the retreat and seems to have different motivations than before he left.
The characters were rather one-dimensional and there was so much talk about how “fit” and attractive people were. This seemed very shallow and drove me crazy. Also, Mary didn’t notice obvious things that should’ve caused her to be suspicious. Speaking of obvious things, at one point, chlorophyll was used to knock someone out when I believe chloroform is what the author was going for. I figured out the twist early but was still interested to see how it would all play out.
Overall, interesting idea but the writing style and characters just didn’t make it stand out for me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were rather one-dimensional and there was so much talk about how “fit” and attractive people were. This seemed very shallow and drove me crazy. Also, Mary didn’t notice obvious things that should’ve caused her to be suspicious. Speaking of obvious things, at one point, chlorophyll was used to knock someone out when I believe chloroform is what the author was going for. I figured out the twist early but was still interested to see how it would all play out.
Overall, interesting idea but the writing style and characters just didn’t make it stand out for me. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2023
When Mary's husband returns from a wellness retreat, she is surprised by his transformation. Goodbye meek husband hello Mr. confident and the new muscles are an added extra.
Mary soon wonders what happened at this retreat to make such a big difference.
This is a great page turner. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mary soon wonders what happened at this retreat to make such a big difference.
This is a great page turner. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
I’ve never heard of this author before reading this book! It was a great way to spend an easy afternoon. There were plenty of hints throughout the book. I just choose to ignore and blindly read on! While it may seem predictable at times, there was a lot going on. It also had a good ending!
September 19, 2023
I WISH I could like this book... I tried and then I tried again by reading it twice. It just wasn't good.
Mary is clueless and a complete pushover. Any time she gets suspicious, Brent makes sexual advances towards her and suddenly everything is all ~Fine~
The plot was weak and predictable. I read it twice just to see if I was being too harsh the first time, but it did the opposite. It confirmed just how predictable it was.
Spoiler incoming so please don't read further:
Mary is clueless and a complete pushover. Any time she gets suspicious, Brent makes sexual advances towards her and suddenly everything is all ~Fine~
The plot was weak and predictable. I read it twice just to see if I was being too harsh the first time, but it did the opposite. It confirmed just how predictable it was.
Spoiler incoming so please don't read further:
January 3, 2025
Not worth your time. I would have liked this more if it wasn't so predictable and if the main character, Mary, wasn't so clueless. Her husband goes away for a month, comes back with an entire new personality and starts to say and do some questionable things and she just accepts it. The fact that the neighbor pieced what was happening together (FROM ACROSS THE STREET!) and she couldn't figure it out when she has known the guy for over a decade was unbelievable.
August 30, 2023
I would of rated this book 5 stars but I was a little unsatisfied with the conclusion of the book. It was super fun and easy to read. I enjoyed it
August 27, 2023
predictable
Not a hard read, but pretty predictable. I do wish the wife character would have been a bit more clued in. But it was a quick read with a comfortable ending.
Not a hard read, but pretty predictable. I do wish the wife character would have been a bit more clued in. But it was a quick read with a comfortable ending.
August 28, 2023
Good story line
This is a pretty good way to pass an afternoon. The twist was a bit obvious early on but still an enjoyable read.
This is a pretty good way to pass an afternoon. The twist was a bit obvious early on but still an enjoyable read.
August 13, 2023
Thank you net gallery and publisher for my arc. The story centres on the return of brett from a month long retreat. He is a different person but is all that it seems?
I loved this told from multiple pov with lots of twists. It was a real page turner i was compelled to read on. I did gueese the twist but rhe ending was brilliant.
A five-star read
I loved this told from multiple pov with lots of twists. It was a real page turner i was compelled to read on. I did gueese the twist but rhe ending was brilliant.
A five-star read
August 14, 2023
Enjoyed this book Mary’s husband Brent goes to a work retreat coming back a new man great story x
September 28, 2023
Disappointing
Unfortunately I knew within a third into the book, who he was, read till the end but too predictable sadly
Unfortunately I knew within a third into the book, who he was, read till the end but too predictable sadly
April 6, 2024
i dont want to spoil too much but what an assholes.
November 30, 2024
3.5 stars
This one kept me interested for the most part, but was just too far fetched for me to give it anything more than a 3.5.
There’s 2 main characters, a husband and a wife. One point of view is the wife in the present and the other voice is the husband progressing from about a month earlier until now. I liked the dual point of view, but couldn’t get past a few of the main story points (I don’t want to give away any spoilers).
This one kept me interested for the most part, but was just too far fetched for me to give it anything more than a 3.5.
There’s 2 main characters, a husband and a wife. One point of view is the wife in the present and the other voice is the husband progressing from about a month earlier until now. I liked the dual point of view, but couldn’t get past a few of the main story points (I don’t want to give away any spoilers).
October 13, 2023
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Get ready for a wild ride – a book that will keep you engaged and guessing from start to finish. This fast-paced thriller page-turner is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! I read this in a day❣️
At the center of the story is Mary, a simple, lovable but somewhat oblivious woman who finds herself facing an intriguing dilemma. Her husband, Brent, returns home after going through some significant mental changes, and strange things begin to happen.
As the plot unfolds, we're taken on a rollercoaster of deception and suspicion. Brent's behavior raises many red flags, and it's surprising that Mary doesn't see them more clearly.
And even though Mary starts to have suspicions, she doesn't take some obvious steps that might have helped her uncover the truth. And to top it all off, she doesn't suspect even a whiff of cheating? Come on, Mary!
Speaking of Mary, some readers might find themselves amused by her clueless nature. She's a lovable character, but with her lack of detective skills, it’s hard not to shake your head at some of her decisions, but this is what adds an extra layer of drama to the story.
But that's not all! Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in an unexpected plot twist that keep you on your toes. The timing of these revelations is perfect, ensuring you won't be able to put the book down until you reach the thrilling conclusion. One of the strong points of this book is its exploration of trust and family dynamics.
In summary, this book is a gripping and intriguing read that will keep you entertained, and glued until the very end. If you enjoy fast-paced stories with a mix of mystery and family drama, this book is a must-read!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Triggers: kidnnapping, torture, parental abuse
Get ready for a wild ride – a book that will keep you engaged and guessing from start to finish. This fast-paced thriller page-turner is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! I read this in a day❣️
At the center of the story is Mary, a simple, lovable but somewhat oblivious woman who finds herself facing an intriguing dilemma. Her husband, Brent, returns home after going through some significant mental changes, and strange things begin to happen.
As the plot unfolds, we're taken on a rollercoaster of deception and suspicion. Brent's behavior raises many red flags, and it's surprising that Mary doesn't see them more clearly.
And even though Mary starts to have suspicions, she doesn't take some obvious steps that might have helped her uncover the truth. And to top it all off, she doesn't suspect even a whiff of cheating? Come on, Mary!
Speaking of Mary, some readers might find themselves amused by her clueless nature. She's a lovable character, but with her lack of detective skills, it’s hard not to shake your head at some of her decisions, but this is what adds an extra layer of drama to the story.
But that's not all! Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author throws in an unexpected plot twist that keep you on your toes. The timing of these revelations is perfect, ensuring you won't be able to put the book down until you reach the thrilling conclusion. One of the strong points of this book is its exploration of trust and family dynamics.
In summary, this book is a gripping and intriguing read that will keep you entertained, and glued until the very end. If you enjoy fast-paced stories with a mix of mystery and family drama, this book is a must-read!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Triggers: kidnnapping, torture, parental abuse
August 5, 2023
Read this if you like:
selfcare & mindfulness
untrustworthy MCs
dual POV & timeline
troubled childhood
twin brother
This book seemed very promising but unfortunately it was all a bit to slow for me, it wasn’t the psychological thriller with the shocking twist it promised it would be for me. There was a lot of mystery and shady vibes throughout the whole storyline but I missed action and suspense.
The dual POV and dual timelines keeps you motivated to keep reading because it releases some more information in bits and pieces, but regrettably the story held no surprises for me. It was all a bit obvious from the beginning. Mostly all of the characters were questionable and Mary is the perfect example of love makes blind. She’s so naive that it’s unbelievable most of the time.
The common thread in the story is depression, also not a very elevating subject which gives the whole story a bit of a pessimistic feeling and not super motivating to keep on reading.
Eventually at the end it surprised me with some tension and action what I had long hoped for earlier in the story. This part elevates the story for me enough so as not to be left with a bad feeling after finishing this book.
Not exactly my cup of tea but maybe it could be yours if you like slow going domestic suspense.
Thank you @netgalley & @inkubatorbooks for this ARC.
selfcare & mindfulness
untrustworthy MCs
dual POV & timeline
troubled childhood
twin brother
This book seemed very promising but unfortunately it was all a bit to slow for me, it wasn’t the psychological thriller with the shocking twist it promised it would be for me. There was a lot of mystery and shady vibes throughout the whole storyline but I missed action and suspense.
The dual POV and dual timelines keeps you motivated to keep reading because it releases some more information in bits and pieces, but regrettably the story held no surprises for me. It was all a bit obvious from the beginning. Mostly all of the characters were questionable and Mary is the perfect example of love makes blind. She’s so naive that it’s unbelievable most of the time.
The common thread in the story is depression, also not a very elevating subject which gives the whole story a bit of a pessimistic feeling and not super motivating to keep on reading.
Eventually at the end it surprised me with some tension and action what I had long hoped for earlier in the story. This part elevates the story for me enough so as not to be left with a bad feeling after finishing this book.
Not exactly my cup of tea but maybe it could be yours if you like slow going domestic suspense.
Thank you @netgalley & @inkubatorbooks for this ARC.
October 24, 2023
I received an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of the first ARCs I have ever received. I wanted to love it so bad, but I just couldn't. Mary was just to naive to believe it to be true. She was to forgiving and completely frustrating. I wanted to climb into my Kindle and give the woman a shake to wake her up.
The twist is pretty easy to guess and one that has been very overly done. However if you are looking for a quick easy read that does not require much thinking to figure out the twist I would recommend this one. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings as there are some topics that could be triggering.
For me this was a three star book. It wasn't awful but it certainly was not the best book I have read.
Thank you to NetGalley, The Author and Inkubator Books for the ARC.
This was one of the first ARCs I have ever received. I wanted to love it so bad, but I just couldn't. Mary was just to naive to believe it to be true. She was to forgiving and completely frustrating. I wanted to climb into my Kindle and give the woman a shake to wake her up.
The twist is pretty easy to guess and one that has been very overly done. However if you are looking for a quick easy read that does not require much thinking to figure out the twist I would recommend this one. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings as there are some topics that could be triggering.
For me this was a three star book. It wasn't awful but it certainly was not the best book I have read.
Thank you to NetGalley, The Author and Inkubator Books for the ARC.
January 16, 2024
The New Husband by Brian O'Rourke was my first read from this author, and I now plan to add much more of his work to my TBR.
Mary's husband Brent has returned from a wellness retreat, and seems like a new man. Mary can hardly believe that the tired, defeated husband who left her a month before is now looking healthier, fitter, and with a renewed sense of purpose. The changes are not all positive, however, and Mary begins to notice a more aggressive side to the man she loves, one that is not entirely welcome. Just what happened at this retreat that has changed her husband, and why has he returned with so many secrets?
I enjoyed this pacey thriller, and was hooked from the very start by a narrative that successfully builds a palpable and steady tension throughout.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
Mary's husband Brent has returned from a wellness retreat, and seems like a new man. Mary can hardly believe that the tired, defeated husband who left her a month before is now looking healthier, fitter, and with a renewed sense of purpose. The changes are not all positive, however, and Mary begins to notice a more aggressive side to the man she loves, one that is not entirely welcome. Just what happened at this retreat that has changed her husband, and why has he returned with so many secrets?
I enjoyed this pacey thriller, and was hooked from the very start by a narrative that successfully builds a palpable and steady tension throughout.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
August 15, 2023
This book takes you on a wild ride. It is fast paced and easy to read. I read it in just a few hours! We have all heard about these wellness retreats, so I didn’t think anything of it. When you hear how different people are after the retreats, I didn’t think anything of it. The author had me along for the ride. But then there is something strange and unexpected. I don’t want to say too much more than that because I don’t want to give anything away. I was shocked at who was behind it all and the reason they were behind it was ridiculous. But I wish I could talk to Mary. I have so many questions that I would like to ask her. I think this is the first time where I wanted to have a conversation with a character when the book was finished. Overall, a really good read!
November 26, 2023
A huge thank you to Zooloo book tours for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful book tour.
HONESTLY, what a novel. I am a true sucker for a psychological thriller & this novel was that TO A T.
There were so many secrets, so much deceit and the way in which the story unravelled was truly magnificent. I spent the whole narrative questioning what was happening (in the best way) and found myself in awe of the twists towards the end of the novel.
I really REALLY loved how everything was pulled together for a surprise ending! Such a fantastic novel & reminded me of Gillian Flynn’s work. If you’re a lover of Gone Girl, I would pick this one up and devour it like I did!
HONESTLY, what a novel. I am a true sucker for a psychological thriller & this novel was that TO A T.
There were so many secrets, so much deceit and the way in which the story unravelled was truly magnificent. I spent the whole narrative questioning what was happening (in the best way) and found myself in awe of the twists towards the end of the novel.
I really REALLY loved how everything was pulled together for a surprise ending! Such a fantastic novel & reminded me of Gillian Flynn’s work. If you’re a lover of Gone Girl, I would pick this one up and devour it like I did!
August 14, 2023
A excellent read which to my surprise left me saying WTF a lot! It was a slow burn at the beginning however once you get into the story, you really need to find out the facts. I did find Mary occasionally annoying because of how naive she was, and how easily she was pushed around. I absolutely loved how the chapters swapped to the different characters, each with a certain time frame. The story itself was 💥 wow, it messed my head up a treat. I would never have thought of all the possibilities that the book was leading, every time I thought I had worked out what was going to happen, the author had tricked me.
It amazes me, how the author thought of this story, I absolutely loved it.
It amazes me, how the author thought of this story, I absolutely loved it.
February 11, 2024
I dnf'd this book at 48%. For me, it was dragging. I read a lot of thrillers and I guessed right away what happened. I know I'm right because after I dnf'd I looked ahead. I think for thrillers I like something a little more fast paced.
January 1, 2025
I don't have much to say about this. It was okay. I found it rather predictable, and the extreme nature of Brent's family was unrealistic for me, so it took away from the story.
I saw the ending coming, so the big reveal wasn't very exciting for me. That, and it was rushed and a but unrealistic for me.
As far as thrillers go, this was rather basic and didn't leave me on the edge my seat, but I didn't hate it
I saw the ending coming, so the big reveal wasn't very exciting for me. That, and it was rushed and a but unrealistic for me.
As far as thrillers go, this was rather basic and didn't leave me on the edge my seat, but I didn't hate it
September 4, 2023
This was a great thriller! It was captivating and had me hooked from the beginning. I saw the twist coming from fairly early on, but the journey it took to get there was unexpected! The ending was truly thrilling, it's a good sign when I start reading faster just because I'm so excited to see what happens next!
December 16, 2024
I hate read this. Thirty pages in and I hated the main character and most of the others. Honestly I skimmed it, just to see how it wrapped up. The only character I liked was the old lady neighbor; she had it figured out.
September 18, 2023
Great read! Definitely will be recommending to friends and family!
October 7, 2023
This book is well written in the way that it legitimately evokes the feelings of rage that accompany being gaslit by a partner. It was a very accurate account of dating a toxically masculine a-hole. Our female protagonist was also often naive and forgiving to a frustrating fault. That said, I could not put this book down. I had to know.
I did end up figuring out the twist well before the author intended, but it was a fantastic twist. The loose ends were tied up nicely and for such a wild plot concept, it left no questions unanswered. Overall a good book!
I did end up figuring out the twist well before the author intended, but it was a fantastic twist. The loose ends were tied up nicely and for such a wild plot concept, it left no questions unanswered. Overall a good book!
November 30, 2023
Rounded up to 3.5
Good storyline, fast paced and gets right into it.
Little twists here and there along the way to keep it flowing.
Good storyline, fast paced and gets right into it.
Little twists here and there along the way to keep it flowing.
January 3, 2024
Really good book. Figured out the majority of the plot early on but the twists and turns keep you guessing, or second guessing, what you think is happening until the end.
August 30, 2023
Through provoking
A complex storey unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages marvellous characters first-class plot keeps you turning the pages to the very end
A complex storey unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages marvellous characters first-class plot keeps you turning the pages to the very end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews