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The Widow Bride
Her diamond engagement ring glitters as she tells me he’s the one. But I’m sure there’s hesitation in her voice and the way she winces when her fiancé pulls her close makes my stomach drop. Could he be as dangerous as I fear?I thought handsome, charming Blake would be the perfect fit for my quiet and sweet-natured friend Melanie. Widowed far too young, she deserved a second chance at love. So, when he proposed so soon after I set them up on a date, I convinced myself that the timing was just right.But I should have stopped it. I tried to ignore Blake’s controlling behaviour. It started small; telling her not to have a glass of champagne to celebrate their engagement, putting cameras up around her house for “safety”. But Mel seemed so happy and in love, I couldn’t bring myself to share my creeping doubts.If only I had.Because now I’m not only worried about what Blake is doing to Mel behind closed doors. Since he warned me to back off their relationship, I’m certain I’m being followed. Then I look into Blake's past. I’m sure he’s working with someone else. Someone close to me…I need to get us both out of here. What have I done?A completely gripping psychological thriller which will have you reading late into the night until you reach the final shocking twist. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Perfect Marriage.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2024
711 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Carey Baldwin
28 books478 followersCreating stories and then sharing them with you so that you can shine your own light on them, reading through a lens shaped by your own perceptions, is such a joy. I hope you enjoy the books!
Carey Baldwin is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense. Also a dedicated physician, she holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. Her experience in the fields of medicine and psychology often informs her writing. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
www.CareyBaldwin.com
www.facebook.com/CareyBaldwinAuthor
www.twitter.com/CareyBaldwin
Carey Baldwin is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense. Also a dedicated physician, she holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. Her experience in the fields of medicine and psychology often informs her writing. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
www.CareyBaldwin.com
www.facebook.com/CareyBaldwinAuthor
www.twitter.com/CareyBaldwin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 11, 2024
➸3.25 stars
~Spoiler-free review💫~
Thankyou Netgalley, Bookouture, and the Author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!💌
First of all this review is going to be very short, because I don't have the energy to write like my other reviews😪
Ummm, where shall I start? this book depicted a twisted kind of love story, a dark psychological thriller, with so many twists that even at times I had to go back to read about something again, to get the facts straight (not fun at all to go back, because it had 62 chapters in total😩)
At first, it was difficult for me to adjust and get into the story, but after the first 6 chapters, the storyline picked up. I almost guessed everything except for what happened in the last few chapters (yup, that's right, the ending made me speechless🤯)
I love Rosalyn & Ashton🥺💓 Ash was the best husband. Both of them didn't deserve that ending tho🤧(they don't die nor do they breakup so don't worry). Because of the one promise Ros made to her deceased brother- that she would look after his widowed wife, Melanie, she had to go through a lot. Melanie then abruptly gets married to Blake after a year of sulking. And Ros doesn't trust Blake.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The twist towards the end made me rethink everything I know about a certain character. I wasn't that impressed with the build-up for twists, maybe because I've read too many thriller books and had high expectations for this one.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it that much. The writing was fabulous tho😊🤍
I will certainly try the other books from the Author, since this was the first book I read from her:)
ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
💌03/11/24
okie WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? I pulled an all nighter to finish this book now (it's currently 1:30 a.m.) off to sleep now🥱 RTC soonI promise I'll write the review today only after my beauty/clearing head sleep😃✋🏻
💌03/08/24
Ahhh I just realized this book is releasing in 2 days and I haven't gotten the chance to read the ARC, so I'm doing the inevitable reading now😌✋🏻 Hoping this delivers🤞🏻💕
~Spoiler-free review💫~
Thankyou Netgalley, Bookouture, and the Author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!💌
First of all this review is going to be very short, because I don't have the energy to write like my other reviews😪
Ummm, where shall I start? this book depicted a twisted kind of love story, a dark psychological thriller, with so many twists that even at times I had to go back to read about something again, to get the facts straight (not fun at all to go back, because it had 62 chapters in total😩)
At first, it was difficult for me to adjust and get into the story, but after the first 6 chapters, the storyline picked up. I almost guessed everything except for what happened in the last few chapters (yup, that's right, the ending made me speechless🤯)
I love Rosalyn & Ashton🥺💓 Ash was the best husband. Both of them didn't deserve that ending tho🤧(they don't die nor do they breakup so don't worry). Because of the one promise Ros made to her deceased brother- that she would look after his widowed wife, Melanie, she had to go through a lot. Melanie then abruptly gets married to Blake after a year of sulking. And Ros doesn't trust Blake.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The twist towards the end made me rethink everything I know about a certain character. I wasn't that impressed with the build-up for twists, maybe because I've read too many thriller books and had high expectations for this one.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it that much. The writing was fabulous tho😊🤍
I will certainly try the other books from the Author, since this was the first book I read from her:)
ˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
💌03/11/24
okie WHAT WAS THAT ENDING? I pulled an all nighter to finish this book now (it's currently 1:30 a.m.) off to sleep now🥱 RTC soon
💌03/08/24
Ahhh I just realized this book is releasing in 2 days and I haven't gotten the chance to read the ARC, so I'm doing the inevitable reading now😌✋🏻 Hoping this delivers🤞🏻💕
February 9, 2024
A depiction of a twisted kind of love. Somewhat deadly and deceptive. Nothing is what it seems.
Rosalyn promised her deceased brother that she would take care of Melanie, her sister-in-law. But after more than a year of sulking, Melanie decided to abruptly get married. The thing is, Rosalyn doesn't trust Blake and she would do anything to make Melanie see the kind of man she married.
I enjoyed this for the most part. The twist was plausible and made me rethink everything I know about a certain character. I guess I was not totally impressed with the build-up before the twist reveal but it earned a few "oohs" and "ahhs" which is a good thing.
This is my second book from Carey Baldwin and I'm starting to warm up to this author. We'll see.
Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!
Rosalyn promised her deceased brother that she would take care of Melanie, her sister-in-law. But after more than a year of sulking, Melanie decided to abruptly get married. The thing is, Rosalyn doesn't trust Blake and she would do anything to make Melanie see the kind of man she married.
I enjoyed this for the most part. The twist was plausible and made me rethink everything I know about a certain character. I guess I was not totally impressed with the build-up before the twist reveal but it earned a few "oohs" and "ahhs" which is a good thing.
This is my second book from Carey Baldwin and I'm starting to warm up to this author. We'll see.
Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!
February 17, 2024
Full of twists, turns, lies and deceit, The Widow Bride is a dark psychological thriller that follows Rosalyn and her brother’s widowed wife, Melanie. When Rosalyn helps set Melanie up with handsome Blake, she didn’t realise it would all end in regret, tears and murder…
I did NOT see that ending coming!!! The twist of all twists! I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting. What an unpredictable page turner! A fantastic five star read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.
I did NOT see that ending coming!!! The twist of all twists! I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting. What an unpredictable page turner! A fantastic five star read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.
June 9, 2024
Why did this book so good and yet it was so bad! If I had other options downloaded on my kindle for the plane I would have read something else haha 😂
March 4, 2024
First of all, daaammn. Second, daaaammmmnn. I'll admit, the first half of this made me think it wasn't going to be a hit. There was a lot of jumping around from person to person, from then to now and back again. There were a few little stories going on that seemed completely separate from each other. I wasn't sure where the story was going. Then, all of a sudden, the dots started connecting, and things were making sense. I started guessing what was going on and could see where it was leading, there were twists and turns. And just when I thought it was over, there was a final twist that I hadn't been expecting. I actually ended up really enjoying this one.
February 20, 2024
This is my first book of Carey Baldwin's that I have read and I am pleased I took a chance of another new author.
After Philip died, Rosalyn was devastated losing her brother to cancer. She has made a promise to look out for, and care for his new widow Melanie whom is not coping with the loss of her husband. Everyone is then greatly surprised when Melanie starts spending time with the new neighbor Blake, who also just happens to be Roslyn's husband Ashton's best friend. Rosalyn is happy to see Melanie spending time with Blake and this initially seems to be easing her grief, Rosalyn gives the relationship her approval thinking that this may just be the lift Melanie needs. As the relationship becomes deeper Rosalyn then starts to have doubts, Blake seems to be very controlling and Melanie has lost her spark even more so than when Philip passed but she also seems fearful, what on earth is going on?
Love, even though it should be, is not always a wondrous feeling. Lies and secrets may come into play affecting our emotions deeply, what should be a wonderful time can become incredibly heartbreaking. This really is a page turner, characters you are not sure of whom to trust and a fast moving plot combine together to provide an excellent book. This really is one of those "one more chapter" reads, you want to know what is going to happen as you can't quite see where it is all leading to or how it will all end. After reading this book I will now be looking for more books from the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
After Philip died, Rosalyn was devastated losing her brother to cancer. She has made a promise to look out for, and care for his new widow Melanie whom is not coping with the loss of her husband. Everyone is then greatly surprised when Melanie starts spending time with the new neighbor Blake, who also just happens to be Roslyn's husband Ashton's best friend. Rosalyn is happy to see Melanie spending time with Blake and this initially seems to be easing her grief, Rosalyn gives the relationship her approval thinking that this may just be the lift Melanie needs. As the relationship becomes deeper Rosalyn then starts to have doubts, Blake seems to be very controlling and Melanie has lost her spark even more so than when Philip passed but she also seems fearful, what on earth is going on?
Love, even though it should be, is not always a wondrous feeling. Lies and secrets may come into play affecting our emotions deeply, what should be a wonderful time can become incredibly heartbreaking. This really is a page turner, characters you are not sure of whom to trust and a fast moving plot combine together to provide an excellent book. This really is one of those "one more chapter" reads, you want to know what is going to happen as you can't quite see where it is all leading to or how it will all end. After reading this book I will now be looking for more books from the author.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
March 3, 2024
The Widow Bride is an action packed thriller till the end. The cover says it all - Second Husband or Worst Nightmare? You decide. It was one twist after another and this book literally gave me whiplash! Wow! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published March 11, 2024.
March 17, 2024
Thank you to @NetGalley and @bookouture for another brilliant thriller that I was given in exchange for my honest review!
Wow. I really LOVED this book and could not put it down! It was mysterious, suspenseful, TWISTY and thrilling! Definitely kept my full attention!
Such a shocking ending that left me SPEECHLESS! Readers, you will be very pleasantly flabbergasted!
Fans of Freida McFadden will LOVE this thriller! Look forward to reading more by this author!
Wow. I really LOVED this book and could not put it down! It was mysterious, suspenseful, TWISTY and thrilling! Definitely kept my full attention!
Such a shocking ending that left me SPEECHLESS! Readers, you will be very pleasantly flabbergasted!
Fans of Freida McFadden will LOVE this thriller! Look forward to reading more by this author!
March 16, 2024
This book was amazing! I thought this would be a typical abusive husband book with some sort of twist to make it unique. Nothing was as it seemed with this book. All the twists and turns had me struggling to put this book down. The big reveal at the end made me gasp out loud. I never saw it coming. I can’t wait to read more by this author! Thank you to NetGalley for my copy.
February 23, 2024
This will definitely interest readers who love a psychological thriller with twists, turns and unreliable character with devious secrets. For me, this one was good but not on the top of my must read thriller list. Despite this being a somewhat short book I did find the story a bit slow to pick up pace. It had a satisfying conclusion that I didn't see coming so kudos to that.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Carey Baldwin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Carey Baldwin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2024
This really is a page turner and all those twists had my jaw on the floor. I thought I had figured out the plot but I was completely wrong, I read this in less than 24 hours because it had me completely hooked and I definitely didn’t see that ending coming!
3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP 🌟💫
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.
3.5 STARS ROUNDED UP 🌟💫
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book.
March 28, 2024
4 Kept Me Interested Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
This was a new to me author and now I am intrigued to look at the other books by her. This kept me interested and wanting to know where everything was going for the most part.
It had lots of twists, red herrings, and a satisfying ending. The only very minor drawback was some repetition. The concept was solid and I enjoyed the experience.
* * * * Spoiler Free
This was a new to me author and now I am intrigued to look at the other books by her. This kept me interested and wanting to know where everything was going for the most part.
It had lots of twists, red herrings, and a satisfying ending. The only very minor drawback was some repetition. The concept was solid and I enjoyed the experience.
March 5, 2024
WHAAAAAAT?!
erm. Wow. There were so many twists and turns in this book. You think you have it figured out and then BAM! LITERALLY even the last chapter had a twist I didn’t see coming.
Rosalyn lost her brother, Phillip, to cancer, and is healing with her best friend (and sister-in-law), Mel, her husband and Blake, best friend. But when Blake and Mel start dating, and when an unisual friend of Phil’s comes to visit, questions start to arise.
erm. Wow. There were so many twists and turns in this book. You think you have it figured out and then BAM! LITERALLY even the last chapter had a twist I didn’t see coming.
Rosalyn lost her brother, Phillip, to cancer, and is healing with her best friend (and sister-in-law), Mel, her husband and Blake, best friend. But when Blake and Mel start dating, and when an unisual friend of Phil’s comes to visit, questions start to arise.
March 10, 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the book #TheWidowBride by #CareyBaldwin. This book about starting over turns into a nightmare with murder, lies and a controlling husband. I couldn’t put it down and was totally shocked with the twist ending.
March 8, 2024
The Widow Bride
Trust and honesty are a primary factor in this novel when we meet Ros and Mel. Mel was married to Phillip who was Roselyn’s brother who died. Feeling pressed into taking care of Mel and what happens throughout the novel will great fear in both Mel and Roselyn when certain truths and betrayals become known. Roselyn is married to Ashton and his best friend Blake seems to have become interested in Mel but too soon and in a controlling way. At first she claims to want to get to know her, checking her out from afar and then out of nowhere Rosalyn learns they have been a couple for a while and yet there is something unsettling about it.
Rosalyn is persistent and intends to learn more about Blake and one way is to go to her brother’s grave, open the lockbox with letters Mel writes to Philip and learn the hidden truths and secrets. There are lies, deceptions, underlying reasons and someone Rosalyn realizes is following her and in the end when she learns who and why she and Mel’s lives will never be the same.
Dinner out, time spent with the couple , plus a diamond ring and a proposal and Roselyn plans the shower, the wedding and more. But why do they elope? What is the rush and why does she insist on going to Blake’s house and leaving a special welcome surprise for them? What does she hope to find? The author has piqued our curiosity, engaged our won worries about what is behind it all and we even wonder just what Ashton and Blake’s relationship is and are they into something that might endanger both Ros and Mel?
There is a second plotline what will astound readers as we meet Zoe at an early age. Her parents gone and having to live with her grandparents who gave her love and even more until she turns on them, and decides to break their trust and rules, moves out, files a petition to become emancipated and here is where it gets us into another realm, her story and how it might link to Ros, Mel and someone else that is introduced. When you hear her voice, and then you meet the Detective that is on the case of over 10 years trying to find her for her grandfather, you learn the secrets to a point, you meet her when she enters a store to steal clothes and aligns herself with a woman who befriends her and helps her to steal, and then a grandfather who just wants to know the truth about her and if she is alive. When you meet her and hear her voice and what she really feels you wonder if it’s better for him to think she is gone.
Rosalyn gets blindsided but does not see it coming when a person named Sherry Anne finds up and wants to tell her about her brother. Wanting so much to hear from someone who knew him she falls for the lines as we hear the voice of the manipulative person who is out for revenge, and you won’t believe on who and we have yet to learn why.
Back in time we meet Zoe when she is living with a guy who wants the money her grandparents left actually she stole it to pretend to open an online business and then disappeared the day after she got the money. She used them. What is her motive, why did she question this guy and who was he going to scam in order to get money would he share it will her?
Flashing back the author shares some facts about Zoe and someone else. Even though they part and the money are split you won’t believe her attitude, why she feels possessive and when you get back to the present the shocking truth will not only take Rosalyn to new depths of fear but who placed the rats in her house and did Mel really have one? A camping that will rock her world and question her sanity to a point as the author takes her down some more dark trails and Lola comes into view. Just where does she come into it, who is she in relation to someone else and where will this all wind up you won’t believe?
Creating a persona that is false, dangerous and entrapping several women and his best friend to gain power over them, their wealth and accounts was the expert plan of Blake. Lola aka Sheila Anne befriended Ros in order to get information about Blake and Ashton totally fooled Ros until she disappears. Blake has cameras everywhere monitoring Mel wherever she goes. Violent, angry and abusive , Mel is the recipient of it all. Then in chapter 36 Blake and Zoe have it out before poor Mel lands it all and Ros and she have to plan her escape, but will they succeed?
Danger comes to everyone as Blake and Zoe reconnect but what happens proves trust is blown away and survival of the fittest might win out. Ros, Lola and Mel are locked up and a key separate them from freedom. The action beefs up and Zoe finds Lola and Ros and in the end you won’t believe the twist, deception, betrayal and harsh reality that the author created. A curve and a foul ball you won’t see coming as a hidden lie and a need for power and wealth drives someone to more than distraction.
Lola, Ros, Ashton what us their final fate? Zoe does her plan work casting revenge on all of them and Blake. Love is blind you might say, and power and control are what drives them all. A confession and victim’s statement from one person, a shocking admission and a sentence that created a furor in one. Life and fate change in seconds and one person’s life will never be the same as loyalty wins out and you the reader decide if justice was served. The Widow Bride! Why?
Fran Lewis just reviews
Trust and honesty are a primary factor in this novel when we meet Ros and Mel. Mel was married to Phillip who was Roselyn’s brother who died. Feeling pressed into taking care of Mel and what happens throughout the novel will great fear in both Mel and Roselyn when certain truths and betrayals become known. Roselyn is married to Ashton and his best friend Blake seems to have become interested in Mel but too soon and in a controlling way. At first she claims to want to get to know her, checking her out from afar and then out of nowhere Rosalyn learns they have been a couple for a while and yet there is something unsettling about it.
Rosalyn is persistent and intends to learn more about Blake and one way is to go to her brother’s grave, open the lockbox with letters Mel writes to Philip and learn the hidden truths and secrets. There are lies, deceptions, underlying reasons and someone Rosalyn realizes is following her and in the end when she learns who and why she and Mel’s lives will never be the same.
Dinner out, time spent with the couple , plus a diamond ring and a proposal and Roselyn plans the shower, the wedding and more. But why do they elope? What is the rush and why does she insist on going to Blake’s house and leaving a special welcome surprise for them? What does she hope to find? The author has piqued our curiosity, engaged our won worries about what is behind it all and we even wonder just what Ashton and Blake’s relationship is and are they into something that might endanger both Ros and Mel?
There is a second plotline what will astound readers as we meet Zoe at an early age. Her parents gone and having to live with her grandparents who gave her love and even more until she turns on them, and decides to break their trust and rules, moves out, files a petition to become emancipated and here is where it gets us into another realm, her story and how it might link to Ros, Mel and someone else that is introduced. When you hear her voice, and then you meet the Detective that is on the case of over 10 years trying to find her for her grandfather, you learn the secrets to a point, you meet her when she enters a store to steal clothes and aligns herself with a woman who befriends her and helps her to steal, and then a grandfather who just wants to know the truth about her and if she is alive. When you meet her and hear her voice and what she really feels you wonder if it’s better for him to think she is gone.
Rosalyn gets blindsided but does not see it coming when a person named Sherry Anne finds up and wants to tell her about her brother. Wanting so much to hear from someone who knew him she falls for the lines as we hear the voice of the manipulative person who is out for revenge, and you won’t believe on who and we have yet to learn why.
Back in time we meet Zoe when she is living with a guy who wants the money her grandparents left actually she stole it to pretend to open an online business and then disappeared the day after she got the money. She used them. What is her motive, why did she question this guy and who was he going to scam in order to get money would he share it will her?
Flashing back the author shares some facts about Zoe and someone else. Even though they part and the money are split you won’t believe her attitude, why she feels possessive and when you get back to the present the shocking truth will not only take Rosalyn to new depths of fear but who placed the rats in her house and did Mel really have one? A camping that will rock her world and question her sanity to a point as the author takes her down some more dark trails and Lola comes into view. Just where does she come into it, who is she in relation to someone else and where will this all wind up you won’t believe?
Creating a persona that is false, dangerous and entrapping several women and his best friend to gain power over them, their wealth and accounts was the expert plan of Blake. Lola aka Sheila Anne befriended Ros in order to get information about Blake and Ashton totally fooled Ros until she disappears. Blake has cameras everywhere monitoring Mel wherever she goes. Violent, angry and abusive , Mel is the recipient of it all. Then in chapter 36 Blake and Zoe have it out before poor Mel lands it all and Ros and she have to plan her escape, but will they succeed?
Danger comes to everyone as Blake and Zoe reconnect but what happens proves trust is blown away and survival of the fittest might win out. Ros, Lola and Mel are locked up and a key separate them from freedom. The action beefs up and Zoe finds Lola and Ros and in the end you won’t believe the twist, deception, betrayal and harsh reality that the author created. A curve and a foul ball you won’t see coming as a hidden lie and a need for power and wealth drives someone to more than distraction.
Lola, Ros, Ashton what us their final fate? Zoe does her plan work casting revenge on all of them and Blake. Love is blind you might say, and power and control are what drives them all. A confession and victim’s statement from one person, a shocking admission and a sentence that created a furor in one. Life and fate change in seconds and one person’s life will never be the same as loyalty wins out and you the reader decide if justice was served. The Widow Bride! Why?
Fran Lewis just reviews
March 12, 2024
First of all, I find it hard to write this review because it's so good that I am afraid I might reveal anything that could be a potential spoiler.
Melanie became a widow after her husband Philip passed away from cancer. Rosalyn promised her brother Philip that she would take good care of Melanie. Melanie's grief is still causing her to avoid socializing.
Blake, a friend of Rosalyn's husband Ashton since college, expressed his interest in Melanie for a while. Rosalyn hopes that Melanie will move on because she deserves happiness, so she arranges a lunch date for Blake and Melanie. Blake proposes to Melanie and they marry three months later, but Rosalyn has doubts that Blake is not what she had thought him to be. What is the rush to get married to Melanie? Rosalyn is eager to uncover additional information about Blake. As she delves deeper, she warns Melanie about Blake, but it's past the point of no return.
Until one day, a woman named Sherry Anne approached Rosalyn.
This book has definitely earned a five-star review from me. It's been a while since I read such a good psychological thriller that I was so impressed. At around 30% into this book, I was like, "No.. Rosalyn, please don't..." and at around 75% of the book, my jaw dropped. The ending was unexpected and not the ending I had in mind. Overall, this book is a hard one to put down and I finished it in two sittings. As soon as I finished this book, I downloaded other books by Carey Baldwin.
I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much @Netgalley and @Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Melanie became a widow after her husband Philip passed away from cancer. Rosalyn promised her brother Philip that she would take good care of Melanie. Melanie's grief is still causing her to avoid socializing.
Blake, a friend of Rosalyn's husband Ashton since college, expressed his interest in Melanie for a while. Rosalyn hopes that Melanie will move on because she deserves happiness, so she arranges a lunch date for Blake and Melanie. Blake proposes to Melanie and they marry three months later, but Rosalyn has doubts that Blake is not what she had thought him to be. What is the rush to get married to Melanie? Rosalyn is eager to uncover additional information about Blake. As she delves deeper, she warns Melanie about Blake, but it's past the point of no return.
Until one day, a woman named Sherry Anne approached Rosalyn.
This book has definitely earned a five-star review from me. It's been a while since I read such a good psychological thriller that I was so impressed. At around 30% into this book, I was like, "No.. Rosalyn, please don't..." and at around 75% of the book, my jaw dropped. The ending was unexpected and not the ending I had in mind. Overall, this book is a hard one to put down and I finished it in two sittings. As soon as I finished this book, I downloaded other books by Carey Baldwin.
I highly recommend it!
Thank you so much @Netgalley and @Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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February 17, 2024From the author: 😂 😱 Oh the IRONY! As seen on my very own street yesterday! Rattlesnake Protection In Progress. Why's that ironic? If you read my upcoming release THE WIDOW BRIDE you will discover why my jaw dropped and then I chortled when I saw this gentleman working in my neighborhood just down the street. He was kind enough to allow me to photograph him and gave post permission. If you need rattlesnake protection he's your guy! If you need a great read, give THE WIDOW BRIDE a try!
March 12, 2024
Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for granting me an early copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.
What a read! This book was a roller coaster ride that kept me at the edge of my seat. I literally flew through the pages. There sorry gripped me from the very beginning and kept me riveted till the end. I mean, even the epilogue brought a new twist.
I believe this book shines because of its plot, although the characters are well nuanced. Each twist brought my jaw closer to the ground and at the end my mind was completely blown.
There are certain dark themes in this book, such as marital violence, cons, and a little bit of gore towards the end. However, these, in small amounts, make a thriller more interesting for me, so I happily consumed such dark themes. What made the story impactful was that goodness shone through the darkness.
By the middle of the book I thought that the mystery element of the book was over and only the thrill was to continue, but i was proven so very wrong! I loved the amazing twists at the end, though the main twist was deductible for me a little way back. This book turned out to be one I can happily categorise as a psychological thriller. I would recommend this one to all thriller lovers. This one is sure to be one of my favourite reads this year.
What a read! This book was a roller coaster ride that kept me at the edge of my seat. I literally flew through the pages. There sorry gripped me from the very beginning and kept me riveted till the end. I mean, even the epilogue brought a new twist.
I believe this book shines because of its plot, although the characters are well nuanced. Each twist brought my jaw closer to the ground and at the end my mind was completely blown.
There are certain dark themes in this book, such as marital violence, cons, and a little bit of gore towards the end. However, these, in small amounts, make a thriller more interesting for me, so I happily consumed such dark themes. What made the story impactful was that goodness shone through the darkness.
By the middle of the book I thought that the mystery element of the book was over and only the thrill was to continue, but i was proven so very wrong! I loved the amazing twists at the end, though the main twist was deductible for me a little way back. This book turned out to be one I can happily categorise as a psychological thriller. I would recommend this one to all thriller lovers. This one is sure to be one of my favourite reads this year.
March 12, 2024
✨BOOK TOUR✨
From lust, lies, and a whole lot of greed. To secrets, a cold case, and murder. Not everything is what it seems….
📖: The Widow Bride
🖋️: Carey Baldwin
⭐️: 5 of 5
Tropes & Themes:
✨Revenge
✨Twists and turns
✨Secret identity
✨Unsolved case
A promise to her deceased brother. Rosalyn has been looking after her sister-in-law, Melanie.
“It’s Melanie. The honest-to-God truth, Rosalyn, is that I’m in love with your brother’s widow.”
When Mel finds out the woman Blake, her husband’s best friend, wants to ask out is Melanie. Ros sets them up on a double date.
With Melanie’s quick engagement and things not adding up. Rosalyn has a feeling that something is going on.
To stick to her promise, Rosalyn finds herself in danger when the secrets start unraveling.
This book was such a roller coaster!🤯 I don’t want to give too much away but I was completely shocked at the ending. As we got closer to the end, I was able to solve one of the twists but still blown away by the events.
If you love a good psychological thriller, you will love this! The action and fast pace will have you turning the pages so fast.
Thank you Bookouture for allowing me to join this tour! I enjoyed this book so much. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
From lust, lies, and a whole lot of greed. To secrets, a cold case, and murder. Not everything is what it seems….
📖: The Widow Bride
🖋️: Carey Baldwin
⭐️: 5 of 5
Tropes & Themes:
✨Revenge
✨Twists and turns
✨Secret identity
✨Unsolved case
A promise to her deceased brother. Rosalyn has been looking after her sister-in-law, Melanie.
“It’s Melanie. The honest-to-God truth, Rosalyn, is that I’m in love with your brother’s widow.”
When Mel finds out the woman Blake, her husband’s best friend, wants to ask out is Melanie. Ros sets them up on a double date.
With Melanie’s quick engagement and things not adding up. Rosalyn has a feeling that something is going on.
To stick to her promise, Rosalyn finds herself in danger when the secrets start unraveling.
This book was such a roller coaster!🤯 I don’t want to give too much away but I was completely shocked at the ending. As we got closer to the end, I was able to solve one of the twists but still blown away by the events.
If you love a good psychological thriller, you will love this! The action and fast pace will have you turning the pages so fast.
Thank you Bookouture for allowing me to join this tour! I enjoyed this book so much. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
February 14, 2024
I have read several books by Baldwin, and this is my new favorite.
💍
Rosalyn has promised her brother to take care of his wife Melanie after he passes. Melanie has had a hard time since he passed over a year ago, and Rosalyn is hoping to get her out more. One day Melanie surprises her by getting dressed up and seems to spark some interest into getting on with life.
💍
A new neighbor Blake, who is Rosalyn’s husbands’ best friend has shown an interest in Melanie. Is this a coincidence or planned? Rosalyn’s husband Ashton has known Blake since they were in college and they spend a lot of time together, so he is thrilled with this possible match.
💍
Another story-line could put this whole scenario into jeopardy! This story is one heck of a wild ride!
💍
Rosalyn has promised her brother to take care of his wife Melanie after he passes. Melanie has had a hard time since he passed over a year ago, and Rosalyn is hoping to get her out more. One day Melanie surprises her by getting dressed up and seems to spark some interest into getting on with life.
💍
A new neighbor Blake, who is Rosalyn’s husbands’ best friend has shown an interest in Melanie. Is this a coincidence or planned? Rosalyn’s husband Ashton has known Blake since they were in college and they spend a lot of time together, so he is thrilled with this possible match.
💍
Another story-line could put this whole scenario into jeopardy! This story is one heck of a wild ride!
February 29, 2024
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.
Wow, wow, wow, I absolutely loved this book!
The Widow Bride follows Rosalyn who after her brothers tragic death makes go on her promise to look after her sister in law Melanie.
I can't say too much more about the plot itself in case it gives anything away but this books so well written and the characters are fabulous. The story line is fast paced and very twisty throughout.
I'd thoroughly recommend this book if you are a fan of dark, psychological thrillers, you won't be disappointed!
Wow, wow, wow, I absolutely loved this book!
The Widow Bride follows Rosalyn who after her brothers tragic death makes go on her promise to look after her sister in law Melanie.
I can't say too much more about the plot itself in case it gives anything away but this books so well written and the characters are fabulous. The story line is fast paced and very twisty throughout.
I'd thoroughly recommend this book if you are a fan of dark, psychological thrillers, you won't be disappointed!
March 11, 2024
Oh. My. Gosh. The twist in this book was absolutely MIND BLOWING. As I read it, I had to stop just to let the gravity of it all sink in. I could not believe it. As a thriller reader, it’s unusual that I’m this shocked by a twist but my jaw hit the floor. And then, after that, there was ANOTHER earth shattering twist. As I read this I thought it was just another run of the mill domestic thriller but I was so wrong! This book has one of the top most shocking twists I’ve ever read. I really loved this book! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this FANTASTIC Advance Copy!
March 16, 2024
Young widow marries too quickly and regrets her mistake. Not an original story line. It's a good thing Carey Baldwin had a few twists and turns up her sleeve that would turn this story into an Original with a capital O. Like the train that starts a little slowly, so does THE WIDOW BRIDE. Baldwin uses the first few chapters to build back story and introduce characters. When it starts moving, the layers build up and the lies start coming unwound. At this point, you should take your bathroom break and get a drink because about half way through, you will not want to break away for anything. And the ending.......well, it's worth the efforts Baldwin took to build us up. This was an easy 5 star read. Any book that makes you say....WOW....gets 5 stars.
February 5, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
After the death of her brother Philip from cancer, Rosalyn feels a sense of responsibility to look after her sister-in-law Melanie, who mourns the loss. To make Melanie happy, she persuades her husband, Ashton, to set up his friend Blake with Melanie. At first, the couple is shown as very happy, and they run away together after a passionate love affair. On the other hand, as Rosalyn notices the alarming alterations in Melanie’s behavior, she seems frightened and withdrawn, and Blake becomes a controlling husband.
The author masterfully weaves all the storylines together, which makes the plot full of suspense and mysteriousness. When I thought I had a good grip on the plot, two giant plot twists at the end knocked me over.
I could not put this book down. The story’s intricate, believable characters and unpredictability had me from the first page. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
After the death of her brother Philip from cancer, Rosalyn feels a sense of responsibility to look after her sister-in-law Melanie, who mourns the loss. To make Melanie happy, she persuades her husband, Ashton, to set up his friend Blake with Melanie. At first, the couple is shown as very happy, and they run away together after a passionate love affair. On the other hand, as Rosalyn notices the alarming alterations in Melanie’s behavior, she seems frightened and withdrawn, and Blake becomes a controlling husband.
The author masterfully weaves all the storylines together, which makes the plot full of suspense and mysteriousness. When I thought I had a good grip on the plot, two giant plot twists at the end knocked me over.
I could not put this book down. The story’s intricate, believable characters and unpredictability had me from the first page. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 20, 2024
Oh wow! This had so many twists and turns and lies and secrets that I didn't know which was was uo hy the end of it. I loved it, really well written and certainly kept me on my toes waiting to see the next twist. Its told from multiple povs but I did lose track of who's perspective I was reading from a few times coz there are a looooot of characters and a lot going on! In saying that, once you get a feel for who's who and what ties they all have then it was just sheer chaos in the best possible way. Loved it
February 22, 2024
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and Carey Baldwin for the opportunity to read The Widow Bride, to be published March 11, 2024. 5/5 Stars for this dark psychological thriller. The turns and twists just kept coming until the grande finale, which was a shocker! This novel had it all — characters you liked and those you didn’t like — all of whom were definitely believable. This novel will be appreciated by anyone who reads the genre. Couldn’t get enough of it! #NetGalley #Bookouture #CareyBaldwin #TheWidowBride
February 11, 2024
What a wild ride! Initially it seemed like this book was all over the place and with characters who didn't seem like they related. But then we start to see how the characters are intertwined and things started to make more sense. At times, it was a little hard to follow, but the ending ties things up nicely. There is a lot of suspense, betrayal, and secrets packed into this. The short chapters make the story fly by. Another great thriller that I would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2024
This is the first book I read by Carey and I really enjoyed it. So many twists and turns! Rosalyn promises her brother Phillip that she will look after his wife Melanie when he passes away from Cancer. Rosalyn decided to set up Melanie and Blake, who is Rosalyn’s husbands best friend. Not long after meeting, Blake and Melanie end up getting married. Things start getting weird and the book starts getting good! I couldn’t put the book down. I didn’t know who to trust or how the book was going to end. The twist at the end was shocking, I certainly didn’t see it coming! I’m looking forward to reading more books by Carey. Thank you NetGalley, Carey and Bookouture. #TheWidowBride
February 20, 2024
From the minute I saw the cover for this book, I knew it would be right up my street! So I couldn't wait to get reading it! It did not let me down. There are so many twists and turns in this book which keep you guessing. A lot of characters in this book but doesn't take you long to pick up whos who. I loved the storyline. Will definitely read more from this author.
February 4, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Rosalyn and Ashton are happily married. Rosalyn feels that she has to look after Melanie her sister in law after her brother Philip died from cancer. She’s persuaded to set her up with Ashton’s friend Blake. After a whirlwind romance the new couple elope. Rosalyn is worried, Blake seems controlling and Melanie seems scared.
I’ve just finished this book and I’m honestly stunned. A captivating story that had me hooked form the first page. Believable characters that were easy to like (or dislike in some cases). A side story about a missing girl and a boy she befriends. This had it all. And then right at the end an absolute shocker of a reveal. I didn’t see it coming but it made everything fall into place. And I. The last pages another shocker. I almost eant to read this again immediately it was that good.
Rosalyn and Ashton are happily married. Rosalyn feels that she has to look after Melanie her sister in law after her brother Philip died from cancer. She’s persuaded to set her up with Ashton’s friend Blake. After a whirlwind romance the new couple elope. Rosalyn is worried, Blake seems controlling and Melanie seems scared.
I’ve just finished this book and I’m honestly stunned. A captivating story that had me hooked form the first page. Believable characters that were easy to like (or dislike in some cases). A side story about a missing girl and a boy she befriends. This had it all. And then right at the end an absolute shocker of a reveal. I didn’t see it coming but it made everything fall into place. And I. The last pages another shocker. I almost eant to read this again immediately it was that good.
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