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Never Trust the Husband
You look so happy in your wedding photo, gazing at your perfect new husband, glass of champagne held high in a toast. You chose to ignore the warning signs, but he hid more than one secret from you. And now he’s gotten away with your murder…
Every night I watch Benjamin and Gwyn in their gorgeous, glass-fronted Seattle home. Your ex-husband. Your best friend. Newly engaged, they’re busy dreaming of their future.
The official story is that you disappeared, but I know the truth. They killed you.
I know Benjamin’s new business is in trouble, that he desperately needs your money. I saw the way Gwyn looked at him at your wedding reception, finding any excuse to be close, to laugh too loudly at his jokes. After all, she always wanted your perfect life.
But don’t worry, Madeline. I won’t let it end like this. I can see everything from my place in the shadows between the trees. With their house lit up, they are on display. I’ll bide my time and worm my way into their home, their lives. They will never know the truth about who I am.
You didn’t get your happily ever after, and neither will they…
Never Trust the Husband is a totally twisty psychological thriller that will have you glued to the pages late into the night! Fans of The Perfect Marriage, The Housemaid and Shari Lapena will be hooked.
Every night I watch Benjamin and Gwyn in their gorgeous, glass-fronted Seattle home. Your ex-husband. Your best friend. Newly engaged, they’re busy dreaming of their future.
The official story is that you disappeared, but I know the truth. They killed you.
I know Benjamin’s new business is in trouble, that he desperately needs your money. I saw the way Gwyn looked at him at your wedding reception, finding any excuse to be close, to laugh too loudly at his jokes. After all, she always wanted your perfect life.
But don’t worry, Madeline. I won’t let it end like this. I can see everything from my place in the shadows between the trees. With their house lit up, they are on display. I’ll bide my time and worm my way into their home, their lives. They will never know the truth about who I am.
You didn’t get your happily ever after, and neither will they…
Never Trust the Husband is a totally twisty psychological thriller that will have you glued to the pages late into the night! Fans of The Perfect Marriage, The Housemaid and Shari Lapena will be hooked.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2024
1481 people are currently reading
3665 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Payne
5 books449 followersJessica lives in the Pacific Northwest where the mountains and Puget Sound are home. Beyond writing, she loves to run, rock climb, and explore the great outdoors with her daughter and husband. When holding still, which isn’t often, you’ll find a book in her hand and a cat or dog in her lap. Jessica writes suspense and thriller and is the host of #MomsWritersClub on Twitter and YouTube. You can find out more about her at her website, jessicapayne.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
March 26, 2024
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No. Just no. This book was terrible and it's because of books like this that I don't read as many thrillers as I used to. I was really hoping for a winner but boy was I disappointed. This book has so many four and five-star reviews and a 4.21 Goodreads rating at the time of my writing this, I just don't get it and I am upset. I am more shocked and surprised by the high rating than by anything in the book.
I don't ask a lot from my thrillers, a good pace and a nice surprise or two is all. BUT when your front cover and Amazon title state "A totally gripping psychological thriller packed with twists" you better damn well deliver. Never Trust The Husband does not. It was repetitive...the same thing happens over and over again ad nauseam and too many things were simply unbelievable, like someone faking being a nurse and the RN's identity she stole just happened to have worked with the same charge nurse she is currently working under. Really? And plastic surgery to change the shape of her face so much that her closest loved ones don't know who she is (it's been three years not thirty) and then Gwyn just meeting her and letting a stranger have free rein to look through her house alone? Also, I figured out the big reveal almost right away and it was such a letdown. Boo! Hiss! Boo!
It took me forever to get through this book because I dreaded picking it up, I was going to DNF but kept hoping something thrilling would happen because of the high rating and it never did, it was just dumb. I don't claim to be very smart but it makes me angry when I feel my intelligence is being insulted and that's what the author did. I wish I could give negative stars but for now, we will go with one.
No. Just no. This book was terrible and it's because of books like this that I don't read as many thrillers as I used to. I was really hoping for a winner but boy was I disappointed. This book has so many four and five-star reviews and a 4.21 Goodreads rating at the time of my writing this, I just don't get it and I am upset. I am more shocked and surprised by the high rating than by anything in the book.
I don't ask a lot from my thrillers, a good pace and a nice surprise or two is all. BUT when your front cover and Amazon title state "A totally gripping psychological thriller packed with twists" you better damn well deliver. Never Trust The Husband does not. It was repetitive...the same thing happens over and over again ad nauseam and too many things were simply unbelievable, like someone faking being a nurse and the RN's identity she stole just happened to have worked with the same charge nurse she is currently working under. Really? And plastic surgery to change the shape of her face so much that her closest loved ones don't know who she is (it's been three years not thirty) and then Gwyn just meeting her and letting a stranger have free rein to look through her house alone? Also, I figured out the big reveal almost right away and it was such a letdown. Boo! Hiss! Boo!
It took me forever to get through this book because I dreaded picking it up, I was going to DNF but kept hoping something thrilling would happen because of the high rating and it never did, it was just dumb. I don't claim to be very smart but it makes me angry when I feel my intelligence is being insulted and that's what the author did. I wish I could give negative stars but for now, we will go with one.
February 23, 2024
When Madeline Hughes met the gorgeous and captivating Benjamin North, she was hardly looking for romance. On the contrary, she had never thought of herself as the marrying kind, simply wanting a little fun between the sheets one night at a time. Benjamin, however, somehow managed to wriggle between her defenses and, nearly overnight, she was head over heels.
Their relationship quickly went from zero to one hundred and before she knew it, she was happily married to the man of her dreams. The only wrinkle was that their honeymoon had to be canceled. An inconsiderate hurricane meant the Caymans was no longer an option, so a backpacking trip was suggested instead. Going with a group of their friends, it sounded like a thoroughly good time.
The very first night they were on the trail, however, Madeline disappeared without a trace. No one knows what happened to her, but surely it can’t be good. After all, there were several people who had a motive to kill her. Including, of course, Madeline’s best friend, Gwyn, and her own fiancé, Benjamin. Gwyn had a severe jealousy issue for Madeline’s life while Benjamin had very real money issues that only Madeline’s money could solve.
Three years later, Benjamin is living happily in his and Madeline’s former home with Gwyn. Engaged to be married, they’ve declared a still missing Madeline dead. Someone, however, knows there’s more to the story. That someone is me. One of these two had to have had it out for Madeline, so I’ve come back to discover the truth. Watching and waiting, I carefully insinuate myself into Benjamin and Gwyn’s life. I won’t let what happened to Madeline stand. Someone is going to pay.
Holy cannoli! When I say that Never Trust the Husband started with a bang and never let up, I wholeheartedly mean every word. Between the boatload of secrets, underhanded motivations, and unthinkable betrayals, I couldn’t, for the life of me, put the deftly obscured clues together in time. Add in the heaping dose of red herrings, and there wasn’t a chance that my sleuthing would land on the truth before the final reveal.
The plot was pure dynamite as well. Told via the dual POVs of Rebecca in the present and Madeline in the past, the intricate storyline had delicious ever ratcheting suspense. Even the explosive climax was utterly spellbinding, albeit perhaps just a tad over-the-top. Nonetheless, the rest of the novel was genuine and true as I was pulled into the immersive storytelling from the very first page. I just wish we’d had a bit more to the conclusion, as I would’ve loved to find out what happened next.
The characters were finely layered with very real flaws that hinted at plenty of suspicious behavior, all of which brought my doubts out to play. With a relatively small cast and two vividly distinct identities in Madeline and Rebecca, I found myself wrapped up by the events right from the start. Each individual felt so real, in fact, that they almost could have walked right off of the page. Still, I would’ve liked maybe one more POV. Possibly Benjamin or Gwyn? Even if only a few chapters from their viewpoint, it would’ve given quite the perspective. But then, perhaps that’s me just being greedy.
Filled with jealousy, revenge, friendships, and love, there were plenty of emotions that ran the gamut from sweetness and light to twisted and dark. Addictive and binge-worthy, this is not a book to be missed. After all, it was a psychological thriller that took the desire for justice and turned it all on its head. Wholly unique and undeniably original, interconnected plot lines lined up just so as to keep me firmly in the dark until the two final earth-shattering twists. Trust me when I say, you won’t see them coming. I, for one, definitely did not. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Jessica Payne, Bookouture, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 5, 2024
Trigger warning: stolen identity, stalking, gaslighting
Their relationship quickly went from zero to one hundred and before she knew it, she was happily married to the man of her dreams. The only wrinkle was that their honeymoon had to be canceled. An inconsiderate hurricane meant the Caymans was no longer an option, so a backpacking trip was suggested instead. Going with a group of their friends, it sounded like a thoroughly good time.
The very first night they were on the trail, however, Madeline disappeared without a trace. No one knows what happened to her, but surely it can’t be good. After all, there were several people who had a motive to kill her. Including, of course, Madeline’s best friend, Gwyn, and her own fiancé, Benjamin. Gwyn had a severe jealousy issue for Madeline’s life while Benjamin had very real money issues that only Madeline’s money could solve.
Three years later, Benjamin is living happily in his and Madeline’s former home with Gwyn. Engaged to be married, they’ve declared a still missing Madeline dead. Someone, however, knows there’s more to the story. That someone is me. One of these two had to have had it out for Madeline, so I’ve come back to discover the truth. Watching and waiting, I carefully insinuate myself into Benjamin and Gwyn’s life. I won’t let what happened to Madeline stand. Someone is going to pay.
Holy cannoli! When I say that Never Trust the Husband started with a bang and never let up, I wholeheartedly mean every word. Between the boatload of secrets, underhanded motivations, and unthinkable betrayals, I couldn’t, for the life of me, put the deftly obscured clues together in time. Add in the heaping dose of red herrings, and there wasn’t a chance that my sleuthing would land on the truth before the final reveal.
The plot was pure dynamite as well. Told via the dual POVs of Rebecca in the present and Madeline in the past, the intricate storyline had delicious ever ratcheting suspense. Even the explosive climax was utterly spellbinding, albeit perhaps just a tad over-the-top. Nonetheless, the rest of the novel was genuine and true as I was pulled into the immersive storytelling from the very first page. I just wish we’d had a bit more to the conclusion, as I would’ve loved to find out what happened next.
The characters were finely layered with very real flaws that hinted at plenty of suspicious behavior, all of which brought my doubts out to play. With a relatively small cast and two vividly distinct identities in Madeline and Rebecca, I found myself wrapped up by the events right from the start. Each individual felt so real, in fact, that they almost could have walked right off of the page. Still, I would’ve liked maybe one more POV. Possibly Benjamin or Gwyn? Even if only a few chapters from their viewpoint, it would’ve given quite the perspective. But then, perhaps that’s me just being greedy.
Filled with jealousy, revenge, friendships, and love, there were plenty of emotions that ran the gamut from sweetness and light to twisted and dark. Addictive and binge-worthy, this is not a book to be missed. After all, it was a psychological thriller that took the desire for justice and turned it all on its head. Wholly unique and undeniably original, interconnected plot lines lined up just so as to keep me firmly in the dark until the two final earth-shattering twists. Trust me when I say, you won’t see them coming. I, for one, definitely did not. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Jessica Payne, Bookouture, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 5, 2024
Trigger warning: stolen identity, stalking, gaslighting
January 22, 2024
Never Trust the Husband by Jessica Payne
Synopsis /
You look so happy in your wedding photo, gazing at your perfect new husband, glass of champagne held high in a toast. You chose to ignore the warning signs, but he hid more than one secret from you. And now he’s gotten away with your murder…
Every night I watch Benjamin and Gwyn in their gorgeous, glass-fronted Seattle home. Your ex-husband. Your best friend. Newly engaged, they’re busy dreaming of their future.
The official story is that you disappeared, but I know the truth. They killed you.
I know Benjamin’s new business is in trouble, that he desperately needs your money. I saw the way Gwyn looked at him at your wedding reception, finding any excuse to be close, to laugh too loudly at his jokes. After all, she always wanted your perfect life.
But don’t worry, Madeline. I won’t let it end like this. I can see everything from my place in the shadows between the trees. With their house lit up, they are on display. I’ll bide my time and worm my way into their home, their lives. They will never know the truth about who I am.
You didn’t get your happily ever after, and neither will they…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Bookouture publishing and author, Jessica Payne for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I'm so glad that I finished this last night because I can now let out the breath that I've been holding for the last couple of days!!!
WOW Jessica Payne, you've knocked this one right out of the ballpark.
TRUST me 😂 when I tell you, this story will keep you guessing right up until the very last page.
Suspenseful, climactic, gripping; these are just a few of the words which immediately spring to mind now that I've closed out on the final chapter.
If you are a lover of psychological thrillers, you will adore this, and if you're not a fan, you'll still want to read this because, at its simplest level, this is such a well plotted novel. And let's face it, a strong compelling plot is essential to any story. Anyone can write down a chronological sequence of events, but it's just that - a list. What makes a plot well-polished is the ability to connect this sequence of events by good storytelling.
Setting plot aside for the moment, for this reader there are three other basic elements to a good story. Characters, Conflict and Resolution. Characters: Introduce us to characters with depth. Reveal emotion and explain the context. Above all, characters need to be real. Conflict: Illustrate how characters grow and transform through challenge. Take the time to let us know what they're going through and changes in perspective and understanding. Resolution: How did they change? We don't necessarily need a HEA but we do need to connect with them so we can process the necessary context.
It's a big tick from me for:
✅ Plot
✅ Characters
✅ Conflict
✅ Resolution
Payne 'sets the scene' in the first chapter and from then on, we move at a frenetic pace. Written in a dual narrative form with a dual timeline the story gradually unfolds, and each chapter will leave you wondering what is going to happen next. With fewer characters, Payne can devote more time to adding layers of secrets and mystique to each. Each revelation only seems to add another layer of 'what if' to the story, making it that much more compelling.
The expected publication date for Never Trust the Husband is March 5, 2024. Mark your diaries!
Synopsis /
You look so happy in your wedding photo, gazing at your perfect new husband, glass of champagne held high in a toast. You chose to ignore the warning signs, but he hid more than one secret from you. And now he’s gotten away with your murder…
Every night I watch Benjamin and Gwyn in their gorgeous, glass-fronted Seattle home. Your ex-husband. Your best friend. Newly engaged, they’re busy dreaming of their future.
The official story is that you disappeared, but I know the truth. They killed you.
I know Benjamin’s new business is in trouble, that he desperately needs your money. I saw the way Gwyn looked at him at your wedding reception, finding any excuse to be close, to laugh too loudly at his jokes. After all, she always wanted your perfect life.
But don’t worry, Madeline. I won’t let it end like this. I can see everything from my place in the shadows between the trees. With their house lit up, they are on display. I’ll bide my time and worm my way into their home, their lives. They will never know the truth about who I am.
You didn’t get your happily ever after, and neither will they…
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Bookouture publishing and author, Jessica Payne for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I'm so glad that I finished this last night because I can now let out the breath that I've been holding for the last couple of days!!!
WOW Jessica Payne, you've knocked this one right out of the ballpark.
TRUST me 😂 when I tell you, this story will keep you guessing right up until the very last page.
Suspenseful, climactic, gripping; these are just a few of the words which immediately spring to mind now that I've closed out on the final chapter.
If you are a lover of psychological thrillers, you will adore this, and if you're not a fan, you'll still want to read this because, at its simplest level, this is such a well plotted novel. And let's face it, a strong compelling plot is essential to any story. Anyone can write down a chronological sequence of events, but it's just that - a list. What makes a plot well-polished is the ability to connect this sequence of events by good storytelling.
Setting plot aside for the moment, for this reader there are three other basic elements to a good story. Characters, Conflict and Resolution. Characters: Introduce us to characters with depth. Reveal emotion and explain the context. Above all, characters need to be real. Conflict: Illustrate how characters grow and transform through challenge. Take the time to let us know what they're going through and changes in perspective and understanding. Resolution: How did they change? We don't necessarily need a HEA but we do need to connect with them so we can process the necessary context.
It's a big tick from me for:
✅ Plot
✅ Characters
✅ Conflict
✅ Resolution
Payne 'sets the scene' in the first chapter and from then on, we move at a frenetic pace. Written in a dual narrative form with a dual timeline the story gradually unfolds, and each chapter will leave you wondering what is going to happen next. With fewer characters, Payne can devote more time to adding layers of secrets and mystique to each. Each revelation only seems to add another layer of 'what if' to the story, making it that much more compelling.
The expected publication date for Never Trust the Husband is March 5, 2024. Mark your diaries!
March 7, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Seattle, Washington
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 357 (p+ 67 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 45 minutes
Narrator ~ Sarah Borges
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & 4 to 3 years ago, murder, jealously, revenge, stalking
Madeline narrates in the past her life with Benjamin and her "friends" up until she falls off a cliff.
Rebecca narrates in the now her plans to avenge Madeline's death.
This is what I'm talking about with a revenge plot! Unfortunately, I had every last twist figured out early on, but that did not take away from my enjoyment at all. It was suspensefully fast paced with a perfect ending.
Y'all my legs ache and I need a nap just thinking about all the running these characters did. Oh hey lets meet up for a 7 mile run every day this week, yeah sure...oh wait it's a beautiful day, so lets do 10 miles. Sure I've run,..fine jogged,..fine walk/jogged 10 miles before, but more like over a 6 month period, not at one time. I did actually have a nice afternoon brisk walk with my pup today just so you know. Kudos to those that do love to run.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Seattle, Washington
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 357 (p+ 67 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 45 minutes
Narrator ~ Sarah Borges
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & 4 to 3 years ago, murder, jealously, revenge, stalking
Madeline narrates in the past her life with Benjamin and her "friends" up until she falls off a cliff.
Rebecca narrates in the now her plans to avenge Madeline's death.
This is what I'm talking about with a revenge plot! Unfortunately, I had every last twist figured out early on, but that did not take away from my enjoyment at all. It was suspensefully fast paced with a perfect ending.
Y'all my legs ache and I need a nap just thinking about all the running these characters did. Oh hey lets meet up for a 7 mile run every day this week, yeah sure...oh wait it's a beautiful day, so lets do 10 miles. Sure I've run,..fine jogged,..fine walk/jogged 10 miles before, but more like over a 6 month period, not at one time. I did actually have a nice afternoon brisk walk with my pup today just so you know. Kudos to those that do love to run.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
January 12, 2024
I LOVE all of @jessicapayne.writer books!! Thank you @thrillerbookloverspromotions @blondethrillerbooklover for having me along on this tour!! 🥰🥰Thank you @bookouture for my gifted copy. 🥰 Pub date in March 5th!! 🥳🥳
Okay let’s talk about the obvious… THAT title!! 👏👏 I mean come on thriller lovers… we know it is ALWAYS the husband! 🤷♀️ OMG this book got me steaming 😠…mad!! What kind of BFF 👯♀️ gets engaged to your husband… when you die?!!! 😠🤬🤯 UGH Gwen.. how could you??
Thankfully our girl Rebecca is bound and determined to make these two pay! I mean it was obvious that Gwen was super jealous of Madeline…🤷♀️…but enough to kill her? 🤔… Benji… oh Benji boy.. what about him? I had soo many questions… 😂😳… The perfect hubby?? I think not! 😬… Or was he?? I totally binged this book as I HAD to know!! I LOVE a good bit of revenge..😉.. well in my books of course..😂🙄
Once again @jessicapayne.writer delivered a fast paced, twisted thriller that ended with…. A total WTF 😳🤯moment!! YES!! 👏👏👏 That ending!! 😍🤯
Okay let’s talk about the obvious… THAT title!! 👏👏 I mean come on thriller lovers… we know it is ALWAYS the husband! 🤷♀️ OMG this book got me steaming 😠…mad!! What kind of BFF 👯♀️ gets engaged to your husband… when you die?!!! 😠🤬🤯 UGH Gwen.. how could you??
Thankfully our girl Rebecca is bound and determined to make these two pay! I mean it was obvious that Gwen was super jealous of Madeline…🤷♀️…but enough to kill her? 🤔… Benji… oh Benji boy.. what about him? I had soo many questions… 😂😳… The perfect hubby?? I think not! 😬… Or was he?? I totally binged this book as I HAD to know!! I LOVE a good bit of revenge..😉.. well in my books of course..😂🙄
Once again @jessicapayne.writer delivered a fast paced, twisted thriller that ended with…. A total WTF 😳🤯moment!! YES!! 👏👏👏 That ending!! 😍🤯
January 29, 2024
What kind of best friend gets engaged to your husband after your death?! meet Gywnn, best friend of Madeleine, who was pushed from a cliff on her honeymoon. She is now engaged to Benjamin, Madeleine’s husband of just a few days.
Tell me that doesn’t make you want to hear more?, I love Jessica Payne books and always jump at the chance to read them. Once again we have a wild and crazy story that ai read in an evening. Plenty of shocks, plot twists and omg moments let me tell you that. A must read if you love a good thriller.
Thanks so much to Bookouture and Thriller Book Promotions for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on March 5th.
March 12, 2024
I'll be in the minority with this review.
The reviews on this book were so amazing that I decided I needed to read it. I no longer think I needed to do that. It's a very slow paced book, and has a lot of repetitive areas. As for the characters, I didn't like majority of them. I didn't even care what happened to them, I just wanted to be done. It could have been shorter, by several chapters. One of the things that really drove me over the edge was when a conversation was happening, and the author just cut it off, and said something along the lines of "she finished telling me about her plans". That is an example, not an actual line in the book. I didn't need an entire paragraph with half of a conversation just to be told after cutting it off what was being said. Just give me the short version. I really liked the idea of this book, I just don't feel like it was executed the way it deserved. The beginning was fine with laying out what it was going to be about, but after that, I was bored. I try to get a lot of my reading in at night, but it kept putting me to sleep. It took me forever to finish it. It was almost a DNF for me, and honestly, I probably should have. As for the twists, most of them are ones that you are like well duh. One or two I knew, but not all the way. I just got myself out of a reading slump, and this book had the audacity to put me back in one.
⭐️ could have been a DNF 10/10 don't recommend
⭐️⭐️ It was meh
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was good but...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really liked it. Doesn't live rent free but comes to visit every now and then.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Obsessed! It will live rent free in my head forever and always
The reviews on this book were so amazing that I decided I needed to read it. I no longer think I needed to do that. It's a very slow paced book, and has a lot of repetitive areas. As for the characters, I didn't like majority of them. I didn't even care what happened to them, I just wanted to be done. It could have been shorter, by several chapters. One of the things that really drove me over the edge was when a conversation was happening, and the author just cut it off, and said something along the lines of "she finished telling me about her plans". That is an example, not an actual line in the book. I didn't need an entire paragraph with half of a conversation just to be told after cutting it off what was being said. Just give me the short version. I really liked the idea of this book, I just don't feel like it was executed the way it deserved. The beginning was fine with laying out what it was going to be about, but after that, I was bored. I try to get a lot of my reading in at night, but it kept putting me to sleep. It took me forever to finish it. It was almost a DNF for me, and honestly, I probably should have. As for the twists, most of them are ones that you are like well duh. One or two I knew, but not all the way. I just got myself out of a reading slump, and this book had the audacity to put me back in one.
⭐️ could have been a DNF 10/10 don't recommend
⭐️⭐️ It was meh
⭐️⭐️⭐️ it was good but...
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really liked it. Doesn't live rent free but comes to visit every now and then.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Obsessed! It will live rent free in my head forever and always
January 14, 2024
A very good psychological thriller. I liked the dual narrators (Madeline and Rebecca) and the dual timelines. Jessica Payne is an author I just discovered and her other books are now on my to-read list. Thank you for this ARC.
February 28, 2024
NEVER TRUST THE HUSBAND is a psychological thriller by Jessica Payne. Having read and liked her previous three novels, I was anxious to start this novel.
Her Novels Include:
Make Me Disappear (2022)
The Lucky One (2022)
The Good Doctor (2023)
Never Trust the Husband (2024)
This is my review of Never Trust The Husband.
Madeline Hughes would now be thirty-one and worth $12 million due to her family’s fortune…but she disappeared three years ago, and had recently married Benjamin North, owner of a winery in Seattle. Maddy went missing while backpacking with her husband and friends.
Benjamin, the perfect husband, hid many secrets from Maddy.
Maddy died a few days after their wedding. She died after being pushed off a mountain cliff. She was murdered…and to date the body was never found.
Soon after her death, Benjamin is engaged to Maddy’s best friend, Gwyn. So much for the grieving husband!
The narrative alternates between Madeline (Then) and Rebecca (Now), a voyeur who knew Maddy, and is trying to collect as much information about what happened to Maddy. She works undercover as a travel nurse, and has mixed feelings about what happened to Maddy. She feels her death was no accident and has taken it upon herself to bring those who did wrong to justice.
Every night Rebecca watches Benjamin and Gwyn in their Seattle home.
But will Rebecca be able to discover the truth?
This novel will have you glued to the pages late into the night! Loved it!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Her Novels Include:
Make Me Disappear (2022)
The Lucky One (2022)
The Good Doctor (2023)
Never Trust the Husband (2024)
This is my review of Never Trust The Husband.
Madeline Hughes would now be thirty-one and worth $12 million due to her family’s fortune…but she disappeared three years ago, and had recently married Benjamin North, owner of a winery in Seattle. Maddy went missing while backpacking with her husband and friends.
Benjamin, the perfect husband, hid many secrets from Maddy.
Maddy died a few days after their wedding. She died after being pushed off a mountain cliff. She was murdered…and to date the body was never found.
Soon after her death, Benjamin is engaged to Maddy’s best friend, Gwyn. So much for the grieving husband!
The narrative alternates between Madeline (Then) and Rebecca (Now), a voyeur who knew Maddy, and is trying to collect as much information about what happened to Maddy. She works undercover as a travel nurse, and has mixed feelings about what happened to Maddy. She feels her death was no accident and has taken it upon herself to bring those who did wrong to justice.
Every night Rebecca watches Benjamin and Gwyn in their Seattle home.
But will Rebecca be able to discover the truth?
This novel will have you glued to the pages late into the night! Loved it!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
February 20, 2024
An interesting idea of reinvention and revenge told as the person is now and as they were before
Good characters and settings and brisk chapters that moved the story on well and kept my interest
Not sure if the main crux of the story is believable but it was enough that I didn’t disregard it could happen and I did guess the major surprise way before it happened but that’s ok sometimes it makes the book even more enjoyable as you are waiting for the penny to drop
All told enjoyable, different, action led psychological thriller that is exciting enough to catch your imagination
Good characters and settings and brisk chapters that moved the story on well and kept my interest
Not sure if the main crux of the story is believable but it was enough that I didn’t disregard it could happen and I did guess the major surprise way before it happened but that’s ok sometimes it makes the book even more enjoyable as you are waiting for the penny to drop
All told enjoyable, different, action led psychological thriller that is exciting enough to catch your imagination
January 21, 2024
Jessica Payne’s latest thriller is gripping, exciting and full of suspense. Lots of twists and turns that came out of left field. It starts off with a bang and just keeps going. I could not put this book down. I wasn’t sure who was guilty of what till the very end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be published March 2024.
March 22, 2024
I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I tried but I couldn't get past 30 percent. It was so slow moving. Also, there were way too many characters from the present parts and the past which made it very confusing. After looking at other reviews, I'm definitely in the minority.
July 2, 2025
Love this author! I was very much caught off guard by the ending of this book. This person did not come into my thoughts until about 3/4 of the way through. I enjoyed this book; Jessica's writing style has a way of keeping you engaged from start to finish. This one is all about revenge and jealousy. It's all about the "who". This is my second book by this author and it's safe to say she is now on my auto buy author list. Highly recommend.
May 24, 2024
To say I enjoyed this psychological thriller is putting it mildly.
This is one of the better domestic thrillers that I’ve read this year. It really is and I don’t use that term loosely.
Madeline and Ben are a newly married couple. They are on their honeymoon which involves mountain climbing.
However on this honeymoon Madelyn vanishes – off the cliff or at least that’s the presumption of the police.
None of this is a spoiler as it happens at the very beginning.
Now, quite a bit of time has passed. But Someone is in town. Someone’s is drifting through town, lurking quietly and silently, and this person is on a mission.
They want to avenge the murder of Madeline. Yes, this anonymous person does not believe that Madeline fell off the mountain, they believe she was pushed. The stranger has an idea of who did it, and she intends to make them pay.
These people they suspect are Madeline’s husband, Ben, and her best friend Gwen. Ben and Gwen. How quaint.
But you see Ben and Gwen have fallen in love – with each other. Now they are engaged to be married, and Gwen is essentially living her best friend’s life, but if this nameless, faceless stranger has anything to say about it, Gwen will not get away with it.
This book and I’ll say it again, is unputdownable. I got involved by the end of the first page and stayed up all night, reading it. It really is a spooky, and eerie, good old, psychological thriller, with a colorful cast of characters, and excellent character development.
I’ve got little bad to say about this one, and believe me that doesn’t happen with most domestic thrillers, a genre I have gotten burned out on. Yes, there are some twists in this one but they’re all good twists and I don’t get to say that to often, so I’ll say it again . I loved all the twists .
If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers – and I have many many good friends on here who are, you’ll want to add this one, I can’t sing it’s praises enough. Now you might want to stop reading because there are going to be some:
SPOILERS
When the big reveal came, I was genuinely surprised but that doesn’t mean it hadn’t crossed my mind .
But it seemed too bizarre to me that it would actually happen. Was I ever glad it did! I just fell in love with the character of Madeline and I really really wanted her to be OK so I was dancing a jig of delight that she was.
The sister being the killer, didn’t surprise me terribly. I kind of figured it wasn’t gonna be Gwen and Ben because it was too obvious . They were too obvious suspects. If I had anything negative to say, and I have to search my mind for it because nothing immediately comes to mind, I just wish Madeline had ended up a little happier. I really liked her. She was a decent human being and I hated to see how alone she was. I kind of wish the husband had not been a prick because I would’ve liked them to end up back together or for her to be with someone.
But all in all I’d say this is a must read. I give it 4.5 stars. It’s one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year and I can’t recommend it enough.
This is one of the better domestic thrillers that I’ve read this year. It really is and I don’t use that term loosely.
Madeline and Ben are a newly married couple. They are on their honeymoon which involves mountain climbing.
However on this honeymoon Madelyn vanishes – off the cliff or at least that’s the presumption of the police.
None of this is a spoiler as it happens at the very beginning.
Now, quite a bit of time has passed. But Someone is in town. Someone’s is drifting through town, lurking quietly and silently, and this person is on a mission.
They want to avenge the murder of Madeline. Yes, this anonymous person does not believe that Madeline fell off the mountain, they believe she was pushed. The stranger has an idea of who did it, and she intends to make them pay.
These people they suspect are Madeline’s husband, Ben, and her best friend Gwen. Ben and Gwen. How quaint.
But you see Ben and Gwen have fallen in love – with each other. Now they are engaged to be married, and Gwen is essentially living her best friend’s life, but if this nameless, faceless stranger has anything to say about it, Gwen will not get away with it.
This book and I’ll say it again, is unputdownable. I got involved by the end of the first page and stayed up all night, reading it. It really is a spooky, and eerie, good old, psychological thriller, with a colorful cast of characters, and excellent character development.
I’ve got little bad to say about this one, and believe me that doesn’t happen with most domestic thrillers, a genre I have gotten burned out on. Yes, there are some twists in this one but they’re all good twists and I don’t get to say that to often, so I’ll say it again . I loved all the twists .
If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers – and I have many many good friends on here who are, you’ll want to add this one, I can’t sing it’s praises enough. Now you might want to stop reading because there are going to be some:
SPOILERS
When the big reveal came, I was genuinely surprised but that doesn’t mean it hadn’t crossed my mind .
But it seemed too bizarre to me that it would actually happen. Was I ever glad it did! I just fell in love with the character of Madeline and I really really wanted her to be OK so I was dancing a jig of delight that she was.
The sister being the killer, didn’t surprise me terribly. I kind of figured it wasn’t gonna be Gwen and Ben because it was too obvious . They were too obvious suspects. If I had anything negative to say, and I have to search my mind for it because nothing immediately comes to mind, I just wish Madeline had ended up a little happier. I really liked her. She was a decent human being and I hated to see how alone she was. I kind of wish the husband had not been a prick because I would’ve liked them to end up back together or for her to be with someone.
But all in all I’d say this is a must read. I give it 4.5 stars. It’s one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year and I can’t recommend it enough.
January 19, 2024
Loved it!
This was a great murder mystery that kept me guessing all the way through the book! Author Jessica Payne did an excellent job at creating an engaging novel that had so many twists and turns and a great ending. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another character seems guilty. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of what Jessica Payne writes.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an eArc for my honest review!
This was a great murder mystery that kept me guessing all the way through the book! Author Jessica Payne did an excellent job at creating an engaging novel that had so many twists and turns and a great ending. Just when you think you have it all figured out, another character seems guilty. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of what Jessica Payne writes.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an eArc for my honest review!
June 22, 2024
It was so obvious…
February 9, 2024
Are you looking for an addictive thriller? I just finished reading one that I highly recommend. If you're into domestic drama and murder, you can't miss this book. Order food, clear your schedule, and settle in for this twisted psychological thriller. Once you start, you won't be able to put it down!
The story follows Madeline, who falls head over heels in love with Benjamin, a man whose business faces financial problems. But Madeline has the means to help him out financially after they get married. However, her best friend Gwyn is envious of her seemingly perfect life and would love to take over Madeline's place.
When Madeline and Benjamin go camping with a group of friends instead of a honeymoon, things take a dark turn. One night, Madeline goes missing while photographing the stars.
Do you like revenge thrillers and devious characters? This is the book!!
Jessica Payne has truly outdone herself with this novel. I can't wait to get my hands on all of her other works!!
Thanks to Jessica Payne, Bookouture and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for this ARC (provided through NetGalley). As always, all opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
#NeverTrustTheHusband #JessicaPayne #Bookouture #NetGalley #newrelease #justfinished #ARC #thriller #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
The story follows Madeline, who falls head over heels in love with Benjamin, a man whose business faces financial problems. But Madeline has the means to help him out financially after they get married. However, her best friend Gwyn is envious of her seemingly perfect life and would love to take over Madeline's place.
When Madeline and Benjamin go camping with a group of friends instead of a honeymoon, things take a dark turn. One night, Madeline goes missing while photographing the stars.
Do you like revenge thrillers and devious characters? This is the book!!
Jessica Payne has truly outdone herself with this novel. I can't wait to get my hands on all of her other works!!
Thanks to Jessica Payne, Bookouture and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for this ARC (provided through NetGalley). As always, all opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.
#NeverTrustTheHusband #JessicaPayne #Bookouture #NetGalley #newrelease #justfinished #ARC #thriller #honestreview #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworms #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer
December 1, 2023
You know when you finish a book and struggle to start a new one because you can’t stop thinking about the characters in the book you just read? That’s this book. As soon as I thought I figured out who did what, I learned I was wrong. The twists and turns kept me turning pages and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. The only disappointment was that it had to end, but the conclusion was satisfying. I don’t often keep the books I read, but this one is staying on the shelf for another read one day!
March 2, 2024
Never Trust the Husband
by Jessica Payne
Pub March 05-2024
This book was written for the long game and man is it so good. The betrayal of someone who is suppose to be your lover or your best friend or even worse both of them. Fast forward three years and you are declared dead since your body is missing and your best friend is engaged to your husband. Who can you trust, who can you believe?
The story is told in two voices Madeline then and Rebecca now. Rebecca returns to Seattle to see what happened to her friends life and help get closer for her. There was already a hint of cheating and deceit when Madeline was dating Benji and then marries him. This deceit continues when Rebecca returns, She finds Madeline's missing items and people. The crazy twist in this story makes you realize you need to be very careful who you believe.
The end of this book is so very chilling when you get to it. Like didn't see that coming and how screwed up it was, like dang. I am glad that after the long game played out the truth was found and it was bad but maybe not as bad as she thought or was it? I highly recommend running not walking to get your hands on this book on March 5th!! It's a fast paced thriller that you will devour.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture & Jessica Rayne for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Keep Reading and finding your next adventure in black and white.
by Jessica Payne
Pub March 05-2024
This book was written for the long game and man is it so good. The betrayal of someone who is suppose to be your lover or your best friend or even worse both of them. Fast forward three years and you are declared dead since your body is missing and your best friend is engaged to your husband. Who can you trust, who can you believe?
The story is told in two voices Madeline then and Rebecca now. Rebecca returns to Seattle to see what happened to her friends life and help get closer for her. There was already a hint of cheating and deceit when Madeline was dating Benji and then marries him. This deceit continues when Rebecca returns, She finds Madeline's missing items and people. The crazy twist in this story makes you realize you need to be very careful who you believe.
The end of this book is so very chilling when you get to it. Like didn't see that coming and how screwed up it was, like dang. I am glad that after the long game played out the truth was found and it was bad but maybe not as bad as she thought or was it? I highly recommend running not walking to get your hands on this book on March 5th!! It's a fast paced thriller that you will devour.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture & Jessica Rayne for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Keep Reading and finding your next adventure in black and white.
February 6, 2024
Just a few days after Benji and Madeline tie the knot, Madeline goes missing. Three years later she's declared dead and Benji is set to marry Gwen, Madeline's BFF.
Something definitely seems nefarious and Rebecca is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Madeline.
But who is Rebecca? Good question! We know she's someone who knew Madeline but she has undergone cosmetic surgery and has taken on an alias.
Told in multiple timelines and multiple perspectives, this book was unputdownable. Completely addictive.
I absolutely loved this one!
Wow! Just WOW ❤️
Something definitely seems nefarious and Rebecca is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Madeline.
But who is Rebecca? Good question! We know she's someone who knew Madeline but she has undergone cosmetic surgery and has taken on an alias.
Told in multiple timelines and multiple perspectives, this book was unputdownable. Completely addictive.
I absolutely loved this one!
Wow! Just WOW ❤️
December 22, 2023
A story that will really hook you! I was quick to finish this. I desperately wanted to find out what happened to Madeline and who killed her. And why? Were the remains that were found hers? Was her husband to blame? What about her best friend that is now engaged to her husband? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Great book!
This ARC was received via NetGalley and Thriller Book Lovers Promo Group. All opinions are my own.
This ARC was received via NetGalley and Thriller Book Lovers Promo Group. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2024
There were a few twists that I definitely didn’t see coming but something felt like it was missing for the whole of this book for me so it can only be a 3* rating sadly!
February 14, 2024
This book had me sucked in right from the beginning. I loved the idea of not really knowing who was telling us the story. Talk about a twist on an unreliable narrator! Payne did a fantastic job of keeping the reader guessing throughout and every time I thought I had it figured out she threw in another twist. The setting of Seattle was fantastic and gave this story such an atmospheric feel.
I recommend going in knowing as little as possible so I’m keeping my review vague to avoid spoilers. I will say that if you’re looking for a quick and suspenseful read with shorter chapters and dual points of view and timelines then this book is for you. This was my first book by Payne, and I can’t wait to read more by her.
Thank you Bookouture, Jessica Payne and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for a digital review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I recommend going in knowing as little as possible so I’m keeping my review vague to avoid spoilers. I will say that if you’re looking for a quick and suspenseful read with shorter chapters and dual points of view and timelines then this book is for you. This was my first book by Payne, and I can’t wait to read more by her.
Thank you Bookouture, Jessica Payne and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for a digital review copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2024
Jessica Payne is a master storyteller and she has a unique ability to lead her readers astray in the absolute best of ways. Never Trust the Husband is a fun read about revenge, friendships, relationships, and justice. With dual narrators and dual timelines, I had myself convinced that I had this book all figured out until BAM! Payne pulled the rug out from under me and I was giggling with delight at being totally duped.
Payne took your basic revenge and quest for truth plot and turned it upside down, making it wholly unique and utterly thrilling. I had no idea who I could trust, who the real Rebecca was, or how all the pieces fit together. Was Benji a cheat and liar? Was Gwyn sabotaging Maddy behind her back and stealing her husband? Was Maddy murdered or the victim of a terrible accident?
This was a fun one and totally binge-worthy. The alternating timelines and mystery surrounding Rebecca kept me flipping pages and wanting more.
After absolutely loving The Good Doctor, Payne has quickly made herself an auto-read author for me and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Bookouture for the copy!
Payne took your basic revenge and quest for truth plot and turned it upside down, making it wholly unique and utterly thrilling. I had no idea who I could trust, who the real Rebecca was, or how all the pieces fit together. Was Benji a cheat and liar? Was Gwyn sabotaging Maddy behind her back and stealing her husband? Was Maddy murdered or the victim of a terrible accident?
This was a fun one and totally binge-worthy. The alternating timelines and mystery surrounding Rebecca kept me flipping pages and wanting more.
After absolutely loving The Good Doctor, Payne has quickly made herself an auto-read author for me and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Bookouture for the copy!
July 13, 2024
This book was boring. The first half was so slow. I didn’t want to keep
Reading it and almost DNF’d. I kept hope the last half would get better. It had decent twists and turns but they were also very easy to see coming.
Overall, not worth the read for me.
Reading it and almost DNF’d. I kept hope the last half would get better. It had decent twists and turns but they were also very easy to see coming.
Overall, not worth the read for me.
March 11, 2024
A great twist!
I loved this book! Great twists through the story and kept a good pace. Was a great ending! Can’t wait to read more.
I loved this book! Great twists through the story and kept a good pace. Was a great ending! Can’t wait to read more.
February 7, 2024
This is the second book I've read by Payne. The first was THE GOOD DOCTOR. I enjoyed both of these books. I love the way she writes. This one was exciting, suspenseful, and TWISTY!! Thriller lovers need to pick this up! Madeline and her husband Benjamin are on their honeymoon with a bunch of friends when Madeline tragically disappears. Now, a few years later, her BFF Gwyn and her husband are engaged. But Rebecca, someone from Madeline’s past, is determined to find out who harmed Madeline and make them pay. She knows Madeline’s husband and BFF both had their own reasons to get rid of her.
This was such an entertaining read! I'll be sure to pick up anything Payne writes in the future!
Out March 5.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
This was such an entertaining read! I'll be sure to pick up anything Payne writes in the future!
Out March 5.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2024
I still hadn't read a book by Jessica Payne, so when I got an email saying Never Trust the Husband had just released (and I wasn't in the middle of an audiobook), I instantly used a credit and listened to it. I have no idea how this happened despite going back to the beginning once I was done, but somehow, I managed to figure out the big twist immediately. And I mean immediately. 🤣 I don't even think this is an obvious twist, and I feel I will be in the minority of the randomly guessing it department. There were definitely twists I did NOT see coming, and I fully enjoyed this twisty and pacy storyline.
Sarah Borges did an excellent job narrating the audiobook and I think my use of a credit on Audible was completely worth it. Never Trust the Husband is a really quick read/listen and I don't think you can go wrong with either route. I could have easily finished this in one sitting, and I was an instant fan of Payne's writing. I can't wait to go back to her other novels now considering I already own a few of them. 😶 Read this if you are looking for drama, a multitude of secrets, and dirty deeds.
Sarah Borges did an excellent job narrating the audiobook and I think my use of a credit on Audible was completely worth it. Never Trust the Husband is a really quick read/listen and I don't think you can go wrong with either route. I could have easily finished this in one sitting, and I was an instant fan of Payne's writing. I can't wait to go back to her other novels now considering I already own a few of them. 😶 Read this if you are looking for drama, a multitude of secrets, and dirty deeds.
March 3, 2024
Never Trust the Husband is another nail biter by Jessica Payne. The story took me on a wild ride and I loved it. If you enjoy a thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end, I can highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) around publication date.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) around publication date.
March 11, 2024
*****I receptions free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
What a twisted story! When a woman is pushed off a cliff on her honeymoon who is to blame? Rebecca has changed her identity in order to discover the truth and exact revenge.
This was a fantastic book with lots of twists! I definitely recommend reading it!
What a twisted story! When a woman is pushed off a cliff on her honeymoon who is to blame? Rebecca has changed her identity in order to discover the truth and exact revenge.
This was a fantastic book with lots of twists! I definitely recommend reading it!
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