Her Secret Revenge

by Cole Baxter

My hands shake as I watch him cup her pretty face in his hands. He tells her he’ll love her forever, the way he once promised me. And that’s when I swear to get my revenge…

Looking out at our beautiful estate, the home I thought we’d raise our future children in, I watch helplessly as my husband Paul takes his mistress’s arm and leads her inside. My heart twists as they laugh together, without a care in the world. If he and Marianne think they can start over without me, they’re gravely mistaken.

I worked myself to the bone for him, keeping our home pristine, supporting his art, using funds from my business to keep us afloat. Tears fill my eyes as I remember all the lonely nights I spent waiting for him to come home.

My phone lights up with a message from Marianne’s husband. When I told him what she’d done, I never imagined he’d reveal secrets far worse than my husband’s. Or that he’d have a plan to get even. A little scare to fix both of our marriages, and Paul would never find out I was involved…

But when our carefully laid plan takes a deadly turn, I wonder just how much I can trust my accomplice. And what I’ll be forced to do to get back what’s mine…

An absolutely gripping psychological thriller packed with jaw-dropping twists! For fans of The Doctor’s Wife, Behind Closed Doors and The Housemaid.

What readers are saying about Cole

“Completely addictive… Jaw-dropping… I was actually pacing around my house reading the last several chapters… If I could rate it more than 5 stars, I certainly would… The most gripping, edge-of-your-seat, breath-holding, tension-filled, and jaw-dropping book I’ve read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A completely gripping, nerve-wracking, breathtaking, suspenseful, and addictive psychological thriller… will keep you on the edge of your seat… will make you wish to throw the book in the corner… there is one unexpected twist at the end that made me gasp for air as I would never guess it!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“An incredible read… absolutely riveting and thought provoking. I couldn’t put it down and I can’t stop thinking about it. I will never stop recommending this book.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This is a gripping wild ride of a read! It pulls you in from the first page and I read it in a few hours! Great read!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I love Cole Baxter. His books make me turn pages late into the night. This book is like being on a rollercoaster.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“So many twists you won’t be able to predict what comes next. You will be hooked on this book.” Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Psychological Thriller

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Cole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!

Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT

Reviews

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna is married to Paul, a man who lies, cheats, steals, is lazy and a terrible husband. They are miserable together, and when Annie hires a private investigator and finds out Paul is sleeping with a woman named Marianne, she decided once and for all to divorce him. As she was thinking about how and when to end the marriage, circumstances changed with the death of Paul’s uncle, James.

James was a very wealthy man, and he left his entire estate, including a massive mansion, to Paul. This changes everything for Anna - Paul is always taking money from their joint account, but Anna is the one who makes most of that money. If she can stay married long enough for the house to be sold, she’ll get half of that inheritance and get back some of the money Paul has taken over the years.

Paul isn’t the smartest man, but he knows he wants Anna gone, and he wants all the money and the mansion for himself and Marianne. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t realize that Anna knows all about his plans, and she has no intention of letting him get away with everything. She just has to wait it out a little longer…and maybe give things a little nudge by telling Marianne’s husband what’s been going on behind his back. Cameron is abusive, an ex-military man and someone who isn’t afraid of a fight. Paul may have made a huge mistake…or did Anna?

This story had a lot of typical thriller things in it: a couple heading for divorce because of infidelity, a wealthy relative with a will, police and private investigators, and murders. The difference is that the story itself still felt very original and suspenseful. There is a lot of sneaking around in this book, and a lot to unpack. The ending was slightly abrupt, but that’s my only complaint - this is definitely a page-turner! 4.5 stars.

(Thank you to Bookouture for adding me to this book’s tour! The book is slated to be released on July 23, 2024.)

[CammieOH · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just silly. Paul’s POV was simply insufferable! What a douche! The plot line was super thin- your basic cat and mouse. Baxter is always a gamble for me- some of his books are good- some not. But I still keep coming back for more.

[Hillary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Cole. I was super excited to read it. It sounded so interesting. After a few chapters, I found myself very bored with the book. Anna and Paul are clearly not happy together. Anna hires a PI so she can find out what Paul’s doing. She needs all the evidence she can get in order to leave him. I didn’t care for the characters at all. Paul was the worst and his mother babying him, definitely didn’t help. I found this book to be painfully slow. I just wanted it to get better and it never did. I just couldn’t wait to be done with it. This book wasn’t for me but I’m definitely going to check out more books by Cole and hopefully I’ll enjoy those. Thank you NetGalley, Cole and Bookouture for the ARC!

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author and I will continue to read more from him.

Anna is married to Paul, a poor excuse for a man who is egotistical, selfish and narcissistic, everything is about him and his wants and desires. A man that does not care who he hurts along the way as long he is gets what he wants. He is unfaithful, spends money with no concern as to how Anna will feel, they continually argue and Anna is miserable, who would not be living with this kind of man. Paul then receives an inheritance and instead of improving their life things go from bad to worse for Anna. Also Paul's mother Noreen believes the world is a better place with her son in it, believing he can do no wrong and this is also difficult for Anna, she really is in a very bad place. She then hires a PI to try and find out more of her husbands secrets but will this make life better for her and does she really wish to know the full extent of her husbands activities?

As the book progresses we soon realise that eventually things are going to implode in a very big way and that they do. Baxter provides lots of twists and turns that keep the story moving forward and even though you think you may know where this is all leading you may be surprised. I have to say that I really could not feel anything for any of the characters, Anna who continues to fight through all the sordid events that are occurring and Paul who is just an absolute creep. So will Paul be brought down and will Anna survive and finally receive some piece as this story resolves?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters in this book are truly messed up.
I thought Anna needed to stop dithering no matter how much she wanted out and get on with it.
Paul was a wastrel.
The most congenial character turned out to be the most deceptive and dangerous of all.
A web of deceit, lies, murder, and lust awaits readers.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book by this author and I have to say that I was hooked from the moment I opened it.

I loved the characters the author created. There is Paul, who is the most selfish person I earth I think. He only thinks about his own importance and pleasure, being convinced whatever he does has to be accepted. Second, there is his mother Noreen, who most of the time supports him in everything he says or does and of course that is perfect for his ego. She also is a spirited old lady who does not throw in the towel. There is Anna, Paul's wife who has a totally different view on life and money. I guess it's pretty clear the couple often clashes. They both have their own agenda, each trying to gain as much as possible... Throw in the mix Paul's mistress and her Rambo styled husband and you know this can only bring disaster.

The author mixed in some funny lines that had me smiling and I always like that in a book. 

I had a really good time devouring this book. The countdown can start again. 5 stars

Thank you

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Secret Revenge by Cole Baxter
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 23 July 2024

"Her Secret Revenge" delves into the tumultuous life of Anna, a woman trapped in a deteriorating marriage to Paul. For years, Anna has endured Paul's infidelities and his reckless squandering of their hard-earned savings. This betrayal chips away at her trust and patience, pushing her closer to her breaking point. Just as Anna is on the verge of giving up, Paul inherits a significant fortune, including a luxurious mansion, dramatically shifting their marital dynamic. This newfound wealth rekindles Anna's determination to claim her fair share as compensation for her years of dedication and sacrifice.

The characters in the novel are deeply compelling, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of the story. Paul is particularly loathsome, embodying a self-centredness that blinds him to his own faults and the pain he inflicts on others. His actions are those of a man who believes the world revolves around him, creating a character readers love to hate. In stark contrast, Anna is portrayed as a resilient and determined woman. Her journey from a long-suffering wife to a woman who stands up for herself is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

The conflict between Anna and Paul is intense and unrelenting. Despite the common belief that opposites attract, in their case, it only leads to constant strife. Their personalities clash in every conceivable way, resulting in frequent, heated arguments. Adding fuel to the fire is Paul's mother, Noreen, who is incessantly interfering in their lives. Her unwavering support for Paul, no matter how wrong he is, only deepens the rift between the couple.

The book is a masterful blend of drama and suspense. Baxter skilfully weaves multiple subplots into the main narrative, creating a rich, layered story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Each twist and turn in the plot is meticulously crafted, adding depth and intrigue to the story. The interplay between the characters and the evolving dynamics keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

Overall, "Her Secret Revenge" is a thought-provoking and riveting read. Baxter's ability to create such vivid, believable characters and to intertwine their stories so seamlessly is commendable. The novel explores themes of betrayal, resilience, and justice, leaving a lasting impact on its readers. It's a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, a testament to its powerful storytelling and complex characters.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author, Cole Baxter, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a couple books from the author Cole Baxter and I love his books ! I spent the whole book hating on a character, wanting to scream at him and wanting to even kill him haha. Just to show that the author knows how to play with my emotions haha.. I loved the plot, the twists, the ending. It was an amazing read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, special thanks to Bookouture (via NetGalley) for offering me the opportunity to be among the first to discover this story and write an honest review.

I have to admit that everything was very carefully constructed, the narrative thread was woven with numerous plots that added gravity to the climax at the end of the book.

Looking back, the way in which the new information, that clearly increased the tension of the action, was served to us little by little, is somewhat similar to the trail made by Hansel and Gretel in the forest. From 85% onwards I couldn't tear myself away from the story... it's written in such a way that it doesn't let you go and keeps you on your toes, considering that you don't know if the ending will be a classic one in which the antagonist is stopped on time or not.

I'm not a fan of clichés, so the fact that Thornton is portrayed as exactly the man Paul is not and probably never will be didn't attract me, but I stayed for the plot.
What surprised me the most, although I had a vague suspicion in the corner of my mind, was the secret shared by Anna and Noreen that I learned about in the last pages. I actually saw the moment in my head, the lines unfolding behind my eyes in slow motion and the past events unfolding like in a movie.

It's only now, at the end of the book, that I understand whose point of view it is in the prologue, but that's a secret I'll never tell, so be on the lookout and get your detective skills ready when you start this book because you have a tumultuous journey ahead.

Honorable mentions to Noreen (BIG SLAY).

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna and Paul are both unhappy in their marriage and both want out without the other knowing. Paul's mother wants them to try and make it work. Anna hires a Pl to get all the evidence she needs to file for divorce.Then Paul's uncle dies, leaving him his estate, and that changes the situation for everyone. Anna tries to hang on long enough for thr house to be sold so she can get half of it, and get back some of the money Paul has gambled away out of their joint account over the years, but Paul is trying hard to force her out so he can be with his girlfriend, Marianne, and keep all the estate for himself. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't realize Anna is on to him and has no intention of letting him.
Anna goes to Marianne's husband who is an abusive ex-military man who isn't afraid of a fight and tells him what's going on behind his back. That's when the real action begins. I do have to use the term action loosely because there wasn't a whole lot of it, and the story did move quite slowly.
This is an inside look at two married couples and none of the characters are perfect. There were parts that dragged and parts that New, and I liked it being told from both Paul and Anna's POV so you could see where they were both coming from in the same situation. Betrayal, lies, greed, death_it's all in here.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My first book by Cole Baxter and this steady paced thriller was a good read in my eyes.
Her Secret Revenge is a satisfactory and agreeable narrative.
A book with revenge in the title is already a book I want to read.
Married couple Anna and Paul want to divorce without the other knowing.
Money, power and influence are the main factors.
Add in a handsome private investigator, a deranged man, a dominant mother in law, a sneaky homeless person, a best friend, a tattooed mistress, a dead wealthy uncle and lots of secrets, lies, betrayal and deception and you have this devilish read.
The book overall was a decent storyline with a knockout ending.
I found the final pages quite compelling, fast moving and impressive.
The chapters are told from the two lead perspectives, giving the storyline the same level of detail from two pints of view, which in my opinion let it down a little.
Besides that it was a reasonable read.
The plot was tempting with a selection of a misfit cast among a mysterious manor.
I will definitely give the author’s next book a go.

[Jennifer *Nottoomanybooks* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anna is married to Paul, a selfish narcissist, and she wants out. She finds out he has been cheating on her and is ready to file for divorce, but not before hiring a PI to document proof of the infidelity. When Paul’s uncle dies, and he becomes the sole heir to his mansion, Anna decides it is better to wait to divorce until that is finalized. I mean, she wants in on that money too after all she has been through!
Then Paul’s mistress ends up dead and her husband comes looking for him for revenge. Things start getting twisted and messed up here!

I always appreciate multiple POV to get into the main character’s head and understand why they are the way they are. This is a popcorn thriller that is easy to read! You will be shocked when you learn who the most dangerous character of all turns out to be! I enjoyed the inside glimpse of this imperfect married couple!

[Donna Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Both Cole and Theo have such an easy writing style that you can just sit back, read and enjoy the ride! There was a lot of action and plotting in this book! I read it in a day! Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Raymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a roller coaster but more like a calm winding country road.

Anna and Paul DO NOT have the perfect marriage both are trying to figure out the best way to divorce each other. Until Paul’s uncle dies and money is involved.

This book is a great cleanser as it’s not dark and it won’t send you for a wild ride until the very end. The last bit of the book took a turn and threw you for a ride.

If you like to get into the middle of a marriage that is about to explode. This is the book for you.

Genre: Thriller
APK: Ebook
Pages: 349
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

Thank you Bookouture for sending me a free copy for an honest review

[Vir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un thriller muy adictivo, con dos protagonistas egoístas, manipuladores y despreciables que mantienen la tensión hasta el final. Quería saber hasta dónde eran capaces de llegar. Muy bien logrado, oscuro y atrapante, que demuestra que no es necesario “querer” a los personajes para quedar fascinado por su descenso moral. Lo disfruté de principio a fin.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Secret Revenge by Cole Baxter, when the book starts we meet Ann and Paul they’re married and are arguing because once again Paul has thought only of his self and use the money Ann was saving to fix up her bakery on a trip to Las Vegas. Paul is the type of guy Who is a male chauvinist, narcissistic and he believes nothing is ever his fault and unfortunately his mother Noreen agrees with him. This time however Ann is really done with Paul but she wants to go about it in a smart way. This is why she hires a private investigator who learns he is sleeping with a tattoo artist name Marianne. Before she starts divorce proceedings however Paul’s uncle James his dad‘s brother passes away and leaves his entire estate to him. So Anne decides she will stay with him long enough to sell his uncles palatial estate that way she will get her money back for her bakery and exact revenge on Paul at the same time. Unfortunately she also thinks it’s a great idea to go and tell MaryAnn‘s violent husband Cameron that Paul is sleeping with his wife this is how Paul and Dean almost died when Cameron set the car they were in on fire after chasing them down the highway. While all this is happening Ann is falling in love with the PI Thorton and he with her but this is just the beginning of a very twisty very complex story because when they flee to upstate New York to stay at his uncles mansion to try and escape Cameron it isn’t long before Marianne is found dead but she is just the first before you think you know what happened trust me when I say you have no idea! This is a multi-layerd story told from Paul and Ann‘s point of view unlike his previous books these characters are written like real people with different sides to them and they’re not just OneNote personalities. I do believe this is Cole Baxter‘s best I have noticed in the past month or so he and his brothers books are getting so much better and this one is the best yet. This was such a great book I love an authentic twist in this book definitely has those in droves. I believe anyone who loves a well put together thriller with a believable plot will definitely enjoy this complex well written story. I absolutely enjoyed it and as I said I believe it is Cole Baxter‘s best so far. #Bookoucher, #NetGalley, #ColeBaxter, #HerSecretRevenge,

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna is married to Paul, a man who lies, cheats, steals, is lazy and basically a terrible person and husband. The two are miserable. Annie hires a private investigator and finds out Paul is sleeping with a woman named Marianne, so she decides to divorce him. Everything changes after Paul’s wealthy uncle James dies leaving him his estate.

Paul has been recklessly spending money from their joint account, so Anna feels If she can stay married long enough for the house to be sold, she’ll get half of that inheritance and get back some of the money Paul has taken over the years.

Paul isn’t the the brightest guy, but he knows he wants Anna gone, and he wants all the money and the mansion for himself and his lover Marianne. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t realize that Anna knows all about his plans, and she has no intention of letting him get away with it. Anna decides to escalate things by telling Marianne’s husband what’s been going on behind his back. Marianne’s husband, Cameron is abusive, an ex-military man and someone who isn’t afraid of a fight.

There wasn’t anything unique about this book and it moved painfully slow. About 64% into the book, I figured out who the killer was, 
Still it was worth the read even though there were no like able characters involved, I found the ending a bit abrupt and a little too feel good,

[Natasha (The Bookbasket) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A marriage that is not as it seems and a woman set on getting everything that is owed to her (and more).
I didn't find this book at all "thrilling", but more of a character study between a married couple who really weren't happy with each other in their lives.
What I did find interesting is that Baxter writes the two characters as if not one of them is perfect (yes one does more moral things wrong than the other, but the couple is not perfect by any means). Paul, though, was such a winy person and failed to see everything he did wrong as his fault (red flag much?). It was a rather slow book and rather struggled to get to the action, but once there, the book flew!
I might have wanted more of the book, like giving us more secret glimpses of Anna's life, and having the reader also know the secrets she's privy to, instead, we are just told that she might have done something to avoid losing her part of the money once the divorce is settled.
The writing was short, simple and to the point. Some of the chapters were lengthier than others, but it did end in a manner that made me go "Oh, I want to know more". Some of the repetition from the characters was unnecessary, but a good read nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me an ARC for my honest review.

[Victoria Fensom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Secret Revenge tells the story of Anna and Paul who are in an unhappy marriage, both trying to find the best way to divorce each other without the other knowing. Based on the description of the plot, I was excited to read this book however I found it underwhelming.

It was very slow paced in my opinion, therefore taking me a while to get into it and even when I did, I never felt desperate to read on. The author uses a dual narrative to tell the story which I am usually a huge fan of, however in this book I felt that the different perspectives didn’t provide any different information and just re-told previous chapters, which I felt made for a boring and repetitive read.

There are a few twists and turns throughout the book however there were no major page turners. I really wanted to love this book based on the description and positive reviews, however I felt it was just an ok read and probably wouldn’t recommend it to family and friends. Despite this, I would definitely read other books by this author as I’ve heard very positive things about his books.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole Baxter is one of my favorite authors – I have read five of his books so was thrilled to read this one!
Paul and Anna are headed for a divorce – especially since Anna found out Paul had a mistress, Marianne, who is trying to take over her life as well as her husband. Throw in Marianne’s husband, Cameron, who is trying to kill Paul and a squatter in a house that Paul recently inherited from his uncle – who will survive?
I’m not sure I’ve read too many characters I despised as much as Paul – misogynistic, selfish, self-absorbed, rude – need I go on? Still, the book had me hooked as I had to see how this love triangle ended and if anyone died in the process. Another great read by Cole Baxter!

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

This thriller was even more remarkable than his others I have read in the past; it offered numerous stunning twists and turns and kept me fully engaged due to its elaborate plot. Writing is very good, presenting a good story line and well developed characters with many surprises. I highly recommend this book to all psychological thriller lovers.

Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I’m honest I struggled to like any of the characters in this book but maybe that was the point. It opened up around a wife finding out her husband was having an affair but had also been on a business trip which was actually a boys weekend in Vegas and he used their savings to fund it. At this point most of us world kick him to the curb but she is determined to get even and determined to not let him get her money. When he comes into an inheritance the anti is upped and as she plans to benefit from that as well he is planning a new life with his mistress. As both sides try to get their own way a deadlier story pans out which crashes towards a dark conclusion for everyone. No one in this story has clean hands

[Ⓢ Ⓨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna has sacrificed a lot for her husband. The chance to be a mother, being the most important thing. Her childish, chauvinistic, Mama’s boy, mistake of a husband. Desperate to divorce him, but not so desperate to leave before she gets her hands on half of his inheritance, Anna starts to plan her escape. But when the ex husband of one of Paul’s side chicks comes after him, and bodies start turning up, the two of them find themselves hunkering down and having to live together while they both fear for their lives.

Ooh what a cast of unlikeable people! Everyone had their own bit of deceit going on. I liked the way it all unravelled. There are some good twists and suspenseful scenes (the car chase being my personal favourite).

I enjoyed the dual perspectives, I think Paul’s part was written particularly well. I hated him!

I wish we’d known more about why the sheriff was so standoffish though - what was his relationship to Carlos and what did uncle James do so wrong? Carlos seemed like he could have been so much more integral than he was.

A solid 4 stars from me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read, i didn't particularly like any of the characters especially Paul.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I have read several of books written by Cole Baxter and they are always entertaining. This was the same - a quick, easy and interesting read. While it wasn’t terribly hard to figure out the overall plot, it was still entertaining.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Her Secret Revenge was a complicated vengeance thriller that was pretty satisfying! Anna is married to man baby Paul, a scrub who thinks everything is everyone else’s fault and pays Anna back for supporting him for over a decade by cheating on her and spending their savings. Anna is this close to finally filing for a divorce when Paul inherits his Uncle’s mansion and some cash. Determined to get her due for supporting him for years Anna sticks it out, but also puts a revenge plot in motion that has an unstable war veteran after Paul.

Anna is no victim and while she’s someone you can get behind she’s not faultless. That said, this revenge plot goes deeper and my only advice is to keep an eye on Paul’s mother, Noreen, who redefines loving mother. This wasn’t at all realistic but it sure was a lot of fun!

[Susmita Dhara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

Anna is married to Paul who is a self-centered, self-absorbed, unloyal man with a mistress making things even more complicated. Their constant quarrel makes Anna unhappy. It even gets worse for her when Paul inherits some money. His mother Noreen thinks that he is incapable of mischievous acts, which makes it even harder for Anna. When Paul becomes distant and distant, Anna turns to a private detective and learns everything there is to know about him, but is this what she really needs?

The story was slow-paced, making it hard to get into initially. Even when I got into it, it didn’t have that unputdownable feel. The book uses dual perspectives from Paul and Anna. Unfortunately, the different viewpoints felt repetitive rather than adding depth. There are some twists, but none that made me gasp. I kept waiting for a jaw-dropping moment that never came.

Now, onto the characters. Paul? Oh boy, where do I start? His narcissism made it incredibly difficult to sympathize with him. He’s the kind of character you love to hate, and trust me, I had zero affection for him. On the other side, Anna was refreshing. Her resilience and determination kept me hooked. I honestly wished the story was solely from her perspective - she deserved all the spotlight!

Despite the slow pace and repetitive narrative, the book had some engaging elements. Baxter’s writing style shows promise, and I’m curious to read more of his work.

𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝? Maybe not to everyone, but I’m still curious about Baxter’s other works, given the positive buzz around them. If you enjoy a slow-burn thriller with complicated characters and emotional depth, give it a try. It might just surprise you.

Thank you @netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna and Paul’s marriage is very rocky. Paul does impulsive things like spending lots of their money that they are trying to save. Anna owns a bakery and works hard to improve it. Paul fancies himself as an artist and simply cannot imagine why he has not been successful. So, he has to lower himself to actually works at an office job. Paul’s uncaring selfishness has now evolved into him having a girlfriend and spending money on her. She is a tattoo artist married to an abuser. Tired of being the adult in their marriage, Anna now wants a divorce. But Paul suddenly becomes the heir to his uncle’s mansion outside New York. With the upkeep on the home so high, he is now ready to sell it. That’s what Anna is waiting for so she can then file for divorce and get half of the proceeds of the sale. Now, she has to wait and try to get Paul to move on this. In the meantime, Anna hires a private detective to watch Paul and keep up with his antics. His mother, Noreen, has always babied him and, while Anna likes the woman, she does get tired of her interfering in their business.

Things start to get scary when Marianne’s husband learns of her affair with Paul. The man’s temper is very bad and they all become terrified of what he might do next. Thus, they move into the estate that Paul inherited and that’s when the action truly begins.

This is a scary story but I have to admit that I had quite a few chuckles along the way as I read it. Paul is such an idiot that one has to laugh at his selfish and narcissistic ways. How do people like this manage to make it through their lives? So, come and enjoy this book and see if you can laugh and shake your head at Paul too.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare yourself for liftoff into the next dimension with this one! Good grief. I do not think I have ever disliked a main character as much as I disliked Paul.

Anna is married to Paul, and her income basically supports them. She has always been faithful to him, but she is tired of his excessive spending. She also has a sneaky suspicion that he is having an affair. She wants to divorce him. However, when she finds out he inherited a large home that can be sold, she decides to hold off on divorce so that she can get a little more money from him.

In the meantime, she hires a PI who finds her husband's side piece. She makes a grave error after receiving this information that puts everyone around her in danger.

This was an explosive thriller with one mystery upon another mystery. You will be shaking your head wondering what is coming next. Paul is a complete narcissistic pig who only thinks with his nether regions. I really wanted to choke him myself. I really enjoyed the latter pages of this book as I watched him squirm. Anna's character was interesting, and I felt such empathy for her. However, I quickly realized this woman was not a withering flower. She had brains and intelligence. She could stand her own ground. Paul's mother was another subject matter altogether. Let's just say she is a surprising part of the storyline. You will be burning the midnight oil reading this one. Hang on tight for a wild ride.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Between the Wines book review #69/130 for 2024:
Rating: 4 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Her Secret Revenge
Author: Cole Baxter
Released on July 23, 2024!! Grab your copy today!

Sipping thoughts: You know those books where every character is incredibly dislikable. But you just love to hate them! Baxter’s writing had me in a dilemma of wanting to root for a character who just might not be root-worthy. The level of suspense that he created with Anna and Paul’s marriage and the other characters that were a huge part of their marriage had me on edge. Speaking of marriage, with a marriage like this one, I would much rather remain single for life. Paul is a narcissistic butthole that I can’t imagine any woman wanting to be with, let alone 2 women! Reading this, I could not determine if Anna was guilty in the downfall of her marriage and if she was guilty in acts that happened once her marriage started to break up. There were times when I just shook my head at the crazy antics in this book, but it was very enjoyable, and I appreciated the ending.

Cheers and thank you to @Bookouture, @colebaxterauthor, and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @HerSecretRevenge.

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