The New Marriage

by L.G. Davis

They seem so happy. It’s all a lie…

THE
My hands shake as I hand Mark his coffee, his rich caramel eyes heavy after another sleepless night. I know he’s hiding something, and it’s bad.

But then again, so am I. Under our bed there’s an envelope containing a secret that would turn our lives upside down, and that’s just the start. Mark doesn’t even know my real name.

I’m sure I can trust him, but there are things I can’t tell anyone. And Mark must never know the reason why we met, so soon after his first wife died…

THE
I take the steaming mug from Drew, remembering the first time I saw her by the hospital coffee machine. She was grieving too and now we have a second chance at happiness.

But now I know what she’s been hiding in that box of old photographs, where she thought I’d never look. My wife has been lying about who she is.

I know Drew is scared and I’m going to find out why. But she clearly has no idea how far I’ll go for the people I love. Or the truth about what happened to my last wife…

A totally unputdownable and unbelievably twisty story of betrayal, lies and secrets that will have you gripped to every page and open-mouthed at the twists. Perfect for fans of K.L. Slater, Teresa Driscoll and Freida McFadden.

What readers are saying about The New Marriage:

‘Wow wow wow I never say this about books and here I am - I'm speechless!!… What a rollercoaster of a page-turner. If you're only going to read one book this year, read this one!

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Author L.G. Davis (Liz) creates fast-paced, unpredictable, twisty-turny, psychological thrillers set in small towns. She strives to create characters that feel so real that her readers would want to meet them in real life. She loves to set her thrillers in small towns that, at first sight, look picturesque, but upon closer inspection, dark secrets and dangerous minds threaten the residents.

In addition to being an author, Liz is a self-taught digital artist who enjoys transforming a blank canvas into anything she can imagine.

Her greatest joys in life consist of spending time with her family, reading a good book, watching a great movie, or daydreaming about the next story she wants to bring to life in the future.

Liz Grace Davis was born in a refugee camp in Angola, where she spent the first eight years of her life. She grew up in Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Germany. She now lives with her husband and their two children in Vienna, Austria.

Liz loves connecting with her readers on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LGDavisBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LGDavisAuthor
Website: http://www.author-lgdavis.com

Reviews

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a dark and twisted thriller guaranteed to shock you. L. G. Davis’s books are amazing. Always unique and captivating. This one is no different. A couple twists are obvious but there are plenty to make you gasp and WTF out loud. The ending is perfect.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The New Marriage is a thrills a minute thriller that will have you guessing until the very end.
I’ve read a few of this author’s books and I have enjoyed them immensely and this one is another one that’s worth a read.
Drew and Mark are happily married after both of them losing partners.
But not everyone is happy with this union.
Mark’s sister Sarah is angry and will make sure Drew never replaces his first wife.
Sarah’s best friend Melody was also Mark’s wife.
Drew finds a winning lottery ticket but for her to cash it in she must become public knowledge and she doesn’t want anyone to know her secret past.
But Mark is also hiding secrets.
What happens next is………… well read the book to find out.
A very entertaining psychological experience.
A domestic suburban drama full of interesting characters, a clever plot and that unexpected ending.
Secrets, lies and family drama are just the beginning….

[Shelley Owen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay- let me write a book. If this can get published I can do it too.

There’s no way this is 4 stars I am very confused.

I guess this town they live in is like a Hallmark town? The barber shop doing homeless people’s hair each week? She just happens to befriend a homeless man? Sarah wearing 4 inch heels and all put together- but then her desk and house are a mess and she’s kinda a slob?

Characters didn’t add up. Drew freaking out that her husband drank a beer and basically killed him for it. She didn’t act very sad about it. Drew stalking her 20 year old basically at his work.

It didn’t flow for me. The dialogue was something that didn’t seem natural at all. And Tia. Geez. “You look pale. Are you okay? What’s wrong drew?” Like I’m sorry. I just didn’t like this at all.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a thrilling ride! The New Marriage kept me glued to the pages with its gripping twists and turns. This book isn’t just a story—it’s more like an experience, full of secrets that get more intense and exciting with every chapter. And that twists? It completely floored me!

L.G. Davis tells a story packed with psychological drama, with Drew right in the middle of it all. She’s a really interesting character, full of mystery that slowly comes out in ways that are both surprising and satisfying. Her secret runs through the whole story like a hidden current, keeping you guessing as you try to figure it out.

This is the kind of book that makes you question everyone and everything, with each new reveal pulling you deeper into its maze. It’s dark, suspenseful, and utterly addictive.

[Natalie M]

DNF

[Novel and Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I thought there wouldn’t be any more twists… boy was I wrong! This book started out with a solid plot and I was under the assumption that the rest of the story would be more of the same. Nope!

I was cheering Drew on from the start, but I could sense there was more to her story. I tried to be wary of every character I met along the way, but I wasn’t prepared for the truth.

There is not much more I can say without giving things away. Just know that the characters are well-rounded, the storyline is executed well, and there was never a moment that felt like it wasn’t believable. Trust me, you won’t be bored, and whatever you think the answer is? You’ll most likely be wrong. 😂

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Nivia Suresh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this story had many twists towards the end that I did not guess at all and kept me on my toes all the way through till the epilogue. I read this so quickly and did not want to put it down. I wanted to see how it would end!


I really enjoyed the writing style and am looking forward to reading more books from this author. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

L.G. Davis is such an underrated author. This is the perfect book for those who love family drama and secrets. It starts off on the slower side but it does pick up. It’s full of twists you won’t see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my eARc in exchange for my honest review!

[Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I want to thank LG Davis, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

L.G. Davis is back with another intense, thrilling, fast paced, binge worthy psychological thriller in The New Marriage. It is a story that will hook you in the prologue and keep your attention with all the wicked twists and turns you won’t see coming.

Every book L.G. Comes out more creative than the last. I often wonder where or how she comes up with her storylines.

In The New Marriage the secret the Mother was hiding was huge!!! It was so wrong on so many levels for her to ask her son to keep the secret for her. When we the readers found out about the big secret and how it affected the other characters I was in total shock!!! This put a new spin on the whole book!! Then it led me to more questions!

The New Marriage goes back and forth from present day to back in the day.

[Thao Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book got me out of a slump! It was such a page turner that I ate this book up SO quickly. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Drew and Mark recently got married after both losing their spouse. They are building a new beginning together and Mark worships his new wife. Little does he know that his wife is keeping many many dark secrets from him… as well as hiding a winning lottery ticket! Not sure if I am toxic or what (LOL) but I kept rooting for Drew the entire book even with her dark secrets!

I do enjoy that the book has several different POV — mainly focusing on Drew though. I love how the book jumps from past to present day throughout the book. This gives us more insight on her past which led to her present actions. The book was an easy read with SO many twists. When I thought I had figured it out… I sure did not! Highly recommend! Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Marriage is another superb read by LG David that is filled with suspense and tension. I knew as soon as I finished the prologue I’d be in for a thrilling read and that was most certainly the case. Plenty of twists and turns that had me not wanting to put this book down until the final page. Good well developed characters who I didn’t know which of them if any I could trust. If you want a gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat this is the book for you.

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it had a lot of obvious twists but was an easy going popcorn thriller

[CozyCreepyCo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a ride. I thought I had it figured out more than once, but L.G. Davis kept the twists coming until the very end. The second half completely had me in a chokehold—super fast-paced and full of “wait, what?!” moments.

There’s a lot of clever foreshadowing around the narrator’s past, and the way it all unravels is so satisfying. I definitely got pulled into the suspense and couldn’t stop flipping pages once things really kicked off.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC! If you’re into psychological thrillers with secrets, twists, and tension you can feel, this one’s worth picking up.

Rating: 4 stars

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by LG Davis! She is so underrated and I never guess her plot twists! Can’t wait to read more!

[Sherry Martin-Shores · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok

I feel like I wasted my time on this book. It was ok. There are much better books I could have read. Don't waste your time on this one.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two separate tragedies force Drew and Mark into a precarious new life together, living under the shadow of their shared losses. Drew, still secretly dealing with the death of Dean—her only son, Jason’s father—finds herself married to Mark, a man equally haunted by the loss of his beloved wife, Melody. Their union, born of necessity and desperation, is far from harmonious.
Jason is wary of his mother’s sudden marriage, knowing that nothing is as it seems. Meanwhile, Mark’s sister, Sarah, is determined to protect her brother's memory of his late wife. She sees Drew as an intruder and is convinced there is something sinister lurking beneath her polished façade.
Drew and Mark's financial struggles deepen, leaving them on the brink of despair. Yet, just when hope seems lost, Drew stumbles upon a potential solution—something that could rescue them from their mounting debts and provide Jason the help he desperately needs to combat a resurging addiction. However, this lifeline comes at a steep price: Drew must conceal her true identity, a secret so perilous that even Mark cannot know.
As Drew struggles to maintain her carefully constructed facade, Sarah is relentless in her pursuit of the truth. She senses the deception and is determined to expose Drew, convinced that doing so will free her family from Drew’s shadow.
But as the layers of secrecy begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Drew is not the only one with something to hide. Everyone in their intertwined lives harbors secrets—none benign, all explosive. The tension builds to a fever pitch as each character grapples with the lengths they will go to protect their truths. In a world where trust is fragile and deception is currency, who will emerge unscathed, and who will pay the ultimate price for keeping their secrets buried?
From the very first page, The New Marriage by L.G. Davis had me completely enthralled. As someone who loves psychological thrillers, I was eager to dive into this standalone novel, and it did not disappoint. The prologue set the stage for a spellbinding journey, much like a locomotive that picks up speed with each passing chapter. The suspense was palpable, and the intensity never let up. I found myself on edge, unable to predict the next twist, which kept my adrenaline pumping throughout. Every revelation was perfectly timed, making it clear that L.G. Davis has a knack for weaving a story that is as unpredictable as it is gripping. The narrative's brisk pace and riveting plot ensured that my attention never wavered, drawing me deeper and deeper into the labyrinth of secrets that L.G. Davis masterfully crafted.
At the heart of the novel are its characters—Drew, Sarah, and Mark—each bringing a unique perspective to the unfolding drama. L.G. Davis skillfully develops these characters, making them feel incredibly real and complex. The interplay between them is electric, charged with tension and uncertainty. I often found myself questioning their motives, wondering who to trust, which only added to the thrill of the story. The intricate relationships between the characters are pivotal, each contributing to the suspense and the sense of foreboding that permeates the narrative. As their individual stories intertwine, the depth of their emotions and the complexity of their interactions painted a vivid picture of a web of intrigue that was impossible to escape.
The novel's structure, with its multiple timelines, is a testament to L.G. Davis's storytelling prowess. This approach allowed me to delve into the mysterious backstories of the characters and understand how their pasts have shaped their present. The seamless transition between timelines adds layers to the narrative, enhancing the suspense and building toward the explosive climax. As the story hurtled toward its conclusion, I found myself transfixed, utterly captivated by the secrets, lies, and hidden motives that were slowly unraveling. The ending was nothing short of a masterstroke—a shocking finale that left me reeling and appreciative of the journey I had just been on. For anyone who revels in the psychological thriller genre, The New Marriage is an absolute must-read. It's a novel that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page, and I can confidently say it is one of the best I've read in a long time.

Book Rating:
Originality: 5.0/5.0
Plot Structure: 5.0/5.0
Pacing: 5.0/5.0
Dialogue: 5.0/5.0
Personal Enjoyment: 5.0/5.0
Cover Design: 5.0/5.0 (Not averaged in the overall rating.)
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 (Rating will be rounded up due to platforms not allowing partial ratings.)

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: The New Marriage by L.G. Davis

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

L.G. Davis has once again crafted a psychological thriller that grips readers from the very first page and refuses to let go until the final, jaw-dropping twist. The New Marriage is a chilling, addictive read packed with deception, secrets, and shocking revelations that will leave you breathless.

From the outset, we are introduced to Drew and Mark, a couple seemingly given a second chance at love after devastating losses. But beneath the surface, both are harboring dark secrets. Drew, whose very identity is a fabrication, lives in constant fear of her past being uncovered. Meanwhile, Mark, still haunted by the suspicious circumstances surrounding his first wife’s death, begins to realize his new wife isn’t who she claims to be. The dual perspectives of Drew and Mark add layers of intrigue and psychological depth, making it impossible to discern who—if anyone—can truly be trusted.

L.G. Davis masterfully weaves a narrative full of tension, expertly pacing each revelation to keep the reader on edge. Just when you think you have the story figured out, another shocking twist emerges, flipping everything on its head. The characters are complex and flawed, making their unraveling all the more compelling. The uncertainty surrounding their motives keeps the suspense high, with every page laced with the possibility of danger.

One of the most impressive aspects of The New Marriage is its ability to balance psychological tension with emotional depth. Drew’s internal conflict, Mark’s suspicions, and the unraveling of their fragile trust make for an emotionally charged read that goes beyond the typical thriller formula. The atmospheric writing and intricate plotting ensure that every clue and revelation serves a purpose, making the final act all the more satisfying—and utterly shocking.

Fans of domestic thrillers like Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us will be enthralled by this addictive, fast-paced novel. If you love books that keep you up all night, turning pages in a frenzy, The New Marriage is an absolute must-read. L.G. Davis has delivered another masterpiece that will leave readers reeling long after the final page.

[Lazymum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will throw you headfirst into a dilemma: you find a winning lottery ticket – jackpot! – but it's not yours. Do you claim the cash or do the right thing?

Drew, the protagonist, is in a situation where she needs to either claim the prize that isn't hers or put it back in the place where she found it. She, who already has a secret past, desperately wants to keep it hidden from her new husband and a son to protect. The pressure's on because time's ticking, and she wrestles with desperation for money, knowing that claiming the cash could expose the secrets she's desperate to bury.

The first half felt a bit of a slog. Some of which felt unnecessary and slowed the pace down considerably. It was a chore to get through at times, leaving me feeling lost in the details.
There was also so much going on, and I felt off. It was not exciting, but simultaneously, I wanna know what would happen, what everyone was hiding, what secrets they were burying, and how far they were willing to go to keep them buried.
But things pick up dramatically around the 80% mark; the plot really kicks into gear, and there are some genuinely shocking twists. However, the ending let me down a bit again. I found myself with unanswered questions about Trina, the nurse. Where did she go? The open-ended conclusion can sometimes be intriguing, but in this case, it just felt unsatisfying. It was almost like the author left out a key piece of the puzzle, and now I'm wondering if I missed something along the way. (Did I overlook it? Please tell me if I did.)

Overall, the book has potential – the central idea is strong, and the later parts of the story are genuinely gripping. Whether or not you'll enjoy it as much as I did is a matter of personal preference. Still, I think many readers will appreciate the moral complexity and the suspenseful twists—many thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

[Karen Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New Marriage LG Davis

5 stars
What an amazing storyteller!

This is the 5th book that I have read by this author and they are always brilliant, so full of dark secrets and twists and turns.

Drew met Mark at the hospital when his wife had been in a hit and run accident. Melody died from her injuries and two years later, Drew who had been a shoulder to cry on is now happily married to Mark. However, Mark's sister Sarah was devastated when Melody died and cannot accept Drew and is always comparing her to her sister-in-law in a very negative way.

The story begins when Drew finds a lottery ticket on a bench and discovers that it is worth 90,000 dollars. However she cannot claim the money because the publicity will uncover her secrets. Mark is struggling with his business due to his breakdown when his first wife died and this money would enable them to fulfil all their dreams.

As the book progresses we learn not only about Drew's story but also the secrets hidden by Mark, Sarah and even Drew's 20 year old son Jason. The story is told by different characters in the book and just when I thought I had worked out what had happened there was another twist.

I read this book in a couple of days because I really wanted to know what was going to happen but even at the end there was yet another twist that I really did not see coming. Highly recommended.

Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net galley

[Becka 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤍𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓶𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓰𝓮 🤍

Stars: 4⭐️

genre: psychological thriller

Publication Date: April 29 2025


Blurb: Marc and drew are newly married both with mysterious pasts that they don’t want eachother to find out about Marc’s sister is determined to get rid of Drew but Drew isn’t going down without a fight. Once Marc finds out Drew’s secret he’s worried she’s going to find out his. Will this be the end of their marriage? Or is there “perfect” marriage all a lie?

Opinion: I always judge a book by the prologue (I know a terrible habit, but one I can’t break). If the prologue grasp my attention I am excited to read further but, if it doesn’t capture my attention I dread reading on. Thankfully this book capture my attention by leaving off with an insane cliffhanger. I absolutely loved this book, each chapter had me on the edge of my seat grasping at straws trying to figure out what’s going on before the novel ends. I have to say the last 35% of the book had me on the edge of my seat so much was happening and everything was coming to a hault. I am so mad at myself that I wasn’t able to figure out what was happening before the book ended but, I did throughly enjoy this read. It held my attention, kept my on my toes and made me want to not put it down.


**thank you to NetGalley and Bookoture for allowing me to read this ARC**

[Carrie Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒂𝒈𝒐, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆.

There were a lot of layers to this domestic thriller, which I really enjoyed. I thought the plot was going to be standard and straightforward--it was anything but! Main character Drew is newly married to Mark, who is still grieving his dead wife. Even though he's dedicated to building a life with her, Drew still feels her presence everywhere. To make matters worse, Mark's sister was good friends with her and uses every chance she gets to remind Drew that she's unwelcome.

Then Drew finds herself in a desperate situation--she finds a lottery ticket that ends up being a big winner. But in order to claim the prize, she'll get a lot of public attention, and that's the last thing she wants. The reader is aware that she's hiding something, but to give up almost a million dollars? Her secret must be a big one.

The last 30% or so, everything just became unhinged, and I couldn't read quickly enough. All the lies (and there are SO many) are exposed, and everyone involved reaches a boiling point. The twists were cleverly done, and I will definitely be reading more of this author's work! Thank you so much to Bookouture for this early copy. This title will publish April 29, 2025.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine finding a winning lottery ticket for nearly $1 million on a park bench, with no idea who the previous owner was. Would you claim it?

This is exactly what happens to Drew Reynolds. Her new marriage to Mark is already strained, and claiming the lottery ticket would thrust her into the spotlight. Drew is Mark’s second wife, and his sister Sarah disapproves of her presence, seeing her as an interloper. On a larger scale, Drew and Mark are struggling financially and are at risk of losing their home. Keeping the ticket’s true origin a secret is a lie, but it’s not the only one Drew has told Mark. It’s not the only lie she’s living.

The winning prize could solve many of Drew and Mark’s problems, but she knows it’s not an option. The decision of how much to tell Mark is overwhelming, all while Sarah is determined to prove that Mark’s marriage to Drew was a mistake.

This domestic drama is a compelling and multi-layered story with intriguing characters. Lies are the central theme, along with the mystery of their motives and the long-term consequences of living a life filled with secrets and deception. L. G. Davis’s latest book offers excellent pacing and intense drama, with an easy connection to at least some of the characters.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars (rounded up)

After both of them lost their spouses, Drew and Mark found happiness again together. But Drew has some secrets that could blow it all up.

While I did find the premise intriguing and was really think I'd love it, this was a bit of a let down for me. The story itself felt like it lacked a clear direction, there was so much going on, and the twists were so predictable, yet so incredibly out there that it felt almost comical at points. There was only one thing that truly did get me, but the more I sit on it, the more it feels so extremely rushed and just thrown in there for shock value. The characters were all off, and while I usually don't have any issues with not liking characters in this genre of books, I do have issues with how plain and not fleshed out they were, because the potential was definitely there. It also felt like it was dragging a little in certain bits, but that wasn't extremely bad. That said, it was fairly quick to read, and it did keep me entertained whenever I picked it up. I really liked the writing, and I wish I liked it more than I did, because I really do think it has potential, and I'm sure there are people who will absolutely love it.

Many thanks to Bookouture & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[M Soh · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

The New Marriage dives into a mystery within a mystery within a mystery, and I while that may seem over complicated rest assured, this was as engaging as it was a solid thriller to read.

Drew and her new husband Mark are struggling to make ends meet - sure they have a great marriage, despite constant reminders of Mark’s first wife around the house and his too close for comfort and too rude to Drew sister, but financial troubles are bearing down on the couple. It feels like the lucky break they need when Drew finds a lottery ticket, but this opens up a whole host of issues, starting with Drew being terrified that by claiming the prize her past will catch up with her and her son.

Super twisty, everyone in this book is hiding something and some of those secrets are crazy (just suspend disbelief here), but unlike other stories where getting from A to B is way too far a leap, The New Marriage makes sense in terms of the story. I enjoyed this thriller in a sea of similar concepts that aren’t as well done, so if you’re a vet of the genre I think you’d quite like it, and if you’re new to it, this will have you picking up more thrillers and mysteries.

[Sarah Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was well paced and hooked me from the very beginning, an absolute page turner!

To begin with - HUGE thank you to Netgalley and L.G. Davis for allowing me to read this early, I enjoyed it so much so that I read it in 2 days! I knew this book would be right up my alley when I came across it on Netgalley, and will definitely be checking out more of L.G. Davis's works!

My mind was constantly in knots, trying to guess at all the secrets that each character was hiding, especially the further I got through the book the more my mind mind reeled, thinking I had figured it out but then being left stumped again, probably catching flies with my mouth hanging open so much!

I do so love a book that keeps me on my toes and keeps me guessing, I LOVE the twists and turns and feeling a little left in the dark, to have it all come together so perfectly at the end.

We mostly follow the POV of Drew, who I really came to like and was rooting for throughout the book, even knowing she has her own hidden secrets, I especially connected with a quote early on -
"I feel like a character in a story that doesn't quite belong or was written in a little too late", I feel that Drew, I feel that.

[Mollie May · Rating 3 out of 5]

•First off, many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC in exchange for my honest review•

~Well that was pretty crazy! The book throws you head first into an epic dilemma… finding a winning lottery ticket and deciding whether or not to claim the money!

In my opinion the first half felt a bit of a drag. Some parts felt unnecessary to the storyline and some parts were heavily repetitive… be warned you’ll get sick of hearing about the MC going for a jog🤦🏼‍♀️ I didn’t find any of the characters relatable or likeable, without giving any spoilers… the MC is a huge push-over and it amazed me how she gets walked all over. This made it tricky to maintain my engagement with the book.

However, around the 75% mark, it soon picked up and secrets were spilling all over the place! Within the nice short chapters, there were many twists and some were very unpredictable and shocking! It made it a much more enjoyable read from then on.

Overall there’s a lot of potential in this book and I think many readers will enjoy the intricate details and suspenseful twists this book has to offer⭐️⭐️⭐️~

*Publication date - 29th April 2025*

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Drew: My hands shake as I hand Mark his coffee, his rich caramel eyes heavy after another sleepless night. I know he's hiding something, and it's bad. But then again, so am I. Under our bed is an envelope containing a secret that would turn our world upside down, and that's just the start. Mark doesn't even know my real name.

Mark: I take the steaming mug from Drew, remembering the first time I saw her by the hospital coffee machine. She was grieving too, and now we have a second chance at happiness. But I know what she's been hiding in that box of photographs, where she thought I'd never look. My wife has been lying to me about who she is.

The pace is slow to begin with. I can't say too much about this book for fear that I might give something away. I was totally gripped in this twisted read from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed. I was on the edge of my seat trying to second guess everything. I was rooting for Drew even though she had dark secrets.

Published 29th April 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LGDavis for my ARC of #TheNewMarriage in exchange for an honest review.

[Krissy Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A winding road of twists and turns, A New Marriage asks the question - how much do you truly know someone, and how long can a secret truly be a secret?

A New Marriage follows Drew and her husband Mark, having been recently married and adjusting to life after they both lost their first spouses. Drew and Mark do their best to blend their families by having dinner with Mark's over protective sister, Sarah, and Drew's recently sober son, Jason, although the tension is always high. Mark and Drew's own relationship seems strained by money problems, as well as issues from Mark's meddling sister. Things seem to turn around when Drew finds a winning lotto ticket - the winning sum a life changing amount. The only issue? To claim it would mean revealing secrets no one was meant to know.

Every time you think you know where this story is headed, there's a twist or turn you don't see coming. L.G. Davis does a great job of keeping you on your toes while also keeping you glued to the page, waiting to see what happens next.

I especially loved the twist I the epilogue - I immediately went to re-read part of the book because of it. Very well done!!

[Patricia Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a domestic twist, The New Marriage by L.G. Davis is the kind of book that grabs you early and doesn’t let go.

The story follows Drew, a woman trying to navigate what seems like an ideal marriage with her husband, Mark—until she begins to uncover unsettling truths. From the beginning, Davis does a great job planting subtle clues that something isn’t quite right. What I appreciated most was how the tension built steadily, not just from shocking events but through the emotional weight of secrets, mistrust, and manipulation.

Without spoiling anything, there’s a major twist later in the book that genuinely caught me off guard—which is rare for me in this genre. The dynamic between Drew and Mark’s sister, though, felt a bit uncomfortable at times and might leave you with mixed feelings, especially if you’re sensitive to morally grey or manipulative character interactions.

That said, if you enjoy books where no one can be trusted, and every chapter pulls the rug out from under you, this is definitely worth reading. It’s fast-paced, emotionally charged, and just twisted enough to keep you flipping pages late into the night.

[dreamlightwolfsbane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose The New Marriage mainly because of the cover, then I was intrigued by the blurb, and I went in with an open mind. Early on, it felt like it could be a solid domestic thriller, but by the halfway point it had become repetitive and frustratingly slow, with little progression or new developments.

I liked the world building and thought the setting and characters were fleshed out well, but the main character felt incredibly naive, making some truly baffling decisions. It was hard to root for someone who seemed so unaware of everyone around her. I’m usually happy to suspend disbelief if the ride is fun or engaging – sadly this wasn’t one of those books for me. The twists piled on top of each other and became more far-fetched as the story progressed, and the final act was so dramatic it bordered on soap opera territory.

That said, I didn’t hate the read. The beginning had promise, and I was curious to learn the secrets hinted at early on. But it definitely wasn’t fast paced, and I wouldn’t call it gripping either. Just a bit too much drama and not enough substance.

I’d like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley and L.G. Davis for this ARC.