The Woman at the Door

by Cole Baxter

This is one invitation he should have ignored...

Billionaire CEO David Evans is used to being in control. He built his pharmaceutical empire from the ground up, bending people and circumstances to his will. His wealth makes him untouchable, his power undeniable. But when a seductive stranger walks into his life, David learns the hard way that not everything can be bought.

Audra Lachman is captivating, dangerous, and—most of all—patient. What begins as a weekend of passion quickly turns into something far more sinister. Isolated in his mansion, David finds himself growing weaker, his body failing him in ways he can’t explain. The walls close in, his security systems fail, and Audra is always there, watching, waiting.

Then, he realizes the horrifying she’s not working alone. And the people pulling the strings want far more than just his money.

To escape, David must become the thing he despises most—a man without power, stripped of everything he once controlled. But in this deadly game of deception, wealth means nothing. And survival? That will cost him everything.

The Woman At The Door is a gripping psychological thriller packed with shocking twists, dark secrets, and a battle of wills that will keep you hooked until the final, chilling page. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and Tarryn Fisher.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

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

[Mary Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish, it was the same just about every chapter man loves himself and cares only about himself sorry nothing against author I’ve read several of his books this just didn’t hit me right!

[Ashley Cestra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I really enjoyed this book! I wouldn’t say it was a breathtaking twist because I saw what was happening from a mile away, but it was an enjoyable read! I was entertained by the characters and liked how the plot unfolded! This is my first time reading this author and I will gladly read more!

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I love Cole Baxter novels, this one just didn’t have all the best parts that I’ve come to know and love. The biggest disappointment…it was so obvious who the real perpetrator of the ‘crime’ was after about the third page! Dang…I like his twisty endings so much better. So even though it was really evident to me, this is still a good solid read. The storyline is very good; the characters will really get you going; the plot twists and turns are quite diabolical—especially if you haven’t figured out what is going on; and while there is no truly romantic HEA, there’s still a lot for the characters to be thankful for. So I encourage you to grab a copy of this book and give it a read. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and while it isn’t my most favorite book…it’s still a good read.) 👍👍

[Steven Chatman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woman at the door was an interesting read for me. The book started out hot but hit a definite lull for me in the middle chapters that made it tough to press on. I enjoyed Coles writing style, but the book itself was littered with spelling and grammatical issues as well as certain words being repeated time and again (ie. deluded) which gives me a very AI writing feel.

I did enjoy the story for the most part hit guessed the ending pretty early into the boom when the character of Audra came into the picture. Despite the few shortcomings for me personally I enjoyed the book for what it was and would check out more of the authors works in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I'd read a book about a narcisstic sob as the protagonist. I have extreme indigestion.

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.25 Stars**


𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Billionaire CEO David Evans has always thrived on control. He forged his pharmaceutical empire from nothing, manipulating people and situations with ease. His immense fortune shields him, his influence is unquestioned. But everything changes when an alluring stranger steps into his world—proving that some things can’t be bought or bent to his will.
Audra Lachman is magnetic, mysterious, and—above all—calculating. What starts as a weekend of fiery indulgence soon descends into something darker. Trapped within his opulent estate, David’s health begins to decline inexplicably. His fortress becomes a prison, his defenses crumble, and Audra never leaves his side—watching, waiting.
Then comes a chilling revelation: she’s not acting alone. And those orchestrating this twisted game aren’t after his wealth—they want much more.
To survive, David must relinquish everything he once believed made him powerful. In a battle where influence is worthless and trust is a deadly gamble, he’ll have to pay the ultimate price just to make it out alive.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This was a quick, engaging psychological thriller that had me hooked at the start. It follows David, a super arrogant, self-centered guy who finally meets someone who can outplay him—Audra. She's sharp, mysterious, and knows exactly what she’s doing. Loved seeing her turn the tables on him.
The book starts off hot and intense, which I really enjoyed. But I’ll be honest—the middle dragged a bit for me. It lost some of that early momentum, and it was tough to stay fully invested for a few chapters.
That said, the ending pulled me back in. I had a good guess where it was going, but I still liked how it played out. The twist wasn’t shocking, but it was satisfying.
Overall, a fun, twisty read. Not perfect, but definitely worth picking up if you’re into mind games and power shifts.

Thank you @Booksirens for allowing me to review this ARC.

[Tina A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of a bitter divorce, a weekend getaway trip to a wealthy resort is where David Evans flees to clear his mind. David, an arrogant, overly confident, controlling, misogynistic, billionaire CEO of a pharmaceutical company enjoys a weekend of frolicking with a beautiful woman who appears on his lust radar that first night. Normally his cockiness, lack of empathy and disregard for others prevents him from connecting on an emotional level with others, but Audra Lachman possesses a charming, irresistible allure.

An accident occurs that allows for Audra to nurse him back to health back in his mansion. But why is it that David becomes less agile and more reliant under Audra’s watch? Is someone seeking retribution, or is it more a question of ‘who’?

Respectfully, Author- Cole Baxter, does a remarkable job of creating the most despicable male character I have ever read. He was so awful I had to take a break after the first several chapters. David’s internal thoughts and monologue were incredulous, misogynist and filthy to the point it just became a humorous read, because it left me in anticipation of his impending downfall.

If twisty retribution tropes thrill you and you don’t mind crude language, then The Woman at the Door might be just for you.

***I obtained a free copy from BookSirens, and this is my honest review***

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksirens" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a story about David Evans who believes he is a gift to woman. He is in a fight with Selena, his soon to be ex-wife, over the terms for a divorce. He believes that Selena doesn't deserve anything, however Selena wants the money that she inherited from her father on which David built his fortune. David believes that she was repaid with what her lifestyle was during the marriage. David winds up upset and to feel better, he decided to go to a ski result to meet other women.

At the result he meets Audra and they hit it off. They even get together when they leave the resort. David gets drunk one night and winds up in an accident and is taken to the hospital where he resides for several days. Lucky for David that Audra is a nurse and as a result she moves in to take care of him when he is released. David is now completely reliant on Audra for everything.

To discover what Audra's intentions are and how David is affected, then you need to read this book.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire CEO David Evans built his pharmaceutical empire from the ground up and thinks his wealth makes him untouchable. But when a seductive stranger walks into his life, David learns the hard way that not everything can be bought. Audra Lachman is captivating, dangerous, and patient. What begins as a weekend of passion quickly turns into something far more sinister. Isolated in his mansion, David finds himself growing weaker, his body failing him in ways he can’t explain. Then David finds out she is not working alone.
This story had me hooked from the beginning and kept me interested until the end – part romance, part Misery. I hated David at the beginning but even started to feel a little sorry for him as the story went on with Audra in charge. My only complaint about the book was the amount of “F-bombs”. I think it would have been just as great a book without so many.

[Nikki B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love thrillers, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. David is a CEO of a pharmaceutical company who is going through a divorce. While the plot of the story is intriguing, the way David treats women in his life was... annoying. He treated everyone as disposable. Everyone should be kissing his feet and worshipping him every second. His personality was absolutely annoying. In the midst of his divorce, in comes, Audra. The twists in the story were pretty obvious and just the general direction of the book overall. It was pretty fast paced, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. I just think this story wasn't for me personally. I like my thrillers with a bit more suspense and thrill. But, if you're looking for something fast paced and predictable, I'd recommend this one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Woman at the Door is a page turning, suspenseful, psychological thriller that had me captivated from the first page until the last. This is one of those books that once I started reading it I didn't stop until the final page. The mystery, danger, and plot twists had me on the edge of my seat, and the intrigue, betrayal, and interesting characters made this psychological thriller a great read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Carmen Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. The story kept me reading with its unexpected twists and turns. Loved the surprise ending. It was very well written describing the characters and the changes as Audra took control and the ending was a complete surprise. It is so well written you felt the changes in David's personality as Audra's control increased. The best book I have read this year and I read a lot.

[Fariza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, engaging psychological thriller featuring a self-centred, arrogant man who finally meets his match in Audra—a woman who knows how to play his game just as well, if not better. While neither character is particularly likeable, the tension and clever power shifts between them kept me hooked from start to finish. The author does a great job building suspense, making it an entertaining and satisfying read. Thanks to Book Sirens for the advanced copy!

[Maureen kilgannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nail biter

Cole Baxter has done it again, He really twisted the book. I did not see the end coming and was surprised wow. I loved the book and from the first page could not put it down. This is well written and enjoyable. I recommend all of his books. They are all nail biters

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love escaping into a Cole Baxter novel, you know what you are going to get from the start. This time I felt a bit disconnected with all the talk about sex and it being so graphic at times. From about the middle it got really good what I was expecting and it worked well. I knew what was going to happen but the how was really interesting.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to see a new book from this author, and it didn't disappoint at all. This book was a true thriller. There was suspense, betrayal, manipulation, and so much more. I, at one point, swore that Audra had a twin and they had somehow switched places, I never even suspected the ex-wife. The ending was a surprise, a good one.

[Judith D Arrington · Rating 2 out of 5]

The general plot was ok…

…but the constant repetition of thoughts and imaginings was unbearable! The clueless, increasing use of commas and improper grammar throughout was annoying and distracting. The “Breathtaking Twist “ of plot was obvious from early on. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

[Stephanie Buckridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you answered your front door and there was a woman there who said she had an affair with your husband? Would you believe her? Would you shut the door in her face, or invite her in?
This twisted tale was a page-turner for anyone who enjoys plot twists and storylines with unstable people.
Great read!

[Shelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to get to read an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it although I felt towards the end it was kinda slow for a few chapters. With that said it had a lot of twists that I did not see coming. For the most part it kept me drawn in to find out what happens at the end. It is definitely worth the read and I highly recommend it!

[Margaret A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one of the few books that I just had to stop reading. It seemed like chapter after chapter kept repeating the same thing redundantly. I got it that he thought he did not owe his wife a dime in their divorce even though she gave him $35 million to start his successful business. I got it the first time or two but it hit me wrong after the sixth or seventh time.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. David Evans is going through a divorce after his wife has had enough but he can't see his faults ,because of his ego. Now he going to learn a hard lesson. This story has alot of twists.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great thriller that kept me engaged from beginning to end. It’s full of questions, suspense, betrayal, action and a surprise twist I didn’t see coming. It’s a very well written and enjoyable read.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension builds slowly but steadily in this thriller from Cole Baxter. The author did a great job at making me hate the unreliable narrator, David Evans. Rich, narcissistic, and a bully -- it's hard to figure out who might be punishing him, no one likes him! Or is it even happening at all?

[Catherine Corry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story line. At times I felt a bit confused but I think that was on purpose. All in all a good read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joy Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Normally I love all Cole Baxter books, but this one, not so much. Page after page was so duplicative. Over and over again it was the same thing. I ended up skimming the last 1/3 of the book because I just couldn’t take it anymore.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A billionaire and company owner cheats on his wife and she files for divorce. He uses women for his own pleasure. He meets one woman at a ski resort who says she is a nurse. When he is in an auto accident, she moves in to take care of him after surgery. He becomes a prisoner in his own house.

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wish I could rate this lower than a one. The title of the first chapter is "A F_ing headache". I counted ten F words in just the first chapter. Did not finish this book and will not be reading anymore of his filth.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good!

This book was indeed a gripping, psychological thriller that kept me enthralled to the end. There was some repetitive phrases going on throughout, and I did pretty much guess the twist at the end. But I loved it, and I will read more from this author.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, amazing and a true twister.

[Kathy Lee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WHAT A READ!! It will stay with me for quite a while. I kinda anticipated the ending, but he’s done it again. He’s one of my favorite authors.