His Other Woman

by Valerie Keogh

Fiona Carlton has never needed a man to make her life complete. Until she meets charming, handsome and sophisticated Richard. She is consumed, first by lust, then by a love for him that overwhelms her. The only problem? Richard already has a wife. But a little detail like that isn’t going to stand in Fiona’s way…

Richard’s wife, Lydia, however, is not a woman to be trifled with. She’s sacrificed everything for her husband, been the perfect stay-at-home wife and mother, raised two beautiful children, built a happy home full of memories. She refuses to stand by and watch a woman like Fiona take what’s hers.

But when both women discover the truth about the man they love, everything changes…

And Richard is about to learn that if a woman scorned is dangerous, two wronged women are deadly.

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Psychological Thriller

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2025

About the author

Valerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a twisty read! Valerie Keogh is an auto-read author because she always creates unputdownable thrillers. His Other Woman is no exception. “In a dog-eat-dog world, she’d learnt it was the bitch who survived.” The previous quote exemplifies the strong women who dominate this tale of betrayal and revenge. I was gripped by this original and cleverly crafted plot. The story was unpredictable and full of countless twists and turns. The conclusion was shocking and satisfying. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is prolific popcorn thriller author Valerie Keogh having a speed writing contest with prolific author Freida McFadden?

If so, who is the winner?
❓🥇🏆🥇🤷🤷‍♀️❓

The book's premise was intriguing:
A woman scorned is dangerous; two wronged women scorned are deadly.

The book starts strong, quickly building tension as two women realize that the deeply flawed man they both love has deceived them both.

The book's twists were plentiful and meticulously placed.

Overall, the author did a superb job of putting a compelling new spin on the classic trope of infidelity.

WHY NOT 5 STARS?
At times, the book's middle section felt repetitive and slightly drawn out.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Rose Robinson, one of my favorite narrators.

Even though Rose Robinson's narration was 10-star, the book would have benefited from two narrators since it unfolded from two POVs.

[Nancy Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Other Women by Valerie Keogh is a sharp, emotional psychological thriller that pulls you right into the tangled relationships between Lydia, Fiona, and Richard. I really enjoyed how Keogh built these characters, they all felt incredibly desperate in their own way, caught between love, betrayal, and self-deception. On some small level, I even felt sorry for all of them.

Lydia, the betrayed wife of forty years, and Fiona, the “other woman,” are both complex and layered. And then there’s Richard, charming, damaged, and emotionally immature in ways that make sense once Keogh reveals his past. I really appreciated how Keogh explored the root of Richard’s behavior, showing how being sexually taken advantage of as a fourteen-year-old teenager shaped the way he related to women and the world. It’s not an easy topic to read about, but it added real depth and empathy to his character.

What I liked most was how Keogh avoided turning this into just another “scorned woman” story. She gives us all three perspectives, the husband, the wife, and the mistress, and lets readers see the messy, human side of everyone involved. From what I’ve seen, most readers seem to take sides, but I think that’s the brilliance of the book: there’s no simple villain here, only flawed people making terrible choices.

As in all her books, Keogh writes with a perfect rhythm, that steady, psychological beat that keeps you reading long past bedtime. Every chapter builds quietly until it all explodes in that final, haunting twist.

A haunting, beautifully paced psychological thriller that dives deep into the hearts of flawed people. Keogh once again proves she’s a master of emotional tension.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for the Advanced Readers Copy.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another roaring success for this author, it has all the trademarks of the Pyschological thriller we have come to expect but also there is something a bit different too….

The book focuses on Fiona ( the wife ) and Lydia ( the mistress ) and the rather smarmy Richard who appears not only to not know his wife of 30 years and her capabilities when pushed but also is unaware of his mistresses deep feelings towards him….he really should have been more prepared for what would happen when the 2 of them found out his secret….and what a secret

It is written very cleverly giving an insight into all 3’s feelings and I did side with Fiona but it was really interesting how the 2’s reactions to each other was at times mixed,as well as hatred often a begrudging respect was tagged onto the venomous feelings they had for each other

The scene re lift graffiti was very funny and shocking and can just imagine both women’s faces at the outcome

A good ending that made you wonder……

Great exciting storytelling from this favourite author.

[Diane Merritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant book with a crazy meeting of two people that cause a tangled web of dishonesty, truth, murder, crazy thrill of a ride reading this book.

Thanks to the author the publisher and Netgalley for a early release of this book.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

HIS OTHER WOMAN an addictive, thriller from Valerie Keogh, author of NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER The Nurse.

Her Standalone Novels Include:
The Trophy Wife (2014) aka Exit Five from Charing Cross
Secrets Between Us (2018)
The Housewife (2019)
The Three Women (2020)
The Perfect Life (2020)
The Lawyer (2020) aka The Deadly Truth / The Whispers' Echo
The Little Lies (2021)
The Lies He Told (2021)
The Couple in the Photograph (2021)
The Housekeeper (2022)
A Taste of Deceit (2022)
The Lodger (2022)
The Widow (2022)
The Librarian (2023)
The Nurse (2023)
The Mistress (2024)
The Mother (2024)
The Wives (2024)
The Bookseller (2025)
The Writer (2025)
His Other Woman (2025)
The Sister (2025)

This is my review of His Other Woman.

Fiona Carlton is a successful business woman who is independent and never needed a man to be complete until she meets charming, handsome and sophisticated Rich. She falls in love with him…but there is one problem…he’s married. But this isn’t going to stop her from getting her man.

Richard’s wife, Lydia, has sacrificed everything for her husband, been the perfect stay-at-home wife and mother, raised two beautiful children, built a happy home full of memories. She refuses to stand by and watch a woman like Fiona take what’s hers.

And then the cat’s claws come out. Both women obsessed fighting for the same man.

But when both women discover the truth about the man they love, everything changes…

And Richard underestimated the two women in his life and how dangerous this could be.

The chapters alternate between Fiona’s and Lydia’s viewpoints. The plot is well-paced, and the characters are well-developed. I found this a very enjoyable read.

Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my digital copy.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIS OTHER WOMAN BY VALERIE KEOGH
Release date set for the 3rd of November 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
I love the cover for this book.
His other woman is told in multiple POVs from both the women and sometimes the husband.
It's an addictive domestic suspense thriller and I was all here for it

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh is one of my faves authors so I’m
always excited when she has a new book coming out. This book was one wild ride and I loved the many twists she threw in. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published November 2025.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.

Richard’s wife, Lydia will not let her husband of over forty years just leave her.Fiona will not let some old wife to stop her from being with Richard.Once Richard secret is revealed,those two women find themself bonded to get revenge.
The question is will Richard go out from all this affair unscratched?

Full of tension this book was a fast read.Told from few POV,I get chance to know all charscters,and the best was Lydia in my opinion.Loving,kind but then when needed cruel and cold.This book grab my attention and didn't let go,the ending and twist disturbing.My first book by this author and hope to read more.

I would recommend this book for thriller with twist fans.

Thank you netgalley and Boldwoodpublisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh’s His Other Woman is a twisty and fast paced domestic suspense that dives deep into the messy entanglements of love, lies, and betrayal. At its center is Fiona, a confident, independent woman who falls for Richard, a man who has been married to Lydia for forty years. Fiona doesn’t relish being the other woman but she’s head over heels for Richard. When the truth about him surfaces and both women find themselves connected by something far darker than infidelity, the story takes a startling and unpredictable turn.

What really made this one stand out for me was the strength of its female leads. Both Lydia and Fiona have distinct, sharply drawn voices that pull you into their emotional worlds—the bitterness, the denial, the righteous anger. The plot is tense and pacey, and while it occasionally veers into the unhinged or even borderline ridiculous, I was fully entertained from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that thrives on drama and deception, and Keogh delivers both in spades. Perfect for readers who love their thrillers tangled, fast, and deliciously over the top.

[Tara Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Valerie brings her A-game to the world of domestic thrillers. It’s always a pleasure to see how her stories unfold and how the character dynamics evolve.

This time, we follow two women. Lydia, a wife of forty years, and Fiona, her husband’s mistress, as they find themselves vying for the same man’s affection. What unfolds is a tangled web of secrets, deceit, and delicious mischief.

The story delivers a lots of twists and turns, keeping you engaged right to the end, and it all plays out in a way you will not see coming.

Highly recommend if you enjoy a slow burn, characters you’ll love to hate (or at least find mildly irritating 😅), plenty of depth, unpredictable endings, and a generous dose of domestic drama.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how I’ve gone this long without reading Valerie Keogh novel. I was quickly wrapped up in this deceptive, twist-filled psychological thriller. What started as a simple affair spun into a dark, addictive domestic drama that kept me turning the pages.

The story followed Fiona who fell for Richard, only to discover he was already married to Lydia. When both women uncovered his lies, jealousy and betrayal, all spiraled into something far more dangerous.

His Other Woman pulled me in with its intriguing setup and tense dynamic between Fiona and Lydia. I liked how the story gave space to both women’s perspectives, which added layers of emotion and drama to the love triangle. The dark, domestic noir tone kept me turning the pages, especially as jealousy and betrayal bubbled just beneath the surface. That said, some of the characters’ decisions were frustrating to follow, and a few of the twists were more predictable than shocking, which dulled the impact in places. Still, the simmering tension and tangled relationships made this a gripping and addictive read.

While the cheating-husband trope is a familiar one, what made this story stand out was how Keogh gave both women a strong voice. By showing Fiona and Lydia’s perspectives, the tension felt sharper and the emotions more layered and added more depth to a storyline that could have easily felt predictable. Even with a few flaws, His Other Woman was a tense and engaging domestic thriller that kept me hooked until the end.

Much thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richard and Lydia have been married for 40 years when his head is turned by a woman called Fiona. Fiona realises pretty quickly that Rich is married but these is something about him that she can’t resist.

Lydia has let herself go, children have flown the nest and she dreads to think that Rich’s head could of been by someone more younger, more beautiful than she is, but if that is the case, and if Rich thinks that he can just trade her in then he is very sadly mistaken.

Grab your pop corn for this one and get ready for some drama with a capital D. This one drew me in from the start, and I couldn’t wait for everything to unfold!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I’ve read several books by this author. They are always well written easy to read stories. This one was no exception. The short chapters and multiple perspectives makes the book fly by and I read this in one day.

I did find the beginning a bit slow in parts. I understood what was happening to set up the rest of the story but it did feel somewhat repetitive. Once the story hits its stride it does move very quickly. I can’t quite decide how I feel about the ending.

If you like popcorn style thrillers this one is a good read.

[Krystal Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed reading this book! It was an interesting storyline that captured my attention in the beginning. While it wasn't overly gripping, it did keep me interested and entertained through the whole book, and it had some good twists in the storyline. I would recommend it to other readers!

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slap bang thriller from best selling author Valerie Keogh, once more a winner.
Rich and Lydia Pickering-Davis a long forty years of marriage. And his other woman Fiona Calton.
If a woman scorned is dangerous, two wronged women are deadly, and Rick is about to learn in more ways imaginable.
A wife, a mistress, a deadly choice.

This book will take you away to one of the biggest almighty death warrant that I never did see coming.

I was turning over the pages with wide eyes, it's gripping, it's biteing, its mean, and murders done with a different.

Well done absolutely outstanding read.

[Helen Leecy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this one — it was such a slow read, and I found myself checking how far I’d got through far more often than I’d like to admit. The pacing was glacial, and about 80% of the book felt like the same two chapters on repeat. Fiona spends endless pages fretting about how to make Rich hers for good, while Lydia worries just as much about keeping hold of him. It became exhausting after a while, not because of the drama, but because nothing ever really happened. I don’t mind a slow burn when it’s layered or psychologically tense, but this felt like it was going in circles.

The biggest issue for me, though, was Rich himself. I couldn’t for the life of me understand why either woman was so obsessed with him. He had no charm, no humour, no edge — just a bland, self-centred personality that made him utterly forgettable. I kept waiting for that “aha” moment that would explain the attraction, but it never came. It left the entire premise feeling a bit hollow, because the central love triangle just didn’t make sense when the man at the centre had the charisma of a damp sponge.

What really grated was how Lydia was portrayed. As a middle-aged housewife myself, I found it quite insulting. The narrative seemed to suggest that once you’re over a certain age, you’re automatically dull, frumpy, and desperate to cling to what little you have left — which is such an outdated and damaging trope. Middle-aged women are not invisible, and we’re certainly not lesser beings just because we have laugh lines and don’t spend our days worrying about whether we look “fresh”. The constant comparison between Lydia and the younger, glossier Fiona felt unnecessarily cruel, as if the author wanted to make a point about fading beauty rather than explore anything deeper about relationships or self-worth. It honestly made me quite uncomfortable at times.

The only saving grace was the final 20%. Once the real story finally started to emerge, it was noticeably more engaging. There was tension, some actual plot movement, and a glimpse of the psychological thriller I’d been expecting all along. Unfortunately, it came far too late. After all that slow build-up, the ending felt oddly rushed — like the author had suddenly realised she needed to cram the real twists into the final few chapters. It could have been a much stronger book if that balance had been reversed.

By the time I reached the last page, I felt more relief than satisfaction. I can’t say it was a good read for me, and I doubt it’ll stick in my mind for long. I’m not sure why I persevered, maybe just stubbornness, but it’s one I’ll probably forget within a week. I’ve read and enjoyed Valerie Keogh’s writing before, but this one just didn’t hit the mark at all — too repetitive, too shallow in its characterisation, and too dismissive of women my age to ever really sit comfortably.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts slowly but really knows how to pick up steam towards the end! There's no shortage of twists and turns to keep you hooked, even if the pace doesn't feel rapid at first.

Fiona Carlton falls for the charming Richard, unaware he's married to Lydia, a devoted wife and mother. When both women learn the truth about Richard, tensions rise, leading to a dangerous confrontation between the two scorned women.

The story employs a unique timeline that helps you fully grasp the narrative and the events leading up to the climax. You’ll encounter several different perspectives from Lydia, Fiona, and Rich. Lydia is a relatable and likable character, making you reflect on how many people like her you might know in real life. Fiona, on the other hand, can be challenging to warm up to at first, but once you see things from her point of view, it becomes easier to understand her motives. And then there's Rich... I'll let you discover him for yourself!

The way the story unfolds feels so real, as if you're watching someone's life play out right before your eyes. This immersive experience pulls you in, compelling you to keep reading to see how everything unravels. I must admit, while it had a slow start, I truly enjoyed the unexpected twists and how everything ultimately came together. The writing is very clever! I didn't see the ending coming, and I think it's safe to say that no one will. Who doesn't appreciate an open-ended book? It leaves plenty of room for interpretation, allowing your imagination to run wild as you envision the characters' fates!

This read is perfect for anyone drawn to themes of revenge, dark secrets that slowly come to light with each chapter, and an ending that sparks contemplation about what might have happened. Dive into this book and share your thoughts with me afterward!

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the digital ARC widget. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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

This book is about two women, Lydia and Fiona, and their relationship with Richard - their husband and lover, respectively. These two women have never met and don’t know each other, but they know they hate each other. That hatred filters through the entire book, taking on more steam until an ending that had me grinning!

Lydia and Richard have been together since teenagers, but after forty years of marriage, things have changed. Lydia was a stay-at-home mother until their twins moved to Australia and began their own lives. Now, she is a bored and boring housewife, stuck in a rut. Over the years, she’s gained some weight, and that along with aging has her feeling insecure. She knew Richard didn’t see her as an attractive woman anymore, but that feeling was confirmed when she found out her husband is having an affair with a younger woman.

Fiona is a single professional who literally ran into Richard on the street one day. He asked if she wanted to meet for wine, that turned into dinner, and eventually they were having a full-blown affair. Richard told Fiona from the start that he was married, but that didn’t bother her - she’s looking forward to persuading him to leave his wife for her. She’s at a point in her life where she wants to settle down, she loves this man, and now it’s her turn to be with him.

This book was a fun, and at times wickedly humorous, read. As the women start involving themselves more and more into each other’s lives, they both become more and more unhinged. Then that ending was fantastic, and different from how most books about women who’ve been wronged wind up. I loved it! Four stars.

(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Valerie Keogh and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 3, 2025.)

[Susan Belman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise pulled me in right away — Fiona falling hard for Richard, only to find out he already has a wife, felt like the perfect setup for a messy, character-driven thriller. I liked the early tension of Fiona convincing herself their connection was “different,” while Lydia, Richard’s wife, starts sensing something is off at home. The alternating perspectives between the two women added a good push-and-pull, and I kept waiting for the inevitable collision.
But the pacing is where it lost me. Most of the book focuses on Fiona’s obsession growing and Lydia’s suspicions simmering, but the actual action doesn’t kick in until around the 80% mark. When the confrontation finally comes, it’s over in a blink, and the story just… stops. After all the buildup, the ending felt abrupt and unfinished, like the book cut out before delivering the payoff it had been promising.
I’ve read a few books by this author, and maybe this type of ending is her style, but for me it needed more. I honestly would’ve preferred the middle to be the start and the end to be the middle — the bones of a great thriller are here; they just never fully come together.

[Hollie Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this arc read!

A fast paced thriller with so many twists you never see coming!

Fiona meets Rich and is quickly consumed by how charming and handsome he is but he already has a wife.
Fiona underestimates Lydia, a wife who will do anything for her husband and won’t let Fiona take what’s hers. When both the women find out the truth everything changes and Rich is about to learn how dangerous it can be to wrong two women

My first Valerie Keogh read and I really enjoyed it, will definitely be reading more!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona meets Richard the man of her dreams but he's been married to Lydia for 40 years whose a stay at home wife with two children that had left home.
Nothing is going to stop Fiona from having Richard and making a life with him.
Richard has a secret and when Lydia and Fiona find out all hell is let loose.
A brilliant unexpected twist to the end
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Valerie. This twisty story really captured my attention with plenty of dark characters. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a woman scorned, unless it’s two women! This kept me interested and I am always shocked what people will do for revenge!!

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh's latest wickedly delicious thriller, HIS OTHER WOMAN, immerses readers in a whirlwind of domestic suspense that dives deep into the treacherous waters of a love triangle and a heart-stopping game of cat and mouse.

About the Story...

At the heart of this gripping tale are two fiercely contrasting women: Lydia, the devoted wife, and Fiona, the alluring mistress. Initially, their lives are embroiled in a bitter contest for the affections of the charismatic Richard (or Rich, as he’s known to his inner circle). However, the narrative takes a thrilling turn as these adversaries uncover a chilling truth about the man who has ensnared them both, leading them to unite for a harrowing act of deadly revenge.

The Affair/Mistress:
Fiona Carlton is a woman who is independent and confident. When she meets the debonair Richard, she is swept away by his charm and sophistication. Despite knowing he is married, she finds herself hopelessly enraptured, drawn into the dangerous allure of their affair.

The Wife:
For forty long years, Lydia has been the unwavering anchor of their family, dedicating her life to crafting a picture-perfect home filled with love and stability. But beneath her composed exterior lies a tempest of emotions; Lydia is resolute and fiercely protective of her life’s work. She will not passively watch as Fiona attempts to usurp what she believes is rightfully hers.

Perspectives:
This story unfolds through a kaleidoscope of perspectives (Fiona, Lydia, Rich), immersing readers in the tangled emotions and motivations of each character. The initial love triangle quickly escalates into a high-stakes battle of marital betrayal, forcing the two women into an intense rivalry that highlights both their strengths and vulnerabilities.

The Discovery:
But the suspense thickens when they stumble upon a horrifying secret lurking in Richard's past. What skeletons lie hidden in his closet, waiting to be unveiled?

Alliance and Revenge:
This shocking revelation pivots their competition into a transformative alliance. United by mutual betrayal and anger, Lydia and Fiona discover that they share more than just their feelings for Richard; they have both been grievously wronged by the same man. Their bond solidifies, igniting a fierce determination to execute a meticulously plotted revenge.

The Climax:
As their plans unfold, the stakes rise, culminating in a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion that forces Richard to confront the repercussions of his deceitful actions. He is about to learn that a single woman scorned can be dangerous, but two united vengeful spirits are nothing short of lethal.

But in this thrilling saga, who is truly in control—who is zooming whom?

My Thoughts...

With scheming twists, dark humor, and turns worthy of the most tantalizing soap operas, readers will be captivated by this electrifying match of wits and willpower in HIS OTHER WOMAN.

Prepare for a rollercoaster of deception, betrayal, and unforeseen revelations. The pristine facade of domestic bliss crumbles, revealing shocking truths that challenge the very foundation of trust.

Keogh masterfully crafts a story where each woman is a force to be reckoned with, ready to unleash their fury as they join forces against the man who played them both. The intricate layers of lies weave a suspenseful tapestry filled with secrets that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Recommendations...

This intense and satisfying thriller is a must-read for fans of Keogh and those who revel in domestic suspense, drawing comparisons to the works of Liv Constantine, Kimberly Belle, and Freida McFadden.

A heartfelt thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 03, 2025
Nov 2025 Must-Read Books
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[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Keogh, His Other Woman, Boldwood Books, November 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for this uncorrected proof for review.

Valeria Keogh’s books always have a twist that logically follows the storyline, rather than emerging from nowhere; she always has an intriguing plot; and her writing is always not only engaging but grammatical. Certainly, she stands out from the crowd with these features. But where she truly excels is in her character development. Keogh is brilliant at developing unpleasant characters, seemingly with little to redeem them. However, somehow these flawed beings become people with whom one wants to engage, to see where their flaws lead them with the hope that they will redeem themselves. Vain hope though this usually is, they almost become people for whom one wishes a positive result. Sometimes, as awful as they undoubtably are, there is no doubt that one wishes them well!

And, so, for Fiona, competitive, a husband stealer, a manipulator who is ready to take drastic physical action, if necessary, Keogh provides enough to show how one woman reacts to the discrimination she experiences at work, to the sexual threats and expectations she endures in her social life, and to the fear of ageing without love. Lydia, stay-at-home wife who has successfully reared two children, prepared evening meals assiduously and ironed the shirts that adorn Rich in his important financial profession (and infidelity), can easily be understood as worthy of some sympathy as she determines to replace her seeming powerlessness with control. That this involves manipulation, sexist language, and behaviour, bullying and lies is accompanied by descriptions of her despair, her modest physical appearance in contrast with beautiful Fiona, and her similar fear of ageing without love. The latter becomes somewhat moderated over time, to fear of losing her beloved house. But then, for many a family home is a dominating concern.

Fiona meets Rich and falls in love. Rich meets Fiona who professes his love despite being married to Lydia. Lydia realises their marriage no longer satisfies Rich and learns of his infidelity. The narrative moves between the main characters and Fiona’s perspective dominates initially. Lydia and Rich also provide their viewpoints, although Rich contributes less than the two women. It is their story and their action that drives the narrative that builds with twists and turns, and the occasional comic moment. There are elements of romantic tragedy, or at least the romantic reader will discern this, as well as events more usually described as tragic. This is a story of manipulation, seeking revenge and turning adversity to reward. The ending provides the possibility of all this, and the deliciously thrilling question of who will ultimately prevail.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well put together addictive read, i love the dual narration of both women you really do see it from every angle. Their character development and motives are crystal clear, they both have polar opposite lifestyles and want different things in lives. Lydia is the doting house wife who dreams of retirement taking life slow and enjoying their family and building memories, the reader can very much get on board with this. Then we meet Fiona who has an agenda of her own and although she is very intelligent falling in love ends up being her downfall. Fiona is very career focused and independent she thrives on being glamorous and living her best life. This character is not the sort of person you would go up against either. Fiona doesnt forget and shes not the type to forgive either she will get even regardless of the circumstances. A women in business who takes no prisoners.

What happens if both women collide , i wont give a spoiler. This is not what you think it will be , most people imagine the affair comes out, they all fall out sort assets and depart, its not quite as simple as that. Both women have a much deeper feeling with this storyline.

Both women have superior strengths and imagine how it could feel for Lydia after having so many years of being dedicated to a marriage to then discover Richard is spending time elsewhere and fancy meals, weekends away from the home nest.

The reader does hear Richards side of the story too, this is where the road gets very twisty and narrow, theres lots of pieces of the puzzle that you cant quite piece together. A very addictive read and this book only lasted a few days due to the constant need to know what will happen. Never underestimate any of these characters. You are literally trying to piece it altogether and its very deep for these characters, it covers alot of themes and we see why people behave as they do. I have no doubt this will fly off the bookshelves.

Thank you Netgalley for another great read !

[Joanna Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiona Carlton is a 38 year old career woman who has worked her way up in the finance business. To get where she is today, although a hard worker, she has employed some pretty unscrupulous tactics. As far as romance is concerned, she is a party girl with a reputation for flitting from one man to the next. Then she meets handsome, mature Richard Pickering-Davis and everything changes. She soon decides Richard is the one. The only complication being he’s married.
Narrated from Fiona and Lydia – Richard’s wife’s – viewpoints, it is soon apparent that although Fiona thinks her lover’s wife is a plain, overweight pushover, she’s far from that. Lydia is aware of her short comings, but now threatened by a rival, is determined to fight for her survival.
Both women see they have strengths, but also weaknesses and continually reassess their strategies in the battle to hold onto Richard.
Two thirds of the way through, there is ahuge twist. One which changes everything and sees the two women reluctantly joining forces. But can they really trust each other?
His Other Woman is a gripping read and the kind of story which is difficult to put down. I found Fiona a very dislikeable character. If she wanted something, she made sure she got it and wasn’t at all bothered about how she achieved her goal. Lydia, far from being the dowdy overweight wife, was not going to give up easily, and deployed her own brand of bad behaviour to achieve her aims. In the middle, there was Richard, a man holding onto a dangerous secret and under pressure from a mysterious character.
An excellent story with many twists and an ending that leaves you realising although you have turned the last page, things are far from over.
RECOMMENDED
I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of His Other Woman in exchange for an honest review.

[Eva Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

"His Other Woman" by Valerie Keogh is a fast-paced, unputdownable, and twisty psychological suspense novel that delves into themes of betrayal, infidelity, secrets, lies, and manipulation from every possible side.

To be honest, this book made me reflect on the unfairness of life for women who choose to dedicate themselves as devoted wives, caring for their home, husband and children. While things may seem reasonable during the happy times, when a husband decides to step away, these women are often left with nothing—literally nothing! This could serve as a valuable read for young adults, prompting them to think carefully before making any sacrifices.

In this story, we meet two strong women, and I love strong female characters! Both of them have plans, motivations, and goals they are determined to achieve. They’re not whining, they’re going for it—it's inspiring!

Richard, the central male character, seems to have it all: a perfect wife, a fantastic mistress, and a successful career. Yet, he struggles to choose a side; he wants it all.

Richard’s wife, Lydia, has devoted her life to her marriage, home, and children. Fiercely protective of the life she has built, she refuses to step aside when her husband's affair is uncovered.

On the other hand, Richard’s mistress, Fiona, has never depended on a man for fulfilment. With a fantastic career, she knows what she wants, but meeting Richard makes her reconsider her priorities, leading to a chaotic situation.

It was fascinating to observe how each character handled the circumstances, manipulating events to fit their narratives. I must say, the ending was truly satisfying, and there were moments that made me giggle!

I’m starting to think I need to go on a Valerie Keogh binge-read because I've loved every book by her so far!

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: His Other Woman
Author: Valerie Keogh
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: November 3, 2025
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Pages: 304

Fiona Carlton has never needed a man to make her life complete. However when she meets charming, handsome and sophisticated Rick-she changes her mind,
True at first the relationship is desire and list, however somehow love sneaks in and they are madly in love. Although Rick already has a wife- Lydia, Fiona is not going to let that get in their way.

Fiona is a character who is easy to hate-In addition to being a husband stealer, she is manipulator and does physical abuse when she experienced discrimination and is over looked as a women in a promotion. Yet it quick to be a bully in other female relate situation – even calling someone fat.

Lydia and Rick have been married for forty years they have twins who are now successful adults. She sacrificed everything for her husband, been the perfect stay-at-home wife and mother, raised their twins, built a happy home full of memories and is not going to let Fiona take what is hers.

This is my fifteenth Valerie Keogh thriller. She is one of my favorite authors- but Yikes! I had hard time with this story as everyone was unlikable. True there was a reveal I didn’t expect

I know Ms. Keogh usually has a signature ending-She loves to leave readers thinking!! Hymmm ~

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this this great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 3, 2025.