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The First Wives

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Two women live in neighboring beachfront mansions. One posts carefully curated photos of her enviable life. The other watches from the shadows, learning every detail of that life, waiting for the right moment to destroy it.

Hannah thought she knew which one she was.

When Hannah meets Sophia, she sees a kindred spirit. Another woman married to wealth, someone who understands the pressures of living up to impossible standards. Quickly, Sophia becomes the friend Hannah never knew she needed. Until Hannah discovers Sophia has been lying. About everything.

You may think you know where this is going. The confrontation. The revelation. The fight for survival. But Hannah is about to discover a truth so twisted it will shatter everything she believed about her marriage, her past, and herself.

Some secrets can kill. And some women have been living with the dead for years.

Fans of Freida McFadden and Jeneva Rose will be glued to every twist in this psychological thriller where nothing—and no one—is what they seem.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

328 people are currently reading
5302 people want to read

About the author

S.E. Reed

14 books116 followers
S.E. Reed is an award-winning multi-genre author. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but longed to see the rest of America. After living in all five regions, she finally settled in Florida–nestled between the swampy Everglades and Atlantic Ocean. Many of her stories have a strong contemporary southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre, and fantastical.

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5 stars
210 (40%)
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204 (39%)
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80 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany.
824 reviews85 followers
September 3, 2025
Thank you, Storm Publishing, for sending me this ARC. 🥰

I genuinely liked this book. It was quick, engaging, and a fun read overall. I was hooked right from the start. I read this in one evening - couldn't put it down!

The only reason I didn't rate this higher is that the twist was almost nonexistent. From the first few chapters, I had a pretty good idea of how the story would unfold. Despite that, I still enjoyed it because it really held my attention.

The characters were interesting and had some complexity and depth. The plot had many layers to It, even though the twist was somewhat predictable.

If you're looking for a quick binge, this one is worth grabbing. 3.5, but rounding up because, as I said a bunch of times, I could not put this book down. 😂🤭

Pub day: 24 Sep 2025

As always, all thoughts are my own. 🖤✨
Profile Image for Heathers_readss.
860 reviews171 followers
August 11, 2025
This was a fun popcorn thriller! Two neighbouring women living seperate lives. lines get blurred when confrontations and truths come to life. Pretty standard thriller layout, twists and turns some you may guess others may surprise you!

The first wives is fast paced and you can definitely read in one sitting!

Thank you to storm publishing for the netgalley gifted copy!

Publish date : September 24th
Profile Image for linda hole.
444 reviews78 followers
September 10, 2025
it was a good popcorn read. i Just expected more.twists. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Profile Image for Rachael.
817 reviews13 followers
September 28, 2025
The First Wives by S. E. Reed

The First Wives is a tense domestic thriller about secrets, lies, and the price of envy. Two women live in neighboring beachfront mansions—one flaunting her seemingly perfect life online, the other lurking in the shadows, studying every detail, waiting for her chance to tear it apart. Hannah thinks she knows exactly where she stands, until she befriends Sophia. Their instant bond feels like fate—two wives of wealthy men, trapped by impossible expectations. But when Hannah discovers Sophia’s carefully constructed facade, she realizes she’s stumbled into something much darker. Soon, the lies pile up, the danger escalates, and Hannah’s grip on her marriage—and her own past—begins to fracture.

I genuinely enjoyed this book—it’s fast-paced, compulsively readable, and I devoured it in a single evening. Reed has a knack for creating flawed yet relatable characters, and I found myself rooting for Hannah even when she made frustrating choices. Her vulnerability made the high-stakes tension feel more real.

That said, there were a few drawbacks. The title and prologue gave away too much, making the central twist predictable. By the first few chapters, I had a strong sense of where the story was headed, which lessened the impact. The subplot involving Matt felt unnecessary, and Court’s role stretched believability—logistically, it didn’t fully add up. The pacing in the middle sagged a little, with some repetitive scenes of Hannah’s emotional spiral. I also found her immediate, almost “instant best friend” connection with Sophia unrealistic and cheesy. And while the buildup was strong, the second half lost some of its sharpness—certain twists felt underwhelming, and a few scenes lacked purpose or coherence.

Despite these issues, The First Wives is an engaging, entertaining thriller. It hooked me from the start, kept me turning the pages, and delivered enough drama and suspense to make it worth the ride—even if the twists didn’t land as hard as I hoped.

Thank you to S. E. Reed, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for my honest review.
Profile Image for Adele.
Author 12 books30 followers
August 9, 2025
Another fantastic story from the mind of S.E. Reed. I’ve loved all her YA novels and was excited to see her take on an adult suspense/thriller.

This suspenseful story sucked me right in, and I devoured it in just a couple sittings. I almost immediately thought I’d figured it out, then was certain I’d gotten it wrong, then discovered I was right all along. And the ride to find that out was worth every delicious minute reading. Something I’m really into when it comes to thrillers is motive, and this really delivered for me because there were still plenty of twists and turns beyond the main reveal. It looks like a sequel is on the horizon, so I look forward to my next binge-Reed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
Profile Image for Avery Timmons.
Author 11 books34 followers
August 11, 2025
As a fan of S.E. Reed’s YA novels, this adult thriller did not disappoint!

The story follows Hannah, a trad wife influencer whose life begins to unravel upon the arrival of her new neighbor, Sophia. The pacing and writing style made this a fast read, which I’m always eager to find in a thriller. Not only was the mystery engaging and kept me turning the pages, but I loved Hannah’s character arc and the heartfelt family and friend relationships she explored throughout. I’m looking forward to seeing what Reed does next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

Profile Image for books_by_vickib.
67 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2025
This was a fast paced read with a few twists.

I would say I guessed the main twist of the story but it was still a great read and I loved the ending.

The blurb...

Two women live in neighboring beachfront mansions. One posts carefully curated photos of her enviable life. The other watches from the shadows, learning every detail of that life, waiting for the right moment to destroy it.
Hannah thought she knew which one she was…
When Hannah meets Sophia, she sees a kindred spirit. Another woman married to wealth, someone who understands the pressures of living up to impossible standards. Quickly, Sophia becomes the friend Hannah never knew she needed. Until Hannah discovers Sophia has been lying. About everything.
You may think you know where this is going. The confrontation. The revelation. The fight for survival. But Hannah is about to discover a truth so twisted it will shatter everything she believed about her marriage, her past, and herself.
Some secrets can kill. And some women have been living with the dead for years.

Scary to think that although a fictional story things like this happen all the time.

Hannah's obsession with her social media image grated on me a-bit but I loved how her character progressed.

Thank you @netgalley and @stormpublishing for this early arc, I really enjoyed reading this.
4/5 stars
Profile Image for Lee.
1,041 reviews123 followers
August 26, 2025
Hannah thinks she is living her dream life as an influencer with her very wealthy husband and two beautiful children. But when Sophia moves in next door life takes on an unexpected change. Initially a strong friendship begins between the two but then events turn which sets up this fantastic plot that had me turning the pages extremely quickly and staying up late when I should have been sleeping. The book is what we are now calling ‘popcorn’ thrillers, fast moving, the story immediately draws you in and had my attention throughout. I really enjoyed it and will now be sourcing other books from the author who was new to me.

Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Samantha (Reading_Against_Noise).
257 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2025
Maybe I’ve just read too many thrillers, but this one felt incredibly predictable. The premise sounded promising, but the plot didn’t deliver the shocking twists I was hoping for. That said, the writing is solid. It’s clean, easy to follow, and definitely bingeable. If you’re new to thrillers, this could be a great starting point.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc
Profile Image for Lauren.
144 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2025
A cross between First Lie Wins and a Freida McFadden book (but better written and less annoying). I devoured this and it picked me out of a reading slump. Well paced and quick to read!

Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Gillian Moore.
197 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow – what an addictive, dark, and twisty read! I was completely hooked from the very first chapter. The tension between Hannah and Sophia was so cleverly written – the glamour, the lies, the envy, and the secrets lurking beneath the surface kept me glued to the pages.

I loved how the story played with my expectations. Just when I thought I knew exactly where it was heading, the rug was pulled out from under me with another shocking twist. The unraveling of Hannah’s past and the truth about Sophia was brilliantly paced and full of suspense.

The beachside setting added so much atmosphere – all that perfection and beauty hiding something sinister underneath. This book has everything I love in a psychological thriller: unreliable characters, jaw-dropping reveals, and a dark, chilling undertone that stayed with me long after I finished.

If you enjoy thrillers that make you question who you can trust and keep you guessing right up to the final page, this one is an absolute must-read x
Profile Image for Bruce Buchanan.
Author 12 books23 followers
August 19, 2025
Award-winning YA novelist S.E. Reed makes a seamless transition to adult thrillers with THE FIRST WIVES. Her debut novel with Storm Publishing is an absolute thrill ride that hooks readers on the opening pages and keeps them guessing until the end.

Hannah thinks she’s living her best life. The tradwife influencer has a huge social media following, a billionaire husband, a Florida mansion, and two wonderful kids. When Sophia moves in next door, she thinks she’s added a good friend to that bounty. But Sophia has secrets, and Hannah falls deeper and deeper into them.

Each chapter seemingly brings a shocking new revelation. Before long, Hannah finds herself in completely over her head. But is Sophia someone who will throw her a lifeline? Or will she leave Hannah to drown in deep water?

As always, character development and interiority remain some of Reed’s strengths. She writes compelling, relatable characters. Hannah is far from perfect. But she doesn’t deserve to be in the life-or-death situation she finds herself in. Reed makes us care about her plight and has us pulling for her to find a way through it.

But the character development doesn’t take place at the expense of the plot. This is a page-turning book in which something is always happening. Much like Hannah, readers will find themselves drawn into Sophia’s vortex. Luckily for us, we’ll enjoy the experience. Hannah? Not so much….

With her first four novels (for Wild Ink Publishing), Reed established herself as one of the most buzzworthy authors on the indie YA scene. If THE FIRST WIVES is any indication, she’ll make just as big an impact in the world of adult thrillers!
Profile Image for Eva Edge.
1,259 reviews41 followers
September 14, 2025
"The First Wives" by S.E. Reed is a fast-paced psychological thriller that taps into modern-day anxieties and trends, such as the curated lives portrayed on social media and the secrets hidden behind a façade of wealth and success. This relevance makes the characters feel more relatable and the premise more engaging. The story revolves around themes of trust, manipulation, friendship, and toxic trends, leaving readers to grapple with whom they can genuinely trust.

I found this book entertaining and incredibly engaging. Although I had an idea of where the story would lead from the beginning, I remained invested to see how it would all play out. I loved both female characters for their strength and determination, and I appreciated the friendship between the main character and her best friend. The ending was absolutely fantastic.

Hannah McMillian is a wife and mother to four-year-old twins, Rowen and Ruby. She has managed to turn her life into a social media phenomenon with 5 million followers. Her wealthy husband, Court, works in cryptocurrency finance and often travels for business.

When Hannah meets Sophie, who moves in next door and whose husband Blake is also in finance, she feels she has found someone who understands the pressures of maintaining high standards. They quickly become good friends, but Hannah soon notices inconsistencies that make her suspicious. She is not prepared for the shocking discoveries that will hit her like a bolt of lightning!
Profile Image for Kryssy Foss.
118 reviews7 followers
September 1, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing!! I was hooked right from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down. The twists and turns were shocking. I thought the characters were well developed and was extremely shocked about Sophie’s past and secrets. I was really into the characters and actually felt sad at certain times during the book which I won’t reveal because I don’t want to spoil anything. This is a must read psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Paige Rothwell.
102 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2025
The First Wives by S.E. Reed
⭐ 4/5

A twisty, addictive domestic thriller that dives into envy, secrets, and betrayal. Reed sets up an irresistible premise: two women in neighboring beachfront mansions — one flaunting her perfect life, the other watching from the shadows.

The tension builds beautifully, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the rug gets pulled out again. Some parts move quickly, but the suspense never lets up, and the ending lands with a satisfying punch.

Fans of Freida McFadden and Jeneva Rose will feel right at home here.

✨ Thank you NetGalley and Storm publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Laura Smith.
520 reviews21 followers
September 17, 2025
THE FIRST WIVES BY S.E. REED.
Release day set for the 24th of September 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
This book caught my attention from the cover, the title and the blurb.
From the Prologue alone I was hooked.
Oh the twists and turns were great and I really didn't want to put this book now.
Highly recommend this one to everyone.
I'm really looking forward to reading another book by this author.
Profile Image for Angel.
238 reviews24 followers
November 27, 2025
I would like to thank author SE Reed for completely erasing my entire to-do list for this fine Saturday!

Future me may be bummed about the housework, but today I am *ALL-IN* on the housewife mom-drama in the novel The First Wives. I’m at the halfway mark and I had to jump on and tell you guys!

This has so many tropes/themes blended so well into a great suspense.
•trad-wife/SAHM
•billionaire husbands
•sweet friend vibes
•rich 🐝ch vibes
•an influencer mom
•an OFans gal
•adorable children
•and so much more

I think this is a book that a lot of moms will find really entertaining - but I also think that all women are going to find something here to connect with whether it’s because you see ourselves or you see other people you know.

If you have a mom’s club, Book Club, you should really consider this book as your next read!

Update at the end: WOW! Read it! It’s really good and so twisty. It got faster, and better, with every page!
Profile Image for Lauren Speringo.
164 reviews15 followers
November 2, 2025
Had so much potential but it took forever to finally get to the “twist” and I “lost interest by then.
Profile Image for Ashley Hammill.
7 reviews
December 11, 2025
Basic af book

I knew exactly how this would end within the first 20 pages.

For women who like Stanley cups and vera Bradley.
Profile Image for Diane Elizabeth Taylor.
296 reviews14 followers
September 9, 2025
Wow! The First Wives is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me reading into the wee small hours. We have Hannah, who appears to have it all: a billionaire husband, beautiful twins, and a seemingly perfect 'trad wife' life.
However, her idyllic world begins to crumble with the arrival of her new neighbor, the mysterious Sophia, who clearly has more issues than Vogue.
As Hannah's carefully constructed reality unravels, she must return to her roots, and muster her inner strength, relying on those she trusts and staying one step ahead.
S.E. Reed brilliantly depicts Hannah's growing paranoia and confusion, making her a protagonist I was rooting for from beginning to end.
With its relentless pace, unexpected twists, and an ending tied up as neatly as a gift box full of vegetable infused cakes, this book is a must read for thriller fans.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of the ARC.
Profile Image for Gosia.
254 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2025
2.5⭐️

I’m convinced everyone giving this book more than 3⭐️ is either easily entertained, haven’t read a good or even a decent thriller, or doesn’t question if the plot is not making logical sense.

It’s not a thriller, it’s family drama, and not the very well executed one.
The buildup was going good but quite long but after I reached 50% mark, it was a downhill road. The twists were not good, compared to how the buildup was done. The writing got weird, kind of sloppy in the second half. There were scenes with not much purpose to the overall story, or simply not making much logical sense.
Sophia’s chapters were random. Like, why her POV in the first place, if it’s only 5-maybe 10% of the chapters.

I’m sorry but I don’t think it’s a good thriller, it’s not exactly a thriller in the first place.
Without giving any spoilers, it just felt like the author couldn’t fully decide on some parts of the plot, which resulted in some things just not making sense.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
999 reviews35 followers
August 5, 2025
Book Review: S.E. Reed – The First Wives
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC of The First Wives, an addictive domestic thriller set to be released on September 24, 2025.

From the first page, The First Wives had me leaning in. The premise is instantly compelling—two women living in neighboring beachfront mansions, one projecting a life of enviable perfection online, the other silently observing her every move. One of them is a performer, the other a predator. Or at least, that’s what we’re led to believe. S.E. Reed wastes no time drawing you into this sharp, twisted world where appearances are everything, but trust is a luxury no one can afford.

The story centers on Hannah, a woman seemingly living the good life—wealthy husband, luxury home, all the trappings of upper-class stability. But when Sophia moves in next door, Hannah sees more than just another socialite. She sees a potential friend, someone who understands the strange loneliness of living inside a golden cage. Sophia is charming, magnetic, and knows exactly how to mirror someone’s insecurities in a way that feels like empathy. Their friendship blossoms quickly, almost unnaturally, and from the beginning there’s a feeling that something is off. But it’s subtle. Reed doesn’t bash you over the head with red flags. She lets the dread build slowly, like a hairline crack in glass that starts to spread.

One of the strongest elements of this novel is how it plays with identity and perspective. Hannah thinks she knows who she is. She thinks she knows what kind of marriage she’s in, what kind of woman she’s become. But as Sophia’s presence starts to destabilize her life, she begins questioning everything—her husband, her past, even her own instincts. And just when you think the story is leading to a predictable confrontation or betrayal, Reed flips the script. The plot doesn’t just twist—it snaps.

I found myself highlighting passages and rereading scenes, not because they were confusing, but because they were so layered. Reed doesn’t waste a single sentence. Every interaction, every side glance or offhand comment, ends up meaning something. The tension isn’t built on jump scares or graphic violence—it’s built on quiet violations of trust, subtle shifts in power, and emotional sleights of hand. That kind of writing is rare in thrillers, where so many authors rely on plot gymnastics to keep readers engaged. Reed relies on psychology, character, and atmosphere—and it works.

A standout quote: “Some women survive by pretending. Others survive by watching. But the most dangerous are the ones who do both.” That line hits like a warning, and it’s a perfect summation of what this book is really about—how women shape-shift to survive in marriages, in society, in their own skin. It’s not just about deception. It’s about performance, control, and the silent war some women are fighting behind closed doors.

By the time the ending arrived, I was fully immersed—and stunned. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the final reveal recontextualizes everything that came before it. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to go back and re-read the book just to see the clues you missed. And no, I didn’t see it coming.

If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing in the middle could have been a touch tighter. There were a few scenes that felt slightly repetitive in Hannah’s emotional unraveling. But that’s a minor flaw in an otherwise expertly crafted thriller.

I give The First Wives ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars). It’s sharp, unsettling, and beautifully written, with complex female characters and a relentless psychological edge. S.E. Reed has crafted a smart, slow-burn thriller that doesn’t rely on shock value but instead builds its suspense with precision and care. Fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, and Tarryn Fisher will find plenty to love here.

If you’re looking for a domestic thriller that’s as stylish as it is sinister, add this one to your list. Just don’t trust anyone while you’re reading.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
999 reviews35 followers
September 26, 2025
Book Review: S.E. Reed – The First Wives Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my gifted ARC of The First Wives, an addictive domestic thriller set to be released on September 24, 2025. From the first page, The First Wives had me leaning in. The premise is instantly compelling—two women living in neighboring beachfront mansions, one projecting a life of enviable perfection online, the other silently observing her every move. One of them is a performer, the other a predator. Or at least, that’s what we’re led to believe. S.E. Reed wastes no time drawing you into this sharp, twisted world where appearances are everything, but trust is a luxury no one can afford. The story centers on Hannah, a woman seemingly living the good life—wealthy husband, luxury home, all the trappings of upper-class stability. But when Sophia moves in next door, Hannah sees more than just another socialite. She sees a potential friend, someone who understands the strange loneliness of living inside a golden cage. Sophia is charming, magnetic, and knows exactly how to mirror someone’s insecurities in a way that feels like empathy. Their friendship blossoms quickly, almost unnaturally, and from the beginning there’s a feeling that something is off. But it’s subtle. Reed doesn’t bash you over the head with red flags. She lets the dread build slowly, like a hairline crack in glass that starts to spread. One of the strongest elements of this novel is how it plays with identity and perspective. Hannah thinks she knows who she is. She thinks she knows what kind of marriage she’s in, what kind of woman she’s become. But as Sophia’s presence starts to destabilize her life, she begins questioning everything—her husband, her past, even her own instincts. And just when you think the story is leading to a predictable confrontation or betrayal, Reed flips the script. The plot doesn’t just twist—it snaps. I found myself highlighting passages and rereading scenes, not because they were confusing, but because they were so layered. Reed doesn’t waste a single sentence. Every interaction, every side glance or offhand comment, ends up meaning something. The tension isn’t built on jump scares or graphic violence—it’s built on quiet violations of trust, subtle shifts in power, and emotional sleights of hand. That kind of writing is rare in thrillers, where so many authors rely on plot gymnastics to keep readers engaged. Reed relies on psychology, character, and atmosphere—and it works. A standout quote: “Some women survive by pretending. Others survive by watching. But the most dangerous are the ones who do both.” That line hits like a warning, and it’s a perfect summation of what this book is really about—how women shape-shift to survive in marriages, in society, in their own skin. It’s not just about deception. It’s about performance, control, and the silent war some women are fighting behind closed doors. By the time the ending arrived, I was fully immersed—and stunned. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the final reveal recontextualizes everything that came before it. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to go back and re-read the book just to see the clues you missed. And no, I didn’t see it coming. If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing in the middle could have been a touch tighter. There were a few scenes that felt slightly repetitive in Hannah’s emotional unraveling. But that’s a minor flaw in an otherwise expertly crafted thriller. I give The First Wives ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars). It’s sharp, unsettling, and beautifully written, with complex female characters and a relentless psychological edge. S.E. Reed has crafted a smart, slow-burn thriller that doesn’t rely on shock value but instead builds its suspense with precision and care. Fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, and Tarryn Fisher will find plenty to love here. If you’re looking for a domestic thriller that’s as stylish as it is sinister, add this one to your list. Just don’t trust anyone while you’re reading.
Profile Image for TheLisaD.
1,110 reviews21 followers
September 26, 2025
S.E. Reed’s The First Wives is a dark, addictive read that takes the concept of unlikely friendships and spins it into a twisted web of secrets, manipulation, and suspense. What begins as a story of women finding common ground quickly transforms into something far more unsettling, especially once a new neighbor enters the picture. From that point forward, the tension builds steadily, and each chapter deepens the sense that something is not quite right.

The friendships at the heart of the story are what make it so compelling. Reed draws the women with enough depth and nuance that you care about them, even as the dynamics between them shift in strange and unexpected ways. The arrival of the neighbor acts as a catalyst, turning the group’s bond into something laced with unease. That slow unraveling of trust and security gives the book its haunting, compulsive quality.

What I loved most was how the story grows darker and more twisted as it progresses. Every new revelation pushes the characters—and the reader—further into dangerous territory. Just when you think you have it figured out, Reed adds another layer that makes you question everything. The atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic, and that rising tension is exactly what kept me from putting the book down.

Reed’s writing is sharp and immersive, blending psychological tension with domestic drama in a way that feels both intimate and unsettling. The pacing is well balanced, giving readers time to connect with the characters before throwing them headfirst into the darker twists of the plot. By the end, the story has moved far beyond its seemingly ordinary beginnings into something shocking, memorable, and chilling.

The First Wives is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the fragile nature of friendship, the darkness that can hide behind closed doors, and the dangers of trusting the wrong people. Twisted, tense, and impossible to put down, it’s the kind of book that keeps you thinking about its characters and their choices long after you’ve turned the final page.
Profile Image for Barbara Schultz.
4,180 reviews303 followers
September 5, 2025
Title: The First Wives
Author: S. E. Reed
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: September 24, 2025
My Rating: 3 Stars
Pages: 319
Story starts with Hannah McMIllian, who is a trad-wife influencer married to Court who is in crypto finance. They have four year old twins Rowen and Ruby. Hannah loves her children additionally enjoys taking photos of them to post for her social media followers.
They live in beautiful steel and glass Fort Meyer’s beach front mansion.

After four years of privacy, new neighbors move into the’ ‘steel and glass’ mansion next door. However, when Hannah meets Sophie Carter whose husband Blake is also in finance, she feels she has met someone who understands the same pressures of living with high standards.
They become friends.
Until Hannah discovers Sophia has secrets and things aren’t the same.

This story is described as a ‘popcorn’ thriller” by several reviewers - meaning’ – a fast moving story that draws readers in immediately, and then holds your attention.
Okay I’m in as it sounds great,
Hmmm ‘I guess I read too many thrillers but this one didn’t live up to my expectation.
I wanted to like Hannah but she was making it difficult for me. Sophie was easy not to like.

About the Author ~ S.E. Reed is an award-winning multi-genre author. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but longed to see the rest of America. After living in all five regions, she finally settled in Florida–nestled between the swampy Everglades and Atlantic Ocean. Many of her stories have a strong contemporary southern theme, but she also dabbles in the strange, bizarre, and fantastical

Ms, Reed is new to me.
Although I didn’t love this - I’ll give this author another chance.

Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 24, 2025.
Profile Image for Lexie.
53 reviews
August 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

Thrillers involving the rich are such a guilty pleasure which is why I requested this book. The writing style is very readable which makes it such a fun read. The book drops you in the middle of a story and it definitely leaves you with some questions. I thought it was so interesting that the main character is a social media influencer and its very intriguing to see all the behind-the-scenes work she does to fake her perfectly curated life.

I did think the way she suddenly became best friends with Sophia during their first meeting was unrealistic and cheesy. There's also the cliche in thrillers of mentioning past events or people without elaborating as a way to create tension which I found to be annoying.

When Sophia starts acting cartoonishly mean and suspicious on literally their SECOND time hanging-out, Hannah literally forgives her the next day like HUHHH? She cannot be that desperate for friends. Not only that, when she becomes sick, she (and her paranoid husband who refuses to hire a nanny) literally is fine letting Sophia take care of their kids? They never have questions to how Sophia conveniently has time to do all this? Also Sophia somehow is able to call Hannah's manicurist on her behalf without Hannah knowing??? Hannah also discovers that Sophia has left comments on her Instagram in the past despite claiming that she didn't know Hannah was an influencer and Hannah never calls her out on that??? I just found all of this to be unrealistic.

The plot twist was unexpected and the ending did get significantly more interesting, hence the rating. I thought this was a quick and fun thrill as long as you're willing to ignore any inconsistencies.
Profile Image for Ashley Sawyer.
477 reviews33 followers
September 29, 2025
On the outside, Hannah has it all. A gorgeous home, adorable twins, and a husband who's fortune lets her live like the picture-perfect trad wife she portrays online. But behind the curated posts and carefully staged smiles, Hannah feels her life is balancing on fragile ground. When Sophia, a glamorous new neighbor moves in next door, Hannah is instantly drawn to her. Sophia seems to understand the pressure of appearances, the weight of secrets, the quiet compromises of marriage. Their friendship blossoms quickly, but Hannah soon notices cracks in Sophia's facade, and unsettling similarities between Sophia's past and her own. As the line between confidant and rival begins to blur, Hannah realizes that Sophia's arrival was no coincidence. Their lives are tangled in ways she never could have imagined and exposing the truth may shatter everything Hannah has worked to protect.

The First Wives peels back the glossy surface of privilege and influence to reveal what really happens when the masks come off. I was immediately intrigued by Hannah's picture perfect lifestyle and the cracks that slowly start to show. Watching her friendship with Sophia unfold was like watching a slow motion car crash, you know something bad is coming but you can't look away. The writing is sharp and fast-paced, making it super easy to binge. While I did guess parts of the twist early on, the tension kept me hooked and I still enjoyed the unraveling of the truth. If you like domestic thrillers with rich, messy characters, dark secrets, and a blend of friendship and rivalry this one's for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, S.E. Reed, and Storm Publishing for this eARC! Publication date was September 24th, 2025.
Profile Image for Meg Pearson.
391 reviews9 followers
September 3, 2025
The First Wives by S. E. Reed is a sharp, addictive psychological thriller that had me glued from the very first page. Hannah seems to have it all—a glamorous life as a lifestyle influencer, adorable twins, and a billionaire husband who provides every luxury. But when Sophia moves in next door, Hannah quickly embraces her as the friend she has been missing. What begins as an exciting new friendship soon spirals into something far darker, as secrets start to surface and the lines between trust and betrayal blur.

Reed masterfully builds tension throughout the novel, keeping the reader constantly second-guessing every motive and every reveal. Hannah’s perspective is engaging and layered—her insecurities, paranoia, and instincts make her both relatable and sympathetic, even as her world begins to crumble around her. Sophia is an equally fascinating character, charming on the surface but carrying unsettling secrets that make her presence impossible to ignore.

What I loved most was how Reed uses atmosphere and pace to drive the story forward. Each chapter peels back a new layer of intrigue, and the steady rise of tension makes it impossible to stop reading. Just when I thought I had figured it out, the story took another turn that left me reeling. The conclusion is chilling, satisfying, and exactly the payoff I was hoping for.

This is a cleverly plotted, fast-paced thriller that examines friendship, obsession, and the lies people tell to keep their carefully built lives intact. If you love thrillers that are both entertaining and unsettling, The First Wives is one you do not want to miss.
Profile Image for Hayley.
514 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2025
This was the kind of thriller that really keeps you guessing. One of the things that I loved about this book was while there was so much going on our author kept most of the story to two main characters and their lives instead of trying to get to intricate with characters that don't hold much relevance.
The book mainly focuses on our main character Hannah who is living life as a social media influencer. When a new woman Sophia enters the neighborhood Hannah is ecstatic because this woman seems to understand everything that she's going through, however it isn't long until things start to change. When Hannah learns that Sophia is lying about everything she starts to question what the motive is and why is she really ingrained herself to deep in Hannah's life. What is the motive? I really enjoyed the main characters in this story and I found myself being completely drawn into this plot. I enjoyed trying to guess the secrets that all the characters were hiding and as each one got darker and darker I was fascinated. I loved reading about all of the chaos in Hannah's life it was sad to watch her put on such a facade with everyone around her. I loved all of the twists in the second half of this book it almost gave me whiplash however I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed this book thoroughly however there were some slow parts that I struggled to get past, thankfully they weren't to common and mostly in the beginning. Overall good book and a solid thriller. I will for sure be keeping my eye on this author in the future.
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