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Unmarried

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He killed his first wife. But I married him to protect my own secrets…

I never expected to find my happily ever after with Dr Mitch Ellis. I wore a lace dress with an extravagant train to our wedding at the biggest church in town. Mitch wanted to be sure everything was flawless. Now I can see I’ve made a grave mistake. Mitch wants me to be his quiet, perfect little wife, just like his last one. He doesn’t know who he is dealing with this time.

He thinks I haven’t noticed her jewellery still tucked away in our room. And that the details on her death certificate don’t add up. He believes I’m happily under his thumb, sunning myself all day by his pool where his staff can keep an eye on me.

Mitch should pay for what he did to the woman before me, and I won’t let him get away with it this time…

Unmarried is a totally gripping psychological thriller packed with twists, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, The Perfect Marriage and Gone Girl .

This book can also be enjoyed as a standalone.

What readers are saying about Emily

OMG!!! This. Book. THIS BOOK!!!Unputdownable!! I started at dawn and finished before the sun went down… A MUST-read.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Literally SO FREAKING GOOD!… On my list of Top 10 books of all time! I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! PhenomenalExcuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor and then recommend this book to everyone I know!!!!!!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WOW WOW! A rollercoaster ride from start to finish… I couldn't put it down My mind was spinning… Gripping!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I DEVOURED this book. It had me hooked from the first page to the last… Brilliant.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WOW! So freakin’ good! I could not put it down!… I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and my heart was racing.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was addicted to this from page one and I really struggled to put it down (it’s nearly 2am and I just had to stay up to finish it)… The ending had my jaw on the floor.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jaw-dropping ending, OMG! I love Emily Shiner… I couldn’t put this book down.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely incredible!… I literally gasped out loud in shock! Wow what a ride… 10/10 would recommend&

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

663 people are currently reading
767 people want to read

About the author

Emily Shiner

32 books923 followers
Emily lives in the mountains of North Carolina and loves hiking with her dogs--only when she's not thinking up twisted tales, that is. She loves books that keep you up long after you should be in bed.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Profile Image for Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr.
3,266 reviews36.5k followers
November 14, 2025
Gripping, shocking, thrilling, mysterious, suspenseful, and humorous at times. This is the eighth book I have read by Emily Shiner, and she always delivers a thrilling, secret filled, and twist filled book!Unmarried kept me on my toes, entertained, and shocked!!!! I enjoyed the POV of the female characters in this book. I never quite knew who to trust, when the shoe was going to drop, or when the-you-know-what is going to hit the fan! I loved the mounting dread, tension, and sense of danger in Unmarried!

This is the follow up to the book, Uninvited, and I highly suggest reading that book first as you will get lots of background on the key characters in this book. Amy, Hannah, and Mitch are back, and they do not save the drama for their mama. This book had me on the edge of my seat and loved every second of it. I kept changing my mind about who was more untrustworthy or what role other characters in this book would play. I enjoyed the not knowing and the tension and dread!

Some of the characters gave me a laugh with their thoughts and I enjoyed the use of humor mixed in with tension and suspense. Hats off to Emily Shiner for writing a great follow-up book in the Perfect couples' series! This book was filled with devious characters, suspense, secrets, control, manipulation, and twists. Just when I thought I had this book figured out, Emily Shiner threw in a curve ball which left me reeling. Not to mention the ending!!!!!!!!! Holy Moly, that is how you do it, and fingers crossed Emily Shiner will have another book coming out in this series.

Addictive, wonderfully written, well thought out, suspenseful, and entertaining. If you have not read a book by Emily Shiner before, you are missing out! I had both the book and the audiobook which made for an enjoyable reading/listening experience!

Thank you to Bookouture, Bookouture audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
308 reviews115 followers
December 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Unmarried by Emily Shiner. This was the second book to Uninvited and I liked this one much more than the first. I do however think reading the first book gives you insight to the characters and a better understanding of the storyline. Emily Shiners books always grab you and keep you engaged. I love this author and have read so many by her! She always delivers a twisty thriller that keeps you guessing. There was a lot of tension and dread in this book. I gave it a 4 star rating. #EmilyShiner #Bookouture
Profile Image for Rachel the Page-Turner.
676 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2025
This review isn’t going to have a lot of plot exploration to it, because it’s the sequel of another great book that I reviewed over the summer, “Uninvited”. We now have “Unmarried” as part of the “Perfect Couple Series”, and the ending of this left things open for a third book. For that reason, I don’t want to give away too much, because that will give away things from the first! This could be read as a stand-alone novel, but I think reading them in order would definitely be better.

In “Uninvited”, two couples are on vacation together, but nothing is as it seems, and not everyone makes it home alive. It was a very twisty thriller involving two women who can’t decide if they want to kill the men in their life or each other, and the ending was great. Both of these books are super suspenseful!

In “Unmarried”, we also have a book written from the points of view of two women. Both are metaphorically locked to one man - a man of power who can and would crush both of them if needed. I think knowing some of the characters from the first book (and all of their secrets) enhanced the reading of this one, which is why I am protecting names from the first book.

These women hate each other, but if they are going to escape this man’s life, they are going to have to work together - and that doesn’t always go as planned. This sequel may have had even more twists than the first book, and it was also a great read. I can’t wait for the third book if this series continues, because that epilogue definitely has me wanting more. I gave the first book four stars, but I’m going with 4.5 on this one. This author does not disappoint!

(Thank you to Bookouture, Emily Shiner and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on November 19, 2025.)
Profile Image for April.
598 reviews178 followers
November 20, 2025
Book 2 did not disappoint! Mitch is still a menace & Hannah is still nerve wrecking. The end of book 1 let me speechless, and I was anxious to dive back into this story with Mitch, Amy and Hannah. Very entertaining read that left me in hopes of a book 3.

Throughout the story I was wondering how Jackie fit into everything, and it all tied together quite nicely! Emily is known for her twist and throwing in things that readers don’t see coming. I suspected several scenarios to explain Jackie’s appearance, yet I was wrong at every turn.

The narration in the audiobook was amazing, all 3 of these narrators did a great job, kept me entertained, & brought life to these. Perfect for fans of domestic thrillers! My 4th read by Emily Shiner and I don’t plan on stopping now. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio for an ALC, Bookouture for an eARC.

Publication 🗓️ : 11.19.25

Professional Reader200 Book Reviews
Profile Image for Janna (Bibliophile Mom).
229 reviews22 followers
October 17, 2025
Emily Shiner’s latest thriller dives headfirst into the tangled web of sibling rivalry, emotional manipulation, and long-brewing revenge. From the very first page, the tension is palpable and it never lets up. This isn’t just a “whodunit”; it’s a psychological match where every move is layered with deceit, desperation, and dark secrets.

Told through alternating first-person narratives, the story unfolds from the perspectives of three women, each with a distinct voice and motive but all bound by one man: Mitch.

* Aimee – Mitch’s new bride, still reeling from the death of his best friend. She’s trying to settle into her new life, but something’s off.
* Hannah – Mitch’s sister, the quiet observer who’s been keeping receipts since day one. Her loyalty and intentions are indeed questionable.
* Jackie – A woman on the edge, searching for peace but haunted by the past. 
As the plot thickens, so does the psychological warfare. Shiner masterfully builds the “perfect killer” in the reader’s mind only to pull the rug out in the final chapters. The twists are relentless, and the guessing game is deliciously maddening.

Likes:
* The multiple POVs made the emotional stakes feel personal and moving.
* Fast-paced and tightly plotted, with chapter cliffhangers that demands answers.
* The final reveal is a Chef’s kiss.

Dislikes:
* The inheritance angle felt a bit recycled.
* The theme of domestic abuse via control and manipulation was present but not deeply unpacked.
* Family loyalty is not the vibe here.

Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting – ⭐️⭐️/5
❥ Character Building – ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
❥ Writing Style – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
❥ Message – ⭐️⭐️/5
❥ Overall – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Final thoughts: If you love thrillers with complex female leads, questionable choices, and a plot that keeps you second-guessing everyone, this one’s for you. It’s engaging, addictive, and absolutely worth your time.

Big thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Emily Shiner for the ARC. All opinions are mine, and yes, I’m still recovering from that ending.

~JaNnA~
Profile Image for Kiirstyannee.reads.
504 reviews18 followers
November 27, 2025
Thank you Bookouture & Emily Shiner for this read!

As always this was a classic Shiner twisty thriller that is short, sharp and addictive. I did feel like I was coming in this slightly behind and I feel this may be a second book in a series, however it didn't take long to catch up on the vibes and understand the dynamics.

The characters are suspicious and the ending was brilliant. Pick this up if you want a twisty and addictive thriller from the ever-reliable author Emily Shiner!
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,898 reviews455 followers
November 29, 2025
Aimee is preparing to marry Mitch, but she’s bringing far more to this union than a simple “I do.” Behind her poised exterior lies a plan—one that promises happiness for her, but for deeply sinister reasons. This isn’t a marriage built on love or trust; it’s a union forged by a contract and bound by a dark, buried secret. Mitch may walk into the relationship with high hopes, but he quickly discovers he hasn’t married a sweet, compliant wife. Aimee has plenty of surprises in store, and none of them are good.

To fully appreciate the tension and twisted dynamics at play, I strongly recommend reading Uninvited by Emily Shiner first. It sets the stage beautifully and provides the context that makes Unmarried even more gripping.

Ashley Rose Kaplan delivers an outstanding narration, adding intensity and atmosphere to every chapter. This psychological thriller never lets thanks to tight pacing, with sharp twists. It just might keep you on tenterhooks right through the final page.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,331 reviews
October 16, 2025
A darkly addictive and claustrophobic psychological thriller filled with secrets, manipulation!

This was my second book by Emily Shiner. Having loved the first one I read, Uninvited—a gripping, high-stakes story—I couldn’t wait to dive into Unmarried. From the outside, they look like the perfect newlyweds, but behind closed doors, something isn’t right. This one pulls you into a marriage built on secrets, lies, and the chilling question of how far someone will go to keep up appearances. The story centers on a woman who thinks she’s found the perfect husband in Dr. Mitch Ellis—until she starts noticing cracks in his charming facade. As strange things begin to happen and details about his late wife don’t add up, she realizes her new marriage might be more dangerous than she ever imagined. It’s a tense, twisty story about secrets, control, and how well you really know the person you married.

I thought the use of dual timelines and multiple perspectives added depth and kept me guessing throughout. The mix of past and present also kept the tension high and gave me a deeper look into both marriages. Seeing the events unfold from different viewpoints made the story feel layered and more unsettling in the best way. Even more, the short chapters and fast pacing made it an easy, addictive read, and Emily Shiner did a great job building that tense, claustrophobic feeling between the couple. A few twists were predictable, and I wished some character motivations had been explored more, but nonetheless, this was an engaging and binge-worthy psychological thriller.

Overall, Unmarried was another solid read from Emily Shiner that kept me turning the pages. I like how she blends relationship drama with psychological tension, creating stories that are both addictive and unsettling. After enjoying both Uninvited and this one, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what she writes next.

Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for an arc in return for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for Joanna.
303 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2025
3 stars for me.

Aimee is now married to Mitch,Dale her ex fiancé is dead,and Hannah ,Mitch sister is ploting how to get her inheritance.There is only one way,and that is to kill Mitch.Catch in web of lies,with Mitch controling everything what she wears or even read,Aimee will need to decide which sibling is telling the truth.
Will Aimee trust Hannah,she was the other woman her fiancé Dale was cheating with,and she did try to kill Aimee.
What happened to Mitch first wife,did he really kill her?

It was a quick read,told from few POV I could understand each motives,and some were really dark.I started reading this book,and got a feeling that there was a history between all of them. I was right ,and should start with the book Uninvited to have better understanding of dynamics between characters.A tension filled thriller,quite satisfying and good read.My first book by this author and hope to read more.

Thank you netgalley and Bookoture publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Profile Image for Natalia Farnham.
323 reviews14 followers
November 20, 2025
Man oh man what a crazy ride!!!! And the ending!!! I’m like excuse me now I need a book 3. This was perfectly paced and had some really good twists and turns. Gotta say books like this make me happy incident marry for money hehehee. If you love a good domestic thriller with multi POVs this one is for you!
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
3,276 reviews442 followers
November 19, 2025
Bestselling author and master of revenge narratives, Emily Shiner—my personal favorite—makes a triumphant return with her Perfect Couples Series and the eagerly awaited sequel to Uninvited, with #2, UNMARRIED.

In this captivating follow-up, we reconnect with Aimee as she maneuvers through a perilous game of cat-and-mouse that promises to keep your heart pounding.

Shiner expertly crafts a complex tapestry of tension and intrigue, delivering a twisty psychological thriller that ensnares you from the very first page. Prepare to immerse yourself in this gripping narrative; it’s nearly impossible to put down, and you’ll likely find yourself racing through it in one exhilarating sitting.

About the Characters...

Aimee:
After the untimely death of her fiancé, Dale, Aimee marries his friend, Dr. Mitch Ellis, not out of love, but to safeguard her own secrets. Blackmail.

Mitch:
This handsome yet sinister doctor exerts control over Aimee, compelling her into marriage. He bears the dark cloud of suspicion over the murder of his first wife and is also Dale's best friend.

Hannah:
Mitch's sister, previously introduced in Uninvited (Dale's mistress), allies with Aimee but harbors her own manipulative intentions. Can she truly be trusted?

Jackie:
A surprise character haunted by her past, Jackie’s true connection to the story remains a mystery until later on. She is undoubtedly one of the most compelling aspects of the narrative.


The story unfolds through the alternating perspectives of Hannah, Aimee, and Jackie, with multiple characters ensnared in a web of deceit that extends beyond the primary trio.

Picking up from where the first book left off in Miami, we now find ourselves back in Vermont, grappling with the fallout of Dale's death. The woman he was involved with, Hannah, is now Aimee's sister-in-law, having married Mitch, the affluent doctor and Dale's closest friend.

Let the games commence!

My Thoughts...

Everyone has their own agenda!

A sizzling page-turner. The cleverly crafted dual perspectives amplify the tension, challenging readers to discern who’s truthful and who’s concealing secrets. Shiner skillfully employs Jackie's viewpoint to engage readers in a guessing game, artfully twisting expectations along the way.

No character is entirely reliable, adding layers of suspense, tension, and paranoia. The central conflict revolves around Aimee’s gradual realization that Mitch may have been responsible for his first wife's death, placing her in imminent danger.

Mitch’s sister, Hannah, has her own hidden motives. While she appears to assist Aimee in seeking revenge, her true intentions remain suspect. What secrets does she hold?

As Aimee delves into Mitch’s past, she uncovers the extent of his malevolence. He believes she’s complacently enjoying life by the pool, oblivious to her clandestine investigation. Meanwhile, her own dark secret—one that led to their marriage—adds an ongoing layer of suspense, keeping readers on edge.

In classic Shiner style, the final reveal is nothing short of masterful. Her skill in manipulating readers’ perceptions makes this game of cat and mouse deliciously wicked, transforming it into a high-stakes survival story.

All the while, Jackie's enigmatic voice will keep you turning pages into the early hours of the morning.

Prepare for explosive secrets in this twisty domestic suspense. Aimee’s undercover investigation becomes a pivotal source of suspense as she risks everything to unveil the truth about her perilous new husband, as well as Hannah and the intriguing Jackie.

With themes of love bombing, manipulation, deceit, and betrayal, don’t expect to encounter many likable characters.

A shocking twist awaits at the end that flips the narrative on its head. And will there be a third installment? I certainly hope so.

Stay tuned for my Bookouture Blog Tour Stop on November 19!

Special thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to listening to the audiobook.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 19, 2025
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Profile Image for Corinne’s Chapter Chatter.
938 reviews41 followers
November 16, 2025
Well, they can’t all be a hit, can they? I really struggled with this one, and a large part of that was the audio narration. It was difficult for me to listen to, and it made connecting with the characters even harder.

The audiobook is narrated by Madeline Pell, Stephanie Cannon, and Patricia Rodriguez—which honestly surprised me. I’ve listened to all three before and usually enjoy their work, but the vocal choices in this book were nearly insufferable. Many lines were overacted or delivered with a dramatic stage-like lilt at the end of sentences. I recently listened to another book where Cannon and Rodriguez teamed up and did a fantastic job, so this truly feels like a random miss. Full disclosure: I’ve historically not enjoyed Cannon’s male vocals, and that remains true here. Pell typically narrates painfully slowly at 1x speed, though in this case she was still slow but at least a bit more manageable.

Narration aside, the plotting felt messy. The story jumped around in ways that disrupted the flow, and at times it felt like there wasn’t much of a plot at all—just a handful of very unlikable characters who were hard to connect with or care about.

This is a sequel to Uninvited, which I haven’t read. It takes place two months later and is positioned as a standalone. And while I absolutely think it can be read—and possibly enjoyed—on its own, I also suspect that a lot of the backstory between the women would have made the dynamics smoother and easier to grasp.

I’m sure fans of the author will still find something to enjoy here, but this one just wasn’t for me.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Bookouture Aidio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
Profile Image for Elaine.
1,383 reviews36 followers
November 17, 2025
OK.so let me start by saying that this was book #2 in the series, and I didn’t find book #1, but I read this one anyway.
I did read that it was ok to be read as a stand-alone, though! But, I felt like I was missing out on a lot of points… so maybe you SHOULD read book #1 first… ???

That being said, we have a cast of almost ALL female characters. Except for the one brilliant doc who is a controlling, master minder… and seems to have a history of killing women he gets involved with! 😳

Amy marries him, although she doesn’t even like him! But it seems she doesn’t have a choice?!?
Wait! What??
Mind you she was engaged to someone else a few weeks earlier… but he’s dead! 😵

His sister Hannah is no better than him… and she wants to kill her brother to get his/her money!
And it seems like there are a lot of people who agree with her way of thinking!

This is a fast paced book with a bunch of characters, and NONE of them that you actually LIKE or would want to get a cup of coffee with! Never mind marry!!

BUT, it also held my attention right until the end…
So, it’s really a mixed bag for me…

That being said, I’m giving it 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I have loved some of hers in the past, so this one just might be an ‘off’ one for me, but still good!!!

#Unmarried by @EmilyShiner and narrated nicely by @MadelinePell, @Stephanie Cannon and@PatriciaRodriguez.

*** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, please look 👀 for it in a few days on 11/19/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Profile Image for Jayne Burnett.
934 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2025
A few weeks ago Aimee was engaged to Dale, how quickly things can change, Dale is now dead and she has just married Mitch, she doesn’t like him very much, she had no choice though. Mitch is a doctor, he has a modern beautiful home, he has money, he does though expect perfection in every part of his life. He is controlling, he tells Aimee what to wear, what to eat, he doesn’t want her to have contact with any of her old friends, she is to have no mobile phone or access to the internet.
Aimee has heard the rumours that Mitch killed his first wife, he will not talk about her and is enraged is Amy mentions her name. He has a strange relationship with his sister Hannah, he seems to lay down some rules for her too but encourages Aimee to spend time with her. Aimee doesn’t trust Mitch or his sister. She is determined to find out what happened to Mitch’s first wife, she feels her own life could be in danger.
This is a fast read, I did not like any of the characters, there are a few clever twists which kept me reading, I did struggle a little to work out the underlying dynamics between the women and that may be because I didn’t realize that this was a sequel, and I may have understood the dynamics better if I had of read Uninvited first as there seemed to be a lot of history between the women.
Not my favourite book by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. 3.5 stars
481 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2025
High quality action packed audio perfectly narrated as the story is told by different women's points of view . This was full of twists and reveals that had me listen ,Despite the number of chapters they were all short and the story felt much shorter than it was as it became another binge listen as i listened trying to work out who's truth was the truth and how they all linked together. Also how bad was Mitch and then that reveal at the end was so perfect. This had so much going on for it, it left me with questions and wanting more. As always there was poetic licence and things were explained quickly and confidently. It all made perfect sense and it was nice to be able to see a non traditional ending. that still left questions. This is highly recommended focusing on relationships and a marriage that can appear so many different things to different people and how that can all be eroded before your ears in a omg that is so good with so many elements of true crime, control etc. Another great Shiner book. Thank you so much to netgallery, publsihers, author and narrators.
the different voices were great and full of emotion.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
1,973 reviews135 followers
November 23, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Unmarried' by Emily Shiner.

Stop what you are doing!! Do not waste your time reading my review and just RUN don't walk and grab your copy of this absolutely EPIC page turner by the incredibly talented Emily Shiner. I can PROMISE that you will not regret it and you can thank me later!!

Emily does it YET again!! I genuinely don't think she can make a book that I don't love!! I have genuinely stopped even reading the synopsis of Emily's books anymore. When she drops a new book, I drop everything I am doing and just grab a copy, clear my day and get stuck straight in!! Love, love, loved this book!!!! This book is yet another absolutely gripping edge of your seat page turner!!! I mean just HOW HOW HOW can an author make each and every one of her AMAZING books EVEN BETTER each and every time???!?!? Emily Shiner you are the queen of crime!!! This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.

This is the second book in Emily's 'Perfect Couples' series but can be read as a standalone. the first book in this series is called 'Uninvited' which I have also read and would highly recommend. I would not normally recommend reading books in a series out of order but there is a silver lining. Once you have read this and loved it you can now go back and read 'Uninvited' while you are anxiously waiting for Emily's next book to be released!! As always with Emily's books the storyline was captivating and addictive from the first page until the very last and I was completely invested in it. It was absolutely rammed full of lies, secrets, romance, tension, action, drama, twists, suspense and everything you could ask for in a page turning psychological thriller. I just could not stop reading this absolutely addictive book from the first word to the last. Emily's extremely talented and evocative skills really brought the book to life and I was completely absorbed throughout. I lost count of the amount of times I promised myself one more chapter but that one finished in a way I just HAD to know what would happen next so I said just more and this went on and on until I ended up finishing it in one sitting!!! The location and atmosphere was absolutely perfect for this gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely love Emily's books and am guaranteed to be shocked every time I pick one up which is not an easy feat considering how many books I read a year so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS Emily!!! One of the things I love about her books is that they can also be quite thought provoking and always end with MASSIVE BOMBSHELLS that I absolutely love and never do see coming. I actually listened to the audiobook version of this thriller which was narrated by Madeline Pell, Stephanie Cannon, and Patricia Rodriguez who all did an absolutely incredible job of portraying the fear, tension and suspense in each of the characters voices. I have previously listened to 'The Weekend Away' by Miranda Smith and 'The Nurse' by Jenna Kernan which Madeline Pell also narrated and she did a wonderful job in those too which I would also recommend. Stephanie Cannon has also narrated 'My Perfect Husband' by Georgina Cross, 'The Anniversary' by Cole Baxter, 'The Girl At The Party' by Danielle Stewart, 'The Homemaker' by Shari J Ryan. This is the first audiobook I have listened to with Patricia Rodriguez but it most certainly will not be my last. Emily has definitely chosen extremely talented narrators for this book and they definitely did the storyline justice. Well done ladies!! Emily's evocative writing drags you deep into the storyline from the first sentence to the very last and will keep you up until the very last word! THAT ladies and gentleman is a true sign of an absolute must read. I absolutely loved the ending which was definitely an unexpected twist which is just one of the reasons I love Emily's books, she manages to get me every single time!! I've said it before about Emily's books and I shall say it again!! I would absolutely LOVE to see this turned into a movie and would wait up all night to get tickets to watch it!! Emily is one of those fantastic authors that it really does not matter if you are reading this book by the fire with a hot chocolate or on the beach with a cocktail as Emily whisks you into the storyline where you will be on the edge of your seat throughout with your heart pounding at the turn of every page!!

I hope your busy writing your next book Emily as I just cannot wait to see what bombshell twist and explosive storyline you have up your sleeve for us next!!!!

Clear your schedules, get comfy and pack your bag as Emily is about to suck you into this addictive and tension packed page turner.

The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. I love the fact that we got to see what was happening from the perspectives of Aimee (who you will/have met in Uninvited, book one in this series), Hannah and Jackie ensuring you can see what they are feeling now and what they were doing then and what has lead up to these explosive page turning twists! As with all her amazing books Emily weaves all of the chapters together with perfect timing until it all comes together with an explosive BANG!! It also explains absolutely everything which leaves no question unanswered at the end which is a pet hate of mine!! It also leaves you questioning what is really going on and gets you thinking more and more the deeper you delve into the storyline. Emily's multiple person perspective also really helps the reader understand the characters more making them more realistic to the reader. I was completely invested in all of the characters throughout and Emily's evocative descriptions really makes them jump out of the book and come to life in front of the readers eyes. All of the characters were multi layered with complex personalities which definitely made them all the more interesting to read about!!! Unfortunately, I really can not say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. I had no idea what to think of the different characters, what was really going on or where it was all leading which just goes to show what a talented author Emily is and I cannot wait to get hooked into her next psychological thriller which is guaranteed to be another page turner!! Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!!

Congratulations Emily on yet ANOTHER huge success. This is the exact reason why you are in my favourite 5 authors list!! Here's to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!

Overall another absolutely unputdownable, action packed, intriguing psychological thriller that will keep you up at night on the edge of your seat with a pounding heart from onw of the best psychological thriller authors EVER!!

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Profile Image for Victoria Fensom.
91 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2025
Aimee marries Mitch, a doctor with an amazing house and a lot of money, but unfortunately for her this doesn’t bring guaranteed happiness and the marriage isn’t all you’d expect it to be. There are rumours that Mitch killed his first wife, and as much as Aimee doesn’t want to believe it, as time goes on it becomes harder and harder for her to believe his innocence.

Unmarried was an okay read and I did enjoy it but I wasn’t blown away. The story started strong and had some good twists that kept me interested, but it didn’t completely grab me. The plot felt a bit predictable at times, and I didn’t always connect with the main character or understand her choices. There were also times where it felt a bit slow and repetitive, and I just started to feel a little bit bored.

The writing was easy to follow and I liked how the chapters were each written from a different character’s perspective, I think this adds a lot of depth to a book. I did think it got to a point where the book dragged on a little and then the ending felt somewhat rushed, which is a shame because it was a twist I hadn’t expected. Overall, it’s an okay thriller, just not one that really stood out for me. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
Profile Image for Zeynep.
10 reviews
November 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Aimee married Dr. Mitch Ellis despite knowing he killed his first wife. Now she realizes he expects her to be just as obedient. But she’s found clues, hidden jewelry, a suspicious death certificate, and plans to uncover the truth and make him pay.

While the premise sounds thrilling, this book was unfortunately a miss for me. From the very first pages, so much was happening that I found it confusing and difficult to follow. It felt overwhelming, Aimee suddenly revealing huge details, like stealing her twin’s identity, along with many other things mentioned quietly or without context. After doing some digging, I discovered this is actually the second book in a series, with the first one being Uninvited. If I had read that first, I might have understood this one better.

I sadly DNF’d this book. I wish it had been clearly stated that it follows a previous book, because in my opinion, you really can’t understand this story fully without reading the first one.

Despite my issues with the structure, the core idea has strong potential and might work better for readers who enjoy psychological domestic thrillers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,015 reviews81 followers
November 21, 2025
After I read Uninvited, I wanted more, and that is exactly what Shiner gives us in Unmarried. It was the perfect second book. You don’t know who to trust, if you can trust anyone really. The whole time I was reading the book, I didn’t know what was going to happen; I didn’t know how it was going to end. There was at least one twist in there that really shocked me! I may have gotten whiplash because I was like “WTH?”

Shiner writes Mitch perfectly, he’s the character we love to hate. He’s controlling and manipulative, but in the end, maybe he wasn’t as smart as he thought! As the reader, I may not be as smart as I thought – haha! I felt bad for Aimee because of the relationship that she is in; I was really unsure about Hannah – I couldn’t pinpoint what I thought about her because again, I didn’t know if I could trust her.

The ending was also fantastic. I did read the author’s acknowledgements and in there it said that this was a duology. The ending definitely finished some things, but also made me think that another book could be written, haha! One could only hope. I’ve grown to enjoy some of these characters.

This is out now, so check this duology out! It’s a quick, fast paced, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Sylvia Clark.
479 reviews28 followers
November 18, 2025
Unmarried by Emily Shiner
Rating 3 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟
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I love the unexpected twist
The buildup to what's next and the shock of the ending

Dale is now dead. Aimee isn't out of the clear yet as she has no choice but to marry Mitch or he will disclose all of her secrets.
Marrying Mitch now makes Hannah a sister in law.
Marrying Mitch is it better for Aimee or was she better being with Dale. Dale was a cheater, but Aimee discovers Mitch might have murdered his ex wife. Now she is stuck. She signed a contract to be Mitche's wife and have her own secret protected in exchange
Aimee doesnt want to be in this marriage. She is scared that she will be the next wife to end up dead
Profile Image for Els .
2,266 reviews53 followers
October 18, 2025
We met several of the characters in the first book, and I’m not entirely sure if I’m happy to see them again. On one hand, yes, because they made the previous book so compelling—but on the other hand, they’re not exactly the most likable people on this planet, which of course makes them perfect for a thriller.

Getting married is usually a reason for happy faces and a festive mood. Starting a new life with the person closest to your heart also brings certain obligations for both parties—obligations you should want to uphold… or at least try to. The church in the middle, balance in check—but unfortunately, it seems this story takes a very different turn.

Aimmee is determined to figure out what her husband is hiding, but sometimes you discover things you might have preferred not to know. Logically, one plus one equals two, but sometimes you end up with a very different outcome and suddenly the world looks completely different. The question is: is it better or worse?

The author has crafted a captivating story, and it was a fun challenge to untangle this plate of spaghetti and line up all the strands neatly. At times I almost lost my bearings, but in the end, all threads were tied together… or was it really the end?

This was a serious workout for my brain, and I love that. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Laura Smith.
517 reviews21 followers
October 20, 2025
UNMARRIED BY EMILY SHINER
Release date set for the 19th of November 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Absolutely brilliant.
Love the cover for this book.
This book carries straight on from The Uninvited so you can read that first then this one or you can read this one as a standalone aswel.
Emily has written another brilliant and fantastic book and you are all in for a treat when it comes out.
I particularly loved the storyline and the characters are something else.
Congratulations on yet again creating such a brilliant book.
Looking forward to picking up another Emily Shiner book ☺
Profile Image for Jennifer Bendel.
256 reviews86 followers
November 4, 2025
Another great book by Emily Shiner! I was excited to hear Uninvited was getting a sequel. I felt like we needed more from Mitch with that ending. I loved having all the characters secretly plotting against each other and trying to trust each other. It was such a tangled web they were in. I did guess the twists but I did not see the ending coming. Aimee ended up being a badass. I would have liked to see Steph at the end though.
Profile Image for Barbara Powell.
1,135 reviews66 followers
November 29, 2025
This is the follow up to the book Uninvited, and though it's not required. I definitely would recommend reading it fir because you get lots of background information on the main characters in this book. It is filled with devious charac secrets, twists upon twists, and an ending that came out of nowhere and left me wanting a book. 3!
This is told from several POV, most of which are the women of the story and most of the narrators are unreliable so never know who to trust, so that keeps you in your toes throughout.
This is well plotted and definitely entertaining and I finished it in one sitting Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Kristen.
799 reviews
December 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Shiner writes such twisted thrillers! I love how there are so many twists in her books. This one had me second guessing every character throughout the book. I loved all the twists in this story and can’t wait to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Samantha.
255 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2025
This is your classic popcorn thriller. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading, but not exactly shocking. The plot felt a bit repetitive at times, and while I liked the ending, I was hoping for a bigger payoff given the premise.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this arc
632 reviews29 followers
October 20, 2025
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an early copy of Unmarried. The cover is Gorgeous! The novel is not for me. If I didn’t read Uninvited, it wouldn’t have mattered because there was never any connection between the two books. The ending was the most confusing ending, I still can’t figure it out. There were toooooo many people that came on to the scene at one time and it made my head spin. I’m sorry but that’s my honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly (aka jsybookworm).
233 reviews8 followers
November 21, 2025
**WARNING: Do NOT read this review if you haven’t read the first in the series- Uninvited**

I was so excited for this sequel from Emily Shiner and I wasn’t disappointed, what a fabulous read and a very much deserved 5 star rating from me!

Aimee now finds herself married to Mitch and under the rules of an extremely strict agreement which she was coerced into signing as Mitch knows her deepest darkest secret and used it as a weapon to get her to agree to the marriage and strict contract. Aimee is desperate to leave Mitch but worries about her safety knowing that Mitch is a dangerous and volatile man who also knows her secret, and so she decides to bide her time. Hannah, Mitch’s sister, is angry with Mitch for not splitting their wealthy parent’s inheritance as they expected but also knows Mitch is dangerous and not someone to anger or to underestimate. In Florida, Aimee and Hannah were enemies and out for revenge but now in Vermont can they become allies together against Mitch so that Aimee can win her freedom and Hannah can get her inheritance?! Will Mitch get wise to their scheming, or will the biggest downfall be that Aimee and Hannah can’t and won’t trust each other enough to work together?!

Well, what a ride this read was. The tense and ominous tone was present from the very first page and carried on throughout the book whilst the cat and mouse games were being played by each character. I didn’t really warm to any of the characters but that is par for the course with me and psychological thrillers, generally their characters aren’t particularly likeable, but it never ever ruins the plot for me. The tension at the later part of the story was almost unbearable but at the same time so very gripping and I felt I was getting whiplash trying to keep up with what each character was up to- it was brilliant. The villain of the story was probably one of the most diabolical I have come across in the psychological thrillers I read, and I definitely did not guess the twist, which I loved- so bravo Emily Shiner!

Overall, I enjoyed this sequel so much and I definitely recommend it to any readers who enjoy psychological thrillers. However, you must read the first book “Uninvited” first! Great story and deserved 5 star rating. I can’t wait to read what Emily Shiner writes next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Shiner and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
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