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The Widows #3
Wicked Wanted Widows
9 hours, 3 minutes
In the third installment of Audible’s bestselling Young Rich Widows series, a new widow appears! Irish art thief Grace Callahan is on a mission to take back what’s rightfully hers, and she believes Meredith Everett is the key to finding it. When Meredith is taken by Grace and her group of armed robbers, her fellow widows (and series regulars) Krystle, Justine, and Camille spring into action to rescue her, becoming entangled in a long-brewing scheme by the Callahan family, whose stolen priceless heirloom left them out for revenge. As the widows take on the New England underworld, art heists, and gun fights in bootlegger tunnels, they must uncover what's real from a total fraud to save their friend and their futures.
Inspired by real history from the Salem Witch trials to the billion dollar Gardner Museum art heist, the latest totally ‘80s, totally thrilling audio adventure blends nonstop action with the wild and wicked Widows antics listeners love.
In the third installment of Audible’s bestselling Young Rich Widows series, a new widow appears! Irish art thief Grace Callahan is on a mission to take back what’s rightfully hers, and she believes Meredith Everett is the key to finding it. When Meredith is taken by Grace and her group of armed robbers, her fellow widows (and series regulars) Krystle, Justine, and Camille spring into action to rescue her, becoming entangled in a long-brewing scheme by the Callahan family, whose stolen priceless heirloom left them out for revenge. As the widows take on the New England underworld, art heists, and gun fights in bootlegger tunnels, they must uncover what's real from a total fraud to save their friend and their futures.
Inspired by real history from the Salem Witch trials to the billion dollar Gardner Museum art heist, the latest totally ‘80s, totally thrilling audio adventure blends nonstop action with the wild and wicked Widows antics listeners love.
Audible Audio
Published August 28, 2025
About the author
Kimberly Belle
21 books5,346 followersKimberly Belle is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author with over one million copies sold worldwide, with titles including The Paris Widow, The Marriage Lie, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Mystery & Thriller, and the co-authored #1 Audible Original, Young Rich Widows. Kimberly’s novels have been optioned for film and television and selected by LibraryReads and Amazon & Apple Books Editors as Best Books of the Month, and the International Thriller Writers as nominee for best book of the year. She divides her time between Atlanta and Amsterdam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 14, 2025
This like these unusual widows, but the plot was just average.
October 24, 2025
Book Title: Wicked Wanted Widows
Authors: Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, & Vanessa Lillie
Publisher(s): Sourcebooks Landmark/Audible Originals
Publication Dates: August 25, 2026 (book)/August 28, 2025 (audiobook)
Currently Available on KU? ✅
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: The widows are at it again and Wicked Wanted Widows takes us on a treasure hunting adventure filled with drama, a dash of romance, and revenge fueled hysteria.
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: This installment is just as over-the-top as the first two books, and this time we got a new love interest for the unstoppable Meredith (yay!). The majority of the book is told from hers and Grace’s viewpoints but of course it wouldn’t be a Widows book if we didn’t also have Krystle, Justine, and Camille. I loved the way our authors structured this storyline as well as the innumerable references to The Goonies. It was such a fun and wild ride to the end, and it has a very interesting conclusion that has me wondering what is in store next for this group of friends.
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: We have our usual ladies (Ariel Blake, Dina Pearlman, Karissa Vacker, & Helen Laser) narrating the widows and some new additions with Barrie Kreinik, Kevin T. Collins, & Neil Hellegers. I adored Kreinik’s accent for Grace and she was a delight to listen to. Some of our usuals did struggle a bit with the Irish accents on the other POVs but if anything, that just entertained me even more.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: I am definitely going to check out the physical book when it comes out and I highly recommend doing so for this series as there is always a fun little conversation with the authors and characters that isn’t included in the audio (boo). I found Wicked Wanted Widows to be just as fun as its predecessors and this should be your go-to if you’re looking to get lost in something super dramatic and action packed.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🏴☠️🪙🖼️🔫🪦
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Authors: Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, & Vanessa Lillie
Publisher(s): Sourcebooks Landmark/Audible Originals
Publication Dates: August 25, 2026 (book)/August 28, 2025 (audiobook)
Currently Available on KU? ✅
Audiobook? ✅
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: The widows are at it again and Wicked Wanted Widows takes us on a treasure hunting adventure filled with drama, a dash of romance, and revenge fueled hysteria.
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: This installment is just as over-the-top as the first two books, and this time we got a new love interest for the unstoppable Meredith (yay!). The majority of the book is told from hers and Grace’s viewpoints but of course it wouldn’t be a Widows book if we didn’t also have Krystle, Justine, and Camille. I loved the way our authors structured this storyline as well as the innumerable references to The Goonies. It was such a fun and wild ride to the end, and it has a very interesting conclusion that has me wondering what is in store next for this group of friends.
🎧 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: We have our usual ladies (Ariel Blake, Dina Pearlman, Karissa Vacker, & Helen Laser) narrating the widows and some new additions with Barrie Kreinik, Kevin T. Collins, & Neil Hellegers. I adored Kreinik’s accent for Grace and she was a delight to listen to. Some of our usuals did struggle a bit with the Irish accents on the other POVs but if anything, that just entertained me even more.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: I am definitely going to check out the physical book when it comes out and I highly recommend doing so for this series as there is always a fun little conversation with the authors and characters that isn’t included in the audio (boo). I found Wicked Wanted Widows to be just as fun as its predecessors and this should be your go-to if you’re looking to get lost in something super dramatic and action packed.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🏴☠️🪙🖼️🔫🪦
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 14, 2025
I love the widows and their zany shenanigans. However, I was missing Meredith's viewpoint in this one.
arc-behind-schedule
August 24, 2026PUBLISH DATE: Aug 25, 2026
I am thankful for the opportunity to READ & REVIEW this book from you. I WILL PROVIDE FEEDBACK when I am caught up; but I am currently behind on ARC books. I apologize for the delay in reading and reviewing and still hope we are able to continue working together in the future.
PUBLISH DATE: Aug 25, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Wicket Wanted Widows
SERIES: Book 3 of The Widows
AUTHOR: Vanessa Lillie; Kimberly Belle; Cate Holahan
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Landmark
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 368
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I am thankful for the opportunity to READ & REVIEW this book from you. I WILL PROVIDE FEEDBACK when I am caught up; but I am currently behind on ARC books. I apologize for the delay in reading and reviewing and still hope we are able to continue working together in the future.
PUBLISH DATE: Aug 25, 2026
BOOK TITLE: Wicket Wanted Widows
SERIES: Book 3 of The Widows
AUTHOR: Vanessa Lillie; Kimberly Belle; Cate Holahan
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Landmark
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 368
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 14, 2025
The Widows are back and falling into more sticky situations like never before. A bank heist that takes Meredith hostage sends the remaining widows to Salem ,Massachusetts where the ladies meet up with Grace, an Irish native on a literal treasure hunt for her ancestors fortune. Running away from dirty cops and the Boston mafia the Widows must clear their name to stay clear of prison for being falsely accused for taking priceless painting that hold the clues to this treasure hunt. Fast paced and nostalgic with the setting in the 80’s this is a book which is hard to put down (or pause if you hear the audio)!
September 18, 2025
These ladies stayed in some kinda trouble but I was here for every moment!
Krystle grew on me and in the book but at the heart of her she loves big and holds no bars! The way she holds down her man had me giggling like a school girl!
My heart was breaking for Justine!!!! My girl couldn’t catch a damn break. Not excusing the in laws but my girl did make some not so good choices
Listen say what you want about Camille but she is a silent BEAST!!! She is a woman of many trades. Her accent is my absolute favorite thing
Idk how I feel about Meredith in this book….
Overall the book was pretty damn good and engaging. The wild adventures the widows find themselves in are truly wild AF!
Krystle grew on me and in the book but at the heart of her she loves big and holds no bars! The way she holds down her man had me giggling like a school girl!
My heart was breaking for Justine!!!! My girl couldn’t catch a damn break. Not excusing the in laws but my girl did make some not so good choices
Listen say what you want about Camille but she is a silent BEAST!!! She is a woman of many trades. Her accent is my absolute favorite thing
Idk how I feel about Meredith in this book….
Overall the book was pretty damn good and engaging. The wild adventures the widows find themselves in are truly wild AF!
December 3, 2025
I love this quirky series about the Young Rich Widows and this third book is amazing! A new widow is added to the mix, Grace, who kidnaps Meredith. Camille, Krystle and Justine are on a mission to rescue her. They get caught up in so much drama but always keeps me laughing. Can they save Meredith before something really bad happens?
September 21, 2025
The girls are back at it again! Except this time they’re up against the Boston mob and the IRA?! What a crazy whirlwind, including crazy costumes, love, drama, some backstabbing, and a mother Theresa at one point? I had a really fun time with it. Would probably listen to on a road trip again
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Sourcebooks, Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan, and Vanessa Lillie for providing me with an advance reader copy of Wicked Wanted Widows in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Wicked Wanted Widows was an absolute blast. I almost didn't pick it up because it was such a departure from what I've been reading lately, and I happened to discover it during a weeklong book hangover that made me slow to commit to anything new. I'm very glad I did.
This is the third installment in the Young, Rich Widows series, and while I hadn't read the first two books, I never felt completely lost. The authors do an excellent job of weaving in the essential backstory so new readers can follow along. That said, I do think longtime readers will get more emotional mileage out of the story, since the relationships and history between the widows have already been established. I also suspect it would make the opening chapters easier to navigate. Between the multiple points of view and the delightfully chaotic plot, I found myself taking notes at first just to keep everyone straight. Once the story found its rhythm, though, I was completely along for the ride.
Originally released as Audible Originals, this series still feels perfectly suited to that format. Reading it, I could practically hear the dramatic music cues and rapid-fire dialogue. The entire novel has the energy of a zany 1980s noir radio drama, complete with neon aesthetics, big personalities, and cinematic twists. The retro atmosphere is consistently fun without ever tipping into parody, which is a difficult balance to strike. The pacing is brisk, the plot is tightly constructed, and the multiple storylines weave together in a way that keeps the pages turning.
What surprised me most was how much substance exists beneath all that campy fun. The novel incorporates real historical events and figures, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Troubles in Ireland, among others. It also explores themes of female friendship, found family, colonialism, and the long history of women being scapegoated for society's fears. Those ideas are thoughtfully integrated into the story without ever feeling preachy or sacrificing the novel's adventurous spirit.
My biggest criticism is that I wanted even more from some of the historical elements, particularly the Gardner Museum heist, which felt like it had the potential to play an even larger role. Outside of the widows themselves and the primary antagonist, Grace, many of the supporting characters remain fairly broad. The crooked cop descendants of Sheriff George Corwin being Salem Witch Trial apologists make them seem more like caricatures, while Boston mob boss Boots has the exaggerated flair of a classic Dick Tracy villain. In most novels that might have bothered me more, but here the heightened, neon-soaked tone actually makes those larger-than-life characters feel appropriate.
Grace, however, stands apart. She is a genuinely compelling antagonist whose motivations are clear, layered, and emotionally grounded. She serves as an excellent foil to the widows and brings real weight to the story.
Overall, Wicked Wanted Widows is a fast-paced, witty, and thoroughly entertaining extension of the Young, Rich Widows universe that balances camp and mystery with history and heart. If you're looking for a fun and fast-paced adventure with an unapologetically '80s flair and more substance than you might expect, this series is well worth picking up. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, I would recommend starting with the first two installments if you have the opportunity. I think it will make the emotional payoffs even more rewarding.
Wicked Wanted Widows was an absolute blast. I almost didn't pick it up because it was such a departure from what I've been reading lately, and I happened to discover it during a weeklong book hangover that made me slow to commit to anything new. I'm very glad I did.
This is the third installment in the Young, Rich Widows series, and while I hadn't read the first two books, I never felt completely lost. The authors do an excellent job of weaving in the essential backstory so new readers can follow along. That said, I do think longtime readers will get more emotional mileage out of the story, since the relationships and history between the widows have already been established. I also suspect it would make the opening chapters easier to navigate. Between the multiple points of view and the delightfully chaotic plot, I found myself taking notes at first just to keep everyone straight. Once the story found its rhythm, though, I was completely along for the ride.
Originally released as Audible Originals, this series still feels perfectly suited to that format. Reading it, I could practically hear the dramatic music cues and rapid-fire dialogue. The entire novel has the energy of a zany 1980s noir radio drama, complete with neon aesthetics, big personalities, and cinematic twists. The retro atmosphere is consistently fun without ever tipping into parody, which is a difficult balance to strike. The pacing is brisk, the plot is tightly constructed, and the multiple storylines weave together in a way that keeps the pages turning.
What surprised me most was how much substance exists beneath all that campy fun. The novel incorporates real historical events and figures, including the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, the Salem Witch Trials, and the Troubles in Ireland, among others. It also explores themes of female friendship, found family, colonialism, and the long history of women being scapegoated for society's fears. Those ideas are thoughtfully integrated into the story without ever feeling preachy or sacrificing the novel's adventurous spirit.
My biggest criticism is that I wanted even more from some of the historical elements, particularly the Gardner Museum heist, which felt like it had the potential to play an even larger role. Outside of the widows themselves and the primary antagonist, Grace, many of the supporting characters remain fairly broad. The crooked cop descendants of Sheriff George Corwin being Salem Witch Trial apologists make them seem more like caricatures, while Boston mob boss Boots has the exaggerated flair of a classic Dick Tracy villain. In most novels that might have bothered me more, but here the heightened, neon-soaked tone actually makes those larger-than-life characters feel appropriate.
Grace, however, stands apart. She is a genuinely compelling antagonist whose motivations are clear, layered, and emotionally grounded. She serves as an excellent foil to the widows and brings real weight to the story.
Overall, Wicked Wanted Widows is a fast-paced, witty, and thoroughly entertaining extension of the Young, Rich Widows universe that balances camp and mystery with history and heart. If you're looking for a fun and fast-paced adventure with an unapologetically '80s flair and more substance than you might expect, this series is well worth picking up. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, I would recommend starting with the first two installments if you have the opportunity. I think it will make the emotional payoffs even more rewarding.
August 25, 2026
Solid four stars!!! Love this series! It is a rollicking good time. What I love about these books is that they are fun to read. Love the local settings (Providence, Boston, Salem). Always need to remind myself that it takes place in the 80s as far as the references go, but that also contributes to the fun! Love the idea of found family! Everything these ladies have been through but they know they can rely on each other!! Great fun!!!
January 22, 2026
This was a hot mess! I didn’t like the new widow and this book lacked Meredith’s POV, which would’ve really helped the story
August 25, 2026
Intro
Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie, and Cate Holahan deliver a sensational, high-octane finale to their hit collaborative trilogy with Wicked Wanted Widows. To celebrate the paperback edition this review honors a completely addictive, female-driven mob thriller that concludes the series in grand, oversized '80s style.
The Hook
A routine bank deposit in Providence turns into a full-scale robbery and kidnapping, forcing three glamorous law-firm widows back into action to save one of their own.
Elevator Pitch
It’s 1988, and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is blaring on the radio—but the Widows are busy running from the law. When Meredith is taken hostage during a bank heist by an Irish art thief, fellow partners Krystle, Justine, and Camille must shatter their quiet lives, execute jailbreaks, and dig through historical bootlegger tunnels under Providence to get her back.
Setting
The neon-soaked streets, maximum-security prisons, and secret pirate tunnels of Providence, Rhode Island, with a quick, atmospheric side trip to Salem, Massachusetts during Halloween.
👠 Vibe
Totally '80s, campy, fast-paced, and highly chaotic with heavy doses of big hair, dangerous glamour, and female solidarity.
🔍 Genre
Female-Driven Mob Thriller / Over-the-Top Suspense.
👥 Themes
Fierce sisterhood, the weight of a spouse's criminal legacy, choosing your own family, and how "bad girls" have the most fun.
Standout Characters
~The Core Widows (Krystle, Justine, Camille, and Meredith): Independent, fierce, and entirely unique, these women run their late husbands' mafia-affiliated law firm and strip clubs while constantly outmaneuvering the police.
~Grace Flaherty: A brilliant newcomer and Irish art thief who targets Meredith, dragging a priceless heirloom revenge plot into the mix.
Author Writing Standout
The co-authors master the cliffhanger chapter ending. Their signature collaborative style bounces flawlessly between the multiple distinct points of view of the widows, keeping the narrative flowing with witty banter and frantic, nonstop action.
Title Significance & Metaphor
Wicked Wanted Widows captures the exact moment our heroines are forced to land on the wrong side of the law to protect their own crew. The story moves like a Ferrari Testarossa with no brakes—sleek, fast, unapologetic, and completely unconcerned with speed limits.
Audio Standout
🎧 The multi-cast ensemble narration is a spectacular audio drama masterpiece. Each narrator embodies their specific widow with unparalleled vocal distinction, emphasizing the distinct, escalating panic of a hostage situation and the cool, calculated bravado of women taking control of the New England underworld.
My Thoughts
The moment I cracked open the first page, I knew I was at the mercy of a storytelling team that knows exactly how to manipulate your heart rate. Having read every single one of Kimberly Belle's books, I can safely say her signature blend of high stakes and rich emotional tension shines brilliantly alongside her co-authors.
The pacing is absolutely blistering—short, sharp chapters terminate in jolting cliffhangers that practically force your fingers to flip the page. Watching these independent, stylish women navigate the art heist and real historical underground tunnels is pure, unadulterated entertainment. While the plot leans beautifully into over-the-top, glorious '80s camp, the genuine bond of sisterhood anchors the story in authentic emotion.
Why You Should Read
As a massive fan of this series, I promise this third installment delivers a perfect, satisfying conclusion filled with relentless pacing, complex plotting, and unforgettable characters.
Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 / 5 Stars.
An absolute knockout. Wicked Wanted Widows is an electrifying, high-voltage triumph that completely redefines the female modern mob thriller. It is fierce, flawless, and undeniably addictive.
Recs & Read Alikes
I highly recommend reading the Young Rich Widows series in exact chronological order so you can experience the dynamic growth and evolving underworld history of this incredible crew!
Book 1: Young Rich Widows
The mandatory introduction to the private jet crash that starts it all.
Book 2: Desperate Deadly Widows
The intense follow-up as the ladies entrench themselves in the firm.
Book 3: Wicked Wanted Widows
This incredible grand finale!
Bonus Genre Companion: The Hunting Wives by May Cobb
Special thanks to partner, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 25, 2026
August Newsletter
Aug 2026 Must-Read Books
Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie, and Cate Holahan deliver a sensational, high-octane finale to their hit collaborative trilogy with Wicked Wanted Widows. To celebrate the paperback edition this review honors a completely addictive, female-driven mob thriller that concludes the series in grand, oversized '80s style.
The Hook
A routine bank deposit in Providence turns into a full-scale robbery and kidnapping, forcing three glamorous law-firm widows back into action to save one of their own.
Elevator Pitch
It’s 1988, and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is blaring on the radio—but the Widows are busy running from the law. When Meredith is taken hostage during a bank heist by an Irish art thief, fellow partners Krystle, Justine, and Camille must shatter their quiet lives, execute jailbreaks, and dig through historical bootlegger tunnels under Providence to get her back.
Setting
The neon-soaked streets, maximum-security prisons, and secret pirate tunnels of Providence, Rhode Island, with a quick, atmospheric side trip to Salem, Massachusetts during Halloween.
👠 Vibe
Totally '80s, campy, fast-paced, and highly chaotic with heavy doses of big hair, dangerous glamour, and female solidarity.
🔍 Genre
Female-Driven Mob Thriller / Over-the-Top Suspense.
👥 Themes
Fierce sisterhood, the weight of a spouse's criminal legacy, choosing your own family, and how "bad girls" have the most fun.
Standout Characters
~The Core Widows (Krystle, Justine, Camille, and Meredith): Independent, fierce, and entirely unique, these women run their late husbands' mafia-affiliated law firm and strip clubs while constantly outmaneuvering the police.
~Grace Flaherty: A brilliant newcomer and Irish art thief who targets Meredith, dragging a priceless heirloom revenge plot into the mix.
Author Writing Standout
The co-authors master the cliffhanger chapter ending. Their signature collaborative style bounces flawlessly between the multiple distinct points of view of the widows, keeping the narrative flowing with witty banter and frantic, nonstop action.
Title Significance & Metaphor
Wicked Wanted Widows captures the exact moment our heroines are forced to land on the wrong side of the law to protect their own crew. The story moves like a Ferrari Testarossa with no brakes—sleek, fast, unapologetic, and completely unconcerned with speed limits.
Audio Standout
🎧 The multi-cast ensemble narration is a spectacular audio drama masterpiece. Each narrator embodies their specific widow with unparalleled vocal distinction, emphasizing the distinct, escalating panic of a hostage situation and the cool, calculated bravado of women taking control of the New England underworld.
My Thoughts
The moment I cracked open the first page, I knew I was at the mercy of a storytelling team that knows exactly how to manipulate your heart rate. Having read every single one of Kimberly Belle's books, I can safely say her signature blend of high stakes and rich emotional tension shines brilliantly alongside her co-authors.
The pacing is absolutely blistering—short, sharp chapters terminate in jolting cliffhangers that practically force your fingers to flip the page. Watching these independent, stylish women navigate the art heist and real historical underground tunnels is pure, unadulterated entertainment. While the plot leans beautifully into over-the-top, glorious '80s camp, the genuine bond of sisterhood anchors the story in authentic emotion.
Why You Should Read
As a massive fan of this series, I promise this third installment delivers a perfect, satisfying conclusion filled with relentless pacing, complex plotting, and unforgettable characters.
Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 / 5 Stars.
An absolute knockout. Wicked Wanted Widows is an electrifying, high-voltage triumph that completely redefines the female modern mob thriller. It is fierce, flawless, and undeniably addictive.
Recs & Read Alikes
I highly recommend reading the Young Rich Widows series in exact chronological order so you can experience the dynamic growth and evolving underworld history of this incredible crew!
Book 1: Young Rich Widows
The mandatory introduction to the private jet crash that starts it all.
Book 2: Desperate Deadly Widows
The intense follow-up as the ladies entrench themselves in the firm.
Book 3: Wicked Wanted Widows
This incredible grand finale!
Bonus Genre Companion: The Hunting Wives by May Cobb
Special thanks to partner, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 25, 2026
August Newsletter
Aug 2026 Must-Read Books
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wicked Wanted Widows • Kimberly Belle, Vanessa Lillie & Cate Holahan
The Widows #3
One phrase: bad girls, jailbreaks, and sisterhood 🖤💸
The widows are back, and apparently this time they are choosing chaos.
Wicked Wanted Widows brings us right back into the Young Rich Widows world, where friendship, freedom, old secrets, old loves, and actual lives are all on the line after a Providence bank robbery turns into a kidnapping.
Meredith is in danger.
And the widows?
They are absolutely not waiting around politely for someone else to save her.
To bring one of their own home, they end up breaking out of jails, breaking into graveyards, chasing ghosts of indentured servants, and racing through pirate tunnels under Providence.
Casual girl gang behavior.
I love the way this series leans into the bond between these women. Their friendship has already gotten them through murder, grief, danger, and a whole lot of mess, but this installment sounds like it pushes that loyalty even further. Saving Meredith means risking everything they have built since their spouses’ deaths.
For Krystle, it means Sal’s criminal past could come back to destroy any chance at a future. For Justine, it means risking custody, career, and the life she is trying to rebuild. For Camille, it means balancing her found family with the firm she inherited. And Meredith has her own complicated feelings about what she is running from, what she wants, and who she might be becoming.
Set in 1988 with Girls Just Wanna Have Fun energy and a whole lot of bad decisions, this sounds messy, fast, and full of the kind of sisterhood that might save them.
Or get them all arrested.
Maybe both.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
💸 bank robbery gone wrong
🖤 rich widows
🚨 kidnapping rescue
⛓ jailbreak chaos
🪦 graveyard secrets
🏴☠️ pirate tunnels
👯 ride or die friendship
📻 1988 vibes
💋 old loves returning
⚖️ wrong side of the law
👀 liars and thieves
🔥 bad girls have more fun
📚 Read this if you like:
Messy female friendships, mystery with chaos, 1980s settings, rich widows behaving badly, crime, secrets, jailbreaks, found family, and women who will absolutely break the law to save one of their own.
This sounds wild, twisty, dramatic, and like sisterhood with a criminal record.
#WickedWantedWidows #YoungRichWidows #MysteryBooks #CrimeFiction #BookReview
The Widows #3
One phrase: bad girls, jailbreaks, and sisterhood 🖤💸
The widows are back, and apparently this time they are choosing chaos.
Wicked Wanted Widows brings us right back into the Young Rich Widows world, where friendship, freedom, old secrets, old loves, and actual lives are all on the line after a Providence bank robbery turns into a kidnapping.
Meredith is in danger.
And the widows?
They are absolutely not waiting around politely for someone else to save her.
To bring one of their own home, they end up breaking out of jails, breaking into graveyards, chasing ghosts of indentured servants, and racing through pirate tunnels under Providence.
Casual girl gang behavior.
I love the way this series leans into the bond between these women. Their friendship has already gotten them through murder, grief, danger, and a whole lot of mess, but this installment sounds like it pushes that loyalty even further. Saving Meredith means risking everything they have built since their spouses’ deaths.
For Krystle, it means Sal’s criminal past could come back to destroy any chance at a future. For Justine, it means risking custody, career, and the life she is trying to rebuild. For Camille, it means balancing her found family with the firm she inherited. And Meredith has her own complicated feelings about what she is running from, what she wants, and who she might be becoming.
Set in 1988 with Girls Just Wanna Have Fun energy and a whole lot of bad decisions, this sounds messy, fast, and full of the kind of sisterhood that might save them.
Or get them all arrested.
Maybe both.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
💸 bank robbery gone wrong
🖤 rich widows
🚨 kidnapping rescue
⛓ jailbreak chaos
🪦 graveyard secrets
🏴☠️ pirate tunnels
👯 ride or die friendship
📻 1988 vibes
💋 old loves returning
⚖️ wrong side of the law
👀 liars and thieves
🔥 bad girls have more fun
📚 Read this if you like:
Messy female friendships, mystery with chaos, 1980s settings, rich widows behaving badly, crime, secrets, jailbreaks, found family, and women who will absolutely break the law to save one of their own.
This sounds wild, twisty, dramatic, and like sisterhood with a criminal record.
#WickedWantedWidows #YoungRichWidows #MysteryBooks #CrimeFiction #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wicked Wanted Widows throws the doors wide open from page one. A bank robbery gone wrong, a kidnapping, and suddenly the widows are right back in the fire, doing what they do best: breaking rules, breaking expectations, and occasionally breaking into places they absolutely shouldn’t be. There’s a fizzy, unstoppable momentum to this instalment — jailbreaks, graveyards, pirate tunnels under Providence — all threaded with that sharp humour and fierce loyalty that make these women so irresistible.
What really grounds the chaos is how personal it all feels. Saving Meredith isn’t just another mission; it forces each widow to confront the life she’s been trying to build since everything fell apart. Krystle’s fear of Sal’s past catching up with her, Justine’s tightrope walk between freedom and motherhood, Camille’s tug‑of‑war between duty and desire — the emotional stakes hum beneath every chase, every close call, every whispered plan in the dark.
And then there’s Meredith herself, caught between the danger she’s running from and the complicated pull of newcomer Grace. Her arc adds a lovely, aching layer to the story — a reminder that even in 1988, with Cyndi Lauper blaring and the world spinning fast, wanting something for yourself can be the most dangerous act of all.
The beauty of this book is how it balances the thrill of the adventure with the fragility of the bonds holding these women together. Their friendship has carried them through murder, mayhem, and reinvention, but here it’s tested in ways that feel sharper, more grown, more real. Sisterhood is powerful — but it isn’t always enough, and the novel isn’t afraid to sit in that tension.
A bold, breathless, and wickedly fun instalment that blends heart, danger, and pure 80s energy. Perfect for readers who crave crime fiction with grit, glamour, and a fierce, complicated sisterhood at its core.
With thanks to V Lilile, K Belle, C Holahan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What really grounds the chaos is how personal it all feels. Saving Meredith isn’t just another mission; it forces each widow to confront the life she’s been trying to build since everything fell apart. Krystle’s fear of Sal’s past catching up with her, Justine’s tightrope walk between freedom and motherhood, Camille’s tug‑of‑war between duty and desire — the emotional stakes hum beneath every chase, every close call, every whispered plan in the dark.
And then there’s Meredith herself, caught between the danger she’s running from and the complicated pull of newcomer Grace. Her arc adds a lovely, aching layer to the story — a reminder that even in 1988, with Cyndi Lauper blaring and the world spinning fast, wanting something for yourself can be the most dangerous act of all.
The beauty of this book is how it balances the thrill of the adventure with the fragility of the bonds holding these women together. Their friendship has carried them through murder, mayhem, and reinvention, but here it’s tested in ways that feel sharper, more grown, more real. Sisterhood is powerful — but it isn’t always enough, and the novel isn’t afraid to sit in that tension.
A bold, breathless, and wickedly fun instalment that blends heart, danger, and pure 80s energy. Perfect for readers who crave crime fiction with grit, glamour, and a fierce, complicated sisterhood at its core.
With thanks to V Lilile, K Belle, C Holahan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another crazy fun story about the widows, this one sees the women trying to save Meredith, who’s kidnapped by some bank robbers/art thieves. The other widows happened to see Meredith thrown into the thieves’ van, so they know who they’re chasing but have no idea why and what they want from Meredith. The reader sees from multiple perspectives, so we do know, and it’s not as cut and dry as the widows think. At least one of the criminals has noble reasons for her actions and doesn’t want to cause any harm. She just wants the pirate treasure. Yes, there’s pirate treasure and plenty of references to The Goonies (a childhood favorite of mine), but remember, this is set in the late 1980s, so it fits perfectly.
Being at this point in history, another part of the plot involves the troubles in Northern Ireland, which is tied to the treasure hunt. There’s non-stop action throughout the story, for the criminals scrambling to find where the treasure’s buried, and for the widows trying to track down Meredith. But as she grows closer to one of her kidnappers, will she even want to be rescued? Or is this just the type of adventure she’s been longing for? And when the ladies cross the wrong mobster in their pursuit of the thieves, has their luck finally run out?
What sets this series apart from similar ‘women on adventures’ stories is the bond they share and how they continually risk life and limb for each other. These women are fiercely loyal to one another, and that’s the heart of these stories, underneath all the campy fun. The authors have created an amazing series about truly strong women and have set the bar high for any other stories to even come close.
My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Being at this point in history, another part of the plot involves the troubles in Northern Ireland, which is tied to the treasure hunt. There’s non-stop action throughout the story, for the criminals scrambling to find where the treasure’s buried, and for the widows trying to track down Meredith. But as she grows closer to one of her kidnappers, will she even want to be rescued? Or is this just the type of adventure she’s been longing for? And when the ladies cross the wrong mobster in their pursuit of the thieves, has their luck finally run out?
What sets this series apart from similar ‘women on adventures’ stories is the bond they share and how they continually risk life and limb for each other. These women are fiercely loyal to one another, and that’s the heart of these stories, underneath all the campy fun. The authors have created an amazing series about truly strong women and have set the bar high for any other stories to even come close.
My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
May 3, 2026
This series is honestly one of those that I shouldn’t love as much as I do… but I really do. These women are chaotic in the best way, and every time I go back into their world, I know I’m in for something completely over-the-top and entertaining.
In Wicked Wanted Windows, we’re back with Meredith, Krystle, Justine, and Camille—and things get messy fast. A bank robbery turns into a kidnapping, and from there it’s basically nonstop chaos… jailbreaks, tunnels under Providence, car chases, secrets coming out—it just keeps going. It’s a lot, but that’s kind of the point with this series.
What I still love most is the dynamic between the widows. They’re bold, flawed, a little unhinged, and fiercely loyal (most of the time). That friendship is really what carries the story, especially when everything else starts spiraling. You can feel the tension this time though—there’s more pressure, more risk, and not everyone is fully on the same page anymore.
I will say, this one didn’t hit quite as hard for me as the first two. It felt a little more scattered, and I missed having a stronger connection to Meredith’s perspective—it would’ve grounded the story more. And the new addition to the group didn’t fully win me over.
That said, it’s still a fun, fast-paced ride. If you’re already invested in this series, you’re going to want to see where it goes. It’s dramatic, a little ridiculous, very 80s, and just entertaining enough to keep me coming back.
3.5 rounded to 4
In Wicked Wanted Windows, we’re back with Meredith, Krystle, Justine, and Camille—and things get messy fast. A bank robbery turns into a kidnapping, and from there it’s basically nonstop chaos… jailbreaks, tunnels under Providence, car chases, secrets coming out—it just keeps going. It’s a lot, but that’s kind of the point with this series.
What I still love most is the dynamic between the widows. They’re bold, flawed, a little unhinged, and fiercely loyal (most of the time). That friendship is really what carries the story, especially when everything else starts spiraling. You can feel the tension this time though—there’s more pressure, more risk, and not everyone is fully on the same page anymore.
I will say, this one didn’t hit quite as hard for me as the first two. It felt a little more scattered, and I missed having a stronger connection to Meredith’s perspective—it would’ve grounded the story more. And the new addition to the group didn’t fully win me over.
That said, it’s still a fun, fast-paced ride. If you’re already invested in this series, you’re going to want to see where it goes. It’s dramatic, a little ridiculous, very 80s, and just entertaining enough to keep me coming back.
3.5 rounded to 4
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Release: August 25, 2026
Author: Vanessa Lillie, Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Rating: 3.75★
This was a wildly entertaining mix of crime, adventure, and female friendship. The stakes are higher than ever, with jailbreaks, kidnappings, and long-buried secrets pushing the widows to their limits. It promises plenty of action, humor, and heart while continuing to celebrate a cast of fiercely loyal, morally gray women who refuse to back down.
This book suits someone in the mood for something: adventurous, funny, tense
Pace: fast
Mainly plot or character driven? a mix
Is there strong character development? yes
Do you find the characters loveable? yes
Is the cast of characters diverse? yes
Are character flaws a main focus? yes
Main themes, topics, tropes: found family, female friendship, heist, morally gray characters, second chances
When one of their own is kidnapped following a disastrous bank robbery, the widows must once again step outside the law to bring her home. Their search leads them through hidden tunnels, forgotten graves, and dangerous confrontations that threaten everything they have rebuilt since their husbands’ deaths. As old relationships resurface and personal loyalties are tested, each woman must decide whether protecting the sisterhood is worth sacrificing the future she has fought to create.
Favorite Quote:
“Rescuing one of their own finds them on the wrong side of the law…”
Author: Vanessa Lillie, Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Rating: 3.75★
This was a wildly entertaining mix of crime, adventure, and female friendship. The stakes are higher than ever, with jailbreaks, kidnappings, and long-buried secrets pushing the widows to their limits. It promises plenty of action, humor, and heart while continuing to celebrate a cast of fiercely loyal, morally gray women who refuse to back down.
This book suits someone in the mood for something: adventurous, funny, tense
Pace: fast
Mainly plot or character driven? a mix
Is there strong character development? yes
Do you find the characters loveable? yes
Is the cast of characters diverse? yes
Are character flaws a main focus? yes
Main themes, topics, tropes: found family, female friendship, heist, morally gray characters, second chances
When one of their own is kidnapped following a disastrous bank robbery, the widows must once again step outside the law to bring her home. Their search leads them through hidden tunnels, forgotten graves, and dangerous confrontations that threaten everything they have rebuilt since their husbands’ deaths. As old relationships resurface and personal loyalties are tested, each woman must decide whether protecting the sisterhood is worth sacrificing the future she has fought to create.
Favorite Quote:
“Rescuing one of their own finds them on the wrong side of the law…”
August 16, 2026
I couldn’t find these books on audio, but I realized they were all first released as Audible exclusives. It looks like they release a year or so earlier on audio (so this doesn’t print until August 25, but the full cast narration is available only on audio (also not from a library).
This is the 3rd book in the series. I haven’t read the first two, but I like Kimberly Belle and Vanessa Lillie, so I was excited to try this when it was sent to my bookclub. It kind of reminds me of the Finlay Donovan series, but a cast of women instead.
The book begins in a bank robbery when one of the Widows is captured (we do not get her pov). Instead, we get the pov of 3 of the Widows: Krystle, Justine and Camille alternating with one of the women involved in the heist (Grace) as they try to find her. It also involves a stint at the Isabella Stewart Gardener museum in Boston (which had a famous heist in 1990). Since this book takes place in the 80s (without cell phones and such), we get lots of the 80s vibes. It seems like all the books might include the mob? That also continues in this one.
I thought it was a pretty fun, quick read. I enjoyed a #btptravelingarc with my bookclub friends, so that always makes it even more fun.
Favorite quote: “I've been around enough criminals to know that greed loses, every time.” P318
This is the 3rd book in the series. I haven’t read the first two, but I like Kimberly Belle and Vanessa Lillie, so I was excited to try this when it was sent to my bookclub. It kind of reminds me of the Finlay Donovan series, but a cast of women instead.
The book begins in a bank robbery when one of the Widows is captured (we do not get her pov). Instead, we get the pov of 3 of the Widows: Krystle, Justine and Camille alternating with one of the women involved in the heist (Grace) as they try to find her. It also involves a stint at the Isabella Stewart Gardener museum in Boston (which had a famous heist in 1990). Since this book takes place in the 80s (without cell phones and such), we get lots of the 80s vibes. It seems like all the books might include the mob? That also continues in this one.
I thought it was a pretty fun, quick read. I enjoyed a #btptravelingarc with my bookclub friends, so that always makes it even more fun.
Favorite quote: “I've been around enough criminals to know that greed loses, every time.” P318
February 8, 2026
This was the weakest of the three. The women are separated from the start when Meredith is kidnapped by a gang of Irish bank robbers. But the gang isn’t looking for just any money but gold buried by a female Irish pirate. Grace wants to find her family’s inheritance and use it to help her Irish community who is reeling from the fighting of The Troubles. Along the way, Grace and Meredith fall in love and start working together as they steal art from the Gardner Museum to find the treasure map and dig up graves of dead patriots searching for clues to the loot. Meanwhile, Krystle, Justine and Camille are hot on their trail and try to keep the dirty cops from catching them. They finally find the gold in an abandoned mine and narrowly escape the crooked police who also say that they have a family claim to the money. Then, Grace’s Irish partners turn on her and want to trade the gold for guns from the mob. Before the mob can kill the ladies by fitting them with concrete shoes, Meredith swoops in to save the day with the biggest twist. She has been working for mob boss, Sal, who is Krystal’s boyfriend. The deal she cuts allows Sal to retire and keep his life but means that Meredith has to go on the run. She leaves with Grace and the gold while the rest of the women cover for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As is usual, I jumped into this series starting with Book 3. So obviously, I missed the back stories about how the Widows became friends and what not, but there are some details given in this book that allowed me to paint a generalized picture of previous events. I definitely will go back and read the first two in this series though; this is how much I enjoyed this instalment! I do feel that having more of Meredith's POV would have fleshed out the story a bit more, but again, not having read the previous books, maybe this is in keeping with those. Written by three authors, I found it impossible to discern this fact; the writing is seamless and so engaging! In the book, the widows are a fierce and capable group of women thrown together by unusual circumstances. Set in Rhode Island in the 80s, I really enjoyed the setting and throwback vibes. The whole concept of a robbery/heist was intriguing and kept my attention throughout. I also really appreciated the discussion and history lesson surrounding the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed thriller with women at the front and centre; what’s not to love?!
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for my advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for my advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wicked Wanted Widows is the third installment in The Widows series,. It is entertaining and the wives get into plenty of mischief while trying to keep the law firm of their dead husbands thriving, and keeping a low profile so the police leave them alone.
Meredith goes to the bank to do a deposit and becomes involved in a bank robbery. The wives meet Grace, a Irish art thief, looking for treasure she believes belongs to her family. The Boston mob is also involved. The plot is told from the different POVs of the widows.
The authors provide enough information of the backstory on how the widows got together so first time readers won't feel totally lost.. I do recommend reading the previous installments because they really are alot of fun and all the background is provided.
I loved the 1988 time frame that all this action takes place. I found myself thinking, "Just use your cell!" a number of times. The authors incorporate real historical events the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, the Troubles in Ireland, and the Salem Witch Trials.
At it's heart, this is a book about female friendships and sisterhood. It's a fun ride!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Meredith goes to the bank to do a deposit and becomes involved in a bank robbery. The wives meet Grace, a Irish art thief, looking for treasure she believes belongs to her family. The Boston mob is also involved. The plot is told from the different POVs of the widows.
The authors provide enough information of the backstory on how the widows got together so first time readers won't feel totally lost.. I do recommend reading the previous installments because they really are alot of fun and all the background is provided.
I loved the 1988 time frame that all this action takes place. I found myself thinking, "Just use your cell!" a number of times. The authors incorporate real historical events the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist, the Troubles in Ireland, and the Salem Witch Trials.
At it's heart, this is a book about female friendships and sisterhood. It's a fun ride!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
August 24, 2026
I’m late to the game on this series but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this one. And despite my lack of background on the widows, I didn’t get lost or find myself confused.
The action for this one starts straight away, with burglars and a kidnapping-with Meredith being the unlucky soul caught in the crossfire. And while the other widows have problems of their own, they immediately get on the case, and refuse to quit until their friend is rescued.
I enjoyed finding out a bit more about each woman-who they love, what’s truly important to them, and why they are connected. It was also fun to see their quirks and humor play out with each piece they solved in the puzzle-despite the stakes and danger being very real. The mob is no joke.
As the story progresses, and the widows get closer to the truth, reality becomes more complicated, betrayal takes hold, and the women have to use their brains, and trust their gut, to figure out who the real villain is.
This was a fun, quick-paced read, even if Meredith’s romance was far fetched. It was entertaining and a one sitter.
Thank you to Vanessa Lillie for allowing me to be part of the traveling arc team. My opinion is my own.
The action for this one starts straight away, with burglars and a kidnapping-with Meredith being the unlucky soul caught in the crossfire. And while the other widows have problems of their own, they immediately get on the case, and refuse to quit until their friend is rescued.
I enjoyed finding out a bit more about each woman-who they love, what’s truly important to them, and why they are connected. It was also fun to see their quirks and humor play out with each piece they solved in the puzzle-despite the stakes and danger being very real. The mob is no joke.
As the story progresses, and the widows get closer to the truth, reality becomes more complicated, betrayal takes hold, and the women have to use their brains, and trust their gut, to figure out who the real villain is.
This was a fun, quick-paced read, even if Meredith’s romance was far fetched. It was entertaining and a one sitter.
Thank you to Vanessa Lillie for allowing me to be part of the traveling arc team. My opinion is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Revisiting the four widows is always a joy. The women have reestablished their lives after the tragic debts of their partners three years ago. The introduction of a new character as Meredith‘s love interest added an interesting dimension to the book. How they meet and their developing relationship is impactful on the story. While Meredith’s involvement in the story is peripheral until the exciting ending, her presence is felt throughout the story. Krystal is her saucy self and the involved with Sol. She visits him in prison where he has promised to go straight once he gets out. Camille has found herself already made family. He is a Narragansett Indian by birth and has a child which has made them already made family. Justine obtaining her law degree focuses on the love of her life, her son. Their life together is threatened by her in-laws, especially her mother-in-law, share it.
The The Quest, upon which all of the widows begin, comes to a perfect ending for each of the women. I’m hoping that we will be entertained with another episode of Wicked Wanted Widows. 4 enthusiastic stars.
The The Quest, upon which all of the widows begin, comes to a perfect ending for each of the women. I’m hoping that we will be entertained with another episode of Wicked Wanted Widows. 4 enthusiastic stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wanted Wicked Widows is Book 3 in the Widows series. The 3 authors for this book outdid themselves. We now not only have the Providence mob to deal with but now the Boston mob and pirates! This is a wickedly fun series to read. The 4 widows continue to get themselves into all kinds of outrageous and very dangerous situations and somehow through teamwork , determination and spunk manage to mostly get through their mishaps! Their fashion sense is also wildly outrageous -pure 80"s style.
( Although most of the gals I knew in the 80"s including myself did not dress quite so flamboyantly!
As usual the story is fast paced and you will be quickly turning pages to see what have the widows gotten themselves into now! And how are they going to get themselves out of this dangerous situation once again! So the book is part fun 80's camp/ laugh out loud parts and part mystery/thriller.
Happy reading! And I do look forward to Book #4 already!
Please note I received an ARC of this book through Vanessa Lillie's book group. But I always purchase the book once released and try to get to a signing event.
( Although most of the gals I knew in the 80"s including myself did not dress quite so flamboyantly!
As usual the story is fast paced and you will be quickly turning pages to see what have the widows gotten themselves into now! And how are they going to get themselves out of this dangerous situation once again! So the book is part fun 80's camp/ laugh out loud parts and part mystery/thriller.
Happy reading! And I do look forward to Book #4 already!
Please note I received an ARC of this book through Vanessa Lillie's book group. But I always purchase the book once released and try to get to a signing event.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Widows are back! I love this series SO much, and this was one of my most anticipated reads this year! It most definitely did not disappoint!
A bank robbery in Providence has gone terribly wrong, and Meredith has been kidnapped by the robbers. Krystale, Justine, and Camille will do whatever it takes to get her back, even if it means breaking the law and jeopardizing everything they've worked so hard to build.
This book was totally addictive, binge-worthy, and I seriously couldn't put it down! The thing I love most about this series is how fun it is! It's always a wild, crazy ride, and this one was no different. There's tons of drama, a bank robbery, an art heist, a buried treasure, and a pirate! The widows embark on an adventure to Salem, MA, so there's even a mention of the witch trials. And with the robbers being from Ireland in the 80s, the turmoil there plays a part. This book was fast-paced, action-packed, and full of suspense. I loved the mystery, the female friendship, and the found family elements. I've definitely become emotionally attached to these characters. What Justine went through in this book definitely broke my heart, and I cannot believe Krystale wrecked not just one but TWO Mercedes! 🤯 I really love all the books in this series, but I have to say this one has become my favorite. A truly immersive, captivating, fun read that I HIGHLY recommend! 🩷
A bank robbery in Providence has gone terribly wrong, and Meredith has been kidnapped by the robbers. Krystale, Justine, and Camille will do whatever it takes to get her back, even if it means breaking the law and jeopardizing everything they've worked so hard to build.
This book was totally addictive, binge-worthy, and I seriously couldn't put it down! The thing I love most about this series is how fun it is! It's always a wild, crazy ride, and this one was no different. There's tons of drama, a bank robbery, an art heist, a buried treasure, and a pirate! The widows embark on an adventure to Salem, MA, so there's even a mention of the witch trials. And with the robbers being from Ireland in the 80s, the turmoil there plays a part. This book was fast-paced, action-packed, and full of suspense. I loved the mystery, the female friendship, and the found family elements. I've definitely become emotionally attached to these characters. What Justine went through in this book definitely broke my heart, and I cannot believe Krystale wrecked not just one but TWO Mercedes! 🤯 I really love all the books in this series, but I have to say this one has become my favorite. A truly immersive, captivating, fun read that I HIGHLY recommend! 🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE WIDOWS:
Source: Audible included.
The narrators: Books 1, 2 and 3, Dina Pearlman, Karissa Vacker, Helen Laser, and Ariel Blake. 3, and Barrie Kreinek, Kevin T. Collins, and Neil Hellgers. This series is funny, action-filled, and the twists and turns are never expected. I never know what subjects pop up to mess their world up.
YOUNG RICH WIDOWS, #1, Audiobook - I had a lot of fun listening to this book. Interesting story lines with plenty of discoveries. A variety of loveable, likeable, and despicable characters. Family, friends, and wolves. The narrators are perfect in their performances bringing a visual as well as making a well written story livelier. 5*
DESPERATE DEADLY WIDOWS, #2, Audiobook - Another intriguing, interesting, and intense listen; well written and well performed. 5*
WICKED WANTED WIDOWS, #3, Audiobook and eBook - Wow, what a ride! The Widows are up the creek once or twice, or lots more. The most involved and intense of the three so far. Good performances. Source: NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, and Audible included. 5*
Source: Audible included.
The narrators: Books 1, 2 and 3, Dina Pearlman, Karissa Vacker, Helen Laser, and Ariel Blake. 3, and Barrie Kreinek, Kevin T. Collins, and Neil Hellgers. This series is funny, action-filled, and the twists and turns are never expected. I never know what subjects pop up to mess their world up.
YOUNG RICH WIDOWS, #1, Audiobook - I had a lot of fun listening to this book. Interesting story lines with plenty of discoveries. A variety of loveable, likeable, and despicable characters. Family, friends, and wolves. The narrators are perfect in their performances bringing a visual as well as making a well written story livelier. 5*
DESPERATE DEADLY WIDOWS, #2, Audiobook - Another intriguing, interesting, and intense listen; well written and well performed. 5*
WICKED WANTED WIDOWS, #3, Audiobook and eBook - Wow, what a ride! The Widows are up the creek once or twice, or lots more. The most involved and intense of the three so far. Good performances. Source: NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, and Audible included. 5*
August 25, 2026
What I absolutely loved are the women at the heart of the story. They are strong, bold, flawed, and wonderfully larger than life, and their friendship and loyalty to one another remain the best part of the story. I genuinely enjoy spending time with these characters and seeing how far they are willing to go for each other.
My problem this time was the plot. It felt like the story was trying to be bigger, crazier, and more shocking, and eventually it became too much for me.
Bank robberies, kidnapping, the mob, the IRA, treasure hunting, hidden tunnels, art theft… one outrageous twist followed another, and at times I felt that the increasingly complicated plot was taking over the characters I had come to care about.
I don't mind a little over-the-top fun—in fact, that's part of what makes it so entertaining. But in this book, the line between wonderfully outrageous and overly complicated was crossed for me.
I still have a soft spot for these women, though, and I'm glad I spent this adventure with them. I'd definately love to read another book by those authors.
My problem this time was the plot. It felt like the story was trying to be bigger, crazier, and more shocking, and eventually it became too much for me.
Bank robberies, kidnapping, the mob, the IRA, treasure hunting, hidden tunnels, art theft… one outrageous twist followed another, and at times I felt that the increasingly complicated plot was taking over the characters I had come to care about.
I don't mind a little over-the-top fun—in fact, that's part of what makes it so entertaining. But in this book, the line between wonderfully outrageous and overly complicated was crossed for me.
I still have a soft spot for these women, though, and I'm glad I spent this adventure with them. I'd definately love to read another book by those authors.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wicked Wanted Widows is the 3rd book in this series, and it’s a fun ride through and through. Our enterprising widows become entangled in a treasure hunt as one of the women gets kidnapped by a gang of Irish thieves chasing down an ancient tale of buried gold. Unfortunately, the Boston mob is also on the hunt for the treasure, and the widows are determined to rescue their friend while trying to stay one step ahead of the mob as well as the police, who believe they have stolen priceless art. Sound ridiculous? Definitely, but that’s the whole idea in this campy romp that further explores the bonds between the widows, once fierce enemies, and the lengths they’ll go to save one of their own. This is a highly enjoyable series as long as you don’t take it too seriously and just go with flow, and here’s hoping there’s more adventures coming for these unlikely band of friends. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2026
Wicked Wanted Widows, the third installment in The Young Rich Widows series, was an average read for me. In the first book, I came to love the characters and the fact that the stories are set in the 1980s, but this particular installment fell flat.
While the previous books contain plenty of zany antics, the storyline in this one felt a bit too far-fetched. A kidnapping that turns into a treasure hunt didn’t seem to fit naturally with the series, and the addition of the mob felt forced, especially when the mob elements in the previous books were woven into the story so well.
I was also disappointed that Meredith was relegated to almost a secondary character for much of the book. She is typically such a funny, fiery force, and I missed seeing more of that personality.
I hope the series returns to what made the first Young Rich Widows book so hard to put down. I appreciate NetGalley and Landmark Paperback for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
While the previous books contain plenty of zany antics, the storyline in this one felt a bit too far-fetched. A kidnapping that turns into a treasure hunt didn’t seem to fit naturally with the series, and the addition of the mob felt forced, especially when the mob elements in the previous books were woven into the story so well.
I was also disappointed that Meredith was relegated to almost a secondary character for much of the book. She is typically such a funny, fiery force, and I missed seeing more of that personality.
I hope the series returns to what made the first Young Rich Widows book so hard to put down. I appreciate NetGalley and Landmark Paperback for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
You will want to snag a copy of this entertaining thriller. While part of a series of three books about the widows, it is completely readable as a stand-alone novel, too.
The setting is 1980s, Providence, RI, although the widow's adventures take them to nearby areas. In this one, they travel up to Boston and Salem, MA to save their kidnapped friend from a group of Irish bank robbers and art thieves.
What I love about this book is how the authors used true events from the 1980s, in this case, political violence in Northern Ireland resulting in bombings and deaths.
There are also references to Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, a fearless woman leader of the 16th century. She came from what is now County Mayo, the home of my own Irish ancestors.
Weave all these threads together and you have a rousing and suspenseful novel that will keep you glued to your seat until the last page.
The setting is 1980s, Providence, RI, although the widow's adventures take them to nearby areas. In this one, they travel up to Boston and Salem, MA to save their kidnapped friend from a group of Irish bank robbers and art thieves.
What I love about this book is how the authors used true events from the 1980s, in this case, political violence in Northern Ireland resulting in bombings and deaths.
There are also references to Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley, a fearless woman leader of the 16th century. She came from what is now County Mayo, the home of my own Irish ancestors.
Weave all these threads together and you have a rousing and suspenseful novel that will keep you glued to your seat until the last page.
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