The Secret Divorcée

by The Secret Divorcee

Christmas is over. And so is my marriage…Twenty years of marriage. Twenty years of ignored red flags. And one very smug ex-girlfriend.

He seemed perfect at first. Don’t they always? I fell fast, and I fell hard. So when I discovered his secret double life, suddenly all those years of feeling paranoid made sense.

I had two options (well three, if you count me and my best friend with two spades and a suspicious willingness to serve hard time):

1. Stay for the kids

2. Sacrifice my sanity to divorce the b*stard

The Secret Divorcée is my unfiltered story of falling for a red flag, betrayal, bad decisions, and how to turn heartbreak into hilarity – fuelled by wine and a side hustle my mother must never, ever find out about.

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2026

Reviews

[❋ Booked Out Today ❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Divorcée by The Secret Divorcée
★★★★

After twenty years of marriage, the Secret Divorcée discover her husband’s secret double life, turning years of ignored red flags into a brutal but clarifying end. The Secret Divorcée is a raw, darkly funny account of betrayal, choosing sanity over “staying for the kids,” and turning heartbreak into wine-fuelled survival.

I’m not sure what I was expecting picking this book up. It was interesting to see a relationship played out from beginning to end. I must say the ending took a very unexpected turn and I lost a sense of the characters identity.

I enjoyed the reading journey. It seemed to be a story that desperately needed to be told by the author. Thank you for the pleasure of allowing me to read your raw and funny portrayal of your divorce.

💭 What are your thoughts about this book’s title?

Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Pour a hot drink, it’s book talk time.
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[ly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank HarperColins One More Chapter publisher for the opportunity to review The Secret Divorcée by The Secret Divorcée.

The blurb hooked me right away and the email you sent for my approval request is probably the best thing I've received from NetGalley. As 20-something years old who also is a child of divorce, I always see divorce as a messy crazy turn of events. The crying, screaming, fighting, torturing and of course, revenging left everyone exhausted. But The Secret Divorcée went for other direction of divorce which I would have never resonate it with humor and cheeky jokes.

The book started out simple with Cassie found out her husband is having an affair with his university sweetheart from 20 years ago. Then it took us to the past, from her previous failed relationship to how she met Tom, her current husband. And I will be brutally honest here; it was painful and embarrassing to read about Cassie's past decision. SPOILER! She had sex with a stranger on her kitchen table in middle of the night. She ignored all her friend advice and ditched her on multiple occasions. She idolized this man she just met because she wanted to settle down so badly partially to earn her parent's approval. It's painful to see how Cassie - a 26-year-old woman, jumped from being control by her parent to be cheated on by her fiancé and then ended up with the most controlling husband of all. Cassie not only being trapped by her husband, but she also chose to trap herself in the housewife stay at home mother role forever. She deliberately chose her fate, again and again and again. All of Tom's red flag is not tiny but burning hot from hell. But somehow, they have 3 children together and now when Cassie wanted to get divorce, she found herself has... nothing? Shocker? Not really. The story started to read more and more like a Reddit post especially when Cassie met a rich guy who she has to choose between financially independent for her and the kids and no sex life or being trapped in share custody with her ex. Really? What is going on?

I truly believed that Tom's tactic only works if Cassie is freshly 19-20 years old and being groomed (especially after the "Brotherhood", I want to puke, and the "his family is just racist, homophobic, the usual type" comment). I can't feel relate or even sympathy toward Cassie choice. REALLY? I don't even believe if he said he and Hannah was just colleagues and he slept on her floor! WHO THE FUCK SLEPT ON THEIR COWOKER FLOOR WITH JUST UNDIE? Let alone have that stranger dick in me. Yes, he is a horrible terrible disgusting man, but we need to stop letting men get away with these basic bullshitting lies. Anyway, I don't want to get carry on with the story and how Cassie is 20 years ago. I do like how after all this shit thrown at her, she still can keep a brave face and happy honest smile. She still can joke and basically win because of that. I want her to be happy and honestly, she deserves better than just settle down.

I love Rose a lot too. Though at the beginning she basically nudged Cassie and lowkey stalked Tom and then suddenly changed her opinion on him after her friend ditched her. Of course, Cassie would not be thrilled. I honestly so proud of them for their friendship survived this horrible marriage.

Overall, I think this book is more like a fun journey, you should not take it too seriously (like I did lol).

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times raw, funny, and sad, this story is based (mostly) on a true story of a marriage splintered by gaslighting, cheating, and control.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
• The author provided a song title as the song track for each chapter
• Chapters were short, readable, and summed up in journal-style notes
• The author is able to look back and laugh at some of the crazy things that happened throughout

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡:
• The story hit a little too close to home
• Her husband's whole double life and attitude made me want to join Cassie and Rose on a spade shopping expedition
• Even though there was plenty of spice, the tone of the book was more like a cozy mystery

The fact that the book made me feel all those feelings makes me bump it up from a 3 to 4 star read, with much hope that the author has found happiness, because no one deserves what she went through!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for an advance reader's copy.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie has been married to Tom for 20 years. They have 3 children. It’s on yet another unrecognized Valentine’s Day where Tom thinks all the hype of the day is silly, that Cassie learns he has been having an affair with a woman he was going with 20 years ago. Her name is Elizabeth.

We then go back in time to when Cassie had been about to marry a man named Ant whom she found in bed with another woman. Her fallout and hurt is helped by her co-worker and good friend, Rose. The two have supported one another through thick and thin for some time now. But when Cassie meets Tom, it’s love at first sight and she wants to spend all of her time with this charming man. This comes at a cost to her friendship with Rose who is hurt that she is not spending time with her as well. This breaks up their friendship.

Twenty years later and we find Cassie living in Oxford as a housewife and the mother of 3 children. Life with Tom has always been difficult with her placed firmly under his thumb. It’s when she realizes that he has been having an affair with Elizabeth for 20 years that Cassie cannot take it anymore and tells him to get out. Oh, but Tom is a sly one and he knows he has the upper hand and begins to do everything in his power to hold Cassie down and squeeze out what little life is left in her. But Cassie, after many tears, glasses of wine and her renewed friendship with Rose that she begins to slowly rise up and take charge of her life again.

What an incredible book this is and the story is written by an anonymous author who has evidently gone through this very fiasco and came out of it sane and happy again. So many laughs and so many tears as readers feel the pain that Cassie has suffered too many times. Heres to strong women and a big Boo-Hiss to evil men like Tom. Don’t miss this book. It’s awesome.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been a long time since I’d read a book in this genre, but something about the cover and the blurb really caught my attention, and I simply couldn’t resist. I’m incredibly glad I gave in to the temptation, because I truly enjoyed reading this story.

When a partner has hurt you deeply, you become sensitive and vulnerable. Some people seem to have a radar for that and know exactly how to approach you in order to turn you into their victim. And you—still believing in love despite the betrayal—fall for the charm and the attention, and before you even realize it, you’re a helpless little fly trapped in the sticky web of a big, disgusting spider.

If something seems too good to be true, it usually is. And no matter how many people warn you or give you well-meant advice, you brush it all aside. You only see the good in that person and fail to notice how, slowly but surely, you’re losing your own identity completely.

Is Cassie too naïve? Maybe. But in hindsight, it’s always easy to say so. I loved watching how, with the help of her best friend Rose, she gradually rediscovers herself.

And then there’s Tom. Charming on the surface, but I honestly think it would be hard to find a more horrifying person. I’ve read several books about situations like this, but Tom could easily be crowned emperor of cruelty.

I truly hope the author decides to write a sequel, because there are still quite a few things I’m curious about—questions that are indirectly answered in the story, but that I would absolutely love to see fully written out.

I read this book in disbelief at times, but I also found myself wiping away the occasional tear—not only out of sadness for Cassie and her children, but also because she managed to make me laugh.
For me, this book absolutely deserves 5 stars.

Thank you

[Rachael Stray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Divorcée was my first five-star read of 2026, and it set the bar high.

This is a memoir about the precise moment when denial finally loosens its grip and clarity comes rushing in.

After twenty years of marriage, the author discovers her husband’s secret double life, forcing her to reframe years of brushed-aside doubts, red flags, and gaslighting into a truth that is both devastating and strangely freeing.

What immediately stood out to me was the structure.

Each chapter opens with a song title, giving the book an emotional soundtrack that subtly mirrors the author’s inner state at that point in her story.

The chapters themselves are short, sharp, and highly readable, often closing with journal-style reflections that feel private and unpolished in the best possible way.

Nothing here feels performative; instead, it feels honest, as though you’ve been invited into someone’s notebook rather than handed a carefully curated narrative.

Despite the weight of the subject matter (and yes, there is plenty of spice), the book never feels overwhelming.

There’s a thread of self-aware humour running throughout, with the author able to look back and laugh at some of the more surreal and frankly unbelievable moments.

Unexpectedly, the overall atmosphere is almost cosy. Rather than reading like a trauma memoir designed to emotionally flatten the reader, it feels more like a conversational debrief — the literary equivalent of sitting at a kitchen table with a glass of wine while a friend spills the tea and tells you everything.

The sections set in the past were particularly compelling, and through them I felt I really got to know Cassie.

Her voice is raw, reflective, and deeply human. Even if you haven’t lived through the same experiences, the emotional truth of the book is universal: loving deeply, ignoring your instincts, and eventually having to rebuild yourself when everything you trusted falls apart.

At its core, The Secret Divorcée is an exposé of time, energy, and love poured into men who did not deserve it.

But it’s also something far more hopeful — a thoughtful exploration of what it means to reclaim yourself, sit with uncomfortable truths, and move forward stronger than before.

I loved this book, it is a standout read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved, lost, and had to begin again.

With many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Divorcée is a raw yet surprisingly cozy memoir about the moment denial finally gives way to clarity. After twenty years of marriage, the author uncovers her husband’s secret double life, forcing her to reinterpret years of ignored red flags and gaslighting into a truth that is both brutal and liberating.

What truly sets this book apart is its voice and structure. Each chapter opens with a song title, creating a subtle soundtrack to the emotional unraveling, and the chapters themselves are short, highly readable, and often wrapped up with journal-style reflections that feel intimate rather than performative. It’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of, but once you start, you’re likely to keep going.

Despite the heavy subject matter (and plenty of spice), the tone never feels overwhelming. There’s a self-aware humor threaded throughout, with the author able to look back and laugh at some of the more unbelievable moments. Unexpectedly, the overall vibe leans closer to a cozy mystery than a devastating trauma memoir: familiar, conversational, and oddly comforting. I felt like I was swapping stories over wine with a friend who has been through it and lived to tell the tale.

This isn’t a polished, inspirational guidebook, nor does it pretend that healing is linear. Instead, it offers honesty, catharsis, and the quiet reassurance that choosing sanity over silence is allowed.

Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you One More Chapter and NetGalley for this ARC, coming Jan 1st.

This book is funny and heartbreaking in the same breath. Cassie starts out as this kind, accommodating woman who thinks she’s found her perfect match in Tom — except Tom turns out to be anything but perfect. What she doesn’t see for far too long is that he’s a controlling, serial-cheating, gaslighting piece of work. Truly elite-level a**hole behaviour.

When Cassie finally uncovers his affair with his ex, she does the bravest thing she’s ever done: she divorces him and begins the long climb back to herself. And thank goodness for Rose — the kind of best friend who brings truth, wine, and the occasional shove in the right direction.

Tom doesn’t make the process easy (manipulators never do), but Cassie comes out stronger, clearer, and victorious. The author’s anonymity makes sense — this story is raw, personal, and reads like someone turning their pain into a battle cry. It’s a study in manipulation: how charm becomes a weapon, how easy it is to miss the signs, and how expertly people like Tom love-bomb you into submission.

And Cassie’s reclaiming of herself? Iconic.
The scene where she experiences her first-ever earth-shattering orgasm had me laughing, cheering, and texting imaginary feminist group chats. It’s chaotic, liberating, and absolutely perfect.

A bold, messy, empowering read about taking your life back — one boundary, one friendship, and one very satisfying “NO MORE” at a time.

[Kiri HappySunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a punchy little novel about Cassie who discovers her husband of 20 years is having an affair. The story is very simple and straightforward without too many surprises. Cassie is angry, sad, broke, and does her best to get her life back together, preserve her children's lives, and also move on with her own. She keeps afloat largely thanks to her BFF Rose.

This wasn't really my cup of tea, as it was a little too simple and too "in my face" and brash in the delivery, but I can't fault the book. For what it seems to achieve, this is a 4 star book. For those who want a no holds barred fun little depiction of a woman salvaging what she can, it's an excellent choice. The writing is excellent and the format, with Carrie's little notes into her daily diary were a fun touch. I found both Cassie and Rose to be likeable, and I was rooting for Carrie to pull through. With divorce being a massive life event that so many women experience, especially at the hands of a horrible ex-husband, I absolutely believe this book has a place and many women will find comfort reading Cassie's blow-by-blow as she endures hers.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy of the book.

[Debby Nachmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story follows Cassie finding out her husband of 20 years is having an affair, then we go back to the beginning of their relationship, to her confronting him and then the divorce and her rebuilding herself. What an emotional rollercoaster this books was. The ex is a manipulative, gas lighting, lying scumbag, who cheated and led a double life for 20 years. He was controlling and forced her to be reliant on him and cut everyone out of her life.

The rage I felt, on behalf of the FMC, at his continued mistreatment of her had my stomach in a knot for the better part of this book. He tried to take everything from her - even the furniture. She gets a job cleaning and working as a phone sex operator to pay her bills and lawyer fees. I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of this book but wish there was a little more to the ending. It felt a little unfinished. She chooses herself in the end and is proud of her growth but I wanted to know what the outcome of the divorce is. Just a little more details would round the end, or at least my curiosity.

For the sake of the author, I hope more of this was fiction than truth!

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for the chance to read the ARC.

[Luiza Poteca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret Divorcée could easily be subtitled: How to Ignore Every Red Flag and Slowly Become Exactly What Your Husband Wants — a babysitter who cleans, cooks, and has scheduled sex. You don’t speak up, you don’t dress up, you just… exist.

This feels like the female version of the frog-in-boiling-water metaphor. Cassie (not Cassandra — though her husband insists on calling her that for 20 years) slowly sheds parts of herself until she’s completely trapped in the marriage. A marriage with a man who lies about money, controls everything, and even takes the thermostat to work so his family literally freezes at home.

Yes. That level of control.

The book works as a darkly funny story about a woman finally opening her eyes and realizing that “staying for the kids” is not always the noble choice people think it is. Honestly, based on the scenes where the children are crying at the table because of their father’s rigid rules around eating, it’s clear the kids already have more than enough problems.

In a strange way, this book also reads like a subtle (and sometimes painfully obvious) manual on what to look out for when something in a relationship feels off. Because sometimes it’s not one big red flag — it’s hundreds of small ones you’re taught to ignore.

[Lisa A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the very first page and read this book in two sittings! While delivered with some humour, it really hits home. It's real, frank and raw, and I know someone this happened to and many others will be able to relate too. Each chapter is introduced with a heading and a song - I loved this touch. It's engaging, fast-paced, addictive, emotional, relatable, empowering, uplifting, funny, raw. Through this cleverly written novel and wonderfully fleshed-out characters, the author explores themes of friendship, sisterhood, manipulative relationships, gaslighting, red-flags, betrayal, infidelity, self-discovery and empowerment. The friendship between Cassie and Rose is a friendship everyone needs. They are each other's rock and there are no secrets, no holds barred - loved it. Tom is a classic manipulative twat and I wanted in on ways to destroy him. There are many other likeable and unique characters to fall in love with and some hilarious storylines. I think I'll read this book again one day, and I'll be recommending to anyone who will listen.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was just brilliant.

At times I wanted to laugh, at others I wanted to wring Tom's neck - ok that would be almost the whole time with regards to Tom.

What a see you next Tuesday he is. He is one of those most despicable sorts of men, and poor poor Cassie just fell for his persona completely.

Well until 20 years later she discovers definite proof that has been cheating on her, and then she grows a backbone with the help of a good friend.

Seeing her determination to rebuild her life, after giving over complete and utter control of everything to her hopefully soon to be ex-husband was inspiring.

I was absolutely loving her new side hustle which added a definite comedic and light hearted element to the story.

And with how it ends, all I can say is more please! I'd love sequel as I need to know what might be happening next to Cassie, while hoping she stays strong.

An inspired bit of writing that felt so real, I was hooked from start to finish.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Brooke Loya · Rating 5 out of 5]

.This book is raw, real, and deeply relatable—even if you haven’t lived through the exact experiences it depicts. The chapter structure, paired with journal-style summaries, is both unique and incredibly readable, making it easy to fly through while still packing an emotional punch.

I am not divorced and have never experienced a cheating partner, and yet this book absolutely riled me up. It’s a powerful exposé of time, energy, and love wasted on men who did not deserve it—and, more importantly, a moving exploration of how to pick up the pieces, reclaim yourself, and move forward stronger.

The voice and honesty reminded me so much of Dolly Alderton’s writing, in the very best way: sharp, vulnerable, funny, and painfully insightful. Every page felt cathartic. I was rooting for the author the entire time, even without knowing who she is.

I loved this book, and I have nothing but admiration for whoever this anonymous writer may be. A standout read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved, lost, and had to rebuild themselves afterward.

[Kaylee Rumbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Almost a five star, but just missing the extra little spice.

Cassie felt like a genuine person all throughout the story, and it was easy to understand her tumbling down under the spell of Tom the terrible. I loved Rose, and her devotion as a friend. I think she’s a great representation of actual friendship through the ups and downs of life. I liked how each chapter closed with journal entries from the events of the day. Overall a fun journey - as much as story about a manipulative asshole, a perpetual home-wrecker, and a single mom just trying to do her best while navigating a rocky divorce can be.

The true determination of Cassie to do anything she could to make ends meet, was a fun ride. I was proud of her for still believing in love after everything. I hope she finds her happy ending. I wish we could get even more of the story.

Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collin’s UK for letting me read the EReader ARC, I had a wonderful time. All thoughts are my own.

[Christie Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book on my library app—I’d never heard of it before, but the title and cheeky cover caught my eye. It was free, sounded mildly intriguing, and I figured why not?

Turns out, it was a surprisingly fun read. The voice is bold, messy, and unapologetically honest, with a fictionalized memoir feel that blurs the line between truth and storytelling. It’s not trying to be polished or profound—it’s more like a late-night wine-fueled chat with a friend who’s been through it and isn’t afraid to spill. Some parts made me laugh, others made me wince, and a few had me nodding in quiet recognition.

It’s not for everyone—definitely leans into the chaos—but if you’re in the mood for something raw, irreverent, and a little bit cathartic, it’s worth the few hours. Glad I gave it a shot.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is almost a story in two halves, in the first half we find out how Cassie ends up married to Tom, in the second how it all falls to pieces. To be honest I really struggled with the first half reading how Tom was gradually taking over Cassie's life, splitting her from her friends and taking total control. The second half injected some much needed humour as well as the drama and I really enjoyed this part of the story. A constant in the story is Cassie's best friend Rose, who I loved and who gave much needed support to her. A warning to all about never taking things for granted but also that there is always hope.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret Divorcée follows Cassie's journey to getting her life back after discovering her husband of twenty years has been cheating on her. The story goes back to the beginning of their relationship, before flashing back forward to the end of it. The chapters are so short, and so well-crafted, they just suck you right in and make it impossible to put this book down. Most of the time, it feels kind of like a car crash you can't look away from, and every time you think it couldn't possibly get worse, it sure will. It is such a witty, fun read, which perfectly balances out the most gut wrenching parts of it; because it does get really quite sad at times.

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Roo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts off with Cassie being dumped right before her wedding, she then meets Tom who’s quickly becomes the one or does he. Then it’s the tangle of a messy divorce with 3 kids. I found the start a bit annoying, I liked Cassie, but she was really foolish and that it rated me. When it got into the cheating scandal the story came alive. It was funny, even though it’s a delicate subject to right about. I think it was very relatable to me as I’ve going through the same and you have a laugh about it as crying didn’t fix anything. A funny, yet serious 4.5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

[Carolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hoped for the book but they were all exceeded very quickly. I laughed, I stressed, I cried. I did everything you’d want a book to do emotions wise. Perfect read for any occasion.

Relatable situations, especially the main character’s younger years. The writing was exceptional. The added touches of three bullet points at the end of each chapter with songs to listen to during each chapter. I will have to re-read it for that experience alone. I must say, the author has an incredible music taste!

A read I will be recommending to all my friends, and anyone who will simply listen to me yap about it!

Than, you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Leeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set between 2004 and 2025, mostly in Oxfordshire. Cassie has been married to Tom for 20 years. They have three children and a dog. Cassie discovers her husband has a secret relationship with his old girlfriend.

This is a description of how Tom took control of Cassie’s life for 20 years and how Cassie took back control of her life with the help of her best friend Rose.

I loved it. Lots of twists and turns as we discover how mean Tom was. Lots of humour. This was a fun easy read about friendships, family relationships and coercive control.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher One More Chance for a chance to read and review this E-Book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional story that could all too easily be a true account of a 20 yr marriage that falls apart when the wife discovers her husband has always been in a side relationship with a woman from his youth. The story will take you along an emotional rollercoaster as Cassie travels down memory lane with a clearer picture of the highs and lows of her marriage. As she reviews her options, she learns they look much better after a bottle of wine.

The author has withheld her name. Cassie experiences anger and rage, humor and despair, tears and laughter, as she shares her story with us. The book was a surprise hit and deserves to be read and shared. That's what I'm doing.

[Abigail Davis-Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. You know when the dedication has you howling that you’re in for a treat and The Secret Divorcée did not let me down.

This book is candid, funny and deeply tragic. Cassie tells a story of lust and despair, a tale of what else comes to light when you find out your husband has been cheating: years of abuse, secrecy, and losing yourself.

Perfectly descriptive, I felt like I was with Cassie every step of the way, and written with such honesty and wit that I felt guilty for enjoying the story of somebody else’s tragedy! I am genuinely devastated that this book ended. I need to know what happens next!

This book is a real triumph. The Secret Divorcée is a hit.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year! I laughed, I cringed, I got very annoyed and I loved every minute of it. The chapters each referencing a song was genius!

It’s been a while since a character in a book has evoked so much dislike from me, Tom…. Wow just wow what a complete and utter #*** (bleep!)

Cassie and her best mate though are the back bone to this story, it may be an awful thing for Cassie to be going through but Rose is that friend we all want in our lives!

Go and grab a copy of this book, you won’t be disappointed!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book looked like it would give me a few laughs and insight on divorce. I am happily married so having someone tell their “true” story on dealing with it would be a change of pace for me in reading a book. It did give me a few chuckles but for the most part it was too loud and in my face. I would tell friends who are divorced or thinking about reading this book. It will give them friends to lean on and make their situation easier and maybe a bit normal for them.
Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC of The Secret Divorcee. This is my personal review.

[Senta Schuuring · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

'We should've known. Chirst, he told us who he was from the start.'
'What do you mean?'
'His name.' A pause. Then the punchline. 'Thomas. William. Alexander. Twat. T-W-A-T. He literally spelled it out for us.'

ARC review:
Already from the first page this book had me hooked. The book starts with a letter to the woman your husband was having an affair with, chef's kiss! Every chapter has a designated song attachted to it, and the playlist is great.

I really loved the friendship of Cassie and Rose during the book. Eventhough Rose had her suspicions about Tom since the beginning, she was there for Cassie through it all. Anyone would be lucky to have Rose as a friend!

TWAT Tom really bothered me, he made my blood boil! And the fact that there are really people out there who behave just like him, made me so angry.

Some parts were a little repetitive, which influenced my reading experience. However, this is absolutely a book I would recommend. You'll laugh a lot (and be annoyed by TWAT Tom) and you'll fly through it!

[Nic Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, raw, and brutally honest. The Secret Divorcee is a self-told story that I absolutely flew through — I read it really quickly because it’s so easy to get hooked. There were moments where I was genuinely shouting at the author to pay attention to all the warning signs, which just shows how invested I was. It’s refreshingly real, messy in the most human way, and often laugh-out-loud funny despite the heavy subject matter. Not perfect, but very relatable and engaging — definitely worth the read.

[Chella K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is brutally honest and hilariously relatable. It's not just about the pain- it's about resilience, humor and finding yourself when life flips upside down. The Secret Divorcee isn't just a breakup story - it's a comedic survival guide born of heartbreak. I loved the dairy-styled entries , felt it gave more pacing to the story. Loved the character of Rose a BFF that everyone needs. I would recommend this book reader who love sharp humor. I thank netgalley for eARC

[Marie-Chantal Thibault · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret Divorcee is a quick, entertaining read — humorous, candid, and at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The story shines most in its portrayal of friendship and the bonds that help steady us when life takes an unexpected turn. While not a must-read, it’s a solid choice for readers looking for something relatable, quirky, and easy to get through.

Content note: themes of divorce and betrayal.

[Sam Ing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

An insightful book about someone who was slowly gaslighted into a marriage. Funny in places and emotional in others, I'm glad the Secret Divorcee got her wish of writing a book. Beautifully written, a must for those who are going through a divorce.