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Perfect Life
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 14:29:42
10 copies available
U.S. only
Following a shocking murder, a woman must face the secrets from her past—and a husband she thought she knew—in this twisty, sizzling novel from the bestselling authors of Happy Wife.
Este Walker didn’t move to Winter Park, Florida, to make friends. Five years ago, she ghosted her life in California to reinvent herself among the lakefront estates of Florida’s elite. With a cocktail in hand, more money than she could ever spend, and secrets she intends to keep buried, she’s finally content—or, you know, close enough. Who cares if her seclusion and secrets have left her with a small social circle? Her husband Beau and her best friend Nora are the only company she needs.
But Este’s secrets are catching up to her. Last year, when Nora gained national attention as a suspect in her husband's disappearance, Este’s picture was flashed onscreen. Suddenly the past she had hoped to keep buried is closing in on her—and Beau might be keeping secrets of his own. And then a mysterious death turns Winter Park upside down.
Thrust into a high-stakes murder investigation, Este must unravel a web of lies and secrets to answer the question: What exactly happened in California, and has it come back to haunt her? More importantly: How is she going to get herself out of this mess?
Este Walker didn’t move to Winter Park, Florida, to make friends. Five years ago, she ghosted her life in California to reinvent herself among the lakefront estates of Florida’s elite. With a cocktail in hand, more money than she could ever spend, and secrets she intends to keep buried, she’s finally content—or, you know, close enough. Who cares if her seclusion and secrets have left her with a small social circle? Her husband Beau and her best friend Nora are the only company she needs.
But Este’s secrets are catching up to her. Last year, when Nora gained national attention as a suspect in her husband's disappearance, Este’s picture was flashed onscreen. Suddenly the past she had hoped to keep buried is closing in on her—and Beau might be keeping secrets of his own. And then a mysterious death turns Winter Park upside down.
Thrust into a high-stakes murder investigation, Este must unravel a web of lies and secrets to answer the question: What exactly happened in California, and has it come back to haunt her? More importantly: How is she going to get herself out of this mess?
464 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this sequel to Happy Life, featuring the neighbors Este and Beau. A fun, twisty mystery with flashbacks that help add to the original story without repeating storylines. Recommend for mystery fans!
I chose Happy Life for my book club earlier this year, and I was so excited to see the next book available as an eARC on NetGalley.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
I chose Happy Life for my book club earlier this year, and I was so excited to see the next book available as an eARC on NetGalley.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The perfect life is often the story people choose to show the world, but the story comes from what lies just beneath that carefully managed image.
Perfect Life begins with a life that appears polished and enviable, the kind of success many people quietly measure themselves against. As the story unfolds, the authors begin to pull back the layers behind that image, revealing how fragile a carefully curated life can be once the details start to shift. The novel moves steadily from admiration to uncertainty as questions begin to surface about identity, ambition, and how much of what we see in someone’s life is real versus carefully presented.
The pacing lets the allow the strain to develop gradually rather than relying on constant twists. Small pieces of information started to change my understanding of the characters, and earlier assumptions started to feel less certain as the story moves forward. That slow shift from confidence to suspicion creates the psychological pull that kept me turning the pages.
By the time the larger picture begins to emerge, the novel has already raised thoughtful questions about the idea of the “perfect life” and how easily that image can be constructed. If you enjoy character driven suspense and stories that examine the gap between appearance and reality will likely find this one engaging, particularly if you appreciate thrillers that rely as much on psychology as they do on plot.
Perfect Life begins with a life that appears polished and enviable, the kind of success many people quietly measure themselves against. As the story unfolds, the authors begin to pull back the layers behind that image, revealing how fragile a carefully curated life can be once the details start to shift. The novel moves steadily from admiration to uncertainty as questions begin to surface about identity, ambition, and how much of what we see in someone’s life is real versus carefully presented.
The pacing lets the allow the strain to develop gradually rather than relying on constant twists. Small pieces of information started to change my understanding of the characters, and earlier assumptions started to feel less certain as the story moves forward. That slow shift from confidence to suspicion creates the psychological pull that kept me turning the pages.
By the time the larger picture begins to emerge, the novel has already raised thoughtful questions about the idea of the “perfect life” and how easily that image can be constructed. If you enjoy character driven suspense and stories that examine the gap between appearance and reality will likely find this one engaging, particularly if you appreciate thrillers that rely as much on psychology as they do on plot.
February 11, 2026
Este and Beau seem to have the perfect life—the perfect marriage… or maybe that’s just what they want everyone to believe. Does she truly know her husband? Can she really trust him? The twists kept coming, and I was guessing right up until the very end. The ending completely shocked me, but I loved it.
Meredith and Kendall truly know how to write a great book. From the very first page, you’re pulled in and don’t want to put it down.
I first discovered their book
Happy Wife while browsing through a bookstore one day, and I don’t think I’ve ever finished a book so quickly. I was thrilled when I learned they were releasing another novel, but even more excited when I was approved to read the eARC of their new book, Perfect Life.
Thank you NetGalley, Meredith, Kendall and Ballantine for the eARC!
Publication Date: July 7,2026
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#PerfectLife #NetGalley.
Meredith and Kendall truly know how to write a great book. From the very first page, you’re pulled in and don’t want to put it down.
I first discovered their book
Happy Wife while browsing through a bookstore one day, and I don’t think I’ve ever finished a book so quickly. I was thrilled when I learned they were releasing another novel, but even more excited when I was approved to read the eARC of their new book, Perfect Life.
Thank you NetGalley, Meredith, Kendall and Ballantine for the eARC!
Publication Date: July 7,2026
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#PerfectLife #NetGalley.
March 2, 2026
Perfect Life was a bit slow for me at the beginning, with my engagement low. It picked up though as I learned more about Este and Beau’s lives prior to their picturesque Winter Park Era.
I appreciated the tie in with Nora’s story. It felt like the right amount, not relying too much on an earlier story, but also not completely moving on from what hardships she experienced and is still recovering from.
Withoug giving away spoilers, there were some plot points that I did feel, in hindsight, were convenient and very lucky to have happened in order to make the case get resolved. But that thinking takes the fun out of these stories so I am working to leave them behind.
Ugh mysteries are hard to write reviews for without spoiling it!!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I appreciated the tie in with Nora’s story. It felt like the right amount, not relying too much on an earlier story, but also not completely moving on from what hardships she experienced and is still recovering from.
Withoug giving away spoilers, there were some plot points that I did feel, in hindsight, were convenient and very lucky to have happened in order to make the case get resolved. But that thinking takes the fun out of these stories so I am working to leave them behind.
Ugh mysteries are hard to write reviews for without spoiling it!!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Este Walker seems to have the perfect marriage and the perfect life, but she’s trying desperately to hide her past and not always doing a great job of it. When tragedy strikes her perfect neighborhood, her carefully curated life begins to crumble.
As clues begin to surface, the reader gets drawn in and you won’t know who or what to trust. The novel moves between timelines - Este’s earlier life and how she transformed herself into this new Este. She isn’t always likable, but that’s why this story is so compelling. The authors do a great job both with characterization and pacing, and I found it very entertaining and enjoyable.
This fast-paced psychological thriller is filled with betrayals, lies and many unexpected twists. The second half is the star of the show, but the whole book is excellent.
As clues begin to surface, the reader gets drawn in and you won’t know who or what to trust. The novel moves between timelines - Este’s earlier life and how she transformed herself into this new Este. She isn’t always likable, but that’s why this story is so compelling. The authors do a great job both with characterization and pacing, and I found it very entertaining and enjoyable.
This fast-paced psychological thriller is filled with betrayals, lies and many unexpected twists. The second half is the star of the show, but the whole book is excellent.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
I loved Happy Wife so much and when I saw that Perfect Life was coming out, I jumped for joy! I knew this was how I was going to enter my summer reading months. I loved this book, and NO you don't have to read Happy Wife to read this one, but it should be read because WHY NOT of course. I loved how this book has a bunch of twist and turns and we get flashbacks and a bunch of old and new characters. This book will be enjoyed by all mystery/thriller readers alike and the definitely needs to be on your summer book reading list when it comes out in July.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Mystery, Thriller, Summer Read, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Fast Pace, Twisty
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine / Bantam, & Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shore for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Releasing on July 07, 2026!
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:
I loved Happy Wife so much and when I saw that Perfect Life was coming out, I jumped for joy! I knew this was how I was going to enter my summer reading months. I loved this book, and NO you don't have to read Happy Wife to read this one, but it should be read because WHY NOT of course. I loved how this book has a bunch of twist and turns and we get flashbacks and a bunch of old and new characters. This book will be enjoyed by all mystery/thriller readers alike and the definitely needs to be on your summer book reading list when it comes out in July.
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: Mystery, Thriller, Summer Read, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Fast Pace, Twisty
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine / Bantam, & Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shore for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Releasing on July 07, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Perfect Life” by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores focuses on Este who flies to Winter Park, Florida for a fresh start with her husband, Beau, but her California secrets are determined to follow her, especially after she becomes involved in a murder investigation in her new home.
There are plenty of novels about rich people behaving badly, but not many with such a relatable protagonist as Este. I thought the story moved at a lively clip with a few unexpected twists that make the outcome so much more satisfying.
I had not read the previous novel, “Happy Wife,” (which focuses on Nora, Este’s dear friend) but I now want to.
Thanks to the authors, the publisher, and Net Galley for a chance to read and review this novel.
There are plenty of novels about rich people behaving badly, but not many with such a relatable protagonist as Este. I thought the story moved at a lively clip with a few unexpected twists that make the outcome so much more satisfying.
I had not read the previous novel, “Happy Wife,” (which focuses on Nora, Este’s dear friend) but I now want to.
Thanks to the authors, the publisher, and Net Galley for a chance to read and review this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A solid 3 stars - in Goodreads terms, I liked it!
I felt a little disoriented getting plopped into this book and not remembering the characters or plot from the first book. There were SO many people to keep track of - Este, Beau, Nora, Polly, Tippy? Shep, detectives, Autumn, Gemma, Simon, etc. There was almost one plot line too many going on here. A slight nit picky reflection is that I find it really unrealistic that Beau was able to create a billion dollar company completely alone, sell it when he is still so young, and then was happy sitting around Winter Park. Maybe I don't know enough billionaires but that level of intelligence, problem solving, and drive didn't really mesh with Beau's personality.
I REALLY enjoyed Happy Wife and look forward to more of this author's writing.
I felt a little disoriented getting plopped into this book and not remembering the characters or plot from the first book. There were SO many people to keep track of - Este, Beau, Nora, Polly, Tippy? Shep, detectives, Autumn, Gemma, Simon, etc. There was almost one plot line too many going on here. A slight nit picky reflection is that I find it really unrealistic that Beau was able to create a billion dollar company completely alone, sell it when he is still so young, and then was happy sitting around Winter Park. Maybe I don't know enough billionaires but that level of intelligence, problem solving, and drive didn't really mesh with Beau's personality.
I REALLY enjoyed Happy Wife and look forward to more of this author's writing.
May 23, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
The Perfect Life was such an easy book to get into right from the beginning. Even though I hadn’t read Happy Wife first, I never felt lost — and now I definitely want to go back and read it after enjoying this one so much.
The story kept me interested the entire time, and I really liked that the mystery wasn’t too obvious. I didn’t fully figure out the “whodunit” until pretty far into the book, and there were a couple twists that genuinely surprised me along the way. The pacing was great, and it had that addictive “just one more chapter” feel that makes for the perfect summer thriller.
Overall, this was a fun, twisty read that kept me entertained from start to finish. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars from me!
The Perfect Life was such an easy book to get into right from the beginning. Even though I hadn’t read Happy Wife first, I never felt lost — and now I definitely want to go back and read it after enjoying this one so much.
The story kept me interested the entire time, and I really liked that the mystery wasn’t too obvious. I didn’t fully figure out the “whodunit” until pretty far into the book, and there were a couple twists that genuinely surprised me along the way. The pacing was great, and it had that addictive “just one more chapter” feel that makes for the perfect summer thriller.
Overall, this was a fun, twisty read that kept me entertained from start to finish. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars from me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect Life was a fun read and a "perfect" sequel to Happy Wife. These authors were able to write a book, set it in the same small place in Florida, with the same characters, and yet make it a different read, and that is a skill! The characters of Nora, Este, and Beau are well-developed and have enough intrigue to keep you reading. The texts that Este receives as her life changes with the murder of Gemma keep the reader engaged as well. And the jump between past and present worked really well. I did not figure out what happened until it was almost happening, which is the sign of a good mystery!
Enjoy this novel as your next summer read! Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoy this novel as your next summer read! Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2026
Wow - thank you for continuing their story! I loved Happy Wife, but Kendall Shores and Meredith Lavender have outdone themselves with Perfect Life. It’s darker, faster, and even more twisty. I inhaled this book! It’s the perfect blend of psychological suspense and juicy secrets. The way the authors built the tension around the murder investigation in Winter Park is brilliant. I loved the contrast between the California backstory and the current high-stakes drama in Winter Park. The writing is so sharp!! It’s such a clever, sophisticated thriller that dives deep into the 'perfect life' facade—I couldn’t stop turning the pages! Buy this book immediately!
February 19, 2026
I enjoyed this sequel to Happy Wife, which returns to Winter Park, Florida, this time with a storyline centered on Este, Nora's best friend. While the book started a bit slowly for me, it picked up as the flashbacks revealed more about Este's time in Los Angeles. The authors did a fantastic job developing Este's character and I liked the alternating timelines. I was surprised by all the twists, which were all well-executed. I recommend Perfect Life if you enjoy domestic mysteries with rich people behaving badly and likeable main characters.
I would definitely read more Winter Park novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I would definitely read more Winter Park novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
I didn’t think it was possible to top Happy Wife — but this second book completely did it. From the very first chapter, I was pulled in. The authors have such a gift for creating tension in a glitzy world that’s equally fun and suspenseful. I couldn’t stop turning pages.
I fell in love with Este in the first book, and I was so excited to get to know her more. Without giving anything away, the story is perfect. The twists are unexpected. I didn’t see the ending coming. If you loved Happy Wife, you absolutely need to read this one.
I fell in love with Este in the first book, and I was so excited to get to know her more. Without giving anything away, the story is perfect. The twists are unexpected. I didn’t see the ending coming. If you loved Happy Wife, you absolutely need to read this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed returning to Winter Park, Florida, for the sequel to Happy Wife. It was fun catching up with familiar characters while also getting to know a new cast. I was especially curious to see what happened to Nora and to learn more about her mysterious neighbors, Beau and Este. While I enjoyed the drama unfolding in Winter Park, my favorite parts were Beau and Este’s backstory in California.
This is a fun and engaging read, especially if you enjoy stories about messy rich people!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC.
This is a fun and engaging read, especially if you enjoy stories about messy rich people!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect Life pulled me in right away and kept me hooked the whole time. I couldn’t wait to read it after reading Happy Wife last summer. It has a wealthy paradise feel and is full of chaos and secrets. Este is clearly hiding more than she lets on. I loved watching everything slowly unravel, especially when the twists kept proving me wrong. It’s dramatic and fast paced. If you enjoy rich settings, secrets, and characters you can’t fully trust, this is a super fun read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I liked this book, eventually. It definitely took some time for me to get there. The story had a good premise and for the most part was well written. The flashbacks added some extra unobtrusive to the story to help understand. I didn’t really care for the character of Este or Beau which did detract a little from the story. I had not read Perfect Wife but don’t feel that is necessary to understand the cook or the characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a crazy-good book about a marriage and all of its twists and turns! Este and Beau are married when Este witnesses a crime but when things don't appear to be what they seem, she's confused and frightened as the small town has far reaches and loyalties that she isn't aware of. Now she even suspects her own husband and friends but how to investigate--much less prove anything? It's a wild ride that kept me reading long into the night!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An intriguing murder mystery by new (to me) authors. I did not read their previous book & don't think it's a requirement to in order to enjoy this one. Full of little twists & turns I enjoyed the dual timeline and did not see the perpetrator coming. The exclusive FL setting was a side character in itself, along with the hurricane (IYKYK). Can't wait to read more by these 2!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was just ok for me, didn't love the characters and the hints about her past just felt annoying rather than something to keep me involved,, maybe because this is book two or maybe the characters were just stereotypical and not very interesting. Others have really liked it but it didn't work for me
May 28, 2026
Such a mystery with scenes that take us back to the first book. And this helps better understand the whole story. Recommend for mystery and thriller fans!
I was so excited to see the next book available as an ARC on NetGalley and was even happier when I was approved.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I was so excited to see the next book available as an ARC on NetGalley and was even happier when I was approved.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Highly enjoyed returning to winter park. I could not put it down for the first two thirds and then I felt some of the reasons for things didn’t live up to the build up. But by the end of the book it was satisfying. 4.5
January 21, 2026
3.25 ⭐️ Another clever and well-voiced tale from this author duo.
With thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC.
With thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House Publishing Group for this e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
2.5
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Review to come after publication in Library Journal! :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!
What a fun sequel!! It was definitely a page turner! And I loved the setting! It made me want to visit Winter Park, FL!
What a fun sequel!! It was definitely a page turner! And I loved the setting! It made me want to visit Winter Park, FL!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I didn’t love this novel as much as the first novel. Great writing and a fun premise…but the magic just wasn’t there this time.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews