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Perfect Life
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Expected 7 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
27 days and 16:31:03
25 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?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 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
“Perfect Life” is a very entertaining mystery/thriller set in tony Winter Park, Florida. It’s well- and stylishly-written, fast-paced, and designed to keep readers both reading and guessing.
The book grabbed me from the very first page. Main character and narrator Este Walker is immediately likable and engaging. She’s bright, witty, charming, and kind, but doesn’t suffer fools and refuses to “run with the pack.” She’s married to her soulmate, Beau, a charismatic and sexy software genius with unlimited wealth. They never have to work another day in their lives. They’ve built a beautiful home in one of Florida’s most desirable communities along with some very strong friendships.
But life is not perfect. Something from the past haunts her and Beau. What, or who, is it? How much of a threat is posed? And what connection, if any, does it or they have to the death of a close friend? Was that death an accident or a murder? If a murder, who did it? Is anyone else in danger? Is the perfect life that Este and Beau have built in danger of being destroyed?
These are the questions that kept me turning the pages, along with authors Meredith Lavender’s and Kendall Shores’s brisk, descriptive prose and sparkling dialogue often laced with humor (some of which is directed at the foibles of certain of Este’s and Beau’s neighbors.)
It’s a novel that reminded me a little of that old TV show, “Desperate Housewives.” Fans of that series may well want to give “Perfect Life” a try. Certainly, I enjoyed it enough to give its prequel, “Happy Wife,” a try.
"Perfect Life" is due to be published on July 7, 2026.
My thanks to NetGalley, authors Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, and publisher Ballantine | Bantam for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
The book grabbed me from the very first page. Main character and narrator Este Walker is immediately likable and engaging. She’s bright, witty, charming, and kind, but doesn’t suffer fools and refuses to “run with the pack.” She’s married to her soulmate, Beau, a charismatic and sexy software genius with unlimited wealth. They never have to work another day in their lives. They’ve built a beautiful home in one of Florida’s most desirable communities along with some very strong friendships.
But life is not perfect. Something from the past haunts her and Beau. What, or who, is it? How much of a threat is posed? And what connection, if any, does it or they have to the death of a close friend? Was that death an accident or a murder? If a murder, who did it? Is anyone else in danger? Is the perfect life that Este and Beau have built in danger of being destroyed?
These are the questions that kept me turning the pages, along with authors Meredith Lavender’s and Kendall Shores’s brisk, descriptive prose and sparkling dialogue often laced with humor (some of which is directed at the foibles of certain of Este’s and Beau’s neighbors.)
It’s a novel that reminded me a little of that old TV show, “Desperate Housewives.” Fans of that series may well want to give “Perfect Life” a try. Certainly, I enjoyed it enough to give its prequel, “Happy Wife,” a try.
"Perfect Life" is due to be published on July 7, 2026.
My thanks to NetGalley, authors Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, and publisher Ballantine | Bantam for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect Life was my first read by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, and I received an advance copy from NetGalley and what a ride this turned out to be for me. From the opening chapters, I was pulled straight into Este Walker’s carefully curated Winter Park existence, where the cocktails are cold, the money flows easily, and the secrets are stacked higher than the lakefront estates she’s hiding among. Este is such an intriguing narrator, self‑contained, guarded, and clearly running from something in California. I loved the tension between her desire to stay invisible and the way trouble keeps circling her anyway, especially after her best friend Nora becomes a national headline. That moment when Este’s picture flashes across the screen is the first real crack in her “perfect life,” and the book only gets twistier from there, so be ready for the time of your life! And yes there is a twist worth mentioning. As the murder investigation heats up, the story starts peeling back layers of Este’s past and Beau’s secrets in ways I didn’t fully see coming. The reveal isn’t just shock for shock’s sake; it reframes Este’s entire reinvention and forces her to confront the truth she’s been outrunning for five years! The ending of the books lands well too, significant without being over‑explained. It ties the California mystery back into the present in a way that feels well earned, and it leaves Este standing in a place that’s very messy, vulnerable, and strangely hopeful. Not a neat bow, but a really satisfying one. I will read more from this author! #netgalley #perfectlife
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The sequel to last year’s “Happy Wife,” this book focuses on Este Walker, the next door neighbor and friend from the first one.
I had to refresh myself a bit but then I was right back into the juicy world of Winter Park, Florida. I liked the chapters from Este’a past best, as we got a great sense of how she became the person she is. Her job and early interactions with her husband were interesting.
The present day chapters took me longer to warm to. Este was immature (which actually makes sense related to her childhood) and her husband was weirdly secretive. Instead of demanding answers she just let him.. not give answers? And would be mad at him but also not do anything? It was weird. The whole murder storyline shook out strangely, though it was satisfying in the end.
What I did respect from this book is that every detail is there for a reason. Lines that seem like an observation or a throwaway all end up having meaning later. Pay attention.
Thank you BantamBooks and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
I had to refresh myself a bit but then I was right back into the juicy world of Winter Park, Florida. I liked the chapters from Este’a past best, as we got a great sense of how she became the person she is. Her job and early interactions with her husband were interesting.
The present day chapters took me longer to warm to. Este was immature (which actually makes sense related to her childhood) and her husband was weirdly secretive. Instead of demanding answers she just let him.. not give answers? And would be mad at him but also not do anything? It was weird. The whole murder storyline shook out strangely, though it was satisfying in the end.
What I did respect from this book is that every detail is there for a reason. Lines that seem like an observation or a throwaway all end up having meaning later. Pay attention.
Thank you BantamBooks and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had everything I love in a great mystery—murder, romance, heartbreak, friendship, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. The story is told through two different timelines, which kept me completely engaged as the pieces slowly came together. Every chapter revealed just enough to keep me guessing, and the way the past and present intertwined was brilliantly done.
What really made this book stand out were the characters. Their friendships felt authentic, the love stories were heartfelt, and the moments of heartbreak hit hard. Despite the darker murder mystery at the center of the plot, the author sprinkled in witty one-liners and clever humor that provided the perfect balance and had me smiling throughout.
The pacing was excellent, the twists were surprising, and the ending was incredibly satisfying. If you enjoy mysteries with emotional depth, memorable characters, dual timelines, and a healthy dose of humor, this book is definitely worth reading. I couldn't put it down and found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished the last page.
What really made this book stand out were the characters. Their friendships felt authentic, the love stories were heartfelt, and the moments of heartbreak hit hard. Despite the darker murder mystery at the center of the plot, the author sprinkled in witty one-liners and clever humor that provided the perfect balance and had me smiling throughout.
The pacing was excellent, the twists were surprising, and the ending was incredibly satisfying. If you enjoy mysteries with emotional depth, memorable characters, dual timelines, and a healthy dose of humor, this book is definitely worth reading. I couldn't put it down and found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished the last page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, Balantine and Meredith Lavender & Kendall Shores for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 rounded up.
This is a sequel to "Happy Wife" and is based in the same wealthy, exclusive community in Florida. Perfect Life focuses on Este and Beau who were main side characters in Happy Wife. We don't learn a lot about them in the previous book except they are very wealthy and not accustom to this lifestyle. It did take me a minute to get back into Winter Park and remember who the characters were and what the storyline of that book was.
It is interesting piecing together Este's past (which I thought was going to be significantly juicier) and present day. There are a lot of small details that come into play as the drama unfolds.
This is a lower level mystery/thriller (my preferred type) that has you guessing and questioning everyone but your heart isn't beating out of your chest with anxiety.
3.5 rounded up.
This is a sequel to "Happy Wife" and is based in the same wealthy, exclusive community in Florida. Perfect Life focuses on Este and Beau who were main side characters in Happy Wife. We don't learn a lot about them in the previous book except they are very wealthy and not accustom to this lifestyle. It did take me a minute to get back into Winter Park and remember who the characters were and what the storyline of that book was.
It is interesting piecing together Este's past (which I thought was going to be significantly juicier) and present day. There are a lot of small details that come into play as the drama unfolds.
This is a lower level mystery/thriller (my preferred type) that has you guessing and questioning everyone but your heart isn't beating out of your chest with anxiety.
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 Publisher
Once again, Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores return us to the world of wealth and privilege in Winter Park, Florida. And, this will come as no surprise, someone is murdered. Welcome to the life of Este Walker, a woman with secrets on top of secrets. After abandoning her life in California—why would she do that?—Este comes to Florida to reinvent herself. Now married and settled into an existence marked by wealth and comfort, life is good. Until the shocking murder rocks her exclusive community. Her past comes calling, and she no longer knows who to trust, including her own husband.
Wonderful characters, plot twist galore, and a pace that will keep readers on their toes are the hallmarks of PERFECT LIFE, the excellent followup to their popular debut thriller HAPPY WIFE. Don’t miss this one.
Wonderful characters, plot twist galore, and a pace that will keep readers on their toes are the hallmarks of PERFECT LIFE, the excellent followup to their popular debut thriller HAPPY WIFE. Don’t miss this one.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Perfect Life is an intriguing mystery/thriller if you like to read stories about people who come up with new identities, move states, start a new life only to have their past come back to haunt them. Oh, and if you enjoy the Florida vibes.
I've had fun with this book. I empathised with the FMC and her motivations and I liked all the cast of characters, including the shady ones.
The hot Florida setting brings a nice vibe to it. The chapters are short and the pacing works well.
This is the second book from that duo of authors, so I can say that if you have read their previous novel and enjoyed, you might as well like this new one, too.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
I've had fun with this book. I empathised with the FMC and her motivations and I liked all the cast of characters, including the shady ones.
The hot Florida setting brings a nice vibe to it. The chapters are short and the pacing works well.
This is the second book from that duo of authors, so I can say that if you have read their previous novel and enjoyed, you might as well like this new one, too.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
•Este and her husband Beau escaped the high-strung business world of California for a relaxed slower life in Florida five years ago. The couple keeps to themselves, except for a few close friends. They’re enjoying living their life under the radar, making sure to keep their past in the past. But when a dead body appears in their pool, they’re thrust into the middle of a murder investigation and their quiet life doesn’t seem so quiet anymore.
•Told in multiple timelines, the authors do a fantastic job painting the full picture of Este and her life. I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters, too.
•Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, and Bantam Books for this advanced copy. This book will become available on July 7, 2026.
•Told in multiple timelines, the authors do a fantastic job painting the full picture of Este and her life. I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters, too.
•Thank you to NetGalley, Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, and Bantam Books for this advanced copy. This book will become available on July 7, 2026.
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 received from NetGalley
Perfect Life is an entertaining sequel to Happy Wife. It can be read as a standalone, however reading the first helps, as there are so many characters. This book focuses on Este and Beau, extremely wealthy residents of Winter Park, Florida. Este left California five years ago, and she tried to leave her secrets behind. The past begins to haunt Este and Beau when a good friend is murdered. The characters are well developed and the plot moves along swiftly in this fun story. The authors have written clever and humorous dialogue, with only hints at the solution to the mystery. With thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
June 3, 2026
I read the predecessor before diving into this delightful sequel. I’m so glad I did because it is featuring the loyal and spunky best friend(my favorite type of sequel tbh)
Este is living her best life until her past catches up with her. As she tries to outrun disaster before the natural disaster touches down she is headed for the fight of her glittering life.
I loved revisiting this privileged town with a cast of characters that gives humor and intrigue to rich people behaving badly. The perfect life comes out this month and I highly recommend for your summer reading. Thank you so much to the publishers for inviting me to visit Winter Park!
Este is living her best life until her past catches up with her. As she tries to outrun disaster before the natural disaster touches down she is headed for the fight of her glittering life.
I loved revisiting this privileged town with a cast of characters that gives humor and intrigue to rich people behaving badly. The perfect life comes out this month and I highly recommend for your summer reading. Thank you so much to the publishers for inviting me to visit Winter Park!
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
I'm not going to lie, I love thrillers and mysteries, but this one fell flat for me. I struggled to get into it and the narration felt off. I often like two different writers/perspectives, but this wasn't as seamless. The book overall I think needed more editing and more compelling twists and turns to keep the reader going.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The kind of murder mystery meant to be read by a body of water - the lake, beach, or pool. It was a bit slow at points, but it was a fun follow up from the authors’ first novel, “Happy Wife”.
If you like rich people behaving badly, atmospheric settings, and juicy drama to accommodate the mystery, then you will enjoy this.
*many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
If you like rich people behaving badly, atmospheric settings, and juicy drama to accommodate the mystery, then you will enjoy this.
*many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
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!
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