All marriages have secrets... the question is, what secrets are you willing to live with?
Halo "Lo" Roberts once believed she had the perfect marriage. John was charming, devoted, and together they were the power couple everyone admired at the college where they worked. But somewhere along the way love went quiet and suspicion crept in. Now, Lo can't shake the feeling that the man she married is hiding something.
When whispers of an affair turn into scandal, Lo decides to play the long game. She will stay close, gather proof, and protect herself until she is ready to walk away.
But in the fallout, Lo makes a dangerous choice of her own, one that leaves her with a secret she never planned and consequences she cannot escape. And when betrayal takes a deadly turn, Lo begins to wonder if her husband isn't just a liar but something far more dangerous.
Lindsey Cacy is a multi-genre author and certified yoga teacher known for writing thrillers that sink their teeth into the hidden corners of human nature. She’s the author of Things We Shouldn’t Do, a gripping, twist-filled novel that keeps readers questioning every character and craving more.
Lindsey also writes powerful nonfiction rooted in her personal journey: quitting alcohol, navigating grief, and choosing authenticity. As a Biracial woman and entrepreneur, she brings raw honesty and lived experience to both her fiction and personal essays.
Explore Lindsey’s work for pulse-pounding suspense, emotional depth, and stories that stay with you long after the final page.
Halo and John have been married for ten years. They both work for the same university. Quite by chance, Halo sees a suspicious text message on John's phone from his young assistant Constance, which raises her hackles and leads her to believe that they are having an affair. She shares her findings with her hot-headed brother, Paxton, and the story evolves from there. Unfortunately, I didn't warm to Halo, so I felt less invested in how things would turn out. I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. 3 and a half stars
I received this book as an ARC read & let me tell you it’s such a great book !
While reading this I was going through so many emotions, it was like playing a game of clue trying to figure out who was the suspect.
If you had watched the show HIS&HERS then this book is right up that alley. A marriage that’s falling apart, a murder, but you would never believe who the suspect is.
If you love a domestic thriller where the marriage is just as dangerous as the mystery, this one absolutely delivers.
Halo “Lo” Roberts once believed she had the perfect marriage. She and John were the admired power couple at their college. They were charming, successful, untouchable. But when love starts to feel distant and suspicion creeps in, Lo begins to question everything she thought she knew about her husband. What follows is a slow burn unraveling filled with whispered affairs, calculated choices, and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
The writing is truly beautiful. Lindsey has such a poetic way of describing people, places, feelings.. just every sentence is a masterpiece that will keep you fully invested page after page. The characters feel incredibly real, flawed and layered in ways that make every decision hit harder. I adored Sam and Jenna, they are the type of friends everyone would be lucky to have in their corner.
And Damien!! I need more of him asap! He wasn't a massive part of the story, but he captured my heart as well as Lo's! "But Damien has never tried to fix me, never rushed me, never filled the silence with words I didn't need . He simply shows up, again and again steady and patient."
I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, and just when I thought I had it figured out? Nope. I was constantly guessing who it was, and when the revelation came, I was completely shocked. Like… what?!
“My ghosts weren’t there either, and part of me needed them—needed to be back inside the walls where everything had cracked, so I could touch the edges and decide if they were real.” That line alone captures the haunting tone of this story.
This is a psychological thriller about marriage, betrayal, and the secrets we convince ourselves we can live with....until we can’t. If you’re looking for a domestic thriller that blends relationship drama with genuine suspense and plenty of twists, this is definitely worth picking up. You won’t want to put it down.
Thank you, Lindsey, for trusting me with your amazing book..and for being such an incredible new friend. 💛
If you are looking for a story that dives deep into the messy realities of marriage betrayal, dark secrets people swear they will take to the grave, and a totally mysterious murder, this one is right up your alley. 👀
The story centers around Halo aka Lo Roberts and her husband John, who used to be the ultimate, devoted power couple. But when the love goes quiet and whispers of an affair turn into a full-blown scandal, Lo decides to play the long game to gather proof and protect herself. However, she ends up making a dangerous choice of her own, leading to inescapable consequences and a deadly turn that makes her question if her husband is just a liar, or something much more dangerous.
One thing which I really liked is how the author showed all the characters like humans with flaws! It's not like only one person has all the flaws and other is completely dedicated. Nope!! There is much more to it! And this makes the whole mystery feel so much more believable!😉
But honestly, the biggest win in this entire book for me is the friendship between Sam, Jenna, and Halo. Their bond is just so strong and supportive. Watching them together really makes you realize that we all need friends like that in our own lives!
The writing is super engaging, and the timing is everything!🤌🏼 Every single chapter reveals a new clue or secret. Just when you sit back and think, "I finally have this figured out!" Boom! A brand new truth comes out of nowhere and leaves you staring at the page yelling, "Wait, WHAT!!!!!!"
Overall it's a good read for anyone who love mysteries.
Things We Shouldn’t Do by Lindsey Cacy was a very thrilling read, with beautiful emotions, vivid characters and a wonderful story. I really like how the plot progressed, from the beginning setting a very restless mood. Following the protagonist Halo Roberts journey in the novel felt very much like experiencing her exact emotions through the words on my kindle. The suspense was suspense-ing and the anticipation was at an all time high. This is the kind of book you cannot put down without its contents running amok in your head. THE CHARACTERS!!!, oh my goshhh, were written so vividly, that I had distinct people and voices in my head. Halo, that idiot John, I even had Constance pictured as the Wicked Witch of the West so much I could hear the cackling. The relationship between Halo and her friends Jenna and Sam was the most heartwarming thing in the whole novel. I was so glad she had them both, and also half afraid they would turn out to be bad people😅(I guess reading too much or watching a lot of movies does that to you 😂) I also loved how the inclusion of a character like Damien into the story was a source of conflict for Halo. Instead of him being another love interest, it was really cool to see her comparing herself with John and how her actions were similar, at the same time also realising she deserved to be loved. I really enjoyed of the book went beyond a typical thriller but also was an exploration of human relationships through Halo’s relationship with her husband (ugh), her friends ( 🎉) and Damien ( ♥️). Lovely writing and an even lovelier story.
I’ll be honest—when I started reading, I had actually forgotten what the story was about. And for a while, I genuinely thought it was just going to be about a woman dealing with a cheating husband and all the emotional fallout. I was like… okay, I get it, but where is this going? and I am glad I waited for the end because THAT plot twist? it hit so hard!.
I literally had to sit up because everything changed in that moment. The story went from slow and emotional to suddenly intense and gripping, everyone and everything felt suspicious and from there it just kept getting better chapter by chapter. The murder, The tension, the suspense, the unraveling of secrets—it all pulled me in so fast.
Lo as a character is really interesting because she’s not written to be perfect. Her choices, particularly the reverse cheating plot twist, are bound to ruffle feathers, and not everyone will be on board. Yet, that's precisely what lends the narrative its authenticity and depth. It shows how messy emotions and betrayal can get.
What I loved most is how the book slowly builds up and then flips everything you thought you understood. By the end, it’s not just about cheating or heartbreak anymore—it’s about something much darker and more complex.
Overall, this was such a surprising read. It started off one way and then completely shifted into something way more intense and addictive. Definitely worth it for that plot twist alone.
OH MY GOD, TO SAY I WAS HOOKED WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT, IT WAS IG THE FIRST THRILLER BOOK I LOVED THIS MUCH AND i honestly couldn't put it down 😭😭 i was literally reading this in the middle of my college breaks, and this book shut out my surroundings completely. i would be sitting in a noisy cafeteria or in my room, but the second i opened it, i was gone fully trapped in Halo and John's messy, twisted world 🫠 the story follows Halo (Lo), a university professor who slowly realizes her "perfect power couple" marriage is actually a house of cards when she discovers something about her husband, John, everything starts to spiral. a certain someone goes missing, their body is found, and suddenly the woman everyone loves becomes the prime suspect 💀😏 what really got me was how EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER felt SUS i was constantly trying to play detective, but this book will humble you real quick every theory i had was wrong 😭 the author really played me 🫡🫠 it's a complete rollercoaster of betrayal, lies, and gaslighting that had me wide-eyed and lowkey stressed even during my lectures 🥲 the tension just keeps building, and it never once felt boring to me. the atmosphere is eerie, the emotions feel real, and the pacing keeps you locked in 🧎🏻♀️ if you love thrillers with toxic relationships, unreliable characters, and twists that actually shock you, this is your sign!!!
A marriage that looks fine from the outside. Conversations that sound normal. Days that pass like they always have. And still, there’s this constant feeling that something isn’t lining up.
A psychological thriller, rooted in suspicion, marriage and betrayal... this book is one heck of a read. At first it started as story revolving around cheating, and I thought it'll be predictable, but Oh! It Was Not! It was a kind of scenario where you feel everything is right, but slowly and gradually when everything unwind, you get the actual gist of the things going wrong.
Lo isn’t impulsive... she’s calculated. She didn't react the way I expected and that is what I think the story was based on. When we sometimes make the worst decisions in the moment, but they don't feel like that at that point of time. So eventually it didn't remain about what John was hiding, but what Lo became once she started looking for it.
By the end I kind of realised that the moral lines have blurred. No one felt innocent, and it felt that the line between self-protection and self-destruction is wayy thinner than we all expect. And now it wasn't about betrayal, but about how far someone can go while still believing they’re justified.
All in all, I really really loved reading the book, the plot was just soo amazing... I couldn't keep it down until I finished it!
What happens to a brother when his sister is heartbroken?
What happens to a girl when her bestie feels distant?
What happens to a boss when his employee files a harassment complaint?
What happens to a mom when her daughter doesn't show up for a family dinner?
What happens to a wife when she finds her husband becoming aloof?
Just some questions this book raises and answers, albeit a little slow. The book is an emotional dive into the psyche of a married professor and what she goes through during different events in her life.
The book starts with a seemingly dramatic plot and soon ends in a thriller with a big reveal. There is friendship, love, duty, emotions, betrayal, fear, cringe, lust, hypocrisy and many more explorations of the roller coaster ride called feelings.
The author uses a lot of double and triple adjectives in sentences especially in their end which made it a difficult read for me. There is also a lot of repetition of phrases and words that felt a little unpleasant. I could have used a shorter version because the story is actually very well thought of. I would have liked to see some more of the budding relationship in the book. Nevertheless, an error free read is always welcome.
I was thinking that this book was about discipline in the genre of non fiction, but once I start reading the book, it was very hard for me not to like the book, as it was actually fiction. First, I was a little confused because I was expecting something different, but then I slowly understood the story. Well, the story is about a professor and his wife in the same city, but the man is cheating on his wife, and the story is full of drama. The way the story goes on, you are again and again thinking about what is going to happen next. If you want to know the tea, then you should read the book because the book has everything in it, and you won't get bored while reading the book. Later, my emotion changes because this book has many incidences, and every incidence makes the story more interesting. Sometimes I feel surprised, sometimes I feel shocked because of the story happening. If you love the book crime thriller, I think it's the right time to read this book because it has the same vibe as the crime thriller book. I continue reading this book because I want to know the truth and the outcome in the end. I want to rate this book 4 out of 5 in this genre because it gives me a different experience compared to what I expect.
Things We Shouldn’t Do is a gripping read that hooks you from page one and never lets go. The pacing is excellent, keeping the momentum strong throughout as tensions escalate and you find yourself constantly questioning who to trust.
It authentically captures the messy, complicated nature of relationships while it excels at portraying how we navigate conflicting emotions during the most difficult moments, especially those times when our hearts and heads pull us in different directions.
The characters feel real in their struggles, making their choices all the more compelling.
The emotional impact surprised me. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, the dynamics would shift in ways that felt both unexpected and true to the characters.
The storyline pulls you deeper with every chapter, making this a book that’s hard to put down.
If you’re looking for a domestic thriller that combines relationship drama with genuine suspense, this is definitely worth picking up, you won’t want to put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
College Professor Halo "Lo" Roberts and John are the perfect successful powerhouse couple on campus. But Lo begins to feel a shift and hairline fractions in this idyllic existence. She gets an "inkling " that John is having an affair, and it's with his assistant Constance! Fueled by anger, she approaches Constance giving her an ultimatum - or else! After John goes away on a mysterious trip and returns, Constance comes up missing and the primary suspects are Lo the scorned wife and John who has comfirmed the affair. During the course of the initial investigation, Lo finds out that John is throwing her under the bus driving at full speed! Lindsey Cacy has written a novel filled with believeable yet highly flawed characters creating a page-turner of a novel. Her novel is filled with the realities of what secrets in a marriage can do, true friendships with her girlfriends Sam and Jenna & Damien, her former student, and how decisions made can change the whole fabric of one's very existence. Things We Shouldn't Do is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing up until the very end.
This one pulled me in with its quiet tension and didn’t let go.
At the heart of the story is Lo, a woman who once believed she had a solid, enviable marriage—until doubt slowly begins to seep in. What I really liked was how realistic that shift felt. There’s no dramatic overnight breakdown; instead, it’s the small things, the silences, the instincts you try to ignore.
The story builds in a very controlled way. It’s not loud or overly dramatic, but there’s this constant unease that keeps growing. Lo’s decision to stay and “play the long game” adds an interesting layer—she’s not just reacting, she’s calculating, and that makes her character feel complex and, at times, morally grey.
Just when you think you've got a handle on the direction things are headed, the narrative shifts into shadow. The hidden truths on both sides of the conflict make it hard to tell who's the good guy and who's the bad one, and that's where the book truly excels. It forces you to reconsider your loyalties.
If you enjoy slow-burn domestic thrillers with complicated relationships, messy choices, and a steady build of suspense, this is definitely worth picking up.
POV: You trusted no one… and you were STILL wrong.
Things We Shouldn’t Do by Lindsey Cacy is not your typical domestic thriller it’s messier, darker, and way more emotional. The whole cheating-husband-meets-missing-mistress situation already screams drama, but the way the story unfolds?? Pure chaos in the best way. Halo’s life slowly unravelling, everyone acting suspicious, and the constant “who’s lying???” energy had me hooked. I genuinely thought I had it figured out multiple times… and yeah, I was wrong every single time. The tension just keeps building, and some twists actually make you pause and process.
What really stood out is how human the story feels. It’s not just about the mystery it’s about relationships falling apart, guilt, anger, and that unsettling feeling of not knowing who to trust. Every character feels a little shady, which makes it so addictive. The writing is simple but has this haunting tone that stays with you, even if it gets a bit repetitive at times. Still, the pacing, drama, and emotional intensity carry it hard. If you love thrillers where everyone is sus, relationships are messy, and the plot keeps flipping this one’s definitely your vibe.
started Things We Shouldn't Do by Lindsey Cacy with an impression that it would be a story about a troubled relationship, But, No, it shocked me with its storyline. In starting only, you will get to know that its a story about a couple dealing with relationship issues, unspoken tension between them and things left unsaid that should be discussed. While reading, you start questioning every character's intention and every situation. And that's where the story really pulls you in. The characters feel real, situations feel real and the tension can be sensed between the lines. No one is perfect in the story, just like the real world. The character have their own flaws, they make questionable decisions. As a reader, you might not agree with their choices always but you understand where they are coming from. The buildup is amazing and just when you think you've figured it out, But No, No No, another twist. That plot twist? Completely unexpected. Special mention to the friendships written in this book. They are amazıng. If you like stories that builds tension and leave you like, wait, what just happened. This one is for you.
Never before has a domestic thriller gripped my attention so completely.
This family saga revolves around a pair of cheating spouses. The husband's mistress is their coworker. Lies, jealousy, disappearances, and murder brew a perfect concoction. The fiery yet shady supporting characters add spice.
Across 360 pages, the author skilfully balances unexpected plot twists with raw emotions that leave your mouth agape. The disturbing element was that every single character was sus. You couldn't trust anyone until the last page.
Every subplot hits. The cover's dark, eerie, yet calm shade of blue matches the book's mood. I love a good thriller as much as the next person. This story managed to hold my attention. I am usually wary of long books. But the plot was so fast-paced that I hardly noticed as both time and pages flew by.
If untrustworthy characters, problematic relationships, contemporary settings, and tight writing are your cup of tea, you should take a chance on this book.
A broken marriage, a couple, A cheater and a Murd*r.
Halo Roberts is a full time university professor. Social Butterfly, everyone's favorite, but soon she realises, the distance between her and her husband is not getting any closer.
Lies, random vacations, not paying attention to her, Halo soon discovers, her husband isn't as faithful as he was eight years ago.
Devastated, she confronts the only mistress, Constance Keller, but it goes to vain when Constance is found missing one day.
And all the fingers are pointed at Halo Roberts, the last person to have fought with Constance.
The book soon follows a path of Dirty betrayals, Frustration, accusations and unfortunate events.
What happens when even Halo's husband accuses her of everything, Will Halo be able to prove herself innocent? Or is there something or someone involved too?
The book took a surprising turn quickly making me overwhelmed and gasp at one point. Definitely a five star read for me yet again.
“Things we shouldn’t Do” by Lindsey Cacy, is a psychological thriller which will send chills down your spine.
The book revolves around a married couple which looks normal to the people around them, with a quiet life and entangled routines. But everything that appears normal to the eyes of world, may not necessarily be normal!
The book takes you on a journey where the past unravels, the events once kept hidden resurfaces and the truth is searched for.
When suspicion starts building up, even a small mistake may turn into unfolding of a dangerous truth. Based on the themes of toxic relationships, secrets within marriage, and consequences of impulsive decisions, this book is definitely a different read.
The author’s writing style is amazing where the truth is uncovered gradually and thus the readers doesn’t feel the need to absorb too much too quickly making the book an intriguing and gripping one!! A must read…
Things We Shouldn’t Do by Lindsey Cacy wasn't a typical domestic thriller read, but it was so much more than that. It was more intense and emotional. From the start, I got the sense of tension and it just kept building. I couldn’t stop reading the book. At it’s core, the story explores marriage,betrayal and fragile line between trust and suspicion. To others, it looked like a perfect relationship slowly unravels into complex and disturbing circumstances. Lo’s character was amazing. She handled everything in her life in a way that made the story more suspenseful. I was always wondering about everything and everybody. I thought I had it all figured out, but I was totally wrong. The writing was simple but haunting. The pacing allows every moment to breathe, making the eventual twists feel intense rather than rushed. I truly enjoyed the suspense building up in the story. You can definitely pick up this book if you enjoy suspense thrillers with emotional depths.
First of all I'm so glad that I found the writer of this book through such an amazing read... I didn't expect this to catch my interest from the very first page.. I'm not suppressing any author's work ..but most of the thrillers out there especially....the famous writers also do not have such a gripping writing from the start page.... It takes at least 2 to 3 chapters to take the interest of the readers... But thiss author...my audience...have some super power I tell u... amazing greatest read....the storyline...the twists and turns...the language...the way it makes the reader gasps....I'm like what the hell did it happen?? And the central plot of this novel is a toxic relationship...i mean what else could be better for me...?? 👀 ... anything talking about toxicity...I will be first in the line...!! Not TO brag but...keep aside every other thrillers you have ...and PICKKKKKK thisssssss asssapp💃🏻💃🏻... ....
I just finished devouring Things We Shouldn't Do by Lindsey Cacy, and wow, I'm still reeling! 🤯 This thriller exceeded my expectations, keeping me hooked with its toxic relationship, cheating, and mysterious twists. The story revolves around Halo Roberts, a prof who's not as squeaky clean as she seems. One minute you're invested in the couple's seemingly perfect life, and the next, you're questioning everything.
The author's suspense game is strong.I was predicting plot twists left and right, but nope, I was way off! The continuous guessing kept me turning pages late into the night. If you love thrillers with mind-bending plot twists and toxic relationships, this book's a must-read.Trust me, you'll be hooked!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, for fans of psychological thrillers with unpredictable twists. The writing's gripping, and the author's ability to keep you guessing is on point. One of the best thrillers I've read this year!
The book was so good. Storyline was very captivating. I was so hooked to know who did and how the person did it that I completed the book in 2 days only So Halo is a professor also a wife of a professor in the same institution named John One day she comes to know her husband is cheating on her and in anger of that she confronts him but he denies and she lefts the home to live with her friend She later confronts the girl she cheated on with named Constance, she made fun of her abd the conversation got heated up and a huge scene/ drama was created Later Constance went missing and because of all the drama in the institution all the suspicions were on Halo and John Now, Constance is found dead Everything that happens after this scene is pure roller coaster I was wide eyed reading and all my theories were wrong at the end, I thought I know what's gonna happen but no nada, the author played Loved the book 4/5 ⭐️ definitely
"Things We Shouldn't Do" by Lindsey Cacy is a book which at first started off as a wife suspicions over her husband, which then leads to confrontation then denial. Was she simply being paranoid or was she right to doubt him? What happens when she confronts the mistress? What happens when the mistress is found dead?
This book is more than an affair, much more than a love story. Do you think anyone deserves to die for having an affair and for also dating someone else under false pretence? How much can anyone bear? The pain, The betrayal and losing the only family you have. The book had me holding my breath till the end.
A much recommended book for all who love drama, suspense, betrayal and murder mystery.
A book worth finishing in one sitting!!! And this is one such book that brought me out of my reading slump! And my favourite trope? Men fumbling in books (sadistic laugh 😈) The story is set around Halo Robert, aka Lo. She is a university professor who is amidst a family drama, when suddenly someone disappears and all eyes are on Lo.
Even before the action happened, I started having my doubts on every character 😂 which is comical. Paxton? Sus!! Jenna? Sus!! John? Oh I hated you from the very beginning. Not giving away any spoilers now. Hence I must say that the author has developed each character so well that you'll keep on guessing.
The writing was chef's kiss. It was slowly building untill the climax came. The plot was fast paced, enough for any thriller lover to devour this book.
The book is a bit lengthy. But the story line will keep you stick to it.. Lot of places it was like 'is it really a story or something just happened in your circle or even in your life. Lot of places took me like that. It is a good read.
Lo Roberts once had it all—charming husband, admired life. But love fades, suspicion grows, and she senses he’s hiding something. When rumors of an affair surface, Lo plays smart—staying close, gathering proof, waiting for her moment. But one risky choice leaves her trapped in a secret of her own. Now, as betrayal turns darker, she begins to fear her husband may be more dangerous than she ever imagined.
Things We Shouldn't Do is an amazing book where the genres of romance and thriller comes together very creatively and brilliantly in a simple and elegant writing style.
Halo is an inspirational lady whose immense strength amidst great difficulties and willingness to take the right step no matter the circumstances is heart touching.
The dramatic mysterious twists in the tales of John, Constance and Pax keeps on getting very interesting with each turn of the page.
Among Halo's friends, Sam really has my heart making me wish for a comrade like her.
I also love how Damien and Jenna stood as a support for Halo in her emotional and tragic journey of life
This book had me STRESSED in the best way lol! It is messy, dark, and just felt so human. It’s about marriage on the brink, forbidden choices, and the quiet moments where everything starts to fracture. I loved how emotionally grounded this felt even as the stakes kept escalating. Every character is layered and impossible to fully trust. I also like that the characters were relatable and multi-racial which spoke to me as a black and Spanish woman. Highly recommend! Thank you to the publisher for sending me the ARC to read and review.
This book will have you LOCKED IN, I finished it in about a day and a half. I couldn’t put it down, not only does the development of the story keep you engaged but the attention to detail of the characters and their expressions as they navigate and develop through the story is incredibly in depth. A nice nod to her previous book. (which I thoroughly enjoyed as well, a MUST HAVE btw) The shock and awe of this book holds true to its genre.
This was a really gripping and intense read. The story starts off quite simple, but there’s this underlying tension that slowly builds as you keep going. I liked how it focuses on relationships and the idea of trust, and how things are not always what they seem. The writing is easy to follow, and it does a good job creating a slightly unsettling atmosphere. I found myself wanting to keep reading just to see how everything would unfold. Overall, it’s a solid psychological read that keeps you thinking even after finishing.
Things We Shouldn't Do kept me COMPLETELY HOOKED until the very end. THE PLOT?? Clock it.
Halo is a university professor who realizes her perfect marriage is ripped apart because apparently her husband cheated on her with his mistress.
She confronted that mistress, and guess what? That woman goes missing and now Halo is the prime suspect.
What do you think has actually happened? GO FIND OUT! If you love thrillers, which consist of a lot of betrayal, lies, and your own wrong assumptions, this book is for you.