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The Stranger in My Bed
Last night I was grieving. Today I am a headline.
When my husband’s body washed up on a remote riverbank, the media swarmed. They called it an accident. Then a scandal. Then they called me a suspect. So I disappeared.
New state. New life. New tenant.
Jake is everything Matthew wasn’t—kind, protective, and dangerously magnetic. Our connection ignites fast, blurring every line I swore I’d never cross. Until strange things start happening… Matthew’s cufflink appears on my kitchen counter. The wedding photo I destroyed shows up on my nightstand. Someone is watching me.
And now a woman is missing—a woman asking questions about Matthew. As the past claws its way back, I’m forced to confront the unthinkable:
Who, exactly, is the man sleeping in my bed?
A white-knuckle psychological thriller that will leave you reeling. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, and Gone Girl.
When my husband’s body washed up on a remote riverbank, the media swarmed. They called it an accident. Then a scandal. Then they called me a suspect. So I disappeared.
New state. New life. New tenant.
Jake is everything Matthew wasn’t—kind, protective, and dangerously magnetic. Our connection ignites fast, blurring every line I swore I’d never cross. Until strange things start happening… Matthew’s cufflink appears on my kitchen counter. The wedding photo I destroyed shows up on my nightstand. Someone is watching me.
And now a woman is missing—a woman asking questions about Matthew. As the past claws its way back, I’m forced to confront the unthinkable:
Who, exactly, is the man sleeping in my bed?
A white-knuckle psychological thriller that will leave you reeling. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell, and Gone Girl.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
69 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Amanda McKinney
38 books1,023 followersAmanda McKinney is the Amazon Charts bestselling and multi-award-winning author of more than thirty romance and thriller novels. Her books have received over fifteen literary awards and nominations, including the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence, and have been included in lists such as POPSUGAR's 12 Best Romance Books, and featured on the Today Show.
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www.amandamckinneyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Last night, I was grieving.
Today, i am a headline."
Olivia Grayson has always had the perfect life. But one day as her husband suddenly commits, she finds her life in shambles. In complete display of the public. So, she does the only thing she can do. She runs away. A new identity. A new life.
But as Jake, the perfect guy, comes into her life again, so do the pieces of her past. And she's forced to confront the burning question : Who is, the stranger in her bed?
𝕬 𝖌𝖗𝖎𝖕𝖕𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖋𝖆𝖘𝖙-𝖕𝖆𝖈𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖗𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖗, 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖓𝖔𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖎𝖘 𝖆𝖘 𝖎𝖙 𝖘𝖊𝖊𝖒𝖘
🗝️⋆｡𖦹°‧★
I enjoyed this one thoroughly. The swift pace was everything. Perhaps, exactly what I needed at the moment.
But it was not exempt to one of the recurring themes that I've seen in not only this, but many other thriller/ murder mysteries- The blurb bit takes up nearly half of the book aka, most of the buildup is spoiled by the blurb instead of it being just premise. if I had held my breath till the actualstory started, I would probably be 💀 by now.
I also make it mission to solve the mystery before the story does
⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘
Overall, a really gripping thriller that my heart pounding and me ABSOLUTELY DEVOURING the book, even though the buildup took too long.
3.4-hot-strangers/5
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
ᯓ★🔍 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
A small town, fast paced murder mystery? Sign me up!
I'm two chapters in and DANG does it start with a BANG like WOW. and it's multi pov? My heart always has a special place for multi pov thrillers 🥹
#droolingforthedualpov
Thank you Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the eARC!
March 17, 2026
Twisty, fast-paced, and fun, The Stranger in My Bed was yet another example of Amanda McKinney’s insanely talented brain. You see, from the ripped-from-the-headlines feel to the intense rollercoaster ride-like plotting, this book had me holding on for dear life the entire time that I was reading. The characterizations, though, were what kept me flying through the pages. Running the gamut from root-for-able and endearing to an absolute villain, I just wanted to know what was going to happen to each of them in turn. After all, the well-layered plot kept me guessing on how all of them were connected. Don’t get me wrong, thanks to my insatiable appetite for all things suspense, I did predict a few of the smartly deployed reveals. But then, I’m quite the armchair sleuth when it comes to the twists.
On top of the sky-high tension and unsettling atmosphere of this one-sitting read, I have to add that I loved the exploration of some truly thought-provoking themes. Shining a light on trust, identity, love, and deceit, the contrast of Olivia’s past life and her new romance pulled me into the story even more. Filled with sweet banter and realistic fears, it brought her to life just as the foreboding and dread slowly seemed to unravel her mind. Altogether, it was a dynamite combo that made it perfect for fans of Kaira Rouda or Freida McFadden. The definition of a top-notch popcorn thriller, I had a blast watching everything unfold. So go on. Order a copy today. Unputdownable, thrilling, and just a tiny bit unhinged, I literally didn’t move a muscle the entire time I was reading. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
When my husband’s body washed up on a remote riverbank, the media swarmed. They called it an accident. Then a scandal. Then they called me a suspect. So I disappeared.
New state. New life. New tenant.
Jake is everything Matthew wasn’t—kind, protective, and dangerously magnetic. Our connection ignites fast, blurring every line I swore I’d never cross. Until strange things start happening… Matthew’s cufflink appears on my kitchen counter. The wedding photo I destroyed shows up on my nightstand. Someone is watching me.
And now a woman is missing—a woman asking questions about Matthew. As the past claws its way back, I’m forced to confront the unthinkable: Who, exactly, is the man sleeping in my bed?
Thank you Amanda McKinney, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 6, 2026
Content warning: suicide, domestic abuse, gaslighting, home invasion, burglary, kidnapping, forced captivity, murder, violence
On top of the sky-high tension and unsettling atmosphere of this one-sitting read, I have to add that I loved the exploration of some truly thought-provoking themes. Shining a light on trust, identity, love, and deceit, the contrast of Olivia’s past life and her new romance pulled me into the story even more. Filled with sweet banter and realistic fears, it brought her to life just as the foreboding and dread slowly seemed to unravel her mind. Altogether, it was a dynamite combo that made it perfect for fans of Kaira Rouda or Freida McFadden. The definition of a top-notch popcorn thriller, I had a blast watching everything unfold. So go on. Order a copy today. Unputdownable, thrilling, and just a tiny bit unhinged, I literally didn’t move a muscle the entire time I was reading. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
When my husband’s body washed up on a remote riverbank, the media swarmed. They called it an accident. Then a scandal. Then they called me a suspect. So I disappeared.
New state. New life. New tenant.
Jake is everything Matthew wasn’t—kind, protective, and dangerously magnetic. Our connection ignites fast, blurring every line I swore I’d never cross. Until strange things start happening… Matthew’s cufflink appears on my kitchen counter. The wedding photo I destroyed shows up on my nightstand. Someone is watching me.
And now a woman is missing—a woman asking questions about Matthew. As the past claws its way back, I’m forced to confront the unthinkable: Who, exactly, is the man sleeping in my bed?
Thank you Amanda McKinney, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 6, 2026
Content warning: suicide, domestic abuse, gaslighting, home invasion, burglary, kidnapping, forced captivity, murder, violence
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
➡️ The book's premise was ultra-compelling:
A grieving widow, a husband’s body washed up on a riverbank, and a media frenzy that forces the grieving widow to disappear and start over under a cloud of suspicion.
➡️ WHY NOT 5 STARS?
⭐ I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Elise Roth. Elise Roth's performance perfectly matched the moody, increasingly paranoid tone of the story and vividly portrayed the female protagonist's spiraling emotions.
Since the book unfolded from different timelines and POVs, it would have benefited from multiple narrators, with at least one male narrator.
⭐ Characterizations were disappointingly shallow.
⭐ Twists were predictable.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced eBook copy. The Stranger in My Bed is set to be released on March 6, 2026.
This fast-paced psychological thriller kept me on my toes from start to finish. The short chapters make it incredibly easy to binge, and I was guessing until the very end—I loved every second.
The story follows Olivia after the mysterious death of her husband, Matthew. This isn’t an ordinary couple; they’re wealthy and powerful, so his death becomes national news. When the media begins tearing Olivia’s reputation apart, she flees to another state in search of a fresh start. But just as she begins to settle into a new life—and a new relationship—unsettling things start to happen. Matthew’s belongings and even their wedding photos begin to reappear. Someone knows Olivia’s past and is deliberately playing with her.
Who is her new boyfriend, and how much does he really know?
This fast-paced psychological thriller kept me on my toes from start to finish. The short chapters make it incredibly easy to binge, and I was guessing until the very end—I loved every second.
The story follows Olivia after the mysterious death of her husband, Matthew. This isn’t an ordinary couple; they’re wealthy and powerful, so his death becomes national news. When the media begins tearing Olivia’s reputation apart, she flees to another state in search of a fresh start. But just as she begins to settle into a new life—and a new relationship—unsettling things start to happen. Matthew’s belongings and even their wedding photos begin to reappear. Someone knows Olivia’s past and is deliberately playing with her.
Who is her new boyfriend, and how much does he really know?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Stanger In My Bed is one of those books that grabs your attention in chapter one and never lets go. Jam packed with short snappy chapters, it is utterly propulsive.
The story was action packed, unputdownable, intense! It was creative story with a couple of great twists, one I did guess but the one I didn't was pure perfection!
The story was action packed, unputdownable, intense! It was creative story with a couple of great twists, one I did guess but the one I didn't was pure perfection!
February 9, 2026
Such a fast-paced, gripping wild ride!! If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that’s full of suspense, grabs your attention from the beginning and is unputdownable, this one’s for you!!
I loved the multiple timelines, multiple pov, the characters, just everything about it!
I loved the multiple timelines, multiple pov, the characters, just everything about it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley. Thank you to Storm Publishing for the advanced copy!
The Stranger In My Bed had its moment. Some of the twists actually surprised me, and I low key enjoyed trying to figure out who was shady and who wasn't. But honestly, a few parts felt kinda predictable and some of the drama kinda made me roll my eyes. It wasn't bad, I finished it without hating it, but it also wasn't one I'm gonna rave about. Just a perfectly fine, slightly boring ride.
The Stranger In My Bed had its moment. Some of the twists actually surprised me, and I low key enjoyed trying to figure out who was shady and who wasn't. But honestly, a few parts felt kinda predictable and some of the drama kinda made me roll my eyes. It wasn't bad, I finished it without hating it, but it also wasn't one I'm gonna rave about. Just a perfectly fine, slightly boring ride.
February 24, 2026
~thank you to Storm Publishing, & NetGalley for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review~
LOVED this. 4.5 stars. Super fast paced thriller that I could not put down. I predicted something right in the beginning which I hate doing because I love to be surprised but whatever. I was hooked from the very first line of the book, and that’s how I know it was going to be a great read.
LOVED this. 4.5 stars. Super fast paced thriller that I could not put down. I predicted something right in the beginning which I hate doing because I love to be surprised but whatever. I was hooked from the very first line of the book, and that’s how I know it was going to be a great read.
February 23, 2026
I really enjoyed The Stranger in My Bed by Amanda McKinney. This psychological thriller pulled me in right from the start with its intriguing premise and kept me guessing throughout.
The story does a great job of building suspense as secrets slowly unravel and the tension between characters continues to grow. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would come along and make me question what was really going on. The pacing was steady, making it hard to put down because I always wanted to know what would happen next.
I also appreciated how the author explored themes of trust, identity, and deception in a way that felt both engaging and unsettling at times. While there were a few moments where the plot felt slightly predictable, the overall story and shocking reveals made up for it.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an advance copy of this book for an honest review!
The story does a great job of building suspense as secrets slowly unravel and the tension between characters continues to grow. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would come along and make me question what was really going on. The pacing was steady, making it hard to put down because I always wanted to know what would happen next.
I also appreciated how the author explored themes of trust, identity, and deception in a way that felt both engaging and unsettling at times. While there were a few moments where the plot felt slightly predictable, the overall story and shocking reveals made up for it.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an advance copy of this book for an honest review!
March 18, 2026
I'm going to warn you now, don't start this book if you don't have time to read, because you won't be able to stop! I read this in one sitting and it was a fantastic few hours! The Stranger in My Bed is so gripping, suspenseful, and terrifying that you'll find yourself reading for hours. To say I loved this thriller would be an understatement. This book is so intense it had me jumping at noises in my own house! That's the sign of a great book! Olivia and Matthew are living the good life, at least that's what everyone thinks. They live in a mansion, have several other homes, nice cars, go to all the best parties and events, travel, and it seems perfect from the outside looking in.
When Matthew's dead body washed in after he jumped from a bridge, the truth came out about their life. They first called it an accident, then it became a scandal, and then Olivia had to disappear as the media called her a suspect. Olivia left, changed her name, gave up all of her possessions, and used a little money she had saved up to create a new life. She becomes settled and keeps to herself until she decides to take on a renter in a small cottage she has in back of her small house. Jake and Marie (Olivia's new name) have a spark immediately, but don't act on it. Marie is taken with Jake's good looks and kindness. Will Marie be able to find love again? Will she be able to keep her identity a secret? The FBI knows where she is in case they need her, but no one else knows who she really is.
When strange things start happening around the house, Marie gets scared. Someone knows who she really is and is trying to make her pay for her husband's mistakes. How did they find her? Why does she see a shadow from her bed when Jake is sleeping beside her? Who is in the yard? Why does Matthew's cufflink appear on the kitchen counter? Is Marie safe? Is someone after her? Will Jake and the FBI be able to keep her safe? Will she have to run again? How many lies did Matthew tell her? When another woman goes missing it is somehow related to Matthew. How did he know this other woman? Where is she now? Trust me and get this book if you love a fast paced, can't put down thriller! I rate The Stranger In My Bed 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Stranger In My Bed in exchange for a fair review. #TheStrangerInMyBed
When Matthew's dead body washed in after he jumped from a bridge, the truth came out about their life. They first called it an accident, then it became a scandal, and then Olivia had to disappear as the media called her a suspect. Olivia left, changed her name, gave up all of her possessions, and used a little money she had saved up to create a new life. She becomes settled and keeps to herself until she decides to take on a renter in a small cottage she has in back of her small house. Jake and Marie (Olivia's new name) have a spark immediately, but don't act on it. Marie is taken with Jake's good looks and kindness. Will Marie be able to find love again? Will she be able to keep her identity a secret? The FBI knows where she is in case they need her, but no one else knows who she really is.
When strange things start happening around the house, Marie gets scared. Someone knows who she really is and is trying to make her pay for her husband's mistakes. How did they find her? Why does she see a shadow from her bed when Jake is sleeping beside her? Who is in the yard? Why does Matthew's cufflink appear on the kitchen counter? Is Marie safe? Is someone after her? Will Jake and the FBI be able to keep her safe? Will she have to run again? How many lies did Matthew tell her? When another woman goes missing it is somehow related to Matthew. How did he know this other woman? Where is she now? Trust me and get this book if you love a fast paced, can't put down thriller! I rate The Stranger In My Bed 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of The Stranger In My Bed in exchange for a fair review. #TheStrangerInMyBed
March 13, 2026
“Last night I was grieving. Today I am a headline.”
Olivia is suddenly thrust into the spotlight after her CEO husband is found dead on a riverbank under a bridge. Accident? Maybe. But with the media circling and questions mounting, Olivia feels the only way to make it all go away… is to disappear.
I don’t want to give too much away, but the suspense starts in the first chapter and never lets up - media scrutiny, secret pasts, another missing woman, and a dangerous new love. I loved how the story plays with trust, deception, and the facades people create. I found myself constantly questioning motives and wondering what was real… and what we were being led to believe.
The short chapters make it dangerously bingeable, and the before/after timeline slowly reveals the cracks in Olivia and Matthew’s glamorous life - luxury cars, designer gowns, galas… and plenty of secrets.
I guessed a twist or two, but the build-up and anticipation still had me flipping pages late into the night.
Final Verdict: 👍 Addictive, twisty, and packed with secrets. Perfect for your spring break or beach-bag thriller.
Olivia is suddenly thrust into the spotlight after her CEO husband is found dead on a riverbank under a bridge. Accident? Maybe. But with the media circling and questions mounting, Olivia feels the only way to make it all go away… is to disappear.
I don’t want to give too much away, but the suspense starts in the first chapter and never lets up - media scrutiny, secret pasts, another missing woman, and a dangerous new love. I loved how the story plays with trust, deception, and the facades people create. I found myself constantly questioning motives and wondering what was real… and what we were being led to believe.
The short chapters make it dangerously bingeable, and the before/after timeline slowly reveals the cracks in Olivia and Matthew’s glamorous life - luxury cars, designer gowns, galas… and plenty of secrets.
I guessed a twist or two, but the build-up and anticipation still had me flipping pages late into the night.
Final Verdict: 👍 Addictive, twisty, and packed with secrets. Perfect for your spring break or beach-bag thriller.
February 22, 2026
Book Title: The Stranger in My Bed
Author: Amanda McKinney
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Pub Date: March 6, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: February 4, 2026 – February 17, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I decided McKinney was one of my favorite thriller/suspense authors after reading A Marriage of Lies but The Stranger in My Bed took things to a whole new level! This is a terrific book to go into as blindly as possible, and there was never a moment when I wasn’t hanging on by a thread wondering where it was going to go. Through multiple viewpoints and past and present chapters, McKinney weaves a twisty story with only the best jaw dropping secrets. I think the biggest thing that got me was that the end legitimately made me cry and I wasn’t expecting that at all. It made me glad I was sitting on my couch at home that’s for sure. 🤣 I hugged my Kindle when I was done if that tells you anything, and if I could rate this higher than a 5 I absolutely would!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🌉🥸🌹🤑🤯
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Amanda McKinney
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Pub Date: March 6, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: February 4, 2026 – February 17, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I decided McKinney was one of my favorite thriller/suspense authors after reading A Marriage of Lies but The Stranger in My Bed took things to a whole new level! This is a terrific book to go into as blindly as possible, and there was never a moment when I wasn’t hanging on by a thread wondering where it was going to go. Through multiple viewpoints and past and present chapters, McKinney weaves a twisty story with only the best jaw dropping secrets. I think the biggest thing that got me was that the end legitimately made me cry and I wasn’t expecting that at all. It made me glad I was sitting on my couch at home that’s for sure. 🤣 I hugged my Kindle when I was done if that tells you anything, and if I could rate this higher than a 5 I absolutely would!
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🌉🥸🌹🤑🤯
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 20, 2026
I wanted to like this so badly, but it ended up being a miss for me. Nothing about this story drew me in and I was bored more often than not. The twists also felt fairly predictable and a little far fetched, in my opinion as well.
I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters either. Nobody stuck out to me, so I had a hard time being invested in this story.
Circling back to the twists. I felt like everything came together a little too easily and there was minimal lead up. The twists all happened so fast, and with such minor challenge, that I felt like the “thriller” part of the book was lost. Plus, once we got to the reveal it became a little hard to follow. The explanation almost made it harder to follow then was needed.
Overall, I don’t think this was bad by any means. It just wasn’t for me. The author’s writing style isn’t normally what I enjoy. However, I think this will go over well if you enjoy more of a domestic thriller.
***Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm publishing and an eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters either. Nobody stuck out to me, so I had a hard time being invested in this story.
Circling back to the twists. I felt like everything came together a little too easily and there was minimal lead up. The twists all happened so fast, and with such minor challenge, that I felt like the “thriller” part of the book was lost. Plus, once we got to the reveal it became a little hard to follow. The explanation almost made it harder to follow then was needed.
Overall, I don’t think this was bad by any means. It just wasn’t for me. The author’s writing style isn’t normally what I enjoy. However, I think this will go over well if you enjoy more of a domestic thriller.
***Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm publishing and an eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2026
STRANGER IN MY BED by Amanda McKinney
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounding up)
I had such a good time with “Stranger in My Bed.” It’s got that perfect blend of domestic suspense and full-on mind games.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the #GiftedARC via Netgalley.
Finding your husband’s body on a riverbank would wreck anyone, but the media circus that follows is absolutely brutal. No wonder Olivia packs up her life, changes her name, and ghosts the entire world. I’d do the same.
Then Jake shows up. Quiet. Broody. Polite. The kind of tenant who minds his own business until he doesn’t. Their chemistry is instant, and I was absolutely leaning in like, girl… are you sure this is a good idea? Because the tension between wanting safety and wanting connection is so real here.
Then the weirdness creeps in. Tiny things at first. Things that make you question whether Olivia’s losing it or whether someone is playing a very calculated game. She finds something in her home that absolutely should not be there, and I swear I felt my stomach drop. I’m dying to spill the details, but you have to read it yourself. Seriously, message me when you finish because I NEED to talk about this!
Olivia’s paranoia goes from zero to sixty, and suddenly Jake is looking way too perfect, way too convenient, way too… everything. But just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the story yanks the rug out from under you. I was convinced I knew what was coming, and then—bam—another twist.
That final twist is an absolute gut punch. I had to sit back and replay every single red flag I’d spotted. If you love domestic suspense, you’re going to inhale this book in one sitting.
#StrangerInMyBed #PubDay #HonestReview #PsychologicalThriller
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounding up)
I had such a good time with “Stranger in My Bed.” It’s got that perfect blend of domestic suspense and full-on mind games.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the #GiftedARC via Netgalley.
Finding your husband’s body on a riverbank would wreck anyone, but the media circus that follows is absolutely brutal. No wonder Olivia packs up her life, changes her name, and ghosts the entire world. I’d do the same.
Then Jake shows up. Quiet. Broody. Polite. The kind of tenant who minds his own business until he doesn’t. Their chemistry is instant, and I was absolutely leaning in like, girl… are you sure this is a good idea? Because the tension between wanting safety and wanting connection is so real here.
Then the weirdness creeps in. Tiny things at first. Things that make you question whether Olivia’s losing it or whether someone is playing a very calculated game. She finds something in her home that absolutely should not be there, and I swear I felt my stomach drop. I’m dying to spill the details, but you have to read it yourself. Seriously, message me when you finish because I NEED to talk about this!
Olivia’s paranoia goes from zero to sixty, and suddenly Jake is looking way too perfect, way too convenient, way too… everything. But just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, the story yanks the rug out from under you. I was convinced I knew what was coming, and then—bam—another twist.
That final twist is an absolute gut punch. I had to sit back and replay every single red flag I’d spotted. If you love domestic suspense, you’re going to inhale this book in one sitting.
#StrangerInMyBed #PubDay #HonestReview #PsychologicalThriller
February 21, 2026
Fast paced, twisty, and suspenseful!
Olivia sits in her car watching the first responders recover a body out of the river. It’s Matthew, her husband. She was wealthy, privileged, respected and envied in her community. Now she’s a widow on the run because her husband was not the man she thought he was.
I love a good popcorn thriller and could not put this one down!
The audio narration was fantastic performed by Elise Roth.
Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Select, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on March 6, 2026
Olivia sits in her car watching the first responders recover a body out of the river. It’s Matthew, her husband. She was wealthy, privileged, respected and envied in her community. Now she’s a widow on the run because her husband was not the man she thought he was.
I love a good popcorn thriller and could not put this one down!
The audio narration was fantastic performed by Elise Roth.
Thank you Netgalley, Dreamscape Select, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on March 6, 2026
March 8, 2026
Olivia wanted a safe life and she deposited it on Matthew's hands, little did she know that her dream life would be based on huge lies that would make her life crumble. Matthew's business was being investigated, nothing was as it seemed, and after a fight she left him home and disappeared for two days, when she returned she discovered he had killed himself. Then she was faced with interrogations, police at her door, and the loss of everything they owned. When the worst passes she flees to a small town to live a secluded life. All changes when she rents the small unit besides her cottage. A woman she doesn't know disappears after trying to reach her, she sees Matthew in the woods by her home and the police and the FBI are back. Will they be able to discover the truth this time? Who really is Matthew? Has he come back to kill her? A fast-paced story that I read in a few hours, gripping and thrilling!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 6, 2026
Insanely addictive, pulse raising thrill ride! If you never read anything by Amanda McKinney, this is the book that you must to read. As soon as I started I couldn’t put it down and if work and life didn’t get in my way, this would have been a single day read.
Do yourself a favor and run to get The Stranger in my bed!
Many thanks to Amanda McKinney for the gifted e-copy!
Do yourself a favor and run to get The Stranger in my bed!
Many thanks to Amanda McKinney for the gifted e-copy!
March 10, 2026
This book is a very good, fast-paced psychological thriller and very grippin from the first page. This was definitely a wild ride, and there were so many twists.
I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (Thank U), and all my opinions are my own.
I was given a copy by the publisher via NetGalley (Thank U), and all my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Olivia thought she had the perfect life - big house, expensive clothes, lavish parties. But it all came crashing down when it was discovered that her husband was conning people and was under investigation by the FBI and he ends up dead. Left a widow and being torn apart in the public eye, Olivia disappears to start a new life.
A year later, she is living a quiet life in a small town with a new name and she begins renting her guest house to a man named Jake. Things seem to be looking up for Olivia...until objects from her past life with her husband begin showing up in her new home.
I really enjoyed this book. There was enough suspense that it hooked me in right away and kept me engaged right to the end. I enjoyed the twists and I felt like I never knew what was going to happen. The characters were interesting and I didn't know who I could actually trust until the very end. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy twisty thrillers.
A thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.
A year later, she is living a quiet life in a small town with a new name and she begins renting her guest house to a man named Jake. Things seem to be looking up for Olivia...until objects from her past life with her husband begin showing up in her new home.
I really enjoyed this book. There was enough suspense that it hooked me in right away and kept me engaged right to the end. I enjoyed the twists and I felt like I never knew what was going to happen. The characters were interesting and I didn't know who I could actually trust until the very end. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy twisty thrillers.
A thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.
January 26, 2026
The Stranger in My Bed is an intense and emotional roller‑coaster, the kind of story that pulls you in quickly and keeps you curious about where it’s heading. Olivia’s journey, trying to escape the shadows of her past while attempting to build something new, sets up a strong emotional core. I appreciated how the narration shifted between perspectives, giving the story more texture and helping me understand the characters’ motivations. The premise itself had a lot of promise, and the early chapters built a solid foundation.
That said, I have to admit I was let down by the twist. It felt predictable, and I kept hoping the story would take a more surprising direction. By the time the reveal came, I already had a good idea of what was going to happen, which took away some of the tension I was expecting from a thriller.
Likes:
• Alternating narrative that adds depth
• Fresh‑start trope done in a relatable way
• Beach‑side setting that creates a nice contrast to the darker themes
Dislikes:
• A plot twist that’s been used too many times
• Events that unfold in a very unsurprising way
• Characters who feel a bit too predictable
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 3⭐️
• Writing: 2⭐️
• Message: 3⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️
Overall, it’s a decent read especially for thriller lovers who enjoy fast‑paced stories and don’t mind familiar twists. Even though it didn’t fully work for me, I can still see it appealing to readers who want something quick, emotional, and easy to get through.
~JaNnA~
That said, I have to admit I was let down by the twist. It felt predictable, and I kept hoping the story would take a more surprising direction. By the time the reveal came, I already had a good idea of what was going to happen, which took away some of the tension I was expecting from a thriller.
Likes:
• Alternating narrative that adds depth
• Fresh‑start trope done in a relatable way
• Beach‑side setting that creates a nice contrast to the darker themes
Dislikes:
• A plot twist that’s been used too many times
• Events that unfold in a very unsurprising way
• Characters who feel a bit too predictable
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 3⭐️
• Writing: 2⭐️
• Message: 3⭐️
• Overall: 3⭐️
Overall, it’s a decent read especially for thriller lovers who enjoy fast‑paced stories and don’t mind familiar twists. Even though it didn’t fully work for me, I can still see it appealing to readers who want something quick, emotional, and easy to get through.
~JaNnA~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was excited to receive an advanced copy of The Stranger in My Bed, so a big thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
This was a good, twisty thriller, that left me guessing. It’s a quick, easy read and a perfect escape.
The book focuses on the marriage between Olivia and Matthew and the crimes he’s committed. They’re a wealthy couple with high visibility, so when his corpse turns up on a nearby riverbank, it becomes a media sensation. Everyone turns on Olivia, who they believe is complicit. She eventually moves across the country to escape this nightmare, but, ultimately, can she truly escape? Particularly, when she doesn’t really know the man she’s now dating?
Told from three different perspectives, Olivia, Matthew and Rachel (his girlfriend), it remains compelling and uncomplicated. Character development was intriguing and relevant, with side characters contributing positively throughout. This left my guesses on how it would play out, constant and changing, leaving me enthralled until the end. I appreciated the final wrap-up with the characters after the big reveal.
It’s definitely one I’d recommend for a fairly fast-paced thriller, with an element of surprise.
This was a good, twisty thriller, that left me guessing. It’s a quick, easy read and a perfect escape.
The book focuses on the marriage between Olivia and Matthew and the crimes he’s committed. They’re a wealthy couple with high visibility, so when his corpse turns up on a nearby riverbank, it becomes a media sensation. Everyone turns on Olivia, who they believe is complicit. She eventually moves across the country to escape this nightmare, but, ultimately, can she truly escape? Particularly, when she doesn’t really know the man she’s now dating?
Told from three different perspectives, Olivia, Matthew and Rachel (his girlfriend), it remains compelling and uncomplicated. Character development was intriguing and relevant, with side characters contributing positively throughout. This left my guesses on how it would play out, constant and changing, leaving me enthralled until the end. I appreciated the final wrap-up with the characters after the big reveal.
It’s definitely one I’d recommend for a fairly fast-paced thriller, with an element of surprise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm a huge fan of this author, but this book didn't do it for me. I guessed the twist really early on and when it was revealed, I just couldn't keep it straight and was so confused. I also found myself zoning out a lot with the abundance of details. I will continue to read everything this author writes, but this one was a miss for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Stranger In My Bed is an absolute whirlwind of suspense, unexpected twists and unsettling vibes. This book is impossible to put down, clear your schedule, because you won't be able to look away! McKinney's writing is flawless, it grabbed me right from the start and had me in a complete chokehold until the final page. The way she crafted this story so meticulously, with precision and care shocked me, she gets me every single time! It was so suspenseful, fast paced with a plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters were so well fleshed out and developed. Manipulation, gaslighting, unreliability you'll find all of those in this twisty ride. I didn't know who to trust but then when the twists happened I knew even less. The short cliffhanger ending chapters were so perfect to keep the tension on high. The multiple POV’s and timelines made it even more suspenseful as twists and secrets were revealed little by little.
Overall, fans of fast paced psychological thrillers will eat this one up. It's suspenseful, deliciously twisty and has twists you won't see coming. The perfect recipe for a wild and entertaining ride.
✨️ Thank you to @stormpublishing & @amandamckinney for my gifted ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were so well fleshed out and developed. Manipulation, gaslighting, unreliability you'll find all of those in this twisty ride. I didn't know who to trust but then when the twists happened I knew even less. The short cliffhanger ending chapters were so perfect to keep the tension on high. The multiple POV’s and timelines made it even more suspenseful as twists and secrets were revealed little by little.
Overall, fans of fast paced psychological thrillers will eat this one up. It's suspenseful, deliciously twisty and has twists you won't see coming. The perfect recipe for a wild and entertaining ride.
✨️ Thank you to @stormpublishing & @amandamckinney for my gifted ARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2026
3.5/5 Stars
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this Arc.
First off I loved this book i do think more “thrill” could’ve been in the book. For what it was i loved it. In my opinion I did not see the twist and turns like
I thought I would. The book has three different POV’s which I love because it makes the book read faster.
Now to the good stuff, the book follows Olivia and Rachel. Olivia is married to Matthew or so you think because Rachel is also dating Matthew. Until Matthew ends up missing and dead. Olivia moves to a different place to start her new life after Matthew passes but after a while, she finds a new tenant to live with her. She secretly starts to fall in love with them. Rachel starts to suspect something and so does Olivia about Mathew’s passing.
Is Matthew really dead or did he fake his own death?
Is Matthew even Matthew?
Read to find out.
First I would like to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this Arc.
First off I loved this book i do think more “thrill” could’ve been in the book. For what it was i loved it. In my opinion I did not see the twist and turns like
I thought I would. The book has three different POV’s which I love because it makes the book read faster.
Now to the good stuff, the book follows Olivia and Rachel. Olivia is married to Matthew or so you think because Rachel is also dating Matthew. Until Matthew ends up missing and dead. Olivia moves to a different place to start her new life after Matthew passes but after a while, she finds a new tenant to live with her. She secretly starts to fall in love with them. Rachel starts to suspect something and so does Olivia about Mathew’s passing.
Is Matthew really dead or did he fake his own death?
Is Matthew even Matthew?
Read to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
From the start, I knew this was going to be a thrill ride and it absolutely delivered! Olivia was the “It Girl” with the beauty, the fashion, the big house, and the wealthy husband until one day, her life imploded. Her husband was found dead and left her amidst a scandal. One year later, she’s happy tending to her plants in her new home miles away from her old life. She meets Jake, and gives love a second chance but the closer she gets to Jake, the more she is reminded of her dead husband. The subtle hints and twists along the way did not prepare me for the major reveal that was so mind-blowing! I’m not going to spoil it but wow! I loved getting to know Olivia and her true self away from the person her dead husband wanted her to be. The ending was everything I needed! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you @amandamckinney for the gifted arc! I love your books and can’t wait to see what you write next!
From the start, I knew this was going to be a thrill ride and it absolutely delivered! Olivia was the “It Girl” with the beauty, the fashion, the big house, and the wealthy husband until one day, her life imploded. Her husband was found dead and left her amidst a scandal. One year later, she’s happy tending to her plants in her new home miles away from her old life. She meets Jake, and gives love a second chance but the closer she gets to Jake, the more she is reminded of her dead husband. The subtle hints and twists along the way did not prepare me for the major reveal that was so mind-blowing! I’m not going to spoil it but wow! I loved getting to know Olivia and her true self away from the person her dead husband wanted her to be. The ending was everything I needed! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you @amandamckinney for the gifted arc! I love your books and can’t wait to see what you write next!
January 22, 2026
This was such a fast paced thriller and it had me flying through the pages. Even when I started to guess where things might be going, I still couldn’t stop reading because I had to see how everything played out. I was constantly questioning who to trust… and honestly, I am still not totally sure I trust anyone.
The whole idea of starting over after loss, only for the past to creep back in, kept me hooked. The unsettling moments built slowly and made me second guess every character, right up to the end. I closed the book still thinking about what was real, what wasn’t, and who I ever should have trusted in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishers for the e-ARC. These thoughts are my own.
The whole idea of starting over after loss, only for the past to creep back in, kept me hooked. The unsettling moments built slowly and made me second guess every character, right up to the end. I closed the book still thinking about what was real, what wasn’t, and who I ever should have trusted in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishers for the e-ARC. These thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m torn. I was hooked on the jacket description. However, I feel like I was constantly waiting for a “white knuckle” or “fast paced” moment that was suggested in reviews. But I never got it. There were a few unsurprising “twists” that were predictable. I also really didn’t care very much for the characters. The alternative narratives kept me going. And I genuinely did want to get the big “whys.”
The narrator was listed as Elise Roth. Zero complaints there. Great pick all around.
This book wasn’t really for me, however, I absolutely understand why so many people are enjoying this book, and this book will likely do very well. Thank you NetGalley. I love the opportunity to experience a book I normally would not have.
The narrator was listed as Elise Roth. Zero complaints there. Great pick all around.
This book wasn’t really for me, however, I absolutely understand why so many people are enjoying this book, and this book will likely do very well. Thank you NetGalley. I love the opportunity to experience a book I normally would not have.
February 26, 2026
Thank you to Amanda McKinney for the ARC!
DROP EVERYTHING AND GRAB THIS BOOK! It was that good...
When Olivia’s husband Matthew is found dead of an apparent suicide, that is just the tip of the iceburg. She soon learns he was facing financial ruin and a huge scandal. Forced to start over, she flees to a small town. There, she rents out her spare space to a man named Jake. Jake is everything her husband wasn’t, but soon strange things start to happen - such as Matthew’ cufflink appearing on her counter…
This was legitimately a perfect psychological thriller! It was twisty, full of secrets and a fast pace that had me locked in. The suspense starts at the very beginning and never lets up. Told from multiple points of view and with multiple storylines, I couldn't wait to see how it was all going to fit together! Also, I can’t remember a time where I couldn’t even venture a guess as to how a story was going to end but this one had me truly stumped! The whole idea of there still being a secret, even though most of the truth seems to be out, really had me thinking. This is one I thought about for awhile after I finished.
“The Stranger in my Bed” releases March 6, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
DROP EVERYTHING AND GRAB THIS BOOK! It was that good...
When Olivia’s husband Matthew is found dead of an apparent suicide, that is just the tip of the iceburg. She soon learns he was facing financial ruin and a huge scandal. Forced to start over, she flees to a small town. There, she rents out her spare space to a man named Jake. Jake is everything her husband wasn’t, but soon strange things start to happen - such as Matthew’ cufflink appearing on her counter…
This was legitimately a perfect psychological thriller! It was twisty, full of secrets and a fast pace that had me locked in. The suspense starts at the very beginning and never lets up. Told from multiple points of view and with multiple storylines, I couldn't wait to see how it was all going to fit together! Also, I can’t remember a time where I couldn’t even venture a guess as to how a story was going to end but this one had me truly stumped! The whole idea of there still being a secret, even though most of the truth seems to be out, really had me thinking. This is one I thought about for awhile after I finished.
“The Stranger in my Bed” releases March 6, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
March 1, 2026
3.5 stars for me! Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the advanced listening copy.
This was a great small town mystery with a great story, twists, and characters. I really enjoyed the narrator and felt like the voices portrayed all the right emotions at the right times. Although some of the plot was slightly predictable, the author did a fantastic job at building suspense and exploring themes of identity and trust. I enjoyed that the chapters went back and forth between the FMCs. I also really enjoyed the likely friendship at the end of the story. Overall, the fresh start trope and seaside setting balanced out the shady, dark parts of the story.
This was a great small town mystery with a great story, twists, and characters. I really enjoyed the narrator and felt like the voices portrayed all the right emotions at the right times. Although some of the plot was slightly predictable, the author did a fantastic job at building suspense and exploring themes of identity and trust. I enjoyed that the chapters went back and forth between the FMCs. I also really enjoyed the likely friendship at the end of the story. Overall, the fresh start trope and seaside setting balanced out the shady, dark parts of the story.
March 12, 2026
I enjoyed this entertaining psychological suspense/popcorn thriller read. The alternating POVs between two female characters kept me guessing until their connection became clear towards the end and I found the remote setting to be very effective in creating a sense of unease. I was reading this downstairs late at night and had to go upstairs to read in bed as downstairs started seeing lonely and creepy!
I thought the build-up to the satisfying ending was very well done.
I enjoy this author’s novels and this one was no exception!
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
I thought the build-up to the satisfying ending was very well done.
I enjoy this author’s novels and this one was no exception!
Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
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