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The Revenge Party: A Novel
"Do you have what it takes to bring down the bad guy?" When a husband’s lies are no longer a secret and manipulation passes for love, a wife must decide how far she’s willing to go to expose the man she married—and what justice truly means—in this dark, modern marriage thriller.
He used women to climb to the top. Now watch him fall.
Devoted mother and party planner Katherine Valentine thought she’d finally found safety when she married Seattle’s golden boy, Shane Sutton. Charming, generous, and politically untouchable, he’s the kind of man people protect. But behind the polished façade lurks a predator who collects women like trophies, and Katherine has become his latest prize.
Desperate to protect her children, Katherine devises the perfect plan: use Shane's mistress against him. But Isabella Meyer is no pawn. She didn’t come to be saved. She came to settle a score.
And revenge is only the beginning.
In The Revenge Party, marriage is a stage, politics is a weapon, and every woman has a reason to lie. A razor-sharp, female-driven psychological thriller of social warfare and buried secrets, when women are pushed past polite.
Twisty, ruthless, and absolutely to die for.
He used women to climb to the top. Now watch him fall.
Devoted mother and party planner Katherine Valentine thought she’d finally found safety when she married Seattle’s golden boy, Shane Sutton. Charming, generous, and politically untouchable, he’s the kind of man people protect. But behind the polished façade lurks a predator who collects women like trophies, and Katherine has become his latest prize.
Desperate to protect her children, Katherine devises the perfect plan: use Shane's mistress against him. But Isabella Meyer is no pawn. She didn’t come to be saved. She came to settle a score.
And revenge is only the beginning.
In The Revenge Party, marriage is a stage, politics is a weapon, and every woman has a reason to lie. A razor-sharp, female-driven psychological thriller of social warfare and buried secrets, when women are pushed past polite.
Twisty, ruthless, and absolutely to die for.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Emily Lynn Paulson
6 books216 followersEmily Lynn Paulson is an author and TEDx speaker who examines the messy truths beneath polished lives and the power structures that sustain them. She explores these themes in Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life, Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing, and the psychological domestic thriller The Revenge Party.
Her work has been featured on the Today Show and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, and the Chicago Tribune, as well as on Next Question with Katie Couric and The Tamron Hall Show. She lives in Central Oregon with her husband and their five children.
You can follow her essays and commentary on culture, power, and modern life on her Substack, The Outsider Scoop.
Follow her on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily...
Her work has been featured on the Today Show and in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, and the Chicago Tribune, as well as on Next Question with Katie Couric and The Tamron Hall Show. She lives in Central Oregon with her husband and their five children.
You can follow her essays and commentary on culture, power, and modern life on her Substack, The Outsider Scoop.
Follow her on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 13, 2026
Thank you Emily Lynn Paulson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Revenge Party by Emily Lynn Paulson was the kind of psychological thriller that slowly pulls you into its mess and then suddenly has you staring at the wall questioning everybody’s motives. This story dives into power, manipulation, image, and the dangerous things people are willing to protect when status is involved. The political backdrop mixed with the social warfare made everything feel sharp, tense, and uncomfortably believable. What really worked for me was the female rage in this book. Not the loud dramatic kind but the quiet simmering kind that builds and builds until someone finally snaps. Katherine and Isabella were both such interesting characters because nobody felt fully innocent, predictable, or easy to trust.
And Shane?
Straight-up walking red flag in expensive shoes.
The multiple POVs and layered agendas kept me invested, and once the tension picked up, I flew through it. I also appreciated that this thriller focused less on shock value and more on manipulation, control, and revenge.
If you enjoy:
• female-driven thrillers
• revenge plots
• toxic powerful men getting exposed
• morally gray characters
• rich people behaving badly
4.25⭐️
The Revenge Party by Emily Lynn Paulson was the kind of psychological thriller that slowly pulls you into its mess and then suddenly has you staring at the wall questioning everybody’s motives. This story dives into power, manipulation, image, and the dangerous things people are willing to protect when status is involved. The political backdrop mixed with the social warfare made everything feel sharp, tense, and uncomfortably believable. What really worked for me was the female rage in this book. Not the loud dramatic kind but the quiet simmering kind that builds and builds until someone finally snaps. Katherine and Isabella were both such interesting characters because nobody felt fully innocent, predictable, or easy to trust.
And Shane?
Straight-up walking red flag in expensive shoes.
The multiple POVs and layered agendas kept me invested, and once the tension picked up, I flew through it. I also appreciated that this thriller focused less on shock value and more on manipulation, control, and revenge.
If you enjoy:
• female-driven thrillers
• revenge plots
• toxic powerful men getting exposed
• morally gray characters
• rich people behaving badly
4.25⭐️
March 8, 2026
I truly enjoyed the themes throughout the book, including motherhood, friendship, forgiveness, feeling invisible after 40, and not being afraid to battle toxic men! Loved the twists with the nuggets of humor sprinkled throughout.
March 16, 2026
I had a hard time putting this book down. If you like chapters that end on a cliffhanger, you will enjoy reading this book. The story obviously focuses on revenge but also explores family and relationships. The book is beautifully written with a lovely ending. Fans of B.A. Paris and Sarah Pekkanen will love this book! If you like twists and “oh my gosh” moments, this is your book! Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
March 17, 2026
This was such a fun read for the times we are in! Revenge against MAGA men- yes please! Women finally standing up for themselves- yes please! So glad to be able to read this advance copy. Thanks to the author and her publishers.
June 11, 2026
I found Emily Lynn Paulson's debut novel, "The Revenge Party," to be a compelling and thought-provoking read that vividly captures the resilience and fierce spirit of women challenging a misogynistic society. From the very first pages, Paulson, with her sharp storytelling, sets the stage by depicting these women as seemingly doomed, trapped by a corrupt system. However, just when despair seems inevitable, the tide unexpectedly turns—highlighting the unpredictable power of courage and rebellion. The narrative then erupts into a powerful act of defiance, as these women fight back and bring down the corrupt men, embodying a perfect example of poetic justice and revenge.
What truly elevates this novel are the biting indictments against MLMs and pyramid schemes, a genre that Paulson has masterfully woven into her storytelling. These elements add layers of social commentary and satirical edge, making the book not only an engaging story but also a reflection on exploitation and structural deceit.
Overall, "The Revenge Party" is a masterful blend of entertainment, activism, and dark humor. I wholeheartedly enjoyed every moment of it and found myself captivated by Paulson's skill in balancing sharp critique with compelling character development. This novel has left me eagerly anticipating her future works, confident that she will continue to challenge, entertain, and provoke thought in her readers.
What truly elevates this novel are the biting indictments against MLMs and pyramid schemes, a genre that Paulson has masterfully woven into her storytelling. These elements add layers of social commentary and satirical edge, making the book not only an engaging story but also a reflection on exploitation and structural deceit.
Overall, "The Revenge Party" is a masterful blend of entertainment, activism, and dark humor. I wholeheartedly enjoyed every moment of it and found myself captivated by Paulson's skill in balancing sharp critique with compelling character development. This novel has left me eagerly anticipating her future works, confident that she will continue to challenge, entertain, and provoke thought in her readers.
July 9, 2026
Writing was very poor, the story did get interesting but it all seemed resolved by about halfway through?? Then just dragged on.
March 20, 2026
This book held my attention the entire time— I really enjoyed and appreciated how thorough Paulson was with her character development. I felt as though I knew all of them personally and their stories were told in the perfect amount of detail (not too little, not too much!). Lots of plot twists- ones I didn’t see coming, but done well so they didn’t feel randomly placed. Would highly recommend this read. Thank you to the authors team and Net Galley for this early read.
June 3, 2026
This is a Wine Mom's version of revenge, which is to say the characters are underdeveloped (relying instead on your historical emotional reaction to Men Like These) and the denouement is unsophisticated. The stakes are low and the story is just okay, but there is absolutely a market for books like this and the author did a good job of giving the reader exactly what they paid for.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Revenge Party is a slick, simmering marriage thriller that feels like stepping into a room full of beautiful people, polished surfaces, and secrets sharp enough to cut. From the first chapter, there’s a delicious tension between what Katherine Valentine’s life looks like from the outside — curated, elegant, safe — and the rot she’s been living with behind closed doors. Her husband, Shane Sutton, is the kind of man the world protects: charming, powerful, politically untouchable. But the novel wastes no time revealing the truth — he’s a predator who’s built his empire on women he treats as disposable.
What makes the story so compelling is the way Katherine shifts from survival mode to strategy. She’s not a naïve wife waking up to betrayal; she’s a woman who has finally reached the point where fear turns into resolve. Her plan to use Shane’s mistress against him is bold, messy, and deeply human — but the twist is that Isabella Meyer isn’t the pawn Katherine expects. Isabella arrives with her own agenda, her own wounds, and a hunger for justice that burns just as fiercely. Their uneasy alliance becomes the heart of the novel, two women circling each other with equal parts suspicion and recognition.
The tension builds beautifully as the layers of Shane’s world peel back: political machinations, whispered favours, a network of men who’ve benefited from his rise and will do anything to keep him untouchable. The book leans into the idea that marriage can be a stage and politics a weapon, and it does so with a sharp, almost theatrical flair. Every woman in this story has something to hide, something to avenge, or something to protect — and watching those motives collide is half the thrill.
What elevates the novel is its refusal to paint revenge as simple. Katherine’s choices are fraught, Isabella’s motives are tangled, and the line between justice and destruction blurs in the most satisfying way. The pacing is tight, the twists land with a sting, and the final act is ruthless in the best possible sense.
Twisty, female‑driven, and deliciously dark, The Revenge Party is a razor‑edged exploration of power, manipulation, and what happens when the women a man underestimated decide to rewrite the ending themselves.
With thanks to Emily Lynn Paulson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What makes the story so compelling is the way Katherine shifts from survival mode to strategy. She’s not a naïve wife waking up to betrayal; she’s a woman who has finally reached the point where fear turns into resolve. Her plan to use Shane’s mistress against him is bold, messy, and deeply human — but the twist is that Isabella Meyer isn’t the pawn Katherine expects. Isabella arrives with her own agenda, her own wounds, and a hunger for justice that burns just as fiercely. Their uneasy alliance becomes the heart of the novel, two women circling each other with equal parts suspicion and recognition.
The tension builds beautifully as the layers of Shane’s world peel back: political machinations, whispered favours, a network of men who’ve benefited from his rise and will do anything to keep him untouchable. The book leans into the idea that marriage can be a stage and politics a weapon, and it does so with a sharp, almost theatrical flair. Every woman in this story has something to hide, something to avenge, or something to protect — and watching those motives collide is half the thrill.
What elevates the novel is its refusal to paint revenge as simple. Katherine’s choices are fraught, Isabella’s motives are tangled, and the line between justice and destruction blurs in the most satisfying way. The pacing is tight, the twists land with a sting, and the final act is ruthless in the best possible sense.
Twisty, female‑driven, and deliciously dark, The Revenge Party is a razor‑edged exploration of power, manipulation, and what happens when the women a man underestimated decide to rewrite the ending themselves.
With thanks to Emily Lynn Paulson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
his book delivered a gripping, well‑constructed thriller that kept me fully engaged from start to finish. Jess Kitching crafts a story where a seemingly perfect marriage begins to crack open, revealing manipulation, deception, and a man who has built his success on exploiting the women around him. Katherine Valentine, once convinced she’d found stability with Seattle’s golden boy, slowly realises she’s living with someone far more dangerous than she ever imagined. The plot is brilliantly thought out, unfolding with precision as Katherine decides she can no longer stay silent and must find a way to expose the truth about the man she married. The tension builds beautifully, and the characterisation, especially of Katherine and the woman she hopes to use as leverage, is sharp, layered, and compelling.
What elevates this thriller is the way it explores the destructive power of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Every hidden truth becomes a spark, every manipulation a fuse, and the resulting fallout is explosive. Katherine’s plan to turn her husband’s mistress into an ally takes an unexpected turn when Isabella proves she isn’t there to be rescued, she has her own score to settle. From that moment on, the story becomes a fierce, female driven battle for justice, revenge, and survival. With its excellent pacing, morally complex characters, and escalating sense of danger, this novel delivers a dark, addictive ride that’s as satisfying as it is ruthless.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an adn=vab=nced copy of the book, all opinions are my own
What elevates this thriller is the way it explores the destructive power of secrets, lies, and betrayals. Every hidden truth becomes a spark, every manipulation a fuse, and the resulting fallout is explosive. Katherine’s plan to turn her husband’s mistress into an ally takes an unexpected turn when Isabella proves she isn’t there to be rescued, she has her own score to settle. From that moment on, the story becomes a fierce, female driven battle for justice, revenge, and survival. With its excellent pacing, morally complex characters, and escalating sense of danger, this novel delivers a dark, addictive ride that’s as satisfying as it is ruthless.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an adn=vab=nced copy of the book, all opinions are my own
July 7, 2026
🆃🅷🅴 🆁🅴🆅🅴🅽🅶🅴 🅿🅰🆁🆃🆈
Bʏ: Eᴍɪʟʏ Lʏɴɴ Pᴀᴜʟsᴏɴ. - @emilylynnpaulson
Nᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ: Sᴀʀᴀʜ Eᴅᴍᴏɴᴅsᴏɴ
➡️ Swipe for synopsis
✮ themes of power
✮ feminine rage
✮ manipulation
✮ men behaving badly
Vigilante revenge is one of my favorite tropes and I've read a few good ones lately. Tʜᴇ Rᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ Pᴀʀᴛʏ is another I'm highly recommending.
This is a marriage thriller focusing on a wife who has reached her breaking point. While Katherine Valentine's life appears enviable from the outside—rich, glamorous, elegant, and stable—the reality is far more complex.
Her husband, a charming and successful politician, built his success by exploiting others, including women, and his wife is about to take matters into her own hands.But there is a network of men who benefit from his power and they will do what it takes to protect that.
I loved how all the women in this book had secrets, an axe to grind or something to avenge. Emily doesn't shy away from the tough subjects nor the political stance of the world.
The story is told through the duel perspective of Katherine and Isabella and moves at a steady pace as tension builds and suspicions rise.
It's a twisted, dark and empowering novel with morally grey characters and a few really great twists you might not see coming.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it because it significantly enhanced the story. Narrated by actress and author Sarah Edmond, who did a fantastic job using her expressive voice, she brought out the characters' personalities and heightened the tension
Bʏ: Eᴍɪʟʏ Lʏɴɴ Pᴀᴜʟsᴏɴ. - @emilylynnpaulson
Nᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ: Sᴀʀᴀʜ Eᴅᴍᴏɴᴅsᴏɴ
➡️ Swipe for synopsis
✮ themes of power
✮ feminine rage
✮ manipulation
✮ men behaving badly
Vigilante revenge is one of my favorite tropes and I've read a few good ones lately. Tʜᴇ Rᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ Pᴀʀᴛʏ is another I'm highly recommending.
This is a marriage thriller focusing on a wife who has reached her breaking point. While Katherine Valentine's life appears enviable from the outside—rich, glamorous, elegant, and stable—the reality is far more complex.
Her husband, a charming and successful politician, built his success by exploiting others, including women, and his wife is about to take matters into her own hands.But there is a network of men who benefit from his power and they will do what it takes to protect that.
I loved how all the women in this book had secrets, an axe to grind or something to avenge. Emily doesn't shy away from the tough subjects nor the political stance of the world.
The story is told through the duel perspective of Katherine and Isabella and moves at a steady pace as tension builds and suspicions rise.
It's a twisted, dark and empowering novel with morally grey characters and a few really great twists you might not see coming.
I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it because it significantly enhanced the story. Narrated by actress and author Sarah Edmond, who did a fantastic job using her expressive voice, she brought out the characters' personalities and heightened the tension
May 21, 2026
The Revenge Party is a fast-paced psychological thriller that features a woman determined not to become the latest trophy her husband collects. Party planner Katherine (Katie to her friends and family) thought she had a second chance for a great marriage when she meets Seattle political consultant Shane Sutton. Shane and his father built a nationally known political strategy firm and Shane was among the most eligible bachelors in the Pacific Northwest. Katie was thrilled for a second chance as Shane immediately took to her and her children. However, Katie discovered the darkness behind her husband and instead of standing down, she decides to fight for revenge. Why not use his mistress, Isabella, to help bring him down? But what Katie doesn't realize is that Isabella meeting Shane didn't happen by chance. She has her own plan and purpose. What happens when women decide they won't be brought down by men behaving badly? Pick this one up to find out!
This was a fun, dark, novel and Emily Lynn Paulson clearly doesn't shy away from her political stances and manages to capture the climate of the US quite well. I like how with the exception of Shane most characters exist in shades of gray-not all bad or all good. The twists were well executed and the conclusion satisfying. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to future releases!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This was a fun, dark, novel and Emily Lynn Paulson clearly doesn't shy away from her political stances and manages to capture the climate of the US quite well. I like how with the exception of Shane most characters exist in shades of gray-not all bad or all good. The twists were well executed and the conclusion satisfying. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to future releases!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Revenge Party
A heartfelt thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this phenomenal novel. I also extend my gratitude to #EmilyLynnPaulson for crafting such an unforgettable story.
This book had been on my To Be Read (TBR) list for far too long, and I'm so glad I finally dove in. It proved to be an amazingly captivating read from the very first page to the last. The plot is masterfully constructed, featuring a storyline with a shocking twist that I genuinely did not see coming, keeping me completely gripped.
The narrative unfolds seamlessly, delivered through the distinct Points of View (POVs) of Katherine and Isabella. This dual perspective is executed perfectly, allowing the reader to connect with the characters and fully appreciate the layers of the mystery. While I am careful not to reveal any spoilers, I can assure you that this is a must-read. Prepare to experience a truly twisting and turning novel—one so compelling that I devoured it in a single, immersive sitting.
A heartfelt thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy of this phenomenal novel. I also extend my gratitude to #EmilyLynnPaulson for crafting such an unforgettable story.
This book had been on my To Be Read (TBR) list for far too long, and I'm so glad I finally dove in. It proved to be an amazingly captivating read from the very first page to the last. The plot is masterfully constructed, featuring a storyline with a shocking twist that I genuinely did not see coming, keeping me completely gripped.
The narrative unfolds seamlessly, delivered through the distinct Points of View (POVs) of Katherine and Isabella. This dual perspective is executed perfectly, allowing the reader to connect with the characters and fully appreciate the layers of the mystery. While I am careful not to reveal any spoilers, I can assure you that this is a must-read. Prepare to experience a truly twisting and turning novel—one so compelling that I devoured it in a single, immersive sitting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this was a very solid revenge thriller and I enjoyed the story. I knew at the point that Claudia talked to Katherine about how she should look at Shane's phone that a nugget of doubt was placed. It became a story of how well a woman can trust her husband and everything that can follow when she can't. Katherine and Shane seemed to have it all at the beginning. They are from the world of rich, beautiful, influential. and powerful people, but often times those things can bring corruption. Shane is not a good guy, he has gained his place by climbing over and on people to try to get to the top. He's a charmer used to getting what he wants. He's a user of women. The story is told from two points of view, the wife and the mistress, each with their own reasons to get revenge on Shane. I thought it was a pretty fast read, and I loved how it wrapped up and it did have some surprises that I wasn't expecting. Thank you Netgalley and Rise Books for the complimentary copy of the story.
June 2, 2026
The story follows Katherine Valentine, who thought she’d married stability when she said yes to Seattle’s rising star. Over time, though, the picture-perfect life she expected starts to unravel, and she begins to see the darker side of the man she’s tied herself to.
As she starts digging into the truth, Katherine realizes she may not be the only one wronged by him. Her plan to use his mistress as part of her strategy doesn’t go the way she expects, especially once Isabella makes it clear she has her own agenda.
The story builds a strong sense of tension and moves at a steady pace, with plenty of twists around deception, control, and buried secrets. I especially enjoyed how the dynamic between the women shifts as the truth comes out.
Overall, a twisty domestic thriller with messy relationships, hidden motives, and a satisfying level of suspense. Thank you to NetGalley and Rise Books for the ARC!
As she starts digging into the truth, Katherine realizes she may not be the only one wronged by him. Her plan to use his mistress as part of her strategy doesn’t go the way she expects, especially once Isabella makes it clear she has her own agenda.
The story builds a strong sense of tension and moves at a steady pace, with plenty of twists around deception, control, and buried secrets. I especially enjoyed how the dynamic between the women shifts as the truth comes out.
Overall, a twisty domestic thriller with messy relationships, hidden motives, and a satisfying level of suspense. Thank you to NetGalley and Rise Books for the ARC!
June 30, 2026
If you need a book that will absolutely devour your evening, The Revenge Party by Emily Lynn Paulson is it. 📚🔥
This thriller follows two women — a wife and a mistress — who share the same man. He’s terrible. Like, refreshingly, unapologetically, zero-redeeming-qualities terrible. And watching them plot their revenge against him is SO. MUCH. FUN.
I read this in two sittings. Two. And half of it was on my phone while I was walking because I genuinely could not put it down.
It’s fast-paced, it hooks you from the first pages, and it’s the perfect spring-into-summer read — basically made for a pool chair and a cold drink.
⚠️ Sensitive reader note: there is sex and language in this one.
The Revenge Party hits shelves May 12th — I was lucky enough to grab an ARC on @netgalley and I’m so glad I did. Go add it to your TBR right now.
This thriller follows two women — a wife and a mistress — who share the same man. He’s terrible. Like, refreshingly, unapologetically, zero-redeeming-qualities terrible. And watching them plot their revenge against him is SO. MUCH. FUN.
I read this in two sittings. Two. And half of it was on my phone while I was walking because I genuinely could not put it down.
It’s fast-paced, it hooks you from the first pages, and it’s the perfect spring-into-summer read — basically made for a pool chair and a cold drink.
⚠️ Sensitive reader note: there is sex and language in this one.
The Revenge Party hits shelves May 12th — I was lucky enough to grab an ARC on @netgalley and I’m so glad I did. Go add it to your TBR right now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a pre-publication review as I received an ARC from the author.
The Revenge Party is Emily Lynn Paulson’s fiction debut. The story is told from a dual point of view, alternating between Katherine and Isabella. Katherine has recently discovered her husband Shane has been having a series of affairs, and those discoveries quickly reveal that Shane is far more sinister than Katherine could have ever imagined. Isabella is one of those affairs, and as the story unfolds, you learn how Katherine & Isabella’s paths weave together. This is a fast-paced revenge thriller, with lots of twists you won’t see coming.
The Revenge Party is Emily Lynn Paulson’s fiction debut. The story is told from a dual point of view, alternating between Katherine and Isabella. Katherine has recently discovered her husband Shane has been having a series of affairs, and those discoveries quickly reveal that Shane is far more sinister than Katherine could have ever imagined. Isabella is one of those affairs, and as the story unfolds, you learn how Katherine & Isabella’s paths weave together. This is a fast-paced revenge thriller, with lots of twists you won’t see coming.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the Seattle setting for this book. Having grown up in the PNW I appreciate the references to the area. This is a female revenge story mostly focusing on one man that seems to not really care about those around him or the damage that he leaves in his wake. I loved the female bonds in this and it was a nice surprise that most everyone developed a friendship in light of everything that was happening. There were a few plot twists that I did not see coming and that made for an interesting read. I enjoyed the journey this book took me on with these characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rise Literary | Rise Books for the ARC for this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Rise Literary | Rise Books for the ARC for this book.
July 4, 2026
4 ⭐️ 1 🌶 4.5 🎧
"The hardest things are almost always worth it."
This was the fast paced, psychological thriller that takes place in a political realm. It deals with complex characters and themes of power, manipulation and feminine rage just to name a few. This book had me hooked at chapter two and I couldn't stop listening to it. The characters and themes were relatable to me as an older divorced woman who's dealt with some of these topics. To me, this book had everything suspense, who done it, intrigue and deception. For a debut novel, it was off the charts and I hope the author writes another.
"The hardest things are almost always worth it."
This was the fast paced, psychological thriller that takes place in a political realm. It deals with complex characters and themes of power, manipulation and feminine rage just to name a few. This book had me hooked at chapter two and I couldn't stop listening to it. The characters and themes were relatable to me as an older divorced woman who's dealt with some of these topics. To me, this book had everything suspense, who done it, intrigue and deception. For a debut novel, it was off the charts and I hope the author writes another.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is fantastic with so many turns throughout that I didn’t expect. This was so different than Emily Paulson’s first 2 books as it’s fiction. The author really can write! The book allows you to see all different view points: from a wife that has been deceived, and then to a mistress. The best part is the ending. It was so unpredictable and left me feeling so happy and loving the women in this book. Some parts of the book really resonated with my own life, and my ex husband cheated on me.
May 17, 2026
Wow! Just was not expecting all that. I want to write so much but I am worried I will write spoilers and I really don’t want to because I loved being surprised at every turn.
Listen, this is a very topical piece of work. The social commentary blended into a psychological thriller, yes please.
Finished this book in 3 sittings over two days basically, and I only put it down cause I had to go to work. It really kept me engaged, cause I needed to know everything. So many moments of foreshadowing that later on has you going ‘omg!’.
Anyways highly recommend if you love a good page turner!
Listen, this is a very topical piece of work. The social commentary blended into a psychological thriller, yes please.
Finished this book in 3 sittings over two days basically, and I only put it down cause I had to go to work. It really kept me engaged, cause I needed to know everything. So many moments of foreshadowing that later on has you going ‘omg!’.
Anyways highly recommend if you love a good page turner!
May 21, 2026
I was so excited to read this based on the premise but it really fell flat for me. I’m always a sucker for women getting their revenge on terrible men but for some reason this did not pack the same punch that these stories normally do. This just didn’t feel like it was doing anything new or at least treading familiar ground in a clever way. It also felt quite slow and definitely too long. There was a random romance side plot for like two scenes that didn’t have a thread throughout the rest of the story and just felt like it was there for filler.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced ready copy received from author ARC
This book twists and turns then spins you around.
They were the perfect couple, her kids adored him and she was able to be home and continue to volunteer and plan events. An unforseen accident reveals his lies. So many reasons to despise the husband, even when he's unresponsive.
An unlikely trio conspires to take him down. Buckle up! The Revenge Party is a party you want to attend!
This book twists and turns then spins you around.
They were the perfect couple, her kids adored him and she was able to be home and continue to volunteer and plan events. An unforseen accident reveals his lies. So many reasons to despise the husband, even when he's unresponsive.
An unlikely trio conspires to take him down. Buckle up! The Revenge Party is a party you want to attend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Emily Lynn Paulson for the chance to read this as an ARC. This review is honest and voluntary.
This was such a heartbreaking-ly mysterious thriller. I grew to love some characters and loathe others, my opinions even changed on some of them halfway through. That is a mark of a well-written thriller to me. It kept me on my toes until the end and the story felt unique.
This was such a heartbreaking-ly mysterious thriller. I grew to love some characters and loathe others, my opinions even changed on some of them halfway through. That is a mark of a well-written thriller to me. It kept me on my toes until the end and the story felt unique.
Did Not Finish
April 28, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Rise Books for the copy. Unfortunately I was unable to finish The Revenge Party. I was excited to read The Revenge Party as I like books set in the PNW and revenge stories. As I was reading I found I could not connect to the characters. I found myself uninterested in the story.
May 14, 2026
Revenge Party is a fast, compelling read you won’t want to put down. The characters feel real and layered, and the story strikes a great balance between drama, humor, and emotional depth. It’s more than just a revenge story—it’s about friendship, growth, and the messy complexity of both. Highly recommend!
June 24, 2026
This was a fun modern mystery set in today’s political battles. Sometimes people just get what they deserve. Some people deserve more. This easily could be a movie or a TV show that I would 100% watch and tell people to watch. So I tell you, you should read this book. I got to meet the author a few months ago at a book retreat. And I’m so happy. I finally got to read it.
July 8, 2026
Smooth read with characters that make it very easy to connect to! Manipulation and narcissism is not a new concept, especially in this moment in history… but there is gratification in being reminded that it can be stood up against and that good outshines rotten! I hope our strong female leads live beautiful lives!!!!
July 8, 2026
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Emily Lynn Paulson and Rise Literary.
What a debut novel. I enjoyed it so much! The story line is so relevant. Powerful men ruling and controlling women and women seeking revenge. This book is well written and I wanted to just keep reading it nonstop. It didn’t feel too dark or scary. It really held my attention.
What a debut novel. I enjoyed it so much! The story line is so relevant. Powerful men ruling and controlling women and women seeking revenge. This book is well written and I wanted to just keep reading it nonstop. It didn’t feel too dark or scary. It really held my attention.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Revenge Party begs the question: What if women conspired to take down the smallest man who ever lived? Any woman who has felt trapped, angry, scared or helpless over the last 10 years will find solace in this book where toxic men get what’s coming for them. In stilettos, no less.
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