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The Angry Wives Club
Domestic noir with a chick-lit a story of laughter, sisterhood, and women daring to do things differently. Perfect for fans of Jane Caro's The Mother and Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies.
Welcome to Shellwater Bay ... where the sea is calm, the scenery perfect ... and three women are quietly planning a revolution.
Joany appears to have the perfect life, but behind closed doors, she's hiding a dangerous secret. Heather thought her marriage was rock-solid until her husband demands a divorce. Steph is raising kids with a man who thinks 'helping out' means calling his mother.
Bonded at their gym by sweat and fury, the three women start asking the hard About the relationships they're in, the rules they've obeyed, and the silent bargains they've made to keep the peace.
But peace has its price. And when the simmering rage starts to bubble over, these new friends decide a crime or two is in order ...
With sharp wit, heartfelt empathy and unflinching honesty, The Angry Wives Club is a story of women doing things differently - breaking cycles, reclaiming power, and discovering what happens when female friendship becomes the most radical act of all.
Welcome to Shellwater Bay ... where the sea is calm, the scenery perfect ... and three women are quietly planning a revolution.
Joany appears to have the perfect life, but behind closed doors, she's hiding a dangerous secret. Heather thought her marriage was rock-solid until her husband demands a divorce. Steph is raising kids with a man who thinks 'helping out' means calling his mother.
Bonded at their gym by sweat and fury, the three women start asking the hard About the relationships they're in, the rules they've obeyed, and the silent bargains they've made to keep the peace.
But peace has its price. And when the simmering rage starts to bubble over, these new friends decide a crime or two is in order ...
With sharp wit, heartfelt empathy and unflinching honesty, The Angry Wives Club is a story of women doing things differently - breaking cycles, reclaiming power, and discovering what happens when female friendship becomes the most radical act of all.
416 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2026
115 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 5, 2026
As nasty as the women in this book are to one another, the men are worse. There’s really not a single redeemable fellow in the whole cast. Content warnings abound, for domestic violence, sexual assault, and child loss. I’m not sure that mix of serious issues of violence against women with “whacky hijinks” really works in this case.
My full review of The Angry Wives Club is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of The Angry Wives Club is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
April 16, 2026
Women shouldn’t make decisions based on what’s hard for other people. We’re not here to make life easier for everyone - especially not for men.
If I had to sum up The Angry Wives Club by Gabbie Stroud in one word, it would be: relatable. Honestly… painfully relatable.
This story follows a group of women (Joany, Heather, and Steph) who come together at a time in their lives when everything feels just a little too much. Between an interfering mother-in-law, sexist alpha males, creepy old blokes, and that all-too-familiar male incompetence, their frustrations bubble over… and what forms is something powerful, raw, and unapologetically real.
There were so many moments in this book where I wanted to yell “yes, FUCK yes, I hear you sister!” It hits hard because it’s true. There’s a little bit of each of these women in all of us.
I loved the friendships that formed, the kind you stumble into exactly when you need them most. I wanted to jump right into their group hug!
But beneath the humour and rage, this book digs deep. It shines a light on the everyday misogyny women face, and importantly, shows how domestic abuse isn’t always physical. It can be subtle, insidious, and just as damaging.
At its core, though, this is a story about sisterhood. About finding your people. About standing together and, when necessary, burning the patriarchy to the ground.
If I had to sum up The Angry Wives Club by Gabbie Stroud in one word, it would be: relatable. Honestly… painfully relatable.
This story follows a group of women (Joany, Heather, and Steph) who come together at a time in their lives when everything feels just a little too much. Between an interfering mother-in-law, sexist alpha males, creepy old blokes, and that all-too-familiar male incompetence, their frustrations bubble over… and what forms is something powerful, raw, and unapologetically real.
There were so many moments in this book where I wanted to yell “yes, FUCK yes, I hear you sister!” It hits hard because it’s true. There’s a little bit of each of these women in all of us.
I loved the friendships that formed, the kind you stumble into exactly when you need them most. I wanted to jump right into their group hug!
But beneath the humour and rage, this book digs deep. It shines a light on the everyday misogyny women face, and importantly, shows how domestic abuse isn’t always physical. It can be subtle, insidious, and just as damaging.
At its core, though, this is a story about sisterhood. About finding your people. About standing together and, when necessary, burning the patriarchy to the ground.
April 5, 2026
This was not what I thought it was going to be but in a good way. The story took an unexpected turn so I think readers should know about some trigger warnings before continuing.
These trigger warnings could spoil the story so look away now…
Last chance…
Trigger warning: sudden infant death (SIDS), gang rape, coercive control, mental abuse, divorce, affair, PTSD
Okay now that you have read further please let me tell you how amazing this book was! I think it was one of my best of the year. I stayed up until midnight finishing it last night and have stewed all morning on what I was going to say.
**screams into the void. Rage intensifies.**
I support women’s rights. But more importantly, I support women’s wrongs. I’m so glad I am no longer married. Sometimes I might wish for love and then I look around and think “nah I am good.”
This story follows three women who meet at a gym and they are of various ages and different stages of their life.
There’s Joany and she’s in her early 70’s and a bit secretive about her personal life. But she’s learned to be secretive due to her controlling husband Tony. Tony and Joany’s relationship is a prime example of coercive control which has been big in the news in Australia in the last few years. We have new laws about it now too. Joany can’t do a damn thing without her husband controlling or questioning her about it.
Then you have Heather who is married to Byron. They were high school sweethearts. Byron called her while her phone was hooked up to the gym speakers and said he’s leaving her. After 32 years. He’s having an emotional affair with their office manager who is nearly 30 years younger then him. Typical.
Lastly, you have Steph and Harry in the thick of young parenting. Poor Steph is trying to get back into the gym but Harry keeps offloading the kids onto her when she tries for some me time. He’s the type to say he’ll babysit his own kids but usually pawns them off to his mum. And his mother severely lacks boundaries and I could feel Steph’s rage seeping from the book. I’ve been through it all. Through a combination of all three!
This made me so full of rage. Is it Australian men? I think it is Australian men. I’ve been living here for 25 years and they seem to be typical in that they over consume alcohol, have a boys will be boys/boys protect boys culture, do not help with family or around the house and seem like absolute idiots.
I would like to be proven wrong about this but I have not seen it yet.
In an example with Harry, Steph’s husband, he was telling her that what another tradie (tradesman) was saying about women on the job site. She argued with Harry and said you do need to call out bad men’s behaviour too. I wish Steph’s husband would have! Grow some balls 🤣
“You saying nothing gives him permission. It gives him an audience. Your silence doesn’t say enough.”
Harry also is a man who won’t talk to their mother about overstepping. “You are married to me. I should be number one.” I screamed so loud at that because for 20 years I dealt with it. Also, you are not babysitting/minding your own kids 😡
The three girls from the gym get together and commit a few fun hijinks that could be classified as minor criminal activity. First they steal the bikes from the gym that were designed for men and always hurt them in some way. Then they stole the absolutely sexist misogynistic statue outside a butcher shop called A Piece of Meat.
But it wasn’t until they really started getting to know one another that the book finally started. They are all suffering in their relationships in some way and start to comfort each other and encourage each other. Heather even has a repressed experience—I love that term of phrase instead of repressed memory. Because it did happen. I won’t spoil this part but please check the trigger warnings.
I could honestly write an essay on this book but I will stop there. Just read it and enjoy it and laugh your ass off when they are taking selfies with Tony wrapped up in the carpet 🤣🤣🤣
“This is going to sound weird but does anyone have baby shark stuck in your head?”
I stayed up until midnight finishing this and even screamed FUCK YOU when Byron came to get the kids and they didn’t want to see him. He just fucking watched and let it happen. Of course he is not a safe person to be around for his kids. He should be punished. I hope Zoe leaves him too and Heather gets everything she deserves in the divorce.
Quotes (I’m slowly adding these to the Goodreads quotes section but it only lets me do one per day):
“You saying nothing gives him permission. It gives him an audience. Your silence doesn’t say enough.”
“It’s the age old question. Why do we stay?
I know. But the question should be, why do men do it?”
“Don’t you get sick of it? Doing things for men that they could do for themselves?”
“I think the wise thing to do would be to accept and acknowledge our privilege but we can still burn shit to the ground.”
“He never hits me.
But why is that our measure? It’s not too bad until he hits us? What about all the hitting he’s done in here?”
She tapped her head and then her heart.
“I think all women feel that. We’ve got a lot to be angry about.”
“Will you get divorced with me?”
“Women shouldn’t make decisions based on what’s hard for other people. We’re not here to make life easier for everyone—especially not for men.”
“I’m a woman. There’s always something to be scared of.”
These trigger warnings could spoil the story so look away now…
Last chance…
Trigger warning: sudden infant death (SIDS), gang rape, coercive control, mental abuse, divorce, affair, PTSD
Okay now that you have read further please let me tell you how amazing this book was! I think it was one of my best of the year. I stayed up until midnight finishing it last night and have stewed all morning on what I was going to say.
**screams into the void. Rage intensifies.**
I support women’s rights. But more importantly, I support women’s wrongs. I’m so glad I am no longer married. Sometimes I might wish for love and then I look around and think “nah I am good.”
This story follows three women who meet at a gym and they are of various ages and different stages of their life.
There’s Joany and she’s in her early 70’s and a bit secretive about her personal life. But she’s learned to be secretive due to her controlling husband Tony. Tony and Joany’s relationship is a prime example of coercive control which has been big in the news in Australia in the last few years. We have new laws about it now too. Joany can’t do a damn thing without her husband controlling or questioning her about it.
Then you have Heather who is married to Byron. They were high school sweethearts. Byron called her while her phone was hooked up to the gym speakers and said he’s leaving her. After 32 years. He’s having an emotional affair with their office manager who is nearly 30 years younger then him. Typical.
Lastly, you have Steph and Harry in the thick of young parenting. Poor Steph is trying to get back into the gym but Harry keeps offloading the kids onto her when she tries for some me time. He’s the type to say he’ll babysit his own kids but usually pawns them off to his mum. And his mother severely lacks boundaries and I could feel Steph’s rage seeping from the book. I’ve been through it all. Through a combination of all three!
This made me so full of rage. Is it Australian men? I think it is Australian men. I’ve been living here for 25 years and they seem to be typical in that they over consume alcohol, have a boys will be boys/boys protect boys culture, do not help with family or around the house and seem like absolute idiots.
I would like to be proven wrong about this but I have not seen it yet.
In an example with Harry, Steph’s husband, he was telling her that what another tradie (tradesman) was saying about women on the job site. She argued with Harry and said you do need to call out bad men’s behaviour too. I wish Steph’s husband would have! Grow some balls 🤣
“You saying nothing gives him permission. It gives him an audience. Your silence doesn’t say enough.”
Harry also is a man who won’t talk to their mother about overstepping. “You are married to me. I should be number one.” I screamed so loud at that because for 20 years I dealt with it. Also, you are not babysitting/minding your own kids 😡
The three girls from the gym get together and commit a few fun hijinks that could be classified as minor criminal activity. First they steal the bikes from the gym that were designed for men and always hurt them in some way. Then they stole the absolutely sexist misogynistic statue outside a butcher shop called A Piece of Meat.
But it wasn’t until they really started getting to know one another that the book finally started. They are all suffering in their relationships in some way and start to comfort each other and encourage each other. Heather even has a repressed experience—I love that term of phrase instead of repressed memory. Because it did happen. I won’t spoil this part but please check the trigger warnings.
I could honestly write an essay on this book but I will stop there. Just read it and enjoy it and laugh your ass off when they are taking selfies with Tony wrapped up in the carpet 🤣🤣🤣
“This is going to sound weird but does anyone have baby shark stuck in your head?”
I stayed up until midnight finishing this and even screamed FUCK YOU when Byron came to get the kids and they didn’t want to see him. He just fucking watched and let it happen. Of course he is not a safe person to be around for his kids. He should be punished. I hope Zoe leaves him too and Heather gets everything she deserves in the divorce.
Quotes (I’m slowly adding these to the Goodreads quotes section but it only lets me do one per day):
“You saying nothing gives him permission. It gives him an audience. Your silence doesn’t say enough.”
“It’s the age old question. Why do we stay?
I know. But the question should be, why do men do it?”
“Don’t you get sick of it? Doing things for men that they could do for themselves?”
“I think the wise thing to do would be to accept and acknowledge our privilege but we can still burn shit to the ground.”
“He never hits me.
But why is that our measure? It’s not too bad until he hits us? What about all the hitting he’s done in here?”
She tapped her head and then her heart.
“I think all women feel that. We’ve got a lot to be angry about.”
“Will you get divorced with me?”
“Women shouldn’t make decisions based on what’s hard for other people. We’re not here to make life easier for everyone—especially not for men.”
“I’m a woman. There’s always something to be scared of.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
As you can guess from it’s title, feminine rage in suburbia is at the forefront in The Angry Wives Club.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Joany, Heather and Steph, and how one small act of rebellion brings them together to explore and exact some more of their own justices in their small Australian town.
Dealing with some dark and serious topics, this was such a good read and I liked the Australian references throughout. The main three characters were easy to like and sympathise with and all the secondary characters were well considered. That being said, Joany had my heart from the very beginning.
Definitely worth a read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the arc for review.
As you can guess from it’s title, feminine rage in suburbia is at the forefront in The Angry Wives Club.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Joany, Heather and Steph, and how one small act of rebellion brings them together to explore and exact some more of their own justices in their small Australian town.
Dealing with some dark and serious topics, this was such a good read and I liked the Australian references throughout. The main three characters were easy to like and sympathise with and all the secondary characters were well considered. That being said, Joany had my heart from the very beginning.
Definitely worth a read!
Thank you to Netgalley and Allen & Unwin for the arc for review.
May 11, 2026
Big thanks to Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
What happens when you get inspired by and cook up bits of Desperate Housewives, Why Women Kill, The First Wives Club and Ruthless People.
Mix to perfection and out comes…..
The Angry Wives Club.
A deliciously wicked and delightfully entertaining read.
Welcome to Shellwater Bay where melodrama is not far from your front door and behind that same door is a bunch of secrets.
Introducing the three women who are about to cause turmoil.
Joany lives a quiet life with her husband but hides a secret or two.
Steph is the one looking after the kids and when trouble begins her husband calls his mother for help.
Heather has the perfect life until her husband reveals a deception and wants a divorce.
This threesome form an alliance and bond at the gym.
But soon the drama turns dangerous as it all comes to a head with a deadly crime.
Loved, loved, loved this book.
Female friendship is at the heart of this story and they take back their power and make their own narrative.
Strong female characters, a solid plot and an aura of mystery, all make this book a definite success.
Get onto this book now and you can thank me later.
Five bright and shiny stars.
What happens when you get inspired by and cook up bits of Desperate Housewives, Why Women Kill, The First Wives Club and Ruthless People.
Mix to perfection and out comes…..
The Angry Wives Club.
A deliciously wicked and delightfully entertaining read.
Welcome to Shellwater Bay where melodrama is not far from your front door and behind that same door is a bunch of secrets.
Introducing the three women who are about to cause turmoil.
Joany lives a quiet life with her husband but hides a secret or two.
Steph is the one looking after the kids and when trouble begins her husband calls his mother for help.
Heather has the perfect life until her husband reveals a deception and wants a divorce.
This threesome form an alliance and bond at the gym.
But soon the drama turns dangerous as it all comes to a head with a deadly crime.
Loved, loved, loved this book.
Female friendship is at the heart of this story and they take back their power and make their own narrative.
Strong female characters, a solid plot and an aura of mystery, all make this book a definite success.
Get onto this book now and you can thank me later.
Five bright and shiny stars.
April 27, 2026
I really loved this book. While it touches on some heavier and more sensitive topics throughout, they’re handled with care and thoughtfulness, which I really appreciated.
There are some genuinely hilarious moments woven through the story, balancing the deeper themes beautifully. It’s an engaging, well-written read that explores friendship, loyalty, and the importance of having strong, supportive women in your life who you can trust and lean on.
A fun, heartfelt, and at times cathartic story that stayed with me for all the right reasons.
There are some genuinely hilarious moments woven through the story, balancing the deeper themes beautifully. It’s an engaging, well-written read that explores friendship, loyalty, and the importance of having strong, supportive women in your life who you can trust and lean on.
A fun, heartfelt, and at times cathartic story that stayed with me for all the right reasons.
April 22, 2026
It was an enjoyable, angry listen! Loved the banding together of the gym crew! Disliked many men!
The ending started to get a bit far fetched and ridiculous and while enjoyable to listen along to - it sort of diminished the messaging, in my opinion.
Well worth a read or listen!
The ending started to get a bit far fetched and ridiculous and while enjoyable to listen along to - it sort of diminished the messaging, in my opinion.
Well worth a read or listen!
April 20, 2026
I loved the characters and the way each had their own story. I loved how the strength of women is shown in this story throughout.
March 28, 2026
ARC review: The Angry Wives Club by @gabbiestroudauthor and published by @allenandunwin
Release date: 31 March 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Now this is the type of feminine rage I like to see in suburbia. We follow 3 FMCs who each have their own POV - Joany (72 years young), Heather (late 40s and mother to 2 teens) and Steph (30s stay at home mum to 3 kiddos) who meet at their local gym and soon form a strong bond and friendship. What’s the one thing they have in common in their lives? Men who don’t listen to or support them.
After committing a little petty crime against their gym without getting caught, the women are soon emboldened to see what else can they get away with while taking back some of their power.
Two quotes I loved towards the end of the book:
“Women shouldn’t make decisions based on what’s hard for other people. We’re not here to make life easier for everyone - especially men.”
“Powerful things happen when women look after women.”
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the depictions of female friendship that can occur at any age.
Release date: 31 March 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Now this is the type of feminine rage I like to see in suburbia. We follow 3 FMCs who each have their own POV - Joany (72 years young), Heather (late 40s and mother to 2 teens) and Steph (30s stay at home mum to 3 kiddos) who meet at their local gym and soon form a strong bond and friendship. What’s the one thing they have in common in their lives? Men who don’t listen to or support them.
After committing a little petty crime against their gym without getting caught, the women are soon emboldened to see what else can they get away with while taking back some of their power.
Two quotes I loved towards the end of the book:
“Women shouldn’t make decisions based on what’s hard for other people. We’re not here to make life easier for everyone - especially men.”
“Powerful things happen when women look after women.”
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the depictions of female friendship that can occur at any age.
April 18, 2026
#FemRage at its absolute finest.
Shellwater Bay looks like the dream coastal tow - but beneath it, three women’s lives quietly collide.
Joany, in her 70s, living what seems like a perfect life.
Heather, a sharp businesswoman staring down the barrel of divorce.
Steph, deep in the trenches of motherhood with a partner who still leans a little too hard on his mum.
They meet at the gym (bonding over a tug-of-war win, as you do), and what unfolds is something raw, funny, and painfully real.
This one hit hard.
I saw myself in all of them - the narcissism, the betrayal, the “wow, he’s such a hands-on dad” comments.
It’s messy. It’s honest. It’s quietly devastating in places - and then laugh-out-loud the next minute.
But more than anything? It’s cathartic.
That feeling of seeing parts of your own story reflected back at you through someone else’s words… yeah, that’s why I read.
I’m officially on a mission to dive into her back catalogue.
Shellwater Bay looks like the dream coastal tow - but beneath it, three women’s lives quietly collide.
Joany, in her 70s, living what seems like a perfect life.
Heather, a sharp businesswoman staring down the barrel of divorce.
Steph, deep in the trenches of motherhood with a partner who still leans a little too hard on his mum.
They meet at the gym (bonding over a tug-of-war win, as you do), and what unfolds is something raw, funny, and painfully real.
This one hit hard.
I saw myself in all of them - the narcissism, the betrayal, the “wow, he’s such a hands-on dad” comments.
It’s messy. It’s honest. It’s quietly devastating in places - and then laugh-out-loud the next minute.
But more than anything? It’s cathartic.
That feeling of seeing parts of your own story reflected back at you through someone else’s words… yeah, that’s why I read.
I’m officially on a mission to dive into her back catalogue.
May 11, 2026
I thought I was in for something similar to the show Why Women Kill; that’s the vibe I got from the cover. But this is man-hating disguised as female empowerment. Frankly, I thought this book was rubbish and the more I think about it, the more solidly my mind is made up.
What started out as an enjoyable story of three women and their uniquely challenging marriages quickly deteriorated into misandry masquerading as feminism. One of the characters was saddened about birthing a son due to her reluctance to bring another man into the world. There is not a single redeemable male character in the entire book; they are either perpetrators of sexual assault/harassment, accessories to sexual assault, DV perpetrators, or so spineless it’s amazing they can stand upright. On top of all that, I found the climax to the story was so thin and poorly constructed it didn’t make the slog through the second half of the book worth it.
Wouldn’t recommend.
What started out as an enjoyable story of three women and their uniquely challenging marriages quickly deteriorated into misandry masquerading as feminism. One of the characters was saddened about birthing a son due to her reluctance to bring another man into the world. There is not a single redeemable male character in the entire book; they are either perpetrators of sexual assault/harassment, accessories to sexual assault, DV perpetrators, or so spineless it’s amazing they can stand upright. On top of all that, I found the climax to the story was so thin and poorly constructed it didn’t make the slog through the second half of the book worth it.
Wouldn’t recommend.
April 9, 2026
This book was so freaking good! Packed with so much tension, it left my jaw hanging open throughout the entire novel. Initially, the three main female characters are begrudgingly accepting of the casual and direct sexism they each experience, but as these three women grow closer, they realize it doesn’t have to be that way. All three of them are well-rounded characters, and they develop and change throughout the book from their individual and shared experiences. The friendship these women have formed is a powerful thing. I just loved all the little antics they got up to. This book sends a powerful message: women are stronger when they stick together.
April 18, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Laugh Out Loud, Empowering, Yeah The Girls
full review ⬇️
I think I’ve found my favourite book of 2026 (we love an early call don’t we!)
The Angry Wives Club is one of the most relatable books I’ve read in a long time and I don’t mean that I am an angry wife 😂 it’s just the kind of book that had me laughing out loud one minute and nodding along the next thinking yep… that is painfully accurate.
Gabbie has perfectly captured the mental load, the invisible expectations and the quiet frustrations of everyday life in such a real and honest way.
And while it absolutely taps into themes of anger and inequality, it never feels heavy handed or preachy. Instead it just feels true.
There’s a line in the book that says “I think all women feel that. We’ve got a lot to be angry about.” And that perfectly sums up the heart of this book.
It’s not about making big statements, it’s about reflecting real life in a way that feels seen, understood and hilariously called out.
The characters felt like people I know or maybe even parts of myself and that’s what makes the book so wonderfully impactful.
This one is something special.
A gentle trigger warning also for anyone impacted by child loss ♥️
Vibe check: Laugh Out Loud, Empowering, Yeah The Girls
full review ⬇️
I think I’ve found my favourite book of 2026 (we love an early call don’t we!)
The Angry Wives Club is one of the most relatable books I’ve read in a long time and I don’t mean that I am an angry wife 😂 it’s just the kind of book that had me laughing out loud one minute and nodding along the next thinking yep… that is painfully accurate.
Gabbie has perfectly captured the mental load, the invisible expectations and the quiet frustrations of everyday life in such a real and honest way.
And while it absolutely taps into themes of anger and inequality, it never feels heavy handed or preachy. Instead it just feels true.
There’s a line in the book that says “I think all women feel that. We’ve got a lot to be angry about.” And that perfectly sums up the heart of this book.
It’s not about making big statements, it’s about reflecting real life in a way that feels seen, understood and hilariously called out.
The characters felt like people I know or maybe even parts of myself and that’s what makes the book so wonderfully impactful.
This one is something special.
A gentle trigger warning also for anyone impacted by child loss ♥️
May 3, 2026
This was a fun read, but I wanted it to hit harder. I wanted this book to get under my skin, make my blood boil, make me want to rage and scream and curse all men…instead, it just simmered. I think that’s because the book never fully commits to the weight of the assaults and loss it brings up.
The “angry wives teaming up” premise is genuinely great, and there are moments that are juicy, chaotic, and very much “good for them.” But I can’t help feeling the author could have dug much deeper into those painful themes and really torn the reader apart.
It plays things a little too safe.
The “angry wives teaming up” premise is genuinely great, and there are moments that are juicy, chaotic, and very much “good for them.” But I can’t help feeling the author could have dug much deeper into those painful themes and really torn the reader apart.
It plays things a little too safe.
April 26, 2026
Loved the female characters in this book and enjoyed reading about their lives as separate women and together as friends and what they get up to!
May 12, 2026
it was really good
engaging story and I love a local one
I love understanding the perspectives of people I struggle to relate to at face value
engaging story and I love a local one
I love understanding the perspectives of people I struggle to relate to at face value
April 27, 2026
Brilliant! I will miss these women like friends. Laughed out loud (a lot), screamed out loud (a lot) and cried out loud. A tough read, but an important one!
Please check the content warnings before you diving into this one though.
Please check the content warnings before you diving into this one though.
April 11, 2026
Although Stroud is travelling a well worn path with this novel, she does it with passion, feeling, and a nice vein of humor. It’s an enjoyable and readable novel, even when some of the subject matter is a tad confronting.
The female characters are particularly strongly drawn. Each starts off as something of a caricature, based on what others see. As we get to know them, Stroud deepens the characterisation until we’re involved with believable and realistic characters with feelings and problems that many readers will recognise.
The men deliberately remain less known to us, but again Stroud deepens our understanding of them as the novel progresses. They’re never as sympathetic as the female characters, but they are recognisable, and believable because of it.
Although the broad theme of the novel might be said to be the way men misuse and abuse women, it doesn’t feel particularly dark. Yes, some very bad things happen. But Stroud has an eye for wry humor, and inserts it at just the right times to leaven that darkness.
This is also a novel interested in female friendship and solidarity. I thought it was pretty realistic in the way that women often find common ground quickly, and offer each other friendship and support. The way the women instinctively understood some of the feelings and experiences of others felt very real.
Some might say that Stroud undersells the bitchiness and undermining that can also come from other women. However, nor does she completely ignore it. It’s here, it’s just not something she dwells on much.
In a way, I found this novel quite infuriating, mostly because some of the really annoying male behaviour was very very familiar. Most women will at some point in the novel go “AAAAGH! YES!” when confronted with a piece of familiar, frustrating behaviour from one of the male characters.
As I said, this is familiar ground, and I don’t feel like Stroud has anything very new to say. But this is an entertaining novel which may also make you more aware of behaviours you’re putting up with and indirectly endorsing. This is well worth reading, although it will probably appeal more to female readers than male.
You may be interested in my review of one of Gabby Stroud’s non fiction books:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
The female characters are particularly strongly drawn. Each starts off as something of a caricature, based on what others see. As we get to know them, Stroud deepens the characterisation until we’re involved with believable and realistic characters with feelings and problems that many readers will recognise.
The men deliberately remain less known to us, but again Stroud deepens our understanding of them as the novel progresses. They’re never as sympathetic as the female characters, but they are recognisable, and believable because of it.
Although the broad theme of the novel might be said to be the way men misuse and abuse women, it doesn’t feel particularly dark. Yes, some very bad things happen. But Stroud has an eye for wry humor, and inserts it at just the right times to leaven that darkness.
This is also a novel interested in female friendship and solidarity. I thought it was pretty realistic in the way that women often find common ground quickly, and offer each other friendship and support. The way the women instinctively understood some of the feelings and experiences of others felt very real.
Some might say that Stroud undersells the bitchiness and undermining that can also come from other women. However, nor does she completely ignore it. It’s here, it’s just not something she dwells on much.
In a way, I found this novel quite infuriating, mostly because some of the really annoying male behaviour was very very familiar. Most women will at some point in the novel go “AAAAGH! YES!” when confronted with a piece of familiar, frustrating behaviour from one of the male characters.
As I said, this is familiar ground, and I don’t feel like Stroud has anything very new to say. But this is an entertaining novel which may also make you more aware of behaviours you’re putting up with and indirectly endorsing. This is well worth reading, although it will probably appeal more to female readers than male.
You may be interested in my review of one of Gabby Stroud’s non fiction books:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
May 11, 2026
Gabbie Stroud uses humour and a light touch to discuss serious subjects such as rape and family violence.
She set the story in a seaside town in Australia where three women get to know each other through the gym program they all attend. Heather is facing her marriage breakdown as her husband has developed a new relationship with a work colleague.
Steph is younger, is married with three children with a husband who has communication difficulty, especially explaining communication boundaries with his mother to Steph's satisfaction.
Joany is the oldest, a wealthy woman with a difficult controlling husband who grieves the loss of her only child.
The three bond over the gym class and take on illegal activities as an adventure, for thrills.
They get to know each other, and develop a group identity, having fun as well.
Heather becomes aware of an event in her past, that has haunted her, and within the safety of the group she achieves clarity in knowing she has to pursue justice for those who hurt her.
Joany too starts to leave the destructive control of Tony her husband, and Steph is able to deal with her mother in law and husband.
The story fleshes out the life of a small town, with the gossip and innuendo feeling quite realistic for a small town.
How the women work together, and take strength from each other to make a new path for their lives is well written, and shows a more quirky funny plot than what I had anticipated. It was a light hearted story with an up beat, enjoyable ending.
Be warned, this is very pro-female but I found it enjoyable and uplifting
She set the story in a seaside town in Australia where three women get to know each other through the gym program they all attend. Heather is facing her marriage breakdown as her husband has developed a new relationship with a work colleague.
Steph is younger, is married with three children with a husband who has communication difficulty, especially explaining communication boundaries with his mother to Steph's satisfaction.
Joany is the oldest, a wealthy woman with a difficult controlling husband who grieves the loss of her only child.
The three bond over the gym class and take on illegal activities as an adventure, for thrills.
They get to know each other, and develop a group identity, having fun as well.
Heather becomes aware of an event in her past, that has haunted her, and within the safety of the group she achieves clarity in knowing she has to pursue justice for those who hurt her.
Joany too starts to leave the destructive control of Tony her husband, and Steph is able to deal with her mother in law and husband.
The story fleshes out the life of a small town, with the gossip and innuendo feeling quite realistic for a small town.
How the women work together, and take strength from each other to make a new path for their lives is well written, and shows a more quirky funny plot than what I had anticipated. It was a light hearted story with an up beat, enjoyable ending.
Be warned, this is very pro-female but I found it enjoyable and uplifting
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc of the book! I was fascinated by the title of the book when I requested it and how wrong was I on what the story of the book was! I was thinking more of mystery thriller book with a murder to solve but I was completely lost in the story.
The story starts with narrative from three main characters of the book, Steph, Heather and Joany! For the first half of the book, the author takes you through the complete background and day to day life at Shellwater Bay. I was lost on what was happening initially because nothing really was happening and the women were just navigating through a life where women have to endure everything and men are being dumb as always. Little did I know that the author was bracing us for the main point of the book!
The author did a great job in pointing out some important things that women face even in this so called modern generation - sexual harassment, abuse and something as basic as being shown down by the patriarchal shits!
The main concept of the story is great and I would recommend everyone to read this book.
The only downside of the book is its a bit too slow and long. It could be annoying for some people thinking there is nothing happening but I feel thats the whole point of the book.
The only reason I give it 3 stars is because I was about to dnf it and author could have started the main plot a bit earlier in the book!
The story starts with narrative from three main characters of the book, Steph, Heather and Joany! For the first half of the book, the author takes you through the complete background and day to day life at Shellwater Bay. I was lost on what was happening initially because nothing really was happening and the women were just navigating through a life where women have to endure everything and men are being dumb as always. Little did I know that the author was bracing us for the main point of the book!
The author did a great job in pointing out some important things that women face even in this so called modern generation - sexual harassment, abuse and something as basic as being shown down by the patriarchal shits!
The main concept of the story is great and I would recommend everyone to read this book.
The only downside of the book is its a bit too slow and long. It could be annoying for some people thinking there is nothing happening but I feel thats the whole point of the book.
The only reason I give it 3 stars is because I was about to dnf it and author could have started the main plot a bit earlier in the book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gabbie Stroud has done it again! Another banger of a book that carries such an important message - this time focusing on female rage.
I was enthralled from start to finish. Following three women at their breaking point, who bond at the gym, I felt every bit of their anger - from the passive aggressions to unthinkable violations they faced.
Gabbie delicately balances the heavier themes of the book with heartfelt moments, as well as humour - one minute you are seething, then crying, then laughing!
Read this for:
- Coping mechanisms (like doing pelvic floor exercises when thinking of a toxic MIL)
- How to call bad behaviour out like a "bad dog"!
- Creative revenge against those who oppress women
- A deep dive into female experiences (whether you identify as one, or love one)
Follow Joany, Heather, and Steph as they form an unbreakable sisterhood and take back their power as strong women.
***
Trigger warnings below!
***
Mentions of: sex, rape, infant death, racial slurs, misogyny, domestic abuse
I was enthralled from start to finish. Following three women at their breaking point, who bond at the gym, I felt every bit of their anger - from the passive aggressions to unthinkable violations they faced.
Gabbie delicately balances the heavier themes of the book with heartfelt moments, as well as humour - one minute you are seething, then crying, then laughing!
Read this for:
- Coping mechanisms (like doing pelvic floor exercises when thinking of a toxic MIL)
- How to call bad behaviour out like a "bad dog"!
- Creative revenge against those who oppress women
- A deep dive into female experiences (whether you identify as one, or love one)
Follow Joany, Heather, and Steph as they form an unbreakable sisterhood and take back their power as strong women.
***
Trigger warnings below!
***
Mentions of: sex, rape, infant death, racial slurs, misogyny, domestic abuse
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I usually do a short rehash the synopsis in my own words, mainly to help the flow of my thoughts but this time I leaving it to the publication blurb.
I think this is a book to go into not knowing a lot.
Like Gabbie Stroud’s 1st book, this starts off slow and we’re introduced to the characters and their day to day life. By the second half I became invested in these three women and their relationship and even in Tanya who is Steph’s ‘toxic’ MIL. (Maybe that’s because I have sons and am a MIL, hopefully not toxic) but by the end we have a greater understanding and upon finishing, you realise you have been reading a very powerful message.
This book may have some trigger issues for some namely cohesive control, rape and miscarriage but above all it shows how powerful females and female friendships can be.
I was going to rate this as 4 stars but I’ve been reflecting on this (and the current world situation)
and have pushed it up to 5 stars. Another very thought provoking book.
Loved it and thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
I think this is a book to go into not knowing a lot.
Like Gabbie Stroud’s 1st book, this starts off slow and we’re introduced to the characters and their day to day life. By the second half I became invested in these three women and their relationship and even in Tanya who is Steph’s ‘toxic’ MIL. (Maybe that’s because I have sons and am a MIL, hopefully not toxic) but by the end we have a greater understanding and upon finishing, you realise you have been reading a very powerful message.
This book may have some trigger issues for some namely cohesive control, rape and miscarriage but above all it shows how powerful females and female friendships can be.
I was going to rate this as 4 stars but I’ve been reflecting on this (and the current world situation)
and have pushed it up to 5 stars. Another very thought provoking book.
Loved it and thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
April 16, 2026
“Women shouldn’t make decisions based on what’s hard for other people. We’re not here to make life easier for everyone— especially men.”
Oof this book made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me sooooooo very angry. 😡
The Angry Wives Club was not only a story of female rage (fuelled by male incompetence), but a story of unflinching female friendship. On top of having truly terrible husbands, Joany, Heather & Steph deal with casual and very direct sexism daily. We get to explore these three women’s lives, including their relationships with their bodies and their children, and the unappreciated extra labour they are expected to put into their days.
Although dealing with misogynistic men takes up a large part of this book, Gabbie also filled the pages with so many heartwarming and hilarious moments. I really loved Heather and Tarli’s relationship, especially towards the end of the book.
Unlike the characters in this book, I’m unmarried and don’t have children. I still found this book so relatable, and I think a lot of women would agree. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who has to interact with men xx
** This book contains scenes of SA & DV, so please keep that in mind, as it may be triggering to some readers.
Oof this book made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me sooooooo very angry. 😡
The Angry Wives Club was not only a story of female rage (fuelled by male incompetence), but a story of unflinching female friendship. On top of having truly terrible husbands, Joany, Heather & Steph deal with casual and very direct sexism daily. We get to explore these three women’s lives, including their relationships with their bodies and their children, and the unappreciated extra labour they are expected to put into their days.
Although dealing with misogynistic men takes up a large part of this book, Gabbie also filled the pages with so many heartwarming and hilarious moments. I really loved Heather and Tarli’s relationship, especially towards the end of the book.
Unlike the characters in this book, I’m unmarried and don’t have children. I still found this book so relatable, and I think a lot of women would agree. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who has to interact with men xx
** This book contains scenes of SA & DV, so please keep that in mind, as it may be triggering to some readers.
May 1, 2026
This is a feminist story with female friendship at its core and honestly, I feel like that might be all I ever need in a book.
Add in that it’s funny, heart-warming and gave me a face full of happy tears many times plus multiple ‘fuck yes’s means that this is an EASY EASY @whatwouldwendyread recommend! You all are gonna love this.
The story follows 3 women of varying ages and life stages who meet at the gym and form the gentle and fierce friendship that only women can ever know 💖 they are united in their various rages against misogyny and the patriarchy which lead them to perform some petty crimes which were oh so satisfying to this reader!
There is some rage in this book, but it’s not the man-hating, rage inducing book you might assume from the cover (I do not need more of that lol) .
It’s hopeful and powerful and joyful and god, how good are female friendships? 💖💖💖 to my wonderful friends, you know who you are and I hope you know I would commit crimes for you 😘😘
thank you @gabbiestroudauthor just the perfect book for the times
Add in that it’s funny, heart-warming and gave me a face full of happy tears many times plus multiple ‘fuck yes’s means that this is an EASY EASY @whatwouldwendyread recommend! You all are gonna love this.
The story follows 3 women of varying ages and life stages who meet at the gym and form the gentle and fierce friendship that only women can ever know 💖 they are united in their various rages against misogyny and the patriarchy which lead them to perform some petty crimes which were oh so satisfying to this reader!
There is some rage in this book, but it’s not the man-hating, rage inducing book you might assume from the cover (I do not need more of that lol) .
It’s hopeful and powerful and joyful and god, how good are female friendships? 💖💖💖 to my wonderful friends, you know who you are and I hope you know I would commit crimes for you 😘😘
thank you @gabbiestroudauthor just the perfect book for the times
May 3, 2026
As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t wrong!
‘Powerful things happen when woman look after woman’
This book starts off inside of Shellwater Bay gym where Joany (70’s) Heather (40’s) and Steph (30’s) were each doing their own workouts. This trio met just when each of them needed friendship the most and they were a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of the age differences they all had something in common. MEN!!!
I loved that we got to see POVs from each lady, so we really got into their minds and see who they each were. They were all struggling but together they were strong and there for each other and I loved the friendship they forged.
There was lots of emotion in this book which I always love and at times it has you on the edge of your seat.
I think out of the three ladies I enjoyed Joany the most, I’m not sure why but there was just something about her, or maybe it’s because she was the first woman we properly met, who knows.
An enjoyable read 🩷
(Make sure to read the trigger warnings)
‘Powerful things happen when woman look after woman’
This book starts off inside of Shellwater Bay gym where Joany (70’s) Heather (40’s) and Steph (30’s) were each doing their own workouts. This trio met just when each of them needed friendship the most and they were a force to be reckoned with. Regardless of the age differences they all had something in common. MEN!!!
I loved that we got to see POVs from each lady, so we really got into their minds and see who they each were. They were all struggling but together they were strong and there for each other and I loved the friendship they forged.
There was lots of emotion in this book which I always love and at times it has you on the edge of your seat.
I think out of the three ladies I enjoyed Joany the most, I’m not sure why but there was just something about her, or maybe it’s because she was the first woman we properly met, who knows.
An enjoyable read 🩷
(Make sure to read the trigger warnings)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hilarious!
This is the story of three women, with very different lives, who meet at the gym and form a strong friendship. Heather's husband is leaving her for a much younger woman. Joany's husband controls everything she does. Steph's husband keeps complaining to his mum about having to babysit his own kids. And all three of them are sick of the sexism at the gym and around their town.
This was a very engaging, fun, page-turning read, that unpacks some deeper issues in an accessible way. It is very funny and has lots of great characters. I really felt their frustrations and struggles. Whenever it seemed like it would become over the top silly, it veered back to serious issues and feelings.
I highly recommend!
Note: despite the fun retro cover, this book is very much set in contemporary times.
This is the story of three women, with very different lives, who meet at the gym and form a strong friendship. Heather's husband is leaving her for a much younger woman. Joany's husband controls everything she does. Steph's husband keeps complaining to his mum about having to babysit his own kids. And all three of them are sick of the sexism at the gym and around their town.
This was a very engaging, fun, page-turning read, that unpacks some deeper issues in an accessible way. It is very funny and has lots of great characters. I really felt their frustrations and struggles. Whenever it seemed like it would become over the top silly, it veered back to serious issues and feelings.
I highly recommend!
Note: despite the fun retro cover, this book is very much set in contemporary times.
April 18, 2026
This book follows three women who end up bonding at their local gym over their shared frustrations with life. They start asking the really hard questions about their relationships, the unspoken rules they've been following, and all the things they do just to keep the peace at home. Eventually, their simmering anger boils over, and they decide to start doing things differently to reclaim their power, which leads to them breaking some cycles and even committing a crime or two along the way.
It was a really fun read that covers a whole lot of ground emotionally. It will absolutely make you sad in parts, make you laugh out loud, and also leave you feeling really happy. However, because it deals with some domestic issues and women reaching their breaking point, there are definitely some darker themes involved in the story. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings before diving in!
It was a really fun read that covers a whole lot of ground emotionally. It will absolutely make you sad in parts, make you laugh out loud, and also leave you feeling really happy. However, because it deals with some domestic issues and women reaching their breaking point, there are definitely some darker themes involved in the story. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings before diving in!
April 24, 2026
4.5⭐️!!!
This book was SO good 🥹 it was hard to read at times but it also felt kind of like cathartic to read?
We get to see female friendship form between three wives of different ages and understand their backstories (and how their husbands are shit lmao). It made me so mad to read about, but when you realise that this is similar to a lot of women’s lived experience, it makes you even madder 😤.
This book discussed a lot of serious topics very well (please check trigger warnings) but still managed to balance it with funny and silly moments throughout 🩷.
I especially loved the last third of the book - the writing was so funny despite being so serious?! And I know the ending was probably a bit idealistic but like it’s nice to read that sometimes 😭.
Overall, I would highly recommend 🥹🩷
This book was SO good 🥹 it was hard to read at times but it also felt kind of like cathartic to read?
We get to see female friendship form between three wives of different ages and understand their backstories (and how their husbands are shit lmao). It made me so mad to read about, but when you realise that this is similar to a lot of women’s lived experience, it makes you even madder 😤.
This book discussed a lot of serious topics very well (please check trigger warnings) but still managed to balance it with funny and silly moments throughout 🩷.
I especially loved the last third of the book - the writing was so funny despite being so serious?! And I know the ending was probably a bit idealistic but like it’s nice to read that sometimes 😭.
Overall, I would highly recommend 🥹🩷
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gabbie Stroud once again writes relatable characters, this time with a rag tag group of unlikely friends. A group of women bond at the gym from various backgrounds and age demographics, all facing their own challenges in life.
The story is a wonderful example of women raising and lifting others, this time with a side of cheeky mischief and a few semi illegal escapades.
Stroud punches misogyny straight in the face and doesn't shy away from heavy themes including abuse and historical sexual assult.
You will be laughing and crying with the characters and cheering loudly 'YEAH THE GIRLS!'
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The story is a wonderful example of women raising and lifting others, this time with a side of cheeky mischief and a few semi illegal escapades.
Stroud punches misogyny straight in the face and doesn't shy away from heavy themes including abuse and historical sexual assult.
You will be laughing and crying with the characters and cheering loudly 'YEAH THE GIRLS!'
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 15, 2026
I cannot clearly express how much I enjoyed this book!
The amount of times I 'ha' or laughed and read a line outloud again because it was so funny.
The character development between the three FMC's Joany, Steph and Heather is complex and real, funny and relatable.
This book delves into some hard issues, and needs a TW.
The friendship is fierce. This book is addictive. These characters are bold and thw humoue is funny.
That Women are strong, women are fierce, women are brave' vibes.
I absolutely LOVED this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The amount of times I 'ha' or laughed and read a line outloud again because it was so funny.
The character development between the three FMC's Joany, Steph and Heather is complex and real, funny and relatable.
This book delves into some hard issues, and needs a TW.
The friendship is fierce. This book is addictive. These characters are bold and thw humoue is funny.
That Women are strong, women are fierce, women are brave' vibes.
I absolutely LOVED this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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