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Family Secrets #1
The Betrayed Wife
THE PERFECT FAMILY Sheila O’Rourke has always known her husband isn’t perfect. Who is? But things have been better since they moved to Seattle to make a fresh start. So much so that when sixteen-year-old Eden turns up, claiming to be Dylan’s child by another woman, Sheila tries to be welcoming. CAN BECOME At first, Sheila feels sympathy for the girl. Eden’s mother recently fell to her death in an incident with unsettling parallels to Sheila’s past. Still, Eden is a difficult house guest, sowing discord among the family. Sheila has already been on edge for weeks, receiving anonymous texts, noticing odd noises coming from the house next door. And that’s just the start. A PERFECT NIGHTMARE Sheila wants to trust Dylan. She wants to feel safe in her own home. But no one can hurt you more easily than the ones closest to you . . . the ones you keep believing until it’s too late . . .
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
August 15, 2019
Alrighty then *Cracks knuckles* Let's do this!
I don't even know where to begin. I'll give you a very brief synopsis of the story:
Sheila and Dylan are married with three children. Sheila has been getting stalked by a disheveled young man and his Goth-like girlfriend. Sheila even discovers the pair in her home and finds out that this young lady, Eden, is Dylan's illegitimate daughter that he never knew about. Her mother, Antonia, recently died and having no other family she decides to come home to her Daddy. Surprise!!! 🎈🌟💥
I need to be honest and tell you all that this book pissed me right off.
The death of Antonia was such a huge eye roll for me. I mean COME ON!!! Of course she dies topless while tanning her perfect tight little body with perky tits on display. (At this point I went to see who the author of this book is and was totally not surprised that this was a man. Sorry, not sorry.) This party animal beds men after men or at least that is how the author describes her. So many men a person could hardly keep track. A real slut, ya know! Oh, and she's a terrible mother because, well, she's a slut that likes to party. Right-o, Mr. O'Brien - we get it!
Dylan, Dylan, Dylan - you sorry sack of shit. He has cheated on his wife Sheila about a gazillion times. He can't help it if woman throw themselves at him. He is handsome and charming and women simply can't keep their panties on when he's around. A real curse to be had! Then he meets Brook at the gym and after a 10 minute conversation he thinks he's in LOVE and will now do anything to steal away anytime he can with her including abandoning his wife and children! So irresistible! *swoons*
BARF.
Sheila, you seem like a nice lady, but it's time to put on your big girl pants and kick this douche to the curb. I'm tired of hearing your excuses....well he's a good Dad and he does always come home to me in the end. How immensely satisfying that must be for you. It's not his fault that he is so gorgeous. You're lucky to have him.
So in summation the women in the this book are either sluts, nymphomaniacs, psychotic, or just total sad sacks and, really, isn't it Dylan who we need to feel sorry for here? Poor guy really got himself into a jam this time. Boys will be boys, ya know.
This book was at least 100 pages too long. The ending left much to be desired. Seriously, Sheila, when will you fucking learn?
Pro's: I liked Steve their teenage son. That's it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I don't even know where to begin. I'll give you a very brief synopsis of the story:
Sheila and Dylan are married with three children. Sheila has been getting stalked by a disheveled young man and his Goth-like girlfriend. Sheila even discovers the pair in her home and finds out that this young lady, Eden, is Dylan's illegitimate daughter that he never knew about. Her mother, Antonia, recently died and having no other family she decides to come home to her Daddy. Surprise!!! 🎈🌟💥
I need to be honest and tell you all that this book pissed me right off.
The death of Antonia was such a huge eye roll for me. I mean COME ON!!! Of course she dies topless while tanning her perfect tight little body with perky tits on display. (At this point I went to see who the author of this book is and was totally not surprised that this was a man. Sorry, not sorry.) This party animal beds men after men or at least that is how the author describes her. So many men a person could hardly keep track. A real slut, ya know! Oh, and she's a terrible mother because, well, she's a slut that likes to party. Right-o, Mr. O'Brien - we get it!
Dylan, Dylan, Dylan - you sorry sack of shit. He has cheated on his wife Sheila about a gazillion times. He can't help it if woman throw themselves at him. He is handsome and charming and women simply can't keep their panties on when he's around. A real curse to be had! Then he meets Brook at the gym and after a 10 minute conversation he thinks he's in LOVE and will now do anything to steal away anytime he can with her including abandoning his wife and children! So irresistible! *swoons*
BARF.
Sheila, you seem like a nice lady, but it's time to put on your big girl pants and kick this douche to the curb. I'm tired of hearing your excuses....well he's a good Dad and he does always come home to me in the end. How immensely satisfying that must be for you. It's not his fault that he is so gorgeous. You're lucky to have him.
So in summation the women in the this book are either sluts, nymphomaniacs, psychotic, or just total sad sacks and, really, isn't it Dylan who we need to feel sorry for here? Poor guy really got himself into a jam this time. Boys will be boys, ya know.
This book was at least 100 pages too long. The ending left much to be desired. Seriously, Sheila, when will you fucking learn?
Pro's: I liked Steve their teenage son. That's it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2019
2.5*
I’ve been looking forward to this read one for some time. Being somewhat familiar with the author Kevin O’Brien’s books over the years, I always wanted to read one, but somehow never had the opportunity. Until now…let’s do this!
To be honest, I came away with mixed feelings. At over 500 pages long, I feel it could have been just as effective (If not more so) trimming about 200 pages off of it. That said…for its size I must admit it did read fast! And my curiosity was piqued to see how this one would end.
I don’t think I’ve despised all the characters in a book more than those in this one. Well, with the exception of the teenage son. The only sensible, sweet one in the bunch! I think he needs a new family!
I struggled with the wife Sheila and what she tolerated! The oddest things seemed to bother her while blatant OMG moments were stuffed under the carpet. Ugh…frustrating!
It was those moments that prevented me from loving this book.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Kevin O’Brien for an ARC to read and review.
I’ve been looking forward to this read one for some time. Being somewhat familiar with the author Kevin O’Brien’s books over the years, I always wanted to read one, but somehow never had the opportunity. Until now…let’s do this!
To be honest, I came away with mixed feelings. At over 500 pages long, I feel it could have been just as effective (If not more so) trimming about 200 pages off of it. That said…for its size I must admit it did read fast! And my curiosity was piqued to see how this one would end.
I don’t think I’ve despised all the characters in a book more than those in this one. Well, with the exception of the teenage son. The only sensible, sweet one in the bunch! I think he needs a new family!
I struggled with the wife Sheila and what she tolerated! The oddest things seemed to bother her while blatant OMG moments were stuffed under the carpet. Ugh…frustrating!
It was those moments that prevented me from loving this book.
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Kevin O’Brien for an ARC to read and review.
September 1, 2019
2.5 Stars (rounded down)
A woman in Portland falls to her death from the rooftop of her apartment building. It is deemed a suicide.
In Seattle, Sheila O’Rourke receives an anonymous text on her phone with a link to the news article about the woman’s death. It is eerily familiar. Her husband Dylan, disagrees. Thereafter, Sheila finds that she is in danger. The brake lines on her car go out and her mechanic informs her that they were cut on purpose and she notices that people are stalking her.
Unfortunately for Sheila, her husband Dylan O’Rourke, can’t keep it in his pants. He never has and he never will, regardless of the fact that he’s married. What can he say, except that he likes women? He loves his wife, really, but he just can’t help himself. This time however, he gets caught.
Then there’s teenaged Eden and her boyfriend both of whom show up in Seattle. They have a plan.
Sounds like a fairly tame mystery / suspense right? Wrong! Talk about crazy and insanely far-fetched. “The Betrayed Wife” is an entertaining read to say the least.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Kevin O’Brien for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 8.31.19.
A woman in Portland falls to her death from the rooftop of her apartment building. It is deemed a suicide.
In Seattle, Sheila O’Rourke receives an anonymous text on her phone with a link to the news article about the woman’s death. It is eerily familiar. Her husband Dylan, disagrees. Thereafter, Sheila finds that she is in danger. The brake lines on her car go out and her mechanic informs her that they were cut on purpose and she notices that people are stalking her.
Unfortunately for Sheila, her husband Dylan O’Rourke, can’t keep it in his pants. He never has and he never will, regardless of the fact that he’s married. What can he say, except that he likes women? He loves his wife, really, but he just can’t help himself. This time however, he gets caught.
Then there’s teenaged Eden and her boyfriend both of whom show up in Seattle. They have a plan.
Sounds like a fairly tame mystery / suspense right? Wrong! Talk about crazy and insanely far-fetched. “The Betrayed Wife” is an entertaining read to say the least.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Kevin O’Brien for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 8.31.19.
July 19, 2021
The Betrayed Wife by Kevin O’Brien is a fast paced psychological thriller. The characters in this one, Sheila and Dylan, are married with three children of their own when Dylan’s past comes back to haunt them.
Sheila knows her husband’s flaws but has tried to overlook them for the sake of their children. That is until she begins to suspect she’s being followed and then one day walks into a teen couple in her home. The girl claims to be Dylan’s daughter from a previous relationship shaking up Sheila’s already precarious world.
Having read other books by Kevin O’Brien I knew going into this one that it would fly by at a fast pace and it definitely did which I like. While the book is on the lengthy side it didn’t bother me as much as some with a slower pace although it could have benefitted from shortening a bit. This was also the type that none of the characters were particularly likable and sometimes you want to shout at them but overall I found this one to rate about three and a half stars with some of the authors others being stronger reads for me. .
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Sheila knows her husband’s flaws but has tried to overlook them for the sake of their children. That is until she begins to suspect she’s being followed and then one day walks into a teen couple in her home. The girl claims to be Dylan’s daughter from a previous relationship shaking up Sheila’s already precarious world.
Having read other books by Kevin O’Brien I knew going into this one that it would fly by at a fast pace and it definitely did which I like. While the book is on the lengthy side it didn’t bother me as much as some with a slower pace although it could have benefitted from shortening a bit. This was also the type that none of the characters were particularly likable and sometimes you want to shout at them but overall I found this one to rate about three and a half stars with some of the authors others being stronger reads for me. .
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 4, 2019
The Betrayed Wife, by Kevin O'Brien, is a novel of suspense, a roller coaster ride of many twists and turns, simply Unputdownable!
Sheila and Dylan are married with 3 children. Dylan has been unfaithful the entire time which leads to them being confronted by a 17 yr old girl claiming to be his daughter from one of his indiscretions.
Immediately things begin to take a turn for the worse for their family and I mean horrifically worse.
Author Kevin O'Brien had me on the edge of my seat throughout!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Sheila and Dylan are married with 3 children. Dylan has been unfaithful the entire time which leads to them being confronted by a 17 yr old girl claiming to be his daughter from one of his indiscretions.
Immediately things begin to take a turn for the worse for their family and I mean horrifically worse.
Author Kevin O'Brien had me on the edge of my seat throughout!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2019
Lots of surprising twists. I’d this the perfect family? Dylan is no angle Shiela knows that Dylan and his wife sheila have 3 kids. One day Dylan’s past comes back to haunt them. A 16 year old daughter Dylan knew nothing about arrives. Trying to make things up to her he invites her to stay with his other family. This is when things go horribly wrong.
July 26, 2019
A leapord does not change its spots, and neither does an infidel husband. I have to be honest here, Dylan was the most horrible of husbands. He was only busy trying to find the next woman to score with. To think he had grown up children along with an illegitimate one who popped up suddenly into their family life. You would think he would then find his shame.... Noooo he found the next woman... But someone was killing these women too... What would the wife Sheila do now? Or was she the killer?
My first book by Kevin O'Brien, and it was obvious the author had gone all out to make this book filled with highs and lows of a thriller. Just when I thought I knew the husband, he proved to me how low he could get, all for the next conquest. I liked his characterization as I could hate him pretty much throughout the book.
Ah now the wife, she was portrayed well by the author, a woman who lived with the man and forgave him for the multitude of affairs. Though I wasn't quite sure why an independent woman would, especially when the children had grown up. Ah well, to each his/her own.
The murders brought their own excitement, but as the wife investigated deeper into husband's past, I could guess the killer. I actually shut my brain to read this book. I wouldn't say I loved the book, but it was something I couldn't move away from. I had to know if the lying, rotten husband would get drawn and quartered. So to me, it was a fun thriller.
My first book by Kevin O'Brien, and it was obvious the author had gone all out to make this book filled with highs and lows of a thriller. Just when I thought I knew the husband, he proved to me how low he could get, all for the next conquest. I liked his characterization as I could hate him pretty much throughout the book.
Ah now the wife, she was portrayed well by the author, a woman who lived with the man and forgave him for the multitude of affairs. Though I wasn't quite sure why an independent woman would, especially when the children had grown up. Ah well, to each his/her own.
The murders brought their own excitement, but as the wife investigated deeper into husband's past, I could guess the killer. I actually shut my brain to read this book. I wouldn't say I loved the book, but it was something I couldn't move away from. I had to know if the lying, rotten husband would get drawn and quartered. So to me, it was a fun thriller.
January 4, 2021
What would you do if a teenage girl walked into your home claiming to be your husband's daughter? She's dirty, she's got a mouth on her, she's covered in Goth make-up. Even worse is the young man who accompanies her ...
Sheila has been followed for a couple of weeks. Her husband doesn't quite believe her, even when she shows his the texts about a murdered woman being found. The text also hinted that her husband knows more than he's telling. Someone has broken into her neighbor's house. Someone cut the brakes on her care.
She really wants to trust her husband ... but who is out there trying to kill her? Is his daughter responsible .. or the boyfriend? Or is there someone else?
She's always known that he was a serial cheater, but they have 3 children together and she wants to keep it that way until they are all in college.
This novel has so much going on .... the husband's cheating, the wife's neurosis from something that happened in her past .... the dog next door that never stops barking .... a few murders .... a teenage son who is an expert on all things serial killers ... a teenage daughter who never seems to be seen unless she's on her phone ... and now the 'new' daughter that joins their household.
Although the plot has been done many times before, there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader riveted to the pages. The characters for the most part are not likable in any way. If this is what the author was going for, he succeeded very well. The ending was unexpected, surprising with a terrific twist.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 10, 2019
I always look forward to Kevin O'Brien's next novel, and I was not disappointed with his latest, THE BETRAYED WIFE. Once again, Mr. O'Brien has crafted an "unputdownable" story. With twists and turns galore and a husband you will love to hate, don't miss this book!
July 25, 2019
This book was a whole damn mess. The husband literally slips his business into any female that looks his way, the wife knows about it and she just takes it. She is literally being stalked by someone, but instead of blaming any of the 456431234896323 women her husband is sleeping with, she immediately blames his daughter (from an affair that he conveniently never knew about, of course). So people are dying, the main character has a secret, and dude is just a complete tool. Honestly I hated all the characters in this book. Women were literally just holes to this guy, except for the woman he "loved" after seeing her for five minutes at the gym. And they're all STUPID. He's "hot" so they're all willing to ruin their lives (or end others') to be able to be with him, even though HIS WIFE WON'T LEAVE HIM. After all this, she still says she's going to stay with him, for the kids. I. Can't. Honestly I was just hoping someone was going to Lorena Bobbitt him so that the book would just end. Ugh.
September 17, 2019
Meh. Lifetime movie-ish woman-in-peril potboiler with cardboard characters and a paint-by-numbers plot with zero suspense. Harsh, I know, but I'm disappointed. I was once a big fan of Kevin O'Brien, but either he's lost his mojo or I've simply outgrown him. I used to pre-order his books the moment they were available and now, I'm thinking--never again.
August 24, 2019
Sheila O'Rourke behaves in a really kind manner. Her marriage was a bit rocky, but a recent move to Seattle smoothed things out a bit. However, when a teen girl shows up at her home, claiming to be the daughter of her mother, Sheila is perplexed. Shockingly, the girl's mother has just died from falling off a roof. Knowing she has no one else, Sheila invites the girl, Eden, to live with her husband and their two teen children.
Things begin to go awry rather quickly. Things such as anonymous texts, strange noises next door, and other odd things, make Sheila worry. She is not just worried that this might have something to do with Eden, but she begins to doubt her husband Dylan. Is there something that he is hiding from her?
This psychological thriller by Kevin O'Brien has no shortage of unlikable characters, most notably, Eden and Dylan. As Dylan's true nature is revealed, it is any wonder that Sheila stayed with him over the years. Then there is the weird and obnoxious neighbor that moves in next door. Also, there is Eden's boyfriend. Lastly, there is an unnamed narrator for part of the story. Therefore, there are lots of twists and turns throughout the many pages. I was rather impressed with Sheila's focus. Had it been me, I would have shriveled up and shut out the world.
The Betrayed Wife is the first book I have read by this author. I loved the style, the suspense and the shocking conclusion. This book did WOW me and I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
Many thanks to Pinnacle Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Things begin to go awry rather quickly. Things such as anonymous texts, strange noises next door, and other odd things, make Sheila worry. She is not just worried that this might have something to do with Eden, but she begins to doubt her husband Dylan. Is there something that he is hiding from her?
This psychological thriller by Kevin O'Brien has no shortage of unlikable characters, most notably, Eden and Dylan. As Dylan's true nature is revealed, it is any wonder that Sheila stayed with him over the years. Then there is the weird and obnoxious neighbor that moves in next door. Also, there is Eden's boyfriend. Lastly, there is an unnamed narrator for part of the story. Therefore, there are lots of twists and turns throughout the many pages. I was rather impressed with Sheila's focus. Had it been me, I would have shriveled up and shut out the world.
The Betrayed Wife is the first book I have read by this author. I loved the style, the suspense and the shocking conclusion. This book did WOW me and I look forward to reading more from him in the future.
Many thanks to Pinnacle Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 17, 2019
Wow! Just when you think the husband couldn’t do any worse, he does. The wife really had to endure more than I predicted going into the book. Recommended to anyone who’s looking for a good thriller as it definitely kept me on my toes!
August 30, 2019
So who won at the end of this really? Certainly not me for having finished it.
I am starting to wonder what genre I should start giving a chance because these mysteries/thrillers are not doing it for me. The themes are similar and the stories are downright depressing. I know it’s fiction and not everything has a “happily ever after”, and shouldn’t, but come on!
The thing about this one? It was just too full of stupid. I don’t mind a villain, the more evil, the better. Bring it on! But I want them to be clever. All the women in this story were dormant, manipulated, over the top and just plain dumb.
Perhaps if it had one redeeming character, one person to root for then it could have been salvaged for me?!? Not sure. Maybe if you don’t read many thrillers or don’t mind a cast of horrific characters (minus Steve) you will get a kick out of this. Please give it a try if it appeals. The writing is good and this could have just not been my cup of tea or wrong story/wrong time...
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kensington Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
I am starting to wonder what genre I should start giving a chance because these mysteries/thrillers are not doing it for me. The themes are similar and the stories are downright depressing. I know it’s fiction and not everything has a “happily ever after”, and shouldn’t, but come on!
The thing about this one? It was just too full of stupid. I don’t mind a villain, the more evil, the better. Bring it on! But I want them to be clever. All the women in this story were dormant, manipulated, over the top and just plain dumb.
Perhaps if it had one redeeming character, one person to root for then it could have been salvaged for me?!? Not sure. Maybe if you don’t read many thrillers or don’t mind a cast of horrific characters (minus Steve) you will get a kick out of this. Please give it a try if it appeals. The writing is good and this could have just not been my cup of tea or wrong story/wrong time...
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kensington Books for a copy in exchange for a review.
June 13, 2019
This is an addictive and engrossing psychological thriller that kept me glued to the book way beyond my bed time.
Sheila is the long suffering wife of Dylan who seems to be a serial cheater.
One day his "maybe" daughter arrives at their door, and in an attempt to make up for his ever neglect Dylan invites her to stay. Big mistake.
From this point onward an explosive chain reaction of secrets, betrayals, utter craziness, obsessiveness and much more erupt with unforeseen consequences and a satisfactory ending.
Thanks Netgalley, Kensington Books, and author Kevin O'Brien for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sheila is the long suffering wife of Dylan who seems to be a serial cheater.
One day his "maybe" daughter arrives at their door, and in an attempt to make up for his ever neglect Dylan invites her to stay. Big mistake.
From this point onward an explosive chain reaction of secrets, betrayals, utter craziness, obsessiveness and much more erupt with unforeseen consequences and a satisfactory ending.
Thanks Netgalley, Kensington Books, and author Kevin O'Brien for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2019
Creepy Read! This book is one you will not be able to put down. It has so many family dynamics issues in it. It will make you ponder who well do you know your husband. So many things going on in the book, it was a fast read. The storyline was intriguing and appalling at the same time. It will have you questioning , who do you really trust.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley
#thebetrayedwife
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.
#netgalley
#thebetrayedwife
August 12, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
September 26, 2021
O’Brien always manages to release a unique and page-turning premise. Eager to see how the follow-up story holds up but I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
May 20, 2019
Philandering husband + complacent wife + illegitimate daughter = disaster!
This book has all the ingredients for a suspenseful novel. I have read most of Kevin O'Brien's novels and have enjoyed them all. I feel this one was missing something. This one could have been so much more. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I did but wanted more. I feel like the characters could have been so much more intense ... more dimensional ... stronger.
3.5/5
Thank you #netgalley and #kensington for the eARC.
This book has all the ingredients for a suspenseful novel. I have read most of Kevin O'Brien's novels and have enjoyed them all. I feel this one was missing something. This one could have been so much more. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I did but wanted more. I feel like the characters could have been so much more intense ... more dimensional ... stronger.
3.5/5
Thank you #netgalley and #kensington for the eARC.
June 19, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley, Kevin O'Brien and Kensington Books/Pinnacle for this ARC.
I've been a Kevin O'Brien fan for a while now, and I really enjoyed this book. It's got the right amount of "oh my God" and "wtf" moments that are common in a KB novel.
I really disliked Dylan's character, and with good reason. He's not a good father or husband. There were times I wanted to reach through the pages and shake him because he was being an idiot.
All in all, this was another fantastic read from Kevin O'Brien.
I've been a Kevin O'Brien fan for a while now, and I really enjoyed this book. It's got the right amount of "oh my God" and "wtf" moments that are common in a KB novel.
I really disliked Dylan's character, and with good reason. He's not a good father or husband. There were times I wanted to reach through the pages and shake him because he was being an idiot.
All in all, this was another fantastic read from Kevin O'Brien.
May 19, 2019
The Betrayed Wife by Kevin O’Brien is an awesome domestic psychological thriller that is not to be missed! So many twist and turns, many emotions run wild while reading this! Loved it!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2019
Great book,, twist and turns.. Thought I had it figured out but I was wrong.. I really enjoyed ,, Kevin O'brien never disappoints..
July 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
This book starts out showing the death of Antonia. She is thrown naked from the roof of her apartment building and her daughter, Eden is sent to live with her father, Dylan O'Roarke. He had a fling with Toni sixteen years earlier. And his string of discarded women is immense. Needless to say, some of these women come with a lot of baggage.
Before Eden comes to live with them, she and her boyfriend Brodie start tormenting Dylan's wife Sheila. And then the trouble starts getting worse and worse for Sheila. Someone puts Visine in her cranberry juice and sets the dryer to give her a lethal shock. Then she finds glass ground in one of her liquor bottles. And Sheila vows to get to the bottom of these schemes but the situation continues to get worse.
The author really had me fooled. I take everything at face value so when the person who was really behind the gas lighting of Sheila was revealed, I was shocked. Good show, Kevin O'Brien! This novel disturbed me because this sort of thing could happen to any of us.
Highly recommended.
I want to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title in return for an honest review.
This book starts out showing the death of Antonia. She is thrown naked from the roof of her apartment building and her daughter, Eden is sent to live with her father, Dylan O'Roarke. He had a fling with Toni sixteen years earlier. And his string of discarded women is immense. Needless to say, some of these women come with a lot of baggage.
Before Eden comes to live with them, she and her boyfriend Brodie start tormenting Dylan's wife Sheila. And then the trouble starts getting worse and worse for Sheila. Someone puts Visine in her cranberry juice and sets the dryer to give her a lethal shock. Then she finds glass ground in one of her liquor bottles. And Sheila vows to get to the bottom of these schemes but the situation continues to get worse.
The author really had me fooled. I take everything at face value so when the person who was really behind the gas lighting of Sheila was revealed, I was shocked. Good show, Kevin O'Brien! This novel disturbed me because this sort of thing could happen to any of us.
Highly recommended.
I want to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title in return for an honest review.
July 31, 2024
I have read 2 books from the author Kevin O'Brien so far. Interestingly all the women seem to be psychopaths or are at least mentally challenged. And the men seem to be mainly philanderers and view themselves as victims.
Will probably not read again.
Will probably not read again.
June 29, 2019
I have been having great luck with new-to-me authors recently and Kevin O'Brien is yet another exciting discovery for me. This was a really solid and engrossing thriller.
One day Sheila - long-suffering wife of philanderer Dylan - begins receiving creepy, anonymous texts and believes that someone may be following her. Then, a teenage girl shows up at their house claiming to be Dylan's child that he had with another woman. Dylan decides he wants to finally do the right thing so he invites Eden into their home to stay.
This thrilling novel is a wild ride filled with secrets, obsession and betrayal. This is a long one but I flew through it as the story was so gripping! Highly recommend.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
One day Sheila - long-suffering wife of philanderer Dylan - begins receiving creepy, anonymous texts and believes that someone may be following her. Then, a teenage girl shows up at their house claiming to be Dylan's child that he had with another woman. Dylan decides he wants to finally do the right thing so he invites Eden into their home to stay.
This thrilling novel is a wild ride filled with secrets, obsession and betrayal. This is a long one but I flew through it as the story was so gripping! Highly recommend.
*ARC copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2019
A daughter you never knew about, a philandering husband, stalkers, obsession, cheating, ex-lovers, lies, deciet and so many twists and turns that your head will spin, this story pulls you and doesn't let go until the explode ending. Told through multiple points of view, with engaging characters, this is one wild ride. It was like a boomerang of suspects going through your mind having you thinking, "no its her, no now I think its her!", you definitely will not see that ending coming!
June 3, 2019
The Betrayed Wife by Kevin O’Brien is an impressive emotional domestic thriller. Many twists and turns and an unexpected ending.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
July 25, 2019
I felt physically ill after reading this, and not because of the thrill or any horror aspects. It just reminded me of why I don't read thrillers by very many men these days.
All of the female characters were "crazy," obsessed with the main male character just because he was good looking, throwing the words bitch and skank around at each other wayyyy too often, and the language around the women who slept around was charged with negative energy. Yet, the main male character was a cheating, awful husband, but was made to look like the poor fool caught in between all the drama.
There was also a lot of language like, "she was actually pretty underneath all of that goth makeup," from literally every character. We get it, Kevin, you don't like a lot of makeup. *rolls eyes forever*
Shiela was the only character that kept me reading more, because she had at least a few deeper traits than being a crazy lady. I think. I don't know anymore.
All of the female characters were "crazy," obsessed with the main male character just because he was good looking, throwing the words bitch and skank around at each other wayyyy too often, and the language around the women who slept around was charged with negative energy. Yet, the main male character was a cheating, awful husband, but was made to look like the poor fool caught in between all the drama.
There was also a lot of language like, "she was actually pretty underneath all of that goth makeup," from literally every character. We get it, Kevin, you don't like a lot of makeup. *rolls eyes forever*
Shiela was the only character that kept me reading more, because she had at least a few deeper traits than being a crazy lady. I think. I don't know anymore.
May 26, 2019
Wow!! The Betrayed Wife is a non stop thriller. I read it in two days. Could not put it down and I was reading until 2am.
Sheila O'Rourke is the mother of three children and living in Seattle. Her husband is a very attractive man and not too faithful. He is a good father to the children and can be a loving man so Sheila sort of looks the other way when he cheats. Not a good idea but...
A young girl, Eden shows up on their doorstep claiming to be his child and setting a non stop storm in motion. This book is fantastic. Loved it.
Sheila O'Rourke is the mother of three children and living in Seattle. Her husband is a very attractive man and not too faithful. He is a good father to the children and can be a loving man so Sheila sort of looks the other way when he cheats. Not a good idea but...
A young girl, Eden shows up on their doorstep claiming to be his child and setting a non stop storm in motion. This book is fantastic. Loved it.
July 5, 2019
When Dylan O'Rourke' s abandoned teenaged daughter Eden shows up at the home he shares with his wife Sheila and their children, , the normal peace and quiet of their home is shattered. And the creepy boyfriend who accompanied Eden on her journey to find her father after her mother died in a mysterious rooftop fall doesn't help. Not that Toni, the dead woman, was any prize as a mother, according to Eden, and Tony' s friends. But something doesn't ring true to Sheila, even though she knows the girl has been through a lot. Then a strange and decidedly unfriendly woman moves into the house next door, refusing to silence her constantly barking dog and upping the tension. What Eden wants is the axis on which the convoluted plot turns, in a story that keeps the readers interest even when the pace lags.
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