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The Man I Married
You love him. You’ll do anything for him. But do you really know him?
This is the story of Lucy and Paul.
They met. They fell deeply in love. They got married.
Lucy thought that she had everything she wanted.
Until she found the photograph from Paul's past life, read the text messages he's so desperately trying to hide. Until she uncovered Paul’s darkest secrets.
Now Lucy realizes she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. She doesn’t know the lengths Paul would go to keep his perfect life.
And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...
A gripping, dark psychological thriller with an absolutely nail-biting ending that will keep you hooked - the perfect read for fans of Behind Closed Doors, Mark Edwards, and Lisa Jewell.
This is the story of Lucy and Paul.
They met. They fell deeply in love. They got married.
Lucy thought that she had everything she wanted.
Until she found the photograph from Paul's past life, read the text messages he's so desperately trying to hide. Until she uncovered Paul’s darkest secrets.
Now Lucy realizes she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. She doesn’t know the lengths Paul would go to keep his perfect life.
And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...
A gripping, dark psychological thriller with an absolutely nail-biting ending that will keep you hooked - the perfect read for fans of Behind Closed Doors, Mark Edwards, and Lisa Jewell.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2020
487 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
July 6, 2021
EXCERPT: Blood has a smell.
I look around me. I'm sitting on a bench.
It comes again.
It's visceral, like meat.
I gaze down at my hands. I don't recognize them; they lie upturned and curled in my scarlet-stained lap. Every crease is dark with what looks like rust. My palms open like flowers and I feel the skin stretch and tighten. A cold breeze skims the wet patches on my dress. The wool sticks unpleasantly to my skin and a chill slides down my spine.
I close my eyes.
Behind the lids the dying winter sunlight zigzags in orange and purple flashes. Somewhere behind the bushes I can hear the girls, giggling. I squint; I can't see them now, but I know they're there.
'You can't hide in here forever you know!'
There's a woman's voice. She's getting closer.
'I think it's time we should be going though, don't you? Come on.'
I squint. The viburnum bush trembles; its propeller-headed flowers nod and bounce in bright pink bells against the thicket of black. I imagine her reaction as she walks past. She'll see the state of me and I'll see her face: the shock at my matted hair and disheveled clothes. She doesn't know who I am and I don't want to scare her. 'You don't know me -' I'll say. She'll look at me, wary and unsure.
'-But can I tell you what happened? I think you'll understand when I explain.' I'll hold out my hands and she'll see the state of them.
I know my story is also her story.
I've done this for her, for the children, for all of us... that's why he's dead.
ABOUT 'THE MAN I MARRIED': This is the story of Lucy and Paul.
They met. They fell deeply in love. They got married.
Lucy thought that she had everything she wanted.
Until she found the photograph from Paul's past life, read the text messages he's so desperately trying to hide. Until she uncovered Paul’s darkest secrets.
Now Lucy realizes she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. She doesn’t know the lengths Paul would go to keep his perfect life.
And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...
MY THOUGHTS: The character of Lucy both irritated me and intrigued me. I couldn't understand why she married this man. I couldn't understand why she continued to stay married to this man. I wanted to slap some sense into her. I wanted to watch the train wreck that I knew was coming.
Paul is a master manipulator. He plays Lucy like a virtuoso. He has a past that he continually lies about. Lucy is afraid that his past is colliding with her present. But how can she tell what is true and what isn't?
Although there were things in The Man I Married that didn't quite gel for me, and Lucy comes across as desperate and unhinged, I enjoyed it. This was due in part to the relentless pace of the plot, but also to the sterling narration by Colleen Prendergast.
My jury is still out on the ending. It's quite a strange ending, and I am not totally convinced that this was the best possible outcome.
The Man I Married is Elena Wilkes debut novel, and I am excited to see what she writes next.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheManIMarried #NetGalley
I: #elenawilkes #sagaegmont
T:
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #mystery #psychologicalthriller #romanticsuspense
THE AUTHOR: Elena Wilkes grew up in Walsall in the West Midlands and then worked for eighteen years in H.M Prison Service. The people she met there provided the basis for all her novels.
Many of the prisoners there came across as very ordinary people who had committed the most appalling crimes but would, one day, walk straight back on the streets.
This begged the question: how much do we know about anyone, really? The people who live amongst us may seem no different from us at all, but when you scratch a little deeper, you realise they hold some very dark secrets.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Man I Married written by Elena Wilkes and narrated by Colleen Prendergast for review.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I look around me. I'm sitting on a bench.
It comes again.
It's visceral, like meat.
I gaze down at my hands. I don't recognize them; they lie upturned and curled in my scarlet-stained lap. Every crease is dark with what looks like rust. My palms open like flowers and I feel the skin stretch and tighten. A cold breeze skims the wet patches on my dress. The wool sticks unpleasantly to my skin and a chill slides down my spine.
I close my eyes.
Behind the lids the dying winter sunlight zigzags in orange and purple flashes. Somewhere behind the bushes I can hear the girls, giggling. I squint; I can't see them now, but I know they're there.
'You can't hide in here forever you know!'
There's a woman's voice. She's getting closer.
'I think it's time we should be going though, don't you? Come on.'
I squint. The viburnum bush trembles; its propeller-headed flowers nod and bounce in bright pink bells against the thicket of black. I imagine her reaction as she walks past. She'll see the state of me and I'll see her face: the shock at my matted hair and disheveled clothes. She doesn't know who I am and I don't want to scare her. 'You don't know me -' I'll say. She'll look at me, wary and unsure.
'-But can I tell you what happened? I think you'll understand when I explain.' I'll hold out my hands and she'll see the state of them.
I know my story is also her story.
I've done this for her, for the children, for all of us... that's why he's dead.
ABOUT 'THE MAN I MARRIED': This is the story of Lucy and Paul.
They met. They fell deeply in love. They got married.
Lucy thought that she had everything she wanted.
Until she found the photograph from Paul's past life, read the text messages he's so desperately trying to hide. Until she uncovered Paul’s darkest secrets.
Now Lucy realizes she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. She doesn’t know the lengths Paul would go to keep his perfect life.
And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...
MY THOUGHTS: The character of Lucy both irritated me and intrigued me. I couldn't understand why she married this man. I couldn't understand why she continued to stay married to this man. I wanted to slap some sense into her. I wanted to watch the train wreck that I knew was coming.
Paul is a master manipulator. He plays Lucy like a virtuoso. He has a past that he continually lies about. Lucy is afraid that his past is colliding with her present. But how can she tell what is true and what isn't?
Although there were things in The Man I Married that didn't quite gel for me, and Lucy comes across as desperate and unhinged, I enjoyed it. This was due in part to the relentless pace of the plot, but also to the sterling narration by Colleen Prendergast.
My jury is still out on the ending. It's quite a strange ending, and I am not totally convinced that this was the best possible outcome.
The Man I Married is Elena Wilkes debut novel, and I am excited to see what she writes next.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheManIMarried #NetGalley
I: #elenawilkes #sagaegmont
T:
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #mystery #psychologicalthriller #romanticsuspense
THE AUTHOR: Elena Wilkes grew up in Walsall in the West Midlands and then worked for eighteen years in H.M Prison Service. The people she met there provided the basis for all her novels.
Many of the prisoners there came across as very ordinary people who had committed the most appalling crimes but would, one day, walk straight back on the streets.
This begged the question: how much do we know about anyone, really? The people who live amongst us may seem no different from us at all, but when you scratch a little deeper, you realise they hold some very dark secrets.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Saga Egmont Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Man I Married written by Elena Wilkes and narrated by Colleen Prendergast for review.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 21, 2021
Entertaining, yet very predictable. This book was extremely slow in the beginning. The story did pick up at about the halfway point. Lucy is in a constant battle between what she believes to be true and what the new man in her life, Paul, tells her is true. The plot unfolded like your typical Lifetime movie. Once the final twist was revealed, I expected more. The ending was somewhat convoluted and rushed. This is definitely not the worst thriller I have read, but undoubtedly not one of the best either. Three stars for entertainment value. Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
The Man I Married is a twisty thriller. The first half of the book I was trying to figure out what was going to happen. The first half is really building the story and giving background. It is interesting but the typical thriller starts in the second half. The second half is a lot faster paced and an interesting thriller.
Lucy meets Paul and they quickly fall in love and get married. Then Lucy starts catching Paul lying and starts questioning everything. Lucy is left wondering what is true? Lucy doesn't know what is going on. Who can Lucy trust and how can she find out the truth?
I recommend this book to anyone that likes domestic thrillers. The Man I Married is Elena Wilke's debut novel. I cannot wait to read her future novels.
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for The Man I Married.
Publication Date August 26
Available Now
Lucy meets Paul and they quickly fall in love and get married. Then Lucy starts catching Paul lying and starts questioning everything. Lucy is left wondering what is true? Lucy doesn't know what is going on. Who can Lucy trust and how can she find out the truth?
I recommend this book to anyone that likes domestic thrillers. The Man I Married is Elena Wilke's debut novel. I cannot wait to read her future novels.
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for The Man I Married.
Publication Date August 26
Available Now
August 12, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
When Lucy and Paul met they fell deeply in love. They got married and Lucy thought she had everything she wanted. But then she finds a photo from Paul's past life and reads the text messages Paul's desperately trying to hide. Now Lucy realises she doesn't really know her husband.
It's true, we don't really know someone until we marry them and this story only proves this. Lucy has had bad relationships with men in the past. So when she meets Paul in a bar one night, she is swept off her feet and the pair are quickly married. But Paul started acting strange. He made her think she was loosing the plot. He was controlling and angry most of the time. The story is told from Lucy's perspective. The tension builds with every turn of the page. This is a gripping, dark and twisted insight into emotional abuse. The ending leaves a few unanswered questions and we are left to assume what had happened. The pace is decent in this really good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hera Books and the author Elena Wilkes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Lucy and Paul met they fell deeply in love. They got married and Lucy thought she had everything she wanted. But then she finds a photo from Paul's past life and reads the text messages Paul's desperately trying to hide. Now Lucy realises she doesn't really know her husband.
It's true, we don't really know someone until we marry them and this story only proves this. Lucy has had bad relationships with men in the past. So when she meets Paul in a bar one night, she is swept off her feet and the pair are quickly married. But Paul started acting strange. He made her think she was loosing the plot. He was controlling and angry most of the time. The story is told from Lucy's perspective. The tension builds with every turn of the page. This is a gripping, dark and twisted insight into emotional abuse. The ending leaves a few unanswered questions and we are left to assume what had happened. The pace is decent in this really good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hera Books and the author Elena Wilkes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2021
I really don’t want to meet Lucy, I’ll become just as unhinged as her!
She ridiculously got on my nerves.
Why did she stay married to Peter, why? Especially when she found that photo, why! When she gathered what is was he was hiding, why?!
On some plane in this book I was liking it, on another she annoyed the hell out of me.
You know what I mean right?
It’s dark….don’t go in there….
It’s dangerous, stay away.
But they don’t! Off they pop creeping in where I’d not need to be told twice, I’d be gone in a heartbeat.
Peter. The manipulator.
I don’t need to like the characters to like a book.
But I do need to understand why Lucy stayed with Peter.
At the end of the day I hear you say “why did you give it 4* then Sue?”
Because the plot was good although frustratingly obvious. The author writes well.
There were plenty of tropes in this thriller I liked, there were a few things I wasn’t expecting.
So for that, it went from a 3* to a 4*. However, that couple still got on me nerves!
It’s worth reading, even just to ping me your thoughts!
She ridiculously got on my nerves.
Why did she stay married to Peter, why? Especially when she found that photo, why! When she gathered what is was he was hiding, why?!
On some plane in this book I was liking it, on another she annoyed the hell out of me.
You know what I mean right?
It’s dark….don’t go in there….
It’s dangerous, stay away.
But they don’t! Off they pop creeping in where I’d not need to be told twice, I’d be gone in a heartbeat.
Peter. The manipulator.
I don’t need to like the characters to like a book.
But I do need to understand why Lucy stayed with Peter.
At the end of the day I hear you say “why did you give it 4* then Sue?”
Because the plot was good although frustratingly obvious. The author writes well.
There were plenty of tropes in this thriller I liked, there were a few things I wasn’t expecting.
So for that, it went from a 3* to a 4*. However, that couple still got on me nerves!
It’s worth reading, even just to ping me your thoughts!
August 22, 2020
The Man I Married falls into the recent spate of books with the theme: “Is she crazy or does she have a horrible husband who is gaslighting her?” This book is hard to review for me. On the one hand, it’s very well-written, super creepy, and the suspense was very good. On the other hand, some of the things that happen here are so obviously manipulative and horrible that it’s very difficult to see Lucy continue justifying them through most of the book. You have to really suspend your disbelief to think that Lucy wouldn’t see some of these things sooner. I know that this sometimes happens in real life, but the way it was written here got very hard to read for me. Really when I’m reading books like this, it’s for a vicarious thrill, so I’m looking for the hero or heroine to rise up or to figure things out and outsmart the baddies. Or to go another way and maybe she really IS crazy. This book spent a lot of time in between, with Lucy cowering and flipping out when the answer was somewhat obvious. While this reaction is totally understandable in real life, it was just kind of hard to read here as written by the author.
There are also a couple of very interesting subplots, but one of them gets dropped entirely by the end of the book, which I did not understand. The other one, about Lucy’s husband’s previous girlfriend, is very interesting. I would have liked to have seen it developed more and earlier. I think having both subplots going on detracted from the main parts of the story I found most interesting.
Overall this book was very well written and had very good potential, But I had some trouble understanding the main character at times, perhaps also because of all the other subplots going on with her. 3.5 stars - I’d definitely try this author again, because she has a very suspenseful, fast-paced and page turning style. I seem to be in the minority with my opinion on this one, so your mileage may vary. Either way, I look forward to reading more reviews to see what others thought.
Thanks to Hera, NetGalley and Elena Wilkes for the ARC.
There are also a couple of very interesting subplots, but one of them gets dropped entirely by the end of the book, which I did not understand. The other one, about Lucy’s husband’s previous girlfriend, is very interesting. I would have liked to have seen it developed more and earlier. I think having both subplots going on detracted from the main parts of the story I found most interesting.
Overall this book was very well written and had very good potential, But I had some trouble understanding the main character at times, perhaps also because of all the other subplots going on with her. 3.5 stars - I’d definitely try this author again, because she has a very suspenseful, fast-paced and page turning style. I seem to be in the minority with my opinion on this one, so your mileage may vary. Either way, I look forward to reading more reviews to see what others thought.
Thanks to Hera, NetGalley and Elena Wilkes for the ARC.
August 12, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
When Lucy and Paul met they fell deeply in love. They got married and Lucy thought she had everything she wanted. But then she finds a photo from Paul's past life and reads the text messages Paul's desperately trying to hide. Now Lucy realises she doesn't really know her husband.
It's true, we don't really know someone until we marry them and this story only proves this. Lucy has had bad relationships with men in the past. So when she meets Paul in a bar one night, she is swept off her feet and the pair are quickly married. But Paul started acting strange. He made her think she was loosing the plot. He was controlling and angry most of the time. The story is told from Lucy's perspective. The tension builds with every turn of the page. This is a gripping, dark and twisted insight into emotional abuse. The ending leaves a few unanswered questions and we are left to assume what had happened. The pace is decent in this really good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hers Books and the author Elena Wilkes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Lucy and Paul met they fell deeply in love. They got married and Lucy thought she had everything she wanted. But then she finds a photo from Paul's past life and reads the text messages Paul's desperately trying to hide. Now Lucy realises she doesn't really know her husband.
It's true, we don't really know someone until we marry them and this story only proves this. Lucy has had bad relationships with men in the past. So when she meets Paul in a bar one night, she is swept off her feet and the pair are quickly married. But Paul started acting strange. He made her think she was loosing the plot. He was controlling and angry most of the time. The story is told from Lucy's perspective. The tension builds with every turn of the page. This is a gripping, dark and twisted insight into emotional abuse. The ending leaves a few unanswered questions and we are left to assume what had happened. The pace is decent in this really good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hers Books and the author Elena Wilkes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2020
Lucy and Paul meet and it seems they're married in no time. Lucy thought she had everything she had ever wanted... but she's wrong.
Paul doesn't seem to be the same man she married a short time ago. He's lied about so much of his past. And he usually says one thing and then later on, deny that's what he said. Or he will accuse Lucy of saying or doing something that she knows she didn't. He's hiding text messages from .. someone. And that someone seems to be following Lucy.
So we ever truly know what's real and what's fiction? How well do you ever know the person you've married? Is he the sane one and you aren't?
This is a dark psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that bounce around like a gas-filled balloon. It is suspenseful from the beginning, but it does lag here and there. The characters weren't as defined as they could have been. I absolutely did not like the ending.. it felt a bit rushed and it left me with more questions than answers.
Many thanks to the author / Hera Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE MAN I MARRIED. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 29, 2020
When Lucy met Paul, she couldn't help but fall deeply in love with him. And when they got married, she thought that she had everything she wanted. Until she found the photograph from Paul's past life, read the text messages he's so desperately trying to hide.
Now Lucy realises she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...
This was quite a twisted read. I love the way the suspense develops slowly as the plot progresses.
The book focuses on the emotional abuse that some people go through in a relationship. At times they are so blind and trusting, that they ignore to recognise some of the obvious signs of warning that something is wrong.
I just wished that the story around Simon would have been better handled.
I also enjoyed reading the letter from the author, where she quite rightly points out that sometimes the people who commit the most deadliest crimes are the -" People who walk amongst us. They appear ordinary, not very different from us at all, but when you scratch a little deeper, you discover they hold some very dark and dangerous secrets."
Thank You to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC!
Now Lucy realises she doesn’t really know her husband. She doesn’t know if she can trust her own mind. And worst of all, she doesn’t know that she’s in danger...
This was quite a twisted read. I love the way the suspense develops slowly as the plot progresses.
The book focuses on the emotional abuse that some people go through in a relationship. At times they are so blind and trusting, that they ignore to recognise some of the obvious signs of warning that something is wrong.
I just wished that the story around Simon would have been better handled.
I also enjoyed reading the letter from the author, where she quite rightly points out that sometimes the people who commit the most deadliest crimes are the -" People who walk amongst us. They appear ordinary, not very different from us at all, but when you scratch a little deeper, you discover they hold some very dark and dangerous secrets."
Thank You to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC!
September 1, 2020
Whoa! This was one heck of a ride. I saw more ups and downs in this book than on the roads. The turnpins the author Elena Wilkes took brought the whole twist to the story.
A whirlwind of romance and secret marriage saw the main character Lucy bound to psychologist Paul Webb. But things started to happen. Paul’s behavior too left a lot to be questioned.
A debut by this author, I savored the freak-out tale, where I didn’t know what the truth was, right till the end. I loved how the twists turned me inside out. Nothing was as it appeared, and the author managed to keep the atmosphere suspenseful.
Some scenes were far fetched, but that was okay. I was too into the tale to not enjoy it. The main characters, oh Lucy, what could I have told her? I tried to poke her and get her to see the truth. But she was in love.
The race to know the reality of Lucy’s life got me tapping on my kindle until the last line. Whew!! It was harrowing, I tell ya!! Looking forward to see what this author would come up with next.
A whirlwind of romance and secret marriage saw the main character Lucy bound to psychologist Paul Webb. But things started to happen. Paul’s behavior too left a lot to be questioned.
A debut by this author, I savored the freak-out tale, where I didn’t know what the truth was, right till the end. I loved how the twists turned me inside out. Nothing was as it appeared, and the author managed to keep the atmosphere suspenseful.
Some scenes were far fetched, but that was okay. I was too into the tale to not enjoy it. The main characters, oh Lucy, what could I have told her? I tried to poke her and get her to see the truth. But she was in love.
The race to know the reality of Lucy’s life got me tapping on my kindle until the last line. Whew!! It was harrowing, I tell ya!! Looking forward to see what this author would come up with next.
February 6, 2022
Lucy and Paul fell in love fast. They married quickly. They are deeply in love ... until Lucy finds a photo from Paul's past, messages he tries to hard and she slowly uncovers Paul's secrets. She's in danger, but Lucy doesn't know quite how badly she is in danger just yet...
I'm confused. Very confused by this book. It had so many ways of being amazing and ended with no answers. I didn't understand the ending at all, I don't know if this is just me, I've not understood the story properly, but I'm absolutely so confused and quite gutted by this as I really did enjoy the start of the story.
I thought the story was more going to be about one of the main parts from the start (I can't say too much as I don't want to put any spoilers) - but that only ended up being a very small part of the story. Honestly the story would probably have been better as it being a much bigger part of the story.
Did anyone understand the ending? Is it just me? I'd never say to not try a book, so definitely give this a try, just maybe be prepared to end confused...?
I'm confused. Very confused by this book. It had so many ways of being amazing and ended with no answers. I didn't understand the ending at all, I don't know if this is just me, I've not understood the story properly, but I'm absolutely so confused and quite gutted by this as I really did enjoy the start of the story.
I thought the story was more going to be about one of the main parts from the start (I can't say too much as I don't want to put any spoilers) - but that only ended up being a very small part of the story. Honestly the story would probably have been better as it being a much bigger part of the story.
Did anyone understand the ending? Is it just me? I'd never say to not try a book, so definitely give this a try, just maybe be prepared to end confused...?
August 1, 2020
The Man I Married by Elena Wilkes is a dark psychological thriller that will keep you reading long into the night. Just how well do we ever really know those with whom we share some of our most intimate moments? And to what lengths will someone go to conceal the very darkest recesses of their soul?
When Lucy meets Paul, she believes that her prayers have been answered. After all, he is everything that she could ever want in a partner, and life seems to be idyllic. That is, until Lucy discovers a past that Paul will do anything to keep hidden from his adoring wife.
This is a compelling read that will leave you questioning all that is initially accepted at face value. It is probing, sinister, and creepy, and I loved every word of it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
When Lucy meets Paul, she believes that her prayers have been answered. After all, he is everything that she could ever want in a partner, and life seems to be idyllic. That is, until Lucy discovers a past that Paul will do anything to keep hidden from his adoring wife.
This is a compelling read that will leave you questioning all that is initially accepted at face value. It is probing, sinister, and creepy, and I loved every word of it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
August 4, 2020
This was a decent read. The story revolves around Lucy who meets Paul and their relationship progress very quickly. Paul seems the perfect guy at first but slowly things changes.
The book is filled with many twist and turns and it was surreal how Paul controlled everything in Lucy's life. He manipulated not only Lucy but also her friend and colleagues. What Paul did to Lucy was really well written and it was interesting how the situations turned around and it look totally different to the other characters. Paul's wickedness was on another level. The writing was good and engaging.
I enjoyed how Lucy was coming up with terms that something is wrong with Paul,and the subplot where she tried to unravel Paul's past.The ending was a bit abrupt. I felt things escalated very quickly. Overall, it was a interesting story with tons of plot twist and I enjoyed it.
Arc provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The book is filled with many twist and turns and it was surreal how Paul controlled everything in Lucy's life. He manipulated not only Lucy but also her friend and colleagues. What Paul did to Lucy was really well written and it was interesting how the situations turned around and it look totally different to the other characters. Paul's wickedness was on another level. The writing was good and engaging.
I enjoyed how Lucy was coming up with terms that something is wrong with Paul,and the subplot where she tried to unravel Paul's past.The ending was a bit abrupt. I felt things escalated very quickly. Overall, it was a interesting story with tons of plot twist and I enjoyed it.
Arc provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 3, 2020
Entertaining, yet very predictable. This book was extremely slow in the beginning. The story did pick up at about the halfway point. Lucy is in a constant battle between what she believes to be true and what the new man in her life, Paul, tells her is true. The plot unfolded like your typical Lifetime movie. Once the final twist was revealed, I expected more. The ending was somewhat convoluted and rushed. This is definitely not the worst thriller I have read, but undoubtedly not one of the best either. Three stars for entertainment value. Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The man I married is a fantastic dark novel about the inside of domestic abuse told in a deeply disturbing but gripping way.
Lucy met Paul by chance on a night away and they fell quickly into a relationship that had alarm bells ringing from the very start. Lucy chose to dismiss these and before she knew it they were married and buying a house.
Paul fits the profile completely of a domestic and emotional abuser and I found myself almost shouting at Lucy to get out! This story has much more to it which I won't spoil for you as it is a fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what Elena Wilkes writes next.
The man I married is a fantastic dark novel about the inside of domestic abuse told in a deeply disturbing but gripping way.
Lucy met Paul by chance on a night away and they fell quickly into a relationship that had alarm bells ringing from the very start. Lucy chose to dismiss these and before she knew it they were married and buying a house.
Paul fits the profile completely of a domestic and emotional abuser and I found myself almost shouting at Lucy to get out! This story has much more to it which I won't spoil for you as it is a fantastic debut and I can't wait to see what Elena Wilkes writes next.
August 30, 2020
After reading this blurb I was excited to read this story and I’ve got to say I wasn’t disappointed. I found this to be a well written story. It grabbed my attention from the start and held it tight throughout.
Lucy and Paul’s romance is a whirlwind and they get married very quickly. Paul certainly changed (or showed his true colours) when he got married. He’s far too controlling and has Lucy doubting herself.
This was a well written gripping story. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Lucy and Paul’s romance is a whirlwind and they get married very quickly. Paul certainly changed (or showed his true colours) when he got married. He’s far too controlling and has Lucy doubting herself.
This was a well written gripping story. I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
June 27, 2021
I found this book so boring and ridiculous, I didn't enjoy it at all.
So, Lucy is a parole officer. She meets this guy in a bar and immediately falls in love with him. 2 months forward, and they are married. Paul is a jerk and a liar and treats Lucy horribly. She, however, loves him SO much after 2 months that she is willing to let him abuse her. Meanwhile, a pedophile on whose case she was working is stocking her. But then he disappears.
So, I felt that this was pretty sloppy and there were a lot of questions that weren't answered at all. Like, why was she targeted by Simon the convict? Why was she targeted by Paul? What actually happened to Paul's family? What the hell was that ending? Why was she so stupid that she didn't leave Paul? Where did Simon disappear all of a sudden? What was his role in this story?
Okay, I know what was his role in the story, but the way he was so lazy and unoriginal.
All of the characters were complete idiots and I hated them all. I mean, your supposed best friend doesn't listen to you when you say that you are being abused??? You are hiding things from your BEST FRIEND to protect a person you've known for 2 months and who's treating you the way he did. I mean... I just wanted to shake and slap all of them!
And let me say this one again - WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, Lucy is a parole officer. She meets this guy in a bar and immediately falls in love with him. 2 months forward, and they are married. Paul is a jerk and a liar and treats Lucy horribly. She, however, loves him SO much after 2 months that she is willing to let him abuse her. Meanwhile, a pedophile on whose case she was working is stocking her. But then he disappears.
So, I felt that this was pretty sloppy and there were a lot of questions that weren't answered at all. Like, why was she targeted by Simon the convict? Why was she targeted by Paul? What actually happened to Paul's family? What the hell was that ending? Why was she so stupid that she didn't leave Paul? Where did Simon disappear all of a sudden? What was his role in this story?
Okay, I know what was his role in the story, but the way he was so lazy and unoriginal.
All of the characters were complete idiots and I hated them all. I mean, your supposed best friend doesn't listen to you when you say that you are being abused??? You are hiding things from your BEST FRIEND to protect a person you've known for 2 months and who's treating you the way he did. I mean... I just wanted to shake and slap all of them!
And let me say this one again - WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 19, 2020
Lucy and Paul’s relationship moves quite fast from meeting to getting married. It’s hard to say what we would do in that position as its so easy to be swept off your feet when you feel you have met the right one. Lucy’s life had been up until that point all work and not much fun.
It isn’t long before little alarm bells were going off in my head where Paul was concerned. Like Lucy, to start with you could brush them to one side but they were at the back of your mind niggling away. I couldn’t help but get absorbed with Lucy’s life and her relationship with her husband. The further into the story I got, the more I was pleading with her to be careful.
I thought Lucy’s job worked well within the story and it made for some intriguing reading. One of the offenders that she has to oversee, really gave me the chills. It added to the suspense though and I couldn’t help but feel for poor Lucy as things definitely seem to start spiralling downwards.
The Man I Married may well make you think twice before saying I do! It is a suspenseful read that will have you on edge throughout. There are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way and I could hardly tear myself away from the pages with the urgency to know more. Great debut!
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
It isn’t long before little alarm bells were going off in my head where Paul was concerned. Like Lucy, to start with you could brush them to one side but they were at the back of your mind niggling away. I couldn’t help but get absorbed with Lucy’s life and her relationship with her husband. The further into the story I got, the more I was pleading with her to be careful.
I thought Lucy’s job worked well within the story and it made for some intriguing reading. One of the offenders that she has to oversee, really gave me the chills. It added to the suspense though and I couldn’t help but feel for poor Lucy as things definitely seem to start spiralling downwards.
The Man I Married may well make you think twice before saying I do! It is a suspenseful read that will have you on edge throughout. There are a few unexpected twists and turns along the way and I could hardly tear myself away from the pages with the urgency to know more. Great debut!
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
July 31, 2020
This was a pretty good read, with multiple twists and turns. It centers on Lucy, a probation officer who meets a psychologist named Paul in a bar- sparks fly and they end up in a whirlwind relationship that is uncharacteristic for her, and isolates her from her friends. Turns out that Paul is not everything that he seems, and the reader has to decide who the crazy one is as the book progresses.
The gaslighting that Paul did to Lucy was really well written throughout the book- you could easily see how situations got turned around so they looked different to others and caused Lucy to question herself. The whole subplot of Lucy trying to figure out what happened with Paul and his former partner was an interesting twist, though I wanted to yell at Lucy sometimes for not doing a little more research, rather just jumping to conclusions. I was fully surprised when I found out what really happened, though., and that is hard to do!
The ending got a little convoluted for me- it felt like things with Paul and Lucy escalated more quickly than was reasonable and the book crashed towards an ending after being a slow burn up until that point. I was also confused by the last few pages of the book- even after reading it over a couple times, I couldn't fully understand what was happening, which I guess is what the author intended- I came up with my own idea and assume others did too, but I would have preferred a clearer culmination to the story.
All in all, this was a decent read- the "messing with your spouse psychologically" theme didn't really stand out in a genre filled with this storyline, but it was well done and the mystery behind Paul's first relationship kept the story fresh,
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The gaslighting that Paul did to Lucy was really well written throughout the book- you could easily see how situations got turned around so they looked different to others and caused Lucy to question herself. The whole subplot of Lucy trying to figure out what happened with Paul and his former partner was an interesting twist, though I wanted to yell at Lucy sometimes for not doing a little more research, rather just jumping to conclusions. I was fully surprised when I found out what really happened, though., and that is hard to do!
The ending got a little convoluted for me- it felt like things with Paul and Lucy escalated more quickly than was reasonable and the book crashed towards an ending after being a slow burn up until that point. I was also confused by the last few pages of the book- even after reading it over a couple times, I couldn't fully understand what was happening, which I guess is what the author intended- I came up with my own idea and assume others did too, but I would have preferred a clearer culmination to the story.
All in all, this was a decent read- the "messing with your spouse psychologically" theme didn't really stand out in a genre filled with this storyline, but it was well done and the mystery behind Paul's first relationship kept the story fresh,
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2020
So this book for me was both postive and negative.
So pros of this book, it was gripping and I couldn't put it down. I was hooked in the fast paced, psychological thriller and trying to work out how it ends. In that sense the book was good and I enjoyed that.
Cons I felt the book had to many stories and plots. You have all this fuss about the sex offender whose harrasing Lucy, to then him abducting a young girl. He then starts sending pics and vids to Lucy of this girl. As a Probation Officer I would of thought Lucys workplace would of done something about it and the police but nothing happened. She just got accused of too much stress. For me nothing was really explained with that and I felt it wasn't very believable either. No way in real life would a sex offender be in a cul-de-sac of families!?
Then there's Paul and Lucy's unexpected meeting. Then the gaslighting in which Paul was doing to Lucy. You are introduced to a whirlwind romance of them both. Weeks and he's moved in. Then they are married. Within that time frame Lucy is feeling on edge. She starts second guessing things and doubting herself. She is being hurt but made out as an accident. But she still is screwed in to want to leave but never does. Now I know abuse is hard to leave, but I found in Lucy's case she knew what was happening but never seemed to do anything about it. Then when she did it was a silly way to leave. I felt that this needed some more background knowledge into gaslighting and abuse. I felt the getaways needed more thought and execution.
Then there's this Caitlin who is another kettle of fish. One moment she's a possible affair. Next she's an ex of Paul's and left him with their unborn child and then she is actually dead and the woman is infact Caitlins sister. Then the sister claims Caitlin and her children were murdered by Paul. All of a sudden this was the full focus of the story and to me it got all confusing and jumbled. One minute Lucy had left Paul and then she's pulled over by police and then hospitilized at a mental health institute. Next thing Caitlins sister gets her out there at the house, Paul is there and next thing hes killed. It all happened so fast I don't know whether it was Lucy or The sister who killed him. Lastly the last chapted got me even baffled. Lucy was with the sister and what I assumed was Caitlins children which I thought were dead. I'm not sure if I read that wrong but I was left confused and didn't get it. With that nothing was said about what happened to the murder of Paul or the sex offender.
Overall this book has potential. I think Wilkes should of stuck with just one main plot and focused on executing that and making sure she had background knowledge on the important parts. I think then it would of been more realistic and more understanding.
So pros of this book, it was gripping and I couldn't put it down. I was hooked in the fast paced, psychological thriller and trying to work out how it ends. In that sense the book was good and I enjoyed that.
Cons I felt the book had to many stories and plots. You have all this fuss about the sex offender whose harrasing Lucy, to then him abducting a young girl. He then starts sending pics and vids to Lucy of this girl. As a Probation Officer I would of thought Lucys workplace would of done something about it and the police but nothing happened. She just got accused of too much stress. For me nothing was really explained with that and I felt it wasn't very believable either. No way in real life would a sex offender be in a cul-de-sac of families!?
Then there's Paul and Lucy's unexpected meeting. Then the gaslighting in which Paul was doing to Lucy. You are introduced to a whirlwind romance of them both. Weeks and he's moved in. Then they are married. Within that time frame Lucy is feeling on edge. She starts second guessing things and doubting herself. She is being hurt but made out as an accident. But she still is screwed in to want to leave but never does. Now I know abuse is hard to leave, but I found in Lucy's case she knew what was happening but never seemed to do anything about it. Then when she did it was a silly way to leave. I felt that this needed some more background knowledge into gaslighting and abuse. I felt the getaways needed more thought and execution.
Then there's this Caitlin who is another kettle of fish. One moment she's a possible affair. Next she's an ex of Paul's and left him with their unborn child and then she is actually dead and the woman is infact Caitlins sister. Then the sister claims Caitlin and her children were murdered by Paul. All of a sudden this was the full focus of the story and to me it got all confusing and jumbled. One minute Lucy had left Paul and then she's pulled over by police and then hospitilized at a mental health institute. Next thing Caitlins sister gets her out there at the house, Paul is there and next thing hes killed. It all happened so fast I don't know whether it was Lucy or The sister who killed him. Lastly the last chapted got me even baffled. Lucy was with the sister and what I assumed was Caitlins children which I thought were dead. I'm not sure if I read that wrong but I was left confused and didn't get it. With that nothing was said about what happened to the murder of Paul or the sex offender.
Overall this book has potential. I think Wilkes should of stuck with just one main plot and focused on executing that and making sure she had background knowledge on the important parts. I think then it would of been more realistic and more understanding.
March 11, 2024
First of all, the publisher’s description doesn’t really convey the actual gist of this twisty novel. There were so many red flags I noticed before they got married about Paul’s Jekyll and Hyde personality switching with the flick of an invisible switch, I lost count. It definitely wasn’t all daisies and sunshine until the moment Lucy found the photographs. Even after she finds photos and starts to unravel all the lies, she is still with him! She even goes so far to sneak out in the middle of the night to leave him, wrecks the car, ends up in the hospital and then returns home with him! Sorry, I just can’t abide a protagonist that is intelligent, but behaves so stupidly and cluelessly.
Secondly, this story moved too slowly in the buildup. Nearly two-thirds of the novel is this mundane back and forth between Paul and Lucy. His cruel, hurtful verbal attacks, her walking on eggshells, over and over. Get on with it already! By the time things started to get interesting and it appeared that Lucy had finally grown a backbone, the story is over and I’m sitting here wondering what happened. Did she get away? Did she dream the whole thing? Is she really in the psych ward or did she escape? I was so let down by the end. I was honestly expecting Lucy to open up a can of whoop-ass on Paul, but I can’t be sure who the real villain is here.
So, what did I like? I liked that the author creates a world where not everything is as it seems. Smart people can and are misled all the time. This story demonstrates so vividly what it is like to be gaslighted by someone you love and trust. This story is a good reminder that we all carry baggage from previous relationships and when the red flags start flying, it’s time to cut and run. I enjoyed the audio performance of Colleen Prendergast. The fear in Lucy’s voice and the cold and hurtful remarks from Paul were superbly played.
My Final Verdict: Overall, I am left scratching my head in bewilderment about this book. Fans of thrillers and suspense will enjoy the edge of your seat anticipation, but readers who need closure and connection to the characters may want to give this one a pass.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Man I Married from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Secondly, this story moved too slowly in the buildup. Nearly two-thirds of the novel is this mundane back and forth between Paul and Lucy. His cruel, hurtful verbal attacks, her walking on eggshells, over and over. Get on with it already! By the time things started to get interesting and it appeared that Lucy had finally grown a backbone, the story is over and I’m sitting here wondering what happened. Did she get away? Did she dream the whole thing? Is she really in the psych ward or did she escape? I was so let down by the end. I was honestly expecting Lucy to open up a can of whoop-ass on Paul, but I can’t be sure who the real villain is here.
So, what did I like? I liked that the author creates a world where not everything is as it seems. Smart people can and are misled all the time. This story demonstrates so vividly what it is like to be gaslighted by someone you love and trust. This story is a good reminder that we all carry baggage from previous relationships and when the red flags start flying, it’s time to cut and run. I enjoyed the audio performance of Colleen Prendergast. The fear in Lucy’s voice and the cold and hurtful remarks from Paul were superbly played.
My Final Verdict: Overall, I am left scratching my head in bewilderment about this book. Fans of thrillers and suspense will enjoy the edge of your seat anticipation, but readers who need closure and connection to the characters may want to give this one a pass.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of The Man I Married from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2021
So this woman who is supposedly SO SUPER CAREFUL of relationships after her last disastrous one ignores the huge red flags this douche is giving off from DAY ONE, marries him within weeks, then wonders what she’s gotten herself into. And what the fuck was that ending? Are they all dead? Or just her? Or was she getting arrested? I don’t have a clue. I plodded through this boring repetitive book just to see how it ended and who the hell even knows.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2020
Like all good psychological thrillers, The Man I Married had me tied up in knots. Admittedly it took me a chapter or two to become completely enveloped in the story, but once I was, I found it hard to put down.
I’m all for whirlwind romances, but I had red flags waving and alerts blasting from the beginning. Complete with shouts of, “Warning: danger ahead!” and “Abort, abort!” at my kindle screen. *shrugs* I can’t help myself!
I was in a perpetual state of unease reading TMIM. Eerie, menacing, and sinister are just a few of the adjectives I’d use to describe what I felt. With each turn of the page, I never knew what was coming next and I felt continually on edge. Wary of letting my guard down for even a second.
Never mind Lucy questioning what was real and what wasn’t, I found myself doing the exact same thing and flipping back and forth in the book.
With each new revelation I could feel the tension building to an inevitable crescendo, but... but... but I honestly didn’t see that ending coming...
Mind games are the worst when your thoughts and feelings are twisted and manipulated to fit an alternative narrative. I feel emotionally drained (don’t laugh!). In fact, I’d go so far as to say mind games isn’t a strong enough term. Psychological warfare is more apt!
My only one grumble was with a secondary story thread. I wish I’d been able to see how that played out as I felt sure more had to come out in the wash. Or maybe that’s just my over-active imagination making 2+2 = 10 *snorts*.
What can I say? Elena Wilkes has gained a new fan. I look forward (with a hint of trepidation) to her next offering.
I’m all for whirlwind romances, but I had red flags waving and alerts blasting from the beginning. Complete with shouts of, “Warning: danger ahead!” and “Abort, abort!” at my kindle screen. *shrugs* I can’t help myself!
I was in a perpetual state of unease reading TMIM. Eerie, menacing, and sinister are just a few of the adjectives I’d use to describe what I felt. With each turn of the page, I never knew what was coming next and I felt continually on edge. Wary of letting my guard down for even a second.
Never mind Lucy questioning what was real and what wasn’t, I found myself doing the exact same thing and flipping back and forth in the book.
With each new revelation I could feel the tension building to an inevitable crescendo, but... but... but I honestly didn’t see that ending coming...
Mind games are the worst when your thoughts and feelings are twisted and manipulated to fit an alternative narrative. I feel emotionally drained (don’t laugh!). In fact, I’d go so far as to say mind games isn’t a strong enough term. Psychological warfare is more apt!
My only one grumble was with a secondary story thread. I wish I’d been able to see how that played out as I felt sure more had to come out in the wash. Or maybe that’s just my over-active imagination making 2+2 = 10 *snorts*.
What can I say? Elena Wilkes has gained a new fan. I look forward (with a hint of trepidation) to her next offering.
July 10, 2021
What a dark and twisted read! I listened to it in one day because I just couldn't stop! Lucy, a probation officer, meets Paul, a psychologist, in a pub and they quickly fall in love. But things are not quite as they seem with their relationship.
Nothing is what it appears in this book and I didn't know who or what to believe but little alarm bells were ringing and I wanted to scream at Lucy to get herself out before it was too late! As the story unfolds it is truly harrowing and scary and the gaslighting is written really well.
This could so easily have been a 5* book, but I knocked off a star because I was so confused by the ending. I have thought about it a lot (the mark of a good book, I guess) and I do have my theory. I would also have liked a proper conclusion to the sub-plot involving a paedophile and a missing girl.
Colleen Prendergast did an amazing job narrating.
Nothing is what it appears in this book and I didn't know who or what to believe but little alarm bells were ringing and I wanted to scream at Lucy to get herself out before it was too late! As the story unfolds it is truly harrowing and scary and the gaslighting is written really well.
This could so easily have been a 5* book, but I knocked off a star because I was so confused by the ending. I have thought about it a lot (the mark of a good book, I guess) and I do have my theory. I would also have liked a proper conclusion to the sub-plot involving a paedophile and a missing girl.
Colleen Prendergast did an amazing job narrating.
September 7, 2020
My brain hurts! Reading from Lucy point of view and I was like is this how it was like to be manipulated?
Lucy met Paul and they fall in love. Then they got married. From the start I feel like Paul were too good to be true and he is damn weird. Lucy start questioning everything because he start acting weird like he said something and suddenly when she ask him again he said he never said those things. He made Lucy doubt herself. Throughout the whole book I don't know whether he tell the truth or she is just imagining things like he said. Goshh it was confusing af. Why the hell her friend Emma trust Paul more than Lucy? Goshh I feel bad for Lucy.
The ending. I read it again and again but I don't understand.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for The Man I Married ARC!
Lucy met Paul and they fall in love. Then they got married. From the start I feel like Paul were too good to be true and he is damn weird. Lucy start questioning everything because he start acting weird like he said something and suddenly when she ask him again he said he never said those things. He made Lucy doubt herself. Throughout the whole book I don't know whether he tell the truth or she is just imagining things like he said. Goshh it was confusing af. Why the hell her friend Emma trust Paul more than Lucy? Goshh I feel bad for Lucy.
The ending. I read it again and again but I don't understand.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for The Man I Married ARC!
August 3, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up to 4
This book is very hard to rate for me. So I’m just going to break down this review what I liked and what I disliked.
What I liked:
-The pace of the book-things moved fast, sometimes confusingly so but not once does the pace slow down.
-I literally couldn’t put it down, the plot is so engaging, dark, and twisted that you have to keep reading.
-The gas lighting that Paul does is just unimaginable and you can see that Lucy is seeing the flags but not fast enough
-I liked how Lucy tried to find ways out and plan and re plan.
-The whole plot is twisty and creepy at times. The twists are not something you see coming. Which gives me a perfect segue to
What I didn’t like:
-some bits are confusing, how does Lucy end up from one place to the other isn’t clear and kind of muddles the readers brain. While this does help you feel some panic/confusion that Lucy feels it does make it hard to keep track of what’s going on, some connecting bits need to be added to the plot just so the reader follows.
-yet another book with smart women making dumb choices- seriously I understand love, fear of loneliness etc but come on, she’s a high performing officer who deals with sleazy people and she doesn’t smell Paul a mile away? She still falls for his BS? Enough to sell her house and cut off her friends?
-parts of this book made me wonder if Lucy is a super unreliable narrator and if she is the one who’s messed up in the head and parts made me see clearly that Paul is manipulative! I would have liked it better if Lucy was a clear victim with no room for doubts
-Simon’s plot needed better handling, it played a huge part in the plot but wasn’t handled very well int he second half of the book.
-the usage of quite a few British slang(?) words, unnecessary IMHO, examples Brolly (which means umbrella), Bril (assuming it means brilliant) etc.
So what makes me round this up to a 4? The fact that the book left me confused yet wanting more, the fact that the ending leaves so much for the reader to assume and that it messes with my head enough that honestly I don’t think I can say that I know who to believe in this book. It is powerful writing, and a brill (hope I’m using that right!) debut novel. So for all it’s messiness and more I would suggest reading it.
This book is very hard to rate for me. So I’m just going to break down this review what I liked and what I disliked.
What I liked:
-The pace of the book-things moved fast, sometimes confusingly so but not once does the pace slow down.
-I literally couldn’t put it down, the plot is so engaging, dark, and twisted that you have to keep reading.
-The gas lighting that Paul does is just unimaginable and you can see that Lucy is seeing the flags but not fast enough
-I liked how Lucy tried to find ways out and plan and re plan.
-The whole plot is twisty and creepy at times. The twists are not something you see coming. Which gives me a perfect segue to
What I didn’t like:
-some bits are confusing, how does Lucy end up from one place to the other isn’t clear and kind of muddles the readers brain. While this does help you feel some panic/confusion that Lucy feels it does make it hard to keep track of what’s going on, some connecting bits need to be added to the plot just so the reader follows.
-yet another book with smart women making dumb choices- seriously I understand love, fear of loneliness etc but come on, she’s a high performing officer who deals with sleazy people and she doesn’t smell Paul a mile away? She still falls for his BS? Enough to sell her house and cut off her friends?
-parts of this book made me wonder if Lucy is a super unreliable narrator and if she is the one who’s messed up in the head and parts made me see clearly that Paul is manipulative! I would have liked it better if Lucy was a clear victim with no room for doubts
-Simon’s plot needed better handling, it played a huge part in the plot but wasn’t handled very well int he second half of the book.
-the usage of quite a few British slang(?) words, unnecessary IMHO, examples Brolly (which means umbrella), Bril (assuming it means brilliant) etc.
So what makes me round this up to a 4? The fact that the book left me confused yet wanting more, the fact that the ending leaves so much for the reader to assume and that it messes with my head enough that honestly I don’t think I can say that I know who to believe in this book. It is powerful writing, and a brill (hope I’m using that right!) debut novel. So for all it’s messiness and more I would suggest reading it.
September 2, 2020
Wow. This is definitely a challenging book, given its subject matter. 'The Man I Married' follows Lucy's life after meeting and marrying Paul, who initially appears perfect before something far darker emerges from his personality... However, the abuse is not traditional domestic violence as it is commonly portrayed - instead, it focuses more on coercive control and gaslighting, the more emotional manipulation that is just as painful and damaging as physical abuse.
There are sections of this book that are very difficult to read. The author clearly knows what she is talking about, and the slow burn of the abuse gradually escalating and encompassing more and more of Lucy's life was absolutely heartbreaking to read. As such, it was amazing to see Lucy begin to fight back and explore Paul's backstory in an attempt to find out what really happened to his former partner.
Indeed, it was the second half of the book where things really picked up, and there were so many plot twists, it made for really gripping reading. Initially, I found the pacing a bit off, as the first half of the book is a bit slow with unnecessary subplots, but this completely changes in the second half, where everything is ripe with tension and you're desperate to find out what happens next! The ending itself was good, it wrapped everything up whilst also leaving the reader guessing, which is something you'll either love or hate. For me, this began as an ok read that got better as it went on.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
There are sections of this book that are very difficult to read. The author clearly knows what she is talking about, and the slow burn of the abuse gradually escalating and encompassing more and more of Lucy's life was absolutely heartbreaking to read. As such, it was amazing to see Lucy begin to fight back and explore Paul's backstory in an attempt to find out what really happened to his former partner.
Indeed, it was the second half of the book where things really picked up, and there were so many plot twists, it made for really gripping reading. Initially, I found the pacing a bit off, as the first half of the book is a bit slow with unnecessary subplots, but this completely changes in the second half, where everything is ripe with tension and you're desperate to find out what happens next! The ending itself was good, it wrapped everything up whilst also leaving the reader guessing, which is something you'll either love or hate. For me, this began as an ok read that got better as it went on.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to receive an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
August 12, 2020
My thoughts about this cleverly written, outstanding debut thriller,was fantastic.What you do if you begin, to discover your partners darkest secrets.what I loved about this brilliantly written twisted thriller, was the first half of the story, starts to builds up for the 2nd half was just fast moving with full of suspense, which I thought was just brilliant.The 2nd half of the story defiently tooks my breath away. Debut author Elena Wilkes's has written a powerful story,that truly deserves appreciation, and applause,love how she manages, and balances the story and its fantastic characters together, which is just incredible. The characters are brilliant, be it Lucy, who I thought was just fantastic,and Paul's character who has a dark past, that will shock you. I so much loved this book that is something different, I've read over the past one year. This is one of the debuts, to watch out for that is just brilliant, this will take you on a journey, to find your partner who you married, has a dark secret past. Highly recommended.I would like to say thank you to Author Elena Wilkes, Hera Books,Netgalley and Sarah Hardy of The Bright Side Publicity for giving me a chance and review this outstanding thriller.💥💥💥💥💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 30, 2020
The Man I Married by Elena Wilkes
Dark disturbing psychological thriller that left me wondering at the end of the book. So many times, I wanted to shake Lucy then sit her down and have a LONG talk with her about…a LOT of things. I kept thinking, “You are thirty-four, well respected in your field, capable, see the truth in others…wake up!” I will be thinking about this book for a while.
What I liked:
* The introduction to Lucy as she met soon to be paroled Simon
* The respect Lucy had at work
* Being intrigued by the way Lucy and Paul met at the pub
* The slow unveiling of the backstories of both Lucy and Paul
* The building chill I felt as the story progressed
* The questions I had throughout the story – what was real and what was not
* Wondering what I would have done faced with a similar situation
What I did not like:
* The manipulation and how easily it was accomplished
* Did and did not like that I wasn’t SURE that I knew what REALLY had happened when I finished the last page.
Did I like this book? I believe I did…though it was definitely different
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Dark disturbing psychological thriller that left me wondering at the end of the book. So many times, I wanted to shake Lucy then sit her down and have a LONG talk with her about…a LOT of things. I kept thinking, “You are thirty-four, well respected in your field, capable, see the truth in others…wake up!” I will be thinking about this book for a while.
What I liked:
* The introduction to Lucy as she met soon to be paroled Simon
* The respect Lucy had at work
* Being intrigued by the way Lucy and Paul met at the pub
* The slow unveiling of the backstories of both Lucy and Paul
* The building chill I felt as the story progressed
* The questions I had throughout the story – what was real and what was not
* Wondering what I would have done faced with a similar situation
What I did not like:
* The manipulation and how easily it was accomplished
* Did and did not like that I wasn’t SURE that I knew what REALLY had happened when I finished the last page.
Did I like this book? I believe I did…though it was definitely different
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Hera Books and BOTBS for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
August 26, 2020
This book has teeth, tiny sharp pointy ones. I’m finding it really difficult to process my thoughts yet alone words on this mind manipulating book. It is Crazy with a capital C and the fact this is a debut makes it even more impressive. It’s sharp, clever and on finishing it I was sat there pondering what the hell I just read.
Lucy is an unusual protagonist and Paul is certainly an unusual antagonist. Is she crazy? Is he a master manipulator? The fact that she is a probation officer and he is a psychologist just had my mind spinning as these are intelligent people and should be a great match. Then there is the sub plot regarding Lucy’s exposure to a child sex offender recently released on parole and a missing child, this made me question Lucy’s mental state even more as things she swears are true are being questioned and she’s accused over being over worked and under extreme stress. Is she having a mental break?
Then there is the matter of Paul’s past and a photo Lucy has seen that has since disappeared and the single red roses. Paul says things and then denies them and by the end I was questioning my own sanity.
If you like the strange and twisted like Gone Girl and Behind her eyes then you will love this.
Lucy is an unusual protagonist and Paul is certainly an unusual antagonist. Is she crazy? Is he a master manipulator? The fact that she is a probation officer and he is a psychologist just had my mind spinning as these are intelligent people and should be a great match. Then there is the sub plot regarding Lucy’s exposure to a child sex offender recently released on parole and a missing child, this made me question Lucy’s mental state even more as things she swears are true are being questioned and she’s accused over being over worked and under extreme stress. Is she having a mental break?
Then there is the matter of Paul’s past and a photo Lucy has seen that has since disappeared and the single red roses. Paul says things and then denies them and by the end I was questioning my own sanity.
If you like the strange and twisted like Gone Girl and Behind her eyes then you will love this.
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