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The Life She Wants
You want to save your marriage. She wants to destroy it. Paula worries that her marriage to Tommy is hanging by a thread. She loves how safe her husband makes her feel, but lately, it seems like he's pulling away from her, and he keeps avoiding a much-needed conversation about finally having children. When Tommy suggests a cruise getaway for the two of them, Paula is thrilled. He's fighting for this marriage, and he's even promised that they will talk about growing their family. It's Paula's dream come true. Until the couple meets beautiful Anna. From the moment Anna appears in their lives, things start to go wrong for Paula. She finds herself trapped in a sauna. Her hair is destroyed at the salon. Money goes missing from her cabin. At first, Paula thinks she's paranoid in suspecting Anna is turning her dream holiday into a nightmare. But soon, it becomes clear that Paula may not be the only woman fighting for Tommy's affections. How far will Anna go to get what she wants? What lines will Paula cross to protect her marriage? And whose dark past will return to destroy them first?
Runtime: 10. 08 hours. Unabridged, 8 library CDs.
Runtime: 10. 08 hours. Unabridged, 8 library CDs.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2021
610 people are currently reading
2391 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Hewitt
18 books130 followersSilver Prize in the author v author competition 2008 (supported by the National Literary Trust)
Shortlisted for the Inspire and Mentor Campaign – selected by Jojo Moyes 2012
Two books independently published in 2010 and 2013
Longlisted for the Retreat West First Chapter Competition 2015
Winner of the BritCrime Pitch Competition 2015
Winner in the Twisted 50 Short Story Competition 2016. Short story 'Fingers' to be published in the Twisted 50 Anthology.
Appearing at the Felixstowe Book Festival in 2015 and 2016 and the East Anglia Author Festival 2016.
Member of the CWA, ITW and East Anglian Authors.
Exclusion Zone and The Hunger Within published 2016 / 2017 by Endeavour Media.
The Night Caller published by Bookouture 2019.
www.jmhewitt.com Twitter: @jmhewitt FB: www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor
Shortlisted for the Inspire and Mentor Campaign – selected by Jojo Moyes 2012
Two books independently published in 2010 and 2013
Longlisted for the Retreat West First Chapter Competition 2015
Winner of the BritCrime Pitch Competition 2015
Winner in the Twisted 50 Short Story Competition 2016. Short story 'Fingers' to be published in the Twisted 50 Anthology.
Appearing at the Felixstowe Book Festival in 2015 and 2016 and the East Anglia Author Festival 2016.
Member of the CWA, ITW and East Anglian Authors.
Exclusion Zone and The Hunger Within published 2016 / 2017 by Endeavour Media.
The Night Caller published by Bookouture 2019.
www.jmhewitt.com Twitter: @jmhewitt FB: www.facebook.com/j.mhewittauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
July 14, 2021
The Life She Wants is an intense psychological thriller that starts as a slow-burn and then picks up to turn into a story full of twists and drama.
Paula has been together with her husband Tommy for more than fifteen years. She appears to have it all-a good-looking husband who earns a lot of money and is able to afford every kind of comfort, a five bedroom house, cars, holidays, unlimited free time. On the other hand, she has never used her degree, she hasn't got any real friends and her husband refuses to discuss the question of starting a family. Is her marriage in trouble? Is there anything she can do to save itandensureshe still has the life she wants?
When Tommy (unwiling as he is to discuss babies) shows their two tickets for a cruise, Paula is hopeful that maybe things aren't as drastic as she thought. But then aboard the cruise liner, Tommy is back to his usual self-centred behaviour and strange things begin to happen to Paula, including being locked in the sauna. Could their new aquaintance- dazzlingly beautiful Anna- have anything to do with it?
The story is told from three POVs- two of them are those of Paula and Anna and then there are also 'Before' flashbacks from the mysterious third person. Part of the fun of reading this book is trying to figure out who they are. I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters in the book, although I did sympathise with them. The book was very easy to read and it is clear that the author knows how to slowly build the suspense and then surprise the reader with an unexpected twist in the end. Bonus points for using very atmospheric settings that add to the darkness and mystery of the plotlines.
Entertaining, full of drama (especially towards the end), intense, The Life She Wants is the first book by J.M. Hewitt that I've read, but it won't be the last.
3.5 stars
Paula has been together with her husband Tommy for more than fifteen years. She appears to have it all-a good-looking husband who earns a lot of money and is able to afford every kind of comfort, a five bedroom house, cars, holidays, unlimited free time. On the other hand, she has never used her degree, she hasn't got any real friends and her husband refuses to discuss the question of starting a family. Is her marriage in trouble? Is there anything she can do to save itandensureshe still has the life she wants?
When Tommy (unwiling as he is to discuss babies) shows their two tickets for a cruise, Paula is hopeful that maybe things aren't as drastic as she thought. But then aboard the cruise liner, Tommy is back to his usual self-centred behaviour and strange things begin to happen to Paula, including being locked in the sauna. Could their new aquaintance- dazzlingly beautiful Anna- have anything to do with it?
The story is told from three POVs- two of them are those of Paula and Anna and then there are also 'Before' flashbacks from the mysterious third person. Part of the fun of reading this book is trying to figure out who they are. I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters in the book, although I did sympathise with them. The book was very easy to read and it is clear that the author knows how to slowly build the suspense and then surprise the reader with an unexpected twist in the end. Bonus points for using very atmospheric settings that add to the darkness and mystery of the plotlines.
Entertaining, full of drama (especially towards the end), intense, The Life She Wants is the first book by J.M. Hewitt that I've read, but it won't be the last.
3.5 stars
July 8, 2021
You want to save your marriage. She wants to destroy it.
Paula worries that her marriage to Tommy is hanging by a thread. She loves how safe her husband makes her feel, but lately it seems like he's pulling away from her, and he keeps avoiding a much-needed conversation about finally having children. When Tommy suggests a cruise getaway for the two of them, Paula is thrilled. It's Paula's dream come true. Until the couple meets beautiful Anna.
This is a slow paced psychological thriller. I did not like any of the characters, they were a bit one dimensional. Told in the present day with flashbacks from a girls childhood. It's mainly told from Paula and Anna's perspectives but there's also a perspective from someone from the past. The last 15% is where it really all kicks off, and the drama is ramped up
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #JMHewitt for my ARC of #TheLifeSheWants in exchange for an honest review,
Paula worries that her marriage to Tommy is hanging by a thread. She loves how safe her husband makes her feel, but lately it seems like he's pulling away from her, and he keeps avoiding a much-needed conversation about finally having children. When Tommy suggests a cruise getaway for the two of them, Paula is thrilled. It's Paula's dream come true. Until the couple meets beautiful Anna.
This is a slow paced psychological thriller. I did not like any of the characters, they were a bit one dimensional. Told in the present day with flashbacks from a girls childhood. It's mainly told from Paula and Anna's perspectives but there's also a perspective from someone from the past. The last 15% is where it really all kicks off, and the drama is ramped up
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author #JMHewitt for my ARC of #TheLifeSheWants in exchange for an honest review,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2021
Oh wow, wow, wow. This was my reaction when I read the book. I mean the book was fantastic.
The writing had me hooked in consistently, kept me flipping pages continously. I continuously sympathised for Paula, and how her marriage was going to pieces with that new woman around. But god was I also shocked at the tactics used by both women to get what they want. Obviously, the plot twists were also unexpected (even though I am usually good at predicting these sort of things), and it didn't deter me at all from the actual reading at all.
The characters were also well drawn out, the development clearly showing in the way they planned their motives for keeping a husband/potential husband around for themselves.
The plot itself never bored me and reminded me of An Anonymous Girl By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. It was that good, even better than AAG, I dare say.
Overall, an amazing and twisty read that no one should miss, when it comes to scheming women, a very confused man, and an ending never foreshadowed.
5 stars.
-TMR
The writing had me hooked in consistently, kept me flipping pages continously. I continuously sympathised for Paula, and how her marriage was going to pieces with that new woman around. But god was I also shocked at the tactics used by both women to get what they want. Obviously, the plot twists were also unexpected (even though I am usually good at predicting these sort of things), and it didn't deter me at all from the actual reading at all.
The characters were also well drawn out, the development clearly showing in the way they planned their motives for keeping a husband/potential husband around for themselves.
The plot itself never bored me and reminded me of An Anonymous Girl By Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. It was that good, even better than AAG, I dare say.
Overall, an amazing and twisty read that no one should miss, when it comes to scheming women, a very confused man, and an ending never foreshadowed.
5 stars.
-TMR
June 24, 2021
A fast-paced, suspense thriller that unfolds on a cruise liner; a vacation and a mystery rolled into one - sounds good, right?
35-year-old dedicated housewife, Paula Ellis is overjoyed when her husband Tommy surprises her with a cruise trip to Iceland. She hopes that while on the trip, they can finally start planning for the baby that she so desperately desires. Unbeknownst to Paula, a great danger awaits her on the ship in the form of Anna Masi. Anna covets Paula's life and will stop at nothing to get her way. Will the meek and mousy Paula have the strength to thwart cunning Anna's evil plans?
For a book with such unlikeable characters, this was quite an interesting read. Paula was a pathetic, whining mess of a woman who wallows in her own self-pity but refuses to do anything to change her situation. Anna can, at best, be described as a scary sociopath and Tommy was a despicable narcissist. The plot was revealed via the POVs of both women and also the flashbacks of one of the characters. Kudos to the author's writing that interspersed the mounting suspense with the beauty of the Northern lights and stunning views of Iceland, making for a compelling read.
Without sounding too preachy, the plot also touches upon issues of substance and sexual abuse, neglect, and gaslighting.
The flashbacks and the plot twist at the end offers a glimpse into what shaped the lives of the two women, thereby garnering them some sympathy, even though they still remain unlikeable. I had hoped for a different ending for Paula though.
Overall, an exciting thriller that does not disappoint. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
35-year-old dedicated housewife, Paula Ellis is overjoyed when her husband Tommy surprises her with a cruise trip to Iceland. She hopes that while on the trip, they can finally start planning for the baby that she so desperately desires. Unbeknownst to Paula, a great danger awaits her on the ship in the form of Anna Masi. Anna covets Paula's life and will stop at nothing to get her way. Will the meek and mousy Paula have the strength to thwart cunning Anna's evil plans?
For a book with such unlikeable characters, this was quite an interesting read. Paula was a pathetic, whining mess of a woman who wallows in her own self-pity but refuses to do anything to change her situation. Anna can, at best, be described as a scary sociopath and Tommy was a despicable narcissist. The plot was revealed via the POVs of both women and also the flashbacks of one of the characters. Kudos to the author's writing that interspersed the mounting suspense with the beauty of the Northern lights and stunning views of Iceland, making for a compelling read.
Without sounding too preachy, the plot also touches upon issues of substance and sexual abuse, neglect, and gaslighting.
The flashbacks and the plot twist at the end offers a glimpse into what shaped the lives of the two women, thereby garnering them some sympathy, even though they still remain unlikeable. I had hoped for a different ending for Paula though.
Overall, an exciting thriller that does not disappoint. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2021
Two women - one man. One is his wife, the other is a woman who wants her life;.. and will do anything it takes to get what she wants.
Paula and Tommy are on a cruise. Supposedly, they are going to be talking about starting a family ..something Paula wants wholeheartedly. However, Tommy seems to be pulling away from the idea. Paula wants to save this marriage at all costs.
When the meet Anna on the cruise, strange things begin to happen to Paula. She gets locked in the sauna. Her hair is accidentally bleached in a salon. Money goes missing from their cabin. No one seems to believe her when she suspects Anna. Of course, with Anna flirting with Paula's husband, things get even worse.
How far will Anna go to get what she wants? What lines will Paula cross to protect her marriage? And whose dark past will return to destroy them first?
This is well-written with a story line filled with twists and turns. It's fast-paced with surprises on almost every page. It is clear that someone has had a horrible childhood.. leading to a deranged adulthood. Every other chapter or so, the reader gets a peek at someone's childhood. The conclusion is riveting and totally unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Paula and Tommy are on a cruise. Supposedly, they are going to be talking about starting a family ..something Paula wants wholeheartedly. However, Tommy seems to be pulling away from the idea. Paula wants to save this marriage at all costs.
When the meet Anna on the cruise, strange things begin to happen to Paula. She gets locked in the sauna. Her hair is accidentally bleached in a salon. Money goes missing from their cabin. No one seems to believe her when she suspects Anna. Of course, with Anna flirting with Paula's husband, things get even worse.
How far will Anna go to get what she wants? What lines will Paula cross to protect her marriage? And whose dark past will return to destroy them first?
This is well-written with a story line filled with twists and turns. It's fast-paced with surprises on almost every page. It is clear that someone has had a horrible childhood.. leading to a deranged adulthood. Every other chapter or so, the reader gets a peek at someone's childhood. The conclusion is riveting and totally unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / Canelo / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 14, 2021
Paula and her husband Tommy are college sweethearts. Now a wealthy housewife, Paula’s entire life is centered around Tommy as he climbs the proverbial ladder of success at work. All she wants from him is a child of their own, but he’s avoided the subject for years now, instead giving her exotic trips to try to distract her. His latest distraction is a cruise to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Little does he know, Paula won’t be distracted again. She plans to get exactly what she wants from him on this trip. However, she may end up losing it all when the couple meets a beautiful woman named Anna on the ship.
Anna grew up with nothing and has continued to have nothing all her adult life, but she’s determined that the cruise to Iceland will change all of that. Her sights set on the successful Tommy, she knows all she has to do to make him and his money hers is get rid of his weak, insecure wife Paula. That won’t be too hard. The cracks in their marriage are on display for all to see, and Tommy’s more than ready to stray into Anna’s bed. But she may have underestimated Paula. Both women have dark secrets ready to destroy them. Both women are ready to fight for what they want.
Full of jealousy, greed, and selfishness, “The Life She Wants” by J.M. Hewitt is a twisty roller coaster ride — minus the big drops that put your stomach in your throat. With a single white female vibe throughout, the book is a domestic thriller that focuses on an unhappy marriage and a single woman out to steal another woman’s husband no matter what it takes. It’s a tale nearly as old as time, but with a twist. Both women have dark pasts and secrets that could destroy them if anyone ever found out. As the war over Paula’s husband Tommy wages, so does the battle with each of their pasts (and keeping them buried).
“The Life She Wants” doesn’t focus on moving along at a fast pace as you might expect for all that happens within its pages. Instead, it focuses on Anna and Paula — and their points of view — and the tension that continues to build between them and in the story itself right up until the end. It moves along at a pace perfect for the plot as Paula suffers disaster after disaster, and Anna makes her moves to get rid of her and snatch Tommy. One woman comes off as a weak victim. The other seems pure evil. But just as there’s a fine line between love and hate, so is there between good and bad.
Totally addictive, “The Life She Wants” is a book that anyone who’s had a troubled marriage and a straying spouse will find relatable. Paula’s reaction to Anna is palpable and realistic — at least at first. It’s the deadly intentions and dark secrets that set the story (and you) on edge — and made me continue to think about how magnificently twisted the story was long after I read the last page.
Thank you to Canelo, J.M. Hewitt, and Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to read the eARC and participate in the blog tour.
Anna grew up with nothing and has continued to have nothing all her adult life, but she’s determined that the cruise to Iceland will change all of that. Her sights set on the successful Tommy, she knows all she has to do to make him and his money hers is get rid of his weak, insecure wife Paula. That won’t be too hard. The cracks in their marriage are on display for all to see, and Tommy’s more than ready to stray into Anna’s bed. But she may have underestimated Paula. Both women have dark secrets ready to destroy them. Both women are ready to fight for what they want.
Full of jealousy, greed, and selfishness, “The Life She Wants” by J.M. Hewitt is a twisty roller coaster ride — minus the big drops that put your stomach in your throat. With a single white female vibe throughout, the book is a domestic thriller that focuses on an unhappy marriage and a single woman out to steal another woman’s husband no matter what it takes. It’s a tale nearly as old as time, but with a twist. Both women have dark pasts and secrets that could destroy them if anyone ever found out. As the war over Paula’s husband Tommy wages, so does the battle with each of their pasts (and keeping them buried).
“The Life She Wants” doesn’t focus on moving along at a fast pace as you might expect for all that happens within its pages. Instead, it focuses on Anna and Paula — and their points of view — and the tension that continues to build between them and in the story itself right up until the end. It moves along at a pace perfect for the plot as Paula suffers disaster after disaster, and Anna makes her moves to get rid of her and snatch Tommy. One woman comes off as a weak victim. The other seems pure evil. But just as there’s a fine line between love and hate, so is there between good and bad.
Totally addictive, “The Life She Wants” is a book that anyone who’s had a troubled marriage and a straying spouse will find relatable. Paula’s reaction to Anna is palpable and realistic — at least at first. It’s the deadly intentions and dark secrets that set the story (and you) on edge — and made me continue to think about how magnificently twisted the story was long after I read the last page.
Thank you to Canelo, J.M. Hewitt, and Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to read the eARC and participate in the blog tour.
August 1, 2021
The life she wants is set mainly on a cruise to see the northern lights. We are introduced first to Paula who is a housewife as her husband Tommy earns a lot of money. Problem is she is unhappy she wants a baby and every year he finds a new reason why they should delay. Anna overhears Paula complaining about her life. After some research and a major change in circumstances Anna is also on the cruise with one mission only, to leave it with Tommy by getting rid of Paula. .
I found this a real interesting book, the writing was done in a way that left me wanting more. We have the present day with each woman and then we have before where we hear of horrific neglect. It took me a while to clock onto what the author was doing but once I had realised it had me page turning even quicker. It's such a fast paced story I got through it in a few hours.
Paula is your average bored and ignored housewife. She has everything except the one thing she actually wants. Anna is clearly unhinged. It's done so well how Anna starts taunting Paula an average person would miss how subtly Anna hides being a true sociopath I loved it!!
Tommy gosh isn't even worth the drama that unfolds in the bid for his attention. Anna is making him doubt his Paula and that's why I loved this book. If this had happened in real life who wouldn't think their wide is loosing it! Anna is crazy and I was sad that a clear storyline was started but ended just as quickly as it began.
The description is great and the northern lights just sound magical the cruise was such a good location for a cruise based story. I found myself wanting to be part of this world with the crazy people Honestly it's written so well I cannot fault it so I won't.
All in a expect the unexpected and just be along for the ride honestly j saw all the twists coming but I still read to check if I was right, I was, this book is fantastic and I highly recommend.
4.5 stars
Thank you to netgalley, the author and publishers for the digital advanced copy of the life wants . In looking for any more doors by this author.
Great book. X
I found this a real interesting book, the writing was done in a way that left me wanting more. We have the present day with each woman and then we have before where we hear of horrific neglect. It took me a while to clock onto what the author was doing but once I had realised it had me page turning even quicker. It's such a fast paced story I got through it in a few hours.
Paula is your average bored and ignored housewife. She has everything except the one thing she actually wants. Anna is clearly unhinged. It's done so well how Anna starts taunting Paula an average person would miss how subtly Anna hides being a true sociopath I loved it!!
Tommy gosh isn't even worth the drama that unfolds in the bid for his attention. Anna is making him doubt his Paula and that's why I loved this book. If this had happened in real life who wouldn't think their wide is loosing it! Anna is crazy and I was sad that a clear storyline was started but ended just as quickly as it began.
The description is great and the northern lights just sound magical the cruise was such a good location for a cruise based story. I found myself wanting to be part of this world with the crazy people Honestly it's written so well I cannot fault it so I won't.
All in a expect the unexpected and just be along for the ride honestly j saw all the twists coming but I still read to check if I was right, I was, this book is fantastic and I highly recommend.
4.5 stars
Thank you to netgalley, the author and publishers for the digital advanced copy of the life wants . In looking for any more doors by this author.
Great book. X
April 25, 2025
2.5⭐️
All in all, a completely mediocre read. I for some reason found the story to drag despite it only being a short book (under 300 pages), however I did just fancy a short book and this served her purpose well enough.
I think the story was alright, when the 75% climax happened I dont think the plot did anything crazy, it was all relatively predictable, and the bombshell that happens at like 90% I also knew was going to happen lol. I do think some things too that happened are so far fetched. I know it's fiction but I'd still like the plot to be realistic... it just felt a bit comically silly you know.
I'm glad the book was free, she kept me entertained and was a quick read, but I won't be recommending this to others
All in all, a completely mediocre read. I for some reason found the story to drag despite it only being a short book (under 300 pages), however I did just fancy a short book and this served her purpose well enough.
I think the story was alright, when the 75% climax happened I dont think the plot did anything crazy, it was all relatively predictable, and the bombshell that happens at like 90% I also knew was going to happen lol. I do think some things too that happened are so far fetched. I know it's fiction but I'd still like the plot to be realistic... it just felt a bit comically silly you know.
I'm glad the book was free, she kept me entertained and was a quick read, but I won't be recommending this to others
July 9, 2021
When you meet someone new, you often think that what you see is what you get, but sometimes you could not have been more mistaken…
Why do people not (always) show their true colors? Some do it because they want to hang on to what they have achieved. They say yes or no when it’s expected, they don’t argue. They are afraid of putting a foot wrong and what it will do to them.
Others do it in order to achieve something, to have a better life but at what cost? They lie, cheat and manipulate and it doesn’t matter who they hurt in the process.
Making friends was never easy. Not when you were a child, not now you are an adult. When someone reaches out to you and ‘helps’ you, you feel grateful and think you finally have made a friend. The question is though: is this the kind of friend you want around…?
Some of the chapters take us to ‘before’ where the life of one of the characters is detailed. It’s until much later that the author reveals the name of said character. I had figured it out a bit before that, but I did not mind that. I was not 100% sure and when it was confirmed I was still a bit surprised and a bit proud of myself for my detective work. 🙂
I enjoyed the author’s way of thinking. In my opinion it was sometimes a bit over the top, but it was a very nice read. 4 stars.
Thank you, J.M. Hewitt and Rachel’s Random Resources
Why do people not (always) show their true colors? Some do it because they want to hang on to what they have achieved. They say yes or no when it’s expected, they don’t argue. They are afraid of putting a foot wrong and what it will do to them.
Others do it in order to achieve something, to have a better life but at what cost? They lie, cheat and manipulate and it doesn’t matter who they hurt in the process.
Making friends was never easy. Not when you were a child, not now you are an adult. When someone reaches out to you and ‘helps’ you, you feel grateful and think you finally have made a friend. The question is though: is this the kind of friend you want around…?
Some of the chapters take us to ‘before’ where the life of one of the characters is detailed. It’s until much later that the author reveals the name of said character. I had figured it out a bit before that, but I did not mind that. I was not 100% sure and when it was confirmed I was still a bit surprised and a bit proud of myself for my detective work. 🙂
I enjoyed the author’s way of thinking. In my opinion it was sometimes a bit over the top, but it was a very nice read. 4 stars.
Thank you, J.M. Hewitt and Rachel’s Random Resources
July 13, 2021
The Life She Wants is told from the perspectives of Anna and Paula, as well as a third unknown person in the past, who you are left to guess the identity of until the end.
Every character in this book is unlikeable. Normally that would be an issue for me as I like to have someone to root for, however, for this novel it works.
While not a hair raising thriller, I still enjoyed putting the pieces together for this. I figured out the twist early but I didn’t see the ending coming, I thought it would play out differently.
I recommend this to those looking for an easy to read psychological thriller.
TW: child abuse
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for organizing this tour.
Every character in this book is unlikeable. Normally that would be an issue for me as I like to have someone to root for, however, for this novel it works.
While not a hair raising thriller, I still enjoyed putting the pieces together for this. I figured out the twist early but I didn’t see the ending coming, I thought it would play out differently.
I recommend this to those looking for an easy to read psychological thriller.
TW: child abuse
Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for organizing this tour.
October 4, 2021
The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt is a really tense thriller and it is such an entertaining read. It centres around two women, Anna and Paula. As Paula tries to make her marriage to her husband Tommy, work, she meets Anna. But although Anna comes across as very friendly, she has her own agenda. Soon, Paula begins to realise that Anna may not quite be the person she thought she was.
I really had no idea what was going to happen between Paula and Anna. Anna is determined to get what she wants and she is willing to do anything to get there. This is what makes the book so tense. Anna is a very interesting character; I wanted to know what was really going on in her mind and what her real motives were here.
I loved that the book was set mostly on a cruise. Tommy and Paula have taken the trip to the northern hemisphere with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. It made me feel that something bad was going to happen, particularly to Paula and it helped to create a cold, menacing atmosphere. It seemed as though it would be quite easy for someone to get away with a crime. The setting made it feel as though the walls were closing in and that there would be no escape if something terrible was to happen.
I thought the voices of the characters came through very well on the page. I could see Anna’s determination to get what she wants and this is what makes her scary. I really did not like her, although I did think that she and Tommy would’ve been quite well suited for each other.
J.M. Hewitt also shares with us some intriguing scenes from the past. We don’t know quite how these scenes will feed into the future until much later though. Some of these scenes are very dark.
The Life She Wants hooked me from the very first page and it kept me gripped right the way through. It’s the first book I’ve read by J.M. Hewitt and I can’t wait to catch up on her previous novels. If you’re looking for an entertaining psychological thriller then you should definitely add this book to your TBR pile. The suspense is there on every page and the characters reel you in. I really enjoyed it.
I really had no idea what was going to happen between Paula and Anna. Anna is determined to get what she wants and she is willing to do anything to get there. This is what makes the book so tense. Anna is a very interesting character; I wanted to know what was really going on in her mind and what her real motives were here.
I loved that the book was set mostly on a cruise. Tommy and Paula have taken the trip to the northern hemisphere with the hope of seeing the Northern Lights. It made me feel that something bad was going to happen, particularly to Paula and it helped to create a cold, menacing atmosphere. It seemed as though it would be quite easy for someone to get away with a crime. The setting made it feel as though the walls were closing in and that there would be no escape if something terrible was to happen.
I thought the voices of the characters came through very well on the page. I could see Anna’s determination to get what she wants and this is what makes her scary. I really did not like her, although I did think that she and Tommy would’ve been quite well suited for each other.
J.M. Hewitt also shares with us some intriguing scenes from the past. We don’t know quite how these scenes will feed into the future until much later though. Some of these scenes are very dark.
The Life She Wants hooked me from the very first page and it kept me gripped right the way through. It’s the first book I’ve read by J.M. Hewitt and I can’t wait to catch up on her previous novels. If you’re looking for an entertaining psychological thriller then you should definitely add this book to your TBR pile. The suspense is there on every page and the characters reel you in. I really enjoyed it.
February 23, 2022
Strange read but good nonetheless
October 30, 2023
Amazing book. The plot was incredible and I didn’t expect the twist at the end
August 6, 2023
The story alternates in chapters between Paula and Anna who are both very different women. Paula is a housewife who is at her husband’s beck and call and basically her life revolves around making sure he is happy. Anna on the other hand is single, self assured and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants.
I loved the cruise setting as whilst they are huge in size, there is still a slight claustrophobic feeling in this story with the surrounding mass of water. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights and was envious of the characters on this luxury liner going to places I would one day love to go to. It all adds to the atmosphere with some great descriptions that I could see vividly in my head.
Whilst I felt Paula was a bit of a doormat when it comes to her husband, I had every sympathy for her when things start to happen to her and a relaxing getaway becomes the holiday from hell. Anna on the other hand, as much as I didn’t like her, I also couldn’t help but admire her strength of character.
The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt is a steady paced read that will keep you turning the pages. You never quite know what will happen next and that sense of trepidation that sent shivers down my spine, also thrilled and excited me. There are some unexpected turns which is what I love most about this genre and the author didn’t disappoint. A tense and nail-biting read!
I loved the cruise setting as whilst they are huge in size, there is still a slight claustrophobic feeling in this story with the surrounding mass of water. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights and was envious of the characters on this luxury liner going to places I would one day love to go to. It all adds to the atmosphere with some great descriptions that I could see vividly in my head.
Whilst I felt Paula was a bit of a doormat when it comes to her husband, I had every sympathy for her when things start to happen to her and a relaxing getaway becomes the holiday from hell. Anna on the other hand, as much as I didn’t like her, I also couldn’t help but admire her strength of character.
The Life She Wants by J.M. Hewitt is a steady paced read that will keep you turning the pages. You never quite know what will happen next and that sense of trepidation that sent shivers down my spine, also thrilled and excited me. There are some unexpected turns which is what I love most about this genre and the author didn’t disappoint. A tense and nail-biting read!
December 5, 2025
3.5 rounded down to three because I did not find this book very memorable. This is a very simple story, quick to read, and easy to read with a lot of dialogue and only 300 pages. The characters are fairly flat and although there are surprises, they didn’t really do much to help the overall story. It’s not a bad read, and would be great on a beach in the summertime, but it’s more a long short story than a novel. It revolves around two women, one married to a well-to-do man and the other a Caregiver of an old ill man. Both end up on a cruise ship, where the second woman makes the decision to steal the husband. Worth a quick read if you’re looking for a simple straightforward story.
January 21, 2024
3.75⭐️
September 25, 2024
Interesting
December 18, 2024
This was easy to read but I felt the ending was rushed and a little predictable. Enjoyable tho!
December 26, 2023
Fast-paced from the very beginning, this thriller was brilliant. I was totally engrossed throughout the entire book & I finished it in a matter of hours.
September 28, 2025
Unlikable characters, but entertaining throughout.
October 12, 2024
Ugh, I want my time back.
February 10, 2024
Wow! This was a birthday present and a fabulous one at that. It had me gripped throughout, and even though I had guessed one of the twists part way through, it didn't spoil the story.
A good psychological thriller that tells the story through past and present lives of one the characters..... but which one?
A good psychological thriller that tells the story through past and present lives of one the characters..... but which one?
August 8, 2021
Paula Ellis loves her husband, Tommy, but their marriage isn’t really going all that well right now. But, all of that is about to change when Tommy suggests they go away on a cruise to Iceland. Paula is ecstatic and thinks this will be the perfect opportunity to rekindle their romance and even talk about finally having children.
Anna Masi covets Paula’s life and it angers her that while Paula has everything handed to her on a silver platter, she is still unhappy with her life. Anna thinks Tommy would be better off with her and will do everything and anything it takes to make that happen.
What at first might seem like a simple story quickly takes a deadly turn when strange things begin happening to Paula, but is everything the way it seems or is there something even more surprising about to be revealed?
Well, I have to hand it to the author, J.M. Hewitt, she really got me on this one! It is almost as if she pulled a magic trick right in front of my eyes. Holy hell! I love when a book, that seems rather straightforward, winds up not so straightforward after all and makes you question everything you thought you knew.
I always find it funny when I love a book, but hate every character. This is when you know the writing is so good and the story so spectacular that you don’t even need to feel any emotions for the characters. Paula, Anna and Tommy are the type of characters you love to hate while wondering if any of them can be redeemed even in some small way.
The story is told in the present through the lens of Paula and Anna and we also get flashbacks of a young girl’s rough life growing up. It was interesting to see how the two stories converged and why the story of a young girl is so important and relative to everything going on in the present. This was written so well and so detailed.
I would like to point out that there are some trigger warnings such as anorexia and talking about child abuse.
J.M Hewitt’s The Life She Wanted will blow your mind. This is a story that you do not want to miss out on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and ahem….shouting at the twists!
Anna Masi covets Paula’s life and it angers her that while Paula has everything handed to her on a silver platter, she is still unhappy with her life. Anna thinks Tommy would be better off with her and will do everything and anything it takes to make that happen.
What at first might seem like a simple story quickly takes a deadly turn when strange things begin happening to Paula, but is everything the way it seems or is there something even more surprising about to be revealed?
Well, I have to hand it to the author, J.M. Hewitt, she really got me on this one! It is almost as if she pulled a magic trick right in front of my eyes. Holy hell! I love when a book, that seems rather straightforward, winds up not so straightforward after all and makes you question everything you thought you knew.
I always find it funny when I love a book, but hate every character. This is when you know the writing is so good and the story so spectacular that you don’t even need to feel any emotions for the characters. Paula, Anna and Tommy are the type of characters you love to hate while wondering if any of them can be redeemed even in some small way.
The story is told in the present through the lens of Paula and Anna and we also get flashbacks of a young girl’s rough life growing up. It was interesting to see how the two stories converged and why the story of a young girl is so important and relative to everything going on in the present. This was written so well and so detailed.
I would like to point out that there are some trigger warnings such as anorexia and talking about child abuse.
J.M Hewitt’s The Life She Wanted will blow your mind. This is a story that you do not want to miss out on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and ahem….shouting at the twists!
July 9, 2021
Paula and Tommy and have been married for many years and all she wants is to have a family. He is all about his career and keeps having excuses to put off having kids. One day he surprises her with a cruise. She is thrilled, as she seems to think their marriage is in trouble. But when they get on the cruise he seems to have different ideas than she does.
On the first day she goes to the sauna only to find out she isn't alone. There is a naked, beautiful woman in there. She is Anna and when she leaves then Paula finds herself locked in the sauna. Not long after that Anna "saves" her. Of course Tommy doesn't believe that anyone would lock Paula in the sauna. Seems like everytime Paula turns around something is happening to her and it always seems to be when Anna is around. At first Anna and Paula seem to be friends and the first night Paula even invites Anna to eat dinner with her and Tommy. As the days go on though Anna seems to have Tommy in her sights.
This was a quick read in 1 sitting and I couldn't put it down. There was even a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC to review.
On the first day she goes to the sauna only to find out she isn't alone. There is a naked, beautiful woman in there. She is Anna and when she leaves then Paula finds herself locked in the sauna. Not long after that Anna "saves" her. Of course Tommy doesn't believe that anyone would lock Paula in the sauna. Seems like everytime Paula turns around something is happening to her and it always seems to be when Anna is around. At first Anna and Paula seem to be friends and the first night Paula even invites Anna to eat dinner with her and Tommy. As the days go on though Anna seems to have Tommy in her sights.
This was a quick read in 1 sitting and I couldn't put it down. There was even a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC to review.
December 29, 2023
I struggled with this book since it was a bit drawn out. Anticipation is one thing, but keeping a reader hooked from page one till the end is the other, and I had problems with the latter. The set up was promising, Paula’s character fully developed (of course I knew the alternate chapters from before were about her), but the execution did not deliver. I absolutely hated Tommy’s character and Anna (of course she happened to be Rebecca, because what are the odds, right?) was a bona fide psychopath. The struggle/fight scene on the frozen lake was messy and intricate, let alone believable, since Paula managed to get to Anna’s suite before her - the timing was just wrong. I think the story had a potential, but the further I dived into it, the more frustrating it was (like it was that easy to throw bodies off the ship without anyone noticing). 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
A love the whole woman trying to steal another woman’s man thriller trope, but this one just didn’t do it for me. That tripe is already over played so you got to come in hot, heavy and give some sort of originality to make it work and this just wasn’t it. Unlikeable characters (not in the love to hate way), super duper predictable and the writing was just meh. First time reading from this author and not sure if they are my cup of tea.
2.5⭐️
2.5⭐️
January 24, 2024
You want to save your marriage. She wants to destroy it.
The Life She Wants is a decently written, slow burn psychological thriller that centres around struggling married couple Paula and Tommy Ellis. We witness their relationship slowly worsen after they meet the beautiful Anna as Paula fears that she will steal her husband realising things that he isn't quick to do so.
If I'm being brutally honest I did not like any of the main characters but I suppose that suits the novel considering the ending. On the topic of the ending, I found it rather vague and the turning point was not hinted at in the slightest of which I like in thrillers like these. I typically look for books that are constantly giving me that wow factor which this didn't deliver as much as I would of liked.
However, it was a decent read and I finished it rather quickly. I recommend if you are a lover of thrillers and are looking for a quick read.
The Life She Wants is a decently written, slow burn psychological thriller that centres around struggling married couple Paula and Tommy Ellis. We witness their relationship slowly worsen after they meet the beautiful Anna as Paula fears that she will steal her husband realising things that he isn't quick to do so.
If I'm being brutally honest I did not like any of the main characters but I suppose that suits the novel considering the ending. On the topic of the ending, I found it rather vague and the turning point was not hinted at in the slightest of which I like in thrillers like these. I typically look for books that are constantly giving me that wow factor which this didn't deliver as much as I would of liked.
However, it was a decent read and I finished it rather quickly. I recommend if you are a lover of thrillers and are looking for a quick read.
August 31, 2021
Great story about two women who are desperate for a life style they want and will stop at nothing to get it, great twists and kept me hooked throughout, would recommend, the twist at the end you won't see coming!!!!
April 11, 2022
4.5. Great pace, fantastic twists I never saw coming!!!
August 3, 2022
I wanted to punch the main character. There was some twists but ultimately not my fav.
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