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The Marriage Secret
He married me despite my darkest secret. But am I safe now that I know his?
From the outside, my marriage to Zach was perfect: dream home, a perfect baby girl and passionate, all-consuming love. When we met, I confessed my darkest secret to him and he never judged me for it. Instead, he vowed to always protect me whatever the cost.
But as I cradle my gorgeous baby, I have to accept that the husband who used to be my everything, has changed. At first it was little things: expecting me to keep to a strict schedule, picking out my clothes for me. Now, he controls every aspect of my life: from how much money I have, to when I leave the house and who I can see.
One fateful night, a young woman is found murdered and Zach is a potential suspect. Turning towards me, a look of warmth returning to his eyes, he swears he’s innocent, and I realize there is only one solution. If I agree to be his alibi, he will keep my secret and our daughter can grow up in a loving home. In that moment, I do what any faithful wife would do: I stand by him.
But I know deep down, only one of us will make it out of this marriage alive.
From the outside, my marriage to Zach was perfect: dream home, a perfect baby girl and passionate, all-consuming love. When we met, I confessed my darkest secret to him and he never judged me for it. Instead, he vowed to always protect me whatever the cost.
But as I cradle my gorgeous baby, I have to accept that the husband who used to be my everything, has changed. At first it was little things: expecting me to keep to a strict schedule, picking out my clothes for me. Now, he controls every aspect of my life: from how much money I have, to when I leave the house and who I can see.
One fateful night, a young woman is found murdered and Zach is a potential suspect. Turning towards me, a look of warmth returning to his eyes, he swears he’s innocent, and I realize there is only one solution. If I agree to be his alibi, he will keep my secret and our daughter can grow up in a loving home. In that moment, I do what any faithful wife would do: I stand by him.
But I know deep down, only one of us will make it out of this marriage alive.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2022
1236 people are currently reading
5598 people want to read
About the author
Carey Baldwin
28 books478 followersCreating stories and then sharing them with you so that you can shine your own light on them, reading through a lens shaped by your own perceptions, is such a joy. I hope you enjoy the books!
Carey Baldwin is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense. Also a dedicated physician, she holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. Her experience in the fields of medicine and psychology often informs her writing. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
www.CareyBaldwin.com
www.facebook.com/CareyBaldwinAuthor
www.twitter.com/CareyBaldwin
Carey Baldwin is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense. Also a dedicated physician, she holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. Her experience in the fields of medicine and psychology often informs her writing. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
www.CareyBaldwin.com
www.facebook.com/CareyBaldwinAuthor
www.twitter.com/CareyBaldwin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
February 1, 2022
"Secrecy is the enemy of intimacy. Every healthy relationship is built on a foundation of honesty and trust." - Dave Willis
Secrets are the name of the game in this book! Zach married Holly knowing her secret. Now Zach has them! Zach and Holly are happy, aren't they? They look like the perfect happily married couple. But things changed during and after Holly gave birth to their daughter. Zach began to show his true colors.
This was a fast and engrossing book. When Zach becomes a potential suspect in the murder of a young woman, this domestic thriller really turned on the drama. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. This was a pure escape book. There are some cringe worthy characters, and I couldn't understand how they could stand to be around each other. The book held my attention until the end. Was everything believable? I thought the ending went a little into this-is-a-little-over-the-top territory, but I was willing to forgive that as I was enjoying the book.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Secrets are the name of the game in this book! Zach married Holly knowing her secret. Now Zach has them! Zach and Holly are happy, aren't they? They look like the perfect happily married couple. But things changed during and after Holly gave birth to their daughter. Zach began to show his true colors.
This was a fast and engrossing book. When Zach becomes a potential suspect in the murder of a young woman, this domestic thriller really turned on the drama. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. This was a pure escape book. There are some cringe worthy characters, and I couldn't understand how they could stand to be around each other. The book held my attention until the end. Was everything believable? I thought the ending went a little into this-is-a-little-over-the-top territory, but I was willing to forgive that as I was enjoying the book.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 22, 2022
*Out Today – Happy Publication Day!*
The Marriage Secret was a chillingly devious psychological thriller of intimate betrayal, mistrust, mind games, murder, and plot twists aplenty.
Holly is married to a handsome, rich, successful, doctor – Zach.
Days before the birth of their daughter Jolene, Holly leaves her shoes on the kitchen floor, instead of putting them away in the closet, causing Zach to trip over them. He vows to punish her, and when she goes into labour he gives her the silent treatment. Holly also suspects him of sabotaging her delivery, resulting in her needing an emergency c-section. But, when she confronts him he denies it, says she’s overreacting, blames her ‘baby brain’ – has an answer, excuse, or comeback for everything.
As things escalate Holly comes to the realisation that Zach is a controlling abuser, and she is not going to stand for it, not now that she has a daughter to protect.
But, Holly has a terrible secret in her past, a secret she confided in Zach on their wedding day, a secret that he threatens to reveal if she tries to leave.
Of course Zach has secrets of his own – many of them.
The Marriage Secret was utterly gripping and intense. It took me a day to listen to because I just couldn’t stop, it was that binge worthy. Okay, so perhaps it was a tad far fetched in places, but I don’t care, I was addicted. It reminded me a little of one of my favourite domestic noir reads from 2017 – The Breakdown by B.A. Paris.
I loved how at the beginning of each chapter you were given a tidbit of information regarding an ‘incident’ {usually involving Zach undermining, blaming, guilting, or gaslighting Holly, or her discovering something disturbing about him) and over the course of the chapter what had occurred would slowly be revealed little by little and it wasn’t until the end of the chapter that you had the whole picture. Being in the dark like that really ramped up the tension and pace. The majority of the novel unfolded through Holly’s eyes, but their was the occasional chapter narrated by someone else, but I’m not going to say who.
The characters were amazing. Holly was a strong woman who didn’t take Zach’s behaviour lying down, even as she struggled to believe what he was capable of. Zach was repulsive, and the most dangerous type of abuser – a clever, manipulative, charming, good-looking one, who ran hot and cold. He’d smother Holly with kindness one minute, and be berating her, or making her feel small the next. And the dialogue – I can’t rave about it enough – the reactions and behaviour were spot-on.
The audio narration was brilliant. Stephanie Cannon used a different voice for each character, so you always knew who was speaking before the dialogue tags came up. The various nuances, and emotions of human speech shone through, and she utterly nailed Zach’s mother, Frances, especially one particular hilarious phone conversation where she’d had a falling out with her friends. In print it wouldn’t have even been that funny, but out loud I couldn’t help laughing with delight over how good it was.
I’ve already bought Carey Baldwin’s previous book, Her First Mistake, because the audio sample at the end of this book has already sucked me in. I’m so happy to have discovered this author and narrator.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, and Carey Baldwin for the audio-ARC.
The Marriage Secret was a chillingly devious psychological thriller of intimate betrayal, mistrust, mind games, murder, and plot twists aplenty.
Holly is married to a handsome, rich, successful, doctor – Zach.
Days before the birth of their daughter Jolene, Holly leaves her shoes on the kitchen floor, instead of putting them away in the closet, causing Zach to trip over them. He vows to punish her, and when she goes into labour he gives her the silent treatment. Holly also suspects him of sabotaging her delivery, resulting in her needing an emergency c-section. But, when she confronts him he denies it, says she’s overreacting, blames her ‘baby brain’ – has an answer, excuse, or comeback for everything.
As things escalate Holly comes to the realisation that Zach is a controlling abuser, and she is not going to stand for it, not now that she has a daughter to protect.
But, Holly has a terrible secret in her past, a secret she confided in Zach on their wedding day, a secret that he threatens to reveal if she tries to leave.
Of course Zach has secrets of his own – many of them.
The Marriage Secret was utterly gripping and intense. It took me a day to listen to because I just couldn’t stop, it was that binge worthy. Okay, so perhaps it was a tad far fetched in places, but I don’t care, I was addicted. It reminded me a little of one of my favourite domestic noir reads from 2017 – The Breakdown by B.A. Paris.
I loved how at the beginning of each chapter you were given a tidbit of information regarding an ‘incident’ {usually involving Zach undermining, blaming, guilting, or gaslighting Holly, or her discovering something disturbing about him) and over the course of the chapter what had occurred would slowly be revealed little by little and it wasn’t until the end of the chapter that you had the whole picture. Being in the dark like that really ramped up the tension and pace. The majority of the novel unfolded through Holly’s eyes, but their was the occasional chapter narrated by someone else, but I’m not going to say who.
The characters were amazing. Holly was a strong woman who didn’t take Zach’s behaviour lying down, even as she struggled to believe what he was capable of. Zach was repulsive, and the most dangerous type of abuser – a clever, manipulative, charming, good-looking one, who ran hot and cold. He’d smother Holly with kindness one minute, and be berating her, or making her feel small the next. And the dialogue – I can’t rave about it enough – the reactions and behaviour were spot-on.
The audio narration was brilliant. Stephanie Cannon used a different voice for each character, so you always knew who was speaking before the dialogue tags came up. The various nuances, and emotions of human speech shone through, and she utterly nailed Zach’s mother, Frances, especially one particular hilarious phone conversation where she’d had a falling out with her friends. In print it wouldn’t have even been that funny, but out loud I couldn’t help laughing with delight over how good it was.
I’ve already bought Carey Baldwin’s previous book, Her First Mistake, because the audio sample at the end of this book has already sucked me in. I’m so happy to have discovered this author and narrator.
I’d like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture Audio, and Carey Baldwin for the audio-ARC.
May 8, 2023
The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin is a 2022 Bookouture publication.
Holly thought she had married the perfect man- someone who knew all her secrets and loved her anyway. But after their daughter is born, her husband changes into a controlling and abusive stranger. Holly knows she must escape for her daughter’s sake, but will she make it out alive?
I enjoy reading domestic thrillers from time to time. I don’t expect them to be very original or surprising- anymore. I just want to see how the author plays with the familiar trope of the dangerous husband and the trapped wife. Sometimes they manage to add a twist or two that I didn’t see coming, and other times they stick to the formula.
This book started out as a typical domestic thriller, with some minor variations, but it had a big twist near the end that caught me off guard. However, the twist also came with some implausible explanations and motivations that weakened its impact. I still liked how the story ended and how everything was resolved, though.
Overall, this is a decent psychological/domestic thriller. It’s not very innovative or realistic, but it was fun while it lasted.
3 stars
Holly thought she had married the perfect man- someone who knew all her secrets and loved her anyway. But after their daughter is born, her husband changes into a controlling and abusive stranger. Holly knows she must escape for her daughter’s sake, but will she make it out alive?
I enjoy reading domestic thrillers from time to time. I don’t expect them to be very original or surprising- anymore. I just want to see how the author plays with the familiar trope of the dangerous husband and the trapped wife. Sometimes they manage to add a twist or two that I didn’t see coming, and other times they stick to the formula.
This book started out as a typical domestic thriller, with some minor variations, but it had a big twist near the end that caught me off guard. However, the twist also came with some implausible explanations and motivations that weakened its impact. I still liked how the story ended and how everything was resolved, though.
Overall, this is a decent psychological/domestic thriller. It’s not very innovative or realistic, but it was fun while it lasted.
3 stars
January 9, 2022
This book was a real page turner! I could not put it down! The plot twist I did not see coming and that always makes reading more enjoyable for me.
Holly and Zach met, fell in love, and got married quickly. Everything was perfect. However, after Holly got pregnant and had the baby things changed. Zach became controlling, mentally abusive, and isolated Holly from her friends and family.
When a young woman is found murdered, Zach is the number one suspect. He pleads with Holly to be his alibi, and in return he will keep the secret that has haunted her. Will Holly stand by her man?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Holly and Zach met, fell in love, and got married quickly. Everything was perfect. However, after Holly got pregnant and had the baby things changed. Zach became controlling, mentally abusive, and isolated Holly from her friends and family.
When a young woman is found murdered, Zach is the number one suspect. He pleads with Holly to be his alibi, and in return he will keep the secret that has haunted her. Will Holly stand by her man?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2022
In a Nutshell: A pretty good domestic thriller that offers some surprises along the way. While the characters are infuriating, the plot and the twists kept me happy.
Story:
The plot of this domestic thriller is fairly well-structured. The pace is very quick, the twists are quite regular, and the ending is pretty unexpected. Ok, so I don’t read too many domestic thrillers. That might have helped me enjoy this more. A part of me couldn’t help feeling that avid thriller readers might be able to figure out all of the twists, because I too could figure out many of them, though not all. A part of the content felt like it has been covered in other domestic thrillers, but then, these books are pretty formulaic. At least the twists progressed more or less naturally from the story, I appreciate that.
Author Carey Baldwin is a paediatrician and she also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She makes good use of both these degrees in the plot. I liked her writing style to a great extent. For a few scenes, I felt as if the author was in my head. The minute I started questioning something, Holly’s character popped with an explanation of why that wasn’t possible. In a few chapters, the author followed a different writing method, where the events have jumped ahead by many scenes and only through the character’s discussion do we realise what happened in the missing interim. It was an unusual experience, and luckily, it came out well in the audio format too, which is usually much harsher on such experimental approaches. I also loved how the prologue fitted into the actual narrative. Very few thrillers make good use of the prologue. However, the ending felt like it took a step too far. While I did like it for the surprise it offered, I still found it somewhat farfetched.
The characters are going to make or break your experience in this one. I was left enraged by almost every single character in this book. Zach is unbelievable. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why Holly was staying with him. The book does offer various reasons for her continued acceptance of his behaviour, but surely, he crossed many red flags with not just verbal but also emotional abuse. I also found it farfetched to believe that Zach’s nature changed just on the day of the baby’s delivery and then stayed that way. Doesn’t such behaviour change progressively and not overnight? Holly herself isn’t much likeable, though I did feel sorry for her at times. She is naïve and self-centred. She doesn’t want to leave Zach for some past secret of hers that he seems to know. But when this secret came out, I felt like it was a mountain being made out of a molehill. Holly’s mother-in-law Frances was yet another irritating character, one who saw Zach as her baby boy in spite of knowing his shortcomings. Zach’s dad makes a come-when-required appearance without adding much to it. There are a few more idiotic characters in the story, not all of whom are convincing. So if you want a book where you feel strongly about the characters, this will work for you. The only thing is that all your strong feelings will be negative ones!
I heard the 8.5 hrs long audiobook as narrated by Stephanie Cannon. She does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. I loved her narration, and possibly, I enjoyed the story more because of her efforts. If you want to try this, I would definitely recommend the audio version.
All in all, I did enjoy this book, much more than I had expected. It does well for its genre, and the quick pacing helps a lot, even if the characters leave you fuming.
I went back and forth on my rating for this one, because there were certain elements in the plot that didn't gel with me. But I did enjoy the audio version, hence 3.75 stars, rounding up to 4.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Marriage Secret”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Holly Bancroft seems to be living a dream life. Married to a wealthy and good-looking OB-GYN and living in a perfect home, she has it all. Except that the truth is a bit different. Ever since the birth of their daughter, Holly’s husband Zach has turned into a gaslighting, controlling jerk. Holly sees no signs of an escape, especially as Zach knows one of her “darkest secrets”. But when Holly too finds out a secret about Zach, she decides to leverage it against him and plan her escape. Will she succeed?
This story comes to us in a third person omniscient narration. I wonder why the GR blurb is written in first person.
The plot of this domestic thriller is fairly well-structured. The pace is very quick, the twists are quite regular, and the ending is pretty unexpected. Ok, so I don’t read too many domestic thrillers. That might have helped me enjoy this more. A part of me couldn’t help feeling that avid thriller readers might be able to figure out all of the twists, because I too could figure out many of them, though not all. A part of the content felt like it has been covered in other domestic thrillers, but then, these books are pretty formulaic. At least the twists progressed more or less naturally from the story, I appreciate that.
Author Carey Baldwin is a paediatrician and she also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She makes good use of both these degrees in the plot. I liked her writing style to a great extent. For a few scenes, I felt as if the author was in my head. The minute I started questioning something, Holly’s character popped with an explanation of why that wasn’t possible. In a few chapters, the author followed a different writing method, where the events have jumped ahead by many scenes and only through the character’s discussion do we realise what happened in the missing interim. It was an unusual experience, and luckily, it came out well in the audio format too, which is usually much harsher on such experimental approaches. I also loved how the prologue fitted into the actual narrative. Very few thrillers make good use of the prologue. However, the ending felt like it took a step too far. While I did like it for the surprise it offered, I still found it somewhat farfetched.
The characters are going to make or break your experience in this one. I was left enraged by almost every single character in this book. Zach is unbelievable. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why Holly was staying with him. The book does offer various reasons for her continued acceptance of his behaviour, but surely, he crossed many red flags with not just verbal but also emotional abuse. I also found it farfetched to believe that Zach’s nature changed just on the day of the baby’s delivery and then stayed that way. Doesn’t such behaviour change progressively and not overnight? Holly herself isn’t much likeable, though I did feel sorry for her at times. She is naïve and self-centred. She doesn’t want to leave Zach for some past secret of hers that he seems to know. But when this secret came out, I felt like it was a mountain being made out of a molehill. Holly’s mother-in-law Frances was yet another irritating character, one who saw Zach as her baby boy in spite of knowing his shortcomings. Zach’s dad makes a come-when-required appearance without adding much to it. There are a few more idiotic characters in the story, not all of whom are convincing. So if you want a book where you feel strongly about the characters, this will work for you. The only thing is that all your strong feelings will be negative ones!
I heard the 8.5 hrs long audiobook as narrated by Stephanie Cannon. She does an excellent job of bringing this story to life. I loved her narration, and possibly, I enjoyed the story more because of her efforts. If you want to try this, I would definitely recommend the audio version.
All in all, I did enjoy this book, much more than I had expected. It does well for its genre, and the quick pacing helps a lot, even if the characters leave you fuming.
I went back and forth on my rating for this one, because there were certain elements in the plot that didn't gel with me. But I did enjoy the audio version, hence 3.75 stars, rounding up to 4.
My thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “The Marriage Secret”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
January 31, 2022
Holly Bancroft has the perfect marriage to Zach. He is an obstetrician and very wealthy. He does however like things done a certain way - his way! Holly is massively pregnant with their first child, Jolene, when she commits a minor infraction and pays a heavy price. Oh Zach doesn’t hit her but the hospital scene in the birthing suite is difficult to read.
Anyway mother and baby are fine and return home and then the gaslighting seems to start. Zach is constantly undermining her and contradicting her and telling she still has ‘baby brain’. She tries to be a good wife but it is clear that Zach is hoarding all her little odd behaviours to weaponise when it suits him. Unfortunately Holly confided a big secret to him just before the wedding. She did a bad thing when she was 16 and, no, I’m not saying what it is.
Eventually Holly realises that Zach could be quite dangerous and she needs to get out to protect Jolene but - oh no, Zach will not let her go and he drags out all his little weapons to demonstrate that she will never get custody.
So far so good. I read this in nearly one sitting. I know it’s a familiar story but it was well written and Holly was so relatable and not a pushover so I admired her for that. Zach was the typical entitled male with money and prestige. But Holly has a plan and that was the fun part. I enjoyed that part of the book a lot. It was looking like a strong 4 star read. But I’m sorry to say it fell down towards the end. It was just too much! The book went from believable to fantastical very quickly and, while I know it’s fiction, the ending just did not seem plausible. Oh it was very exciting and dramatic so if you like a quick and satisfying domestic thriller this could be one for you.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Anyway mother and baby are fine and return home and then the gaslighting seems to start. Zach is constantly undermining her and contradicting her and telling she still has ‘baby brain’. She tries to be a good wife but it is clear that Zach is hoarding all her little odd behaviours to weaponise when it suits him. Unfortunately Holly confided a big secret to him just before the wedding. She did a bad thing when she was 16 and, no, I’m not saying what it is.
Eventually Holly realises that Zach could be quite dangerous and she needs to get out to protect Jolene but - oh no, Zach will not let her go and he drags out all his little weapons to demonstrate that she will never get custody.
So far so good. I read this in nearly one sitting. I know it’s a familiar story but it was well written and Holly was so relatable and not a pushover so I admired her for that. Zach was the typical entitled male with money and prestige. But Holly has a plan and that was the fun part. I enjoyed that part of the book a lot. It was looking like a strong 4 star read. But I’m sorry to say it fell down towards the end. It was just too much! The book went from believable to fantastical very quickly and, while I know it’s fiction, the ending just did not seem plausible. Oh it was very exciting and dramatic so if you like a quick and satisfying domestic thriller this could be one for you.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
December 25, 2021
Not the best genre to read during Christmas day but, well, domestic thriller is my thing. (Haha.)
I quite enjoyed the experience with this book. It was rather unpredictable. The lies, the pretense and the scheming within the character's marriage were intriguing and I can't help but feel bad for Holly's situation. I mean, abuse isn't just about beating or slapping, it goes beyond the physical aspect of the term. And being trapped in a relationship built on control and manipulation is equally miserable.
Holly is living the perfect life--her husband Zach is loving, gorgeous and smart, but after giving birth to their daughter, she started to see behind the mask her husband wears. What he truly is underneath. And is she capable of playing his game of deception and chicanery to save herself and her daughter?
Interesting plot, awesome character development and unexpected twists. I didn't see the last revelation coming! Shoot, you can't really trust anyone nowadays.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!
I quite enjoyed the experience with this book. It was rather unpredictable. The lies, the pretense and the scheming within the character's marriage were intriguing and I can't help but feel bad for Holly's situation. I mean, abuse isn't just about beating or slapping, it goes beyond the physical aspect of the term. And being trapped in a relationship built on control and manipulation is equally miserable.
Holly is living the perfect life--her husband Zach is loving, gorgeous and smart, but after giving birth to their daughter, she started to see behind the mask her husband wears. What he truly is underneath. And is she capable of playing his game of deception and chicanery to save herself and her daughter?
Interesting plot, awesome character development and unexpected twists. I didn't see the last revelation coming! Shoot, you can't really trust anyone nowadays.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!
May 6, 2025
4 pathological lying ⭐
When I saw this one was tagged as “An utterly unputdownable psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist” I was super excited, but also, I was like, really? That's tough to live up to.
Unputdownable ~ 3/4 ✔ ~ I mean I do have to sleep and eat and whatnot.
Psychological thriller ~✔✔ ~ undoubtedly was a psychological, page turning thrill ride.
Jaw-dropping twist ~ 3/4 ✔ ~ my jaw is still in it's usual place as I did have the twist figured out, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Holly and Zach's story is full of secrets, lies, betrayal, a controlling husband, and a forgetful wife. Holly is a new mother with a secret. Zach is a prominent OB-GYN with a secret.
You never know what goes on behind closed doors in other peoples marriages, unless, of course, you have friends to confide in. But is that always a good idea?
Holly's number 1 priority is to protect Jolene and she certainly concocted quite the scheme to do so.
My first, but definitely not the last, time reading this author!
*Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carey Baldwin for the advance reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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When I saw this one was tagged as “An utterly unputdownable psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist” I was super excited, but also, I was like, really? That's tough to live up to.
Unputdownable ~ 3/4 ✔ ~ I mean I do have to sleep and eat and whatnot.
Psychological thriller ~✔✔ ~ undoubtedly was a psychological, page turning thrill ride.
Jaw-dropping twist ~ 3/4 ✔ ~ my jaw is still in it's usual place as I did have the twist figured out, but I enjoyed it all the same.
Holly and Zach's story is full of secrets, lies, betrayal, a controlling husband, and a forgetful wife. Holly is a new mother with a secret. Zach is a prominent OB-GYN with a secret.
You never know what goes on behind closed doors in other peoples marriages, unless, of course, you have friends to confide in. But is that always a good idea?
Holly's number 1 priority is to protect Jolene and she certainly concocted quite the scheme to do so.
My first, but definitely not the last, time reading this author!
*Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carey Baldwin for the advance reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
August 4, 2023
This is the first true page-turner I’ve read in ages, so I’m happy to give it 4.5 stars! This was gripping from the very beginning, and it never let up … totally a “I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it” story.
The book is a classic domestic thriller, but don’t let that make you think it’s formulaic and dull - far from it. This abusive husband is much more emotionally abusive than physical, but his abuse escalates and becomes much more twisted when he and his wife have a child. Soon, Holly knows she’s going to have to leave her cheating, gaslighting husband, to keep herself and their daughter safe from his toxic influence. She’s quite a meek woman, but the power of a mother’s love is soaking into her being the longer she lives with this man and his lies.
This was my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the writing style. The whole book was written very cohesively, which made for a fast and easy read. Books also go fast when you can’t wait to find out what happens next, so that’s a bonus this one had. The characters were decent, but not all of them were well-developed. Other than that, I have few complaints! I really enjoyed this one and recommend it as a quickly-paced psychological/domestic thriller.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Carey Baldwin, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
The book is a classic domestic thriller, but don’t let that make you think it’s formulaic and dull - far from it. This abusive husband is much more emotionally abusive than physical, but his abuse escalates and becomes much more twisted when he and his wife have a child. Soon, Holly knows she’s going to have to leave her cheating, gaslighting husband, to keep herself and their daughter safe from his toxic influence. She’s quite a meek woman, but the power of a mother’s love is soaking into her being the longer she lives with this man and his lies.
This was my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed the writing style. The whole book was written very cohesively, which made for a fast and easy read. Books also go fast when you can’t wait to find out what happens next, so that’s a bonus this one had. The characters were decent, but not all of them were well-developed. Other than that, I have few complaints! I really enjoyed this one and recommend it as a quickly-paced psychological/domestic thriller.
(Thank you to Bookouture, Carey Baldwin, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
February 13, 2022
having been through "marriage noir" myself,
I'm seldom interested in anything in sleeping
with the enemy spectrum (go ask freud!) but
this one read indeed therapeutic - in spite of
its accurate portrait of psychological abuse.
I'm seldom interested in anything in sleeping
with the enemy spectrum (go ask freud!) but
this one read indeed therapeutic - in spite of
its accurate portrait of psychological abuse.
February 4, 2022
This is my first book by this author and she had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. It was a fast read and I read it in a day. Holly is married to Zach who seems like the perfect doctor, husband and father. But is he far from perfect!? Holly is hiding secrets as well. Throw in a murder or two and a twist here and there and this makes a great thriller! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest opinion.
dnf
March 4, 2022Audio - 3 stars
story - dnf
story - dnf
March 27, 2022
I had high hopes for this one, and on the whole I wasn't disappointed.
Zach was a horrendous character, so hats off to Baldwin for making him so detestable. His gaslighting of his wife was just awful and really got my blood boiling!
I did find the story wane a little but then when Zach gets suspected of a woman's murder, this book goes places! I wish Holly could have had more of a backbone though, she was infuriating to me at times.
But that ending! Worth it.
Zach was a horrendous character, so hats off to Baldwin for making him so detestable. His gaslighting of his wife was just awful and really got my blood boiling!
I did find the story wane a little but then when Zach gets suspected of a woman's murder, this book goes places! I wish Holly could have had more of a backbone though, she was infuriating to me at times.
But that ending! Worth it.
February 13, 2022
Happy Publication Day to The Marriage Secret! - February 11, 2022 🥳🎉🥂
A solid women's psychological thriller that keeps readers engaged in every turn of the page. The Marriage Secret is the first book I've read by the author Carey Baldwin. This is by far the best psychological thriller I've pored over this year. This is my favorite genre and the author hit the nail in the head in all the right places. The plots and twists are satisfying in every way.
Holly Bancroft has it all - a handsome, loving, and successful husband, all the nice and pretty things she did not want for anything, and a baby girl on the way. Secretly, another woman is plotting a devious plan to take away all that Holly has. Zach, the husband, is the head of the OB-GYN department at a major hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He may look like the doting husband on the outside but he is a monster and pure evil behind closed doors.
Zach is a controlling, pathological liar that does things to make Holly look like she's losing her mind. Blame it all on the baby brain. From the ransom note to "forgetting" the baby monitor in the freezer, to canceling access to her bank accounts and credit and debit cards to taking her baby away twice without warning. Holly and Zach have leverage against each other. One is a secret to keep them together, the other is a secret to separate them forever.
I read the dedication — For You The Reader Whether this is the first of my books you’ve read or one of many, I’m honored. I've never had a book dedicated to me before, the reader. I've decided that I'm going to like this author even before I started reading the first page.
This has the elements of a philandering husband and gaslighting to make the wife seem insane so she will lose custody of her child story. However, in this book, Holly, is a strong female protagonist and she knows that she is being lied to. Zach likes to flatter. But when Holly does something that Zach does not approve of he gives her the silent treatment then lavishes her with gifts or an expensive trip to Tahiti to make up for how he treated her so coldly. This type of dynamic between couples creates major cognitive dissonance, especially towards the husband's behavior.
There are also a lot of women-helping-other-women elements in the book. I've recently joined the local Women's Chamber in my state and our mission is to raise women in leadership and business. In the book, I like the portrayal of women's friendship and how Holly has battled inner conflict on how she had acted when one of her friends lost her husband.
This book is a must-read for everybody, especially women. We can learn a lot from Holly, her friends, her best friend Tamara, Frances, Zach's mom, her long-time friends, and the women Zach had affairs with. Now more than ever, we women should help each other and side with each other. Be there for each other.
I encourage you, the reader, to pick up this book and start reading.
I consider the book to be something that everyone should read. I would definitely read it again.
*Thank you so much to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me an advance reader copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Read the full review on Nica's Musings.
A solid women's psychological thriller that keeps readers engaged in every turn of the page. The Marriage Secret is the first book I've read by the author Carey Baldwin. This is by far the best psychological thriller I've pored over this year. This is my favorite genre and the author hit the nail in the head in all the right places. The plots and twists are satisfying in every way.
Holly Bancroft has it all - a handsome, loving, and successful husband, all the nice and pretty things she did not want for anything, and a baby girl on the way. Secretly, another woman is plotting a devious plan to take away all that Holly has. Zach, the husband, is the head of the OB-GYN department at a major hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He may look like the doting husband on the outside but he is a monster and pure evil behind closed doors.
Zach is a controlling, pathological liar that does things to make Holly look like she's losing her mind. Blame it all on the baby brain. From the ransom note to "forgetting" the baby monitor in the freezer, to canceling access to her bank accounts and credit and debit cards to taking her baby away twice without warning. Holly and Zach have leverage against each other. One is a secret to keep them together, the other is a secret to separate them forever.
I read the dedication — For You The Reader Whether this is the first of my books you’ve read or one of many, I’m honored. I've never had a book dedicated to me before, the reader. I've decided that I'm going to like this author even before I started reading the first page.
This has the elements of a philandering husband and gaslighting to make the wife seem insane so she will lose custody of her child story. However, in this book, Holly, is a strong female protagonist and she knows that she is being lied to. Zach likes to flatter. But when Holly does something that Zach does not approve of he gives her the silent treatment then lavishes her with gifts or an expensive trip to Tahiti to make up for how he treated her so coldly. This type of dynamic between couples creates major cognitive dissonance, especially towards the husband's behavior.
There are also a lot of women-helping-other-women elements in the book. I've recently joined the local Women's Chamber in my state and our mission is to raise women in leadership and business. In the book, I like the portrayal of women's friendship and how Holly has battled inner conflict on how she had acted when one of her friends lost her husband.
This book is a must-read for everybody, especially women. We can learn a lot from Holly, her friends, her best friend Tamara, Frances, Zach's mom, her long-time friends, and the women Zach had affairs with. Now more than ever, we women should help each other and side with each other. Be there for each other.
I encourage you, the reader, to pick up this book and start reading.
I consider the book to be something that everyone should read. I would definitely read it again.
*Thank you so much to publisher Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me an advance reader copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Read the full review on Nica's Musings.
February 16, 2022
The Marriage Secret
is about a marriage based on threats as a result of a devastating secret. Holly and Zach Bancroft seem to have it all, including a gorgeous home and a delightful new baby. He is a very successful doctor, and has earned quite a bit of respect. Holly had a fabulous career herself as a speech pathologist but was more than happy to be a stay-at-home mother, at least for the time being. However, nothing is as it seems with the couple.
This book just might remind readers of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier or even the film Gaslight . Despite outward appearances, Zach makes it his aim to keep Holly exactly where he wants her, using more than one method of control, even to the point of her doubting her ability to care for their baby. In fact, Zach's control grows by leaps and bounds in this book, something that might make readers cringe on Holly's behalf. Zach has been written as an utterly vitriolic character, unlikeable to the nth degree. When Zach becomes a person of interest in the murder of a young colleague, he calls in the cards. Holly will alibi him or he will tell her secret.
What brought this couple together in the first place? What is the ugly secret that Zach is holding over Holly's head to keep her in what is most certainly an unhappy marriage? While every lasting marriage starts with a firm foundation, Holly's agreeing to marry Zach had the writing on the wall. With Zach being alternately caring and cruel, Holly is forced to walk on eggshells, never knowing what next Zach has in store. Her wardrobe, her finances, even her mentality - Zach holds it all in his hands. Told entirely from Holly's perspective, events continued to unfold in disturbing fashion.
While this book proved to be a page-turner, with Holly struggling to show backbone, there was a point when the plot almost seemed predictable. In fact, there was one plot line that more than one reader might guess, and although the story was intriguing, guessing a major twist might take away some enjoyment of the book. Even so, the tension was kept at a high rate. With just a few principal characters, this story is full of drama and angst. All delivered with excellent pacing.
Carey Baldwin spun a compelling tale of who could possibly win in this disaster of a marriage. Any reader would know that Zach and Holly's marriage did not have a strong basis and it was very interesting to see what the end result would be. Inasmuch as possibly recognizing a major plot twist seemed to wrap everything up, Baldwin took readers on an exciting ride, which will no doubt leave most readers shocked by the impossible to predict ending.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
This book just might remind readers of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier or even the film Gaslight . Despite outward appearances, Zach makes it his aim to keep Holly exactly where he wants her, using more than one method of control, even to the point of her doubting her ability to care for their baby. In fact, Zach's control grows by leaps and bounds in this book, something that might make readers cringe on Holly's behalf. Zach has been written as an utterly vitriolic character, unlikeable to the nth degree. When Zach becomes a person of interest in the murder of a young colleague, he calls in the cards. Holly will alibi him or he will tell her secret.
What brought this couple together in the first place? What is the ugly secret that Zach is holding over Holly's head to keep her in what is most certainly an unhappy marriage? While every lasting marriage starts with a firm foundation, Holly's agreeing to marry Zach had the writing on the wall. With Zach being alternately caring and cruel, Holly is forced to walk on eggshells, never knowing what next Zach has in store. Her wardrobe, her finances, even her mentality - Zach holds it all in his hands. Told entirely from Holly's perspective, events continued to unfold in disturbing fashion.
While this book proved to be a page-turner, with Holly struggling to show backbone, there was a point when the plot almost seemed predictable. In fact, there was one plot line that more than one reader might guess, and although the story was intriguing, guessing a major twist might take away some enjoyment of the book. Even so, the tension was kept at a high rate. With just a few principal characters, this story is full of drama and angst. All delivered with excellent pacing.
Carey Baldwin spun a compelling tale of who could possibly win in this disaster of a marriage. Any reader would know that Zach and Holly's marriage did not have a strong basis and it was very interesting to see what the end result would be. Inasmuch as possibly recognizing a major plot twist seemed to wrap everything up, Baldwin took readers on an exciting ride, which will no doubt leave most readers shocked by the impossible to predict ending.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 10, 2022
This husband and wife thriller was a book of two halves for me.
Holly is married to highflying Doctor Zach and just about to give birth to their first child. From the outset Zach is clearly a bad husband, his lying and cheating could make Boris Johnson blush. Honestly, I found his character a bit obvious.
Starting out it steers heavily towards gaslighting and coercive control, but didn't fill me with dread like some others in the genre.
As it progresses and Holly's thought turn towards escape it really picks up, the plotting is tight and it really builds through the second half, with plenty of twists and an accelerated pace.
I found it very satisfying in the end and would recommend it in the knowledge that the twists and thrills are worth it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre
Holly is married to highflying Doctor Zach and just about to give birth to their first child. From the outset Zach is clearly a bad husband, his lying and cheating could make Boris Johnson blush. Honestly, I found his character a bit obvious.
Starting out it steers heavily towards gaslighting and coercive control, but didn't fill me with dread like some others in the genre.
As it progresses and Holly's thought turn towards escape it really picks up, the plotting is tight and it really builds through the second half, with plenty of twists and an accelerated pace.
I found it very satisfying in the end and would recommend it in the knowledge that the twists and thrills are worth it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre
February 20, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Holly had a dark secret from her past when she married Zach. They now have a baby together and Zach is becoming strict and controlling. Then a girl is found murdered and Zach is a suspect. Holly find herself giving him a alibi. A gripping domestic thriller.
February 12, 2022
While the characters are ugh in this domestic thriller, there are several surprises that kept my interest and overall I enjoyed my morning spent listening to this one.
Holly is living the dream-married to a successful OB/GYN, gorgeous home and expecting her first baby. From the outside everything looks perfect. But on the inside, that’s not the case. Her husband is super controlling and a professional gaslighter. He’s a jerk. But Holly doesn’t see a way out since he made her give up her career when they got married, so she needs him and his finances, and he knows her innermost secret. Then one day, Holly finds out his big secret, she uses it as leverage to get out. Will she succeed?
I listened to this today while I was working and the narrator did a great job of keeping me engaged and wanting to see what would happen next. The characters were pretty unlikeable and there were some typical thriller twists, but overall this was a good, solid read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
Holly is living the dream-married to a successful OB/GYN, gorgeous home and expecting her first baby. From the outside everything looks perfect. But on the inside, that’s not the case. Her husband is super controlling and a professional gaslighter. He’s a jerk. But Holly doesn’t see a way out since he made her give up her career when they got married, so she needs him and his finances, and he knows her innermost secret. Then one day, Holly finds out his big secret, she uses it as leverage to get out. Will she succeed?
I listened to this today while I was working and the narrator did a great job of keeping me engaged and wanting to see what would happen next. The characters were pretty unlikeable and there were some typical thriller twists, but overall this was a good, solid read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
January 23, 2022
Baby Fluffin' Otters In Fluff!! 😳😳🤯🤯😯😯
What did I just read?! What the FLLLUUFFFF just happened?! Holy Mother! I mean.. WHAT?! Holly is married and about to have her girl Jolene with her husband Zach, who's a doctor. But very early on you see he's changed and isn't who Holly thought. He's become controlling with secrets of his own, and all along the novel secrets start to unveil themselves. Holly knows she needs to get out - for her little girl. I'm gobsmacked! What would you do for your child? How far would you go? The ending is so unforeseen, so believable but never could have been guessed. Delish beyond words! Fluff me! 😳
Thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for this #ARC!
Release date: February 10, 2022
I give this 5 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
What did I just read?! What the FLLLUUFFFF just happened?! Holy Mother! I mean.. WHAT?! Holly is married and about to have her girl Jolene with her husband Zach, who's a doctor. But very early on you see he's changed and isn't who Holly thought. He's become controlling with secrets of his own, and all along the novel secrets start to unveil themselves. Holly knows she needs to get out - for her little girl. I'm gobsmacked! What would you do for your child? How far would you go? The ending is so unforeseen, so believable but never could have been guessed. Delish beyond words! Fluff me! 😳
Thank you to @NetGalley and @Bookouture for this #ARC!
Release date: February 10, 2022
I give this 5 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
June 27, 2022
What a page turner! Holly is a speech therapist, currently staying home with her newborn baby. While she’s home on maternity leave, she notices things about her husband she couldn’t have imagined, so when he becomes a suspect in the murder of a young woman, she’s not completely sure he’s innocent.
The twists were sharp, making it difficult to guess what might happen next. As the story approached a major twist, the author turned the focus to an even more shocking twist, taking the reader on a suspense-fueled journey into the underbelly of dysfunctional relationships.
The twists were sharp, making it difficult to guess what might happen next. As the story approached a major twist, the author turned the focus to an even more shocking twist, taking the reader on a suspense-fueled journey into the underbelly of dysfunctional relationships.
October 10, 2023
Holly Bancroft appears to have the perfect marriage to Zach, a dream home and a beautiful baby girl. Holly had confessed to Zach her darkest secret when they met and he accepted her and never judged her. Sounds perfect?
BUT
Zach starts to change into a controlling and abusive stranger and Holly realises she must escape for her daughter's sake. Will Zach use her secret as leverage against her and to keep her trapped.
I love domestic thrillers and this one did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting and was intrigued how this great book would end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
BUT
Zach starts to change into a controlling and abusive stranger and Holly realises she must escape for her daughter's sake. Will Zach use her secret as leverage against her and to keep her trapped.
I love domestic thrillers and this one did not disappoint. I read it in one sitting and was intrigued how this great book would end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2022
The Marriage Secret
By: Carey Baldwin
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is available February 11, 2022. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced audio. Get set for one wild ride!
💒 💍
Imagine you have married the love of your love. Holly shared her darkest secret with her husband Zach, and he accepts her, after all it’s part of her past!
👶🍼
Along comes an adorable baby girl, and Zach seems jealous of their daughter. He becomes controlling. Zach is a well respected doctor.
His mother is sympathetic to her daughter- in-law, but her loyalty lies with her son.
👨⚕️ 🩺
This novel has everything from secrets, lies, adultery, murder and mayhem. Twisted until the end! I will definitely look for more books by this author. #themarriagesecret, #careybaldwin, #autobook, #netgalley, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #bookouture
By: Carey Baldwin
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is available February 11, 2022. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced audio. Get set for one wild ride!
💒 💍
Imagine you have married the love of your love. Holly shared her darkest secret with her husband Zach, and he accepts her, after all it’s part of her past!
👶🍼
Along comes an adorable baby girl, and Zach seems jealous of their daughter. He becomes controlling. Zach is a well respected doctor.
His mother is sympathetic to her daughter- in-law, but her loyalty lies with her son.
👨⚕️ 🩺
This novel has everything from secrets, lies, adultery, murder and mayhem. Twisted until the end! I will definitely look for more books by this author. #themarriagesecret, #careybaldwin, #autobook, #netgalley, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #bookouture
February 3, 2022
I’ve been seeing this one all over bookstagram and it did not disappoint!
It was a quick paced, twisty story that had me hooked from the start. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by this author.
I did the audio book on netgalley and it was very well done.
It was a quick paced, twisty story that had me hooked from the start. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more by this author.
I did the audio book on netgalley and it was very well done.
January 24, 2022
Published: February 11, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 302
Genre: Women’ Psychological Fiction
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Carey Baldwin is a dedicated pediatrician by day. By night she's a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of edgy suspense. In addition to her MD, Carey also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
“You’ll change your mind; just wait and see.”
Holly thought she had a perfect life, married to a successful doctor, a baby on the way. Sure, Zach, her husband, gets upset with her sometimes, and sure, he gives her the silent treatment… but he would never hurt her. Right?
The twist in the book gave me serious whiplash! I enjoyed the buildup and the plot, the characters, and the writing style.
Holly is sweet, soft, charming, and seems like the kind of person you’d want as a friend. Becoming a mother changed her, and her love for her daughter was fierce.
Zach is a complicated character. He can be charming and sweet when needed and volatile and cruel seconds later. He had the ego of someone very wealthy, which I found well done.
Detective Denton was a fantastic side character, and I enjoyed his interactions with the various characters. He was so well thought out and well developed.
Overall, this was a fast-paced novel that was hard to put down. The storyline grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the end!
The intensity continues rising as the story wears on, and when the explosion happens, you find yourself reeling for a moment until the twisted clarity settles.
Secrets, they can be detrimental to relationships… and deadly in marriages.
Bookouture
Pages: 302
Genre: Women’ Psychological Fiction
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Carey Baldwin is a dedicated pediatrician by day. By night she's a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of edgy suspense. In addition to her MD, Carey also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
“You’ll change your mind; just wait and see.”
Holly thought she had a perfect life, married to a successful doctor, a baby on the way. Sure, Zach, her husband, gets upset with her sometimes, and sure, he gives her the silent treatment… but he would never hurt her. Right?
The twist in the book gave me serious whiplash! I enjoyed the buildup and the plot, the characters, and the writing style.
Holly is sweet, soft, charming, and seems like the kind of person you’d want as a friend. Becoming a mother changed her, and her love for her daughter was fierce.
Zach is a complicated character. He can be charming and sweet when needed and volatile and cruel seconds later. He had the ego of someone very wealthy, which I found well done.
Detective Denton was a fantastic side character, and I enjoyed his interactions with the various characters. He was so well thought out and well developed.
Overall, this was a fast-paced novel that was hard to put down. The storyline grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the end!
The intensity continues rising as the story wears on, and when the explosion happens, you find yourself reeling for a moment until the twisted clarity settles.
Secrets, they can be detrimental to relationships… and deadly in marriages.
Want to read
February 12, 2022 3.5 Not What It May Seem Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
The Marriage Secret sets up the reader to think one thing and then twists and turns into something very different.
It has a woman who thought she married the perfect man, had the perfect, luxurious life, and soon the baby they both wanted.
Surprise, that husband, not so perfect. In fact, he loves to control, he loves to gaslight and punish. The wife sees his true colors when she was about to deliver their little baby. Then things get more intense from there. More mental games and the ultimate hold, needing to support him when she isn't sure she should.
This will keep you interested and ready for all the twists.
The Marriage Secret
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Bookouturevia NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
The Marriage Secret sets up the reader to think one thing and then twists and turns into something very different.
It has a woman who thought she married the perfect man, had the perfect, luxurious life, and soon the baby they both wanted.
Surprise, that husband, not so perfect. In fact, he loves to control, he loves to gaslight and punish. The wife sees his true colors when she was about to deliver their little baby. Then things get more intense from there. More mental games and the ultimate hold, needing to support him when she isn't sure she should.
This will keep you interested and ready for all the twists.
The Marriage Secret https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by Bookouturevia NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 6, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and Bookature Audio for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good book. A nice thriller with a few twists. It wraps up nicely at the end as well. Zach and Holly appear to be the perfect couple on the surface, but Zach is a controlling narcissist. Secrets fill their marriage and bind them together making Holly feel trapped. Add in the birth of a new child and Holly is hopeless. Or is she?
I hated Zach and I loved Holly, which was probably what the author was looking for. The way he gaslighted her felt authentic. She was an emotionally battered woman. The story played out well and the twists at the end we fairly unpredictable. It was a pretty common storyline, but it was still a good book.
The audio was okay. I despised the narrator's voice for Zach, but it worked as it made him sound as sociopathic as he was. I would give this book 3.75 stars.
This was a good book. A nice thriller with a few twists. It wraps up nicely at the end as well. Zach and Holly appear to be the perfect couple on the surface, but Zach is a controlling narcissist. Secrets fill their marriage and bind them together making Holly feel trapped. Add in the birth of a new child and Holly is hopeless. Or is she?
I hated Zach and I loved Holly, which was probably what the author was looking for. The way he gaslighted her felt authentic. She was an emotionally battered woman. The story played out well and the twists at the end we fairly unpredictable. It was a pretty common storyline, but it was still a good book.
The audio was okay. I despised the narrator's voice for Zach, but it worked as it made him sound as sociopathic as he was. I would give this book 3.75 stars.
January 20, 2022
Name of Book: The Marriage Secret
Author: Carey Baldwin
Genre: Psychological Domestic Thriller
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: February 11, 2022
My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.4!!
Holly and Zach both work at the same hospital. Zach is a surgeon and Holly is a speech therapist. They fall and love and soon marry.
As the title indicates there is a secret. Holly reveals a secret to Zach and he still marries her.
Hmm is he really fine with the secret? Or will he hold it against her?
They soon are expecting their first baby. When baby Jolene is born, Zach did a great job in decorating the baby’s room. Holly is so please.
However, Zack immediately is a weird jerk~ my thoughts are …. Something is not right with him!!!
Hmmm Liv Constantine’s “The Last Mrs. Parrish” pops into my thoughts!
Sure enough Holly has a plan but I found myself yelling at her ~ Be careful who you trust!!!
Awww just as I thought there is more
Aww the tangle web we weave when we deceive!!
Great read
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 11. 2022.
December 29, 2021
my 1st book buy this author and very much enjoyed. Holly meets Zach at the hospital where they both work she a speech therapist and he a surgeon they fall in love and get married very quickly .but she told Zach a secret. they are expecting a Baby but Zach is the loving husband and they look very happy together but behind closed doors is very different .i don't want to say anymore as will spoil it for readers. its very gripping and very twisty
January 3, 2022
The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin
Rating: ★ ★
Genre: 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
Format: 𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤
Length: 𝟑𝟎𝟔 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Trigger Warnings: 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐱, 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘸𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!
The Marriage Secret follows what appears to be a perfect marriage between Zach and Holly. But both are hiding dangerous secrets that can tear their world apart.
I really wanted to like this book, when I first read the synopsis I was hooked. I love domestic thrillers but overall this book fell flat for me.
What I liked about this book:
* There were a few twists and I certainly didn’t guess the ending.
* The author does a great job of creating unlikeable and unhinged characters.
* The writing was easy to read and flowed together nicely.
What I didn’t like about this book:
* Zach - I seriously despised him. I don’t know what Holly ever saw in him but I suppose he’s always been good at pretending to be something he’s not. I just wanted to shake Holly so many times for putting up with his behavior.
* Holly’s secret - it’s made to seem like it’s this awful awful experience but it seems more like a childhood accident to me.
* Characters lacked depth - many character’s didn’t come across as likable or have very many redeeming qualities. It’s really hard to read a book when you’re not really rooting for anyone.
* The twist ending - I’m not saying it’s impossible but I doubt anyone would go through this much trouble.
Rating: ★ ★
Genre: 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫
Format: 𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤
Length: 𝟑𝟎𝟔 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬
Trigger Warnings: 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞, 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐱, 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡, 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐝𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺, 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘥𝘸𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!
The Marriage Secret follows what appears to be a perfect marriage between Zach and Holly. But both are hiding dangerous secrets that can tear their world apart.
I really wanted to like this book, when I first read the synopsis I was hooked. I love domestic thrillers but overall this book fell flat for me.
What I liked about this book:
* There were a few twists and I certainly didn’t guess the ending.
* The author does a great job of creating unlikeable and unhinged characters.
* The writing was easy to read and flowed together nicely.
What I didn’t like about this book:
* Zach - I seriously despised him. I don’t know what Holly ever saw in him but I suppose he’s always been good at pretending to be something he’s not. I just wanted to shake Holly so many times for putting up with his behavior.
* Holly’s secret - it’s made to seem like it’s this awful awful experience but it seems more like a childhood accident to me.
* Characters lacked depth - many character’s didn’t come across as likable or have very many redeeming qualities. It’s really hard to read a book when you’re not really rooting for anyone.
* The twist ending - I’m not saying it’s impossible but I doubt anyone would go through this much trouble.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
This book was ok, but wasn’t my favorite. It centers on Holly, whose husband Zack becomes controlling after the birth of their daughter Jolene. Holly knows she needs to do something but she is also hiding a secret and Zack can hold that over her.
The pacing of the book was pretty fast and there was a big twist that I didn’t see coming at one point in the book. I found it to be a quick read with a lot of action. That being said, I found it a little hard to believe that Holly had never experienced an inkling of Zack’s controlling behavior prior to Jolene’s birth; then, things escalated really quickly. Also, when her “big secret” came out, I didn’t think it was as big of a deal as it had been made to be.
Overall, fun and fast read despite the few things that gave me pause. I’d give it 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing of the book was pretty fast and there was a big twist that I didn’t see coming at one point in the book. I found it to be a quick read with a lot of action. That being said, I found it a little hard to believe that Holly had never experienced an inkling of Zack’s controlling behavior prior to Jolene’s birth; then, things escalated really quickly. Also, when her “big secret” came out, I didn’t think it was as big of a deal as it had been made to be.
Overall, fun and fast read despite the few things that gave me pause. I’d give it 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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