Cover Image: The Wife Stalker

The Wife Stalker

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Member Reviews

I absolutely adored The Last Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine, so I was excited to read the latest book by this sister duo who co-author books together. I did enjoy The Wife Stalker but not as much as I loved their debut novel.

FIRST LINE OF THE WIFE STALKER BY LIV CONSTANTINE

“Piper Reynard pulled into the parking lot of the Phoenix Recovery Centre and parked in her reserved spot.“

MY THOUGHTS ON THE WIFE STALKER

I’m pulling out all the stops here to avoid any spoilers, but it’s hard when the ending changed my opinion on the whole book. So I’ll be as quick, concise and vague as I can!

The characters puzzled the hell out of me, as a few things just didn’t seem to add up. The phase bat shit crazy came to mind at times, as did what the hell are you doing.
I thought the pace dragged at times, and I wanted events to MOVE along
You need a lot of patience, BUT that patience is rewarded. Think slow burn.
I loved how it all wrapped up
So overall, I enjoyed it. However, if you asked me while I was reading it, I wouldn’t have been very excited about it. But that ending made it a worthwhile, if at times frustrating read.

WHO SHOULD READ THE WIFE STALKER BY LIV CONSTANTINE?

I’d recommend this if you are looking for a light escapist read with dark elements and some surprises in store. Fans of the author’s previous books should also enjoy. Of if you like authors such as Lucy Dawson and The Holiday by T M Logan.

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Thank you so much Netgalley and Harper Collins for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion of The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine.
I was over the moon when I was granted the ARC of this book because there was so already so much buzz going on on Bookstagram.
Having read "The Las Mrs Parrish" by the same author duo earlier, I hoped this new title would be just as thrilling!
I am happy to say that it was!

The rather short chapters, the change of narrator and the pace of the book worked very well
I couldn't stop reading, anxious to find out what would happen next.

The two main characters are Piper and Joanna.
Piper is new in town, she came from San Diego to make a fresh start in Westport Connecticut.
She sets up a recovery centre where she teaches yoga and mindfulness and offers therapy sessions.
It's at work that she meets the charming and enigmatic Leo Drakos and she immediately falls for him despite the fact he's already married and father to two children.

Joanna soon knows that there is something going on between her husband and the attractive but elusive Piper.
She is desperate to keep her family together but her attempts fail and she soon looses Leo to the charms of Piper. When Leo and Piper have a whirlwind romance Joanna cannot believe that she is just shoved aside and cut out of the lives of her children as well.
Leo makes it crystal clear that there is no place for her anymore.
Feeling unimaginable hurt and betrayed, especially by the intruding Piper she vows to do anything possible to get her family back and to reveal that Piper is nothing more then a ruthless imposter with a dark past.

Meanwhile, Piper discovers that she might have stolen Leo's heart, it takes a whole lot more to get accepted by his children Evie and Stellie....

What can I say other then wow!
Serious, such an addictive read, clever plotline and deliciously twisted.
5 big fat stars for this one!

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What a fantastic read. Gripping, unputdownable and completely engaging. From the first chapter, I was gripped,
right until the very end. when the twists came - I certainly didn't see them coming.
I can’t wait to recommend this one to everyone.

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Even though I did end up buying my own physical copy of this book, I would still like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book to honestly review.

I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed this book by the end. I started the read off feeling overwhelmed by how fast the story was progressing, to the point it was borderline unbelievable. However, the reveal explained everything, and I found myself genuinely shocked on how well the story came together.
A amazingly cleverly-written plot!
The characters all had depth, and the whole read had me constantly guessing what was gonna happen next.
Can't wait for this author's next!

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This is a great book and so easy to get into from the very start. I thought I had it all sussed but about 90% in there is the moment when I had to double back and re-read as I thought I had made a mistake. WOW !! So many twists. I loved it. Highly recommended

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When Leo meets Piper, he soon falls for her, leaving Joanna and his two children by the wayside. Joanna begins to find out more about the woman who has stolen her husband and discovers that this isn’t the first time Piper has been married. More worryingly, all of Piper’s previous relationships ended in suspicious circumstances. Joanna sets out on a path to protect her husband and children at all costs.

I love Liv Constantine’s style. The authors have such a knack for twists and subtle suspense. I adored The Last Mrs Parrish, and The Wife Stalker definitely lived up to the same standard for me. Dynamic characters and well=paced writing with a shock twist that will have you flicking back saying, ‘Wait, what!?!?’. A great summer read which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Unfortunately, Liv Constantine's The Wife Stalker was a bit of a letdown for me. This recognizable author creates a very easy to follow narrative, switching between Joanna and Piper, with love interest Leo thrown in along with two children Evie and Stelli.

Joanna and Piper are equally unreliable narrators. And, while I am all for the unreliable narrator, I think in this instance, this device was taken too far. Additionally, only sweet Evie is likeable; Joanna, Piper, Leo, and even little Stelli are drawn as dislikable characters, although in the case of Leo and Stelli, this is in part because of the mischaracterization created by the unreliable narrators.

The big reveal at the end cleared up the confusing points that had cropped up throughout the novel,. This was a quick read, easy to follow, but on the whole I walked away feeling dissatisfied.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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A well written thriller, albeit at times you do need to take a leap of imagination from reality, however ultimately this is a really good gripping read. Joannas husband Leo has long been in a depressive slump, so when he seems to go back to his old self she is over the moon, only to discover it is is actually another woman that has brought this change in Leo about. Piper is a newcomer to the town, and Joanna senses things are not right- but her concerns are brushed off as the paranoia and jealousy of the spurned wife. A really good read that focused on emotions and family.

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Breezing into the tony seaside paradise of Westport, Connecticut, gorgeous thirtysomething Piper Reynard sets down roots, opening a rehab and wellness space and joining a local yacht club. When she meets Leo Drakos, a handsome, successful lawyer, the wedding ring on his finger is the only thing she doesn’t like about him. Yet as Piper well knows, no marriage is permanent.

Meanwhile, Joanna has been waiting patiently for Leo, the charismatic man she fell in love with all those years ago, to re-emerge from the severe depression that has engulfed him. Though she’s thankful when Leo returns to his charming, energetic self, paying attention again to Evie and Stelli, the children they both love beyond measure, Joanna is shocked to discover that it’s not her loving support that’s sparked his renewed happiness—it’s something else.

Piper. Leo has fallen head over heels for the flaky, New Age-y newcomer, and unrepentant and resolute, he’s more than willing to leave Joanna behind, along with everything they’ve built. Of course, he assures her, she can still see the children.

Joanna is devastated—and determined to find something, anything, to use against this woman who has stolen her life and her true love. As she digs deeper into Piper’s past, Joanna begins to unearth disturbing secrets . . . but when she confides to her therapist that she fears for the lives of her ex-husband and children, her concerns are dismissed as paranoia. Can she find the proof she needs in time to save them? (

I must admit, after reading the authors' previous novel, I was so excited to read this book, but I felt quite disappointed with this book.

I felt like the book was quite far fetched in places and in other places, I found it quite boring and that nothing was really happening.

I did enjoy the book as a whole, but just did not think that the book lived up to the authors previous work.

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Brilliant page turner! All the way through I thought I had the plot worked out, until the very end, what a twist, amazing writing, looking forward to more books by Liv

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I'm a big fan of thrillers and this book was right up my street. I did feel like the plot lost its way towards the end but I really liked the characters and loved that they felt quite three dimensional. I tore through this book at great speed.

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This was a fantastic novel that was full of twists. It's a very entertaining book that I sped through in one sitting.

The characters are developed amazingly and have the desired affect. There's hardly a dull moment in this story, which I loved.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this E-book to review via Netgalley.

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I started with the ebook, then switched over to audiobook when I listened to the sample. I found Julia Whelan fascinating who brought the story alive with the different voices for both the main characters.

Piper started her wellness center in town which got Leo's attention. Attraction turned to Dating then to marriage after his kids Evie and Stelli kind of accepted her. That sidelined the woman who had loved Leo for years and lived in his home - Joanna - who was thrown out. The children missed their mummy too and wanted her back.

My first book by the dynamic author duo, Liv Constantine, the story was seamless with the ladies being different contrary with a hint of wickedness. I liked how the authors made me feel like I was playing hide and go seek with them. I kept seeking the truth, which moved further away with each chapter.

The suspense built up deliciously, I was quite enamored by the ladies. Their secrets haunted me, their lies got me stuck to my phone. Listening to the story became paramount, though I have to admit I am a slow listener. The final reveal was produced with a grand flourish which gave me a startle. With their smooth writing, I never came to know they were two authors writing a single story. Oh wow!!

Julia Whelan, the narrator, was fantastic. Her expressions and changes in tone and pitch let me know whose chapter it was. I liked how emotive she was in the entire book. I've got to listen to more books narrated by her.

A fun read/listen.

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I had a mixed feelings for this book and it’s difficult for me to review it without giving the things away.

One of the things I like in a good thriller is a chill factor and realistic feel. Unfortunately The Wife Stalker delivered neither of them. I am sad to say the whole book was dragging for me and it felt more like the ordinary day to day story rather than suspenseful thriller. I wasn’t impressed by the characters life choices and I was only carry on to find you the big twist everyone was talking about. And I actually liked the ending which saved the book in my opinion. It definitely explained a lot however I wished the twist came much earlier in a story, not in the last couple of pages.

It was my first book by Liv Constantine but I am sure it won’t be a last one.

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I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Oh I loved this !!!

This isn't my usual genre so I tend to choose carefully and read other reviews before accepting this read
Other review said it was unpredictable and OMG it was!!

The story is great and well driven. Pacey, unpredictable - absolutely unputtdownable - is that a word?

Loved the writing style the author has used. The use of short chapters works soooo well.

a great read
Highly recommend

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They weren't lying when they said you wouldn't see this twist coming. This book was pacey, plot-based, and unpredictable in all the right ways.

Piper wasn't looking for a new husband. But how could she resist falling for the handsome, successful, and charming Leo? His kids are another story. Evie gradually warms to Piper but six-year-old Stelli refuses to let Piper in. They both want their mum and Piper struggles to fit into the family dynamic. Cue Joanna. The woman who has devoted her life to Leo and the kids and suddenly finds herself replaced by Piper. After doing some digging into Piper's history, Joanna is shocked at what she finds out and is convinced that the family is in danger. Joanna must do everything she can to make sure she doesn't lose everyone she's ever loved.

The best thing about this novel was the pace. The short chapters alternated between Joanna and Piper, and the drama continued to unfold throughout. It was impossible to put down and even more impossible to see what was coming. I'll admit that some parts (including the ending) were a little inconceivable but everything else was so well done that you can take it with a pinch of salt. In terms of storytelling and connecting the characters with events, it was a solid effort.

Loved The Last Mrs Parrish and loved this one too. Highly recommend to everyone who loves an unpredictable thriller.

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This book was GOOD!
And true to it's word it had a twist that I didn't see coming.

This was my second book by the author's, I liked the Last Mrs Parrish, and I liked this equally or perhaps a bit better.

yes it was unbelievable and unrealistic, but it worked perfectly for a book.

I liked the fast paced short chapters with alternating narrators. It was truly unputdownable.

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This story is about Joanne, she Gave up her career to take care of children Evie and Stelli so Leo could concentrate on his. Leo decides to take a meditation class on Joanne’s suggestion to help him with his depression. There he meets Piper. Piper is new to the area wanting to make a new start after her husband and step daughter were killed in a boating accident. Leo is smitten and decides to take steps to get Joanne out of his and his children’s lives and move Piper in. Joanne, understandably upset does some digging into Piper’s past and believes that Leo and the children are in danger.

This was a fantastic fast paced thriller with a really good twist. It first appears that this is just a book about horrible people doing horrible things to each other but there is so much more to it than that. I am not one that ever rereads books but I immediately want to reread this now I know the ending.

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In an era littered with twisty psychological thrillers, the writing duo that are Liv Constantine are surely the queens of the twist that you absolutely don't see coming. Having read their other books, I picked this up hoping for a fun, easy page-turner of a thriller and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The book is told in alternating points of view by Joanna, a woman who appears to have the perfect life with a husband and two children, and Piper, "the other woman" who steals her husband. As Joanna fights to win her husband back, she uncovers secrets about Piper's past - and just as you think the book is a good read but feels fairly similar to so many of its genre, the twist that comes that throws you for a loop and makes this book a standout for me. Add it to your summer reading list.

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I didn’t see the twist coming!

An absolutely brilliant twist in the tail. This got me hooked straight away. Even though I did pick up a few anomalies reading through, I never guessed how it would end.

All I grasped was a wife, Joanna, of a very handsome man called Leo had a difficult time supporting him through an episode of depression. Or so it seemed 🤦‍♀️

And I judged straight away, when Leo was quite easily distracted and became involved with another woman, Piper, who had a few skeletons in her cupboard. It happened so quickly. The speed and sequence of events are quite shocking, harsh. What a betrayal. So many lies, deceit.... Piper was so manipulative. So many egos in the mix.

Leo jumped into a relationship with Piper quite quickly without any lead up to him agreeing to a relationship, she was sassy, however no indication from him until bang.... chapter 11.... whoa.

I found myself frustrated with the behaviour of all characters. Constantine is very accomplished at bringing the whole together like a jigsaw puzzle at the end. Constantine was encouraging mind games.

Some great mind games going on, did or did Piper not murder her two previous husbands and step daughter? Is she hurting Stelli? Or is this just a distraction? Surely it can’t be for the money?

I felt uncomfortable at times, poor Joanna, who was possessive and very jealous. She had low self esteem, carried a little weight, quite body conscious. Piper was fit, glamorous and very beautiful.

Who was the sociopath? So much vanity, dishonesty, strict and antiquarian parents to the extent of being suffocating. People don’t consider the impact an upbringing has on a child.

Which one was delusional, set on revenge and retribution...

A great read. Short chapters. And kept you thinking until, OMG, towards the end. Light bulb moment.

Would most definitely recommend.

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for this eARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.

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