This is an amazing read and is screaming out to be made into a film. 
The first chapter left me shocked and I compulsively kept reading. I enjoyed this book and the twist at the end.

Ralph is a teacher at the local high school with a wife and an elementary school aged daughter at home.  That doesn’t stop him from pursuing a relationship with Laura, who falls head over heels for him.  So much so that when he tries to end their affair, she goes a little off psychological deep end.  As she continues to display unwanted attention towards Ralph, she is surprised when he finally invites her over to his house.  She begs for another chance, sleeps with him and then ends up in an argument with a tragic ending.  Just as Laura is panicking about Ralph’s limp body lying at the bottom of the stairs, his wife Helen walks in.   Helen is shocked and distraught at what she finds - a dead husband and Laura wearing her husband’s shirt and nothing else.  Helen convinces Laura that the best alternative is to cover up Ralph’s death otherwise Laura will be accused of murder and Helen and her daughter will have to live with the stigma of Ralph’s scandalous decisions.  
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An engrossing thriller with surprises and twists abound.  I really enjoyed how the story developed and it was not all what I expected based on the title.  The character exploration made me feel for both women and I loved how the POV changed about halfway through  the book.

Oh my!! The first scene, the first chapter, so unexpected, shocking the socks off me. That was the best. Author Jill Childs knocked this one out of the park. She called it her book baby, and I could clearly see the love poured out in the prose.

Two women: one, the wife and the other, the mistress. And you know it wouldn’t end well. It didn’t, for Ralph, when the wife Helen came to know about the mistress Laura. They were on the edge of the abyss, and one fall knocked them all down. This was Laura’s story followed by Helen’s. And I got the bird’s eye view of it.

Reading the first chapter, I knew the author had written this book to send shock currents down my body. The words chosen had the right emotion attached to it. Little bubbles of excitement ran in me. I was getting the gossip right from the front seat. (Look, I am getting my jollies from where I can. I don’t watch the television. Books are it, for me)

I had to talk about the characterization. JILL made her puppets dance to her every tune, they were brilliantly etched that I thought them to be real. New facets were revealed and gawd, weren’t some Aholes… ahem I mean jerks. You can guess whom I am talking about. Talk about eating the cake and having it too.

The book gathered pace because I was obsessed with it. I couldn’t stop reading, I had to know what the wife thought and what would she do next. It was so goddamn interesting. And the last line… My goosebumps got goosebumps. I couldn’t help but cackle wildly like a witch.

Wicked and wily was this author, she got my goose cooked (and I am a vegetarian). I was curious, hungry to know more every time I turned the page. It was that thrilling for me. I would call this book a domestic noir too.

Ralph invites his mistress Laura over one more time, of course she will come, she always comes.  And she doesn’t mean to kill him. However, after he’s dead she begins seeing things and has trouble coming to terms with his death. 

Following both the mistress, and his wife, after his death we unravel the mystery of what happened the night Ralph died. Who is at fault, who is to blame. 

The book was fast paced and an easy read. The synopsis doesn’t give much away about what the book is actually about. I believe Ralph dies in the first chapter or so and the rest of the book is a mystery as to what it’s actually going to be about. Overall, I like 5e writing style but the story itself was dull and lacking.

This book starts with what I thought was a quite far-fetched scenario but it developed into  a compulsive gripping story with so many twists. Fabulous book !! It would make a great film

This book zigged when I thought it was going to zag and kept me guessing (for the most part) right up until the very end. The story is told in two halves. I thought that both characters were interesting in their own rights, and well-written to represent the two sides of an affair. The switch between perspectives preserved a natural flow to the story. I mentioned it kept me guessing “for the most part.” I had an inkling to the crux of the story, but it came to me late in the plot, and I still wasn’t 100% correct. I’d definitely recommend this one. For a detailed review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.

I read this for a blog tour. 

This was a very twisted thriller that seemed pretty straightforward to begin with but as Laura's mental state deteriorates, and she loses her grip on reality, it starts to become clear that there's something else going on here, something darker and more twisted than first appears.

I really enjoyed this book, the revelations of what's really been going on, then the massive about face a character commits right near the end, completely altering the direction everything seems to be going, it certainly keeps your attention!

This novel follows the story of a married man by the name of Ralph, and his affair with a woman named Laura that leads to his untimely demise. Ralph is married to Helen and has a daughter. While meeting at his home with Laura, they get into an argument that quickly leads to Ralph's accidental death. While Laura is standing there in shock, staring at Ralph's body, his wife Helen walks through the front door and Laura is caught red-handed. Was Ralph's death truly an accident? What will Helen do, knowing she walked in to see Ralph's lover in her home and her dead husband on the floor?

What unfolds is a whirlwind of events, as you follow along and flip through the pages. Many shocking twists and surprises to keep you entertained and wanting to read more.

This is a fast paced thriller that doesn't waste time getting you right into the thick of what lead us to the details described in the synopsis, This book keeps you guessing and even at the very end leaves you with a twist you never saw come. Perfect book for someone looking for a quick read, packed with suspense.

Nothing is as it seems in this book. From the beginning this appears to a straightforward thriller but as it progresses there are many twists and turns. 
The style of writing did not wholly appeal to me. I found it a bit matter of fact and lacking emotion and intensity. But overall the storyline was good and well thought out. The characters were credible, if not all likeable. 
3.5 stars
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an independent review.

My Review:

Omg, that ending!!!!! I can’t believe it!!!! I was in total shock!!!!! This is the first book I read by this author and it’s definitely not my last!!!!! I loved it!!!!!

This book was about two women who loved a man that would change their lives. He would bond these women for as long as they live. He was evil, manipulative and only cared about himself. What lengths these women went through to please him was ridiculous and neither one of them deserved it. 

I want to start off by saying that this book had it all. It had murders, affairs, secrets, oh my!!!!! Who wouldn’t love a book like that? What can I say about that characters? I loved them all. The author wrote each character with a specific trait that made them mesh so well together. Each character brought something to the table and it made the whole book work well together. Oh and that plot!!!!! I just love a good murder with a little cheating on the side. That ending, wow, wow, wow. I still don’t know what to make of it. It was a shock and it made you really think, wtf, but in a good way. I absolutely loved that roller coaster of an ending. 

Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Favorite Quotes:

She seemed to have collapsed into herself, as if she’d borrowed energy to take control in the way she had, to do what she thought needed to be done, and was now in debt.

I always knew he was a charmer, of course I did. I just thought the charm was reserved for me.


My Review:

I was steady on absorbed in this tale, even when it got a bit out there but I also struggled as I didn’t like these people, not a one of them.  The writing style and storylines were intriguing and tickled and teased my curiosity with unexpected twists and odd turns, some of which squeezed my heart while exasperating me at the same time.  But underneath it all, these were just horrid, selfish, and deceitful human beings.  I felt sorry for what had ultimately happened to the final mistress, as she was easy prey being unstable, lonely, vulnerable, and apparently a complete sucker, but she was also beyond annoying in her neediness.  I had no respect at all for the unrepentant womanizer or his enabler of a wife who just ignored his blatant and numerous infidelities. I just don’t get that. But I champion the Lorena Bobbitt philosophy on such matters.

Let’s talk about it: 

Laura is having an affair with Ralph who is married, with a daughter, he works in the same school that she works at. Not only is Ralph super charming and just all around amazing, he is a lover of poetry and he treats Laura well, or at least we think he does. This man is so darn manipulative! I won’t give it away though, anyway, Laura is also a hot mess, and she starts to become obsessed with this man, but he has so many secrets that we don’t find out til the end and I was SHOOK!

I’m jumping all over the place but it’s ok, once you read this book you will all understand why, it’s an exciting read I can’t even be civil about it. Anyway so we meet Helen, whose Ralph’s wife, I feel so bad for her, but Her and Laura share a secret, or do they?? This book is so darn twisted, I had to drop my kindle because of what I discovered towards the end, the secrets these people have kept? 

Omg I can’t even!!! Lol, thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Laura wants her lover to leave his wife and daughter so that they can start a life together. Ralph is happy with the way things are....then there's an argument that sends Ralph falling down his cellar stairs and his wife, Helen, arrives at the house just in time to discover the distraught mistress standing there with the body. I'm usually a fan of domestic thrillers, but I didn't care for this one.  The characters weren't interesting enough for me to get caught up in the plot and the pace was slow.

Ralph was having an affair with another teacher,Laura. One night he invites Laura to his home, while his wife is out. Then tragedy strikes home. Ralph dies and Laura and his wife, Helen, cover it up. They should be at each other;s throat and throwing each other under the bus but they work together. As the story goes on we find out what kind of person Ralph is. Then an investigator for Ralph's life insurance keeps popping up and he has a lot of questions.
Laura seems to struggle with what happened while Helen wants to move on with their daughter.

It's a tale that's as old as time, the love triangle, the handsome charming husband Ralph, the loving loyal wife Helen and the besotted mistress Laura. This gripping drama is voiced firstly from Laura's perspective and then from Helen's as we follow their individual stories and witness the dawning realisation for both of them that Ralph is not just a cheat but also very charming, cunning, self centred and maybe just a tiny bit of a psychopath. In short, he's not exactly a very likeable character for various reasons and I really couldn't understand why a intelligent woman like Helen had tolerated his behaviour throughout their marriage. Once a cheat,always a cheat, men or women like Ralph never change. I can't say that I thought Helen was very likeable at times for various reasons. But there was more to Helen than met the eye, she had her own hidden depths and secrets. And what about the mistress Laura,was she suffering from mental illnesses and deluded as she appeared to be or was she another victim of Ralph's twisted mind games? And how did mysterious Mike Ridge fit into the story?

This is a extremely well written domestic drama/thriller that has some unexpected twists and turns, some really intense scenes and a seriously chilling conclusion. The characters were realistic and believable,the scenery and settings were beautifully described and the story kept me captivated and glued to my kindle. I really enjoyed this enthralling story, worth more than five stars and very very highly recommended.

Misfits by Hunter Shea is a horror story that drops us in 1993 with five kids who all bond with each other due to being, the odd ones out amongst all the other kids for one reason or another, Misfits. Marnie, one of the five, is brutally raped one night and the kids know they have to retaliate themselves. Their town has a creepy legend like a lot of towns seem to. The Melon Heads are the legend in this case, they live deep in the woods on Dracula Drive! out of the five friends only Marnie and Mick believe in it. The rest of the misfits know it's a myth created to keep kids from entering the woods. The misfits use this to get back at Marnies attacker, without realising they are setting a plan in motion that they may regret forever and that just occasionally the scary legends amd myths are there for a reason and they may find themselves in their own mightmares pretty soon.
Well! yes, if you want scarey, here you have it! If you are a bit faint hearted and don't like your books dark or gruesome steer clear of Misfits! This book doesn't just grab you, it throws you into it, right from page 1! Hunter Shea's writing recreates the 90s in graphic detail and is spot on, I was almost nostalgic at certain points. We witness the struggles that each teenager is going through, with their parents and their personal problems also.
A very original story with every character Hunter Shea has created fitting together as a jigsaw would to create an absolutely bang on Horror story. I would say one of the darkest and best horror I have read, maybe EVER! It is a book that you end up almost scared of turning the pages of because you never know whats around the corner do you?
Thank you to Random Things Tours, Flame Tree Press and also NetGalley for the copy of the book to write my review today.

First I want to thank Jill Childs, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 

After reading The Mistress by Jill Childs I am so grateful and thankful to be single!! The emotional and drama filled roller coaster Laura and Ralph put on eachother was deeply intense! Sometimes it got to be too overwhelming and got very annoyed with Laura. 

Immediately from the very first page the storyline was insanely fast paced. Jill didn’t waste any time getting into the meat of the story in the beginning. Usually, the climax happens at the end but for me I found it in the beginning. 

The book is sectioned in two parts. You get to hear Ralph’s side of things and in the second Hellen’s. I loved how Jill did this. All the time part one was going on. I wondered well what Hellen was really thinking. Oh...we found out all right!

I also loved learning how Laura and Ralph met. Ironically, he loves to pick up the ladies the same way. The more I learned about him the more I didn’t care for him.

So,  I admit I had to read the ending over a few times. I didn’t expect the outcome of this book. It was most unique and different than any other ending I had read before (and I read a lot). It is one ending that will make you question if I comprehend that correctly. It came as a big shocker. 

While reading The Mistress the name Ralph Wilson came up. Seeing I am from Buffalo, NY home of The Buffalo Bills and Rich Stadium. I couldn’t help but wonder if Jill too is a Buffalo Bills Fan.

I really enjoyed this book, a page turner, for sure;  It was well written with two main characters that were as flawed and different as two people could be.   
A mess of ruined lives brought on by one selfish man.  I was intrigued as to how the story would pan out and the ending was unexpected.  Recommended!

Laura is a single woman who teaches at a primary school.  She has been having an affair with Ralph who teaches at the upper school.  He is a talented poet and has after school get togethers for teachers to share their poetry.  Ralph is married to Helen and they are parents to Anna, age 7.

Laura wants Ralph to leave Helen and come be with her.  However, he finally tells her that the affair is over.  She has become clingy and won’t take no for an answer.

One night Laura goes to his house and realizes that he is alone with Anna who is asleep.  She forces her way in trying to talk him into leaving Helen.  They share a bottle of wine and get into an argument.
She pushes him against the cellar door and he falls down the stairs.  Just then, Helen returns home.  Checking him, Helen says he's dead and she insists that Laura help her get rid of his body.  So, they wrap him up, take him out on the water in a boat and push his body over.  Now, Laura tells her that she must never breathe a word about what happened.

Oh what a delicious thriller.  I had my questions about the story trying to solve it on my own.  Ha!  I didn’t have a clue.  This is why I love thrillers and the amazing authors such as Jill Childs who write them.  This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I highly recommend it.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.