What would you do if your child was in danger? What if nobody believed you?

My Husband's Girlfriend by Sheryl Browne is a nerve-jangling psychological thriller. Suspenseful, packed with twists, and impossible to put down.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow - what a book! From a smouldering start to a combusting conclusion.

This book was exciting, twisty and gripping right to the spine tingling end.

Five stars from me.

'My Husband's Girlfriend' is the latest psychological thriller from author, Sheryl Browne. It's a twisty, intriguing page-turner of a story, packed with mystery and misdirection.

A shifting narrative told from multiple points-of-view, the plot mostly follows Sarah. Amidst the early stages of divorce and doing her best to prioritize her son, Ollie.. and his best interests.. Sarah's uncertain about her soon-to-be ex-husband's new girlfriend.

Noticing his favorite toy, Bunny, is gone. Replaced suddenly with something new given to him by Laura, the newest addition to their familial situation, Sarah asks Ollie about it but he becomes nervous and evasive.
When she broaches the subject of her concern with Steve and even Joe, the new person in her own life, no one wants to hear it. Sarah comes across as the jealous ex-wife, while Laura seems to be the perfect stepmother figure with the sweet, often fearful vulnerability.

As a separated parent, to a degree this was kind of a worst nightmare scenario for me. I certainly never liked the feeling I might be replaced by someone in my child's life.. becoming less important to them or having them prefer to be elsewhere. To add to that idea, the very real possibility that my child might have been at risk from someone who was a part of their family unit when I wasn't around.. was frightening.

Now for me, the reason was more along the lines of toxicity and self-destructive splash damage, rather than deliberate maliciousness. At least where my child was concerned. To be facing it with some methodical outsider and have no one willing to give credence to my concerns would be terrifying.

Though I picked up easily on who did what and when, early on in the story.. it was not due to lack of plot turns on the author's part. In fact, there were so many that the ride is a bit of a rollercoaster, always coming up on some new jarring curve over the next climb.

My one complaint is small and common for these types of stories. The characters are prone to extreme overreactions all the time and that kind of constant melodrama just makes it feel a little less real for me. That's not to say people never act like that, but ALL the people in any given situation rarely do.

Other than that, the story was intense and did a great job investing me in the outcome for Ollie as well as the final reveal for an older mystery drawn throughout. I was pretty certain I knew what happened, but it's always satisfying to find out whether or not you're right.

The pacing is very solid, moving smoothly enough that I was able to make my way through it very quickly. Only putting the book down to take care of obligations. Definitely a fun read if you like winding thrillers and a lot of family drama.

Wow... this had me gripped from page one and I just couldn’t put it down. An emotional roller-coaster that’s tense, fast-paced with a twist that packs a punch. All the things you look for in a good psychological thriller.

This was my first book by Sheryl Browne and will definitely not be my last. A captivating plot that draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat to the very end.

Absolutely loved it.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy

Sarah and her husband, Steve, has split and share custody of Ollie, their son. Steve moves in with the girlfriend Laura and the trouble and strange things start. Sarah is suspicious of Laura, who outwardly looks like a gentle perfect woman, but of course Steve dismissed the concerns as jealousy. Is Laura really dangerous or is Sarah misreading the signals. Never doubt a mother’s concern. Enjoyable, slightly predictable read but with an extra twist at the end!

My Review:

Wow, wow, wow, that ending was epic!!!!! I did not see any of that coming. Anyone who knows me knows that Im hard to shock but this book shocked me to my core. I’ve read several of this authors books but this one topped the cake.

This book was about a mother who was very protective of her son. She would do anything to make sure he was not harmed in any way, shape, or form. This mother knew her ex had moved on but should she trust her ex’s new girlfriend or not especially around her son? That’s the million dollar question that needed to be answered. Strange things have been happening ever since the new girlfriend has been in the picture. Is this just a coincidence or is there something more sinister going on? You found out this and so much more by the end of the book.

I don’t even know where to start with this review. I’m speechless and that’s hard to do. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for this author to write more. This book brought out so many emotions in me. I am a mother myself so I do know what’s it like to want to protect my child at all costs. I am however married to my child’s father so I’m not sure what I would do if another woman was to enter my child’s life. I do know though I would be very cautious and investigate that person. There are so many bad people in this world and you just never know what kind of crazy you are dealing with. I love it when a book really makes you think what you would do in that same situation. I also loved the plot and that’s what drew me to this book. I’m a sucker for any kind of books dealing with kids. They are vulnerable and innocent so they always make for a good storyline. Now on to my favorite part of the book, the ending. That twist at the end made this book. I couldn’t believe it. This author did such a great job making you think that the book was going one way and then BAM it went in another direction. This is the kind of book that will stay with you and I’m so happy I decided to read it.

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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Once again, the psychological element of this story is strong. For the most part, I didn’t know who to trust, believe, or who was in the wrong. This is helped by Sheryl choosing to write from multiple perspectives, but mainly Sarah and Laura’s.

Despite not being the main character in many ways, much of the psychological analysis focuses on Laura, (the husband’s girlfriend) and it was really interesting to uncover all aspects of her personality and unpick why she is the way she is.

For me, this was a slow burn read, and much of the action was packed into probably the last 20%, though there were some surprising and creepy events prior to this.

Overall, this has been an entertaining and unpredictable read that I would recommend to fans of psychological fiction and authors such as Shalini Boland, Arianne Richmonde and Miranda Rijks.

Sheryl Browne sure knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat. My Husband's Girlfriend starts off with me thinking this was a predictable story and that I knew exactly where this one was going, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Sarah and her husband Steve have split up and he is moving in with his girlfriend, Laura. Sarah meets Laura and just has an odd feeling. After Ollie's first overnight stay, she becomes worried. Ollie's care bunny is missing and he now has a whale, his room is decorated exactly like his room at home, and Laura is telling him to keep secrets from his mother. Her friends and even her boyfriend who is a police officer, all chock it up to jealousy and thing she needs to relax. well only time will tell if Laura is unstable and if Ollie is in danger.

I can only imagine what Sarah was feeling as she became more and more convinced that Laura was a danger to her child. I was very frustrated with Steve, he took Laura's side no matter what. Ollie was adorable. He loved him mom and dad, so of course he also loved Laura and Joe. When we meet Laura's parents, you know something is off, but what? There were some interesting issues in this book as well, such as loss, grief, mental health, split families and trust. This is a story full of suspense, questions and yes twists. I felt chills at times and could feel evil, but not sure why and who it was targeting. All I will say is that I was so wrong in my ideas, but the final twists and conclusion had my jaw dropping. I enjoyed this story and recommend it to lovers of Domestic Thrills and Suspense.

I do like a Sheryl Browne book because I find the domestic thrillers she writes realistic, possible, engaging and extremely easy to read. There aren't any gruesome bits or much violence, instead the tension is created by what is implied and through the unequivocal fact that there is always an emotionally damaged, fatally flawed character (or more) often accompanied by a sense of the ordinary 'victim' not being believed and questioning their own sanity.
In My Husband's Girlfriend, there seems to be the perfect amount of realism, past trauma, love interest and specific details to add an essence of originality to a vastly saturated market for this type of book. The characters are realistically drawn, to the extent that they could live next door to you, and the plot lines are believable because they centre on things that could, unfortunately, so easily happen.
In this novel there is the tug of love and separation anxiety experienced when a couple split but share a child. The plot incorporates the messy emotions which exist when ex partners forge new relationships and there is even more of a desire to protect your offspring and hang on to the linked-by-flesh-and-blood ties, whilst also having to trust in someone who is a stranger that s/he will be caring and kind to the most precious gift you possess.
Sarah adores her almost 4 year old son Ollie and whilst she appreciates Steve, his Dad, also loves him dearly, she feels compelled to check out Steve's new partner Laura now that they are living together.
Sarah is also embarking upon a new relationship with Joe, a very distant old flame and local police officer. Cracks appear rapidly in their tentative attempts at dating because Sarah is overwhelmed with unease at various separate pieces of information simply not adding up where Laura is concerned.
With liberal hints at dark pasts and enough trauma to change a person for good, who can Sarah trust? Can she even trust herself?
Pacy, sinister and shocking, this was another storyline I could only piece together partially, genuinely exclaiming out loud at a twist toward the end.
Highly recommended read for all lovers of the genre and i eagerly await the next Sheryl Browne book. Thanks as always to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read ahead of publication.

Firstly this is a much better title than the original one The Whisper. When Sarah and her husband Steve split up he finds a new girlfriend called Laura, when they start to share time with their little boy Sarah becomes increasingly concerned. Laura seems ok but there is something not right and all of Sarah's maternal instincts are shouting at her. What follows is a fabulous book about new relationships, step-parent relationships and jealousy. Sarah thinks Laura wants Oliver for herself. A really good book about relationships and damaged people. I loved it

Ahh I always love Sheryl Browne’s writing and this was no different! This book was my favorite that she has written! I’m obsessed with the alternating chapters from multiple characters’ POV. I love that the twists weren’t just dumped all at the end but were unraveled throughout the book! I loved cheering for certain characters and booing others! As usual, Sheryl gives us a glowing 5 star read and makes me so excited for her next book!!!

First, I want to thank Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

My Husband’s Girlfriend by Sheryl Browne needs to be added to your TBR list as it is a must read book!! Sheryl packs on the drama, suspense, and the heartbreak in this one.

The occupation that Sheryl chose for Laura made me smile. It is a commendable profession and not an easy one at that.

I give Laura credit for meeting the ex girlfriend alone without him there. It would be so nerve wracking I would think!

Sheryl brought awareness to an important issue that is rarely discussed in books. That would be stuttering. Through the character's voice Sheryl gave some great life lessons.

In each book there is one character you don’t care for. For me this person was Laura’s Mom Sherry. She rubbed me the wrong way when she put down her career choice. Oh there were plenty other reasons I didn’t care for her.

My heart was literally in my chest for the climatic ending of the book! I was literally on the edge of my seat wondering how it was going to play out. This scene was very fast paced, suspenseful, thrilling, gripping, and two shocking twists! It was unbelievable!

Sheryl at the end of the book writes a very powerful letter to her readers. In this letter she shares some insightful words of wisdom and life lessons.

A brilliant slow burning psychological thriller that will keep you hooked throughout.

Sarah and Steve have recently split up and Steve wants to introduce his new girlfriend, Laura, to their son, Ollie. After spending the weekend with Steve and Laura, Ollie comes home and mentions he has a secret ........ Laura has told him to tell anyone !!

Sarah is convinced that there is more to Laura than meets the eye but both Steve and her new boyfriend, Joe, think she is overreacting and maybe jealous. Is Sarah just the jealous ex-wife ? Or is Laura hiding something ? Can Sarah discover the truth ?

This is a slow burning psychological thriller that gradually builds and builds until everything comes crashing down !! The characters are believable and I really warmed to Sarah. This is a book that you will struggle to put down so make sure you have plenty of spare time before you pick it up !!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of “My Husband’s Girlfriend” (former title “The Whisper”) in exchange for my honest review.

The story is told through the perspectives of the main characters Sarah, Joe, Laura, Steve and Sherry. Sarah and Steve share a 3-year old named Ollie. Sarah is a bit paranoid about Steve’s new girlfriend Laura and having her son stay over at theirs. Her concern boarders on the neurotic at times causing others not to believe her.

Laura had some secrets. Joe had some secrets involving his ex Courtney. There is also a mother who puts her own need for a luxurious lifestyle over her child.

The story has a slow start that builds and builds until all the twists and turns develop into what can only be called a true and lasting friendship.

I loved this book from start to finish. It bases itself around the split of a couple and their issues with new partners and their 4 year old son. You are always left wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying. And even though the lies are probably that, there is always some justifiable explanation which then makes you doubt and as the reader you are constantly torn between each of the four main characters. As a female you are likely to empathise with Sarah regarding her new partner and her ex's partner - quite a few of us have been there! You have a dominant mother who does everything in her power to undermine her daughter. The whole story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and although I did work out part of the ending, there were parts that came as a shock too. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

I was totally addicted to this book. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Sadly, for me, the ending was all very rushed and left some questions unanswered. For this reason it's went from 5 to 3.5 stars.

Having loved Sheryl’s previous book The new girlfriend I had high expectations for this one. Although that is still my favourite this one came pretty close.

Sheryl has a way of writing familial disharmony that captures you instantly. This book is about parents split up and bringing new partners into the equation. Can they be trusted with your child?

Told from the perspectives of parents Sarah and Steve and their new partners Joe and Laura your loyalty will switch allegiance with each perspective.

As a divorced mum myself I could easily put myself in Sarah’s position. I did question her hypocrisy on wanting to meet Laura, after she had done the opposite with Joe and taken her son Ollie on their first date though.

So after Ollie’s behaviour starts to change after spending time with Laura, all Sarah can see are red flags. But why does nobody believe that Laura isn’t the perfect person they all think she is?

Like all of Sheryl’s books though not all is as it seems. Who is the wolf in sheep’s clothing? Have you pre judged and made assumptions?

This is a slow burn thriller but one that holds your attention easily. The characters are richly drawn and could live on your street and that’s precisely what makes her books so readable.

My final note to the author is that if you have a spirit animal I bet it’s a scorpion as you always have a sting in your tail (tale).

This is my second book I've read from this author.

This is a slow burn psychological/domestic thriller.

The plot and storyline are easy to read and keeps you on the edge of your seat all the time.

The characters are well fleshed out and I enjoyed reading about Sarah and Steve.

It's easy to read, suspenseful, thrilling and I will read more from this author.

Sarah and Steve, parents of 3-year-old Ollie, are now separated and dating other people. Steve knows how protective Sarah is of Ollie and tells Sarah that his girlfriend, Laura, wants Ollie to spend a weekend with them. As Sarah knows nothing about the woman, she is hesitant to entrust her son to her care. So, they meet to learn more about more another. Laura works as a palliative nurse at a hospice and has a stutter when she gets nervous. After their meet-up, Sarah agrees to allow Ollie to spend a weekend with them.

Sarah and her boyfriend, Joe, a police officer, are enjoying renewing an old friendship. He knows how worried she is about Ollie and tries to get her mind off it while Ollie is away.

After Ollie returns from his weekend with Steve and Laura, he has a replacement toy for his favorite one. From some of the things that Ollie says, Sarah cannot help but be worried. Thus begins the back and forth of her worries against reassurances from both Steve and Joe that she appears to be looking for reasons to not let Ollie be with Laura. Is she being overprotective or are there some valid reasons for her concerns?

This story was slow in building that made me want to say “get on with it.” As it began to wrap up, we learn what is behind Laura’s personality that makes her how she is. But, is she dangerous?

Sarah’s helicopter mom attitude is a bit grating at times. There is so much repetitive dialogue as to almost become boring. If it hadn’t picked up when it did, I probably would have given the book less stars.

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

First, I love Sheryl Browne’s books. This one was another great read from her. So as it reveals in the blurb Sarah and Steve are no longer married and her ex has a new girlfriend. Then she notices the stuffed animal that Ollie always sleeps with is not there. From that point on, the twists and turn just keep on coming. This book is told from many POV’s. It deals with many issues, anxiety, reality and loss. A true psychological thriller. Did not see the end coming which is something I love. I would like to thank net galley and the publisher for the ARC I received for a honest review. Great book for fans of this genre. (less)