Told from the perspective of the missing wife in the past & the stranger set to avenge her possible murder in the future, I was constantly trying to figure out who the stranger was. I wanted to know what happened to the missing wife. Boy, did Jessica Payne take some twists in this psychological thriller! I loved it!

Thank you, Jessica Payne, Bookouture, & netgalley for my early copy! All opinions are my own.

OMG! WOW. If I could give this ten stars I would! Jessica Payne never disappoints but this? This was above and beyond. When I say this book had me hooked, I mean hooked. I read this in two days only because I had to work. What in the heck is going on here? We meet Madeline after her wedding and then she disappears. We have a second narrator named Rebecca. The chapters alternate between Madeline “Maddy” in the past and Rebecca in the now. Rebecca is someone from Maddy’s past who wants to bring forth revenge on who killed Maddy. But, Rebecca has changed her identity to someone that no one from their past would recognize. Rebecca starts to stalk Maddy’s husband and his new fiancé who was actually Maddy’s bff. I was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time trying to piece together who did what, who is who and what really happened to Maddy. This is so fast paced and had my nerve’s jangling. There is a twist that made me actually gasp out loud. Thank you Netgalley, the Publisher and the amazing Jessica Payne for this wild ride.

‘Never Trust The Husband’ -- or anyone, for that matter. Especially when your former friend and your husband/spouse decide to get married after your death. Can you think of two shadier individuals than that? (Yes, that is a rhetorical question.)

This psychological thriller is a proper page-turner. It’s fast-paced with brief chapters, unreliable characters, and red flags popping at every turn that keep you guessing on the edge of the cliff, I mean, your seat until the very end.

I’ve struggled with non-linear timelines and dual POV formats in the past, but in this case, watching the drama unfold through Rebecca and Madeline’s chapters was pure entertainment. Each one possessed little lies, secrets, and other tantalizing details that I always find so delightful in this genre.

That being said, I’m not entirely convinced that the central storyline is plausible, but it was enough to suspend my disbelief without completely dismissing it. This could partially be due to having one of my suspicions confirmed (a small victory!) that seemed more believable. Altogether, it made for a unique and addictive story, especially when you're desperate for answers and are met with unforeseen twists and more questions along the way.

Be ready to devour this book pretty quickly!

Trust me. 😉

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this advance copy with me in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Wealthy social media influencer Madeline Hughes was pushed off a cliff just days after her marriage to the handsome and seemingly perfect winery owner Benjamin. But looks can be deceiving, and maybe Benji isn’t as on the up-and-up as he looked, considering he’s now engaged to Madeline’s former bestie Gwyn. Although no one was ever arrested for what happened to Madeline, a mysterious woman named Rebecca is convinced that Benjamin or Gwyn had something to do with it, and she’s keeping them under very close surveillance. After all, you know what they say when a woman meets up with foul play, right? It’s always the husband.

The talented Jessica Payne takes the revenge thriller and turns it on its head! Who is Rebecca and what does she want? What secrets was Benji hiding? Who might have wanted Madeline dead? This twisty tale is fast paced and chock full of red herrings and misdirection to keep you guessing. The secret to Rebecca’s identity is a stunner, but Payne doesn’t stop there – she keeps bringing the action with even more twists to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

Madeline Hughes was never going to settle down, she was happy living the single life, that is until she met Benjamin North, or Benji as he affectionately became known to her. Theirs was a whirlwind romance and, although people tried to warn her off him, they were soon married, then just a short while later Madeline is missing, presumed dead. Just three years later and Benjamin is engaged to Gwyn, Madeline's best friend and Rebecca is convinced that one of them has killed her and is determined to get revenge...

This latest domestic thriller by Payne is a dual timeline told from the perspectives of Rebecca in the present day and Madeline in the time leading up to her disappearance. The plot is well crafted with characters that you don't know who to trust from one chapter to the next and the twists, when they come, are unexpected and, at times, jaw dropping. This is a fast paced read with short chapters that grabbed me from the start and another belter from this author which I highly recommend, if you like a thriller you can sink your teeth into you can't go wrong with this author's books.

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

A great story full of twists and turns. It certainly had me guessing until the very end. There were so many suspicious characters who all appeared to have a reason for wanting Madeline dead. If you love thrillers, then this one is for you. Grab a coffee or tea and settle yourself into your favourite chair, you’re in for the ride of your life. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Awesome psychological thriller with huge twists you won't see coming! Well-developed characters, smooth writing and an easy-to-follow timeline makes for great reading!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Seattle, Washington
Publication date ~ March 5, 2024
Est page Count ~ 357 (p+ 67 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 45 minutes
Narrator ~ Sarah Borges
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & 4 to 3 years ago, murder, jealously, revenge, stalking

Madeline narrates in the past her life with Benjamin and her "friends" up until she falls off a cliff.
Rebecca narrates in the now her plans to avenge Madeline's death.

This is what I'm talking about with a revenge plot! Unfortunately, I had every last twist figured out early on, but that did not take away from my enjoyment at all. It was suspensefully fast paced with a perfect ending.

Y'all my legs ache and I need a nap just thinking about all the running these characters did. Oh hey lets meet up for a 7 mile run every day this week, yeah sure...oh wait it's a beautiful day, so lets do 10 miles. Sure I've run,..fine jogged,..fine walk/jogged 10 miles before, but more like over a 6 month period, not at one time. I did actually have a nice afternoon brisk walk with my pup today just so you know. Kudos to those that do love to run.

Payne has solidified her place in the thriller genre officially with this one. Absolutely couldn’t put it down and while I figured out the who pretty quickly, I was still left with my mouth hanging open. Talk about cold! And I loved it!

The two timelines worked really well, one from before the “murder”, and one present day. The characters were sketchy, best friends trying to steal away boyfriends, etc. I love a good shady character in a thriller and they were done well.

Would definitely recommend this one!

Thank you Bookouture for an advance copy of the ebook and for having me on the tour!

While on their honeymoon with friends, Madeline is pushed to her death. Little does her killer know, she survived. She is back with a new name, a new face and a new body is out to get revenge on her killer!

Jessica Payne NEVER lets me down. I have read all but 1 of her books and I’ve enjoyed them all! Told from 2 POVs and it really is a page turner!

The book is full of unlikable, toxic characters and they are all brilliant! There becomes a point in the story where I thought the ending was maybe a little obvious. Apart from that, this was a really enjoyable revenge thriller!

Madeline never thought she would be married; she liked her single life. One night out for her birthday at the bar she meets Ben and in the blink of an eye the relationship goes from 0 to 100! They are getting married but due to weather issues their honeymoon gets cancelled. It was suggested to do a week long hike with their friends instead of not doing anything so Madeline agrees; being a photographer she thinks of all the amazing pictures she can capture. However, that first night Madeline disappears without a trace.

Three years later, Benjamin is engaged to Madeline's best friend, Gwyn. They are living in the house that Madeline bought but everything is different. In order for them to get married they need to have Madeline legally declared dead, and that is exactly what they do.

But a new character comes into play, a nurse named Rebecca. She becomes friends with Gwyn and they start to get really close to the point that Gwyn has Rebecca following Benjamin because she feels that something is wrong. But could Rebecca be a part of what is wrong? Who is this new woman that has entered their lives so abruptly?

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC!

Do not trust anyone in Jessica Payne's latest domestic suspense/psychological thriller, NEVER TRUST THE HUSBAND.

What happened to the new bride who mysteriously fell on a hiking trip (or pushed) is the question in this twisty suspense with unreliable narrators, dark secrets, and red herrings. And yes, manipulation, gaslighting, and REVENGE!

Madeline Hughes was not looking for love when she met the handsome Benjamin (Ben) North. People warned her about him.

Their relationship advanced quickly, and soon, he asked her to marry him. She accepted, but their honeymoon had to be canceled due to a hurricane in the Caymans.

Instead, they decided to go on a backpacking/hiking trip with a group of friends. One evening, Madeline slipped out and onto the trail to take a photo. However, did she fall, or did someone push her off the cliff?

Who had the motive?

Madeline's best friend, Gwyn (her jealous friend), or her new husband, Ben? OR someone else? Madeline also had money.

Three years later, Ben lives happily in the former home with Gwyn. Engaged to be married after they declared Madeline dead. Never to be found.

Someone is watching, lurking, and waiting. Someone has come back to make someone pay. If Madeline did not get her happy ever after, neither will they.

Rebecca, someone from Madeline’s past, is determined to find out who harmed Madeline and make them pay. She knows Madeline’s husband and BFF, Gwyn, both had their own reasons for getting rid of her.

With a dual timeline and POVs from Rebecca and Madeline—lies, deceit, betrayals, and secrets— no one in NEVER TRUST THE HUSBAND is as they appear. Mind-bending, the author cleverly keeps you in the dark with twists and turns until the final explosive reveal.

My first book by the author and look forward to reading more. NEVER TRUST THE HUSBAND is for Keri Beevis, Valerie Keogh, Daniel Hurst, Emily Shiner, and Freida McFadden fans.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a gifted ARC for an honest opinion.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 5, 2024
March 2024 Must-Read Books
March Newsletter

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the book #NeverTrustTheHuaband by #JessicaPayne. This book is about a newly married woman pushed to her death just when she thinks she has it all. Then steps in her best friend to fill her shoes, but someone knows the truth. This book had me on edge, but could not put it down and the twists had me shocked. Who is Madely and what does she want.

Just a few days after Benji and Madeline tie the knot, Madeline goes missing. Three years later she's declared dead and Benji is set to marry Gwen, Madeline's BFF.

Something definitely seems nefarious and Rebecca is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Madeline.

But who is Rebecca? Good question! We know she's someone who knew Madeline but she has undergone cosmetic surgery and has taken on an alias.

Told in multiple timelines and multiple perspectives, this book was unputdownable. Completely addictive.

I absolutely loved this one!

Wow! Just WOW ❤️

A gripping story that had me from the beginning. I loved the dual povs and timelines. The story was well-paced and tension-filled with lots of twist and turns. I didn’t see the final twist coming!

I finished this book days ago and I can’t stop thinking about it. This was my first Jessica Payne novel but I’ll definitely be checking out her other titles. If you’re looking for an unputdownable book that grabs you from the very first page, this is it! Great read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

4.6 rounded up to 5.

Jessica P. Does it again! Never Trust the Husband by Jessica another twisty thriller that had me glued to my Kindle.
This is every bit as twisty and gripping as I’d hoped. This is a book which pulled me and gripped me from the very beginning.
The book started out very strong and it immediately had me hooked.
Such a twisty read with a unique premise.
The tension and expertly paced plot was on point.
The ending was completely satisfying and would 100% read this author again!
An intense thriller that will keep you turning the pages!

Thank You NetGalley and Bookouture for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This was a one-day read for me. I was sucked into the story and had to know who the killer was. I actually figured out the twists, but they were well done and I enjoyed the reveals. There really weren’t any characters that I loved, but that was part of the point - that everyone was a suspect for one reason or another. The setting of Seattle was perfect as the dark and rainy atmosphere added to the suspenseful nature of the story. I have enjoyed every book that this author has written and am happy to say that this was another solid 4 star read. If you are a thriller reader and haven’t read a book by Jessica Payne yet - run to the nearest store and get yourself a copy!

Thank you to #NetGalley and #Bookoutre for an eARC of #NeverTrusttheHusband by #JessicaPayne in exchange for honest feedback. - 4 stars

You never know what was gonna happen in this book. If it's so Interesting. Benjamin was a player and he was in the wine business. He had an ex girlfriend and she didn't really like him.. Madeline Fell in love with benjamin. They decided to get married because she had money. Your friend g g y a y Was going through a tough time with her boyfriend. So benjamin hired her to do and turned decorating for the winery they were building. Things were going really good until she got married. Benjamin and her went on a trip to mount reneer on the wonderland trail. Things got really crazy up there. When Her friend brought this man called kip up there. Madeline didn't really want to go on this but she did it anyway. Things do not turn out as planned. She had an evil half sister who really didn't like her. Madeline was pushed off a cliff and everybody thought she died. She came back as Rebecca. As a nurse traveler in seattle. She started to go after ben benjamin. He did not know she was still alive. Rebecca wanted to get her journals and the camera as proof of what really happened to her. This became really interesting in the book. Because you could see how everything Let's tie together and it had a really good ending. You find out why you don't trust your husband. Benjamin was evil from the start. The half sister was just as bad. You find out how everything was connected in the end of this book

I kept guessing at who the person of Rebecca really was. I made a few guesses but was wrong because the answer was obvious the entire time but Payne threw me off with other clues.
I did correctly surmise who was behind all of it because of certain things that stuck out to me in the plot.
It’s a good thriller, keeps one guessing, and in the end the main villain does get what’s coming to them.
Lots of false leads and false paths to prolong the secrecy and mystery about what really happened to Madeline.

This book has knocked my socks off. It was totally absorbing. I feel as though I have slipped into this book and lived for the past few hours. If you like a book that will mess with your mind, you have found it in this psychological thriller.

Benjamin and Madeline met by chance, but they ended up falling in love. They have just gotten married. They planned a group honeymoon for themselves and their wedding party in a tropical location, but inclement weather has ruined those plans. They decide to go backpacking with their friends. Madeline is a photo enthusiast. She gets up one night to take photos and disappears without a trace. The only thing left is her camera. They search for her body, but cannot find it. She is presumed dead.

Fast forward three years. Benjamin has just declared Madeline dead so he can marry her best friend, Gwyn. Yes. He is getting ready to marry the best friend. Gwyn wanted him when Madeline met him. Now she has what she wants. However, someone is watching them. Rebecca is about to insert herself in their lives and cause chaos and distrust with each other. She has planned this shockingly well. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but this revenge is fiery hot.

The story is told from different points of view. I liked that there were only a few main characters. This meant you got to know these characters better because of the number of characters. There were red herrings and rabbit holes galore. The author will play with your mind and your senses right up until the explosive conclusion. Prepare to be impressed. Psychological thriller lovers will have to put this one on their must read list for 2024.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.