This was such a quick read and it completely sucked me in from the very first page. Two women, two beachfront mansions, and a web of lies you just know is about to explode. At first, Hannah thinks she’s found a true friend in Sophia, someone who gets the pressure of living in a picture-perfect world. But as the layers peel back, nothing is what it seems, and the twists come fast. Just when I thought I knew where it was heading, the story flipped in the best way. If you love Freida McFadden or Jeneva Rose, this one will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Hannah thinks she is living her dream life as an influencer with her very wealthy husband and two beautiful children. But when Sophia moves in next door life takes on an unexpected change. Initially a strong friendship begins between the two but then events turn which sets up this fantastic plot that had me turning the pages extremely quickly and staying up late when I should have been sleeping. The book is what we are now calling ‘popcorn’ thrillers, fast moving, the story immediately draws you in and had my attention throughout. I really enjoyed it and will now be sourcing other books from the author who was new to me.

Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

A really easy-to-read and gripping story featuring an influencer lifestyle, where Hannah portrays a perfectly curated family life—while having absolutely no clue who her husband really is. I did start to catch on fairly early about Court and his connection to them both, but that actually made the reading experience more enjoyable as I looked for subtle clues I might have otherwise missed.

I was rooting for Hannah throughout, and I’m glad she got her happy ending with her babies and her dream house. This was a really engaging story, and I loved how easy it was to dip in and out of it over a few days.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for this ARC!

This was a really good psychological thriller! I really had no idea where the story was going. The characters were well formed and I felt I really got to know Hannah, the main character. I could not put the book down as the story unfolded! The book made you feel like Hannah had everything going for her, until her neighbor moved in. Then there were so many twists and turns that there was no way I could have anticipated how the story was going to end. Excellent book! Highly recommend!

Thank you Storm
Publishing and NetGalley for rhis ARC, I love psychological, twisty thrillers and first wives don’t disappoint… through the eyes of two wealthy women Sophia and Hannah, we are taken on a wild ride of wealth, keeping up with the Jones's, all being not what it seems and also secrets that unfold and eventually explode everything that we think we know at the start of the book. This is everything what I hoped it would be - and I would highly recommend First Wives by SE Reed.

Wealthy couples, influencers, and a lot of secrets and twists.
A fast-paced story that kept me guessing until the end!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The First Wives definitely plays with its readers, imbuing the story with enough tension to know something isn’t quite right but leaving them in the dark until ready to make its reveal as to what that is.

Hannah is living the picture perfect influencer life with her young twins and husband Court, but eager to make friends, when Sophie moves in next door. While Sophie and Hannah are not the same (yet) the two become fast friends despite Sophie’s sometimes callously stated opinions. With Court traveling often and Blake, Sophie’s husband, having not moved with her just yet, they grow close very quickly and Hannah feels buoyed that her only bestie is no longer college roommate Cassie, who lives across the country. The intrigue is introduced slowly as tension grows beneath the two new friends when it becomes clear Sophie has a lot of secrets, and in fact the biggest one is a bond no one wants to have.

I loved the careful unfolding of the mystery and even more so for Hannah calling upon her perception of what the fearless and street smart Cassie would do when she’s at a loss. If only she had listened to her all those years ago… You’ll want to pick this one up to see if you agree.

Two women who become friends in a Florida town. Only one of them is keeping a dark secret. Which one could it be? You have Hannah McMillan, who has the perfect life. A beautiful home a billionaire for a husband and twin children a boy and a girl. Hannah is able to live her life and not worry about money and she also has a successful blog so she’s making her own money. Into Sophia, who is Hamm’s next-door neighbor. They become best friends, especially since Hannah’s husband Court is on business quite often. Sophia is the friend Hannah always wanted and needed at certain times. Everything between the two friends has been great until Hannah finds out that Sophia has been lying to her. It all happens when Sophia says she’s away on business, but she really was having a whole makeover to look exactly like Hannah. She also volunteered at the twins school saying that Hannah‘s husband said it was OK.. Why is trying to take over Hannah‘s life? Somebody’s been lying and it is not Hannah. Things really go from bad to worse when Hannah starts doing some digging of her own and things start unraveling .A very dark side of Sophia and of Hannah’s husband. start to come to light. What can it be and how can Hannah keep her and her children safe?

Have to say this was a very best Facebook. I couldn’t stop reading it. I thought the mystery inside itself was very intriguing and the character of Sophia, who was very dark and resourceful. I think this could be a true story taken from a newspaper, and I think it could happen in real life. I love to twist and terms I like the way Hannah was able to really be resourceful and digging into the past of Sophia and her husband Blake to find the real truth. My favorite character was her friend Cassie. She’s just somebody I wish I could meet She’s bold and sassy and she gets things done and she was always there for Hannah. Sophia on the other hand was a very calculated person even though she took all that abuse. I do like that you did come through for Hannah when counted.

I did enjoy the story, even though it was a little out there, but again as I said, it could be a story that was taken right out of a front page new story. I like the writing it was thrilling and it kept me going. I really wanted to see how this ended and I was rooting for half of the whole time. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. I look forward to reading more from this author.

The First Wives is a tense and addictive thriller that grips from the very first page. On a stretch of glamorous beachfront, two women appear to live very different lives. One carefully curates every photo of her enviable lifestyle, while the other watches quietly, learning every detail and waiting for the right moment to tear it all apart.

Hannah believes she knows which one she is until she meets Sophia. At first Sophia seems like a kindred spirit, another woman who understands the strain of being married into wealth and the pressure of appearances. Their friendship grows quickly, but then Hannah discovers that Sophia has been lying, and everything she thought she knew begins to collapse.

What follows is a story of secrets, obsession and betrayal, where every twist pulls the reader deeper into Hannah’s unravelling world. The tension is finely balanced with sharp pacing, making it impossible to predict where the story will lead. Just as you think you have figured it out, Reed reveals another layer, keeping the suspense alive until the very end.

The First Wives is a stylish, sinister and compelling book about trust, deception and the lies people tell to protect themselves. It is perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that mix glamour with danger.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest review

This was my first book by s e reed but I’m looking forward to more after reading this. Chapters don’t drag on, it’s suspenseful, and the true definition of a page turner

I already have quite a list of favorite authors whose books I devour with great pleasure, but still, the stories of, for me, yet unknown authors keep tempting me. And that’s why I couldn’t resist the pull of this book. I’m so glad I gave in, because it was a fantastic read and I enjoyed every single moment of it.

We follow Court, Hannah, and their twins. Everything is going smoothly until Sophia becomes their new neighbor—then all hell breaks loose.

I thought this was truly an exceptionally good book. From page one to the very last, I was fascinated. I must admit that I was able to see through a certain smokescreen, but that didn’t take away from the reading pleasure I experienced. There were still plenty of revelations I hadn’t seen coming. :)

Sometimes you live in a situation you know is toxic, but you can’t—or don’t want to—get out, even though it would be so much better for you.

Certain secrets will remain hidden forever, adversaries can become allies, and true friends are with you for life—they’ll always be there for you.

This book leaves me wanting more—more from this fantastic author, who has definitely gained a new fan. 5 stars.

Thank you

Hannah and Court are happily married and have two young children. Then Sophia moves in next door. Hannah and Sophia very quickly become good friends. Then things start to change and Hannah wonders what is going on.
I enjoyed the book and how it looked at the relationships and character flaws. And how life experiences as children can form who we are as adults.

From the very first page, this thriller grabbed me. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, the inevitable confrontation, the shocking revelation, the fight for survival — everything changes.

Some twists you might see coming but others blindside you completely. Just when you’re sure you’ve figured it out, another revelation turns everything upside down🤯

If you love psychological thrillers full of dark secrets, emotional depth, and shocking turns, this one will keep you reading late into the night. Haunting, addictive, and packed with suspense — some secrets can kill, and some women have been living with the dead for years.

Wow some secrets can kill and this was definitely one okkkk so good and twisted will have you thinking well after you have finished this read

So good. I absolutely devoured this in a day. I thought I could see the end coming but not at all. You truly grow to feel for the characters and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Such a fun read

this was a strong domestic thriller novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. I liked the idea of a writer and wanting to have a bestseller, it added to my enjoyment of this book. The characters were everything that I wanted in this and had that secrets that I was expecting. S. E. Reed wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

Award-winning YA novelist S.E. Reed makes a seamless transition to adult thrillers with THE FIRST WIVES. Her debut novel with Storm Publishing is an absolute thrill ride that hooks readers on the opening pages and keeps them guessing until the end.

Hannah thinks she’s living her best life. The tradwife influencer has a huge social media following, a billionaire husband, a Florida mansion, and two wonderful kids. When Sophia moves in next door, she thinks she’s added a good friend to that bounty. But Sophia has secrets, and Hannah falls deeper and deeper into them.

Each chapter seemingly brings a shocking new revelation. Before long, Hannah finds herself in completely over her head. But is Sophia someone who will throw her a lifeline? Or will she leave Hannah to drown in deep water?

As always, character development and interiority remain some of Reed’s strengths. She writes compelling, relatable characters. Hannah is far from perfect. But she doesn’t deserve to be in the life-or-death situation she finds herself in. Reed makes us care about her plight and pulling for her to find a way through it.

But the character development doesn’t take place at the expense of the plot. This is a page-turning book in which something is always happening. Much like Hannah, readers will find themselves drawn into Sophia’s vortex. Luckily for us, we’ll enjoy the experience. Hannah? Not so much….

With her first four novels (for Wild Ink Publishing), Reed established herself as one of the most buzzworthy authors on the indie YA scene. If THE FIRST WIVES is any indication, she’ll make just as big an impact in the world of adult thrillers!

When Sophia moves in next door, Hannah believes that she has made a good friend. When Hannah falls ill, Sophia steps in and takes care of Hannah's children and keeps the house spotless. However, Hannah soon learns that Sophia has overstepped her bounds, and even goes so far as to change her appearance to look more like Hannah. Hannah cannot understand what Sophia's end game is, except to perhaps steal her husband and children. And, Hannah learns that her husband, Court, has been keeping secrets from her. So, Hannah sets a trap to try and catch them both.

I guessed what Sophia's big secret was about halfway through the book, but still found how the secret unfolded enjoyable. The end was a little implausible, including a phone that should have been in Iowa all of a sudden being available in Paris, but otherwise, the book really held my attention with growing suspense on every page. I would happily read more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The First Wives by SE Reed! Although I kind of guessed the twist early on, the book still had me hooked because there were some lingering questions but it all wrapped up nicely in the end!

Although not the worst book I've read this year, The First Wives didn't set my world alight either. Don't get me wrong, it ticked a few boxes for me, but after a promising start, it became predictable. I knew what was going to happen, before it happened. Reader, I felt like a clairvoyant. 🔮
With the exception of the children, and a couple of secondary characters, I didn't like any of the main characters, especially Hannah. It might have been the fact that they were wealthy and had that sense of entitlement the wealthy seem to possess. 💵
On a positive note, The First Wives is fast paced, there's suspense and some plot twists, and it has a very satisfying ending. I just wish it had been less predictable. 🗡️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.