Review of The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane

 

A domestic suspense novel that asks, how many wives and girlfriends should disappear before your family notices?

Elisa Wright is a mom and wife, living a nice, quiet life in a nice, quiet town. She’s also convinced her brother-in-law is a murderer. Josh has one dead wife and one missing fiancée, and though he grieved for them he starts dating someone new. Elisa fears for that woman’s safety, and she desperately wants to know what happened to her friend, Josh’s missing fiancée.

Searching for clues means investigating her own family. And she doesn’t like what she finds. A laptop filled with incriminating information. Other women.

But when Elisa becomes friends with Josh’s new girlfriend and starts to question things she thinks are true, Elisa wonders if the memories of a horrible incident a year ago have finally pushed her over the edge and Josh is really innocent. With so much at stake, Elisa fights off panic attacks and a strange illness. Is it a breakdown or something more? The race is on to get to the truth before another disappearance because there’s a killer in the family… or is there?

Review:

4 Stars

I honestly do not know what I would do if one of my in-laws had one dead wife, a missing fiancée and now a new girlfriend. It really doesn't look good for that person and I can definitely see where Elisa's concern is coming from. 

Is it Josh that is at the center of these crimes or is there something more sinister going on in this seemingly quiet family than meets the eye. Digging into such matters can also unbury secrets that otherwise would have gone undiscovered. 

A suspenseful and thought provoking story. 

Review of The Wife Before by Shanora Williams

 

Samira Wilder has never had it easy, and when her latest lousy job goes south, things only promise to get harder. Until she unexpectedly meets a man who will change her life forever. Renowned pro golfer Roland Graham is wealthy, handsome, and caring, and Samira is dazzled. Best of all, he seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. And though their relationship moves a bit fast, when Roland proposes, Samira accepts. She even agrees to relocate to his secluded Colorado mansion. After all, there’s nothing to keep her in Miami, and the mansion clearly makes him happy. Soon, they are married amid a media firestorm, and Samira can't wait to make a fresh start—as the second Mrs. Graham . . .

Samira settles into the mansion, blissfully happy—until she discovers long-hidden journals belonging to Roland’s late wife, Melanie, who died in a tragic accident. With each dusty page, Samira comes to realize that perhaps it was no accident at all—that perhaps her perfect husband is not as perfect as she thought. Even as her trust in Roland begins to dwindle and a shadow falls over her marriage and she begins to fear for her own life, Samira is determined to uncover the truth of Melanie’s troubled last days. But even good wives should know that the truth is not always what it seems . . .

Review:

5 Stars

Sometimes the rich and famous are not always what we want them to be. Samira thinks that she's fallen into a blessed life. Famous husband, secluded mansion in beautiful Colorado and a new life that is so many steps ahead of where she was. Not everything is as it should be though. 

When she discovers Melanie's old journals, Samira just can't help herself. She wants to know about her husband's previous marriage and if there are any clues into her tragic passing. Will learning about her husband's previous life be everything that she wants it to be or will it end with doubts, questions and suspicions that can only be answered if the questions are asked?

A delicious morsel that will be quickly devoured, when in all actuality it should be savored for the delicacy that it truly is. 

Review of Getting Even by Lisa Jackson

 

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author—two timeless novels of revenge in one volume, perfect for fans of Jeneva Rose, Freida McFadden, and Lucinda Berry.

“Trask McFadden is back.” Those are words that Tory has been waiting to hear, half in dread, half with longing. It’s been five years since Trask landed her father behind bars for horse swindling, using things she’d told him in confidence. Her father died there, but now Trask insists he has information that could help prove who was really responsible for the crime, not to mention his own brother’s death. Trask needs her help. But he won’t get it, not after destroying her family, her ranch, and the love they shared.

Lauren Regis’s ex-husband has kidnapped her children. There’s nothing she won’t do to get them back, including hiring Zachary Winters. The unconventional attorney has made a name for himself by locating people—especially those who don’t want to be found. But he’s got a darker reputation too, and there are rumors swirling about the fate of his ex-wife. How much is Lauren willing to trust him—or to lose?

Review:

5 Stars

Lisa Jackson always has a way of writing a story that draws the reader in. While I did wish that these were full stand alone books, it was the perfect weekend snack. 

The first story if full of deceit, family secrets and unbridled passion between two people who love each other deeply, but let everything get in the way of that love. Everything that tests one person's loyalty to her family or her heart. 

The second story hits home to any mother, especially if they are not with the child/children's father. Her ex-husband takes the kids for a weekend a way, but never returns. Leaving Lauren forever wondering what has become of her precious kids, but not stilling by when the police's investigation begins to stall.

Two intriguing and gripping stories that will have you on the edge of your seat.