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A Happy Wife
She said yes to love. And the chip that would make it last forever…
I never dreamed of a fairy-tale ending. Not when I grew up hungry, invisible, and utterly unchosen.
So when Ivan offered me love, safety, and a way out, I said yes.
Even when he suggested we be chipped—an experimental neural implant that would lock in our love forever—I hesitated. But what else was I going to do? Go back to nothing?
Now I live in a luxury apartment. I smile when I’m supposed to. I feel what I’m supposed to feel.
Because the chip guarantees it.
I am a happy wife.
But then I find something I was never meant to see—proof that my husband may have other plans for me.
I want to believe I’m imagining things. That I’m tired. Paranoid. But what if I’m not?
Because the only way out of this marriage… is death.
A Happy Wife is a gripping psychological thriller with a speculative twist, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, and Shari Lapena.
Dark, stylish, and packed with tension, it explores the terrifying cost of emotional control—and what it takes for a woman to reclaim herself.
I never dreamed of a fairy-tale ending. Not when I grew up hungry, invisible, and utterly unchosen.
So when Ivan offered me love, safety, and a way out, I said yes.
Even when he suggested we be chipped—an experimental neural implant that would lock in our love forever—I hesitated. But what else was I going to do? Go back to nothing?
Now I live in a luxury apartment. I smile when I’m supposed to. I feel what I’m supposed to feel.
Because the chip guarantees it.
I am a happy wife.
But then I find something I was never meant to see—proof that my husband may have other plans for me.
I want to believe I’m imagining things. That I’m tired. Paranoid. But what if I’m not?
Because the only way out of this marriage… is death.
A Happy Wife is a gripping psychological thriller with a speculative twist, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, and Shari Lapena.
Dark, stylish, and packed with tension, it explores the terrifying cost of emotional control—and what it takes for a woman to reclaim herself.
398 pages, ebook
Published September 30, 2025
105 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Ina L. Nara
3 books5 followersIna L. Nara writes psychological and domestic thrillers that explore the dark complexities of relationships.
As a debut author with a knack for crafting heart-pounding narratives, Ina captivates readers with thought-provoking stories that blur the line between trust and betrayal.
On a typical day in the neighborhood, Ina, a former screenwriter, can be found plotting her next twist, sipping strong coffee, or getting deliciously lost in a Lisa Jewell novel.
As a debut author with a knack for crafting heart-pounding narratives, Ina captivates readers with thought-provoking stories that blur the line between trust and betrayal.
On a typical day in the neighborhood, Ina, a former screenwriter, can be found plotting her next twist, sipping strong coffee, or getting deliciously lost in a Lisa Jewell novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 26, 2025
This is a twisty domestic thriller with sci-fi undertones. I was immediately drawn in by the secrets Ivy found and the artificially induced affection she couldn't help but feel. While this story may be a bit of a slow burn, it is still tense and gripping. The writing is smooth, and the pages flew by. I found the plot to be unique and the twists surprising.
Thank you to Netgalley, Flaming Hearts Press Media, and Ina L. Nara for the arc.
Thank you to Netgalley, Flaming Hearts Press Media, and Ina L. Nara for the arc.
September 17, 2025
I've previously read Ina Nara's work, and this one continues in the same vein - a psychological thriller with a sci-fi esq undertone, that focusses on the dark side of relationships and emotions - I truly enjoyed it!
'A happy wife' features Ivy, who has a complicated backstory, and ends up married to a man where they are both neural chipped to ensure that they stay in love. This brings up all kind of complications when Ivy starts to have doubts/mistrust him, but the chip promotes emotions of love completely confusing the matter! Following Ivy's thought patterns alongside the gas-lighting, and her confusion was a whirlwind of a ride, and even though as a character, I didn't emotionally connect with her, I was absolutely fascinated to see what would happen next!
The chapters were super short, kind of similiar to Freida McFadden's style of writing, and made for a great book to dip and dive out of in the evenings, although I often found that I kept reading because I was curious to see where it was going. The twists at the end didn't disappoint, and overall I really enjoyed the read.
I'm so grateful that I got to read this early as an arc copy, and would recommend it to psychological thriller fans, especially if you like complicated characters, and something a bit extra - the neural chip idea made it so unique!
'A happy wife' features Ivy, who has a complicated backstory, and ends up married to a man where they are both neural chipped to ensure that they stay in love. This brings up all kind of complications when Ivy starts to have doubts/mistrust him, but the chip promotes emotions of love completely confusing the matter! Following Ivy's thought patterns alongside the gas-lighting, and her confusion was a whirlwind of a ride, and even though as a character, I didn't emotionally connect with her, I was absolutely fascinated to see what would happen next!
The chapters were super short, kind of similiar to Freida McFadden's style of writing, and made for a great book to dip and dive out of in the evenings, although I often found that I kept reading because I was curious to see where it was going. The twists at the end didn't disappoint, and overall I really enjoyed the read.
I'm so grateful that I got to read this early as an arc copy, and would recommend it to psychological thriller fans, especially if you like complicated characters, and something a bit extra - the neural chip idea made it so unique!
October 4, 2025
No buts, ifs or maybes. This was a page turner!
If you like Freida McFadden's Housemaid, chances are you will enjoy this one, the E-ARC of which I got to read through Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC and NetGalley.
Fast-paced, short chapters, sci-fi elements, tension - so much tension- and emotional control come together so well in this psychological thriller by Ina L. Nara.
A Happy Wife is "a gripping psychological thriller with a speculative twist". After reading the synopsis on NetGalley, I immediately requested it because my curiosity got the best of me. I enjoy psychological and domestic thrillers but the added bonus in this one was finding out how a chip, "an experimental neural implant", would "lock in" the main characters' Ivy and Ivan Knight's love forever.
From the outset you get the inkling that Ivan is hiding something. As someone who tends to view the actions of others with a cynical lens and questions everything that seems too good to be true, something was rotten.
We meet Ivy an interior designer who lives in the lap of luxury in New York City with her financier husband Ivan. She once worked as a waitress in Florida until she met her knight in shining armour, her ideal man, who helped her improve her station in life and get her happily ever after. With her one pay cheque away from poverty origins, who doesn't her to succeed in life.
Ivy's back story helps push the fairy tale narrative and you can't help but root for her but there's a tightly woven web of lies and deceit that threatens to upend her life when one thread loosens. Tugging on that one thread in the web because she gets curious and wants to know what is happening, we see Ivy following a trail of breadcrumbs (that's how I see it as the author doesn't give us more than one or two at a time) rife with lies, gaslighting, whispers among his friends, dropped hints, sightings, lies, and so many secrets taking the reader along with her.
From chapters 1 through 68, the reader gets Ivy's perspective and as indicated above, these move quickly as she tries to piece together the information she receives and understand what is happening.
The downside though, is that the more she uncovers and the more she learns, the chip, which is supposed to regulate happinesses and help the couple regulate their emotions for each other, is detecting changes which is not good for her.
Ivy wants answers. It doesn't help her that Ivan is being elusive. So with the help of her husband's ex, Bella, whose husband seems to be the most tolerant man ever, she starts to piece everything together. And there are so many pieces and people entangled in this web that the amateur sleuth that I am starts side eyeing everybody and I mean everybody.
I was questioning everything and everyone around me including the man she knew whom she met coincidentally.
From chapters 69 through 79 we read Ivan's perspective. These chapters go back to the past to provide the answers to questions readers undoubtedly have, reveal how Ivan got to meet Ivy, and show the machinations that led us to the present situation. It also throws in a couple twists to keep you hooked which I will not reveal because I don't want to spoil the story for others.
But A Happy Wife is more than just a riveting psychological/domestic thriller.
This story explores the darker side of relationships, emotions, power, and control. It also raises the question of how far people are willing to go with technology and science in the pursuit of happiness and having a perfect life.
Ivy sums it up best when she talks about her new reality and being " ...crushed under the weight of shock, pain and the sickening realisation that love, power and betrayal have led me to this ending."
So did she get another chance to start over and find love? Read the novel to find out.
Be kind to yourself.
If you like Freida McFadden's Housemaid, chances are you will enjoy this one, the E-ARC of which I got to read through Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC and NetGalley.
Fast-paced, short chapters, sci-fi elements, tension - so much tension- and emotional control come together so well in this psychological thriller by Ina L. Nara.
A Happy Wife is "a gripping psychological thriller with a speculative twist". After reading the synopsis on NetGalley, I immediately requested it because my curiosity got the best of me. I enjoy psychological and domestic thrillers but the added bonus in this one was finding out how a chip, "an experimental neural implant", would "lock in" the main characters' Ivy and Ivan Knight's love forever.
From the outset you get the inkling that Ivan is hiding something. As someone who tends to view the actions of others with a cynical lens and questions everything that seems too good to be true, something was rotten.
We meet Ivy an interior designer who lives in the lap of luxury in New York City with her financier husband Ivan. She once worked as a waitress in Florida until she met her knight in shining armour, her ideal man, who helped her improve her station in life and get her happily ever after. With her one pay cheque away from poverty origins, who doesn't her to succeed in life.
Ivy's back story helps push the fairy tale narrative and you can't help but root for her but there's a tightly woven web of lies and deceit that threatens to upend her life when one thread loosens. Tugging on that one thread in the web because she gets curious and wants to know what is happening, we see Ivy following a trail of breadcrumbs (that's how I see it as the author doesn't give us more than one or two at a time) rife with lies, gaslighting, whispers among his friends, dropped hints, sightings, lies, and so many secrets taking the reader along with her.
From chapters 1 through 68, the reader gets Ivy's perspective and as indicated above, these move quickly as she tries to piece together the information she receives and understand what is happening.
The downside though, is that the more she uncovers and the more she learns, the chip, which is supposed to regulate happinesses and help the couple regulate their emotions for each other, is detecting changes which is not good for her.
Ivy wants answers. It doesn't help her that Ivan is being elusive. So with the help of her husband's ex, Bella, whose husband seems to be the most tolerant man ever, she starts to piece everything together. And there are so many pieces and people entangled in this web that the amateur sleuth that I am starts side eyeing everybody and I mean everybody.
I was questioning everything and everyone around me including the man she knew whom she met coincidentally.
From chapters 69 through 79 we read Ivan's perspective. These chapters go back to the past to provide the answers to questions readers undoubtedly have, reveal how Ivan got to meet Ivy, and show the machinations that led us to the present situation. It also throws in a couple twists to keep you hooked which I will not reveal because I don't want to spoil the story for others.
But A Happy Wife is more than just a riveting psychological/domestic thriller.
This story explores the darker side of relationships, emotions, power, and control. It also raises the question of how far people are willing to go with technology and science in the pursuit of happiness and having a perfect life.
Ivy sums it up best when she talks about her new reality and being " ...crushed under the weight of shock, pain and the sickening realisation that love, power and betrayal have led me to this ending."
So did she get another chance to start over and find love? Read the novel to find out.
Be kind to yourself.
September 17, 2025
A Happy Wife is a gripping psychological thriller that seemingly heads towards the sci-fi genre and keeps you immersed the entire story.
The story follows Ivy Knight, a woman who was microchipped and programmed along with her husband, Ivan, to love each other forever, but she begins to have doubts after discovering something that had been hidden. Along the way she discovers the people around her are not what they seem and her home and "happy" life begin to crumble as all the lies become unraveled.
This novel is great for fans of Frieda McFadden's The Housemaid as the writing is sharp and the story is expertly woven with many twists that you don't see at first. There's also the underlying question of how far should we go with science, technology, and health to achieve perfection and happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as I was needing a break from the romantasy that I had been consuming so this was the perfect "palate cleanser". I think Nara's writing is brilliant from what I've seen in this book and can't wait to read other works by her.
Thank you to Ina L Nara, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
The story follows Ivy Knight, a woman who was microchipped and programmed along with her husband, Ivan, to love each other forever, but she begins to have doubts after discovering something that had been hidden. Along the way she discovers the people around her are not what they seem and her home and "happy" life begin to crumble as all the lies become unraveled.
This novel is great for fans of Frieda McFadden's The Housemaid as the writing is sharp and the story is expertly woven with many twists that you don't see at first. There's also the underlying question of how far should we go with science, technology, and health to achieve perfection and happiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as I was needing a break from the romantasy that I had been consuming so this was the perfect "palate cleanser". I think Nara's writing is brilliant from what I've seen in this book and can't wait to read other works by her.
Thank you to Ina L Nara, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 20, 2025
Oh my gosh! This has got to be one of THE twistiest books I have ever read! It was so gripping that I seriously could not put it down and go to bed until I finished it all! This book really got into my head. The way I gasped and had to pick my jaw up off the floor at the end — Five stars for sure!
October 3, 2025
The premise itself is chilling: Ivy and her husband Ivan are microchipped with an experimental neural implant meant to lock in their love forever. But when Ivy uncovers evidence of a secret he’s hiding, everything she “feels” and believes begins to unravel.
From page one, the story isn’t about a typical marriage under strain - it’s about control, manipulation, and what it means when love is literally programmed. The tension is relentless, especially once Ivy starts questioning whether her doubts are real or just induced by the chip.
What I especially loved:
• The twist was very well done. I thought I had figured some parts out… and then I didn’t.
• The ending felt earned and strong. It brought the pieces together in a way that left me thinking.
• The speculative element pushed this into a darker, more cerebral space than many domestic thrillers, without losing the emotional stakes.
If you like domestic thrillers with a twist, speculative tech angles, and psychological tension, A Happy Wife is absolutely one to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flaming Hearts Press Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From page one, the story isn’t about a typical marriage under strain - it’s about control, manipulation, and what it means when love is literally programmed. The tension is relentless, especially once Ivy starts questioning whether her doubts are real or just induced by the chip.
What I especially loved:
• The twist was very well done. I thought I had figured some parts out… and then I didn’t.
• The ending felt earned and strong. It brought the pieces together in a way that left me thinking.
• The speculative element pushed this into a darker, more cerebral space than many domestic thrillers, without losing the emotional stakes.
If you like domestic thrillers with a twist, speculative tech angles, and psychological tension, A Happy Wife is absolutely one to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flaming Hearts Press Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
Wow. I devoured A Happy Wife in a single sitting.
From the very first chapter, I had that Black Mirror feeling — a futuristic premise with emotional weight, layered tension, and a creeping sense of dread that only got more intricate as the story went on.
Ivy’s story pulled me right in. The idea of a chip that guarantees love is fascinating but terrifying, and the way this book explored that concept had me hooked. The suspense kept tightening, the layers of manipulation and paranoia stacking higher and higher.
This was such an interesting read — speculative and chilling, but still grounded in very real themes of love, control, and agency. Absolutely recommend if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a clever twist.
Thanks so much to Ina L. Nara, Flaming Hearts Press, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Wow. I devoured A Happy Wife in a single sitting.
From the very first chapter, I had that Black Mirror feeling — a futuristic premise with emotional weight, layered tension, and a creeping sense of dread that only got more intricate as the story went on.
Ivy’s story pulled me right in. The idea of a chip that guarantees love is fascinating but terrifying, and the way this book explored that concept had me hooked. The suspense kept tightening, the layers of manipulation and paranoia stacking higher and higher.
This was such an interesting read — speculative and chilling, but still grounded in very real themes of love, control, and agency. Absolutely recommend if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a clever twist.
Thanks so much to Ina L. Nara, Flaming Hearts Press, and NetGalley for the ARC!
September 23, 2025
Love. Love. Love.
This was a wild ride- I honestly gave up trying to figure out where it was going because every thing I thought of was wrong- &holy moly what a twist. The characters were so well done, as well as the back stories for them. The little gaps we get in the beginning come back around and get hand delivered with a bow on top later.
(I also love the short chapters and how the book was laid out.)
The whole concept was giving defective “Stepford Wives” and I loved it so much.. Can’t wait to read more work from this author!
✨ Shout out to NetGalley for my copy of this one, this review is 100% honest and mine
This was a wild ride- I honestly gave up trying to figure out where it was going because every thing I thought of was wrong- &holy moly what a twist. The characters were so well done, as well as the back stories for them. The little gaps we get in the beginning come back around and get hand delivered with a bow on top later.
(I also love the short chapters and how the book was laid out.)
The whole concept was giving defective “Stepford Wives” and I loved it so much.. Can’t wait to read more work from this author!
✨ Shout out to NetGalley for my copy of this one, this review is 100% honest and mine
September 23, 2025
3,5/5 🌟
first of all, thanks to netgalley and Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC for the access to this eARC!
I thoroughly enjoyed it. in the beginning it was kind of slow, can't say otherwise, but the plot really got me and I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know how it'd develop, and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed how it was character-driven, making it easier to follow for me (even though character-wise I did get lost in certain points in which I had to remember who was who)
if you enjoy reading psychological thriller, this one is certainly for you!
first of all, thanks to netgalley and Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC for the access to this eARC!
I thoroughly enjoyed it. in the beginning it was kind of slow, can't say otherwise, but the plot really got me and I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know how it'd develop, and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed how it was character-driven, making it easier to follow for me (even though character-wise I did get lost in certain points in which I had to remember who was who)
if you enjoy reading psychological thriller, this one is certainly for you!
November 13, 2025
📚A Happy Wife
✍🏻Ina L. Nara
Blurb:
She said yes to love. And the chip that would make it last forever…
I never dreamed of a fairy-tale ending. Not when I grew up hungry, invisible, and utterly unchosen.
So when Ivan offered me love, safety, and a way out, I said yes.
Even when he suggested we be chipped—an experimental neural implant that would lock in our love forever—I hesitated. But what else was I going to do? Go back to nothing?
Now I live in a luxury apartment. I smile when I’m supposed to. I feel what I’m supposed to feel.
Because the chip guarantees it.
I am a happy wife.
But then I find something I was never meant to see—proof that my husband may have other plans for me.
I want to believe I’m imagining things. That I’m tired. Paranoid. But what if I’m not?
Because the only way out of this marriage… is death.
A Happy Wife is a gripping psychological thriller with a speculative twist, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, and Shari Lapena.
Dark, stylish, and packed with tension, it explores the terrifying cost of emotional control—and what it takes for a woman to reclaim herself.
My Thoughts:
If you like Freida McFadden's Housemaid, chances are you will enjoy this one. The chapters were super short kind of similiar to Freida McFadden's style of writing. The story follows Ivy Knight, a woman who was microchipped and programmed along with her husband, Ivan, to love each other forever, but she begins to have doubts after discovering something that had been hidden. Along the way she discovers the people around her are not what they seem and her home and happy life begin to crumble as all the lies become unraveled..If you like domestic thrillers with a twist, speculative tech angles, and psychological tension,. If you enjoy reading mysterious, fast paced thriller then add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC and Author Ina L. Nara for the complimentary copy of "A ;Happy Wife" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#FlamingHeartsPressMediaLLC
#InaL.Nara
#AHappyWife
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Ina L. Nara
Blurb:
She said yes to love. And the chip that would make it last forever…
I never dreamed of a fairy-tale ending. Not when I grew up hungry, invisible, and utterly unchosen.
So when Ivan offered me love, safety, and a way out, I said yes.
Even when he suggested we be chipped—an experimental neural implant that would lock in our love forever—I hesitated. But what else was I going to do? Go back to nothing?
Now I live in a luxury apartment. I smile when I’m supposed to. I feel what I’m supposed to feel.
Because the chip guarantees it.
I am a happy wife.
But then I find something I was never meant to see—proof that my husband may have other plans for me.
I want to believe I’m imagining things. That I’m tired. Paranoid. But what if I’m not?
Because the only way out of this marriage… is death.
A Happy Wife is a gripping psychological thriller with a speculative twist, perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, and Shari Lapena.
Dark, stylish, and packed with tension, it explores the terrifying cost of emotional control—and what it takes for a woman to reclaim herself.
My Thoughts:
If you like Freida McFadden's Housemaid, chances are you will enjoy this one. The chapters were super short kind of similiar to Freida McFadden's style of writing. The story follows Ivy Knight, a woman who was microchipped and programmed along with her husband, Ivan, to love each other forever, but she begins to have doubts after discovering something that had been hidden. Along the way she discovers the people around her are not what they seem and her home and happy life begin to crumble as all the lies become unraveled..If you like domestic thrillers with a twist, speculative tech angles, and psychological tension,. If you enjoy reading mysterious, fast paced thriller then add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC and Author Ina L. Nara for the complimentary copy of "A ;Happy Wife" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#FlamingHeartsPressMediaLLC
#InaL.Nara
#AHappyWife
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 28, 2025
3.5 stars - rounded up
Ivy and her husband, Ivan, are blissfully in love - literally. They both have implanted “love chips” designed to keep that honeymoon high going forever. No arguing, no doubts, no awkward silent treatments. Just happily-ever-after on autopilot.
Except… Ivy discovers something Ivan never meant for her to see. And once that tiny thread of suspicion starts unraveling, everything she thought was perfect suddenly feels staged and unsettling.
I rooted for Ivy right away. She’s curious, determined, and willing to pull at every loose thread, even if the whole facade comes crashing down. Meanwhile, Ivan’s picture-perfect friend group keeps her at a polite but icy distance.
The concept is so good. The execution was just okay. Certain plot jumps pulled me right out of the story - like a restaurant transforming from an empty shell into a full-blown hotspot in what seemed like ten minutes. And a few character shifts felt rushed instead of earned.
The final act definitely picks up speed, and while there are twists, some felt tossed in for drama rather than actually growing the story. It left me wishing we had dug deeper into the relationships and the world-building, because the bones of this plot are so strong.
Overall: a fast, entertaining read with a thought-provoking premise about love, autonomy, and the cost of “perfection.” I’d recommend it as a lighter thriller - perfect for travel or when you don’t want anything too intense.
It’s good - I just kept thinking it could have been great.
Thank you to Ina L Nara, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Ivy and her husband, Ivan, are blissfully in love - literally. They both have implanted “love chips” designed to keep that honeymoon high going forever. No arguing, no doubts, no awkward silent treatments. Just happily-ever-after on autopilot.
Except… Ivy discovers something Ivan never meant for her to see. And once that tiny thread of suspicion starts unraveling, everything she thought was perfect suddenly feels staged and unsettling.
I rooted for Ivy right away. She’s curious, determined, and willing to pull at every loose thread, even if the whole facade comes crashing down. Meanwhile, Ivan’s picture-perfect friend group keeps her at a polite but icy distance.
The concept is so good. The execution was just okay. Certain plot jumps pulled me right out of the story - like a restaurant transforming from an empty shell into a full-blown hotspot in what seemed like ten minutes. And a few character shifts felt rushed instead of earned.
The final act definitely picks up speed, and while there are twists, some felt tossed in for drama rather than actually growing the story. It left me wishing we had dug deeper into the relationships and the world-building, because the bones of this plot are so strong.
Overall: a fast, entertaining read with a thought-provoking premise about love, autonomy, and the cost of “perfection.” I’d recommend it as a lighter thriller - perfect for travel or when you don’t want anything too intense.
It’s good - I just kept thinking it could have been great.
Thank you to Ina L Nara, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 15, 2025
A Happy Wife is a chilling, speculative thriller that tiptoes along the edge of dystopia and domestic suspense. Ina L. Nara invites us into a world where love isn’t just promised—it’s programmed.
The story follows a woman who escapes a life of invisibility and hardship by marrying Ivan, a man who offers her not just comfort, but a neural implant designed to guarantee eternal love. At first, it seems like salvation. But beneath the surface of her luxury apartment and picture-perfect smiles, something sinister simmers. When she stumbles upon a secret she was never meant to see, the illusion begins to crack—and the only way out may be death.
Nara’s writing is sleek and emotionally charged, with a voice that’s both vulnerable and razor-sharp. The speculative twist adds a layer of eerie plausibility, making you wonder how far we’d go to secure happiness—or control it. Fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin will feel right at home, but Nara carves out her own space with a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is addictive.
A Happy Wife is perfect for readers who love their thrillers with a psychological edge and a touch of sci-fi unease. It’s unsettling in the best way.
With thanks Ina L Nara, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The story follows a woman who escapes a life of invisibility and hardship by marrying Ivan, a man who offers her not just comfort, but a neural implant designed to guarantee eternal love. At first, it seems like salvation. But beneath the surface of her luxury apartment and picture-perfect smiles, something sinister simmers. When she stumbles upon a secret she was never meant to see, the illusion begins to crack—and the only way out may be death.
Nara’s writing is sleek and emotionally charged, with a voice that’s both vulnerable and razor-sharp. The speculative twist adds a layer of eerie plausibility, making you wonder how far we’d go to secure happiness—or control it. Fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin will feel right at home, but Nara carves out her own space with a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is addictive.
A Happy Wife is perfect for readers who love their thrillers with a psychological edge and a touch of sci-fi unease. It’s unsettling in the best way.
With thanks Ina L Nara, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 27, 2025
First, thank you Netgalley & Flaming Hearts Press Media LLC for this ARC!
I haven't really read anything with real SciFi elements for a while - I have been heavily invested in this genre in my teens - so this was surely a nice change, even if it was not the main premise of the book.
Ask yourself the question, would you agree that you and your partner get chipped? Because that is what Ivy decides when she meets Ivan. She wants to make sure the two of them would stay in love with each other forever. Yet Ivy starts to doubt her husband, but still is the happy wife at his side because that is what the chip guarantees....
This was a wild ride! I really did enjoy the pace of the book and the short chapters made me basically fly through it! I do very much recommend this one!
I haven't really read anything with real SciFi elements for a while - I have been heavily invested in this genre in my teens - so this was surely a nice change, even if it was not the main premise of the book.
Ask yourself the question, would you agree that you and your partner get chipped? Because that is what Ivy decides when she meets Ivan. She wants to make sure the two of them would stay in love with each other forever. Yet Ivy starts to doubt her husband, but still is the happy wife at his side because that is what the chip guarantees....
This was a wild ride! I really did enjoy the pace of the book and the short chapters made me basically fly through it! I do very much recommend this one!
January 3, 2026
So many unexpected twists and turns
This book was sooooooo good! I couldn’t believe all the unexpected twists and turns in this story! The characters were believable and the ending was totally unexpected! I LOVED it! I can’t wait to read this authors other books!
This book was sooooooo good! I couldn’t believe all the unexpected twists and turns in this story! The characters were believable and the ending was totally unexpected! I LOVED it! I can’t wait to read this authors other books!
dnf
September 30, 2025DNF @ 39%.
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September 30, 2025A Happy Wife is out today! Thank you to everyone who read the ARC—your reviews made my week. If you’re discovering Ivy today… I hope the twists hit hard. Now live in Kindle Unlimited 💀🖤
February 8, 2026
Happy Wife had a very cool concept blended perfectly with suspense. The fast-paced storytelling kept me engaged throughout, making it an overall entertaining and compelling read. A solid thriller that keeps things moving and holds your attention.
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