The Scream Behind Her Smile

by Athena Daniels

A thrilling and emotionally gripping novel of love, marriage, deception and... murder.

"An unforgettable thrill-ride that had me hooked from the first page. Secrets, lies, betrayal and passion." 5 Stars

It's one thing to discover your husband is not who you believe him to be.

It's another thing entirely to prove it.

The only question now, is how far he will go to protect his secrets.

From the #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the award-winning Beyond the Grave paranormal romance series.

"Athena Daniels has spun a spell-binding story that is sure to seduce fans of suspense... Her compelling writing style coupled with elements of high drama and disturbing characters makes for an emotionally intense read. Athena Daniels has a new fan in me!" Readers Favorite, 5 Stars

"...a contemporary psychological thriller with a solid plot line which had me reading late into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed every word." 5 Stars, Readers Favorite

***One lie is enough to question all truths.As I lie here in my front hallway, in the place where it all began, I wonder what would have happened if I’d never opened the door that afternoon?

Would she have gone somewhere else?

Would she have swept off in another direction, an alternative reality where our lives would never have crossed paths?

And now I’m lying here, blood pooling beneath my body, deep crimson smears on cold white tiles, remembering every sordid moment in vivid detail.

There’s a shadow standing over me. “I want you to die here, slowly and alone.” Her voice is cold, emotionless. “And I want you to use the time to think about what you did. And when you take your last breath, I want you to realize it’s all your fault. All of it!”

I drift in and out of consciousness and wonder if I had my chance to do it over again, if I had the choice, would I choose not to open the door that day?

Even after everything, I know that I would. I’d go through it all again, and then some, if it meant the chance to be with Zach just one more time…

***An unforgettable Romantic Thriller that is impossible to put down.

Genres: Thriller

282 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2019

About the author

Athena Daniels is the #1 international bestselling author of the award-winning Beyond the Grave paranormal romance series and the romantic thrillers Desperate and The Scream Behind Her Smile.

Website - www.athenadaniels.com

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ATHENA'S BOOKS:

Beyond the Grave Series:
-The Seer's Daughter (Book 1)
-The Alchemist's Son (Book 2)
-Girl Unseen (Book 3)
-When Darkness Follows (Book 4)
-(Book 5) Coming Sept 2019

Standalone Books:
-Desperate
-The Scream Behind Her Smile

In 2016, Athena was nominated for Author of the Year and Best New Author in AusRom Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

Her novel Girl Unseen won the Silver Medal in the 2017 Readers’ Favorite® International Book Awards and was awarded a Silver Medal in the 2017 Literary Titan Book Awards, and finalist in the TopShelf Book Awards 2018. Girl Unseen is a semi-finalist in The Kindle Book Review Awards, ‘Official Selection’ in the New Apple Annual book Awards and nominated for 2017 Book of the Year in AusRom Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

When Darkness Follows won the Bronze Medal in the 2018 Readers’ Favorite® International Book Awards, Silver Medal in the 2018 Literary Titan Book Awards, and was nominated for the TopShelf Book Awards 2019 and nominated in the Australian Romance Readers Association (ARRA) 2018 awards for Favourite Paranormal Romance.

The Seer’s Daughter was the solo Medalist Winner in the Suspense/Thriller category of the 2016 New Apple Annual Book Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing.

The Seer’s Daughter was also a finalist in the 11th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards in Suspense and in the 2016 Readers’ Favorite® International Book Awards. Additionally, The Seer’s Daughter was nominated for 2016 Book of the Year and 2016 Cover of the Year in AusRom Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

Girl Unseen and The Seer’s Daughter are both 5-star Top Picks at The Romance Reviews.

Athena has a natural curiosity about the “more” there is in life and holds several qualifications in metaphysics and natural therapies. She is a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) practitioner, life coach, and feng shui specialist.

Athena lives on the northern beaches of sunny Western Australia. Follow her on Twitter @AthenaDaniels11 and on Facebook at /AthenaDaniels11.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read and very different from what I was originally expecting here.
This had so many actual twists and turns that it managed to capture my attention so effortlessly.
It was well written a page-turner that really was addictive reading.
Claire as a character I felt for her so much, her backstory in regards to her daughter made my own heart hurt so much.
But for sure she certainly was a lousy judge of character.
She has surrounded herself with toxic relationships from her so-called friends who have obviously never read the girl code rule book (What Traitors) to her waste of space husband Derek.
Derek, himself has managed to isolate Claire manipulating and controlling the situation itself until she really has no way left to turn.
Add in that venomous viper Jasmine who was such a piece of work and I was internally screaming put your foot down and issue your waste of space husband an ultimatum they are both taking the mick so badly.
So Zach who for me was a surprise addition and what I saw of him I really liked a lot: he was mysterious, sexy and seemed protective of Claire but I did feel his input here was slightly limited and I would have liked to have got more of an insight into how he ticked.
I felt this would have been better served being told in dual POV rather than just from Claire's side of the fence.
I really would have liked to explore Zach in more depth rather than just the superficial and felt this one-sided style of narration limited that slightly.
We did get a snippet in the epilogue from him but this was really not enough to satisfy me.
This was a great read that I enjoyed a lot a thumbs up from me.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Scream Behind Her Smile.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

It begins with a woman lying in a pool of blood in the hallway of her home. Drifting in and out of consciousness, she remembers how it all began. Knowing what she knows, would she still open that door?

Claire is a woman still grieving the loss of her young daughter three years ago and is just now seeing the fog disappear and taking an interest in living again.

Her husband has lied to her, cheated, got another woman pregnant, turned her friends against her. When she decides to pack her bags and leave, he becomes dangerously angry.

He locks her out of the home, changes the locks on her business, cancels the credit cards, and turns all her friends against her with his lies.

It’s one thing to discover the man you married is not who you think he is. It’s another thing entirely to prove it. After all, who is going to take the word of an unstable woman who’s never fully recovered from the heartbreak of losing her child?

This is an exceptional emotionally charged thriller with a finely crafted plot line. It's a tale of love, hate, loss, and new beginnings. The characters are memorable and the reader can feel the angst, the anger, the hurt, the pain ... and experience, along with them, hope and looking forward, even a new romance... and trying to stay alive when divorce becomes a killing offense.

Many thanks to the author / Sunset Coast Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological drama. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I possibly say about this book to convey how much I loved it. I was lucky enough to read the first two drafts of this novel and they both blew me away, but this final copy, wow, Athena has written a psychological thriller that had my heart in my throat from the opening scene. At times the intensity was such that I had to put the book down and take a deep breath. At others I wanted to reach in and slap Derek, her husband so badly I was clenching my jaw and gasping in disbelief.

I became completely involved in the main character, Claire’s life from the get-go. Claire is a great character, well written and relatable, she starts off lost and unsure of herself and her life after suffering the loss of her child. As the story progresses and secrets are uncovered, Claire’s strength emerges as she fights to gain an understanding of what her husband has been hiding and develop her newfound confidence. Her life begins to unravel at the same time she wakes up from the half-life she has been living, but instead of collapsing, she uses her circumstances to grow, I was backing her completely, cheering her on every time she confronted her husband and hoping she would survive the fallout.

Claire’s husband Derek is unlikable from the first chapters and just becomes more despicable as the story unfolds. From beginning to end he unveils himself as a detestable character who I continued to hope would get exactly what he deserved. I remember messaging Athena and saying “Her husband is f**king nuts!” He wasn’t the only character who I felt this way about, the ‘she’ in the opening scene is as, if not more unlikable than Derek.

Zach is another great character, with many layers and a few surprising secrets. I loved the relationship that grew between Claire and Zach, I think I fell in love with him myself. One of my favourite secondary characters was Claire’s assistant Kira, I loved her loyalty and her no bullshit approach, what a great friend Claire had in her.

This novel kept me hooked from start to finish with heart-stopping moments, a few laugh-out-loud moments, plenty of twists and turns, betrayal and murder, in a romantic psychological thriller that will definitely be in my top 10 reads of the year. I didn’t see half of what happened coming and was still shaking my head in disbelief at the end.

http://clairesreadsandreviews.home.bl...

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness I really don't know where to start about my feelings for this book. They are all over the place, I feel sorrow, rage, happiness, love ...so many emotions!!! Claire bless her heart, there were times I wanted to reach into the book and slap her but then I would remember her life before now. Then I wanted to reach in and strangle her stupid a!! husband. THENNNNNN I wanted to reach in and grab Zach and hug the hell out of him!! Everyone needs a Zach in their life one way or another. There were so many times that I spoke out loud at home and my husband thought I was crazy lol!!! This was my first read by Athena and it was freaking great!! Great job!!!!!

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, this story was so gripping, I could not put it down! Chapter 12 will bring on the tears, and is the pivotal point for Claire. His book is riveting and I love it.

[Jac K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read two random books yesterday, The Scream Behind Her Smile and Promises Made: Promises Kept?. They are completely different genres, but by chance, had several similarities… doormat h trying to find her spine; awful/vile husband/OW combo, and a second chance at romance. Both are free to read with KU.

The Scream Behind Her Smile is a mystery thriller-ish drama that follows Claire, a 28-year-old designer who is struggling to cope with the death of her 5-yr old. The book begins with a foreshadowing prologue that gives quite a lot away, which took away from the “surprise” thriller aspect, but I still found it enjoyable. Claire is lying in a puddle of her blood pondering if she would still be in this predicament had she never answered the door that day, while a shadow “her” is taunting that this is all her fault. She reflects that she’d go through it all again, just to be held by Zach one more time.

The next chapter begins with the door bell ringing; enter Jasmine, an old school friend of her hubby Derek’s (that he failed to mention would be staying with them) and the first mystery is solved. Then by Ch. 2 we meet Zach. I hated Derek and Jasmine; they are scum, and you will be SUPER frustrated until about the 35% mark when Claire grows a pair.

Overall, I found the book enjoyable, there’s a side mystery/danger plot that provides suspense and action. Claire starts out a broken mess, but she gets her shit together, and it up being a strong h. There’s a nice epilogue 6-mth FF from Zach’s POV.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly twisted! An unforgettable thrill-ride that had me hooked from the first page. Secrets, lies, betrayal and passion. This book had everything it was unpredictable yet real and raw exposing vulnerabilities and truths that are dirty and mess but hopeful revealing confidence and determination with each character. I really enjoyed both Claires and Zach’s stories and their growth on their own and together.

[amberreadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!
ARC

Wow! What a suspenseful ride! This was my first time reading a book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect. This was filled with lies, betrayal, and passion! Definitely recommended.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready for lots of twists and turns in Athena Daniels' The Scream Behind Her Smile. Claire and Derek have been together for a decade. She believes they are still in love. They have worked, not always together, to mostly overcome a tragedy - they lost their five-year-old daughter three years ago. Life is different, but their marriage works.
Until it doesn't. Until Jasmine, a supposed old friend of Derek's, shows up at the door ready to move into their guest room. Claire doesn't know this woman and doesn't want her in her home. Who is she? And why does it look like Derek and Jasmine are closer than they should be?
Claire is trying to pull herself out of her long depression. Her friends and husband think she quit her medicine too soon. She isn't being herself. She is even attracted to a stranger, Zach.
But Zach is there for her. Wants to help her. Doesn't make her feel crazy or talk down to her. But her husband, the man she is supposed to love, has changed. Can she walk away from him unscathed? And how long can she live with Jasmine in her home, seeming to take over her life?
Fantastic novel, I really enjoyed the characters and the suspense. It was hard to tell who was the wronged party and how it would all play out in the end. Kept me guessing!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Willow Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written suspense romance. I liked Claire and Zach, thought Derek was a believable drip/asshole. The twists felt original and not forced, not overly done, although the suspense could've been amped up a bit more. The bunny boiler bit was cliche, but worked.

I didn't particularly love the Prologue, as I felt it revealed too much in way of the direction the story was going. Without it, I think the suspense would've been stronger - the waiting for the shoe to drop sort of thing was there, but I already knew what the shoe looked/felt like. Yet, it did the job of pulling me into the story, into Claire's character in particular. *shrug

I'll be checking out more from this author :)

[Laura Oden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected... the beginning started out exiting and it only built up from there. It took twists and turns that were unexpected and that is what I appreciate in books when it turns it all around in a way that is not easily predictable definitely a really great read!!!

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Scream Behind Her Smile by Athena Daniels is a love story that brings a lot more to the party than your traditional romance novel. Claire is a successful designer to the stars and the elite in Western Australia but her clothing design has served a greater purpose than just fame. It was what saved her from the morass of grief over the death from brain cancer of her little baby girl. After three years of hell, during which time she struggled to even get out of bed, following the death of her beloved Katie, the designing has given her some sense of worth again. To the casual outsider it appears her husband Derek has been the ultimate rock and support for her during these trying times, but appearances can be deceiving. When Derek suddenly turns up with an “old school friend” Jasmine (Jazzy) and offers her the chance to stay with them until she sorts herself out, Claire feels something is wrong but seems unable to act on her suspicions. It’s only when Claire meets the enigmatic, yet successful artist Zach that the reality staring her in the face seems to take hold. The chemistry between Claire and Zach is obvious and intense, yet Claire still needs to deal with her troubled past before she can move on.

Author Athena Daniels has brought an extremely readable and relatable tale in The Scream Behind Her Smile. As a lead character Claire was real, believable and someone the reader clearly wanted to root for while at the same time feeling this intense desire to shake her out of her complacency and her naivety. What I particularly liked about this story was the author’s obvious desire to not minimise the incredible loss losing a child has on the parents. No amount of advice, “to move on” or “to let it go” is ever going to make any difference. No parent dreams of this ultimate tragedy and when it happens it is totally devastating to the parents. This whole premise was beautifully and sensitively portrayed by the author. Until you forgive yourself for what happened, you can never make peace with the present or the future. The relationship between Zach and Claire was moving, powerful and incredibly sexy. I did love that Zach not only had a past but that he was actively dealing with reconciling with that past. Both Claire and Zach felt they had huge impediments in their lives to them ever being happy again but Daniels skilfully showed us that there is a way to let go without forgetting. I can highly recommend this book, especially if you love romance with some real meat on its bones. This is what this book has.

[Elise Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A THRILL RIDE OF DANGER AND HOT ROMANCE! FIVE BREATHTAKING STARS!

WOW! Just when I was beyond tired of cookie cutter romances with the same old tropes, this captivating story took hold and pulled me out of the book doldrums from the very first page. Believe me, I could NOT put this book down! I've seldom read a romantic thriller that surpasses this gripping tale of grief, deceit and steadily encroaching danger, wrapped in a passionate romance between two broken people.

(Here's a bit of the plot, but no big spoilers--I promise.)

Claire is barely existing, still grieving over the death of her little girl three years earlier. Struggling to break free from depression and medication, her tenuous recovery is threatened by her manipulative husband (Derek) and the sudden arrival of a beautiful and mysterious house guest--an old "school friend" of Derek's. Claire is immediately suspicious of Jasmine and rightly so, for secrets lie just beneath the surface of the woman's quick smiles.

When Claire realizes that Derek's feelings for Jasmine are much more than friendly, she decides to leave him and seek a divorce. But Derek vows to stop her--no matter what it takes--because he and Jasmine are enmeshed in a nefarious scheme that depends on Claire for its success and their survival. If she leaves, someone will die.

As she fights for her freedom, Claire is befriended by Zach, a successful artist with deep secrets of his own, who mitigates the sins of his past by rescuing homeless children and housing them in the Village, a cluster of cabins in the woods. Zach is a hero to die for--a dark and brooding man with a kind and generous heart. (He's also gorgeous, in case you wondered.) The undeniable attraction between Claire and Zach culminates in steamy sex almost hot enough to melt my Kindle!

But their newfound happiness is soon threatened by criminals as the plot twists and turns through a labyrinth of lies, greed and breathtaking suspense, leading to . . .

I'm going no further. Don't miss this compelling story of love's power to heal . . . to survive . . . to flourish despite overwhelming odds. With memorable settings in Perth, Australia, where the Swan River meets the southwest coast, this beautifully written novel richly deserves five breathtaking stars! Kudos to the author and her entire team.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable roller coaster ride that had me hooked from the first page and is going to have you hooked too.

This is a romantic thriller and once you start this book you will not want to put it down. So be warned now free up your time!!!

OMG, Athena Daniels has written a story that puts the wow back into wow. The characters are real and so believable and you will feel every emotion that the characters go through, especially Claire and everything that she goes through.  Derek is the character that you will love to hate and really how far can one bloke go? Zach has a past but of course he is the one we love!!! Then there are the other characters who help make the story more real.

This book has everything you would want in a romantic/thriller, there is grief, some secrets and lies and of course there is some passion thrown in too. Can’t have a romance without the passion!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the plot. I have not read a lot of thrillers this year but I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this one. With the book been set in Western Australia I knew of the places and could really imagine I was there while reading it.

Of course, I do highly recommend this book, especially if you love a romance with a thrill of a ride.
This book is one of my 2019 top reads.
It wowed me is it going to wow you?

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[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING slight SPOILERS
On that note, this book was a page turner! I cant tell you the emotions I felt while I was reading this, but Ill try anyway. First off, I wanted to bitch slap Jasmine and that husband of Claire's....but more to Jasmine. The disrespect that went on. Flirting with Claire's husband in her presence and that jerk taking "his friend's" side rather than respecting his wife..OMG! Then there's Zach...Ill just leave at that. Theres always something about a dark,mysterious bad boy that gets me..and their first sexual interaction??..cold shower please. lol. Read this book, Im telling you its awesome.

[Tanis Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again! This book was another I couldn't put down. It sucks that some hits really close to home, but because it's relateable, it made it a little hard to read in some areas. I pushed thru it and enjoyed a wonderfully written love story that shows anything is possible if you only try. I can't say I wouldn't have done some of the same things she did. Everyone should read this book and learn something from it, in my opinion. Thanks for the sad (keep tissues handy), but lovely read Athena. 💜💜

[Kris Saluga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC

Holey moley!!!! This book had my emotions in an uproar!!!! I felt what the characters felt and the situations they were going through, especially Claire and the tragedy that hits her, it felt so real and that I was going through them too. I won't spoil any more details but I have to recommend this book to anyone who needs an emotional jolt. Well written story and I want more LOL

[Cyndi Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing. I could not put it down. If you like a suspenseful book, with romance and a great story this is it.
The story line moves fast, and you don't get bored at all. There are several twists, and parts that leave your jaw dropped to the floor! I found myself getting angry at some of the characters, while loving others, absolutely great writing, great story.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a story about a woman who knows her worth and fights for what she wants and deserves. I loved how the suspense ramped up through the story keeping my interest from beginning to end. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is her best work yet. It not only touches on themes like domestic violence and psychological abuse, but it gives us a true picture of what so many women go through when they have no control over their own financial and physical lives. There’s a continuing lethargy when it comes to homelessness. Our minds and hearts have a tendency to want to turn away, but that only reinforces the problem. This story brings so much into the light, and it forces eyes open to a growing problem. And there’s a strength that builds as Claire discovers who she really is and what she’s capable of. It’s uplifting and gives us a glimpse of not only vulnerable exposure but growth and revelation. I think it shows us that we don’t have to be ruled by our circumstances but can learn from them and move forward with positivity.

In the midst of all of this, there's a love story for the ages, something that wraps right around your heart and melts it. It's beautiful and sweet and super sexy, and he's exactly the type of bad boy gone good that every woman would love to find. And he supports and defends Claire in ways that she needs. And all of the secondary characters are perfect in their roles. Some of them you want to know more about, while others you just can't help but hate.

I don't know how the author is going to top this, but I can't wait to see what she does next.

[Disney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC to review and I'm so glad I did!
Claire's story got really intense and went in a direction I was not expecting, and it was told incredibly well. 'Romantic thriller' is certainly an interesting combination of genres. I got really uncomfortable about halfway through because of some of the things Derek was saying and how real his character felt, but I applaud the author for it. This book was well worth the panic I felt for the main character from the prologue alone.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If 10 Stars Were Possible

Wow, what a great read! The whole time I was kept guessing which way the story was going and Athena kept throwing things in i didn't see coming and kept me on the edge of my seat. I love the way Athena Daniels tells a story and the characters she creates, she is most definitely my favourite thriller writer.
I'm going to read this story again, just to make sure I didn't miss something the first time. The early hours of the morning reading can make that happen. lol

[Cheyenne A. Korman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scream Behind Her Smile by Athena Daniels. SPOILER ALERT!!!
I received this book as an Arc and it was my first book by this author.

I have to say that this book grabs your attention from the first page and doesn't let up; but about half way through, I felt it was a bit repetitive on how many times Claire brought up her feelings about Zach. I mean I get it, she's only been in one relationship her whole life and he's a scumbag but it felt like it went on and on about her feelings for him. Then the sex scenes were just too over the top. I don't mind sex scenes or any type of intimate passion/romance in a book but I just couldn't find it in me to love this book because I felt like it drug on and on and so repetitive that I almost decided to read a diff book but it takes quite a lot for me to DNF (did not finish) a book. I did finish the book and I'm glad I stuck with it because it did pick back up, granted some of the parts were dragging and repetitive but I pushed through to find out the ending.

I did want to give Derek an intense throat punch for being such a prick to his wife. Controlling her to the point of taking full control of her bank accounts, her business, her credit cards, her home by giving her a unfathomable ultimatum. I was literally seething inside thinking how twisted this guy is to be so cruel to his own wife for nothing she did at all, but for his infidelity and benefit!! Disgusting! Then he's always taking Jasmine's side on everything no matter what and making Claire out to be a jealous unstable woman, stating several times that she's not been the same since she hasn't been taking her meds. Meds that make her numb to everything, even too numb to think she's the crazy one for being so upset over Jasmine. All I can say is WOW!

Jasmine is on a whole nother level. Can I say barbaric, vindictive, conniving hussy!!? She purposely antagonized Claire since the day she showed up at her front door. Acting all innocent and sweet but then 2 minutes into the front door, she's babbling on and on about Derek and rubbing everything into Claire's face...being overly flirtatious with Derek, Touching his arm, his thigh, & giggling like a school girl when she and Derek were reminiscing old times....shaking her ass in the thong swim suit giggling to Derek to come swim with her, intentionally making her proximity to Derek as close as she could, being brash to try to keep Claire out of the conversation, telling Claire that she's "just old friends" with Derek and that she shouldn't be so uptight about her. Basically laughing in her face because Derek didn't fight off the seductiveness she was giving and she enjoyed hurting Claire as much as she could.
B*tch please!!! I would've grabbed her up by the hair from the pool, dragging her to my front door and then would've literally slung the homewrecking wh*re out my front door and told her to stay off my property or else next time I wouldn't be just throwing her out the door but something much worse! Then I would've told Derek if he didn't like it, he could pack his shit and leave with her since he's so effing oblivious to the trash he allowed into their lives, and how obsessed he is with every single thing about her. Also since he can't stand by his wife over some "old floozy/friend" and not try to comfort her when she needed confirmation that she wasn't in-denial or crazy about that Savage woman and her motives.
Darn right, I would've told him to get the eff out!!!.. Probably a bit more than just that, but you get the gist. Lol

But thats not even all...the pregnancy! What a gut punch! That made me mad for Claire. Oh and her "so-called" best friends needed to be thumped hard for not believing in Claire and supporting her through the most horrific thing in her life since her daughter Katie died. True friends don't care what you've done wrong, if it's your fault or not, if you're a basket case and don't realize it yet, they don't judge you or your issues/problems, and they most certainly don't defend a man over you! They just cowardly dropped her like she had an infectious contagious disease and stood behind Derek and Jasmine!!! Seriously? I wanted Claire to punch them in the face for being such weak minded hypocrites!

I want to love this books because it brought out so many emotions in me and had me seething inside on some things Claire had to put up with and deal with but the overall repetitiveness and dragging scenes of her feelings made me go a bit lower than I wanted. But I will try another book by this author for sure. Would recommend to any readers out there that like a romance/suspense book. #TheScreamBehindHerSmile #Netgalley #SunsetCoastPublishing

[Charlotte Brackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publisher for the advanced copy of this very good thriller!

I knew from the prologue that this was going to be good. To be fair, that's a prologue's job. But still. That very short intro gave me just what was needed to get me hooked and excited for what was ahead.

I read this book in three days. Which is relatively quick when traveling and being out and about all day. I read during every chance I got: on planes, on trains, at restaurants, while resting for a few minutes. Daniels created a suspenseful, well thought out work that was a pleasure to read. I can recommend this to anyone who likes some mystery with a side of romance.

[Dotty M · Rating 5 out of 5]

May contain spoilers

This is not my normal genre and although this is my first book by Athena Daniels
I look forward to reading more.
The things that Derek did and got away with. I found him to be vile and disgusting. I did find it hard too believe no one questioned his friendship with Jasmine. Everyone grieves differently and to lose a child is very traumatic it seemed to me her friends were to quick to take Derek’s side. And then there’s Jasmine what a conniving, manipulative Bitch. So many times I just wanted to throw my kindle and claw her eyes out and slap the smug smile of her face and that’s the nice things I wanted to do to her. Why did no one question Derek and Jasmines relationship? One doesn’t just invite an old friend into their home and conduct themselves the way Derek did especially when your wife is still recovering from losing your child. And no matter how Zach came into Claires life thank God he showed up when he did. How awful it is to have to keep your emotions hidden for fear of being labeled unstable. While the only thing you should be labeled is a grieving mother who needs the support of your friends and most importantly your husband not just a bottle of pills. And then for him to blame his actions on her and use it for an excuse for what he did was disgusting. I wondered many times if he ever truly cared for Claire much less loved her. I liked how Zach and Claire found love and helped each other heal. I think in the end Derek got what he deserved and Jasmine got way less than what she deserved. I only wish that the epilogue would have mentioned Bec, Rob and Julia’s reaction to the truth.

[Jessica Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Author Athens Daniels books. But to date, seriously her best book by far! I’m absolutely full of emotions after reading this book. I was just overcome with raging emotions. This book is truly phenomenal. It really does have everything you could need or want. I couldn’t put it down! With Every turn of the page the words just flew off and flowed into my soul. Claire is a amazing woman. You will truly feel her pain, her anguish, her need, her fears, everything. As a mother, I completely understood her and as a woman I understood her on a deep level with the issues she mentally went through and was put through. Just a unforgettable read. Then next time I’m feeling defeated I’m gonna remember this book and Claire and I’m gonna pull this out and remind myself that I’m a Phoenix rising from the ashes and I will by the end of the book with Claire be reborn and start fresh stronger than ever! Best book ever! If you’ve never read this Author you really need to pick it up and experience a life changing read! I applaud Author Athena Daniels she is such a talented author and her novels are just truly unforgettable and will always keep you highly engaged and never wanting it to end. Truly one of the most talented and gifted Authors I’ve ever read!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "THE SCREAM BEHIND HER SMILE" This was a truly interesting, intense drama, heartstopping moments, deceit, betrayal, laugh out loud moments, suspense, murder, passion, secrets, lies, psychological thriller that kept you on the edge of your seat.
Claire was married to Derek after her mom died at the age of 18 he took care of the funeral and the business he wasn't someone that was very likeable and he had secrets Claire lost her 5 yr old daughter and fell into a depression taking medication.
Derek invited a friend of his Jasmine to stay with them for awhile and Claire didn't like the looks between them and she told Derek that she had to go.
Claire finds out that Jasmine is pregnant with Derek's baby and she packs her things and leaves.
Claire meets Zach at an engagement party and finds that shes very attracted to him the chemistry is immediate she trying yo get her life together.
I definitely recommend to get this amazing well written so well worth the read you won't be able to put this book down Athena Daniels did an awesome job with this book I can't wait to see what she has next.

[Janice Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire is a fashion designer. She is married to Derek for 8 years, having lost their daughter, Katie, when she was 3. A friend of Derek's - Jasmine (Jazzy) has had a breakup with her significant other and has come to stay with Claire and Derek. (totally Derek's idea). The two get a little too chummy. Meanwhile, at a friend's engagement party Claire meets Zach. She is completely besotted with him.

Finding out that Zach's store is only a few doors down from her own store, Claire befriends him by bringing a coat she had made for a friend of Zach's. He takes Claire to a place where he spends his off time from working as a well-known artist. They become friends.

Will Jasmine finally leave Claire & Derek's house after 3 weeks?
And what is the story behind the handsome, dark and mysterious, Zach?

This story really surprised me! I truly loved it! The characters were well played out and the plot was nicely done. I hope to read more by this author soon!

5 stars all the way!!!!!

Many thanks to Athena Daniels, the Publisher and NetGalley for a wonderful read!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by this author. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be a severe understatement! I became hooked from the first page and actually devoured this book in one sitting!

The characters were raw and real, and you can definitely feel and relate to them. I really liked writing style and psychological touch author gave to the storyline and characters. It was wonderful to read how Claire found her true self, her strength and happiness she deserved after everything she’s been through. Author really did a good job with Claire’s and all other characters.

My only small complaint is the ending. It somehow felt rushed and weak compared to how strong the first part was. I’m glad everyone got what they deserved, but it seemed like it was tied too quickly and too nicely.

Overall 4.5 ⭐️ I’m glad I discovered this author and I will definitely check her previous work while impatiently waiting to see what she will come up with next!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotionally gripping romantic thriller, this is a novel of love, marriage, deception and murder.
It’s one thing to discover the man you married is not who you think he is. It’s another thing entirely to prove it. After all, who is going to take the word of an unstable woman who’s never fully recovered from the heartbreak of losing her child?
The only question now, is how far he will go to protect his secrets.

This is a romantic thriller and once you start this book you will not want to put it down.
The author has touched on the themes like domestic violence and psychological abuse, but it gives us a true picture of what so many women go through when they have no control over their own financial and physical lives.
The writing is done amazingly well.
The characters were so well written I found myself shouting aat them while reading.
Loved this book.
Highly recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.