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His Wife's Secret: WHY IS SHE PUNISHING ME?
When David meets old school-friend, Erin again he falls head over heels in love. He leaves his wife and their sixteen-year-old daughter to marry Erin. But, in a small village people have long memories and they move south for a fresh beginning. Erin’s behaviour starts to change in a very strange way and David wonders if she is punishing him for something he’s done?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2020
5☆ A Gripping, Suspenseful, Highly Compelling Domestic Noir, I Couldn't Put Down!
David was happily married to Beth and they had a teenage Daughter called Sally.
Everything was plodding along perfectly till he met Erin.
David and Erin Met when he took his cat to the vets, Erin was the receptionist. He vaguely remembered her from school but she moved away when she was young.
But once he gazed back into her eyes he just knew he couldn't keep away.
After 3months of them having a passionate affair he confessed to Beth & they split up. Moving in with Erin.
Erin was everything to him. He aimed to please her and their sexual appetite was electric and sizzling.
But Erin liked to use sex to manipulate David to get exactly what she wants, and he knows she does it.
Erin has a dark past and keeps a big secret from him. But after they pack up to move to start a new life, Erin makes a shocking discovery and it changes her whole outlook on David.
Now she uses sex to punish and physically hurt him, but slowly her brutal nature is appearing out of the bedroom too.
But David has no clue why her personality has dramatically changed.
But just how far will she go to punish him?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gripping book and read it, over one day.
The story is told by both David and Erin, which was perfect, as there is always two sides to every story and Erin's had gotten pretty twisted.
I could understand her change in persona, but i was shouting at her and willing her to tell him why!
At times David came across as a bit of a wet weekend and no backbone. Yes her was infatuated with Erin and worshipped the ground she walked on, but I so wanted him to make a stand. At least he did pluck the courage to tell someone about his abuse as that takes so much courage.
I would say this book is a domestic noir/suspense and all the way through I felt an unease with Erin.
His Wife's Secret is the perfect Title as it centres around secrets.
I did enjoy that this book, featured a man in an abusive relationship, as you don't always see it, especially where Sex is concerned. But it really worked, so a big well done to Willis.
His Wife's Secret had me fully compelled the whole way through, it was Suspensful and Gripping, with plenty of perfectly plotted twists I definitely didn't see coming.
Would I recommend reading His Wife's Secret?...... without a doubt...... YES!!!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
David was happily married to Beth and they had a teenage Daughter called Sally.
Everything was plodding along perfectly till he met Erin.
David and Erin Met when he took his cat to the vets, Erin was the receptionist. He vaguely remembered her from school but she moved away when she was young.
But once he gazed back into her eyes he just knew he couldn't keep away.
After 3months of them having a passionate affair he confessed to Beth & they split up. Moving in with Erin.
Erin was everything to him. He aimed to please her and their sexual appetite was electric and sizzling.
But Erin liked to use sex to manipulate David to get exactly what she wants, and he knows she does it.
Erin has a dark past and keeps a big secret from him. But after they pack up to move to start a new life, Erin makes a shocking discovery and it changes her whole outlook on David.
Now she uses sex to punish and physically hurt him, but slowly her brutal nature is appearing out of the bedroom too.
But David has no clue why her personality has dramatically changed.
But just how far will she go to punish him?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gripping book and read it, over one day.
The story is told by both David and Erin, which was perfect, as there is always two sides to every story and Erin's had gotten pretty twisted.
I could understand her change in persona, but i was shouting at her and willing her to tell him why!
At times David came across as a bit of a wet weekend and no backbone. Yes her was infatuated with Erin and worshipped the ground she walked on, but I so wanted him to make a stand. At least he did pluck the courage to tell someone about his abuse as that takes so much courage.
I would say this book is a domestic noir/suspense and all the way through I felt an unease with Erin.
His Wife's Secret is the perfect Title as it centres around secrets.
I did enjoy that this book, featured a man in an abusive relationship, as you don't always see it, especially where Sex is concerned. But it really worked, so a big well done to Willis.
His Wife's Secret had me fully compelled the whole way through, it was Suspensful and Gripping, with plenty of perfectly plotted twists I definitely didn't see coming.
Would I recommend reading His Wife's Secret?...... without a doubt...... YES!!!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
February 5, 2020
Just why is David's wife Eric behaving so inexplicably all of a sudden? Just what is it in the diary that is the catalyst that sees her becoming ever more aggressive? Ten out of ten to the author for slowly luring us in as bit by bit the suspense grows and his wife's secret is revealed.
A story that all too often sees the male in the relationship as the abuser, it made for a refreshing change to here see the woman as the perpetrator in a society which has so many preconceptions (most of them incorrect) about the nature of Domestic Violence.
An outsider peeking in on their relationship, the story told from both perspectives. I can't say I actually liked either of them but wow! David's pain (his emotional distress as much as his physical) and Erin's growing paranoia palpable, both of them (to say nothing of the supporting cast) made for wonderfully memorable characters.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... A great exploration of when a 'playful' slap is the start of something much more sinister. Though His Wife's Secret is not always a comfortable read its a compelling one.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Read and reviewed as part of an organised Book Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
A story that all too often sees the male in the relationship as the abuser, it made for a refreshing change to here see the woman as the perpetrator in a society which has so many preconceptions (most of them incorrect) about the nature of Domestic Violence.
An outsider peeking in on their relationship, the story told from both perspectives. I can't say I actually liked either of them but wow! David's pain (his emotional distress as much as his physical) and Erin's growing paranoia palpable, both of them (to say nothing of the supporting cast) made for wonderfully memorable characters.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... A great exploration of when a 'playful' slap is the start of something much more sinister. Though His Wife's Secret is not always a comfortable read its a compelling one.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Read and reviewed as part of an organised Book Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
February 3, 2020
When I started reading this, I wasn’t so sure I was going to be able to continue. I was doubtful about my ability to deal with two mature (?) adults – one of which had left his wife and teenage daughter – who constantly craved each other’s bodies and behaved like sex-starved prisoners who’d been released from numerous months in solitary confinement, and who were both so thrilled that the other was mutually attracted to them! It was started to get a bit ridiculous, especially as David actually seemed like an OK guy.
But then … da da da dum … came the turnaround!!
His Wifes Secret Cover larger sizeThe plot, which up until now had been rather doubtful, suddenly takes a turn for the serious and starts to take on a lot more depth. Maybe the author was just testing her readers; feeling them out to see who’d stick around for the long haul. Well, I was still there, and I got stuck in!
After thinking that Erin, David’s new wife (well – they’ve been married for two years now, so I guess ‘new-ish) was only being superficial in encouraging him to pursue a new job that would remove them from the village where they currently lived (same village where his ex-wife, Beth and daughter, Sally still lived … along with loads of people who knew him while he was still living with them), it turns out that wasn’t actually the case. In true ‘small village’ style, Erin had experienced rather nasty vitriol from people who would always consider her an unwelcome outsider. And it did become evident that she truly did have David’s best interests at heart and wanted him to further his career too.
However, what should be a new start for the couple turns out quite differently when she discovers a diary that her mother had written in the year leading up to taking her life when Erin was just seven years old. She knows she shouldn’t read it – that the past should remain just that: the past, but she can’t help herself.
David is surprised to find that his apprehension about moving away from quiet country life was unfounded. He flourishes in his new job and enjoys meeting and befriending his new colleagues, realising how he’d been stagnating in his long-held old, safe position. But he can’t understand Erin’s sudden lack of excitement and her strange aggression towards him.
From what started out as a teen romp, this became a riveting, dark psychological drama dealing with themes of sexual identity, predatory roles, self-awareness and abuse. Well played Susan Willis, for luring the reader into what they think will be a light, easy read, and which becomes a tense, extremely sharp and clever exploration into the heart and mind of a seriously damaged soul who doesn’t even realise the extent of her ravages until they are unexpectedly triggered. Is it the same for all of us? Or do some of us just have a tiny hidden switch, unique to only a broken few? How will we ever know.
This is a highly recommended 4-star read.
But then … da da da dum … came the turnaround!!
His Wifes Secret Cover larger sizeThe plot, which up until now had been rather doubtful, suddenly takes a turn for the serious and starts to take on a lot more depth. Maybe the author was just testing her readers; feeling them out to see who’d stick around for the long haul. Well, I was still there, and I got stuck in!
After thinking that Erin, David’s new wife (well – they’ve been married for two years now, so I guess ‘new-ish) was only being superficial in encouraging him to pursue a new job that would remove them from the village where they currently lived (same village where his ex-wife, Beth and daughter, Sally still lived … along with loads of people who knew him while he was still living with them), it turns out that wasn’t actually the case. In true ‘small village’ style, Erin had experienced rather nasty vitriol from people who would always consider her an unwelcome outsider. And it did become evident that she truly did have David’s best interests at heart and wanted him to further his career too.
However, what should be a new start for the couple turns out quite differently when she discovers a diary that her mother had written in the year leading up to taking her life when Erin was just seven years old. She knows she shouldn’t read it – that the past should remain just that: the past, but she can’t help herself.
David is surprised to find that his apprehension about moving away from quiet country life was unfounded. He flourishes in his new job and enjoys meeting and befriending his new colleagues, realising how he’d been stagnating in his long-held old, safe position. But he can’t understand Erin’s sudden lack of excitement and her strange aggression towards him.
From what started out as a teen romp, this became a riveting, dark psychological drama dealing with themes of sexual identity, predatory roles, self-awareness and abuse. Well played Susan Willis, for luring the reader into what they think will be a light, easy read, and which becomes a tense, extremely sharp and clever exploration into the heart and mind of a seriously damaged soul who doesn’t even realise the extent of her ravages until they are unexpectedly triggered. Is it the same for all of us? Or do some of us just have a tiny hidden switch, unique to only a broken few? How will we ever know.
This is a highly recommended 4-star read.
February 28, 2020
Willis doesn’t get to the core of the plot until a fair way into the story, so initially it just apears to be a case of a broken family readjusting to the new structure and status quo. The new wife is jealous of the ex-wife and his daughter, and the daughter dislikes the new wife. The new wife Erin hatches a plan to put distance between old and new.
Erin is obsessed with an old diary, which reveals secrets her mother and others kept hidden from her. What she learns doesn’t just unsettle her, it sets off a sequence of events that leads to a change in behaviour and the way David views her.
She is already exhibiting certain patterns of behaviour before she starts obsessing about her mother. Jealousy, possessive traits and the need to isolate her husband from everything and everyone he loves and knows.
It’s a domestic thriller – the violence creeps into the story slowly and escalates.
There is an element to this story that lifts it slightly into the genre of psychological crime, however the violence and abuse aspect of the story was enough to carry the tale in its entirety. The woman on man premise is a poignant point to make, especially in a society when abuse is still misunderstood and ridiculed, even more so when men are the victims.
The author describes the escalation and lack of comprehension quite well. When does a playful accepted slap become a slap that is no longer playful. If you’ve given consent for the first does it automatically mean there is consent for the latter. Why is it still so difficult for society to comprehend that men can be victims and women can be the perpetrators of domestic violence?
*I received a courtesy copy*
Erin is obsessed with an old diary, which reveals secrets her mother and others kept hidden from her. What she learns doesn’t just unsettle her, it sets off a sequence of events that leads to a change in behaviour and the way David views her.
She is already exhibiting certain patterns of behaviour before she starts obsessing about her mother. Jealousy, possessive traits and the need to isolate her husband from everything and everyone he loves and knows.
It’s a domestic thriller – the violence creeps into the story slowly and escalates.
There is an element to this story that lifts it slightly into the genre of psychological crime, however the violence and abuse aspect of the story was enough to carry the tale in its entirety. The woman on man premise is a poignant point to make, especially in a society when abuse is still misunderstood and ridiculed, even more so when men are the victims.
The author describes the escalation and lack of comprehension quite well. When does a playful accepted slap become a slap that is no longer playful. If you’ve given consent for the first does it automatically mean there is consent for the latter. Why is it still so difficult for society to comprehend that men can be victims and women can be the perpetrators of domestic violence?
*I received a courtesy copy*
June 1, 2020
Being a local author, Susan Willis has been on my radar for a while but Her Wife's Secret is the first of her books that I have read. I love that this one is set in Kibblesworth, a little village near the Angel of the North. It always thrills me to read places I know well in books and it encourages me to revisit them, especially as The Ravensworth Arms (mentioned in the book) is well overdue a visit from me.
I really wasn't sure about David Henderson at first; how he went from being a loving family man to having his head turned by flame-haired temptress, Erin. Although his now ex-wife, Beth, seemed to forgive him, I was with his daughter, Sally, on this one and would have shunned Erin too. Erin even encourages him to apply for a job in London which took him even further away from his daughter; Erin definitely wears the trousers in this relationship!
Unfortunately for David, London isn't the perfect new start he dreamed off when Erin discovers her mother's diary during the move and her mood changes dramatically. David has no idea what is going on with Erin and he can't seem to do anything right. I have to say that a little part of me thought he deserved it for leaving his family for Erin, as the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I did start to feel sorry for David as Erin's anger issue exacerbated as nobody deserves to be treated that way.
His Wife's Secret is an interesting little domestic noir book; the fiery storyline keeps the pages turning and certainly offers some food for thought and warning signs to look out for.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I really wasn't sure about David Henderson at first; how he went from being a loving family man to having his head turned by flame-haired temptress, Erin. Although his now ex-wife, Beth, seemed to forgive him, I was with his daughter, Sally, on this one and would have shunned Erin too. Erin even encourages him to apply for a job in London which took him even further away from his daughter; Erin definitely wears the trousers in this relationship!
Unfortunately for David, London isn't the perfect new start he dreamed off when Erin discovers her mother's diary during the move and her mood changes dramatically. David has no idea what is going on with Erin and he can't seem to do anything right. I have to say that a little part of me thought he deserved it for leaving his family for Erin, as the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I did start to feel sorry for David as Erin's anger issue exacerbated as nobody deserves to be treated that way.
His Wife's Secret is an interesting little domestic noir book; the fiery storyline keeps the pages turning and certainly offers some food for thought and warning signs to look out for.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 24, 2020
His Wife’s Secret is at times a bit uncomfortable to read, but very compelling and I couldn’t put it down. It looks af domestic violence in a different kind of light and I found that important and unique.
The characters were deep, with complicated pasts and it made this story shine even more. I love when it’s realistic and this was no doubt well written. Authentic characters make plots believable and Susan Willis knows how to do this.
This novel takes a turn for the dark, psychological side, part way through and that is when it becomes most compelling. I enjoyed this read. It made me think and gave me a read I couldn’t put down. Check it out.
Rating:
4/5☆
*I recieved a free copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
The characters were deep, with complicated pasts and it made this story shine even more. I love when it’s realistic and this was no doubt well written. Authentic characters make plots believable and Susan Willis knows how to do this.
This novel takes a turn for the dark, psychological side, part way through and that is when it becomes most compelling. I enjoyed this read. It made me think and gave me a read I couldn’t put down. Check it out.
Rating:
4/5☆
*I recieved a free copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
February 9, 2020
Is the grass always greener?
David left his wife and 16 years old daughter when he fell head over heels in love with Erin 2 years ago. He and Erin were old school friends but Erin moved to Australia. And when by sheer coincidence they meet again so many years later, the attraction is just too big to ignore. And eventually they even got married. Their marriage is a happy one, with the usual but not insurmountable issues. They take a next step in life, when David has the chance to go after a promotion nearby London. After the move, Erin behaves suddenly very strange and out of character. David even becomes afraid of his own wife. But what caused this change in Erin? Did David do something wrong and he isn’t aware of it?
When we first get to know David and Erin, they are this happy couple, but also a bit struggling living a small town where everyone knows that David left his wife for Erin. Being in a small town, everyone blames Erin for wrecking a perfectly happy family.
Rather quickly in the book, despite my initial dislike for the situation, I realized that David and Erin truly love each other. Erin knows that David has more in his sleeve than he even realizes, and pushes him in taking decisions he initially is not sure in taking. Erin does this with the best intentions, because she loves him so much.
The whole situation goes for the worse after they move. Erin suddenly becomes more aggressive towards David. The reader knows what is the cause, but the situation quickly gets of out hand. But how far will everything deteriorate?
In a way, you understand Erin her feelings, but her actions are over the top. And when it evens goes as far as domestic abuse, all the sympathy you had for her, disappear. And when she starts doing things behind David’s back, even the understanding is gone. The further you go in the story, the more sympathy you feel for David. He has nobody he can rely on, being in a new place. But I had some relief when he quickly builds a friendship with Jessie and Jakub, and despite everything that happened in the past, he can still rely on his ex – wife. This is a thriller which made me wonder how it all would end, and what consequences everybody would carry. And also a reminder that sometimes the life we had wasn’t so bad at all…
David left his wife and 16 years old daughter when he fell head over heels in love with Erin 2 years ago. He and Erin were old school friends but Erin moved to Australia. And when by sheer coincidence they meet again so many years later, the attraction is just too big to ignore. And eventually they even got married. Their marriage is a happy one, with the usual but not insurmountable issues. They take a next step in life, when David has the chance to go after a promotion nearby London. After the move, Erin behaves suddenly very strange and out of character. David even becomes afraid of his own wife. But what caused this change in Erin? Did David do something wrong and he isn’t aware of it?
When we first get to know David and Erin, they are this happy couple, but also a bit struggling living a small town where everyone knows that David left his wife for Erin. Being in a small town, everyone blames Erin for wrecking a perfectly happy family.
Rather quickly in the book, despite my initial dislike for the situation, I realized that David and Erin truly love each other. Erin knows that David has more in his sleeve than he even realizes, and pushes him in taking decisions he initially is not sure in taking. Erin does this with the best intentions, because she loves him so much.
The whole situation goes for the worse after they move. Erin suddenly becomes more aggressive towards David. The reader knows what is the cause, but the situation quickly gets of out hand. But how far will everything deteriorate?
In a way, you understand Erin her feelings, but her actions are over the top. And when it evens goes as far as domestic abuse, all the sympathy you had for her, disappear. And when she starts doing things behind David’s back, even the understanding is gone. The further you go in the story, the more sympathy you feel for David. He has nobody he can rely on, being in a new place. But I had some relief when he quickly builds a friendship with Jessie and Jakub, and despite everything that happened in the past, he can still rely on his ex – wife. This is a thriller which made me wonder how it all would end, and what consequences everybody would carry. And also a reminder that sometimes the life we had wasn’t so bad at all…
February 9, 2020
This is an excellent read. The story follows David and Erin as they start a new life together. David left his marriage and his daughter to be with Erin, and despite the upheaval he believes he really has found true love.
The couple decide to move away from the village they both lived, as people blame them for the upset cause to David’s wife and daughter. After the move Erin’s behaviour towards David changes, and he is left wondering whether the grass really is greener.
The book is well written and you get to experience the points of view of all the main characters. The pain of the wife and daughter is almost tangible through the pages.
The couple decide to move away from the village they both lived, as people blame them for the upset cause to David’s wife and daughter. After the move Erin’s behaviour towards David changes, and he is left wondering whether the grass really is greener.
The book is well written and you get to experience the points of view of all the main characters. The pain of the wife and daughter is almost tangible through the pages.
February 7, 2020
Originally published here: https://joyfulantidotes.com/2020/02/0...
I usually dislike the cheating husband and the other woman in a book. I mean, aren’t we supposed to? But it was hard to with Erin and David. They really felt like the perfect couple, and I found myself making excuses for him that he had to leave his wife for the woman who really seemed to be his soulmate. However, the sweetness and light didn’t last.
he chapters flip between Erin and David, and once or twice we get a chapter from the viewpoint of Beth, David’s ex-wife. This really adds to the layers of the secret, and how it affects the couple. I mean, it is obvious from the title that it is Erin who possesses the secret but what she is hiding doesn’t follow the usual lines – and that’s good.
By the time Erin’s secret is revealed to us, the story began to feel rushed and the opinions presented were one-sided. This is something that particularly angered me but, as much as I would like to rant about it here, unfortunately, it would result in too many spoilers. There were issues in this book that were dealt with in a very black-and-white nature, which indeed they feel bang in the centre of the grey area. And these opinions left me disliking David very much by the end, even though I really don’t think that was the intention of the author. I would love to discuss the ending with any others who have read His Wife’s Secret so, please, so get in touch.
Overall, I found this an enjoyable read, and not the predictable storyline that one may expect from the title and blurb. Yes, it did leave me angry at the end, but a good book is one that can stir up emotion in you, whatever that emotion may be.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I usually dislike the cheating husband and the other woman in a book. I mean, aren’t we supposed to? But it was hard to with Erin and David. They really felt like the perfect couple, and I found myself making excuses for him that he had to leave his wife for the woman who really seemed to be his soulmate. However, the sweetness and light didn’t last.
he chapters flip between Erin and David, and once or twice we get a chapter from the viewpoint of Beth, David’s ex-wife. This really adds to the layers of the secret, and how it affects the couple. I mean, it is obvious from the title that it is Erin who possesses the secret but what she is hiding doesn’t follow the usual lines – and that’s good.
By the time Erin’s secret is revealed to us, the story began to feel rushed and the opinions presented were one-sided. This is something that particularly angered me but, as much as I would like to rant about it here, unfortunately, it would result in too many spoilers. There were issues in this book that were dealt with in a very black-and-white nature, which indeed they feel bang in the centre of the grey area. And these opinions left me disliking David very much by the end, even though I really don’t think that was the intention of the author. I would love to discuss the ending with any others who have read His Wife’s Secret so, please, so get in touch.
Overall, I found this an enjoyable read, and not the predictable storyline that one may expect from the title and blurb. Yes, it did leave me angry at the end, but a good book is one that can stir up emotion in you, whatever that emotion may be.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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