Shade Owens

Imagine winning a 698 million dollar lottery - what would change for you? Liz and Gavin Hunter are experiencing just that. Despite regularly playing the state lottery, luck has never been on their side. "The Wife's Secret" by Debra Lynch is a thrilling psychological novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Liz and Gavin harbor dark pasts and their characters will pull you in, leaving you breathless until the end. Liz's potential involvement in her previous husband's death and Gavin's suspected affair will keep you guessing. Will their newfound wealth destroy them? This gripping, fast-paced thriller is impossible to put down. Although I'm new to Debra Lynch's work, I'm eager to explore her other books. She has elevated female protagonists to a whole new level. I highly recommend this book and give it five stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.… (mehr)

I had really mixed feelings about this novel. While I thought it was extremely fast-paced, it was difficult for me to connect to this book. I enjoyed the plot, but the writing is extremely simplistic and even after I finished the novel, I never cared about Leo or Niles. In fact, I found them both really annoying characters that spent the majority of the novel being scared and crying about their situation rather than trying to make a plan or do anything productive.

I also didn't really feel any strong feelings about the male friendship in this novel. The relationship just felt really stilted and almost unnecessary. I think if the main character, Leo had been alone for the entirety of the novel, there would have been almost no changes in the plot or the character development.

I'll probably pick up the next book at some point, but it won't be a priority.… (mehr)

How far would you be willing to go to survive on an island filled with murderers? After being wrongfully convicted, Leo is shipped off to Krimos Island. In this dystopian future, this, rather than the death penalty or life in prison, is the sentence for murder... Just throw all the convicts together and let them fight it out, surviving by any means necessary. Shortly after arriving on the island, Leo comes to an uneasy truce with his fellow prisoner, Niles. He knows he can't fully trust anyone here, but he also knows that his chance of survival doubles if he has someone to watch his back. There are several factions on the island, eager for "fresh meat" like Leo and Niles. They will have to use every bit of their ingenuity and strength if they hope to survive.

This novel has an interesting and terrifying premise. Definitely a dark story, full of violence, but not overly graphic about it. It's easy to feel a connection to Leo, as you know from the start that he's innocent, and each moment is a struggle for him as he tries to maintain his wits and hide any weakness. The flashbacks to his past greatly help to humanize him. They were some of my favorite parts of the novel. Not a ton of worldbuilding here. Obviously this is only the beginning of Leo's story on the island, and I'm curious to see where it goes.… (mehr)