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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
Jake is an ambitious guy with dreams to escape a life of mediocrity. Running away from his family home to get an education, he sets himself up for a life of success and wealth. But he eventually realizes these aren’t the things he actually wants.
Honestly? I had to look several times to see if Spotify had switched to a different book because this was not at all what I was expecting. There’s a lot of build up by being in first person absolutely made this book. It’s such a slow burn that you don’t really realize how gradually the main character is changing until the end, then you recognize it all at once before he does.
Be forewarned that it’s a solid 1/3+ of the book before he starts dating the titular trophy wife.
Absolutely loved this and listened to it in a day. I couldn’t stop once everything staring unfolding.
Honestly? I had to look several times to see if Spotify had switched to a different book because this was not at all what I was expecting. There’s a lot of build up by being in first person absolutely made this book. It’s such a slow burn that you don’t really realize how gradually the main character is changing until the end, then you recognize it all at once before he does.
Be forewarned that it’s a solid 1/3+ of the book before he starts dating the titular trophy wife.
Absolutely loved this and listened to it in a day. I couldn’t stop once everything staring unfolding.
⭐3.5 rounded up
While many reviewers focus on the lack of emotion and doggedly straightforward plot in the first third of the book, I’d like to point out that I saw it as a reflection of the inward struggle and domestic situation of the protagonist. It pulled me in, offered me just enough details to propel me forward, and gave me the needed background to understand the remainder of the story.
In a world where we seem so focused on achievements and possessions, this book was a welcome read. It forces readers to see the effects of a driven life - one with a singular focus. I thought it was well plotted and the theme well explored, leaving me ruminating on this one for days. I appreciated the irony and the warning about regrets and repressing emotions.
If I could change one thing, I’d remove the salacious behaviour. It wasn’t needed and didn’t add to the plot. In fact, with it removed, the story would appeal to a wider audience.
Although I didn’t enjoy this story as much as her previous psychological thriller, I’m grateful for the invitation to read it and will remain interested in reading Keogh’s future books.
I was gifted this book by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
While many reviewers focus on the lack of emotion and doggedly straightforward plot in the first third of the book, I’d like to point out that I saw it as a reflection of the inward struggle and domestic situation of the protagonist. It pulled me in, offered me just enough details to propel me forward, and gave me the needed background to understand the remainder of the story.
In a world where we seem so focused on achievements and possessions, this book was a welcome read. It forces readers to see the effects of a driven life - one with a singular focus. I thought it was well plotted and the theme well explored, leaving me ruminating on this one for days. I appreciated the irony and the warning about regrets and repressing emotions.
If I could change one thing, I’d remove the salacious behaviour. It wasn’t needed and didn’t add to the plot. In fact, with it removed, the story would appeal to a wider audience.
Although I didn’t enjoy this story as much as her previous psychological thriller, I’m grateful for the invitation to read it and will remain interested in reading Keogh’s future books.
I was gifted this book by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
An absolute waste of time. There’s nothing “thrilling” about the book at all. There was 1 part that started to pique my interest .. that didn’t last long.
The narrator is so full of himself, I didn’t end up liking a single character. There’s no development, the story bounces around. There’s nothing psychological about it. The title of the book got me & the 5 star ratings, which I’m convinced were paid for …
The narrator is so full of himself, I didn’t end up liking a single character. There’s no development, the story bounces around. There’s nothing psychological about it. The title of the book got me & the 5 star ratings, which I’m convinced were paid for …
The Trophy Wife is dark, disturbing and unexpected, full of gut-churning angst and teeth-clenching moments of anxiety, precisely what a Thriller ought to be!
Jake's home life was stagnant, his parents had no aspirations and Jake couldn't stand the thought of a dead-end life. He left and didn't look back. In Oxford he did well. He climbed the ladder in his jobs and made piles of money. On paper he was successful. His close university friend Adam was not ambitious and was content to work at a mind numbing job. However, Jake envied him for several reasons. Though he was wealthy and had a showcase home, with whom could he happily share it? He fell in love with Jane, a woman out of his reach. But the one he married was Ann and was soon flooded with regret. Deceptions lead to bad choices with hideous consequences.
Seeking a slow burning story which quickly picks up pace and suspenseful Thriller with some oomph? This is it!
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me an early digital copy of this thrillery book.
Jake's home life was stagnant, his parents had no aspirations and Jake couldn't stand the thought of a dead-end life. He left and didn't look back. In Oxford he did well. He climbed the ladder in his jobs and made piles of money. On paper he was successful. His close university friend Adam was not ambitious and was content to work at a mind numbing job. However, Jake envied him for several reasons. Though he was wealthy and had a showcase home, with whom could he happily share it? He fell in love with Jane, a woman out of his reach. But the one he married was Ann and was soon flooded with regret. Deceptions lead to bad choices with hideous consequences.
Seeking a slow burning story which quickly picks up pace and suspenseful Thriller with some oomph? This is it!
My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me an early digital copy of this thrillery book.
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Valerie, Once again you have blown me away, never did I know that would happen at the end!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
First I want to thank Valerie for the advanced copy!
I must say what a story! Lies, jealousy, true love, what more can you ask for? A happy ending??
Jake left home at 18 to make a name for himself. He didn't feel his parents were supportive of him and his college and career choice.
That's how he met his best friend Adam. Jake was always a little jealous of Adam. He seemed to have what Jake thought he wanted. As they got older Adam got "the girl" whom Jake was in love with. For years Jake was the third wheel, and he was getting tired of it.
To make himself feel better, he purchased a house way out of his price point to prove to himself and others that he "made it" . To occupy his time, he just kept working,
long days, to try and hide the loneliness he felt.
At one point he thinks does love really matter anymore? The love of his life Jane will never leave his best friend, so why not get a wife, to go with his image. Someone to spend time with at least.
Adam has a sister Ann, whom Jake found attractive and she was very sophisticated and would be the perfect trophy wife! They start off having a good marriage. Jake gives Ann anything and everything she could want. They even have children together, but over time their marriage deteriorates. Ann just keeps spending money, they sleep in separate beds, and they rarely spend time together. Jake finally sees her as a nightmare of a wife! All Jake wanted was a loving marriage like Adam and Jane. How can he get out of this marriage? Will Jake ever meet his dream woman? Possibly? We shall see.
This book was amazing! The buildup was fantastic and the ending, holy smokes! What a twist!! I was totally blindsided!
This is a must read. Just like any of Valerie's books, she knows just what is needed to suck you in and keep you coming back for more! Well done!
I must say what a story! Lies, jealousy, true love, what more can you ask for? A happy ending??
Jake left home at 18 to make a name for himself. He didn't feel his parents were supportive of him and his college and career choice.
That's how he met his best friend Adam. Jake was always a little jealous of Adam. He seemed to have what Jake thought he wanted. As they got older Adam got "the girl" whom Jake was in love with. For years Jake was the third wheel, and he was getting tired of it.
To make himself feel better, he purchased a house way out of his price point to prove to himself and others that he "made it" . To occupy his time, he just kept working,
long days, to try and hide the loneliness he felt.
At one point he thinks does love really matter anymore? The love of his life Jane will never leave his best friend, so why not get a wife, to go with his image. Someone to spend time with at least.
Adam has a sister Ann, whom Jake found attractive and she was very sophisticated and would be the perfect trophy wife! They start off having a good marriage. Jake gives Ann anything and everything she could want. They even have children together, but over time their marriage deteriorates. Ann just keeps spending money, they sleep in separate beds, and they rarely spend time together. Jake finally sees her as a nightmare of a wife! All Jake wanted was a loving marriage like Adam and Jane. How can he get out of this marriage? Will Jake ever meet his dream woman? Possibly? We shall see.
This book was amazing! The buildup was fantastic and the ending, holy smokes! What a twist!! I was totally blindsided!
This is a must read. Just like any of Valerie's books, she knows just what is needed to suck you in and keep you coming back for more! Well done!