i have to admit that i first started reading this book, i wasnt very amused. it had felt like every other cheating husband scandal book.. until Jocelyn showed up. Then, it got exciting. i was NOT prepared for the twist in the plot but was very thankful that it happened. i would recommend this as as slow burn them a fast paced race at the end!

This book touches on some serious topics and it doesn't go too deep but gets the point acrossed. I love the shorter chapters that keep the story moving at a fast pace and I couldn't stop turning the pages as Adira is trying to save her marriage while working with one of her husband's mistresses to get him away from his other mistress. As I flew threw this one I couldn't even guess what was coming. This is definitely a story that will stay with me for a long time! Another well written book by Shanora Williams!!

Immediately I was getting Two Black Cadillacs by Carrie Underwood vibes and I was here all for it!

When Adira finds out that her husband is cheating on her with TWO different women, she connects with one to take out the other mistress, hence the title. But soon things in Adiras life come to light.

While this book had all the twists and turns that it needed, the suspense that it held helped pull the book along, but there were so many missing pieces. Some scenes just had you saying "what?!" and not in the "oh my god!" way.

I still enjoyed a great deal of this book, but was a bit let down here and there with it. 3.5

3.75 stars! I really enjoyed this story.
I caught an easter egg early in the story, but wasn’t quite sure where it fit in. Made me think a lot while reading and trying to put all the pieces together. I like that. I was not expecting that twist near the end!
One issue I had is characters with names starting with the same letter. I kept getting them confused. But that’s just me!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Adira is a successful woman who appears to have it all, until she finds out that her husband is cheating on her with not one, but two women. Adira teams up with one of the women to take down the other mistress and things unravel in every aspect of Adira's life.

The suspense in this book was good, but there were too many plot holes and confusing scenes. I couldn't make sense of it all even when I got to the end. I enjoyed other books by Shanora Williams more. This one left me feeling confused and disappointed that it didn't all come together like I had hoped.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC of The Other Mistress.

The Other Mistress is a thriller by Shanora Williams that explores themes of infidelity, abuse, and revenge. Adira Smith-Cortez, a wealthy lingerie designer, suspects that her husband Gabriel has been cheating on her. She does some snooping around and finds out that Gabriel is cheating with not just one, but two women. One of the women he is seeing is Jocelyn who discovers that Adira knows about their affair. The other mistress is Julianna who has no knowledge of Adira or that Gabriel is involved with any other woman. Adira teams up Jocelyn, who has professed that her affair with Gabriel was over, to destroy Gabriel and Julianna’s relationship. But things are not as they seem, and when the revelation is disclosed, it changes everything.

The book has a fast-paced plot. Williams is quickly gaining a fan base with the thrillers she pens. The novel was well-written, although Adira could easily get on your nerves. While the ending held a surprising twist, I kind of figured out where the story was headed. Great read, that I would recommend to others.

A gripping domestic thriller filled with suspense. A dark plot with a fantastic twist.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Many thanks to Kensington books and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

This book was definitely a wild ride that had me flipping the pages so fast! These are my favorite types of books, your just so excited to get home from work just to read!

Adira has a perfect life, a great career and a loving husband, or so she thinks. Adria finds out her husband, Gabe, is cheating on her, with not only one mistress but two! As she befriends one of the woman, they plot a scandalous revenge. 4.5 stars

I will say I very much underestimated this book!!! About halfway in I was enjoying it, but not super impressed. I was ready to write a full bad review of spoilers hahaha. Spoiler warning at the end. Continue reading at your discretion.

The book switches between both character points of views as well as timelines. Normally I like books that alternate. At first I was really confused, partially on purpose due to the author trying to lay clues & also because I personally found this book a bit confusing. Until about 3/4 I was pretty set on this not being a great book (good not great) based on what had happened so far. BUT! Once the lightbulbs finally went off on what things seemed (to me) & that they may not have been as they seemed it basically redeemed earlier parts of the book that I thought, for lack of a better word, were ‘dumb’. Usually moments where I was mentally yelling at Adira or something happening between her & her husband Gabriel. The plot itself was interesting, I can’t say I liked any of the characters but I didn’t dislike them to where it changed my opinion on the book, and the twist at the end was fantastic. I had thoughts on some plot stuff earlier on but once it all clicked I was like “YES!”. Overall the book was 3 star for me & the twist about bumped it to 4 but I’m not sure it made up for how I felt about the overall book, especially with the ending being a bit flat after a twist like that.
⭐️ Spoiler(ish). Unreliable narrator (sort of?) & most people that talk books with me know I don’t love the “crazy” character scenario it kind of seems like a cheat/free pass when it’s a suspense book. This book gave me “The Wives” vibes (Tarryn Fisher).

This is my first book by Shanora Williams & I do look forward to seeing what else she comes up with. She’s a great writer, the plot was a good one & although this book didn’t end up being a fave I’d absolutely give her another try!

Thank you NetGalley & the publisher Kensington Books for this ARC. While I missed the bus on reading this before it’s publication date I very much appreciate the ARC! The Mistress is a good read & if it’s in your tbr pile give it a chance 🤗

In "The Other Mistress" by Shanora Williams, I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of psychological suspense & thrills. Adira & Gabriel's seemingly perfect life takes a dark turn when Gabriel's indiscretions come to light. Adira's determination to uncover the truth leads to a gripping story filled with twists & turns.

What I truly appreciated in the book was the unique cast of characters & the constant feeling that I was just beginning to understand the complexities of their motivations. The lies, deceit, & “who dun it" moments kept me eagerly turning the pages.

Shanora Williams' writing style, while engaging, did at times leave me a bit puzzled when shifting between different times & perspectives. However, this approach added depth to the story & kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the author dropped a bombshell that left me stunned.

Overall, "The Other Mistress" is a compelling journey filled with suspense & surprises that will keep readers on their toes. While I encountered some minor confusion due to the narrative structure, the complex characters & the web of secrets make this a book worth diving into. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC provided by #TheOtherMistress, #NetGalley, & Kensington Books. My review reflects my voluntary and honest opinions. 3.5/5 stars.

The Other Mistress
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Shanora Williams

I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Kensington Books and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Adira Smith-Cortez knows how to turn around a troubled past. Now she’s a self-made multi-millionaire who takes exquisite care of herself and her only true love: her husband, Gabriel. Adira has it all—except the answer to one tormenting question: why is attentive, affectionate Gabriel cheating on her with not just one, but two women. There’s sexy Jocelyn, a club owner. And then there’s Julianna, a celebrity makeup artist he’s even crazier about. In a tricky twist, vengeful Jocelyn offers Adira the perfect plan to get her straying spouse back . . .

It sounds simple: Adira will befriend Julianna through a fake identity, play on her and Gabriel’s vulnerabilities and cause them to split up permanently. Determined to reclaim her happiness, Adira won’t—can’t—stop to think what could possibly go wrong . . .

Until too many of Gabriel’s lies start adding up to a disquieting truth. Until Julianna discovers who Adira really is—and Jocelyn pushes Adira to ever-more-unthinkable extremes. With her world collapsing and shattering memories tearing her apart, how far will Adira’s obsession take her—and how much of herself is she willing to lose in the process . . .

My Thoughts: TW: child abuse and sexual abuse, which the author clearly lays at at the beginning of the novel, which is so appreciated. This starts out really slow, like really slow, however, if you can stick through until the ending, it does make it worth it. There were times that I did not know if I would finish it, but that ending… This is more of a domestic psychological thriller. Adira believes her husband is cheating on her, and she is willing to put that to the side if he would just be with her. Adira ends up befriending Jocelyn, at first to get the true facts of her husband, and the friendship develops into more. As we follow the story, there is a lot more going on than just a cheating spouse.

The story is narrated by a few characters, by Adira, Jocelyn, and Dina has a small voice. Adira is an unreliable protagonist with insecurities, and is not very likable for the majority of the story. I loved Dina, even though she was only a supporting character. The characters were well developed with depth, mystery, and creatively created. The author’s writing style is complex, raw, suspenseful, unfiltered, and twisty. The plot was delivered in twisty layers, just when you think one twist is the end, another one is thrown in, until you get to the spectacular ending, everything pulls together with that ending. The twist was unpredictable and keeps you in the dark for most of the book, which is an aptitude of an excellent writer.

If you liked Jeneva Rose or loved The Wife Between Us, then you will love this book. There were some plot holes and unresolved items, which is why only three stars. Even with those plot holes, I still enjoyed the story. I highly recommend picking up this intense, compelling psychological thriller, just know you may have to push through, but absolutely worth it.

This book was phenomenal. It had so many twists and turns, I had to ask the author on another platform if her mental health was ok after finishing this book. (thankfully, she said it is, thanks to her therapist, which was good to hear). I now see why it takes her a while to finish a book, because the way this story went, I was floored. This was such an amazing and well written book, but I expect nothing less from this author, especially when it comes to thrillers. The twists and turns we some of the best I've read, and I was shocked, especially by the time I got to the end. I was definitely not expecting that. I am excitingly waiting for her next book.

I received a copy of the book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

The Other Mistress is one of those books that will leave your mouth ajar. Like, did I read what I just read?!
Yes, yes you did.
Adira has a dream life; she has a successful business and marriage, until the other mistress shatters her ideal life.
That's all I'm going to say because this book isn't what I thought it would be. Admittedly, it took me a while to read and get into, but when the tides turned, they turned!
I liked this book overall and appreciated the quick update for The Wife Before.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Lots of unexpected twists and turns in this thriller. I did not expect the ending.

I love Adira and feel for her challenged childhood. She makes a name for herself and becomes very successful. There is much more to her story than is revealed at the beginning of the novel, however.

"The Other Mistress" is a different take on the premise of the movie "The Other Woman" and the story is totally narrated in the POV of Adira, a self-made entrepreneur who runs a successful designing/fabric business. When Adira discovers that her husband Gabriel is having an affair with a woman, her devastation is great; but when her investigation into the matter leads her onto Jocelyn, her husband's another mistress, her life as she knows it spirals down into a mess of mind games and craziness.

This book provides an interesting insight into two distinct personalities of women - those who lack the clout to fight for themselves and those who can weather anything to get what they want, by hook or crook. While Adira is of the former type, Jocelyn is her polar opposite in all the important things.

Despite the interesting premise, I was not exactly expecting the book to keep me hooked nor surprise me as it did. The rather simple and regular story is the perfect foil for the shocking twist which appears at the end - the reader most probably will never see that coming and that is the high point of the story.

This book is for you if you are looking to read something which is psychological and unexpected and makes for an interesting read.

3.75ish stars

This was a dramatic and suspenseful story. The writer creates tension in her thrillers, and they also contain a level of depth that other writers lack; that was apparent in this book as well. I enjoyed the story, and even though I figured out some of the twists before the end, they were still ultimately revealed in a way that was satisfying.

This authors books are constantly recommend all over my social media feeds. So when I saw this on Netgalley I knew I had to grab it and see what the hype is all about. Let me tell you this book was a heck of a ride. Adira is truly something else but Jocelyn has her beat. The twist and the drama in this book had me glued to the pages and there is room for a sequel which I would definitely read. Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

First, thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I found this book enjoyable but the ending was quite flawed and felt reminiscent of other thriller books I have read in the past. The main character Adira was difficult to empathize with due to her unhealthy obsession with getting pregnant with her multi-cheating husband. As things progress, you find out that not everything is as it appears to be and the book relies heavily on the "unreliable narrator" trope. I'll read more from this author, but this was not my favorite book of hers.

*may contain spoilers*

Oh boy. I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it was a great read and definitely captured my attention. On the other, it is a feminist nightmare and also uses a serious mental health issue to further the plot for entertainment. I was deeply fascinated by everything happening, and the unreliable narrator definitely kept us guessing. However there were other ways to write this ending without using a disability as a vehicle to get there. While I would read another book by this author I wouldn't recommend this one based on that fact.


Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance reader copy of this book.

The Other Mistress is breathtaking, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking. Shanora Williams writes complex characters in stories with depth and provocative topics - and she always delivers on the emotion. If you love mystery, drama, intrigue and thrilling elements, this book will have you on the edge of your SEAT. #TheOtherMistress #NetGalley