Cover Image: The Last Mrs Parrish

The Last Mrs Parrish

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Member Reviews

great read, enjoyable storyline , look forward to reading more from this author.

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I have to admit that I had some things figured out way before the ending but I still enjoyed the ride. There were also things that I didn't have completely figured out until later in the book - something that's always nice. I read so much that it can be hard to surprise me. All of that being said, I did really enjoy the book and would read from the authors again. There was some language, violence, and even more sex than either of the first two. I'd definitely reserve this for older teens or adults, not anyone younger or anyone offended by any of those I listed. If you've read the jacket and you're still wondering if you should read it, give it a try. It's definitely entertaining and not easy to put down.

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I cannot rate this book unfortunately, as a few chapters in, I realised this book was just not for me. Only my personal taste, but it may suit others better.

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Never judge a book by its cover – or by its title. I’ll admit that when I first picked up THE LAST MRS PARRISH, the title put me off a little. But, as Liv Constantine’s book cleverly demonstrates, appearances can be deceiving.

THE LAST MRS PARRISH tells the story of Amber Patterson, a young woman in her 20s running from her sordid past. Fed up of being a nobody, Amber sets out to befriend Daphne Parrish, a beautiful and rich socialite who lives in a picture-perfect mansion with her millionaire husband and their two children. Gradually, Amber insinuates herself into the Parrish family’s life, becoming Daphne’s closest confidante and catching the eye of Daphne’s handsome and powerful husband, Jackson. But a skeleton from Amber’s past could undermine everything she has worked for, and if discovered, her well-laid plan may end in disaster.

Thrilling, dark and incredibly clever, THE LAST MRS PARRISH is a story of greed, envy and psychological manipulation at its best. From its well-developed characters to its highly-crafted plot packed full of secrets, scandal and suspense, every inch of this addictive psychological thriller will have you gripped from the very first page.

Divided into three parts and narrated by the two main characters Amber and Daphne, the first half of the novel follows the heartless and manipulative Amber as she sets out on her plan to steal Daphne’s husband and take over her ‘perfect’ life. The second half sees Daphne tell the story from own perspective, before both sections come together in part three with an exploding ending.

Considering this is Liv Constantine’s debut (the pen name of sister writing team, Lynne and Valerie Constantine), the writing in THE LAST MRS PARRISH is first-class. The author cleverly intertwines the characters, drawing you into the cunning plot at a relentless pace.

In terms of characters, first prize goes to the cold and calculated Amber, the woman you love to hate. Here, Constantine has put together a fascinating psychological profile of a sociopath who is a master of duplicity and manipulation. Daphne and Jackson are equally fascinating characters, each with their own secrets that will both shock and surprise.

But the true beauty of THE LAST MRS PARRISH is the unexpected twist the author throws in half way through. Just when you think you know where the story is going, the plot suddenly veers off in a completely different direction, leaving you shell shocked yet completely gripped. From then, the book races towards the delicious and explosive finale, which will leave you with a smile on your face and a satisfied feeling of time well spent.

A great piece of escapist melodrama.

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I love the way this book was written in two parts, divided into the stories of two women with one man in common. I’m don’t want to give any spoilers which is making my review very difficult! Basically, if you liked Behind Her Eyes or any Liane Moriarty books, you’ll like this.

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I cannot rate this book as I didn't finish it. The writing style was too 'Mills & Boon' for me and the detailed descriptions in every chapter of what each character was wearing (mostly slacks, silk blouses and stud pearl earrings) and what they were eating put me off reading any further.
This one was not for me I am afraid.

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Slow to start but once you get to know the characters in depth,the plot this just kept coming and kept me hooked!
Despite my initial reservations, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already recommended it to all my friends!

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A very intriguing read, great characters, from beginning to end this book drags you in spitting you out at the end completely wrung out, its twists and turns keep you guessing and you never know which character you are supposed to root for, there's a definate heroine for me though I loved it and will be keep an eye out for other reads by these two authors

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Wow.....this book has absolutely blown me away.
Absolutely brilliant story line with and absolutely wicked twist ..read it one sitting because I could not put it down. You cannot judge a book by its cover and this one is deceiving and an absolute must read which really has taken the top spot in my most fave book of 2017.
Daphne and Jackson perfect couple with the perfect life....or is it in walks Amber and the tables start to turn.....it’s gripping it’s intense it’s divine....it’s karma at its best.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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This book has so much: well written, gripping, believable characters. But most importantly it had the ‘i Need to keep reading’ factor. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

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The story has three ‘main’ characters - Amber, Daphne and Jackson. Amber befriends Daphne, a woman who seemingly has it all, including the husband that Amber wants for herself. To get close to Daphne, and in turn Jackson, Amber webs a weave of lies about a sister she never had which prompts a reaction in Daphne who can see the similarities in their stories. This leads to Amber infiltrating into Daphne and Jackson’s lives and she will stop at nothing to seduce Jackson, replace Daphne and live the life she feels she deserves. However, as we all should be aware things are not always as they seem and we don’t always know what goes on behind closed doors.

This is a fantastic novel by Lynne and Valerie (Liv) Constantine and the tag line on the front cover sums it up completely ‘all she wanted was the life she deserved ... until she got it’. There are so many twists and turns and you find just have to keep on reading just that little bit further to find out what is going to happen.

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Unfortunately I could not finish this book as it didn’t have me hooked. I am disappointed as I was looking forward to getting stuck into this read and I am left unsatisfied due to the fact I don’t know what happened. However there was just not enough suspense for me as this seemed to be a dark romance.

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This is a story about greed and deceit and the lengths some greedy people will go to to get what they want.
This book is very clever because the stage is set in the first part of the book and all the people are believable but the second half tells the story from a different angle and all is not as it seems.
Be careful what you wish for because you might not like it when you get it.
Very clever.very creepy but a very satisfying ending.

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The blurb said this was for fans of Lianne Moriarty - which I am - and I can see why, its in the style of a modern thriller for the chick lit age (me!). I enjoyed the narration, change of direction and plot lines. There were parts that slowed, and the characters were quite unlikeable but overall a really good read.

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Loved this book!

Split into two distinct parts this book leads the reader down one path and then halfway through EXPLODES everything!

The book starts slowly and seems pretty straightforward - Amber is fed up of feeling like a noobody and feels like she deserves everything.... in particular the life of beautiful and rich Daphne Parrish. So Amber has a plan. However is everything how it seems?

This is a must read and Im looking forward to reading more from this author.

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The last Mrs Parrish was a great read. One has to try and work through the nauseating wealth and power of the 'perfect' American family. Is any family perfect or is it all a show? Well dear reader, read on and see, you will be shocked. Daphne is a prisoner in her own life and her doting husband? I won't spoil it for you because the twist, like revenge, is a dish best served cold and it is, in spades! Just when you think the just deserts are becoming a little obscene, a little soupçon of defiance is fed back into the meld and one just shouts, "Let them suffer!" A little base perhaps but I'm rooting for Daphne!
An imaginative and well crafted story which has pathos, as in the UK we now have a law against coercive control. Many women and some men live in a life where there seems to be no way out, to escape the abuse when the abuser seems to hold all the trump cards. It's never been easier to gather evidence, sound activated micro video cameras being one such device.

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The Last Mrs Parrish is an excellent debut novel with a clever storyline, filled with suspense and a shocking twist. I found myself becoming obsessed with Liv Constantine’s chilling characters. The novel starts off as an easy read and as you get into Part 2 it has you gripped.
My thanks to Net Galley for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved this book, it was thrilling, entertaining and very clever. Not everything is as it seems to the outside world, psychopaths walk amongst us with a normal façade, I absolutely loved the twist(sting) in this tale !!! it made me laugh out loud at the irony and I was celebrating for Daphne (the long suffering wife). Cue Amber (delusions of grandeur and envies the wealthy) who plots to steal Daphne's wealthy and handsome husband(Jackson). Daphne clocks on soon enough that her new best friend is after her husband and this is where the book takes an unexpected turn. Read it, you will not regret it !! I read an awful lot of books and I couldn't put this one down, I even read the final chapter out loud to my hubby (who is not bookie at all) fantastic!!

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T

Amber Patterson is fed up. She deserves more than her life as a nobody, so she insinuates herself into the lives of Daphne and Jackson where she undermines Daphne at every turn and gradually turns Daphne and Jackson’s lives upside down.

Unfortunately for Amber, something from her past could upset all her hard-thought-out plans and destroys her hopes of a better life.

This debut psychological thriller is brilliant. Amber is a Bitch! The story is really well written and the characters all have great personalities you can really get into.

The book is written in three parts, telling of Amber’s worming into the family and the foundation Daphne runs, through to the thrilling climax that will leave you breathless.

I am looking forward to reading a lot more from this author and I hope she can maintain the pace and excellence of her debut novel.

Shesat

Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review.

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I really enjoyed this book. A devilish tale of deceit, greed and revenge. Well written with believable characters and a fabulous plot, this tale was devoured with relish!

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