Loved it! Not often a book using past and present tense to tell the story will hold my attention but boy this one sure did! First time I've read this author but it certainly won't be the last. Highly recommended.

I loved this story. The author gives you a main character that you dislike for what shes's done to another woman, but feel sorry for. This book kept me guessing and entertained throughout. Natasha is a wife and mother whose life gets turned upside down after discovering her husband's secrets. Jen, the ex-wife plays a huge role in the events that take place, but who will she stay loyal to? Great story.

Outwardly Natasha has everything... rich husband, darling baby girl and beautiful house, but someone is getting right under her skin and husband Nick is too nice to tell ex-wife Jen to back off.  Jen is a childhood friend of Nick's sister and she uses every excuse she can to turn up at family occasions and stir the pot.

Natasha resents Jen's interfering but she knows that her husband loves her and dotes on baby Emily.

So, why does Nick suddenly disappear, taking Emily with him?

Natasha is shocked and distraught but she will do everything she can to get her baby back.

This was an incredibly well written psychological thriller with interesting timelines and narratives which kept me gripped from the start. My brain buzzed with possible explanations but the characters and clever plot line kept me guessing and wondering who I could trust. The pace stayed steady throughout, I enjoyed the dual narrative and will be looking out for more books by Jess Ryder.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of The Ex-Wife which I have reviewed honestly.

A really great read. It confused my feelings for certain characters all the way through. It makes you ask yourself questions about your own morality. I love a book that makes me feel that way and replay it in my head as if I were in the same position. Nerve shredding, nail biting and heartbreaking. A fabulous book.

3.5 stars At first I wondered how it’s even possible that a wife like Natasha puts up with the ex wife’s presence in her life with her new husband. I found that hard to swallow. Once I let that go, I began to enjoy the book a little more. The twist at the end of part one was a good surprise. I did not guess that at all. The second twist in part 2 about what happens at the cabin was one of the scenarios I had played out in my head already so it wasn’t a shocker. The final twist that was towards the end of the book was also a little expected to be honest. So while the aha moments were not that many, the writing was good enough to keep reading and see if I’d figured it out correctly. The dynamics between Jen and Tasha, Tasha and her mom, Nick and both his wives is described very well and you feel like you are in the middle of this story. The writing is succinct yet descriptive enough. I enjoyed reading this book. I would give it 4 stars if I had not been able to figure the plot twists out or had not been able to predict them.
Thanks NetGalley and bookouture for sending me a copy of this book for my unbiased review.

Jennifer wants what she can’t have - her ex husband, Nick. Poor, Jen, she will do anything to get her Nicky back. Doesn’t she know that you should never let and old flame burn you twice? Our good ole Nicky boy, yes like a typical man he has moved on to younger, better things - Natasha.

All is rosy for Natasha and Nick until one afternoon Natasha arrives to pick up her daughter from childcare but is told Emily had never arrived. Who has her? Where is she? Natasha, frantic and angry sets out on a mission to find her daughter. Yet, little does Natasha know, her mission is going to be one hell of a ride that has consequences. If only Natasha and Jennifer would have known that after being with Nick, going to hell would be considered easy. A twisty, turny, fab read! Yet another one that deserves 5 stars. ❤️

wow!!! an absolute page turner of a thriller! i read this in 2 sittings! an absolute must read for this year.

many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Newly married Natasha has the perfect house, a loving husband and a beautiful little girl called Emily. She’d have it all if it wasn’t for Jen, her husband’s ex-wife who just won’t leave them alone …

Then Nick and Emily disappear. Natasha turns to Jen, Nick's ex to get help. But can she trust Jen? I really loved this book until the very last page. It leaves you hanging, You don't really know what is going to happen, so I am not sure if this is the first book of a series. If it is ok, if not then the ending sucks.

Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not a big fan of narratives told from different perspectives, particularly when there are also "thens" and "nows". Part One of this book is told by Natasha "then" and Anna "now". Part Two is told by Natasha "then" and "now", Jennerifer "then" and "now" and Anna "now". Whilst reading Anna's story I thought I'd got very confused, but then everything clicked into place.
This story told a very twisty tale, making it difficult to put down, consequently I read it in half the time I usually take to read a book.
The ending was a little unsettling as it was left open - possibly for a sequel, although I'm not quite sure where that would go, but who knows......
In a nutshell - an intricate and intriguing plot that kept me rapidly turning the pages right to the very end.

What a twisty, memorable ride this turned out to be! The story begins with an intriguing prologue set in a hospital. The plot then unravels through alternating chapters narrated by Natasha and Anna. Natasha has a wonderful marriage and lives a life of luxury with her husband, Nick and daughter, Emily. The only issue with her picture-perfect marriage is Jen, Nick’s ex-wife, who seems to be in their lives a bit too much. Naturally, Natasha is not too pleased about this. Things take a nastier turn when Nick and Emily disappear. The second narration tells the story of a woman on the run. We don’t get to know much about Anna until later in the story. However, it was easy to feel the tension in her story. I kept wondering who was after her and why.

This story is very well narrated. It is captivating and full of surprises. The plot is masterfully developed and so were the characters. I had some clear favorites from the first page. However, my feelings about other characters kept changing with each new chapter. Not knowing what would happen next is what I enjoyed most in this story. I couldn’t predict any of the twists and I love the fact that the author just kept them coming.

With a fast pace, complex characters and well executed twists, this ended up being quite an enjoyable, addictive read. I finished reading this book yesterday but I am still thinking about the reveals. I definitely recommend this to fans of this genre. What a brilliant, riveting, psychological thriller!

It's an OK book. Not good, but OK.

It's well written and engaging. It's just that the plot - though I guess that's sort of clear from the synopsis as well - is nothing new. The twists and the story itself reads as something been-there-read-that and because of that I was missing the WOW moment to call this book awesome.

It's a bit towards commercial-some-things-too-far-fetched-for-realistic-imagination as well, if you like that sort of thing.

I would recommend it to thriller seekers who don't read more than a dozen books a year and are looking for a twisty, slightly horrifying tale involving marital lies - and that's up many people's ally.

Thank for NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

A twisty novel of suspense that will make you question everyone!!

Wow, what a read!! This was my first novel by Jess Ryder and as soon as I finished I added her previous two to my Amazon cart because I am so excited about this book. Jess has an incredible gift with story telling, and so I looked her up to learn a bit more about her. Jess Ryder the author is actually a pseudonym for Jan Page, a screenwriter, television producer, and novelist. I do think that explains her gift with crafting a good psychological thriller—it isn’t so different from how television producers and screenwriters create the elements that guide the viewer through the story they want to tell.

About the Book

Natasha is a barista struggling to make ends meet, when she is struck by a car with a handsome businessman driving it while biking to work. After a whirlwind courtship, Natasha and Nick are married and have a beautiful daughter named Emily. Natasha is so happy being a mother. In fact, everything would be perfect if it weren’t for Nick’s ex-wife, Jen. Nick is patient with Jen, and Natasha lets him be because her and Nick’s relationship is strong and stable.

And then one day, Nick leaves to take Emily to daycare while Natasha has a lie-in. When Natasha goes to pick up Emily from daycare, she discovers that Emily never showed up. Frantically, Natasha runs home, calling local hospitals. But when she arrives home, she notices something unexpected—all of Nick and Emily’s things have been packed up and taken from the home.

Natasha is struck by confusion, grief, and anger. She doesn’t know how to reach Nick, but she has an idea. Swallowing her pride, Natasha reaches out to the one person she thought she’d never need anything from—Jen. After everything that has happened, can Natasha really trust Jen? And does she have a choice?

Reflection

Can you imagine how crazy that would drive you??? To come home and realize your husband has disappeared with your daughter, and you had no idea it was going to happen. The lack of answers and closure alone (aside from missing your daughter and husband) would honestly drive me mad! I felt infuriated on Natasha’s behalf during this sequence.

I loved the way Jess used the present story of “Anna” on the run to counterbalance where we were at in the main story. We know SOMETHING happened that led to a life on the run, but getting there is the fun part.

Jess has a gift with plot structures and twists. I was confused as to what was going on for about the first 30% of the book, but by 40% the book was just mind-blowing twist layered upon lies layered upon story developments. I was captivated! I was actually reading Jess’s blog and she has a fascinating piece about writing twists in psychological thrillers.

In her own words:

“I’d describe [twists] as the deliberate misleading of the reader, encouraging them to make false assumptions and draw wrong conclusions about the narrator/s, the plot, the identity of the characters, their motivations and ambition, or how they are connected to each other. As the book progresses, the reader creates a fictional world in their own imagination and then, at a time of their choosing, the writer brings it crashing down.”

I’d never thought of a twist as a way of the author misleading of us! Of course, that is absolutely what a twist is. But what an interesting way of manipulating our imaginations. To help us create a richer backstory through subtle clues, only to then tear that apart with a simple shift in perspective or additional detail—one small missing piece of the puzzle with enormous implications. I loved this description!!!

I will be reading more from Jess Ryder, and I hope other readers find her book as captivating as I did!

Thank you to Bookouture, Jess Ryder, and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love psychological thrillers and novels filled with suspense--particularly those with unreliable or suspicious female narrators. Thankfully, I've seen a rise in popularity in the genre in the last two years and The Ex-Wife by Jess Ryder certainly falls into that category!

Officially being released in three days (grab your Kindle copy for only $2.99!), Ex-Wife follows Natasha, the "other woman" turned wife, as she navigates her relationship with her husband, her daughter...and her husband's annoyingly needy ex-wife, Jen. Told as a split narrative--using Natasha's and a mysterious character Anna's perspectives--the story largely follows Natasha after she one day discovers both her husband and daughter missing, her bank accounts are closed off and she's been locked out of her house. Using unlikely allies and resources, Natasha is on the relenting quest to get her daughter back safely. 

I haven't read Jess Ryder's work before, but promptly added her two other suspense novels to my Goodreads "to-read" list. The story definitely had me guessing along the way, as we discover who Natasha can trust and who's to blame for her family's sudden disappearance. Without giving any spoilers, I did have a sneaking suspicion that one of the major plot twists was about to happen--but ultimately still enjoyed the novel. Beyond just a good story, readers get to explore the theme of forgiveness--of others and of yourself. Additionally, Ex-Wife gives perpetual suspense-readers something that we rarely, if ever, get--a first-hand glimpse into a supposed villain's thoughts and motivations. Finally, Ryder somehow manages to deliver an ending that is both satisfying and also a bit menacing...with maybe the ever so slightest hint at potential for a sequel?

Compelling plot + crazy ex-wife + new wife (formerly the mistress) + perfect (or controlling?) husband + adorable toddler = one heck of an emotionally charged wild ride! Very few characters in this book are who they initially seem to be. Though, some of them are – so how do you know who to trust? The answer: you don’t.

There was one moment in The Ex-Wife where I got actual goosebumps and said, “NO WAY!” out loud! Some of the plot twists were frustrating because I wanted Natasha, the current wife, to think what I was thinking and not do the thing she was going to do, but there were some that threw me off completely.

The ending almost led me to believe there could be a sequel or continuation of this book in the future, however I think it was just the perfect mix of ambiguity that the ending to a thriller should have. It’s not a complete cliffhanger; while it does leave you with questions, it’s satisfyingly done.

This was the first book of Jess Ryder’s that I have read, but it will certainly not be the last!

Thank you to the author & publisher who provided an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! An amazing, wonderfully twisted, roller-coaster of a story that had me glued to the pages. A story that has stayed with me, masterfully written, the tension ratcheting up, making you so involved in the lives(and deaths) of the characters that you are disorientated when you get back to reality. Brilliant! One of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read!

This is definitely the best psychological thriller that I’ve read this year. It’s a true page turner with lots of twists. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed every page.
I’m giving it a huge 5 stars and would highly recommend to anyone.

I love the mystery and anticipation when starting a new book and a new author, it's like entering a new world of unknowns. I really enjoyed this book from the start, we meet Natasha who is a young lost soul trying to find her way in life but not doing very well, she meets the charming rich and handsome Nick when he happens to knock her off her bike, Nick is however married to Jen but soon Nick and Natasha begin to have an affair which results in Natasha falling pregnant and Nick leaving Jen to marry Natasha, we then hear from Jens side of the story. I really enjoyed the start and felt I had an inclination to whom Anna is but I couldn't have been more wrong so that was a pleasant surprise, however half way through I found it somewhat unrealistic although I know it's only a fictional world I became a bit bored of jumping from Natasha to Anna to Jen, the ending left me unsatisfied also... what happened to Jen? Was she still on Nicks side? Did Nick ever make it out of hospital I also couldn't stand Jens neediness and desperation, I enjoyed Jess Ryder's writing style it reminded me of my favourite author Shalini boland but I just found the story to be a bit drawn out with a confusing ending. Thank you to netgalley for my copy for an exchange for an honest review.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read.. The story is a masterpiece, the characters are brilliant with lots of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. This book will stay with me for a very long time.

**I have received an ARC from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review**

wow!! May i say, wow!! best book i have read for a while!!
First book i have read from the author and i was not disappointed - excellent writing, story and twists!

Will definitely follow the author in the future!!

Buckle up, readers! Jess Ryder takes you on an epic ride of gut-wrenching, intruiging and mind-boggling proportions with “The Ex-Wife”.

Nick and Jen are happily married; or are they? Natasha’s and Nick’s fateful encounter on the streets of London puts an end to that marriage as their affair turns into a pregnancy. Why won’t Jen accept that her marriage is over? She keeps showing up, worming her way into their lives, their home and family gatherings. Why doesn’t Nick tell her to bugger off? Ohhhh, I was so angry for Natasha.

This story is told from the then and now perspective of Natasha, Jen and Anna. Who is Anna? Yes, my guess was wrong. At times, this POV can be confusing, however, I found that it flowed perfectly as the story unfolded.

Ryder will keep you guessing, keep your heart pounding, keep you turning those pages as fast as you can devour the words. Just wait till the final scene... you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you, NetGalley for the free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!