I listened to The Wife Upstairs and it was terrific!  Loved it. Took me 2 days to finish. Jane   A down on her luck Jane is dog walking and meets rich and charming Eddie. His wife and her friend were dead from a boating accident.  Jane winds up living with Eddie and they fall in love. But does Eddie love her? #netgalley

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins....I wanted to read this because I loved Jane Eyre and thought it would be a cool twist and lots of fun to see it in a new light. I stumbled upon it by accident but then was excited for it. Then I got the audiobook version and was even more excited, skipping over other books to listen to it first. I was sadly disappointed though. I didn't care for it. I tried hard. I don't give up on books easily. I kept listening, even when I didn't want to, because, usually, books come through in the end. And, for a brief moment about two thirds of the way through, I thought this one might. But, alas, for me, it didn't. I know there are a lot of good reviews, and to each their own. It wasn't my cup of tea. The story was definitely a twisted Jane Eyre, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. The writing was good, though the language was a little rough for my taste. The story was interesting, but I didn't like the ending at all. I felt like I had spent this extra time getting through it and was disappointed at the conclusion. I am giving it three stars though, because it hurts my heart to do anything lower than that. The author obviously put time and effort into it and her work is not to be discredited, even if it wasn't my favorite. 
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and listen to this story. All opinions are my own.

I read this book twice once July 2020 (Kindle e-copy) 4 stars and December 2020 (listening to the audiobook) 5 stars. 

This is a mystery thriller. I was into this book, and I had to keep reading to find out how it end. I did guess some of the things that was happening in this book, but I did not see the ending happening how it did. I really think the characters where developed, and I hated and loved the characters which is what you want from a thriller. I can see people either liking or hating this book. This is not going to be a book that is going to fall in the middle, and I think it will depend on if you guess the ending. The twists and turns where very good. I enjoyed this book much more the second time that the first time. The audiobook was good, but it was not my favorite audiobook. The narrator was good. I was kindly provided an e-copy and e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio) or author (Rachel Hawkins) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that. This book is schedule to be release on January 5-2021.

What a great story. This one of those books that you can't wait to get back to so you can figure out what is happening. The end will keep you guessing and make you wonder what happened in the end.

Jane grew up poor while moving in and out of foster homes. B grew up poor as well but was able to get herself into boarding school away from her drunk parents. B made something of herself and get the life she wanted. Jane wants the life that B had but doesn't even know it. B and her best friend Blanch go missing after a boating accident. Jane inserts herself into  B's old life and falls in love with Eddie, B's husband. Can Jane keep her past a secret? Will Jane really fit into the lush, rich neighborhood? What really happened to B and Blanch? This was a wonderful book. I have this thing with book titles - if the title seems like it could give away the ending, I am less inclined to read it. After reading the synopsis, I assumed the title would be a foreshadow or clue of some sort but still gave it a try. I am so glad I did. This is a wonderful book and I especially love the audio version. It's one of those books that reminds you to make sure you really know those that you surround yourself with.

DNF⁣⁣
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I listened to this on audio and by 34% I was over it. Not only could I not take any more of the terrible narrator, the characters (every single one) were unlikable. The plot line was absurd, and don't even get me started on the narrator's imitation of a southern accent. ⁣⁣
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Thank you @netgalley and @McMillanpublishing for this advanced listening copy. ⁣⁣
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[Running] to my next read...⁣
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#dnf #didnotfinish

I really enjoyed this retelling of Jane Eyre and the twists and turns it takes. As soon as I started listening to it, the names took ahold of my brain and all I could think about was the actual story of Jane and Mr. Rochester though. The story started off following the original but took a lot of different pathways. At first I wasn't sure that I liked that it did that, but after sitting on this review for a few days, I feel like I liked it more than I thought.

When I go into a book that is a retelling, usually I know that up front, as I did with this one, but I have also come to expect things from books like that. I had to throw all of my old theories out the window and just go along for the ride. I feel like I would have been able to do that better if the names weren't the same in this, because it just made my brain have expectations I shouldn't have had.

This book was crazy, I had no idea until the very end who was actually reliable. Most of the book was told from Jane and Bea's POV, sliding back and forth between before and after. I found myself craving Eddie's POV but I was glad we didn't get it until the end. When it all came together, I was angry, sad and a bit enthralled. It kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to know exactly what was going on. If you read this book, throw all of your expectations out the window. 
The narrators were fantastic in this book. Thank you to Netgalley, Rachel Hawkins and Macmillan Audio for an early audiobook.

This was my first book by Rachel Hawkins and I really enjoyed this Jane Eyre retelling. I'm not familiar with the classic at all (terrible, I know) so I had no idea what to expect with this book. I did a combination of reading and listening to the audiobook for this one.

While the majority of the characters were unlikeable lol, I could not stop listening and reading! I'm a slooow reader compared to most but I finished this one in 2 days. Without giving away too much, I loved the flashback stories, the different narrators, and the whole thing came together well at the end. I think the narrators did a perfect job with the different characters and voices. They really brought extra animation to that I enjoyed. I would definitely listen to more performed by them!

This is a fun, modern update to Jane Eyre. Set in Alabama, it's a little bit country, a little bit gothic, and a whole lot of twisted fun. If you've read Jane Eyre, then the title isn't so much a spoiler as an expectation- but there are still are still enough changes to keep things interesting.

The Wife Upstairs audiobook by author Rachel Hawkins is  an exciting domestic suspense novel.  Janes has arrived in a new city where she is a dog walker for the very rich.  While out on one of her walks, she meets handsome Eddie Rochester, who is a newly widowed man in the neighborhood. Eddies wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident and left behind a very success business she established.  

The narrators were excellent and I loved listening to this audiobook.

I can't review this book because it is impossible to download.

I have a fully-charged iPhone 10.   I download books from Audible, Overdrive, Libby and Hoopla all of the time with NO PROBLEMS.

NETGALLEY NEEDS TO FIX ITS APP.   Horrific user experience for brook reviewers and NOT WORTH MY TIME.

I binged this audiobook! It completely captivated me. The narrator was great- pleasant voice with perfect inflection & speed. This may be the fastest I’ve gotten through an audiobook in quite some time. 

The Wife Upstairs kept me guessing the entire time. We meet Jane and know there’s more to her but have no idea what. She is dog walking in a rich neighborhood when she meets a new (rich) widow. Things move pretty quickly between Jane and Eddie. This sends red flags to the reader about what their intentions are when both could fall into life together so quickly. I was also captivated by the title and waited on baited breath for the “shoe to drop” so to speak. There were so many twists and turns I never saw coming. I was attempting to figure out the puzzle and just when I thought I’d had a piece it would transform.  This was my first Rachel Hawkins read but it won’t be my last! Quite a mysterious treat!

Wow. This book was such a surprise. This is my first book by this author and I can say with confidence that I will definitely be picking up her next book. 

I loved her writing style especially with the southern references. This book definitely had me questioning everyone and their motive. I loved Jane’s story but I also loved getting to know Bea and how her marriage with Eddie was too. 

Also I’m a sucker for rich women drama. I don’t know why but there’s something addicting about it and I loved that this is the center of the plot and the focal point with Jane trying to fit in. 

Definitely recommend you check this one out. 

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin Press and MacMillian Audio for the advance copy.

More often than not, I really enjoy going into retellings being familiar with the original story to see how the new version has taken a fresh perspective. Well, in the case of The Wife Upstairs, I have never read nor seen Jane Eyre (I have no desire to read any Austen or Bronte, and I’m not going to start now), so I went into this book with zero expectations. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised at how this absolute train wreck played out. 

For a book that takes place in modern day Alabama, which means there’s no shortage of front porches, sweet tea, and people who think they are a part of the bourgeoisie, this book still does an incredible job of maintaining a creepy and gothic type feel. I know that sounds oxymoronic, but just trust me on that one. 

As far as characters, I won’t say that any of this cast is particularly likable. It is evident from the beginning that everyone is out for themselves, and they will destroy anyone or anything standing in their way. Jane has to live in the shadow of Eddie’s previous wife Bea, which definitely messes with her psyche. While Eddie may look like Mr. GQ, his mannerisms dictate otherwise. 

I don’t want to give anything else away because this story is literally a rollercoaster of WTF. There were some plot twists that I saw coming, and then there were others that rudely left my jaw on the floor. All in all, I devoured this book in one sitting, and I have no regrets. 

As far as the narration goes, this cast does a spectacular job of bringing this audiobook to life. I am a huge Lauren Fortgang fan, and of course, she does an incredible job as per usual. 

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm for providing an advanced listening copy. Thank you to Flatiron books for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

This story is intriguing. I was unsure for many moments thought out the story but ultimately I did enjoy this re-telling of a few great classics. What I really enjoyed most was the modern setting for this story. The main character is a dog walker and she gets involved in the lives of many of her clients in a very well to do neighborhood. As the story develops and as she learns more and more truths the sinister and often times haunting moments become inescapable. As addicted to know the truth as the main character was, I too wanted to know all the secrets of this story. Each of the main characters were interesting and had a different flair and feeling about them as did each of the settings in this story. You could tell this was a re-telling of a classic story so that was enjoyable. I listened to this on audio and I really enjoyed the narrators for each of the main characters. What I was a bit underwhelmed with was the gothic vibes. I think because this was set in the modern setting I didn't feel anything gothic about the story. 3.5 stars. I received an ARC via NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and I am leaving my honest review.

Jane Eyre for the 21st century. Jane is a down on her luck dog walker when she stumbles across Thornfield Estates, a gated community of McMansions. She sees a chance to change her life when she meets Eddie Rochester, a mysterious widow whose wife mysteriously drowned. As the two fall in love, Jane looks forward to a new and comfy life, even as her unease about the former Mrs. Rochester grows. How can she ever compete with Eddie’s glamorous first wife? Part Jane Eyre, part Rebecca, this is a fun twist on two classic, gothic tales

5/5 stars for this Adult Mystery/Thriller read! Great for fans of Verity, just without being as naughty 😋 Loved the characters and the storyline. Loved the cover, and the narration! I didn't see any of the twists coming, but I'm usually the worst at that anyway lol Definitely recommend if you enjoy the genre! This book releases in January, get your preorders in!

Have you ever read a book and hated/disliked every single character in the book? This was that for me. Every time I remembered this was supposed to be a retelling, I cringed. The Jane Eyre I know wasn’t anything like this. Not even a little. The narrators in this audiobook were great! There voices worked well for the story. 
This mystery thriller that had way to many liars and schemers for my taste. The women were at times to much because of their very foul mouths. 

If the author had left out the “retelling genre” I might of went into this differently. I just didn’t care for it. 
It had the feel of a Gillian Flynn, sorta. I’m not trying to give anything way so if you like mystery and don’t know the Jane Eyre story you might like it. 


Thanks Macmillan Audio for this audiobook via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to give a higher rating to this audiobook but I couldn't find anything redeeming about it. I know how harsh that sounds. But a Goodreads two stars rating is "It was ok" and this was not. It was not ok. By the time I got to 75% I was ready to launch my phone (reminder: audiobook) across the room and stomp on my headphones.

So what issues did I have with the book? Well, I will do my best to avoid any spoilers but some might get spoiler-adjacent.

Let's start with the narrators. There were three of them. One for each of the female POV characters and one for the male. The male narrator I'd heard before and enjoyed just fine. Eddie has a tiny portion of the book from his POV which was narrated in a pretty much emotionless, excruciatingly slow cadence. The narrator for Bea was meh. The narrator for Jane had that constant "I'm irritated with everything and breathe-too-heavily-and-too-often" thing happening that ended up being super annoying and distracting.

Now lets talk about the story. This is where it might be more information than you want so if you're still interested in maybe reading with your eyeballs to avoid the narration issues, be warned.

I'm usually fine with an unreliable narrator but this book has three of them. Yes, all three POV characters. Which might still be ok except so much of the book had my BS meter screaming off the charts. So many absolutely unbelievable twists that I eventually got to the point where I only wanted it to end.

I know I can be rough on books that push my ability to suspend disbelief too far but the combination of the narration, not being able to trust a single person telling a part of the story, and the total unbelievableness (yes, I'm using a pretend word because I need it) of most everything, I have to go with the one-star review.

I received the audiobook from the publisher and NetGalley.

Pure bloody brilliance mixed with a dash of jaw dropping evil genius! Suspenseful, Mysterious, Chilling!!
I've read many thrillers this year but this was a piece of a different pie that left me longing for another slice.
Holy smokes Batman...The Wife Upstairs is not just about measuring up but feeling the heat in the competitive battle to win a man's heart at all costs...NO, Hear Me Out- I Mean AT ALL COSTS...
Ok, we've all been there chasing for love, affection, attention, adulation- admit it...but this is a whole other realm that dare go where nobody else has in terms of vengeance, retaliation, retribution, and a bit of freedom from financial worries for the future.
Jane and Eddie seem to be the perfect couple. She's struggling to make ends meet as a dog walker while he's a wealthy and handsome gentleman widowed from Bea due to a boating accident.
Or so it goes...
Now, truthfully he moves quick, he's a charmer, and has an interesting past with Bea's bestie Blanche.
The author truly drags us into this relationship saga with mind blowing precision & just when you think you know all the players and the pieces the damn chess piece moves again...
Check MATE!
I'm not waving the white flag just yet but folks the twisters are all up in here with triggers like abuse, death, and alcoholism..to name a few.
Bea can't help who here parents were but damn there's no ,"Parent of the Year" award going out.
What did ever happen to Bea's mother? She's often drunk but could there be more to this 'trip and fall' idea?
What about this 'girl's bonding weekend' has you all hot and bothered?
Perhaps we should all just calm down and stop the angst and anxiety...
Geez, now where was that 'Panic Room' again?
I'm horrible with directions but I'll find it ...in the meantime guys this is truly a must read so get on this as soon as you can because I'm still perplexed by it long after completion.
I can't say much beyond the fact that not everyone is as they appear or claim to be...however, that ending was fit for a King or was it a Queen...
Happily Ever After...as I keep seeing dollar signs....
Till we meet again..I'm outta here!
Thank you to Rachel, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.