Kaira Rouda knocks it out of the park with this intricate political drama, when the main character is as enticing as she is ruthless. An amazing story that I couldn’t put down!

I just finished reading "The Widow", by Kaira Rouda. Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in return for this review.
I would call this a domestic or political thriller. It deals with lies and manipulations of Washington politics. A power couple of a congressman and his ambitious wife and all the dealings they do to hold on to power. Ultimately all the characters in this book (except the daughter Charlotte) come across as self-serving and immoral, but that is the point of the book...to point out the dealings and secrets and exposures that often go on in political arenas. I have to admit, I often thought of the show "Scandal" as I was reading and how similar it was to the story in this book.
The main character "Jody" is a political wife who does everything she can to retain her position in Washington. She enjoys the prestige that her title affords. When her husband suddenly dies (is he poisoned...that was never answered) she steps into the role as his "widow' and learns to play the game...and after some mishaps...end up playing it very well.
She is not perfect, but worthy of some admiration for finding a way to survive in the hostile world of politics.
This is a good book, easy to read and full of saucy incidents and enough intrigue to keep the reader interested. The big reveal at the end was unecessary, in my opinion..it did nothing to make me like the book more.
I enjoy reading books by this author, and her latest I am sure will be enjoyed by many readers like me.

Ride On Into The Night On That Pony! 😳😯🤯😳🤯

For the love of cheese & crackers! Gadzooks! I was completely enamoured with this novel by Rouda! This has to be my favourite now. A perfect blend of a political angle, revenge by a sociopathic villain you can't help but love & the suspenseful thrills entwined. Believe me when I say the scandals in this novel were succulently juicy! The revelations were jaw-dropping, many "say what?!" moments & believable yet shocking secrets. Mind-fluffery at its finest!

Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Jody's plan and vision has become most of what she's envisioned for herself and her husband all along, Congressman Martin. For thirty years, both working the angles and getting all they wanted from it. However, an opponent has decided to take down Martin and give him a run for his money - and family - literally. Add to that mistakes that were made and scandals are on the cusp of publicity due to a very determined and bloodhound-like feel for the Asher's by journalist, Max. But on that cusp, Martin suddenly dies and Jody decides it's the perfect opportunity to change the history and take control. Revenge is a dish best served cold, after all.

Salacious and intriguing when you think of the wealthy and political aspect of this novel. It creates the tension, the dilemmas, the way things can work behind the things - for good and evil both personal and professional. I didn't realize I was hungry for this novel until I devoured it in one sitting. You can't help but love and secretly root for Jody all the while being appalled at her behaviour. Be ready to immerse yourself in the delicacy that is scandal - resonating now more than ever.

Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for this ARC.
Release Date: December 1, 2022

𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Beach Waves! 🌊

The Widow
Kaira Rouda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just saying if we had someone like Jody helping run our country…. I don’t think we would be dealing with high gas prices…. She sure knows how to lay out a deal! She knew exactly what she was doing from beginning to end!
Amazing read, fun and easy read if your looking for something short and easy!

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the chance to read this book.
I was so excited to get into this story as I really enjoyed The Next Wife by this author. However , I found the storyline just ok and the ending
Was a non ending. No climax, no big exciting ending, a real disappointment.

I’m not usually a political thriller fan, but Kaira Rouda is an automatic read for me—boy am I glad I did read this gem! The Widow grabbed me from the beginning and captivated me until the last page! Centering around a US congressman and his dedicated wife, this thriller is a twist-filled tale that will entertain absolutely everyone! Kaira Rouda has wow’ed with every novel she’s written and The Widow is the perfect example of why! As per usual, I am already excited to dive into Kaira’s next novel!

I loved the premise of this book. A woman who is out for blood no matter the cost. The fact that it involved a husband in politics just added to the mystery because we all know there’s lots of scandal in politics. Looking for a thriller or domestic suspense? This is the one for you. I’m not sure if the main character was so much as likable or if she was just impossible to hate. Either way this was a juicy one.

I can never put a book by Kaira Rouda down. I’ve read now all 9 of her books! Again it was non stop thrilling! Loved the politics side of it. Never a dull moment with a book by Kaira! Can’t wait for the next one!

Name of Book: The Widow
Author: Kaira Rouda
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Political Drama
Pub Date: December 1, 2022
My Rating: 4 Stars!

This is my fourth Kaira Rouda novel ~ they were all great and I have been looking forward to reading another.

In this story Martin and Jody Asher are well established in Washington politics. Martin has had a great career as a politician in Washington DC for 15 congressional terms. Jody has been his perfect partner to further his career. They met in law school with Jody being a brilliant student. Martin was not brilliant but knew that this beautiful intelligent lady was dream come true!
They have a beautiful daughter Charlotte who is getting married and Jody is planning the wedding that will be the highlight of DC’s social events.
However, things are starting to fall apart for Martin ~ well let’s say things are catching up with him; the life-style is getting far more expensive to maintain and the desire for money and power has him mixed up with some shading dealing. Additional when beautiful young staffer appear things soon ‘hit the fan’ for Martin.

When Martin suddenly dies; Jody steps to be a placeholder, however, knowing what we know about Jody, she steps up to take control. There is no doubt Jody knows a lot about DC politics; reading her ‘Little Tips for New Congressional Spouses’ are tips for decorum for spouses but mainly wives. Once she takes over Martin’s spot she continues to write now ‘Anonymous Staffer’s Tips for New Members’.
Jody loves the political scene. Her plan now is not to just fulfil Martin’s term but to run in the next election. There is plenty of back stabbing going and Jody fits right in.
She is an unlikeable character and she certainly kept me curious as to what she was going to do next!
There is a twist that some might say is a shock but it actually make me laugh out loud!

I always enjoy the author’s note and ‘Acknowledgement’. In this case, author, Kaira Rouda, of course, thanks all those who contributed to helping her in not only writing this story but helping her with her writing career, She tells us readers that she was inspired to write this work of fiction when she attended some of the social events in DC . She was a Congressional spouse 2019-2021 married to Harley Rouda Dem. 48th Congressional District ~Orange County, Southern California ~ which is my district!
She states her experience was wonderful, magical, historical as well as stressful.

I love the Chinese proverb. . . .
When the winds of chance blow, some build walls, other build windmills.

I found this story very entertaining! I certainly am looking forward to Ms. Rouda’s next story!


Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form. Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 1, 2022.

This was my first Kaira Rouda book and while I enjoyed her writing and the book was a fast, easy read, the main character Jody Asher is such a despicable sociopath that it was impossible to like her or relate to her in any way. The story centers around Jody and her long-tenured Congressman husband Martin. The book describes some of the ugliest sides of politics and the lengths that people will go to for power and money. Jodi and Martin have many secrets that reveal themselves throughout the book. It’s hard to get past what a horrible human being Jodi is, so for that reason I can’t recommend this book even though I got through it quickly. Thanks to #netgalley and #thomas&mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start out by saying I really enjoy reading books by Kaira Rouda. My favourite book of hers is Somebody’s Home. I also think Kaira Rouda is a very talented author. But unfortunately, The Widow was just not for me. I think it has to do with the fact that I do not enjoy reading books that deal with politics and that was pretty much the premise of the whole story. I also did not enjoy nor connect with any of the characters. The main character Jody, was a corrupt narcissist who lacked any feeling or empathy for others, including her own daughter and husband. That being said, I have read very positive reviews about The Widow, so I guess I am an anomaly in my dislike for the book. But this won’t stop me from reading any of her future books, unless they deal with politics 😅!

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Amazon Content Services for my advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review. The Widow will be available December 1st, 2022 so grab a copy and see what you think.

This book was definitely a wild ride. You can tell from the start that something is off with Jody personality-wise. Not to give away anything major but the thing she does to her husband is awful, even with him kinda deserving something for cheating on her. I highly recommend this book, it's a great read.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

Loved this
couldn't put it down

A new author to me and looking forward to more

Wow!!! Loved this book set in DC. This book kept me entertained until the very end! Loved all the twists and turns and characters who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Its the first book of the author that I have picked up and I wasn't disappointed. Great story plot, and the Jody Asher definitely keeps you engaged with her antics!

premise of the perspective of a spouse of someone in public office as an unreliable narrator who recognizes her shortcomings and uses them to her advantages...damn! It was like Scandal, but yet not. At times, it gave off some House of Cards vibes...in any event, it had me up all hours of the night, the tips at the end of each chapter are deliciously provoking. What the author succeeds in doing is having the reader root for someone who obviously is not a victim in this story. Add this to your TBR! Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for allowing me to preview this title.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I loved this book! All the intrigue and behind the scenes backstabbing in the political setting was fascinating. I imaging this is what happens in reality!

Lets be serious, if Kaira Rouda, is writing a book, I know I am reading it.

The Widow, was fantastic from start to finish. There was no way I was putting this book down once I started and I probably should have anticipated this instead of burning the casserole in the oven (oops!) Who the heck burns a casserole? Oh, yes, I do.

The Widow was gripping, thrilling and all around a well written psychological mind game. The twist was one that you will not see coming and the entire book will be read at the edge of your seat.

If you cant already tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Five Stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kaira Rouda for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest feedback and review.

Martin and Jody Asher are about to celebrate the wedding of their daughter Charlotte to the love of her life JJ. Martin is a congressman who has been in office for many terms and scandal has come a knocking at his door. The weekend of his daughters wedding everything seems to come for Martin at once.

I rather liked the interesting "tips" for the spouses of congress members added into the chapters. This was not a quick read for me as I found myself picking it up and putting it back down a great deal. Political thrillers aren't usually my genre so I wasn't as entertained as I wanted to be. I really enjoy Kaira Roudas books but this one just wasn't my forte. I will still however rate it 3 stars because the writing was very well done and I liked the extras.

I liked this one I felt it was fast paced and engaging and was a good overall thriller like this author does best.
Thanks for letting me review this book to Netgalley and the publisher