This was pretty good! I liked the book from the beginning and I’ve found interesting bot POV. In the beginning, I didn’t like Ellie that much, but I ended up really enjoying reading her parts. They were both interesting characters and I clearly saw how as the book advanced, Rowan lost a bit of her soul. I was not expecting the ending and I think that It was a well constructed plot. One of those thrillers you devour and read in almost one sitting.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. This book was absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down. I will definitely look for more books by this author.

Rowan is married to Theo who has a 17 year old, Ellie.
The book is told in parts by Rowan and Ellie. You can tell from the beginning that Ellie is running from her past and I really liked how that part of the story slowly unfolded through the book. There are many moments when I was saying to myself "what?did I really just read that happened?".

I do highly recommend this book.

An enjoyable book and definitely the type of story that I tend to go for. More domestic noir than thriller, although Vera is pretty terrifying! The book is well paced and has authentic characters. Well worth a read.

This thriller was a page turner, I couldn’t put it down and I just wanted to figure out the truth. And I have to admit I had it all wrong. With its technology aspect this book has a slightly creepy setting, living in a house that knows and controls everything sounds kind of crazy!

I have mixed feelings about Rowan, she annoyed me at some points and I totally understand that it was because of everything that happened in her past so her present actions are understandable.

It took me a while to read this book. I think it was because it didn’t grab me from the start but once I got into it, I rushed through it.

Keep with it and you will enjoy it.

This was my first book by this Author and I have to say, I was HOOKED early in, I binged this one as fast as I could , it was a hard book to put down and kept me paging through as fast as I could. Loved this one SO much! Brilliant read.

I tend to gravitate toward domestic suspense and really enjoyed this book. It had an interesting ending and a few twists along the way. I especially loved the development of the relationship between the two protagonists, Rowan and her step-daughter, Ellie.

Rowan finds out she is pregnant, and her stepdaughter, Ellie, is not happy about it. As time goes on, Rowan begins to struggle with day to day life and is afraid she is in danger.

Not only does this book explore domestic relationships, but there is also a fantastic sub-plot exploring religious fundamentalism and trauma. The book also caused me to think a lot about the role of technology in our lives.

4.5 stars rounded up.

This is a fast paced domestic thriller with some unexpected twists and a pretty good ending . I enjoyed the two POVs and once again I’m glad I don’t have any virtual assistants in my home 😆

The Patient was the first book I read of Terry's, so I had high hopes for The Step Daughter's Lie. It didn't disappoint and fast surpassed The Patient becoming my favourite book by Terry to date.

It's a fast paced read, the premise of which had me hooked immediately. I couldn't flip the kindle pages fast enough.

Lies, deceit and deception are always the prelude to a brilliant thriller and boy did this one deliver!

The characters are credible and I couldn't fault them. The plot is solid and it's such an immersive, engaging read.

From the first sentence to the last, I was fully immersed in The Step Daughter’s Lie by Teri Terry. This is the first book I have read by @teriterrywrites and she might just be my favourite new-to-me author. Terry writes in a way that draws the reader in wanting for more. I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. I love a psychological thriller with a twist, dual points of view, unreliable narrators and a nail-biting pace. The Step Daughter’s Lie had all of the above. I loved that the two main characters perceptions were polar opposite’s, leading the reader to question who is telling the truth. I’ll tell ya, I was utterly shocked by the end of the book.

Thank you @bookouture for my arc of The Step Daughter’s Lie and for introducing me to the fabulous writing of @teriterrywrites ! She is absolutely brilliant. Now excuse me while I go hunt down her backlist.

Pub date: July 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars for NetGalley.

There is tension and frustration running throughout this story! It doesn't matter if you do work out some twists, of which there are many, the developments and changing relationships will keep you fixated on this book.

I could see how things had evolved between Ellie and Rowan - there was definitely confirmation bias going on. I loved how each had their own issues and secrets and I was hoping they'd actually share with each other. The addition of modern technology to events was a great touch.

I wanted a bit more detail about some past events and felt there was one addition that I'd have preferred left out. However, I enjoyed learning more about Grace...

Overall, this was such a gripping story with great character development. The relationship between daughter and stepmother is scarily believable.

Amazing. A stunner of a book. Packed full of twists you don't see coming. Thrilling from start to finish. Loved this one!

A fantastic psychological thriller about lies, deceptions and intrigue. A real page turner, hard to put down. I did guess who was behind the schemes and dangers that was happening to Roman, but nevertheless was hooked to the end.

Rowan is happily married to a rich guy but the stepdaughter wants to make her life hell. Then Rowan finds out instead of being menopausal that she is pregant (not really a spoiler)

Secrets are supposed to be coming out like crazy in the book but really? You see each thing coming ten miles away.
I'm kinda mad I finished this one.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

"The Stepdaughter's Lie" captivated me with its intricate plot and multitude of deceptions. The brief chapters and swift narrative pace were compelling; I found myself saying 'just one more chapter' until I realised it was well past my bedtime. It's a book I'd strongly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

When Rowan finds out she is pregnant, she's surprised- but happy. This is what she and her husband, Theo, wanted; isn't it? The biggest concern is how her stepdaughter, Ellie, will react to the news; she has already made it clear she does not like Rowan. After the news breaks, Ellie takes her "pranks" on Rowan to a new level, but surely she wouldn't actually hurt her... right? As Rowan struggles with insomnia and pregnancy hormones, she isn't so sure what she believes anymore.

I really enjoyed this book; it was a page-turner that kept me guessing! The elements of a hi-tech smart home and a step-mother/daughter relationship put a unique spin on the traditional thriller. The author did a great job of making me question everyone and everything! I was never sure who to trust. I enjoyed reading all of the POVs, surprisingly; another testament to the author's talent. The ending was satisfying, and I didn't feel left with unanswered questions. Teri Terry crafted a very well-written story, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

Thank you to Bookouture, Teri Terry, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

What to expect:
- unexpected pregnancy
- step-mother/daughter relationship
- lies & secrets
- dogs (no dogs are harmed!)
- religious trauma
- hi-tech smart home
- multi-POV

The Stepdaughter's Lie
by Teri Terry
Pub Date: Jul 29 2024

The Stepdaughter's Lie is definitely a must-read psychological thriller about dark secrets, lies, and deception told from several point of view's. A gripping thriller with many twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the final page!

Synopsis: My life should be perfect. But my stepdaughter wants to destroy it all…. Because Ellie’s always hated me, ever since she realised it was no longer just her and Theo. Now she’s seventeen, beautiful and smart – smart enough to see through me. And if Ellie decided to uncover my secrets, it wouldn’t be just my marriage at stake… it would be my life.

Many thanks to #TheStepdaughtersLie #NetGalley & #Bookouture for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.

This book has it all. Secrets, lies, paranoia and murder. There are abandonment issues as well as mental and physical abuse. It's shocking and intense and full of twists and surprises. Everything a psychological thriller needs. It's a quick read with short chapters and I kept saying just one more
chapter when putting it down was unavoidable. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this fantastic book. I'm happy to recommend it.

The Stepdaughter's Lie by Teri Terry

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

My life should be perfect. But my stepdaughter wants to destroy it all…

Standing in my bathroom, the luxurious marble tiles cool under my feet, I stare at the test in my trembling hand. The second line is unmistakable: I’m pregnant.

This is all my husband Theo and I have ever wanted, but I didn’t think it was possible. I should be excited, but all I can think about is telling my stepdaughter.

Because Ellie’s always hated me, ever since she realised it was no longer just her and Theo. Now she’s seventeen, beautiful and smart – smart enough to see through me. And if Ellie decided to uncover my secrets, it wouldn’t be just my marriage at stake… it would be my life.

But I’ve been so careful burying my past. There’s no way she could learn the truth. I know stress isn’t good for the baby, so I force myself to relax.

My Opinion

What a gripping thriller!

When I first picked up this book, my intention was to just read the first few chapters and put the book down, within pages I was hooked and I had read 20% before I realised. Teri Terry has written a real page-turner. Short chapters and alternating perspectives made this such a quick book to read. I found myself wanting to read on to find out what was happening to Rowan. Ellie and her stepmother don’t necessarily see eye-to-eye but can the pair trust each other? With all of the twists and turns, this book will certainly take you on a journey.

This is definitely a must-read psychological thriller, and I am definitely adding Teri Terry to my list of must-read authors. If you are looking for a new thriller to read, then this is one to add to your list.

Rating 4/5

The Stepdaughter's Lie by Teri Terry

Multi-POVs and twisty domestic thriller which kept me guessing till the end! I enjoyed the relationship between the married couple and the daughter Ellie that from his previous marriage. The author made me hooked to find out more. The secrets behind and their relationship made the plot thicken which were highly addictive! The characters were relatable and I read the book in one day!

I recommend this to the readers who enjoy domestic thriller with twisting plot!

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy,

Pub date: July 29, 2024