I love home improvement and real estate reality shows so much that I became a real estate agent. The profession isn’t nearly as glamorous as the shows make it out to be—no one dresses like the women of Selling Sunset—but I still find myself obsessed with the behind-the-scenes gossip. Chrishelle and Jason? Tarek’s cancer and the gun incident? Tarek and Christina splitting up, and his marrying Heather from Selling Sunset? The best drama sometimes happens off camera.

Daniel Kenitz captures these vibes perfectly in his debut thriller, The Perfect Home. Wyatt and Dawn Decker are the Chip and Joanna Gaines of Nashville. He’s the hunky, eager contractor; she’s the voice-of-reason decorator. Their relationship began when she was a producer on his show, The Perfect Home, and she has never hungered for fame the way he has. Shy in her dealings with fans, Dawn also has to deal with looking like a normal woman and having people openly wonder how she snagged a guy like Wyatt. Now Wyatt and Dawn live in their own perfect home, and the only thing missing is children. When Wyatt’s sperm count comes back low, he decides to take an illegal supplement to boost his supply. Although Dawn is worried about the known personality side effects, she reluctantly agrees, and soon becomes pregnant with twins.

After the babies are born, Wyatt’s personality changes, and he becomes cruel and demanding. But Dawn has no idea of everything he’s hiding from her until she stumbles across Wyatt’s written plan to ensure bigger fame. When she takes the babies and flees, Wyatt uses his camera skills to paint Dawn as suffering from post-partum psychosis, and as a danger to their children. On the run and not knowing whom to trust, Dawn knows she’ll have to beat Wyatt at his own game to ensure her children’s safety.

Written from both characters’ first-person perspectives, The Perfect Home is a nice addition to the domestic suspense genre, providing a quick, fun read. Kenitz doesn’t color inside the lines in his writing—there are some humorous characters and a funny plot twist that drew me out of the tension. I’m a stickler for tone, though, and other readers may appreciate the diversions. Dawn comes across as real and authentic, and with postpartum depression becoming a popular trope in domestic suspense, it was a good twist to have the diagnosis used against her. I found Wyatt to be less believable, though, and the side effects of the supplement didn’t come across in his narrative voice. I also found Dawn’s best friend unbelievable, as well as the denouement between them.

I wonder what the book might have been if Kenitz had opted for more of a slow burn. He hints at toxic masculinity and Instagram culture but doesn’t really explore what it feels like for a man to come up short in a personal way like Wyatt did. Since the audience for domestic thrillers is primarily female, it’s an understandable choice. But women are also victims of toxic masculinity, and an in-depth examination would have been interesting.

Still, The Perfect Home will please fans of the genre, especially if they’re also fans of those home improvement shows, like I am. It’s a fast read with a fun setting. And a good reminder that those folks on reality shows are performing a role, and renovations and real estate are never as easy as they look.

The Perfect Home
by Daniel Kenitz
Pub Date: Jan 07 2025

"The Perfect Home" is told from the dual perspectives of both Dawn and Wyatt who are B-list reality stars on HLTV’s “The Perfect Home”, a show where he does the construction and she does the decorating. Wyatt wants to be A-list. He wants to be a household name. He wants more and more things…including children. The problem? He’s infertile. Dawn is very shy and the B-list reality show really isn't for her. This is a very entertaining story and definitely a domestic thriller you won't want to miss!

Synopsis: Fixer Upper meets Gone Girl in this suspenseful and witty domestic thriller set in the world of home renovation TV—featuring a woman who becomes public enemy #1 after a horrifying discovery prompts her to flee her celebrity husband with their twin babies.

Many thanks to #NetGalley, #ThePerfectHome, #Scribner for providing me with an E-ARC of this book!

Dawn and Wyatt are the stars of The Perfect Home. In real life, they are the perfect couple, but due to Wyatt's low sperm count they have trouble becoming the "perfect family." When Wyatt starts taking an illegal, unregulated supplement from Germany, Dawn is able to get pregnant. But excitement is short-lived when Wyatt starts to become more and more unhinged. And when Dawn discovers Wyatt's plans to manufacture tragedy to get the starhood she dreams of, she takes the twins and flees. But Dawn soon learns how manipulative Wyatt can really be when he goes on a PR spree and turns the world (and even her closest friends) against her. She will need to clear her name in order to keep her family safe- but how can she do that when Wyatt has convinced the world she is a harmful alcoholic suffering from postpartum psychosis and she has no proof of his wrongdoings?

I loved the writing here and the alternating POVs. Wyatt was perfectly unlikable and getting a glimpse into his mind and how it changed on ASB was so interesting. I also thought Dawn was great- she made a few silly mistakes, but they can all be chalked up to her state of mind at the time. She seemed very relatable, but I could have done with less "reminders" what a "plain jane" she was.

In terms of the marketing, I am sick of books of being marketed as "the next Gone Girl" when really it is just a twisty thriller with alternating POVs.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Reading challenge category - 2024 Hoffbensen: Courtney - about/involving children

"Fixer Upper meets Gone Girl" is not a great description for this. "Chip and Joanna Gaines, if Chip takes a made up drug and loses his sh*t and Joanna has to run away with their twins" would be better. The twists aren't really twisty. It's fairly predictable. It was a quick and easy read, but nothing new in this genre. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

THE PERFECT HOME by Daniel Kenitz stars Dawn and Wyatt Decker, hosts of a middling successful house renovation reality television program. All seems beautiful and idyllic from the surface, but quickly the price of fame, the rapidly growing divide between Wyatt's ambitions and Dawn's love for their hard-won twin children, and the tensions of his affair with her friend blow up the happy picture. Dawn flees with their children to escape from his madness and ambitions that will stop at nothing. With the public seeming to believe his version of her disappearance, Dawn relies upon her heart, common sense, and creativity to survive unthinkable disaster. For myself, an avid home renovation fan, the real-world lives of the supposedly happy couples has long been a fascination -- so this story worked so well on so many levels, including well-crafted plot and well-told story. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

4.5 stars rounded up. Dawn and Wyatt Decker have their own home improvement show, The Perfect Home, which is loved by fans all over the US. The Deckers want their own home to be perfect too, but are having a hard time achieving their missing piece - having children. Wyatt solicits an illegal supplement to help them conceive, altering his behaviors in a concerning way. It’s not long before Dawn feels the need to flee her home for the safety of her and her children. It only gets messier from here.

I was not sure what to expect from this one, but it had me on the edge of my seat! My anxiety was in shambles as I was rooting for Dawn along her journey to safety and clearing her name. Wyatt’s letter gave me a hint of Verity vibes, and I appreciated how it highlighted how people are so willing to believe a man over a woman, especially in the media. The ending went off with a bang, quite literally, in the final act. This was a fun, unexpected read and I found it hard to put down!

The review linked below! Thank you again Net Galley and schribner for allowing me to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review! I gave this 3.25 stars rounded down to three on good reads

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz was a great book to kick off my reading year. This book was an ARC from Net Galley and my first read by this particular author. Kenitz's "The Perfect Home" is a gripping tale that masterfully weaves together themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience. Dawn Decker trusted her handsome ambitious husband, Wyatt who clearly showed signs of narcissism. The character development between the two main characters is of the novel's strongest points, with each other character being meticulously crafted and evolving significantly throughout the story. The relationship between Dawn and Wyatt is initially portrayed as idyllic, but as the story unfolds, the cracks begin to show. The husband's cold and calculating nature becomes apparent, contrasting sharply with the protagonist's warmth and vulnerability. This dynamic keeps the readers on edge, wondering how their relationship will evolve. The betrayal by her friend, who is revealed to be having an affair with her husband, adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative. This twist not only shocks Dawn but also the readers, making it a pivotal moment in the story. The audience's perception of Dawn's relationship with her husband shifts dramatically, from envy to sympathy, as the true nature of their marriage is exposed. Dawn's discovery of her husband's sinister plans to kill their twins is a heart-stopping moment that propels the story into high gear. Her decision to go on the run, despite the public believing her husband's lies, showcases her strength and determination. This part of the story is particularly engaging, as it highlights her resourcefulness and the lengths she will go to protect her children. Kenitz has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish, making "The Perfect Home" a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. #NETGALLEY #THEPERFECTHOME

This one is a cross between Fixer Upper and how to murder your spouse. You have the charismatic husband on a reality tv show - a living and caring husband by all accounts - and a somewhat frumpy wife that is often the butt of jokes. I mean who can blame the husband when things don’t go exactly as planned, until you realize that nothing is going as planned. Thanks to NetGalley for the read!

Thank you @scribnerbooks & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Married couple Dawn and Wyatt are the stars of a successful home renovation show, seemingly living a picture-perfect life. However, their struggles with conceiving a child lead Wyatt to an experimental medication that alters his personality. After the birth of their twins, Dawn uncovers a horrifying truth, forcing her to flee with the children.

MY THOUGHTS: From the moment I opened this book, I embarked on a journey that initially felt more like a lighthearted romance than the suspenseful thriller I had expected. At one point, I even paused to check the synopsis, wondering if I had picked up the right book. Yet, as I continued reading, the suspense began to emerge around the 30% mark, and I found myself reading on to uncover the twists that lay ahead.

While the book starts slowly, demanding a little patience, the dual viewpoints of Dawn and Wyatt enhance the storytelling, providing depth and insight into the characters’ motivations. Each character is well-defined, though can’t say I liked either one. Wyatt is just unbelievable; and Dawn is content to let everyone run her over. The suspense part of the plot unfolds in a more engaging manner, drawing readers into its intricacies. Though I found the conclusion somewhat disappointing, it effectively ties up loose ends and brings closure to the various threads woven throughout the story.

Not a thriller but unique domestic suspense. Narcissistic abuse and ivf i want to say are the key words to this book. No twist and turns. Unique though. Definitely a different kind of read.

The perfect home is anything but. I was really intrigued by the premise and I’m so glad I decided to pick it up! This book had me engaged right from the beginning! I couldn’t wait to see how it all ended!

Dawn and Wyatt have a very successful home improvement show. The couple is battling infertility, so Wyatt takes a non-FDA approved drug. Dawn gives birth to twins, and the couple have everything they ever dreamed of. Wyatt does not properly titrate off the drug and becomes abusive. When Dawn discovers Wyatt’s plot to murder the twins for increased TV ratings, she goes on the run. She quickly finds out that she can’t trust anyone, but suddenly a person from her long ago past arrives to attempt to save her. Even then, Dawn and the twins are still in terrible danger because the whole country trusts the Wyatt portrayed on his show, while he casts Dawn as a crazy, dangerous mother.

If you like domestic suspense, then I definitely recommend grabbing a copy of this book!

4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to review this debut novel in advance. And what a debut it was! I ate this one up in a day and a half. The suspenseful build up throughout the book was great! I found myself on the edge of my seat every time Dawn found herself in a tight spot. It had just enough of home Reno shows to make it believable.

3.5 stars. Although billed as a thriller, this is really a popcorn domestic suspense read. There are no big twists and turns.

This is a story about a celebrity couple who are the stars of a reality TV home improvement show and who are unable to have kids naturally until the husband takes an experimental IVF drug. The focus is on the price of fame, narcissism, social media, and perception versus reality.

The premise is quite unique and it is a quick read but one that requires suspension of belief at times. The male character is also way over-the-top bad. Still, this was a pleasant way to pass a cold, wintery Saturday.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

I could not put this book down! I loved the different "parts" of the book. I loved the twists and turns, they truly made it impossible to put this book down.

I am a HUGE fan of Fixer Upper. I was totally picturing the two main characters, Dawn & Wyatt, as Chip & Joanna. One of the main issues is that the world loved Wyatt and finds Dawn to be a bit of a drag. It was just so easy to picture how Chip is loved regardless of what he does on the show.

The book centers around infertility and an illegal drug, ASB. This drug has crazy side effects and that is the root of all issues with Wyatt. But when Dawn finds some incriminating evidence, enough is enough.

I truly felt like this book was real. It would make a great movie. My biggest gripe is that Dawn's friends are THE WORST ever.

Cheesy, tabloid style of story with average characters and an unrealistic plot that will have readers rolling their eyes. Having said that, just like when reading a tabloid, you find yourself devouring each and every page. I will give kudos to the author for keeping the story moving and somehow grabbing the reader even with an average story.

This review is entirely voluntary, and all opinions expressed reflect my personal views.

The Perfect Home" is a fascinating domestic suspense novel that will keep you engaged. Admittedly, the increasingly popular storyline involving reality shows does not appeal to me at all. I don’t watch HGTV and haven’t enjoyed reality TV in over a decade. But this book is well-written, well-plotted, and Wyatt and Dawn are terrific foils for each other. I always enjoy twists involving characters who were initially deemed reliable but who are themselves “twisted” beyond belief.

Title: The Perfect Home
Author: Daniel Kenitz
Publisher: Scribner
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Perfect Home" by Daniel Kenitz

My Insight:

"The Perfect Home" is an intriguing thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next for Dawn and Wyatt, who star in a reality TV show called "The Perfect Home." But was their life really perfect?
Daniel Kenitz delivers an engaging read. Wyatt's charm and good looks contrast sharply with Dawn's role as the decorator. However, Wyatt's desire for a picture-perfect family leads him down a dark path. The story takes a shocking turn after Dawn gives birth to twins, discovering sinister truths about her husband that compel her to flee. The tension escalates as Dawn strives to protect her children from Wyatt, especially as some who claim to be her friends turn out to be less trustworthy.

Kenitz has crafted well-developed characters and a captivating plot that hooks you from the start. I highly recommend picking this book up to see how this suspenseful and entertaining story unfolds. It's definitely worth the read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Daniel Kenitz, and Scribner for this ARC.

Dawn and Wyatt narrate the book in alternating chapters, so the reader hears each of their versions of the truth and has to decide whom they choose to believe. Has Dawn. abandoned by her father as a young girl and a recovering alcoholic, snapped under the stress of caring for newborn twins while dealing with the loss of an important person in her life? Is Wyatt suffering from the negative side effects of the supplement he took and gaslighting Dawn? Who can be trusted and who in their lives is on whose side? As the story unfolds the reader learns more about the couple, what they have overcome in life, how they met, and how they must now deal with the ugly side of fame. Was their Perfect Home ever truly perfect, and can it be saved? This is a fast-paced thriller with an intriguing plot that has enough twists to keep the reader guessing until the end. The characters aren't heavily nuanced, but each has a story to tell, as do several of the side characters. Readers of authors like Darby Kane, Alafair Burke and Alex Finlay might want to give this a try....I would rate it a solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Books for allowing me early access to a copy of this dark portrait of a marriage gone awry in exchange for my honest review.

The Perfect Home offers a unique and thrilling twist on the world of home renovation TV. Wyatt Decker, a charming and fame-hungry TV host, gains modest celebrity status with his home improvement show, but it isn't until he marries the sharp-witted and snarky Dawn that the show truly attracts a loyal following. When an unsatisfied Wyatt resorts to taking an experimental, illegal fertility drug from Germany to boost his chances of having children, things take a dark turn.

Told from both Wyatt and Dawn’s perspectives, this domestic thriller is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The inclusion of the controversial ASB drug adds an intriguing layer to Wyatt's character, offering an explanation for his increasingly erratic behavior while complicating the reader’s perception of right and wrong. Dawn is a relatable and authentic character, grappling with the challenges of motherhood and her unwanted role in the spotlight. Though the pacing could have been tighter in places, the book is ultimately a compelling read that navigates the intersection of fame, ambition, and moral boundaries.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.