This book had a slow and fast start at the same time, how do I explain?

Our FMC was very much a routine, need for structure gal, which I can appreciate, cuz, same. She's climbed the corporate ladder and because of it, her personal life is lacking.

When she meets Matthew, things change. She feels an instant attraction and things fly from there.

If you're wanting to stay spoiler free, here's your last chance to exit before I spoil something for you.

I was waiting, and waiting for a plot twist and mid-book, it delivered. There was part of me that thought there was going to be a paranormal element to this book, but it wasn't what I got. In a turn of events, we see two people plotting against wealthy Emma in a desperate need for cash.

But even deeper there's more to the story which complicates things even further. This book is absolutely a page turner because you have to know how it ends. I will say this book was a biiiit of a stretch for me which is why I am rating it in a 3/3.5 star. But I definitely still enjoyed the read.

Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Adele Parks is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of psychological thrillers and is now an auto buy author for me. I love her writing style, her subtle red herrings, her descriptive writing and knowledge of the human psyche. This book did not disappoint.

MC, Emma, is a self sufficient, strong, disciplined mid-aged woman who works hard! In a “chance” meeting at a work conference, she meets and falls in love with Matthew, who is younger and less successful but doting and attentive. Matthew is a widower who says he is looking for love as he heals from his loss.. Was their meeting a chance encounter?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all its psychological twists and turns, convoluted/complicated characters and ability to keep me guessing until the end!

5-⭐️ for me!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and feedback.

A fabulously entertaining psychological thriller full of fun twists and turns.

Emma Westly has it going on. She’s 47 years old and at the top of her career as CEO of AirBright, Britain’s wind harvesting company. She’s attractive, driven, and wealthy. The only thing she lacks is companionship and love. Until she meets Matthew Charlton. Emma falls fast and hard for the handsome photographer 11 years her junior despite the warnings of her friends and some serious red flags. The biggest issue at first is that Matthew is widowed and still grieving for his dead wife, Becky. Emma can’t help but feel a bit jealous even as their relationship becomes more intense and Emma invites Matthew to move into her beautiful home in Hampshire. Woodview is absolute luxury living and they both revel in the new direction they are heading. When Matthew suggests they marry, Emma is over the moon. Has she finally found happiness. Of course not, this is domestic suspense after all. But I won’t spoil it with details as you will have to read it for yourself.

I really enjoyed this and had to read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down wondering what would happen next. Although a teeny bit predictable, I did enjoy the revelations and the surprises along the way. The narrative is told from several points of view and that definitely puts all the perspectives in place to change what the reader thinks is going on. I liked the writing style even as I wasn’t sure what I thought about the characters since my initial opinions were challenged by new discoveries. I think it best to go into this without any preconceived notions so don’t read too many reviews ahead of time.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator did a great job voicing all the characters with the appropriate dramatic flair and expression. This definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the book as it was a quality production.

Enjoy!

This ended up being a fun thriller! It definitely kept me on my toes and some of the twists and turns I was not expecting at all, which I love for a thriller!

I actually started this on ebook and I honestly was struggling to get into it a bit. But once I switched to audio it was great. The narrator was fantastic and I think it helped having her accent to really set the scene that this was in England.

The setup was interesting with Matthew being a younger widower. Emma was also an interesting character. She was older, had all these routines and never thought she would find love. Something just always seemed off with Matthew but I did not guess what was going on!

Where we ended the story compared to where we started and where I thought things might be going were extremely different and there were multiple times that something happened and I just had to pause and give myself a second. Like what?!?

So overall, this was an enjoyable thriller! Was it realistic? Probably not. And I'm not sure that it's going to be one that really stands out, but I had an enjoyable time nonetheless and would recommend!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC and ALC!

Adele Parks delivers yet another gripping thriller with First Wife’s Shadow—a story packed with twists, secrets, and a creeping sense of unease that doesn’t let up. I was completely consumed by this book. Every chapter pulled me deeper into its tangled mystery, and just when I thought I had all the answers, it twisted again.

It’s the kind of thriller that makes you question everything—who can be trusted, what’s real, and just how far someone will go to keep their secrets buried. The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the tension keeps building right until the final page.

If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, don’t miss this one!

This was my first book by Adele Parks, and it certainly won't be my last. While it took a couple of chapters to fully draw me in, once I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down. The story was packed with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat! I especially enjoyed the alternating POVs, which added depth and heightened the suspense.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, I highly recommend First Wife's Shadow!

Thank you @htp_hive, @harpercollins for the ARC!

First Wife's Shadow is the second book that I have read by Adele Parks. This book has just as many twists happening as her other books and I am hooked.
Emma is a CEO who seems to have her life all together until she meets Matthew. Matthew is a photographer and widower and she falls quickly in love with him even though she seems to not be able to follow in his dead wife's shoes. Her friends think that she is moving too fast into this relationship and that there are a lot of red flags regarding him.
Once she marries Matthew things really start to go crazy! I really don't want to say much about this story because you need to read it yourself to enjoy the rollercoaster ride that becomes her life. The twists and turns keep coming and while I did figure out some of the twists myself, the ending still took me for a loop!
This psychological thriller is for sure a page turner. So get some popcorn ready and get yourself ready for a fun, fast ride that will leave you wondering if it will ever stop and what is in store around the next bend.
I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to HarperCollins Canada and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Adele Parks’ The First Wife’s Shadow is a tense, thrilling dive into the complexities of relationships, jealousy, and betrayal, making it a captivating read for fans of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. With well-paced twists, compelling characters, and a gripping storyline, this novel proves why Parks is a master at creating stories that keep you guessing until the very end.

The story revolves around a woman, Nina, who finds herself caught in the shadow of her husband's first wife, whose death still looms over their lives in unexpected and unsettling ways. As Nina begins to uncover hidden truths about her husband’s past and the secrets that have been buried for years, the tension escalates, pulling the reader into a web of lies, manipulation, and deceit. Parks skillfully builds suspense, offering just the right amount of intrigue at each twist to keep you hooked.

The character development is a highlight of this book. Nina is relatable and multi-dimensional, with her internal struggles and emotional complexity adding depth to the narrative. The tension between her and her husband, as well as the lingering shadow of the first wife, feels authentic and intensifies the suspense. Parks does a great job of exploring the intricacies of their marriage, as well as the psychological toll that secrets can have on both individuals and relationships.

The pacing of The First Wife's Shadow is effective, keeping the suspense high without dragging on unnecessary details. Each chapter brings something new, whether it’s a shocking revelation, a deepened mystery, or a character-driven emotional moment. The twist-filled plot builds to an ending that is both satisfying and thought-provoking, although some seasoned thriller readers may find certain aspects of the ending predictable.

While the story is gripping, there are moments when the plot’s progression feels a little familiar, especially for fans of the domestic thriller genre. The themes of betrayal and secrets in marriages are well-worn territory, but Parks’ execution ensures the novel feels fresh and engaging.

In conclusion, The First Wife’s Shadow is a tightly woven, suspenseful thriller with strong character development and an engaging plot. Adele Parks’ ability to create tension and develop complex characters makes this a highly enjoyable read. While not entirely groundbreaking, the twists and psychological drama will certainly keep you intrigued, making it a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers.

This is my first book by this author, i picked this book based off the title and the cover alone (yes i judge a book off the cover and title). That being said this one did not disappoint. First Wife's Shadow is the most addictive slow burn domestic thriller you’ll read this year! Not only that, but it’s so flawlessly written, so engrossing it will have you grasping for it to reread immediately.

Adele’s characters are quickly brought to life with such contrasting personalities and quirks, which leads to each of their roles presenting very important in the grand scheme of things. This book makes you feel like you are solving a case, there is so much information to absorb and take in. As Emma’s life quickly unravels you can't help but find it is the only thing occupying your mind. This book will honestly consume you and have you theorizing the what ifs every waking moment!

Such an intense and compelling read about love, jealousy and obsession, with an unexpected but hugely satisfying ending. It will keep you up at night!

“That’s a money thing, the ultimate privilege of being rich: you get to believe in the fairy tale of fairness; you think people have the energy to do the right thing, when most of us just get by doing something.”

When everyone is lying and even the manipulators find themselves manipulated it makes for one hell af a fast paced whodunit!

And holy hell I GUESSED THE TWIST! This is monumental guys. I never see the twist coming. *pats self on back* Overall this is a page flipping, edge of your seat, fast paced thriller that I read in a day.

Thank you yo Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I wish I had had the audio for this one because it is the exact type of thriller that I love to listen to when I walk - it keeps me walking longer! Emma is quite well to do and when she meets Matthew, a widower with no money, her friends are concerned for her. Emma feels that she needs to compete with Matthew's dead wife- but how can she do that? She worries she will always be second place. This psychological thriller with many twists and turns is just the type I love. Well paced and entertaining - this will be a hit.

The first half of the book was very slow but picked up the 2nd half. Had some nice twists. Thank you netgalley and harlequin for this arc. 3 stars

First Wife’s Shadow was a roller coaster read that I did not want to end. Five stars is not enough.

Phew! This is one twisty psychological crime thriller! Can Emma ever feel comfortable marrying widower Matthew, always wondering if she's second best. Then there's the money - she has lots and he hasn't any. Good read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin/Mira for this ARC!

Talk about one heck of a twisty ride!!! Wow!! What started out as a slow burn domestic thriller turned out to be full of surprises!

I will give the minimal details or it would give everything away! Man meets woman, they date. Man and woman fall in love. However, is something more dark lurking in the background?

I highly recommend you go into this one blind! Please! I didn’t read the synopsis and I’m so glad I didn’t!!

I alternated between the arc and the audio. Massive thanks to Mira, Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub date 3/18/2025

This was my second Adele Parks book and it was an enjoyable domestic thriller. The plot and multiple POV kept me interested in seeing what would happen next, and I really liked the surprises that were throughout the book. Not only were there surprises, but the ending was unexpected but satisfying! I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration. She did an excellent job portraying the characters.

Emma's got everything she needs in life: she's a successful
CEO, has two close best-friends, owns a gorgeous home in the
woods, and is a billionaire. Now that she's in her mid-forties,
she's given up on the idea of finding a husband and is content
with that. Until she meets photographer and widower Matthew
and quickly becomes enamored. Though he's younger and not
even remotely wealthy, he is kind and attentive and fun. Then a
string of unusual events has Emma worrying for her safety and
her friends worrying that she's rushed into her relationship.


So many thriller authors these days seem to love outlandish
twists, but @adele_parks isn't one of them. I was apprehensive
at the mid-point that things were going to go a bit haywire and
so relieved when they didn't. The twist was great, and with the
clues Parks laid, it was predictable (which it SHOULD be), it just
wasn't blatantly obvious (which it SHOULDNT be). This was a
step up from a popcorn thriller but was just as easy to read one.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing for the book #FirstWifesShadow by #AdeleParks. This book is packed with revenge, jealousy and lots of secrets and it blew me away! So good! Emma meets a younger Matthew during a business trip. They immediately start a relationship and things move way fast. Emma always feels second best to his dead first wife. But things aren’t as they seem and Emma soon discovers she doesn’t know who to trust and if she is imagining things.

You might think, reading the blurb, that you know what's going to happen but give this one a chance because there are some nice twists. Emma, who is 47, falls hard for Matthew, who is 36, when they meet at a conference but something isn't quite right, although she can't put her finger on it. He's only been widowed for a year and the shadow of his wife (yeah, I know) hangs over their lives. Yep, it will remind you a bit of Rebecca and others in the genre but then...no spoilers. Honestly, the red alert should have gone up in Emma's head almost immediately but she spends so much energy worried about their age difference that the rest seems to slide by her. It's a fast and entertaining read. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Good storytelling will keep you turning the pages.

First Wife's Shadow
Release: March 18, 2025
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing

Rating: 4 ★ 

In First Wife’s Shadow, Adele Parks crafts a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of love, jealousy, and the haunting presence of a past relationship. The novel follows Emma, a wealthy and independent CEO, who falls for Matthew, a charming widower. As their relationship intensifies, Emma becomes increasingly obsessed with Matthew’s late wife, Becky, whose memory seems to overshadow their present. Strange occurrences—objects disappearing, feelings of being watched—escalate Emma’s paranoia. Torn between trusting her husband and her own sanity, Emma navigates a treacherous path where nothing is as it seems. Parks masterfully weaves suspense and emotion, keeping readers on edge until the final, unexpected twist.
Adele Parks delivers another compelling domestic thriller with First Wife’s Shadow, a novel that expertly explores love, obsession, and the lingering presence of the past. This one leans heavily into psychological suspense, keeping the reader questioning what’s real and what’s manipulation.
The pacing is steady but filled with an undercurrent of tension that builds as Emma’s paranoia grows. Instead of nonstop action, the suspense comes from the slow unraveling of secrets and the eerie sense that something isn’t quite right. Every chapter adds a new layer to the mystery, making it hard to put down.
Emma is a strong, successful woman, but her vulnerability when it comes to love makes her feel real. Matthew, as the enigmatic widower, is the perfect blend of charming and suspicious. The presence of his late wife, Becky, looms over the story, almost becoming a character herself. Their dynamic creates a chilling atmosphere—Emma is desperate to be loved, but she can’t shake the feeling that she’s living in another woman’s shadow.
Parks does an excellent job weaving paranoia and psychological manipulation into the story. As Emma starts to question her own sanity, so does the reader. The twists aren’t just about shocking moments—they’re about peeling back layers of deception, leading to an unsettling and satisfying conclusion.

Favorite Quote: 
"love and lies are often intertwined; it takes strength to see the difference and courage to act on it."