Thanks to #Netgalley and #PenzlerPubliahers for the book #JillIsNotHappyNow by #KairaRouda. This book is filled with revenge, murder and a cunning wife named Jill and I loved every coniving bit of it. Jill and Jack have drifted apart over the years and Jill wants their relationship back. After talking Jack into a a road trip to rekindle their romance, things get a little crazy. Jack is ready for a divorce and is going to file as soon as they get back. Jill has other ideas and she will use an old secret to try and hold onto him. Will Jill get her way?

"Jill is Not Happy" is an addictive and bingeable popcorn thriller. I picked this up solely for its name (for obvious reasons), and I am so glad I did. With its dual POVs and timelines, unlikeable characters, and fast pace, this book was an entertaining and quick read. I flew through it, and read it in just a few sittings. There's just something about an unhinged FMC that I love. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but overall I really enjoyed this one. This was my first Kaira Rouda book, and I will definitely be reading more!

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

Oh, what a rollercoaster of frustration this book was! I found myself teetering on the edge of my patience as I followed the harrowing journey of this poor guy—he was truly living a nightmare!

Jill and Jack Tingley, a wealthy couple and college sweethearts, are drifting apart as they adjust to life as empty nesters with their daughter away at college. To reconnect, Jill suggests a road trip to Utah, but Jack secretly wants a divorce due to a shared hidden tragedy. As they embark on the trip, tension builds between them, revealing that Jill also has her own secrets. The journey becomes a battle of wits, with Jill determined to save their marriage and Jack ready to end it.

The main characters, Jill and Jack, appear to be polar opposites, but are they really? You’ll have to dive into the pages to uncover the truth. Jill is undeniably smart, but she’s also difficult and manipulative—definitely not the easiest character to warm up to. Meanwhile, Jack feels trapped in a web of compromise, desperately trying to keep his daughter safe. But then… UGH! Jack’s situation is so dire that it seems his only escape would be to eliminate Jill. You’d think that would be the answer, but life isn’t that simple, is it?

This book is a whirlwind of emotions, sticky situations, and some truly brutal outcomes! I was fortunate enough to experience both the eBook and the audiobook, and let me tell you, the audio version was a delight. It was upbeat and captivating—if the written word doesn’t quite do it for you, I highly recommend giving the audio a shot. The narrator brought the story to life, creating an immersive atmosphere that kept me hooked.

Fast-paced and filled with dark secrets that unravel slowly, this story throws Jack into some truly challenging predicaments. The outcome was not what I expected, but it all came together beautifully, culminating in a strong ending that left me satisfied.

If you’re a fan of spousal drama, dark secrets, and complex dilemmas, this book might just be your next obsession. Just a heads-up: you probably won’t be a fan of Jill, but you’ll certainly understand her motivations—even if you don’t support her actions. What a twisted, dark read this is! So, grab your wine glass and prepare for a journey that will leave you frustrated and even a bit annoyed. Well done, indeed!

Thank you, Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, HighBridge Audio and Penzler Publishers | Scarlet, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

5 stars for Kaira Rouda's newest book. She is amazing at storytelling. I have read and enjoyed all her books!

With names like Jack and Jill, you would think this is a story of a strong relationship that nothing could break. However, while that may be the case in Jill's unhinged mind, it's not for Jack. All he wants is a way out, and Jill refuses to let that happen. She will keep Jack by her side no matter the cost.

This was a fun, wild ride, and I am all for the crazy antics of one delusional woman. The weird part of this is that in my personal life, I know of a Jill with many similarities, including her religious background, her need for control, and her OCD about her precious white couch to name a few. This had me worried for a minute. She doesn't own a journal from what I know, at least. Needless to say, this one was an addicting popcorn thriller that I read in just a day's time. The dialogue did feel stilted on and off, but I think it added to just how deranged and often times, cold-hearted our protagonist was. The ending is what left me unsure of my rating as I was waiting for a big climax that never occurred. I still found this highly entertaining and give it three and a half stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penzler Publishers for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this thriller! Jill is so unhinged, psychotic and just plain awful. I found this book hard to put down and I had no idea what would happen next. If you’re looking for a domestic thriller with an insane main character, this one is for you!

Jill and her husband seem to have it all. But in reality, they are not happy. They stay together to keep a big secret. But what if that secret comes out?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!

Oh my. What a game of cat and mouse! I quite enjoyed this unhinged road trip. This was my first read by this author and I’ll for sure be checking out more.
Maybe a little heavy on format and editing issues for this stage but overall would recommend to my domestic thriller girlies.

Thank you @netgalley and @penzlerpublishers @scarlet

Release Date June 10th

Kaira Rouda has written another awesome thriller!! This was a fast pace thriller that I read super quick! I couldn't put it down. Jill was crazy and I just had to know what she was going to do next!

Kaira Rouda has written what some may call a 'delicious' thriller. Jack and Jill are both awful, just ...terrible people.

Together since college, Jack and Jill have had a great life. But, now, as new empty nesters, the cracks in their relationship are starting to show. Jill plans a weekend away, to reconnect, but Jack wants the exact opposite. He's ready for a divorce. The problem: Jill knows everything, all of Jack's secrets. Jill knows how to manipulate to get what she wants, and she has no problem doing so, even to her husband.

Terrible people. Terrible marriage. Excellent thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Jill Is Not Happy by Kaira Rouda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Happy wife, happy life” gets turned on its head in this gripping road trip thriller. Jill and Jack, college sweethearts, are headed toward divorce—but Jill has other plans. As the cracks in their marriage widen, so does the danger.

Kaira Rouda delivers yet another nail-biting domestic thriller, packed with manipulation, secrets, and two delightfully unhinged characters. Nobody writes a narcissist quite like Kaira, and Jill Is Not Happy proves it—this book is a twisted cat-and-mouse game that had me glued to the page.

Marriage on the rocks, tension in every chapter, and a psychological showdown you won't see coming. If you love thrillers where the danger is hiding behind a smile, this one’s for you.

Thank you, @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @kairarouda
For providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review. ❤️

QOTD: Have your phone finish the sentence
"Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch _______"

#JillIsNotHappy #KairaRouda #DomesticThriller #PsychologicalThriller #RoadTripThriller #BookReview #ThrillerBooks #MarriedAndMad #HappyWifeHappyLife #BooksThatGrippedMe #CatAndMouse #4StarRead #TwistedReads #ThrillerAddict #BookstagramThriller #AmReadingThrillers

Jill Is Not Happy is a must-read for fans of domestic thrillers who appreciate complex characters and morally ambiguous narratives. Rouda's latest work is a testament to her ability to craft stories that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling.

Kaira Rouda has done it again my friends! I can say without any doubt that she’s become one of my favorite authors. Everything she writes has me in a chokehold from start to finish and Jill Is Not Happy is no exception! I loved this story and the characters were SO fun to get to know. The relationship and dynamic between Jack and Jill (yes like the nursery rhyme!) was full of scheming, secrets, lies and all the drama. I enjoyed the dual timeline between past and present that allows the reader to get to know the couple and how they came to be together. Jill Is Not Happy will be hitting bookshelves on June 10th!

"Jill is Not Happy" unfolds as a slow and methodical burn, drawing readers into its suspenseful atmosphere. The dual nonlinear points of view effectively enrich the narrative, adding depth to the characters and their experiences. It’s a straightforward yet engaging read that keeps you intrigued throughout. Overall, I would give it 3.5 stars for its unique storytelling and captivating execution.

This pace domestic thriller is definitely on of Kaira's best. Shifting between the viewpoints of both Jack and Jill, it barrels along with devious intent, highlighting the toxic nature of their relationship, mostly thanks to Jill and her scheming. Trapped together on a road trip to Utah, they both have different plans for its conclusion. Jack wants out, but Jill has other ideas, and it's about to get real. With twists galore and a super ending, Jill Is Not Happy is perfect for lovers of fast-paced domestic suspense with secrets on every page.

Jill Is Not Happy by Kaira Rouda is a highly recommended domestic thriller featuring a very flawed couple in a toxic marriage.

Jack and Jill Tingley met in college and have been married for over twenty years. With their daughter Maggie now away at college, Jill has planned a road trip to Utah for her and Jack to reconnect. Jack, on the other hand wants nothing more to do with Jill. He has a mistress and is planning to divorce Jill as soon as they return. The only reason he has stayed with her for so long is due to a tragic secret the two share. Jill is not happy; she is not going to allow Jack to leave and she has it all in writing.

With each chapter the fast-paced narrative switches between the point-of-view of Jack and Jill. As more secrets are revealed, the toxicity, scheming, and tension explode off the page along with the new twists in the plot. Jill is presented as especially cunning and obsessive, but the deviousness and duplicity of both characters is revealed along the way. Ultimately none of the characters are trustworthy or likable, but following their drama is deliciously entertaining.

Jill Is Not Happy is a perfect choice for those who enjoy reading fast-paced domestic thrillers with devious characters. Thanks to Penzler Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

I enjoy Kaira Rouda's thrillers, and I honestly thought nothing could top her Best Day Ever series...until now.

Jill Is Not Happy has a Fatal Attraction feel to it. And since we got both Jack and Jill's perspectives, I never knew who I should be rooting for. Most people would say Jack (and part of me wanted to, as well), but making Jill a narrator was akin to making Paul Strom a narrator in the aforementioned series. Like part of me wanted her to win while the other part thought she was totally unhinged. Honestly, their marriage was so sad and embarrassing that I was hoping they could both get a fresh start on their own. I felt bad for Jill with Jack being so repulsed by her and even having an affair. However, Jack was stuck in this toxic marriage and needed to find a way out, and Jill kept messing that up for him.

There were a few spelling, grammar, and consistency errors, but I am hoping those will be fixed for the final print.

Overall, a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game that will shock you at times and keep you guessing as to where it will go. It needs a sequel! (And it needs to be from Maggie's perspective.)

Since it is a thriller, you can guess that certain things will be triggers throughout. Especially if you've ever read a Kaira Rouda novel because then you know what you're getting into!

Movie casting suggestions:
Jill: Reese Witherspoon
Jack: Sam Page
Erica: Phillipa Soo
Maggie: Lizzy Greene

I really enjoyed JILL IS NOT HAPPY. This was a fun and easy read. I liked that it kept me guessing the entire time. If you are looking for something exciting add this book to your list. Highly recommend!

Many thanks for my gifted copy.

Thank you Scarlet for the gifted digital ARC.

Probably closer to 2.5 stars but I'll round up.

This was... unfortunately a no from me, dawg. I was absolutely hooked for the first 35-50% of the book, and then things just started getting irritating. Not only is Jill unhappy, she is DEEPLY unlikeable. I can typically handle that trait in a book's main character, but she was entirely too much. I don't know that I've ever so heartily rooted for a character's demise.

I also kept getting completely taken out of the story every time she referred to her husband as "handsome." (i.e. "Don't worry, handsome; Sleep well, handsome.") It's not a realistic way for people to converse with each other and I found it super distracting.

Finally, the ending was super disappointing. No big twist, big reveal, or final showdown. It just ended, and in a really unsatisfying way. I love this author and will definitely read what she writes next, but this one was a swing and a miss for me.

Jill is Not Happy pub date is June 10.

Jill, Jack, and the brilliant Kaira Rouda – no wonder Kaira is such a popular author with us all over at #thepulse.
Jill might be THE most unhinged book crazy I have read in a long time. She is so normal on the outside, but… nope. Nope. Nope. NOPE.
This THE ultimate book if you want a book that makes you both roll your eyes and love to hate the main (unhinged) character.