Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I honestly don’t know how Freida McFadden does it every time, but The Surrogate Mother was another thriller that didn’t disappoint. Abby is absolutely broody (despite her boss not exactly welcoming that mentality) and after she comes so close to adopting a baby with her husband only to have it fall through, she’s about ready to compromise on her dream of adopting a newborn for an older child. Enter Monica, her super efficient, just like her assistant who offers to be her surrogate. I know that’s a bit hard to believe but just go with it because the worst things start happening to Abby and you’ll want to follow those closely because they are entertaining in a way only a crafty thriller can deliver.

While I’m not one who has dreamed of babies, the story was one that I was drawn into - even the epilogue was absorbing.

This was a four-hour read for me—I literally devoured it in no time. Like Freida McFadden’s other books, The Surrogate Mother is fast-paced and engaging from start to finish. It felt like a mix between The Boyfriend and The Coworker, with maybe even a pinch of The Teacher thrown in.
Sure, some of the twists were a bit predictable, but that didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment. If you’ve got a chill afternoon ahead, this book makes for a great companion.

I didn’t realize this was a rerelease of a book I had already read. Still enjoyable. Classic Frieda.

Literally couldnt put this book down! Was hooked from the very beginning! Full oif twist and turns and everytime I thought I knew i was gazumped again! A great read

Abby wants a baby more than anything, but after years of unsuccessful infertility treatments and failed adoptions, her future as a mother is looking grim. Her hope is restored after a generous offer from her personal assistant, Monica, but she can't ignore the feelings of apprehension that won't go away. This riveting, psychological thriller is filled with a maze of secrets, lies and suspense you will get lost in. Prepare for another engrossing read from the mesmerizing Frieda McFadden!

Frieda never lets me down! Upon starting this I quickly realized I’ve actually read this one before. Still Amazing, and a must read for all Frieda fans!

The book was perfect and the story was amazing.Though the storyline was predictable but still it was engaging .I love how freida McFadden builds the story and characters .I will recommend this book to all and it's better to dive into this book without reading the blurb.Thank you so much for this arc.

This was my gateway Freida McFadden novel, and I was hooked for more great suspense with a shocking twist. I love how the narrator has her own flaws or even secrets in many of her books, and it feels difficult to trust anyone. This was a fantastic mystery with a twist, and an ending that will leave you feeling very uneasy.

I highly recommend this book for bookclubs, libraries, and bookstores.

As usual a haunting psychological thriller. I found this one a bit more difficult to read than some of Freida's other books, but plenty of drama, twists, and turns packed into this story.

I am a huge fan of Freida McFadden, and most of my friends share my enthusiasm. Another excellent read by one of my favorite authors is The Surrogate Mother, which is just as gripping and enjoyable as McFadden’s other works.

This book was wild from start to finish! If you love fast paced thrillers with jaw dropping twists, you’re going to love The Surrogate. Abby’s desperation to be a mom feels so heartbreaking, and just when you think things are finally going her way…bam! Plot twist. And then another. And then another. Monica, the surrogate, is such a creepy, complicated character, and keeps the tension building chapter after chapter. I legit couldn’t put it down and finished it in one night because I had to know what happened. Totally recommend if you’re into domestic thrillers with messy secrets, mind games, and a twisty ending you won’t see coming. One of the best Freida McFadden books I’ve read so far!

Pretty clear that Freida McFadden is no longer writing her own books. AI is doing all the heavy lifting. The plot lines are thin, the books are predictable and boring. This novel was so formulaic. I've read several of hers, and they continue to go downhill.

Give this one and any future titles by her a miss!

Can’t go wrong with frieda book! Like usual did not see the twist coming. Really enjoyed this book. Can’t wait for more of hers!!!

What would you do if the woman carrying your baby wasn't who she said she was? This twisty tale was suspenseful like all good Freida McFadden books. I was kept on the edge of my seat and could not put this one down. McFadden loves will not be disappointed with this one.

The Surrogate Mother is typical Freida McFadden. The protagonist is desperate, makes questionable choices, and no one believes her. The book contained lots of details and lots of characters. What was the point of the mother AND stepmother? Is the husband really that innocent? With holes in the plot, the book was a quick read and was suspenseful.

Hae now read everything by this author who never dissapponts. Loved the story, the pace and all the twists and turns. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon at the beach. Good luck with the books and many thanks for the advance read.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC!!
I love love love Frieda McFadden books. They are so easy and fast to read and keep you on the edge of your seat all the time. These books always make me angry because most of the books she writes have a narator that is not believed by anyone and thinks they are paranoid. I liked every little thing about this book except the last part, it was kinda rushed, but it was worth it.

Freida McFadden is a must read author for me. This was another thrilling ride from the queen of twists that slap you in the face and leave you grinning like a maniac. I loved the unique plot lines and twists. Characters were a little more flat in the is book compared to other books.

3.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy!

You know when someone is so dumb that you can’t believe they have existed up to this point without getting mauled to death by something stupid like a chicken? That’s how I feel about Abigail and her husband Sam.

The Surrogate Mother follows Abby, who has been struggling with fertility for years now. When her adoption falls through, her assistant (Monica) offers to be her surrogate, and things go off the damn rails.

This is another completely bonkers book from Freida McFadden, but so entertaining. My insomnia was killing me, so I read this entire book between the hours of 12am-3am in one sitting and let me tell you … the rage I felt was unlike anything before. This book is EVIL and made me want to STRANGLE SOMEBODY. Abby is an idiot, but I felt for her and was rooting for her to fix her shit. Sam could probably die and I would cheer. And Monia … well, you’ll see.

The pacing was obviously incredible and I literally couldn’t put the book down and despite the characters being stupid, I really enjoyed this read. It felt like an especially crazy episode of Law and Order: SVU and I am so here for that. I think this one will really take off when it comes out, although it doesn’t beat The Boyfriend for me just yet. Freida continues to write the most entertaining books ever and I will probably always eat this stuff up, even if it makes me want to bang my head against a wall 😊

TL;DR do not let your hot husband be a teacher

Title: The Surrogate Mother
Author: Freida McFadden
Series: Standalone

Re-release scheduled for 8/19/25

What to expect:
*Surrogate situation
*Faithful husband but doubts his wife
*Psychopath FMC

Pros:
I typically enjoy books by this author, this particular book just didn’t work for me. This was a quick read, which helps with meeting yearly book goals.

Cons:
Each of the main characters were troubled, for their own individual reasons. Monica was a psychopath, Abby was naive, and Sam was clueless and didn’t trust his wife.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Overall score:⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️
Characters: Abby, Monica (FMC’s) & Sam (MMC)