This was a fantastic popcorn thriller! I loved the fast pacing, the multiple POVs, and how the suspense kept building with each chapter. The characters were messy in the best way, and the tension between them made for such a fun, bingeable read. I wasn’t shocked by the ending, but I was genuinely happy it played out the way my mind hoped it would. Sometimes, the most satisfying thrillers are the ones that deliver exactly what you want with just enough twists to keep you hooked. I’ll absolutely read anything this author writes as she knows how to craft a gripping, addictive story from start to finish.

Thank you NetGalley & HighBridge Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I definitely enjoyed this audiobook and I loved the premise-- there's a lot I'd do to save my pet's life. Kim gets an offer for the money she needs, and all she has to do is slip something into someone's drink. She can't do it -- and that's when things get wild! I don't always like it when the point of view keeps changing but Hendricks knows how to do this to raise the tension and give out secrets as needed.
This was a quick read with a wonderful performance and a satisfying resolution.

I always look forward to a new Jamie Lynn Hendrix book. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for my advance copy.

A down-on-her-luck waitress at a posh New Jersey country club, Kim Valva couldn’t be living a more different life from the carefree socialites she serves. Her live-in boyfriend recently cheated on her, her social life is in shambles, and her dog needs a life-saving surgery that she can’t afford. Then her luck seems to change when a mysterious figure identifying themself only as The Stranger contacts her with an offer she can’t refuse: Put a pill in the new member’s drink and, when he dies, she’ll have enough money to fix her dog and her life.

Her target turns out to be Tony Fiore―Kim’s bad boy ex-boyfriend from high school. Fifteen years have passed, and he now goes by Anthony Fuller. He’s cleaned up, made tens of millions, and his gorgeous fiancée, twenty-two-year-old PJ Walsh, is on his arm.

PJ had her own agenda from the second she met Anthony. Find him, trick him, marry him, kill him. It was supposed to be easy, but she finds that while living her double life, the lines blur between who she is and who she’s pretending to be.

Stunned to see Tony again, Kim can’t bring herself to go through with spiking his drink. Instead, it is PJ who dies horrifically at the table just as dinner ends. Was someone else at the club member or worker tasked with poisoning PJ just as she had been instructed to do to Tony? Who would want both dead? With no one to trust and The Stranger to answer to, Kim must peel back the layers of deceit to reveal a deeply buried truth, more shocking than she could ever imagine.

Such a good popcorn thriller. I loved Matt and JP's ride irbdie friendship. I knew where the story was headed about halfway through but 8t didn't take away from my enjoyment. What didn't work f9r me was Kim's motivation. You'd really commit murder for your dog? Don't get me wrong, I loved my Papillon to bits when he was alive but under no circumstances would 8 have killed someone to save his life. Kim was a little ridiculous and flat. I wanted t9 know more about her shady history than what was provided. All in all this was a fun, quick read. The narrator wasn't the best at switching character voices but you can easily get past that and enjoy the fun.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Their Double Lives - Jaime Lynn Hendricks

JLH does it again! Their Double Lives is the definition of unputdownable—twisty, relentless, and absolutely addicting. If you love thrillers that keep you guessing until the final page, this one is a must-read.

Kim Valva is barely scraping by, stuck in a thankless job and desperate to save her dog’s life when a mysterious stranger offers her a deal: slip a pill into a drink, and all her problems disappear. As a dog lover, I can’t even blame her for considering it. But when the wrong person dies, Kim finds herself tangled in a deadly web of deception where no one—not her ex-boyfriend-turned-millionaire, not his too-young fiancée PJ, and certainly not the person pulling the strings—can be trusted. The layers of lies unravel at breakneck speed, leading to a jaw-dropping finale that proves once again why Jaime Lynn Hendricks is one of the best in the genre.

As a longtime fan, this book exceeded every expectation. A Lovely Lie was my #2 ranked book of 2024, and Finding Tessa remains one of the best thrillers of the last decade—Their Double Lives absolutely belongs in that same league. Jaime Lynn Hendricks crafts characters with razor-sharp precision, and her signature dark, twisty storytelling is in full force here.

Huge thanks to Jaime Lynn Hendricks, Penzler Publishers, and NetGalley for the ARC. If you’re looking for a thriller that will consume your entire day, Their Double Lives is it. Publication date May 20, 2025.

Their Double Lives is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that immediately pulls you into Kim's desperate situation. Hendricks masterfully sets the stage, contrasting Kim's struggling existence with the opulent world of the New Jersey country club she serves. The initial premise – a morally compromising offer from a mysterious stranger – is instantly compelling, and the unexpected twist of Kim's target being her former bad-boy boyfriend, Tony, injects a layer of personal history and complication that elevates the narrative.
The story truly takes off with the shocking death of Tony's fiancée, PJ. This unexpected turn propels the plot into a fascinating whodunit, leaving Kim, and the reader, questioning everyone's motives and secrets. Hendricks skillfully weaves a web of suspicion, hinting at hidden agendas among both the wealthy club members and the seemingly ordinary staff. The pacing is excellent, with revelations unfolding at just the right moments to keep the tension high and the reader guessing.
Hendricks excels at creating flawed yet relatable characters. Kim's desperation and internal conflict feel authentic, and her journey from reluctant participant to determined investigator is believable. The reappearance of Tony, now the seemingly reformed Anthony, adds a compelling layer of complexity to their past and present interactions. The introduction of PJ, though brief, serves as a catalyst for the central mystery, and the question of who else might have wanted her (or Tony) dead hangs heavy throughout the narrative.
While the initial setup is strong, the unraveling of the "deeply buried truth" in the latter half of the book is particularly well-executed. Hendricks manages to deliver twists that feel both surprising and earned, keeping the reader on edge until the final reveal. Their Double Lives is a well-crafted thriller that expertly blends suspense, mystery, and a touch of dark intrigue, making it a highly recommended read for fans of the genre.

I couldn’t put this one down! The story follows Kim, a waitress just trying to stay afloat while her beloved dog, Murphy, needs a life-saving surgery she can’t afford. When a mysterious person known only as “The Stranger” offers her the money she needs, she agrees—only for things to spiral completely out of control.

If you’re in the mood for a binge-worthy thriller, this is one to add to your list! The twists are nonstop, the characters are shady in the best way, and the multiple POVs add to the tension. I stayed up way too late finishing this one but I had to see how it ended!

This. Was. sooo .Good.

Honestly, I don't want to give too many details about this book before you read it because if you don't know too much going in, it will be that much better.

What I enjoy about Jamie Lynn Hendricks, is her ability to take a story and make what I think is going to happen, better. I like that. And she also adds a certain flair to her writing that is difficult for me to describe, but she gets the listener/reader so deeply engaged in her stories quickly and easily.

This book was such an engaging read, multiple points of view, and with a wide range of characters, I am so glad I had the chance to listen to it.

If you like fast paced thrillers, I think this one is for you.

If revenge is a dish best served cold 🥶 these characters are dishing up all the icy flavors baby!! 🍦🍧🍨

My first read by Jaime Lynn Hendricks and it was a WIN! <i>Their Double Lives</i> brought double the deceit, drama, and intrigue. I couldn't turn away! Everyone was playing their cards close to the chest, and I kept wondering who had the ultimate ace up their sleeve. ♠️♥️♦️♣️

Emma Love narrated this twisted tale and just WOW! She was an excellent choice. She gave each character distinctive voice characteristics including those with multiple personas. The distinguishing speech patterns stood out when characters "switched faces" so to speak. 👯‍♀️

Kim Valva is between a rock and a hard place. Life has been kicking her while she's down. She's stuck working a dead-end waitressing job while she scrambles trying to figure out how to save her dying dog. The surgery to save him costs money Kim doesn't have and she's heartbroken.💔 She gets an offer from someone calling themselves "The Stranger" put a pill💊 in the new member's drink 🥃and she will be paid a generous sum. She can save her beloved good boy.💗🐶 Will she kill to save him? She's a mere whisper away from changing her life when she notices the new member is none other than her high school boyfriend from the old neighborhood.😲 He's got a new name, a twenty-two-year-old fiancee, and millions, but it's him alright. Kim can't kill him. Instead within minutes his fiancee dies a horrible death at the table.

Were they both targets? 🎯

Is Kim in "The Stranger's" crosshairs since she failed to complete her task? ➕

The search for the truth when everyone has ulterior motives is engaging. Sharp turns on a dime keep the characters focused on remaining one step ahead and alive. The pace is swift, but I still soaked up the details.

Deducted one star for an eye rolling moment, but as thrillers go, I can't complain too much there. I still loved this! 💗

Will Kim be able to save herself and her pup? 🐶

In the world of the rich and the warped the slightest misstep could produce deadly consequences.
☠️☠️

A big thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for providing me with an Advance Listening Copy to review. All opinions are my own.

I started this book on Saturday and would have finished but I couldn’t keep my eyes open. So I saved the last 10% for Sunday haha.

In other words, I couldn’t put it down! This is her best yet I think! I loved it! Such a freakin page turner.

Twisty and shocking. I loved the two MC and getting to know them. I loved the dual timelines and seeing them merge. I think this was cleverly plotted & had great character development. These characters were super morally grey but I was so for their cause 🫣

This was such a thrill ride.

The narration was so good! I thought it was two narrators and realized it was just one. She stepped into each characters role so well! I love how she gave a different voice to the different POV to make it easy to follow and really capture the character.

Kim has been anonymously paid to kill a guest at the country club where she works. She would never consider it but she really needs the money. She's all ready to do it, but when the guest arrives it is her high school best friend and ex-boyfriend. He has a shiny new fiancee on his arm and it appears he's turned his bad boy reputation around. Kim can't go through with her plan to kill him, but someone dies anyway. It turns out many people at the club that night are hiding secrets of their own.

The twists and turns in this one are SO good. The last few chapters were perfection in pulling it all together. If you want a quick twisty thriller, this one will keep you on your toes! The narration is also very well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the ARC of Their Double Lives.

Their Double Lives has a lot of twists and turns and even some things I originally did not see coming. This story is told in many points of view and includes both the past and present. It was a good enough listen that I wanted to keep listening and finish it ASAP. I found it interesting that the main character would go to such extremes for her dog. I understand loving your dog like a child, but to agree to what she agreed to seems like a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the advance listen in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Multiple points of view
Multiple timelines

Kim is a 30 something waitress who needs money to get her dog a life saving surgery.
While serving her ex-boyfriend and his fiancée at a dinner, the fiancée dies a horrible death. Stories start unraveling from there and revenge plots begin to emerge.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story between a small group of people. It had a very domestic type thriller vibe.

The narrator was stellar and I especially loved when she would speak in PJ’s inner dialogue voice. It cracked me up and was perfect.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and High Bridge Audio for the opportunity to preview this audiobook early, in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve recommended I Didn’t Do It many times since reading it, so I was excited to listen to the author’s new thriller. This is a fun and twisty story and I enjoy the author’s fun and snarky sense of humor. I’d recommend listening on audiobook since Emma Love does such a great job with the narration. 3.5/5

This book jumps right in with the story which was confusing for me at first. Then once it got started I was very invested in all the characters and what had/was happening. These people all had some moral issues and put in the same position as them, would you do the same things as some of them??? I am giving nothing away. There were some twists I did not see coming. I do wish there had been different audio narration for each character as it would have made the story stronger and helped distishing the characters better. This story overall was very entertaining and can not wait for another book from the author!

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Okay, I never do this, but I have to talk about my thoughts before getting into the synopsis—because this is one of those books you’re better off going into without knowing too much. Seriously, the twists hit harder that way. That said, I’ll still add a summary at the end for anyone who wants it.
Their Double Lives was my first book by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, and now I totally get the hype. It’s a wild, fast-paced mystery packed with secrets, scheming, and seriously shady characters. The story flips between past and present, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out—boom, another twist.
I loved how morally gray everyone was, especially the main character. Like, yes, she’s basically being blackmailed into doing something terrible, but it’s all to save her dog, and I kind of respect that level of chaos and commitment. Nothing is ever what it seems, and I was hooked from start to finish.
Also, if you’re doing the audiobook—the narrator did an excellent job. They really brought the characters to life and made all the tension and drama even more intense. If you’re into messy drama, unreliable narrators (in the plot and the format!), and jaw-dropping reveals, this one’s for you.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Struggling waitress Kim Valva’s life is falling apart—her boyfriend cheated, her dog needs surgery she can’t afford, and she’s stuck serving the elite at a ritzy New Jersey country club. When a shadowy figure known only as The Stranger offers her money to poison a new club member, she’s desperate enough to consider it—until she realizes the target is her high school ex, Tony Fiore, now a wealthy, rebranded mogul with a stunning young fiancée, PJ.
But PJ has secrets too. She’s playing a dangerous game of her own—one meant to end in Tony’s death. When PJ suddenly drops dead at dinner instead, Kim’s world spirals. Did someone else have the same mission? And who really wanted PJ—or Tony—dead? With The Stranger still watching, Kim must unravel a deadly web of lies before she becomes the next target.

Thank You @Netgalley and @highbridgeaudio for allowing me to review this ALC.

Wow! I really enjoyed that! It was refreshing to have a fast paced duel POV and Duel Time line play that flowed seamlessly and had no plot holes.

I consumed the audiobook and at 1x speed it’s only 7.5 long. However, it was easy to speed up to 2x speed which enabled me to listen to the entire thing while I got housework completed on a Sunday morning.

I was so engrossed in the book that I got a ton done too! I certainly will check out more by author Jamie Lynn Hendricks as I like a writing style as well as the characters which are very flawed but engaging.

Narrator Emma Love did a great job with the recitation . She spoke at a swift pace that was perfect for the characters. Even with her natural pace being on the quicker side, it was still easy to understand her at 2x speed. I appreciated her acting skills which added to the characters without going overboard.

This title comes out on May 20th 2025 and I am going to get my own copy as it’s the type of book I’ll want to share with other thriller lovers!

I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from HighBridge Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Who knew REVENGE could be so much FUN⁉️

Jaime Lynn Hendricks has been hit or miss for me, since writing her fantastic debut-Finding Tessa-but with a strong average rating on Goodreads two weeks before publication date, I decided to request the Audible, narrated by Emma Love. (7 hours 30 minutes @ 1x speed-or a one sitting binge of 5 hours @ 1.5 x )

Kim Valva is waitress at a posh New Jersey country club, who desperately needs money to pay for the life saving surgery that her beloved Goldendoodle Murphy needs. 🐶 Recently broken up with a live in boyfriend, she can’t imagine losing Murphy too.

So when a mysterious caller identifying themself only as “The Stranger “ contacts her with an offer that would earn her all of the money she needs-she jumps at the chance without thinking it through. All she has to do is put a pill in a new member’s drink and when he dies, she’ll collect. Easy Peasy. 😳

Her TARGET -Tony Fiore—Kim’s bad boy ex-boyfriend from high school-a guy she hasn’t seen for fifteen years, who apparently now goes by the name Anthony Fuller. Oops! She didn’t realize she would know her target.

BUT THEN SOMETHING GOES HORRIBLY WRONG

The VICTIM-his gorgeous fiancée, twenty-two-year-old PJ Walsh, dies at the table instead.,

Was it an accident or was someone else at the club—member or worker—recruited to poison PJ just as she had been called upon to spike Tony’s drink?

Who EXACTLY is the mastermind out for revenge? You will backtrack from the deadly dinner to the planning stages as you read/listen to find out.

This is a SNARKY, ENTERTAINING story which grabbed me from the opening chapter, so grab the 🍿and settle in for all of the MANY TWISTS and TURNS!!

I enjoyed the narration by Emma Love, who even gave PJ, two voices, to identify which role she was currently playing.

AVAILABLE May 20, 2025.

Thank You to Highbridge Audio for the gifted Audiobook provided through NetGalley Shelf. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

4.5 rounded up.

Premise: Kim is a down-on-her-luck waitress in a New Jersey Country Club. She's barely making ends meet and her best friend is her dog, who's really sick and needs medical care she can't afford.

When Kim receives an anonymous invitation to murder the newest country club member in exchange for a generous cash bounty, she decides it's her way out of her financial troubles - but when it turns out her intended victim is her bad boy ex-boyfriend, Tony, she chickens out. Imagine her surprise when there's still a graphic death that night - Tony's hot young thang girlfriend, PJ, is poisoned!

Did one of her coworkers take the same offer she did? Who's the anonymous stranger who wants the glamorous couple dead? What will they do when they find out Tony is still alive? The Stranger is still in touch with Kim via burner phone deliveries to her home, so she needs answers fast - before she's the next to die.

This was so gripping! The pacing was great and the perspective shifts were so well done - Hendricks has absolutely nailed the art of the cliffhanger. Every time I was at the edge of my seat with anticipation, breath bated to catch the next word, she'd pause the storyline and swap to a different character and moment. It was really artfully done, so I was never frustrated with the narrator but I also was never able to press pause.

Was this book detrimental to my productivity? Yes, absolutely, without question. Was it entirely worth it? So very much.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Emma Love. She did a great job with the various personalities and at times I forgot it wasn't a full cast read. Definitely a talented narrator and one to keep an eye out for!

Thanks, NetGalley and HighBridge Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book will forever be one of my favorite reads. Doing it for the dog? Check. Multiple twists that left my mouth hanging open? Check. Someone to root for and also hate? Check. Good grief, the book hangover I’m going to have from this one. Nothing compares! Make sure it’s in your beach tote because this is the ultimate popcorn thriller that you need while you’re sunning yourself. Don’t forget the sunscreen, you’ll never look up from the pages!

2.5 stars. I feel like I must be the crazy one after reading all the glowing reviews of Their Double Lives. I found it absurd, in the worst way. Kim’s motivations made me laugh out loud—not because they were clever or surprising, but because they were so implausible and poorly developed. Honestly, none of the characters felt real. They’re more like cartoonish caricatures than actual people. Every twist felt forced, and any attempts at depth just fell completely flat for me. I kept going hoping it would all tie together or redeem itself somehow, but it never did.