Jill might not be happy but I find myself pretty pleased. This cat and mouse chase between husband and wife bonded by a common secret was such an entertaining, bingeable read. I read it in one day and it’s been a while since I’ve done that!

Jill was giving me serious Love from You vibes and I loved it. She was such an interesting character with lots of layers, it was fun watching them shed one by one.

The ending was left open so I wouldn’t be shocked if we get to catch up with these characters at a later date. (Which I hope we do!)

I read this as a mix of eARC and audiobook and I thought the narrator did a good job. Although I do wish there had been a separate narrator or at least a more noticeable change in voice for Jack.

Read if you love:
⏰ Bingeable reads
🐱 Cat and mouse
👥 Dual POV

Thank you Scarlet Suspense and Netgalley for my review copies in exchange for an honest review!

I think this audiobook would have been so much better with a male narrator for Jack. It was hard to keep track of who's POV you were on since both Jack and Jill are narrated by the same narrator with pretty much no change in the delivery. The plot was just ok. There wasn't any twists or shocking moments. It's just about Jill wanting what she wants and killing anyone that gets in her way.

This was a quick, bingeable read with great pacing. Jill is completely unhinged and honestly, that’s what made the book so fun. She’s messy, manipulative, and will do whatever it takes to get her way. Watching her spiral was wild & fun.

Jack, though, just didn’t do much for me. He felt flat and kind of forgettable, especially next to Jill’s over the top energy. I kept waiting for him to bring more to the story, but it never really happened. Still, it was a fast, entertaining ride that kept me hooked the whole way through.

Thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Cute? this was a quick fast listen. None of the characters were particularly likable and the story was incredibly far-fetched. Perhaps I am not the right audience for this author. This book would make an easy trip this summer! Thank you to the author, publisher and net Galley for this opportunity!

I always enjoy Kaira Rouda’s engaging writing style. I’ve read over a handful of her novels and each one has brought a unique premise with layered characters. Not only does she write mystery thrillers, she also writes from a variety of other genres-romance, women’s literature. Having loved The Favorite Daughter, The Next Wife and Somebody’s Home, I had high hopes for her newest thriller, Jill Is Not Happy. Unlike Jill, was so happy upon completion. This was a solid psychological mystery-thriller that had me on edge throughout.

This story centered on Jill and Jack, a college couple who married, had a daughter, and went on a road trip to Utah. Jill, believed their marriage was failing, wanted to rekindle the spark with Jack, while Jack was secretly planning a divorce and was reluctant to participate. As the trip unfolded, their shared secrets and hidden agendas were revealed. The journey then turned into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse.

Rouda fabricated a compelling dynamic between the main characters, Jill and Jack. Jill was a possessive and manipulative woman, whereas Jack was a reluctant and conflicted man. Their contrasting personalities and motivations added more depth and more compelling storyline. Moreover, the dialogue alternated between the two unreliable characters while it switched between the present and the past timelines. Collectively, I loved how Rouda pieced all these elements together. This writing approach was most effective here because it added more depth to the characters and more complexity to the narrative. Even more, the multiple points of views and timelines added tension and kept the narrative moving along at a brisk pace.

In addition to the detestable characters and intriguing alternative timelines, this story explored a variety of themes. Some of which were my favorite-betrayal, secrets, deception, the facade of a perfect marriage, unraveling of relationships, and the lengths people will go to keep what matters. On top of that the psychological depth that Rouda embedded in the distinct dialogue revealed the characters hidden motivations and inner thoughts which also added to this story’s suspense.

Overall, Kaira Rouda delivered another twisted, dark and deceptive psychological thriller with the most toxic and unreliable characters. I highly recommend Rouda’s evocative and chilling tale, Jill Is Not Happy.

Thank you to Net Galley and HighBridge Audio for the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I read Best Day Ever by the same author about two years ago and let me just say - Kaira Rouda writes the most deplorable, yet amusing characters. It is hard to compete with Paul from BDE, but Jill comes very close ...

Jack and Jill are empty-nesters who have gradually grown apart. In an attempt to salvage their marriage, Jill suggests a road trip to Utah. Jack is hesitant and has zero interest in working on their marriage ... but, he soon realizes that he has very little choice in the matter ...

Although I did not find any events within the story to be super-twisty or shocking, Jill Is Not Happy was an entertaining read. I always appreciate a cold, calculating villain of the female persuasion and Jill fit the bill!!

I enjoyed this audiobook. The main characters of the story are a married couple. I so wanted to like one of them but realized that the only good character is their child. I liked the story and the narrator. I only wish that the narrator had more of a different sound for the male character. At times it was hard to remember if it was the male or female character speaking. Everything else was enjoyable.

Jill is Not Happy reads like it desperately wants to be the next Gone Girl, but without any of the layered character work or narrative finesse. The plot is predictable, the twists don’t land, and the protagonist is simply unpleasant and erratic. With virtually no character development, it’s hard to care about anyone or anything that happens. A fast read, but not a satisfying one.

“Jill Is Not Happy” sets up a deliciously dark premise: a seemingly perfect Southern California couple on a road trip, each hiding explosive secrets and manipulative intentions. The "cat-and-mouse" dynamic between Jill and Jack, especially with the intriguing hint of Jill being a "Ripley in yoga pants," promises a thrilling ride. And for a good portion of the book, it delivers. Rouda skillfully builds tension, revealing glimpses into the couple's troubled past and the lengths Jill will go to keep her marriage intact.
The early chapters are genuinely engaging as you try to piece together the shared tragedy that binds them and anticipate the inevitable clash of wills. Jill's cunning nature is well-portrayed, and Jack's reluctant participation in the road trip creates a palpable sense of unease.
However, the build-up ultimately leads to an anti-climactic ending. After the suspenseful journey and the high stakes established, the resolution feels rushed and underdeveloped, failing to deliver the satisfying payoff the initial setup promised. It's a shame, as the characters and the core conflict had the potential for a truly shocking and memorable conclusion.
While the ride is enjoyable for its psychological tension and character study, the destination leaves something to be desired. If you're a fan of domestic thrillers with a focus on marital discord and hidden depths, Jill Is Not Happy offers an interesting, albeit ultimately unfulfilling, read.

Adam and Eve, Dick and Jane, Jack and Jill.

Three famous couples we all know and love.

The names of the two dysfunctional married protagonists in this cat-and-mouse road trip thriller?

Jack and Jill.

Who is the most evil one in this relationship????

And who will outsmart each other?

Kaira Rouda's "Best Day Ever" was one of my best books ever.

This twisty thriller of manipulation, hatred, and revenge shared many similarities with "Best Day Ever."

The phrase "best day ever" was even repeated multiple times in the book.

Yet, this book was not in the same league as "Best Day Ever."

Was it the book's lackluster ending?

Or the number of times my eyeballs rolled?

Not quite sure.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Marnye Young.

Since the book unfolded from the two POVs of Jack and Jill, I would have enjoyed the book much more with male and female narrators.

Although Marnye Young did a superb narration when reading Jill's POV, she never attempted to change her voice for Jack's POV.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"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!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Marnye Young. I usually prefer when a dual POV book is read by two narrators, but I thought she did a great job voicing both the male and female main characters. She built a lot of tension and suspense with her narration, and I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to #Netgalley and #HighbridgeAudio 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 may not be happy, but I certainly am with Kaira Rouda’s new domestic thriller!
The story is a slower burn, with really good twists. I love how the author writes such unhinged characters, and Jill is diabolical!
I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator did a really good job with the story.
Overall, this is another solid thriller from Kaira Rouda that I would certainly recommend!

Thank you to HighBridge Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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.

CW: death of a parent, infidelity

I tried to physically read a couple of Rouda's books and couldn't get into them. I think audio will be the way I consume her books from now on.

This was short and fast-paced. The FMC was unhinged but the MMC was one-dimensional, so the story felt unbalanced. But the ending was very abrupt and I was left wanting more from the story. Neither MC feels like their story was complete and there was a lot left hanging and I just wasn't satisfied.

JILL IS NOT HAPPY will be released on June 10th. Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the ALC of this novel in exchange for a review.

Kaira Rouda’s Jill is Not Happy is a fast-paced psychological thriller that follows Jill Becker, a woman who seems to have it all until cracks begin to show beneath the surface of her perfectly curated life. As her marriage falters and her grip on reality loosens, Jill becomes increasingly erratic, setting off a chain of events that spiral into chaos.

I had the chance to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook while painting a room in my house, and I’ll admit, I binged it all in one afternoon. The narration was solid and engaging, making it easy to consume and enjoyable in the moment. For those looking for a quick, twisty story to escape into, this one definitely fits the bill.

That said, the story itself didn’t land with much impact for me. While it started with promise, the plot grew increasingly predictable and the payoff by the end just didn’t deliver the kind of surprise or emotional punch I was hoping for. Jill, the main character, is certainly memorable, but her behavior became so extreme that it lost a sense of believability.

This book might be a fun pick for fans of Freida McFadden or readers who enjoy popcorn thrillers that are all about the ride rather than the depth. For me, it was mildly entertaining but ultimately left me wanting more substance and a stronger conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Husband and wife, Jack and Jill are on a road trip to Utah, and their travels promise to be anything but pleasant. Their marriage is a sham and the couple sets out to gaslight each other on the trip, but Jill is by far the more intelligent and cunning of the pair and Jack doesn’t stand a chance. Or does he?

Jill is a psychopath. I have never hated a character so much and wanted something bad to happen to someone so much.... Poor Maggie her daughter who Jill is not nice to. This book is cat and mouse game of twists and turns of Jill and jack but mainly Jill being crazy. Jill will not let Jack go no matter what.... you will have to read to see what happens. The ending was a bit of a let down. But I could not stop listening to this book to see what would happen next. Honestly I need to read everything Kaira Rouda has written.

Jill is Not Happy kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Kaira Rouda masterfully weaves a story of secrets, betrayal, and cunning deception set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic Southern California life. Jill and Jack's road trip from their perfect world to Utah becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, revealing layers of truth and lies that kept me guessing at every turn. Jill’s fierce determination and cleverness shine through as she navigates her hidden motives, reminiscent of Ripley in yoga pants—tough, resourceful, and never backing down. Jack’s reluctant participation adds a tense dynamic as he begins to realize nothing is quite what it seems. Their emotional journey explores the depths of love, loss, and the lengths we’ll go to hold onto what matters. Rouda delivers a gripping tale filled with surprises and psychological depth, making Jill is Not Happy a riveting read for fans of suspense and complex characters. Highly recommended for anyone craving a story where secrets threaten to unravel everything—and where nothing is quite as it appears.