3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)

This book sucked me right in. And guys, when I tell you that Jill is CRAZY, I am not exaggerating... Like, banana pants, crazy. There's obsession and then there's Jill. I listened to this audio book start to finish because I had to see how it ended. That being said, I didn't love the ending and was hoping it would go a different direction, but that didn't make this whole wild ride of a domestic thriller any less engrossing.

The audio narration was great, but I do wish there had been both a male and female narrators given the dual POVs. It sometimes got a little confusing with everything done in the same voice.

Overall, this was a great story about a serious psychopath and if you're looking for a domestic thriller that'll grab you and not let go until the end - this is it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5

Jack and Jill
She likes to kill
and ruin everyone’s lives…

Jill is psychotic. She kind of reminds me of Taylor’s mastermind song and how she had a plan all along.

Read this book if you like fast-paced, multiple POV stories.

Don’t read this book if you like it when the good guy wins.

Thank you NetGalley, HighBridge Audio, and Kaira Rouda for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was A LOT.

I spent the first part trying to figure Jill out.

Is she just a desperate, oblivious wife, or is she off her antique rocker?

I won’t tell you where she landed. It’s more fun that way.

I loved the multiple POVs.
I loved the flashbacks.
I loved the deliciously conniving, irredeemable characters.
I loved the ending. THE ENDING.

This is my first from this author, so I know this summer’s project will be tracking down her back catalogue.

Danielle and I jumped into this one together for a buddy listen, and right away, I could tell it was going to be the kind of story that messes with your head in the best way. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the setup — sharp, fast, and just shady enough that I couldn’t tell what to trust. We kept going back and forth, trying to figure out what was actually happening and what the author wanted us to think was happening. That guessing game never let up, and I loved every second of it.

The pacing was spot on. It didn’t drag or waste time, but it also didn’t feel rushed. Each moment added something — a clue, a twist, a shift in perspective — and it kept me fully engaged the whole way through. It gave me that total “popcorn thriller” feeling, the kind where you just keep going because you need to know, even if it’s 2AM.

What made it even better was the way it felt so complete but still left room for more. It didn’t feel like just a one-off. There were moments and threads that could absolutely lead into something bigger. I really hope this is the first in a series, because I’m not ready to walk away from it yet. The vibe, the suspense, the way it played with truth and perception — I’d go back to that world in a heartbeat.

I received a gifted copy of JILL IS NOT HAPPY by Kaira Rouda from Penzler Publishers and a gifted audiobook copy from HighBridge Audio and Netgalley.

JILL IS NOT HAPPY follows the title character and her husband Jack. They were college sweethearts who have had a long marriage... whether it is a happy one is a point of contention. Their relationship is held together by shared tragedies and secrets and Jill is sure she can keep her drifting husband with her, reconnecting on a road trip to Utah. Jack is determined that his marriage is ready to be over now that they have an empty nest with their daughter off to college. He reluctantly agrees to the road trip, but only with every intention of filing for divorce as soon as it is over. Little does he know there are more secrets Jill has to reveal.

This is one of those books that is a disaster in the making where you also cannot look away. This held me gripped and I didn't want to put the book down. I wouldn't say either main character was particularly lovable, but I was pulling for Jack to make his way out especially as we learned more and more about what horrible thing in their past has kept them locked together.

I am still a bit unsure how I feel about the way this one ends, but this had plenty of twists and reveals and it held my attention well. It was a fun and easy binge read overall!

I love Rouda's books, cue Best Day Ever, since I hold a special place in my heart for unhinged MCs, but I have to say this one fell flat for me. This is the story of Jack and Jill, who are headed to Utah on a roadtrip which Jill hopes will help them reconnect.

I believe this was a case of too much Jill and not enough Jack. I desperately wanted for Jack to find his cojones and confront Jill and her psychotic ways.

Overall, it was interesting and engaging, although not my favorite. I will say, the narration was very well done.

I read this thriller in one day. The audiobook was narrated wonderfully and kept the story alive and moving. This author manages to bring to life some pretty deranged characters that live life with a completely different set of rules.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advance copy.

I always enjoy an unhinged, slightly psycho female character and this book definitely delivered on that. Jack kind of drove me crazy but I do understand he was put into quite a predicament and basically had no choice but to be a coward. Overall, it was a quick engaging read, but it kind of fell flat for me. I was hoping for a bit more excitement or twists but it just never happened in my opinion. It wasn’t bad at all, just not something I’ll think about in the future or find myself recommending.

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

2.5 stars. This was a quick, entertaining read. The main character, Jill is a deranged, kind of psychotic character. I found myself rooting for her, which is weird, but Jack seemed kind of weak. I think it would have been a more tense, interesting read if he was an equal match to her and her crazy actions. The ending did fall a little flat. I was expecting a little more, maybe a twist or something. The narration was fine for this story.

I was about halfway thru listening to this book and had issues with not being able to access it. Something happened it got archived and I downloaded it but some how could not access this book. It happened with at 3 audiobooks.

If you're looking for a thriller where justice is neatly served and every good guy comes out on top, this probably isn’t the one for you—but that’s exactly what made it so compelling to me. From the very beginning, we know who the villain is, and the story is told in part from her chilling point of view. That perspective added such a fascinating depth and moral murkiness. I really enjoyed following Jill, especially her interactions with her husband and child—they added emotional weight to the unfolding drama. The story switches between present and past timelines, letting the reader slowly piece together what really happened, which I found both engaging and effective.

This isn't one of those twist-heavy thrillers that leaves your jaw on the floor every few chapters. Instead, it’s filled with tension and a creeping sense of dread as suspicions get confirmed and secrets come to light. There are definitely twisty moments, but they feel more like satisfying reveals rather than shocking turns you’d never guess. It’s more about the slow burn and unraveling of motives and events, which I loved. I’d absolutely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a character-driven thriller with a unique narrative structure and a bit of moral ambiguity.

Jack and Jill are off on what Jill hopes will be a romantic getaway to Utah—a chance to reconnect. But things take a dark turn when an old, deadly secret comes to light and a notebook that could destroy everything.

This is a shorter read, which I appreciated. The characters were easy to follow, though I can’t say I really liked them. Jack came off as a bit of a coward (although he was in abit of a rock and hard place), and Jill was totally deranged (but who doesn't like a bit of a psycho wife). Jack’s got a secret, and now he needs that notebook back from Jill—fast.

What’s meant to be a romantic holiday quickly turns into a web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. I really enjoyed the clever nods to the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme!

It’s fast-paced with a bit of an edge. A solid read—not mind-blowing, but definitely entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Jill and Jack Tingley are college sweethearts. However, they’ve grown distant in recent years. Now that they are empty nesters with their daughter Maggie away at college, Jill suggests a road trip to help them reconnect. Jack is not excited about the road trip with his wife. He has only stayed in the marriage due to a shared secret of a tragedy he would rather keep buried. No matter what happens on the road trip, Jack is determined to file for divorce when they return. However, Jill will do anything to keep Jack.

This was a twisty revenge thriller. It is told from alternating points of view. Jill and Jack are each trying to outsmart the other. Many secrets are unveiled. Who will come out on top? Neither character was incredibly likable, to be honest. I didn’t know who to root for in the end. However, I enjoyed the narration by Marnye Young. I give this one 3 out of 5 stars.

I just finished listening to a good audiobook. Jill Is Not Happy by Kaira Rouda is available now. Check it out.

Jill is Not Happy is fun. Whats more fun to read about/listen to than deranged, and Jill checks all the boxes. You never know what she might do next, and Kaira Rouda’s latest is and addictive, all-consuming page turner. I’m hoping we haven’t seen the last of Jill, that she’ll be back with more of the best kind of crazy.

Jill Is Not Happy is a fast-paced, cat-and-mouse domestic thriller that’s pure popcorn fun—twisty, addictive, and absolutely made for summer. Jill and Jack’s road trip to save their crumbling marriage? Spoiler: it’s not exactly a second honeymoon. With secrets, manipulation, and some serious You (yes, the Netflix kind) vibes, this story leans into psychological suspense with a main character you’ll love to hate. Jill is...unhinged. I mean that in the best possible way. She’s calculating, creepy, and compelling. And her best friend’s name is Michelle, which happens to be my name. When Jill declares “Michelle is perfect?” Obviously the best line in the book. 😎💁🏼‍♀️

🎧 Narration Review: Marnie Young gives a strong solo performance that definitely adds to the tension. Her voice fits Jill’s character perfectly: polished, calm, with just enough of an edge to hint that something’s off. Although, I really wish there had been a second narrator for Jack’s POV. Without one, it was sometimes tricky to switch mental gears between characters. The flow was smooth overall, and I had no trouble following chapter transitions while listening. Still, a dual-narration would have elevated the emotional contrast between these two characters. If you love your thrillers with more of a “listen in one sitting” vibe, this one delivers. I listened to the audio while reading the physical copy, which definitely amped up the suspense.

📝 Final Thoughts: The plot isn’t loaded with shocking twists, but the tension simmers and escalates in a satisfying way. Fans of Kaira Rouda’s previous novels (Best Day Ever, The Next Wife) or readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with morally gray women (Behind Closed Doors, Verity, Pretty Things) will fly through this. This is the kind of book you toss in your beach bag and finish before the sun sets. Jill may not be happy, but readers of twisty thrillers just might be. 😉

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.75 out of 5, rounded to 3)
Jill Is Not Happy was a mixed bag for me—but there were definitely some standout elements.

What I liked:
The dual POV between Jill and her husband Jack worked well, and I appreciated the timeline shifts between past and present. It gave a fuller picture of their relationship and how they ended up where they are. Also, Jill being totally unhinged? Weirdly enjoyable.

What I didn’t love:
Jill had a little too much control over everyone, and it didn’t always feel believable. Some parts of the story needed more depth or explanation—too many loose ends were left dangling. And Jack was… fine. Just a bit too bland for me.

Not bad, but I was hoping for more.


**Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book for an honest review**

4.5⭐️ rounded up!
I really enjoyed this whole story! The way it was written was so clever and the twists were so good! I liked getting to figure things out as it played out & loved the pacing of going back and forth between the couple! Kaira does such a great job and making you despise Jill, in all the best ways. I’m really hoping for a sequel to this!
Thank you to NetGalley & High Bridge Audio for the advanced copy!

Jill and Jack seem like the perfect couple—until a road trip to Utah reveals just how far they've drifted apart. He's ready to leave the marriage behind, but Jill has other plans. Dark, twisty, and totally addictive, this cat-and-mouse thriller had me hooked from the first mile!

Just Published

Jack and Jill take turns telling their sides of the story, but with no relatable or sympathetic characters, it's like watching a car crash in slow motion and trying to care about what happens to the test dummies.

[(spoiler)Jill has some "issues". And she's hell bent on writing stories in her journal with a cute fluffy pen that hint at Jack's involvement in some crimes to keep him on a short leash. When Jack gets the idea to ask for a divorce, Jill goes scorched earth on him to bring him back in line.

This could've been cunning and creepy but instead felt like someone repeatedly trying to sneak up on you, only to doorbell ditch you. It gets repetitive and with no twists and with Jack fully aware that Jill is out to punish him, it's essentially a list of the various ways that Jill pokes Jack in his feels to keep him compliant. I also couldn't figure out what the Utah/religion backstory was all about. (hide spoiler)]

The narration was good, but a second narrator would've helped to distinguish the character in each chapter. Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for an audiobook ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.