I will never think of the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme the same. Neither Jack nor Jill can be trusted. They both carry damaging secrets that if revealed may alter their destiny in catastrophic ways for one and glorious ways for the other. Beware of Jill when she is not happy. Strange and sometimes deadly things occur and no one is safe from her wrath. The narrator expertly brought the story to life adding a layer of mystery and a sense of foreboding. There were numerous unexpected twists with a completely unpredictable ending. Thank you, NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for my audiobook.

Kaira Rouda’s Jill Is Not Happy is a gripping psychological thriller wrapped in the tense confines of a road trip between a crumbling couple. Narrated with sharp tension and nuance, the audiobook captures the simmering unease between Jill and Jack—college sweethearts whose marriage is unraveling under the weight of buried secrets and unspoken resentments.

Jill’s calculating determination and Jack’s reluctant bitterness make for a riveting cat-and-mouse game as they confront their past and each other. With suspense building steadily, listeners will find themselves hooked by the twists and emotional complexity. This story explores the dark side of love and loyalty, showing just how far someone might go to hold on to what they think they can’t live without.

Roundabout does a fantastic job keeping you on the edge of your seat. Truly enjoyed this one and will continue to be an auto-buy.

Dark domestic drama — like a train wreck.

Jack and Jill, oh my. I challenge you to find two more despicable unlikable characters. These two were definitely made for each other. Jill knows that, but Jack must be having some sort of life crisis cause he’s gone off the rails. A new woman in his life? Jill thinks not. After all, Jill knows that this is a marriage made in heaven, well maybe not there, but she sure isn’t going to let anything break them apart.

There is so much in this novel where you just shake your head at the thought of people behaving like this. I couldn’t stand either Jack or Jill as each had bad intentions. Thank heavens Jill had her special notebook to ensure Jack follows the rules. Her rules. I am guessing that many felt bad for Jack and thought Jill the worst of the pair. I disagree. He’s one of those that garners sympathy and such because people feel bad for him. The daughter, Maggie, well I do not like when any parent commandeers a child and involves them in their adult relationship no matter how old they are. Bad on Jack. For awhile I was worried (yeah I know I’m always on the bad side) that they were both going to end up in jail or kill each other. But they truly do deserve one another.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. The narrator, Marnye Young. She was OK, but honestly, it was a huge disappointment as her male and female voice for Jack and Jill were interchangeable. She never sounded like a man. This is one of those that definitely would have benefited from having a male narrator. Usually the audio enhances my enjoyment of a book but this production was not as good as I’d hoped for.

Jill is Not Happy is a fast-paced, delightfully dark, and very twisty thriller by author Kaira Rouda. Jack and Jill are a married couple who, from the outside looking in, seem to have everything and are living in a perfect marriage. They're college sweethearts who appear to have everything that empty nesters strive for- successful careers, a grown daughter in college, and a great marriage. Look closer and you'll learn that they are NOT as happy as they appear. In fact, Jack is ready for a divorce and Jill will do anything to keep that from happening.
They both have secrets that they need to keep in the past, including a mutual tragedy that would ruin them both if the truth ever came to the surface. That shared tragedy leads to several other huge life events and more secrets in their pasts that are slowly uncovered throughout the story, which elevates the suspense and tension between Jack and Jill. Jill decides that what they need is a roadtrip through Utah to reconnect and rekindle their spark to get their marriage back on track. Jack doesn't want to go, but Jill will not take no for an answer. She has this trip perfectly planned out, with lots of surprises along the way for Jack!
This is my first Kaira Rouda book, but it won't be my last! I listened to the audiobook version. Marnye Young portrays Jill perfectly! The only thing that could possibly have been better would have been dual narration!
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for my advanced copy! All opinions stated in this review are my own.

Some parts 3 stars, some 4, some 2. Averaged out at a 3. This is a very typical Kaira Rouda popcorn thriller with people doing terrible things and you just don't want to look away.

Jill and her husband Jack (yes, Jack and Jill) have been together since college, and now that their daughter Maggie is away at college, she has planned a road trip to Utah for herself and Jack. But Jack wants out of the marriage and out from under Jill's control. It's tricky, because Jill keeps a written record of wrongs committed by the both of them, and that evidence could sink them both. As they embark on their trip, it's a back and forth psychological battle to see who will come out getting what they want.

Oh my, this is a wild ride. Filled with awful people doing awful things. I went from rooting for Jack to get away from Jill, to disliking him and then back to rooting for him again. Neither one is innocent of misdeeds, and Jill does not let Jack forget it. Yet Jack is such a wimp a lot of the time letting her run over him.

I listened to the audiobook and I really loved Marnye Young's narration. She gives Jill the perfect amount of unhinged fervor, but also the calm, not-sure-what-she-will-do-next control that seems ready to boil over. I just couldn't stop listening!

Kaira Rouda has made a name for herself as the queen of the popcorn thrillers, and readers who enjoy her style will not be disappointed with this one.

Let me start off by saying Jill is Not Happy is the perfect title for this book. Jill is a miserable woman with absolutely no redeeming qualities. She has managed to keep her claws in Jack all of these years, but when he tries to break free, Jill unleashes every hellish thing you can imagine on him. While I kept wondering where this one was going, it did not grab me as well as it did others. Since I listened to this one, I wish it had a male narrator for Jack's parts as I would get confused on which POV we were on. Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for a chance to listen to this one in exchange for an honest review.

It took a while (about 50% through the book) before the storyline started to grip me. Once it started, I COULD NOT STOP. I enjoyed the dual POV, but I feel as though I would have enjoyed it more reading it with a book/ebook instead of audiobook. Writing wise, I enjoyed it and the author did an amazing job! Narration wise, I think she did a good job but having the same narrator for each POV really got confusing especially because there was no differentiating between characters. If you zoned out for even a second, it was difficult to pick back up which character was the one talking.

Have you ever wanted to get back at your husband for all his transgressions? Especially when he wants to file for divorce and you have been the perfect wife? Meet Jack and Jill. Their marriage appears perfect on the outside, but it is far from that, and now they are headed off on a road trip to Utah to reconnect. Their story is a quick, fun read, delivered in both POVs, in alternating chapters. I liked hearing from both Jack and Jill as it really filled out their story completely. Jill is definitely NOT happy! I absolutely love this title for the book as it is so fitting. She definitely wants to be happy though, and will do just about anything to ensure their marriage survives.

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Marnye Young, and while I liked her voice, there was very little distinction between the characters of Jack and Jill. At times this created confusion for me as to whose POV I was listening to. Once I figured this out I made sure to pay better attention to the start of each chapter to hear either Jack or Jill's name. I did appreciate the 'everything is perfect'/airy attitude that Marnye gave to Jill's voice as it was very appropriate for what I envisioned her state of mind to be.

Thank you NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the DLC in exchange for my honest review.

“Jill is not Happy” is a slow-burn psychological thriller that quietly gets under your skin. The main characters are in a toxic marriage that is filled with dark secrets.
This a binge worthy book that will keep you on edge until the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

JIll is Not Happy is a fantastic domestic thriller.
Jill acts like her marriage is perfect.
Jack is telling his long term girlfriend they will finally be together.
This dual POV has you wondering which narrator is reliable. And why are Jill and her husband Jack REALLY still married?

Thank you HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for me honest review.

the setup…
Jack and Jill Tingley (yes, it’s cute) have been married since they met in college. To their Southern California world, their marriage is enviable and rock solid. But behind closed doors, they’ve grown apart, especially now that their daughter is off at college. Jill decides that a road trip to Utah will be the thing to reignite their relationship. Jack reluctantly agrees even though he’s got more than one foot out the door having met with a divorce lawyer. He’s only stayed because of a shared deadly secret and you better believe Jill will use that as leverage.

the heart of the story…
You learn early on that Jill is all kinds of cray-cray but the smart, cunning type that does it with a smile. That trip to Utah had danger written all over it, knowing that if Jack fell down that proverbial hill Jill probably pushed him. Throughout the story the secrets of their past are slowly revealed and I got why Jack felt he needed an escape plan.

the narration…
Marnye Young was perfect as Jill, capturing that gleeful veneer covering the diabolical planning. I wish there’d been a second narrator for Jack as it was sometimes hard to distinguish the two. But the storytelling was top notch.

the bottom line…
Get your popcorn ready because this was one hard to tear away psychological ride. Jill is über clever and I was rooting for her to get caught. Every time I thought I knew what was coming she threw a change up and then a curveball. The twists just kept on coming and Jack seemed clueless at times. I had such a good time and nothing prepared me for that ending.

I loved to hate both of the main characters in this book. I really was just hanging on to find out what happens to them on this trip and the aftermath of the mess they have both made of their lives. Honestly, they probably deserve each other for getting wrapped up in all the drama that enfolds. Yikes for cringy relationships for sure. I received the audiobook as an advance and really enjoyed it. However, I will say that I do prefer the male chapters to be read with a male voice. This is just how most audiobooks are done now but here again...personal preference. It was just a little confusing at first when I got the MMC chapter and had to rewind a bit to tell that it was from his perspective. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for the ALC!

The queen of thrills and dark humor, Kaira Rouda (favorite), author of the popular Best Day Ever, The Next Wife, The Second Mrs. Strom, and The Favorite Daughter, returns with another deliciously wicked, sinister, and twisted domestic thriller, JILL IS NOT HAPPY.

Prepare for a thrilling roller coaster ride as you embark on an entertaining game of cat-and-mouse to discover which spouse will outsmart the other. My bet is on Jill, a woman who always gets what she wants, no matter the cost.

About...

Jill and Jack met in college. Jill was immediately drawn to him and was determined to make him hers, even if it meant resorting to manipulation, blackmail, and even murder. Her happiness was all that mattered to her.

However, they are now married, years later, and their daughter, Maggie, is away at boarding school. Jill still loves Jack, but it has become complicated.

However, she will fix them. She always does. She lets everyone believe they are the perfect couple. The perfect family. The charming home.

Jill is a freelance writer. Jack is a skilled communicator both with his small law firm and as a politician. Everyone at the magazine loves her stories. But Jack lost the election. There was a scandal.

But behind closed doors, Jill is NOT happy. He is not the Jack she fell in love with. They are good at getting themselves out of trouble. Jack is misbehaving. She is always one step ahead of them. She will fix this.

She is planning a road trip to Utah. They will rekindle their love. Right?

However, Jack has something else in mind. He wants nothing more than to leave the marriage and not go to Utah. With Daddy's girl safely tucked away in Santa Cruz, Daddy has turned back into Jack. Jack has drifted, and that drives Jill crazy.

Jill needs to ensure that Jack reverts to the person she fell in love with in college. They have been married for 21 years. The love of her life. Not someone else.

After all, he is the only man she has ever loved or will love. Jill dislikes anyone who conspires against her. She will not allow him to step outside the marriage. Does he realize what she has done for him?

Jill manipulates. She controls. Jack must find that notebook that could ruin him. He must be able to video record her admitting her deceit and misdeeds.

Let the unpredictable, sinister games begin. How will this trip, filled with twists and turns, conclude?

My thoughts...

A captivating page-turner! Kaira Rouda, you devil, how you skillfully capture the devious minds of the most scandalous and troubled marriages. From past to present, we hear from the perspectives of Jack and Jill, as they unravel their journey from courtship to marriage, revenge, and the tumultuous present.

A slick, edgy, sinister game of cat and mouse, and Rouda pulls out all the stops with her dark, sinister humor that will keep you entertained between this husband and wife duo.

Dark and satisfying, fans of Gone Girl (vibes), you better get JILL IS NOT HAPPY on your list. Neither party is especially likable, but naughty and witty. I do believe Jill is the worst, and I'm not sure Jack can get one over on his psycho wife.

A read-in-one-sitting, you will be assured to keep the pages turning to find out what surprises Jill comes up with next to keep Jack in line. But Jack does have some secrets of his own.

A massive fan of the author, I have read all her books. She never ceases to come up with another brilliant plot and characters you love to hate.

You must sign up for Kaira's newsletters. I get the biggest kick out of reading, and you'll laugh out loud as the characters take over the newsletter. Bonus: We also hear from her dog.

Another fabulous popcorn psychological thriller from the queen of dark humor, domestic conflict, and dysfunction in a marriage. I love her style! I hope we hear from the duo again.

Audiobook...

I had the pleasure of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Marnye Young, who delivered an outstanding performance with the character Jill, which I enjoyed; however, I think it would have been even better with two narrators (male and female) for Jack's portion.

Recs...

JILL IS NOT HAPPY is for fans of the author, Gone Girl, Liv Constantine, Frieda McFadden, Jenova Rose, Victoria Helen Stone, and Kimberly Belle. The last part reminded me a little of Blake Crouch's Letty Dobesh in Good Behaviour (loved).

Thanks to Scarlet and NetGalley for a gifted advanced review copy, and to Highbridge Audio for an advance listening copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 10, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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I can't believe this book doesn't have higher ratings. Talk about an unhinged woman! Who needs enemies when you have a spouse like Jack or Jill?? This book is a total page-turner! "Jill Is Not Happy" by Kaira Rouda is a domestic thriller that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go. Jill appears to have the perfect life – a successful husband, beautiful home, and all the trappings of success. But beneath the surface, things are far from perfect, and Jill is, well, not happy. With their marriage struggling, Jack and Jill take a vacation to try and reignite the spark in their marriage. The weekend does not go as Jill planned.

While Jill think she knows all of Jack's secrets, we soon discover that is not the case. Jack and Jill are both harboring some really dark and sinister secrets. As the story unfolds, you realize just how many secrets and deceptions are lurking, and it becomes a thrilling ride trying to figure out who is manipulating whom. Who will come out on top? Or will they each be the other's downfall?

Jack and Jill are some of the most devious main characters that I've ever seen in a domestic thriller. This book was full of so many twists and turns that I audibly gasped multiple times while listening. Everything I love in a thriller was present in this book...unreliable narrators, main characters I loved to hate, an engrossing plot, and dual timelines and POVs. I highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list if you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that keep you guessing up until the end!

The narrator, Marnye Young, did a great job narrating this story and bringing the main characters to life.

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

Thank you to High Bridge Audio for the gifted audiobook!

WOW- this was such a fun binge read! I could NOT put this down once I started listening to it!

I loved the dual perspectives between husband and wife, Jack and Jill (and their names LOL)! I do wish for audiobook purposes that Jack and Jill had a male and female narrator instead of just one narrator for both, it made it a little harder to differentiate which POV I was in, but that's not to say the narrator didn't do a great job!

The ending of this book was insane and so much fun! To say Jill is not happy is the understatement of the year; Jill is cray cray and I was there for it!

This is the perfect slump-busting, palette cleansing thriller to binge in one sitting!

Tell me why I love this girl and her cute Utah impressions. We have coffee here. I mean I do, half of us do. We do in Ogden.
I love this author! I love Jill and her craziness. The Utah culture stuff is silly and exaggerated but it made me laugh so I liked it. It was also weird and twisty. Not bad at all. Love the narration!

This is a fun cat and most story of perhaps the worst married couple ever, Jack and Jill. The story bounces between the two characters and neither of them is particularly likable. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, especially Jill who narrates much of this story. Jack is cheating on his wife and planning on leaving her. He’s going to break the news on the trip to Utah. Meanwhile Jill has planned their trip to bring them back together even if she has to help things along. The story also bounces around in time showing the beginning of their story and the present. It was a quick read and very fun. A perfect summer beach read thriller.

Thank you to Highbridge Audio, Scarlet, and NetGalley for the ARC audiobook in exchange for feedback.
Holy Smokes, what a ride! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire listen! Jill is married to Jack, and plans a romantic weekend to try and get their marriage back on track. But Jack has a girlfriend and is wanting to divorce Jill. It's a bit hard to believe that one couple could get themselves into so many predicaments, but Jill has it all documented in her notebook. It's fun to see how Jill outsmarts everyone she comes in contact with.
The narrator helped bring the Jill character to life, would recommend to my fellow readers. I wonder how long Jill will stay happy?
#HighbridgeAudio #KairaRouda #NetGalley #TheKillerAuthorClub

An enjoyable quick read with some twists and turns. Not a ton of substance but a fun read. I find her books to be a quick palate cleanser