I've previously read Ina Nara's work, and this one continues in the same vein - a psychological thriller with a sci-fi esq undertone, that focusses on the dark side of relationships and emotions - I truly enjoyed it!

'A happy wife' features Ivy, who has a complicated backstory, and ends up married to a man where they are both neural chipped to ensure that they stay in love. This brings up all kind of complications when Ivy starts to have doubts/mistrust him, but the chip promotes emotions of love completely confusing the matter! Following Ivy's thought patterns alongside the gas-lighting, and her confusion was a whirlwind of a ride, and even though as a character, I didn't emotionally connect with her, I was absolutely fascinated to see what would happen next!

The chapters were super short, kind of similiar to Freida McFadden's style of writing, and made for a great book to dip and dive out of in the evenings, although I often found that I kept reading because I was curious to see where it was going. The twists at the end didn't disappoint, and overall I really enjoyed the read.

I'm so grateful that I got to read this early as an arc copy, and would recommend it to psychological thriller fans, especially if you like complicated characters, and something a bit extra - the neural chip idea made it so unique!

A Happy Wife is a gripping psychological thriller that seemingly heads towards the sci-fi genre and keeps you immersed the entire story.


The story follows Ivy Knight, a woman who was microchipped and programmed along with her husband, Ivan, to love each other forever, but she begins to have doubts after discovering something that had been hidden. Along the way she discovers the people around her are not what they seem and her home and "happy" life begin to crumble as all the lies become unraveled.

This novel is great for fans of Frieda McFadden's The Housemaid as the writing is sharp and the story is expertly woven with many twists that you don't see at first. There's also the underlying question of how far should we go with science, technology, and health to achieve perfection and happiness.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as I was needing a break from the romantasy that I had been consuming so this was the perfect "palate cleanser". I think Nara's writing is brilliant from what I've seen in this book and can't wait to read other works by her.

A Happy Wife is a chilling, speculative thriller that tiptoes along the edge of dystopia and domestic suspense. Ina L. Nara invites us into a world where love isn’t just promised—it’s programmed.

The story follows a woman who escapes a life of invisibility and hardship by marrying Ivan, a man who offers her not just comfort, but a neural implant designed to guarantee eternal love. At first, it seems like salvation. But beneath the surface of her luxury apartment and picture-perfect smiles, something sinister simmers. When she stumbles upon a secret she was never meant to see, the illusion begins to crack—and the only way out may be death.

Nara’s writing is sleek and emotionally charged, with a voice that’s both vulnerable and razor-sharp. The speculative twist adds a layer of eerie plausibility, making you wonder how far we’d go to secure happiness—or control it. Fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin will feel right at home, but Nara carves out her own space with a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is addictive.

A Happy Wife is perfect for readers who love their thrillers with a psychological edge and a touch of sci-fi unease. It’s unsettling in the best way.

With thanks Ina L Nara, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

If NetGalley allowed half stars I would rate this 3.5 stars. I absolutely loved the short chapters, it really helped me stay engaged in the book and helped get me to say "just one more chapter". It was a very easy to digest plot. The MFC was pretty cringe at times but overall it was a fun, fast read.

whooahhhh! what a book! Totally absorbing from the get-go, twisty and thrilling at the same time, thoroughly identifiable characters. Loved it!! Download/read this today!!!