The Next Wife

Written by Kaira Rouda

Narrated by Megan Tusing, Teri Clark Linden, Stephen Graybill and Rachel L. Jacobs

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

There is no limit to the lies, suspicion, and secrets that can poison the perfect marriage in this twisting novel of suspense by USA Today bestselling author Kaira Rouda.

Kate Nelson had it all. A flourishing company founded with her husband, John; a happy marriage; and a daughter, Ashlyn. The picture-perfect family. Until John left for another woman. Tish is half his age. Ambitious. She’s cultivated a friendship with Ashlyn. Tish believes she’s won.

She’s wrong.

Tish Nelson has it all. Youth, influence, a life of luxury, and a new husband. But the truth is, there’s a lot of baggage. Namely, his first wife—and suspicions of his infidelity. After all, that’s how she got John. Maybe it’s time for a romantic getaway, far from his vindictive ex. If Kate plans on getting John back, Tish is one step ahead of her.

She thinks.

But what happens next is something neither Kate nor Tish saw coming. As best-laid plans come undone, there’s no telling what a woman will do in the name of love—and revenge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: May 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781713559511

Kaira Rouda

Kaira Rouda is a USA TODAY bestselling, multiple award-winning author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Her domestic suspense novel, Best Day Ever, is a USA TODAY bestseller translated into more than eight languages. Her new novel,The Favorite Daughter, is available now. She lives in Washington, D.C., and Southern California and is at work on her next novel.

Reviews for The Next Wife

[Dedria Blunt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The plot and suspense kept me focused. I couldn’t wait to get to the end, and I definitely didn’t see that coming!

[sherri allbritton · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Ok, I finally finished the book, but it took a while. I just did not like any of the characters, but especially the daughter. Don’t know if it was the narrator voice, or just the character. She was a whiny, spoiled, entitled brat. Supposed to be 21, but acted about 15. And the 2nd wife can’t possibly be “smart enough” to get where she got but not change the locks, security code and reset password to the app. I don’t condone adultery, but John is the only one I felt for. EVERY woman in his life was menial, vindictive and selfish. Has potential to be a good book, just revamp the characters.

[Grace L · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

2.5⭐ rounded up.
The story started well, but pretty soon got boring and it went on and on without much happening really. I couldn't connect with any of the characters... John was a total douche, Tish a manipulator, Kate was an ice queen, and Ashlyn was a whiney cry baby.
In spite of all that it is an easy, fast read. Actually, I listened to the Audiobook version and I think it added a bit to the story except for the character of Ashlyn who seemed about to cry the whole time and by the end got on my nerves.
I rounded it up because of the epilogue which I wasn't expecting... Not that I had given it much thought, though.

[Gina Richardson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was mildly interesting, but overall a letdown. The author gave away too much too quickly, such that I felt there was nowhere left to go in the storyline. Even the “twist” felt underwhelming in the end.

[grandmak1022 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This was horrible!!! I quit listening before the end. Can’t believe I even lasted more than halfway through.

[Denise Mummert Peterman · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Just ok. I figured out the end half way through.

[Tammy Redman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's criminal, how much I LOVED the ending. Lol. Such a great story.

[Tracy Wisneski · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great read that will make you long for revenge. Perfect pacing and I enjoyed it tremendously!

[Natshedge · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book was filled with incessant internal ramblings of narcissistic and unlikeable characters. The writing style was very YA in some respects. Almost gave up many times, ended up pushing on through to the end, wasn't worth it.

[Palema · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Perfect for a B movie. Or Lifetime. In other words pretty ridiculous.

[Rlynoyb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

From the very beginning I had an idea about how this book would end and I was right. If you are expecting a twist, and you guess it like I did you will probably be a bit disappointed. I found the book entertaining but a bit predictable. I can't say I really liked any of the characters very much, they all had their foibles. Tish was rather easy to dislike the most and unfortunately I know women like her. This is why women need to be on the alert and a lot more aware than Kate was. I can't say that John was the biggest prize anyway, any man who thinks with their member instead of their brain is really not worth your time anyway. A good read if you need to see the other woman get what she deserves.

[bluecayuse · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I did listen to the WHOLE thing! Not sure why
If you looked at this as a satire and/or comedy-maybe you would like it better. I kept going thinking it might wrap up to show something interesting or unexpected-but nah, didn’t happen

[Cilica · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Until chapter 40 I quite liked the book. Then the story became meme-like. Daughter's accident who doesn't go to the hospital, boyfriend is dumb and unhelpful when daughter is scared...on and on. Pleased I listened till the end. All nasty characters :).