The Marriage Secret by Carey Baldwin
Published: February 11, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 302
Genre: Women’ Psychological Fiction
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Carey Baldwin is a dedicated pediatrician by day. By night she’s a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of edgy suspense. In addition to her MD, Carey also holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.
From the outside, my marriage to Zach was perfect: dream home, a perfect baby girl and passionate, all-consuming love. When we met, I confessed my darkest secret to him and he never judged me for it. Instead, he vowed to always protect me whatever the cost.
But as I cradle my gorgeous baby, I have to accept that the husband who used to be my everything, has changed. At first it was little things: expecting me to keep to a strict schedule, picking out my clothes for me. Now, he controls every aspect of my life: from how much money I have, to when I leave the house and who I can see.
One fateful night, a young woman is found murdered and Zach is a potential suspect. Turning towards me, a look of warmth returning to his eyes, he swears he’s innocent, and I realize there is only one solution. If I agree to be his alibi, he will keep my secret and our daughter can grow up in a loving home. In that moment, I do what any faithful wife would do: I stand by him.
But I know deep down, only one of us will make it out of this marriage alive.
“You’ll change your mind; just wait and see.”
Holly thought she had a perfect life, married to a successful doctor, a baby on the way. Sure, Zach, her husband, gets upset with her sometimes, and sure, he gives her the silent treatment… but he would never hurt her. Right?
The twist in the book gave me serious whiplash! I enjoyed the buildup and the plot, the characters, and the writing style.
Holly is sweet, soft, charming, and seems like the kind of person you’d want as a friend. Becoming a mother changed her, and her love for her daughter was fierce.
Zach is a complicated character. He can be charming and sweet when needed and volatile and cruel seconds later. He had the ego of someone very wealthy, which I found well done.
Detective Denton was a fantastic side character, and I enjoyed his interactions with the various characters. He was so well thought out and well developed.
Overall, this was a fast-paced novel that was hard to put down. The storyline grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until the end!
The intensity continues rising as the story wears on, and when the explosion happens, you find yourself reeling for a moment until the twisted clarity settles.
Secrets, they can be detrimental to relationships… and deadly in marriages.