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My Husband's Wife
Five years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife.
‘Thank you for agreeing to be our wedding planner. Theo is on his way,’ Madison says as we meet to plan her dream wedding. The moment her fiancé enters the room, a newborn baby in his arms, my whole world shifts and I grab hold of my desk to stop myself from falling.
Theo shakes my hand as he introduces himself, but I already know who he is. He’s my husband. The man I thought had died five years ago.
‘Lovely to meet you, Eva,’ he says, carefully avoiding my frozen stare. I’d recognise his smooth voice anywhere.
I want to scream, ask him why he’s doing this to me. But I know just how good a liar my husband is. And he knows my darkest secret. I can’t risk him destroying everything I’ve worked so hard for.
At the end of the meeting, I watch the happy little family walk away, and I don’t miss Theo’s eyes staring at me just a second too long. He knows I’m onto him. But only I know what I’m going to do next…
Readers who loved The Housemaid , The Perfect Marriage and Gone Girl will love the jaw-dropping twist in this absolutely gripping psychological thriller.
‘Thank you for agreeing to be our wedding planner. Theo is on his way,’ Madison says as we meet to plan her dream wedding. The moment her fiancé enters the room, a newborn baby in his arms, my whole world shifts and I grab hold of my desk to stop myself from falling.
Theo shakes my hand as he introduces himself, but I already know who he is. He’s my husband. The man I thought had died five years ago.
‘Lovely to meet you, Eva,’ he says, carefully avoiding my frozen stare. I’d recognise his smooth voice anywhere.
I want to scream, ask him why he’s doing this to me. But I know just how good a liar my husband is. And he knows my darkest secret. I can’t risk him destroying everything I’ve worked so hard for.
At the end of the meeting, I watch the happy little family walk away, and I don’t miss Theo’s eyes staring at me just a second too long. He knows I’m onto him. But only I know what I’m going to do next…
Readers who loved The Housemaid , The Perfect Marriage and Gone Girl will love the jaw-dropping twist in this absolutely gripping psychological thriller.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2025
1412 people are currently reading
6932 people want to read
About the author
Carla Kovach
34 books1,103 followersCarla Kovach was born in Birmingham, UK and now resides in Redditch, Worcestershire. Author of supernatural drama 'Flame,' psychological thriller 'To Let,' crime thriller 'Whispers Beneath the Pines, and romantic comedy 'Meet Me at Marmaris Castle.' Carla also writes stage and screen plays, some of which have been produced in the Worcestershire area.
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Her new novel 'The Next Girl,' is available for preorder now. (Published by Bookouture).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
September 7, 2025
This book definitely delivers on mystery. Eva sees her dead husband, Theo, and follows him, only to discover he seems to have started a new family.
But while the idea was brilliant, the execution dragged a bit. The story felt like it just kept circling, and Eva’s backstory with mental breakdowns didn’t quite click for me here. Still, I enjoyed the ride, and the characters had enough spark to keep me turning pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
But while the idea was brilliant, the execution dragged a bit. The story felt like it just kept circling, and Eva’s backstory with mental breakdowns didn’t quite click for me here. Still, I enjoyed the ride, and the characters had enough spark to keep me turning pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
September 14, 2025
The premise of this book was compelling yet contrived:
A widow discovers her deceased husband is still alive when his fiancée retains the widow to plan their wedding. (Huh?)
Yes, very contrived!
The first half of this book was stronger than the convoluted, eye-rolling, and OTT second half.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Karen Cass.
Even though Karen Cass did a superb job with the book's narration, the book unfolded from two POVs and, therefore, could have used a second narrator.
UGH!
My NetGalley ARC request to review this book was declined.
😭😭😭😭😭
Perhaps the publisher knew I would give an honest 2-star review?
September 28, 2025
Eva’s husband is dead, or is he? The premise was intriguing and kept me engaged. I enjoyed how the plot unfolded from Eva and Madison’s POV. There was a lot to keep track of, but I had fun being along for the ride. Karen Cass masterfully brought the story to life adding emotion, intensity, and suspense. The last sentence was chilling. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
August 6, 2025
I'm not sure how I feel about this one.
The reason behind everything was remarkably simple and straightforward. However, the machinations we go through to get to that point are overly convoluted.
I only liked one of our wives - the other characters in the book were kind of exhausting. I also didn't understand why our 10 year old boy talked like a mix of a 5 year old and a 70 year old retired college professor.
The book did keep me reading, if only because I was hoping against hope that there would be some good reason behind everything.
Didn't love it. Didn't hate it.
The reason behind everything was remarkably simple and straightforward. However, the machinations we go through to get to that point are overly convoluted.
I only liked one of our wives - the other characters in the book were kind of exhausting. I also didn't understand why our 10 year old boy talked like a mix of a 5 year old and a 70 year old retired college professor.
The book did keep me reading, if only because I was hoping against hope that there would be some good reason behind everything.
Didn't love it. Didn't hate it.
March 11, 2026
My Husband’s Wife by Carla Kovach
What would you do when you swear that the man that just walked into the room with his fiancé is your deceased husband? That’s the situation Eva finds herself in when her new client Madison walks in with her soon to be husband Theo.
The story is told from Eva’s point of view for about 3/4 of the book with the last section being mainly Madison but others thrown in. The ending is a bit confusing and I had to reread it to get it all straight.
For me this was more of a three pushing three and a half because the ending was just so quick that it had to be reread to completely get it. Parts drug, but the ending was full speed. While I definitely figured out most of the twists, which I enjoyed, there were still several I didn’t expect. The writing could use a little work but I still enjoyed the fast paced story. I think with a bit of tweaking, this could have been much better and a solid five but just missed the mark with the writing style being a bit off.
I would recommend this as a fast read as I finished it in a day. I will definitely check out some of her other books.
What would you do when you swear that the man that just walked into the room with his fiancé is your deceased husband? That’s the situation Eva finds herself in when her new client Madison walks in with her soon to be husband Theo.
The story is told from Eva’s point of view for about 3/4 of the book with the last section being mainly Madison but others thrown in. The ending is a bit confusing and I had to reread it to get it all straight.
For me this was more of a three pushing three and a half because the ending was just so quick that it had to be reread to completely get it. Parts drug, but the ending was full speed. While I definitely figured out most of the twists, which I enjoyed, there were still several I didn’t expect. The writing could use a little work but I still enjoyed the fast paced story. I think with a bit of tweaking, this could have been much better and a solid five but just missed the mark with the writing style being a bit off.
I would recommend this as a fast read as I finished it in a day. I will definitely check out some of her other books.
September 9, 2025
My Husband's Wife is an unputdownable thriller that I read in 1 day! I knew a Carla Kovach book was going to be awesome, but I loved this book. This book is told from multiple POV's and trying to figure out the truth about what's going on is impossible. That kept me glued to the book unable to stop reading as each new twist was revealed. Eva and her husband Hugo are happily married with a young boy at the beginning of the book. The book skips ahead 5 years and Eva and her son are on their own as Hugo has died. Eva has moved to a coastal town and is working as a wedding planner which she loves.
Madison and Theo are engaged and so ready to get married. They are meeting with a wedding planner today to plan out the details. As Eva is waiting for her next couple, Madison walks in and thanks her for agreeing to be their wedding planner. She says that Theo is on his way. When Theo arrives carrying their newborn daughter, Emily, Eva can't believe her eyes. She starts to sway as she is looking into the face of her dead husband. Theo can't be Hugo though because he died 5 years ago! The voice is the same and everything. How can this be?
Eva knows what a good liar Hugo was and can't risk him blowing up her new life with the secret he knows about her. Eva doesn't say anything, but as the happy family leaves she notices Theo looking at her a bit too long. Theo knows that she knows he's Hugo, but is he? This book will grab you and not let go! Trust me, I could not put this book down and kept putting off things I should've been doing. My Husband's Wife will draw you in, and with each new twist, keep you reading more and more. If you love a thriller that you can't figure out easily, this is the book for you! I rate My Husband's Wife 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is out now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of My Husband's Wife in exchange for a fair review. #MyHusbandsWife
Madison and Theo are engaged and so ready to get married. They are meeting with a wedding planner today to plan out the details. As Eva is waiting for her next couple, Madison walks in and thanks her for agreeing to be their wedding planner. She says that Theo is on his way. When Theo arrives carrying their newborn daughter, Emily, Eva can't believe her eyes. She starts to sway as she is looking into the face of her dead husband. Theo can't be Hugo though because he died 5 years ago! The voice is the same and everything. How can this be?
Eva knows what a good liar Hugo was and can't risk him blowing up her new life with the secret he knows about her. Eva doesn't say anything, but as the happy family leaves she notices Theo looking at her a bit too long. Theo knows that she knows he's Hugo, but is he? This book will grab you and not let go! Trust me, I could not put this book down and kept putting off things I should've been doing. My Husband's Wife will draw you in, and with each new twist, keep you reading more and more. If you love a thriller that you can't figure out easily, this is the book for you! I rate My Husband's Wife 5 stars with my highest recommendation. The book is out now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of My Husband's Wife in exchange for a fair review. #MyHusbandsWife
September 3, 2025
My Husband’s Wife by Carla Kovach was such a ride! From the very first chapter, it had that twisty, “just one more chapter” vibe that makes it so hard to put down. I wouldn’t call it entirely realistic—there were definitely a few moments where I had to just roll with it and suspend my disbelief—but honestly, that didn’t take away from how fun and bingeable it was. Plus, if I wanted things completely realistic, I’d pick up some non-fiction.
Karen Cass absolutely nailed the narration. She brought the right amount of tension and emotion to every scene, making the story even more gripping. I think her performance is a big part of why I ended up finishing the whole thing in just one day.
If you like domestic thrillers with lots of secrets, a few shocking turns, and a pace that keeps you engaged, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Big thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy—I had a great time with this one!
Karen Cass absolutely nailed the narration. She brought the right amount of tension and emotion to every scene, making the story even more gripping. I think her performance is a big part of why I ended up finishing the whole thing in just one day.
If you like domestic thrillers with lots of secrets, a few shocking turns, and a pace that keeps you engaged, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Big thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy—I had a great time with this one!
September 6, 2025
3.5⭐️ Eva lost her husband 5 years ago and has since remarried. Then she ‘meets’ him again with his new wife. What??!!
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was hooked pretty early on and the pace kept me engaged. Although I guessed some of the reveals, there were still a few surprises. Eva and Madison weren’t the easiest characters to cheer on. They made poor decisions and missed some red flags in their personal lives, but all of the drama certainly made this a quick and entertaining read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was hooked pretty early on and the pace kept me engaged. Although I guessed some of the reveals, there were still a few surprises. Eva and Madison weren’t the easiest characters to cheer on. They made poor decisions and missed some red flags in their personal lives, but all of the drama certainly made this a quick and entertaining read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
Gosh another wild ride!!!! This one was such a good domestic thriller and I couldn’t get enough of it!!! I loved had multi povs and on top of that getting a scene from 2 separate POVs always makes it so much juicier to me. This one had some crazy twists and it definitely had some realistic reactions to things which seems to be rare in thrillers. Definitely a crazy fast read that will keep you turning pages til the end. And the ending!!!!! Thanks for such a fun ride!
September 4, 2025
Wooowee. Couldn’t put this down. Had no clue what was going on or how this would resolve. I definitely didn’t know what way was up by the end. I loved loved loved the narrator, which added to my enjoyment. Definitely a must-read if you love psyche thrillers
SUMMARY: MC is newly married; it is her second marriage after her first husband died by suicide 5y ago. She’s started a new job as a wedding planner and the first couple to come in is a hairdresser and her first husband, only he’s going by a new name and doesn’t recognize her. MC spends the rest of the book trying to prove he is her first husband. In other chapters, the hairdresser is living her life and grows more and more suspicious about her fiance. She starts looking for answers.
4.25-4.5 stars
Thanks netgalley for my ALC
SUMMARY: MC is newly married; it is her second marriage after her first husband died by suicide 5y ago. She’s started a new job as a wedding planner and the first couple to come in is a hairdresser and her first husband, only he’s going by a new name and doesn’t recognize her. MC spends the rest of the book trying to prove he is her first husband. In other chapters, the hairdresser is living her life and grows more and more suspicious about her fiance. She starts looking for answers.
4.25-4.5 stars
Thanks netgalley for my ALC
September 1, 2025
This ARC was provided from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
With engaging characters, distinct perspectives, and perfectly paced storytelling, this book pulled me in from the start. The twists were unpredictable and kept me hooked until the very end. 4.25 ⭐️
With engaging characters, distinct perspectives, and perfectly paced storytelling, this book pulled me in from the start. The twists were unpredictable and kept me hooked until the very end. 4.25 ⭐️
August 7, 2025
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NG & Carla Kovach
-My Husbands Wife-
Instant page turner. Anxiety inducing, thrilling & simply chefs kiss.
Through each chapter you literally don’t know what’s real and what’s not. You lean one way and then another. It’s a mind maze.
“I owe you this much. The truth is dangerous”
This book will keep you guessing until the end.
The plots and twists were stellar. They just kept coming. I’m hoping that maybe there’s a second book to this. I love it.
Thank you NG & Carla Kovach
-My Husbands Wife-
Instant page turner. Anxiety inducing, thrilling & simply chefs kiss.
Through each chapter you literally don’t know what’s real and what’s not. You lean one way and then another. It’s a mind maze.
“I owe you this much. The truth is dangerous”
This book will keep you guessing until the end.
The plots and twists were stellar. They just kept coming. I’m hoping that maybe there’s a second book to this. I love it.
September 3, 2025
If you think you can crack this one, I wish you the best of luck because this audiobook is truly a wild ride! The narrator's upbeat personality had me hooked from start to finish, and it was tough to hit pause whenever I needed to. What an experience!
Five years after believing her husband was dead, Eva sees him at a wedding planning meeting, now with a new wife and a baby. Shocked, she recognizes him but holds back from confronting him due to their shared secret. As he leaves, she realizes he knows she recognizes him, prompting her to plan her next steps carefully.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view, giving us a unique perspective on the same timeline. Don’t worry; it might seem repetitive, but you’re seeing it through someone else's eyes. The narrative is dynamic and fast-paced. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I highly recommend the audiobook; it’s brilliantly produced!
I don't want to give too much away, but you'll find yourself constantly guessing about Theo and the reasons behind his fake death. Curiosity will also pull you in regarding Eva and Madison. This plot is busy and intricately crafted, definitely thought-provoking. I’m not a fan of characters that drive me crazy, and often in books, some characters are too complacent, allowing others to manipulate them too easily. However, this story is packed with action and surprises, and even though it keeps you guessing, it delivers a satisfying and logical conclusion!
Writing this review without revealing too much is quite a challenge! I strongly encourage you to give it a read and share your thoughts afterward. This story is upbeat, rife with lies and deceit, yet also showcases women’s solidarity and deep connections, all intertwined with some serious trauma for the characters. You'll just have to dive in and form your own opinions and predictions!
Thank you, Bookouture Audio, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Five years after believing her husband was dead, Eva sees him at a wedding planning meeting, now with a new wife and a baby. Shocked, she recognizes him but holds back from confronting him due to their shared secret. As he leaves, she realizes he knows she recognizes him, prompting her to plan her next steps carefully.
The story unfolds through multiple points of view, giving us a unique perspective on the same timeline. Don’t worry; it might seem repetitive, but you’re seeing it through someone else's eyes. The narrative is dynamic and fast-paced. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I highly recommend the audiobook; it’s brilliantly produced!
I don't want to give too much away, but you'll find yourself constantly guessing about Theo and the reasons behind his fake death. Curiosity will also pull you in regarding Eva and Madison. This plot is busy and intricately crafted, definitely thought-provoking. I’m not a fan of characters that drive me crazy, and often in books, some characters are too complacent, allowing others to manipulate them too easily. However, this story is packed with action and surprises, and even though it keeps you guessing, it delivers a satisfying and logical conclusion!
Writing this review without revealing too much is quite a challenge! I strongly encourage you to give it a read and share your thoughts afterward. This story is upbeat, rife with lies and deceit, yet also showcases women’s solidarity and deep connections, all intertwined with some serious trauma for the characters. You'll just have to dive in and form your own opinions and predictions!
Thank you, Bookouture Audio, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2025
My Husband‘s Wife by Carla Kovach, after the death of Eva‘s husband Hugo Eva struggled and just like in her past almost had a breakdown. When she started going to group for those in mourning she met Zach who lost his brother and they soon fall in love he’s even gotten really close to Eva son Kayden. this is why when the book starts they’re packing up to move to Combe Martin. this is where Eva will become the wedding planner at the Seahorse hotel and where to her knowledge the nightmare will begin. When a woman named Madison comes in with her fiancé Eva is shocked to see it is her husband Hugo although Madison calls him Theo. and except for a slight widening of his eyes shows no proof that he knows Eva. She’s also become friends with a woman name Nicole who Zach wants Eva to stop hanging around with. since moving to their new beachfront property Hugo’s appearance although thought dead isn’t the only thing she learns about one of her husbands that is shocking. She was supposed to have a second chance with Zack but does he have ulterior motives for being with her and why won’t anyone believe Theo is really Hugo? with most books I find really really good it is always hard to write a review and I have found that to be the case with this book. This book was so good and although yes we do have people coming back from the dead possibly and people who presumably are strangers seem to all be connected in one way or another this was still an awesome read I love thrillers with great twist and this book has twist on top of twist I think the author did a great job and this is a book I definitely recommend. if you love a good thriller then you shouldn’t miss my husband‘s wife it is so good. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #CarlaKovach, #MyHusband‘sWife,
August 31, 2025
This was an ok book but I found it repetitive at parts and rather predictable. It centers primarily on Eva, who has moved on with her new husband Zach after the death of her previous husband Hugo. They move to a new area for a change of pace when she meets a man that she thinks is Hugo through her job as a wedding planner. We learn that she has had some issues in the past and is also going through some stuff in her current marriage so it’s unclear if she is a reliable narrator. We also get chapters told from the POV of Madison, who is scheduled to marry the man who may or may not be Hugo.
I love a story with an unreliable narrator and you get that with Eva. I wanted to like her but I do feel at times she made unwise decisions and pushed away people who were trying to help her. Madison, too, took risks that didn’t always make the most sense, and both women missed clear signs that some things were amiss in their personal lives. I thought the story was a bit repetitive because we read about what is happening from Eva’s POV first and then the book goes through the same things from Madison’s POV. While we did find out some more about Madison in the later chapters, I didn’t need the rehash of what I had already read. I figured out the major twist in the book pretty early but there were other twists that were more surprising. I thought the end of the book tied up loose ends nicely and was overall satisfied with it.
Overall, decent read but not my absolute favorite. It was a quick read for me and I think it will go over well with those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love a story with an unreliable narrator and you get that with Eva. I wanted to like her but I do feel at times she made unwise decisions and pushed away people who were trying to help her. Madison, too, took risks that didn’t always make the most sense, and both women missed clear signs that some things were amiss in their personal lives. I thought the story was a bit repetitive because we read about what is happening from Eva’s POV first and then the book goes through the same things from Madison’s POV. While we did find out some more about Madison in the later chapters, I didn’t need the rehash of what I had already read. I figured out the major twist in the book pretty early but there were other twists that were more surprising. I thought the end of the book tied up loose ends nicely and was overall satisfied with it.
Overall, decent read but not my absolute favorite. It was a quick read for me and I think it will go over well with those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2025
This was a high quality audiobook . The plot your husband commits suicide 5 years ago you raise your son get married again and start a new job as a wedding planner. Your first couple takes your breath away as despite a few differences like eye colour you feel its him and you are thrown off key. The first half of the story was lacking in pace and then the second tried to get so much in quite quickly. The side plot of is the new husband treating with your new friend was fantastic how it was revealed and how it all came together with different pov. All the characters were fun and interesting to listen to as their perceptive showed their flawed ideals. The plot was fantastic once it got going forcing you to concentrate as everything was told and it all came together very quickly. This was worth sticking with, at times the plot felt too ott and very unrealistic , highly recommended but you need to stick with it. Thank you netgallley, author, publisher and narrator
October 7, 2025
A story with an unreliable narrator? Yes, please. Multiple points of view? You've got my attention.
So you can imagine how stoked I was when my request for an E-ARC of #MyHusbandsWife
was approved by the publisher Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not going to lie, this story had me turning the pages quickly and staying up until the wee hours of the new day to see what would come next. It is fast paced and easy to read. The story flows and there are plenty of cliffhanging moments to keep you guessing but, -yes, there's a but - it is not flawless.
Would I recommend My Husband's Ex-Wife? Absolutely!! The name alone creates enough curiosity that readers who love the genre will check it out even if they're not compelled to delve in and solve the mystery.
In 350 pages, Carla Kovach, a new to me author, tells the story of Eva, a woman whose first husband, and perhaps the love of her life ,Hugo, died tragically leaving her and their son Caiden to mourn. After some time passes, she meets and marries Zach.
At the point where we meet her, she is preparing to leave town and start anew with Zach but in a town she visited with Hugo, which is understandable because they created happy memories there but cringey because it says to me that she hasn't healed enough and will try to recreate that time with her new beloved.
I should have picked up on the hint that everything was not as it seemed from the first sentence of the synopsis which states,"Five years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife" and the other line that followed about the wedding planning and a fiancé, but I digress.
The intrigue builds from chapter four and I was curious about the secrets Eva was keeping. Then, when I met Zach and Nicole and saw their reaction to each other, my hackles were up. I sensed there was more to them and their individual accounts from one interaction weren't adding up. I was adding 2 + 2 and getting six.
Fast forward to Eva at her new job and meeting her dead husband's doppelganger Theo, who is engaged to be married to Madison. Okay, so by now I'm really deep into this story, food and sleep be damned.
Kovach kept dropping breadcrumbs for the reader. There was a disclosure here, another one around the corner, a drunken and mysterious phone call to Eva with a cryptic message "don't trust anyone" as she was busy and stressed trying to get to the bottom of the mystery herself.
Add some questionable, I daresay foolish, actions on her part, dealing with her mother who thought she wasn't coping well with the relocation, and shady behaviour from her husband and friend and hey we're in for a good time.
Did I mention there was gaslighting? And more and more twists being added by different characters?
Phew! It was a lot.
Then, when you thought things would slow down, bam!, the author switches perspectives to give the reader Madison's from chapter 30, or at 45 per cent in. Like what now?!
The author does a good job of keeping the reader on tenterhooks but having read numerous mystery, thriller and suspense novels, I figured out the plot but I couldn't stop reading because I had to know how it would unfold.
So why didn't I give this twisty book a higher rating? Well, at one point I feel the author should have pulled back some of the issues she introduced. I will not spoil it for others but there is such a thing as too much.
Fewer issues would have worked just as well and I would not have been forced to keep up. I had to re-read parts to clear up my confusion. The author should have curbed her proclivity for adding more to the plot.
The novel was also repetitive in two ways. The first was that some of Eva's thoughts were told several times which added to her unreliability. Secondly, even though I understood there was another perspective from another character, reading Madison's account in almost the same words as Eva's was unnecessary and didn't advance the story.
The ending was exactly what I anticipated. Resolution with a hint of a sequel. I've read this same kind of ending in other books and watched it in films and series. For this novel, I hope that Kovac will not create another story with these characters.
Trust me, I'm good.
So you can imagine how stoked I was when my request for an E-ARC of #MyHusbandsWife
was approved by the publisher Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not going to lie, this story had me turning the pages quickly and staying up until the wee hours of the new day to see what would come next. It is fast paced and easy to read. The story flows and there are plenty of cliffhanging moments to keep you guessing but, -yes, there's a but - it is not flawless.
Would I recommend My Husband's Ex-Wife? Absolutely!! The name alone creates enough curiosity that readers who love the genre will check it out even if they're not compelled to delve in and solve the mystery.
In 350 pages, Carla Kovach, a new to me author, tells the story of Eva, a woman whose first husband, and perhaps the love of her life ,Hugo, died tragically leaving her and their son Caiden to mourn. After some time passes, she meets and marries Zach.
At the point where we meet her, she is preparing to leave town and start anew with Zach but in a town she visited with Hugo, which is understandable because they created happy memories there but cringey because it says to me that she hasn't healed enough and will try to recreate that time with her new beloved.
I should have picked up on the hint that everything was not as it seemed from the first sentence of the synopsis which states,"Five years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife" and the other line that followed about the wedding planning and a fiancé, but I digress.
The intrigue builds from chapter four and I was curious about the secrets Eva was keeping. Then, when I met Zach and Nicole and saw their reaction to each other, my hackles were up. I sensed there was more to them and their individual accounts from one interaction weren't adding up. I was adding 2 + 2 and getting six.
Fast forward to Eva at her new job and meeting her dead husband's doppelganger Theo, who is engaged to be married to Madison. Okay, so by now I'm really deep into this story, food and sleep be damned.
Kovach kept dropping breadcrumbs for the reader. There was a disclosure here, another one around the corner, a drunken and mysterious phone call to Eva with a cryptic message "don't trust anyone" as she was busy and stressed trying to get to the bottom of the mystery herself.
Add some questionable, I daresay foolish, actions on her part, dealing with her mother who thought she wasn't coping well with the relocation, and shady behaviour from her husband and friend and hey we're in for a good time.
Did I mention there was gaslighting? And more and more twists being added by different characters?
Phew! It was a lot.
Then, when you thought things would slow down, bam!, the author switches perspectives to give the reader Madison's from chapter 30, or at 45 per cent in. Like what now?!
The author does a good job of keeping the reader on tenterhooks but having read numerous mystery, thriller and suspense novels, I figured out the plot but I couldn't stop reading because I had to know how it would unfold.
So why didn't I give this twisty book a higher rating? Well, at one point I feel the author should have pulled back some of the issues she introduced. I will not spoil it for others but there is such a thing as too much.
Fewer issues would have worked just as well and I would not have been forced to keep up. I had to re-read parts to clear up my confusion. The author should have curbed her proclivity for adding more to the plot.
The novel was also repetitive in two ways. The first was that some of Eva's thoughts were told several times which added to her unreliability. Secondly, even though I understood there was another perspective from another character, reading Madison's account in almost the same words as Eva's was unnecessary and didn't advance the story.
The ending was exactly what I anticipated. Resolution with a hint of a sequel. I've read this same kind of ending in other books and watched it in films and series. For this novel, I hope that Kovac will not create another story with these characters.
Trust me, I'm good.
September 7, 2025
This book is the reason why I am obsessed with Kovach’s writing!
Just when I think I have a handle on the plot she pulls several fast ones on me.
I figured out part of the major plot halfway through but Kovach embedded some more surprises for me.
The story will mess with your mind and you may even begin to question whether you’re believing what you think you’re reading!
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
Just when I think I have a handle on the plot she pulls several fast ones on me.
I figured out part of the major plot halfway through but Kovach embedded some more surprises for me.
The story will mess with your mind and you may even begin to question whether you’re believing what you think you’re reading!
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance read.
October 24, 2025
Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Husband’s Wife is a great book.
I’ve enjoyed all my reads by Carla Kovach, she brings constraining books to the table.
Eva and her husband Zack and her young son arrive in town for a fresh start.
Many years before Eva lost her then husband Theo to suicide.
But during a planned meeting Eva meets Maddison and her family.
In walks her Maddison’s husband who happens to be Theo, Eva’s supposedly dead husband.
Eva is in shock……
What happens next will blow your mind…..
A clever and tension filled narrative with a twist that’s very well done.
An addictive read from the very first line to the final sentence.
My Husband’s Wife is a great book.
I’ve enjoyed all my reads by Carla Kovach, she brings constraining books to the table.
Eva and her husband Zack and her young son arrive in town for a fresh start.
Many years before Eva lost her then husband Theo to suicide.
But during a planned meeting Eva meets Maddison and her family.
In walks her Maddison’s husband who happens to be Theo, Eva’s supposedly dead husband.
Eva is in shock……
What happens next will blow your mind…..
A clever and tension filled narrative with a twist that’s very well done.
An addictive read from the very first line to the final sentence.
September 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC copy of this fantastic book!
If you want a book full of twists and turns this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the fast paced storyline, the development of characters and I found the ending was great at tying together lose ends throughout the book.
Synopsis
When Eva, her husband Zack and son Caiden move to Combe Martin from Malvern it is meant to be a fresh start. 5 years prior Eva had lost her husband, Zach’s father to suicide. However, as she gets stuck into her role as wedding planner at a nearby hotel she is positive that her new client is her dead ex husband. What follows is a twisty tale where lies are exposed and Eva’s sanity is questioned.
A fantastic read and a worthy 5⭐️s.
If you want a book full of twists and turns this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the fast paced storyline, the development of characters and I found the ending was great at tying together lose ends throughout the book.
Synopsis
When Eva, her husband Zack and son Caiden move to Combe Martin from Malvern it is meant to be a fresh start. 5 years prior Eva had lost her husband, Zach’s father to suicide. However, as she gets stuck into her role as wedding planner at a nearby hotel she is positive that her new client is her dead ex husband. What follows is a twisty tale where lies are exposed and Eva’s sanity is questioned.
A fantastic read and a worthy 5⭐️s.
March 14, 2026
Loved this! Couldn’t put it down and it wrapped everything up by the end…with an opportunity for a sequel. I definitely see this being released as a movie.
August 31, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. After previously reading ‘the next girl’ and rating it a 5 star I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this book.
‘5 years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife’
This book kept me engaged and I was constantly trying to figure out WHO and HOW and WHY. For some reason the book made you dislike every male, constantly pointing the fingers at them. I loved the plot. My only negative point was that it flicked from first person when it was Eva’s chapters but third when it was the other characters.
‘5 years ago I buried my husband. Today I saw him with his new wife’
This book kept me engaged and I was constantly trying to figure out WHO and HOW and WHY. For some reason the book made you dislike every male, constantly pointing the fingers at them. I loved the plot. My only negative point was that it flicked from first person when it was Eva’s chapters but third when it was the other characters.
August 21, 2025
Oof. I almost dnf’d this but because it was an ARC (many thanks to NetGalley) I felt I owed it to finish. I won’t spoil but I have a few issues- 1. and I might just be alone in this but the writing style is really horrible. It’s choppy, and juvenile, there lacks so much flow. 2. The character and storyline in general is just not developed. It did start okay, and just like… flatlined. You also just randomly hit an “end” of the story (you are only like 2/3 through the book) and then it jumps back in time to tell you the same things all over from another point of view. I understand why, to get things we missed, but it was so poorly executed. 3. The ending was atrocious. I mean that sincerely.
I wish I could recommend it but as someone who reads a couple hundred books a year I was so disappointed and wish I dnf’d it.
I wish I could recommend it but as someone who reads a couple hundred books a year I was so disappointed and wish I dnf’d it.
March 9, 2026
Narrator: 4.5/5
The story itself: 3/5
🎧 provided through NetGalley
It was an okay drama thriller but just that. The twists did not make a big impression on me. I was kind of confused with all the characters and their connections. It was a bit like everyone was sleeping with everyone. I’m exaggerating but also: yes.
I’m not sure why we have two POVs. The first POV is in first person narration and the second POV is in 3rd so that was a bit strange.
The build up was there but the main reveal and tying up the loose ends were disappointing.
The way they all moved on with their lives at the end felt rather strange, too.
The narrator did a very good job tho!
The story itself: 3/5
🎧 provided through NetGalley
It was an okay drama thriller but just that. The twists did not make a big impression on me. I was kind of confused with all the characters and their connections. It was a bit like everyone was sleeping with everyone. I’m exaggerating but also: yes.
I’m not sure why we have two POVs. The first POV is in first person narration and the second POV is in 3rd so that was a bit strange.
The build up was there but the main reveal and tying up the loose ends were disappointing.
The way they all moved on with their lives at the end felt rather strange, too.
The narrator did a very good job tho!
September 4, 2025
This was one of those thrillers that grabbed me from the start and kept me second-guessing everything. Twisty, unsettling, and very bingeable, it had me hooked late into the night.
Mode: 🎧ALC from netgalley
Trope
✅️ Psychological thriller
✅️ Domestic suspense
✅️ Lookalike/doppelgänger
✅️ Secrets & lies
✅️ Widow moving on
✅️ Unreliable friendships
✅️ Past colliding with present
✅️ Obsession & paranoia
📖 Storyline
Eva has worked hard to rebuild her life after tragedy — raising her son, finding love again, and building a career that gives her stability. But everything shatters the day she meets Theo, her client Madison’s fiancé. The encounter leaves her stunned, because Theo looks exactly like her late husband.
From that moment, Eva’s world begins to unravel. The resemblance is too sharp to dismiss, and the questions it raises gnaw at her. Is it coincidence, or something far more dangerous? As doubts grow, the fragile peace she has built starts to crack, trust erodes, secrets surface, and her grip on reality slips.
Now Eva must decide whether uncovering the truth will give her answers — or destroy everything she has left.
🎭 Characters
Eva is the emotional core, scarred by loss but fighting to protect the fragile life she’s rebuilt.
Zack, her current husband, is outwardly steady and supportive, but it’s clear he carries secrets he isn’t sharing with Eva.
Madison is likeable and warm, her engagement to Theo pulling Eva back into turmoil — she feels genuine, which makes her role as a catalyst even sharper.
Theo is quiet, manipulative, and impossible to pin down, his uncanny resemblance to Eva’s past cutting straight into her stability.
Hugo is that past — the late husband whose shadow clings to every decision Eva makes.
Nicole is more questionable, her motives hard to read, a character who keeps the reader guessing and the tension tight.
🎧 Narration
The audiobook narration elevated the experience. The female narrator, Karen Cass, captured Eva’s fragility and spiralling paranoia with nuance, while the male voices carried just the right amount of charm and menace. Each character was given distinction without overacting, which kept the tension sharp. It made the twists land harder and the atmosphere even more immersive.
💭 Final Thoughts
A dark, twist-filled thriller that’s both compulsive and chilling. Some reveals leaned a little dramatic, but overall this was an addictive read that I flew through in just a couple of sittings.
🖤Who Would Love This.
🕵♀️ Fans of domestic suspense
🕵♀️ Readers who love unreliable narrators
🕵♀️ Those who enjoy fast-paced binge reads
🕵♀️ Readers who crave twisty psychological tension
Mode: 🎧ALC from netgalley
Trope
✅️ Psychological thriller
✅️ Domestic suspense
✅️ Lookalike/doppelgänger
✅️ Secrets & lies
✅️ Widow moving on
✅️ Unreliable friendships
✅️ Past colliding with present
✅️ Obsession & paranoia
📖 Storyline
Eva has worked hard to rebuild her life after tragedy — raising her son, finding love again, and building a career that gives her stability. But everything shatters the day she meets Theo, her client Madison’s fiancé. The encounter leaves her stunned, because Theo looks exactly like her late husband.
From that moment, Eva’s world begins to unravel. The resemblance is too sharp to dismiss, and the questions it raises gnaw at her. Is it coincidence, or something far more dangerous? As doubts grow, the fragile peace she has built starts to crack, trust erodes, secrets surface, and her grip on reality slips.
Now Eva must decide whether uncovering the truth will give her answers — or destroy everything she has left.
🎭 Characters
Eva is the emotional core, scarred by loss but fighting to protect the fragile life she’s rebuilt.
Zack, her current husband, is outwardly steady and supportive, but it’s clear he carries secrets he isn’t sharing with Eva.
Madison is likeable and warm, her engagement to Theo pulling Eva back into turmoil — she feels genuine, which makes her role as a catalyst even sharper.
Theo is quiet, manipulative, and impossible to pin down, his uncanny resemblance to Eva’s past cutting straight into her stability.
Hugo is that past — the late husband whose shadow clings to every decision Eva makes.
Nicole is more questionable, her motives hard to read, a character who keeps the reader guessing and the tension tight.
🎧 Narration
The audiobook narration elevated the experience. The female narrator, Karen Cass, captured Eva’s fragility and spiralling paranoia with nuance, while the male voices carried just the right amount of charm and menace. Each character was given distinction without overacting, which kept the tension sharp. It made the twists land harder and the atmosphere even more immersive.
💭 Final Thoughts
A dark, twist-filled thriller that’s both compulsive and chilling. Some reveals leaned a little dramatic, but overall this was an addictive read that I flew through in just a couple of sittings.
🖤Who Would Love This.
🕵♀️ Fans of domestic suspense
🕵♀️ Readers who love unreliable narrators
🕵♀️ Those who enjoy fast-paced binge reads
🕵♀️ Readers who crave twisty psychological tension
January 29, 2026
My Husband's wife is the story of a newly married single mother, Eva, whose husband and father of her child died 5 years earlier. She and Zach are recently married and just moved into a new house. She is starting a new job as a wedding planner at a posh hotel. When meeting with a bride to find out what she wants, she catches a glimpse of her husband to be. She can't believe her eyes, as it is Hugo, her dead husband. Theo is holding his newborn daughter, Elizabeth, and Eva is dumbstruck. She calls him Hugo, but he doesn't respond. the only difference between Theo and Hugo is the colour of his eyes. What should she do. Is he planning to commit bigamy, is she a bigamist?
This was a great story, that kept me interested from start to finish. It is a bit over the top with some of the storylines, but it all fit well together. Eva has had mental health issues in the past and her mother is sure she is having a relapse. Zach doesn't seem to believe her either. I thought she took a lot of chances sneaking around to gather information. I wondered a lot about Nicole. She was Eva's new friend whose son Aaron became good friends with Kaden, Eva's son. She seemed to have a lot of secrets and I didn't know what she was hiding. Why was she meeting with Zach. There are three women that play a role in this book and their stories twist around one another until a climactic ending. Lots of twists to keep me thinking, but also just enough that was realistic that kept me grounded. One that I recommend. I did a read/listen and enjoyed both formats. The audiobook was narrated by Karen Cass and she does a good job with the voices and the tense feeling of the story.
This was a great story, that kept me interested from start to finish. It is a bit over the top with some of the storylines, but it all fit well together. Eva has had mental health issues in the past and her mother is sure she is having a relapse. Zach doesn't seem to believe her either. I thought she took a lot of chances sneaking around to gather information. I wondered a lot about Nicole. She was Eva's new friend whose son Aaron became good friends with Kaden, Eva's son. She seemed to have a lot of secrets and I didn't know what she was hiding. Why was she meeting with Zach. There are three women that play a role in this book and their stories twist around one another until a climactic ending. Lots of twists to keep me thinking, but also just enough that was realistic that kept me grounded. One that I recommend. I did a read/listen and enjoyed both formats. The audiobook was narrated by Karen Cass and she does a good job with the voices and the tense feeling of the story.
November 22, 2025
I started and stopped this book multiple times. I struggle with certain accents in audio books and did not like the narration voice. This was an interesting thriller/mystery but honestly a bit convoluted. Too many details and characters connected in a way that was hard to keep track of. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
February 2, 2026
Ou yay need a good addicting thriller book, it’s been a while !
September 8, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this one. An easy popcorn thriller. Maybe a little repetitive and long winded through the middle but would still recommend for a quick mysterious read. The narrator did a really great job as well!
September 10, 2025
WTAF! This book had me asking questions and needing answers like yesterday...
I've read many of Kovach's books over time and I have to say she sure knows how to write a good book or six!
It's told from the POV of Eva the widow and Madison the wife to be. Twisty isn't the word! It's multilayered madness as the story unfolds, secrets unfold and shocks shock!
I found it enjoyable and engaging read with a great twist!
I've read many of Kovach's books over time and I have to say she sure knows how to write a good book or six!
It's told from the POV of Eva the widow and Madison the wife to be. Twisty isn't the word! It's multilayered madness as the story unfolds, secrets unfold and shocks shock!
I found it enjoyable and engaging read with a great twist!
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