In this intense psychological thriller, the author delivers a heart-pounding exploration of motherhood, deception, and the complexities of blended families. The story centers around a woman who discovers she is pregnant, a long-awaited dream, yet the joy is overshadowed by her fraught relationship with her stepdaughter, Ellie. The raw emotions and tension between the characters set the stage for an electrifying narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The protagonist's internal struggle is beautifully portrayed, balancing her excitement about the baby with the fear of Ellie’s growing animosity. The writing is evocative, capturing the suffocating sense of dread that permeates her life as she realizes that Ellie, now a sharp and intelligent teenager, poses a potential threat to her happiness and safety. The author excels at creating a claustrophobic atmosphere, with the home that should be a sanctuary transforming into a prison of secrets and suspicion.

One of the standout quotes that encapsulates the protagonist's anxiety is: "My beautiful home has become a prison, my husband feels like a stranger." This line effectively conveys her isolation and the strain the pregnancy places on her relationships.

As the plot thickens, the discovery of Ellie’s hidden tablets adds a chilling layer to the narrative, heightening the stakes for the protagonist and her unborn child. The tension escalates as she grapples with her maternal instincts and the potential dangers that lurk in her own home. The author's skillful pacing maintains the suspense, leading to a riveting climax that left me breathless.

Another memorable quote that resonated with me was: "There’s nothing I won’t do to protect it," reflecting the fierce determination of a mother fighting for her child's safety against all odds.

While the story is engaging, some moments could have used more depth, particularly in exploring Ellie's motivations further. This would have added additional layers to her character, making her actions even more impactful.

Overall, this novel is a thrilling journey through fear, love, and the unbreakable bond of motherhood. It’s a compelling read for fans of psychological dramas, underscoring the lengths a mother will go to protect her child, even when shadows from the past threaten to unravel her world. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy stories filled with suspense and emotional depth.

A bit different for Teri Terry, but largely enjoyable...I read this a little while ago, so apologies no more specific feedback, but enjoyed this when I read it!

The tension was palpable, and the plot twists were perfectly timed. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I really enjoyed this book! It definitely did not take the turn that I expected it to even tho I kinda guessed the twist

The Stepdaughter's Lie was a page turner. I found myself reaching for the book every free minute I got. Such an enjoyable read. Adding Teri Terry to my list of auto buy authors.

I really enjoyed this book - it ticked those boxes with just enough plot twist to keep you guessing. Shifting loyalties you never really know whose side you are on! Brilliant!

The Step Daughter’s Lie was an edge of your seat thriller, with so many twists. The main character finds herself at the mercy of a rather devious step daughter, who seems hellbent on making her life miserable. Her husband seems to almost encourage the behavior of his daughter..which leaves his wife feeling unsupported and like she’s losing her mind.

Theo and Ellie were completely unlikeable characters from the very beginning for me, and I was impressed with how detailed they came across the page at me, I usually don’t dislike a character so easily. The plot was really good, and I was not expecting where it was headed AT ALL.

Definitely worth the read! It’s fast paced, fun and just the right amount of dark.

This was my first read by Terry. I absolutely loved it it's probably one of my favorite books I've read this year. It kept me guessing to the very end. I would recommend this book. Giive it a 5 out of 5 stars.

I love domestic dramas told in different POVs and this novel did a great job of that. A good, fast paced read. I did grow quite weary with Rowan’s constant agony but overall I enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

My first book by this author but I will certainly be looking out for more. A good, strong read with a twist that, although I did have an inkling of, and thought the ending a bit rushed, it didn't spoil the enjoyment.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rowan, 42, and Theo, 50, Blackwood have been married for several years now. Theo has a daughter, Ellie, 17, from his first wife who walked away from them a few days after Ellie was born. The thought is that she was very depressed and may have committed suicide although her body has not been found.

Rowan works for an advertising company and enjoys her job. Theo has a successful tech firm and he has created a virtual assistant app that he calls Vera. It is rather like Alexa but much more sophisticated. It controls everything in the house from opening the door to lights, etc.

During their marriage, Rowan has had to endure Ellie’s nastiness to her and the tricks the girl likes to play on her. She has tried in so many ways to befriend Ellie but hasn’t had any success. Ellie just enjoys doing mean things to her.

When Rowan discovers she is pregnant after trying for some years, she and Theo are ecstatic but Ellie is jealous. As Rowan finds herself tired a lot, she decides to quit her job and spend her time planning for the baby.

But Rowan has some secrets from her past and the way she was brought up and treated by her family. This causes her to have nightmares and a lot of apprehension. Will she able to finally put the past behind her and enjoy the new baby?

I grew quite weary with Rowan’s constant agony. How was she ever able to handle a job before she became pregnant? At 17 and after years living with her stepmother trying to get along with her, Ellie became just an immature brat. I read “The Patient” by this author and really like it. But this book just didn’t do it for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is told by 2 POV's. That being the mother and the stepdaughter. I love my domestic dramas and I certainly loved this one. It was unpredictable and that is what makes a book for me.

Tense and gripping from the start. A great story that I will definitely be recommending. The twists at the end were a big surprise . I loved it! Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review, and to Teri Terry for writing such a brilliant story

This felt like a slow burn thriller, but it did keep me wanting to read more to see what would happen next. There is such a feeling of impending doom that gave the book such an atmospheric vibe. The moments of panic and not knowing if some things were real or imagined added another creepy later to the story. The twist at the end was definitely surprising!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc!

Here is the blurb

"Standing in my bathroom, the luxurious marble tiles cool under my feet, I stare at the test in my trembling hand. The second line is unmistakable: I’m pregnant.

This is all my husband Theo and I have ever wanted, but I didn’t think it was possible. I should be excited, but all I can think about is telling my stepdaughter.

Because Ellie’s always hated me, ever since she realised it was no longer just her and Theo. Now she’s seventeen, beautiful and smart – smart enough to see through me. And if Ellie decided to uncover my secrets, it wouldn’t be just my marriage at stake… it would be my life.

But I’ve been so careful burying my past. There’s no way she could learn the truth. I know stress isn’t good for the baby, so I force myself to relax.

Until one day I find a packet of tablets tucked inside Ellie’s bag. My head spins – she’s made it clear she wants me gone but I never imagined she would try to harm my baby. I know I can’t tell Theo. She would only deny it to her beloved daddy, fluttering her lashes like she always does.

My beautiful home has become a prison, my husband feels like a stranger. But all I know is that this precious life inside me is more than I deserve – and there’s nothing I won’t do to protect it…"

I requested this book as many years ago I read the Slated young adult trilogy by this author and really enjoyed it. So when this popped up on Netgalley I immediately clicked request. I was not disappointed. The book was obviously aimed at a different audience but I was immediately intrigued by the characters and their interactions. To be honest there were no real surprises during reading this but I find the author really easy and enjoyable to read. Overall a solid psychological thiller.

This gripping psychological thriller is an intense stepdaughter & stepmother battle that could lead to deadly consequences. But I wondered if everyone was what they seemed. I constantly read to see what twists Teri Terry had in store & was thrilled by her surprises!

Thank you, Teri Terry, Bookouture, &Netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.

This was a really great book! I couldn't put it down!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Omg I could not put this book down. Absolutely great read. Will definitely recommend this to everyone.

This was pretty good! I liked the book from the beginning and I’ve found interesting bot POV. In the beginning, I didn’t like Ellie that much, but I ended up really enjoying reading her parts. They were both interesting characters and I clearly saw how as the book advanced, Rowan lost a bit of her soul. I was not expecting the ending and I think that It was a well constructed plot. One of those thrillers you devour and read in almost one sitting.

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. This book was absolutely amazing and I couldn't put it down. I will definitely look for more books by this author.

Rowan is married to Theo who has a 17 year old, Ellie.
The book is told in parts by Rowan and Ellie. You can tell from the beginning that Ellie is running from her past and I really liked how that part of the story slowly unfolded through the book. There are many moments when I was saying to myself "what?did I really just read that happened?".

I do highly recommend this book.