This was just OK for me, nothing different or terribly interesting. It did keep my interest, but I was hoping for a good twist -- I didn't feel it delivered that. The main characters weren't very interesting and likable, so I had a hard time rooting for them. I think this will appeal to a pretty wide audience; it just didn't appeal to me very much.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

This is my first Sally Royer-Derr read. It was really good albeit at times wordy. I loved the twists and turns and trying to figure out who was good and who was bad. The ending was great as well. Highly recommend. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

I couldn't put this book down. There were times I was certain that X was going to be the person of interest. A couple chapters later I thought Y, and then Z...
I wasn't thrilled about the connection between 2 characters in the end (I don't want to spoil anything). That seemed a bit...too convenient. But overall I really liked the book.

This is another great novel by Sally Royer-Derr, tense and suspenseful as Natalie comes face to face with a teacher from her past. Lucas Hanson was her sports coach who groomed her when she was 15. He's now married to Olivia, and it seems up to his old tricks with a young girl Haley who's training at the school where Natalie works with Lucas.
Added to this and we have a mystery character who is watching Natalie's every move, just waiting to strike. Life is going to catch up with all of them and it won't be a happy ending.
Told from 3 perspectives this is a fast paced novel. I loved how Natalie tried to protect Olivia and Haley, there are characters you'll love and characters you'll hate all wrapped up in this domestic drama

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an early read of The Innocent Wife. I have loved all of Sally Royer-Derr’s books and The Innocent Wife was no exception. I was engaged from beginning to end with this story.

Thank you soooooo very much Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an Awesome book The Innocent Wife. Really good read, one part at the ending was a bit far fetched but otherwise it was great. Loved the characters especially Natalie. Super plot, sleazy teacher, awesome friends. Thanks again.

My this is a fast paced thriller. You really need to keep your wits about you to keep track of everyone and everything that is going on. It swaps a lot from one narrative to another which can be a bit tricky but does give you a better insight. Absolutely brilliant.

~thank you to Storm Publishing for giving me a chance to read & review this book.~

This was such a fast paced read & I enjoyed every minute of it. Natalie was a wonderful character , which made the story more enjoyable. The way she would do anything to protect her daughter & the ones she loves, you could tell she was a genuine person. I enjoyed how the story played out. There were some creepy aspects to it but nothing too crazy.
There was never a dull moment in this book. Nothing about this was boring or disinteresting.

Very well written. Thank you again!

This book left me feeling like I needed to read it again, in the best way! The twists were twisting, the plot was plotting! It was soo good!

My first read by Sally Royer- Derr will NOT be my last. This book is twisty and turns on a dime. There are even a few moments that left me slack-jawed saying "no way"

So yes, I highly recommend.

Natalie starts a new position on her young daughters school. Lucas, a beloved teacher and collegue is introduced, and Natalie knows he isn't the perfect husband, coworker, mentor that he's playing.
Back home his wife Olivia knows something is off, but can never put her finger on it.

As this story weaves the three of them together it is simply delicious in it's delivery. I loved every minute and encourage you to keep an eye out for it when released in January of 2025.

This is a great domestic drama that pits predators against unwilling teens. Natalie and Jake are divorced and share custody of 5-year-old daughter, Emma. But on her first day of kindergarten, Natalie--a support teacher at school--recognizes Lucas, a teacher there who was once her soccer coach and seduced her when he was 25 and she just 15. Now she's worried about Haley, a student helper she sees frequently with Lucas as she is the same age as Natalie was when she was drawn into his web. At the same time, Natalie notices odd things happening in her home: items misplaced, flowers on her porch with no note, and a crash where she is run off the road. it's a creepy, crazy ride that will have you watching your children carefully!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Fast paced, interesting thriller! Lots of twists and turns and a really satisfying ending. My first book by this author and I’ll definitely check out more!

THE INNOCENT WIFE by Sally Royer-Derr.
Release date set for the 13th of January 2025.
I have been looking forward to reading this book and BAM sally had me HOOKED from the prologue.
This book is a fast paced page turner and it's very hard to put down. I binge read this book.
There are some loveable characters and some downright awful creepy characters.
Full of twists and turns.
This is my 2nd book by sally and i cant wait to read more of her work

It's been a while since I read a Mystery / Thriller like this one and it was awesome! The story kept me on my toes, the suspense of what might happen driving me towards the next chapter.

I loved how strong and caring Natalie was. She was such a good person and an amazing mom to Emma. I loved her friendship with Olivia and her protectiveness over Harley.

Olivia was kind and quite. I loved when she stood up for herself, slowly finding the courage to see the truth and let go of lies.

The way everything went down at the end was so crazy and unexpected. But it was a little funny to be honest - the way their problems took themselves out from the equation.

I don't know why, but I was kinda expecting Natalie and Olivia to get together by the end of the book, but the happily ever after they git was pretty cool too!

The Innocent Wife is a hard-to-put-down book! From the moment I started, I wanted to do nothing but see where this book would take me.

Natalie is a single mom who teaches at her daughter's school. Unbeknownst to her, another teacher named Lucas also works at the same school. Lucas is someone from Natalie's past who she hopes she will never cross paths with again.

Olivia is Lucas's wife, whom Natalie befriends. Natalie has her secrets. Lucas has his, and Olivia is learning them all.

I have never read a book by this author, but I hope she writes many more. I really enjoyed her writing style, and the twists and turns kept me hooked from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGally and Storm Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest book review.

3.5 ⭐️
This book was addictive and kept me guessing. Such a thrilling read, I couldn’t put it down.

The Innocent Wife blends domestic drama with controlling relationships, manipulation, and deceit, creating a story that steadily builds tension. The quick, engaging chapters made it hard to put down, and the characters' internal struggles—deciding how much of their past to reveal—added depth to the narrative. The suspense kicked into gear toward the end, and the twist was satisfying. However, I felt that the book focused too heavily on Natalie’s perspective instead of Olivia’s. Nonetheless, The Innocent Wife is a gripping, well-paced read that keeps you entertained!

Didnt do it for me, found myself bored by the story and all the twists and turns that were highlighted in reviews i just found mundane. As i read the star ratings i can see it received great 4 and 5 star ratings, unfortunately i give it 3.

This was such a page turner and an addictive read I loved it! It had lies, secrets and everything else in between for the main characters Olivia and Lucas. It was so good I read it in a day!

My favourite character was Lucas surprisingly enough he was cunning and clever!

I’d highly recommend this book it’s must read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

Olivia is a young woman married to Lucas a man at least twenty years older than herself. Olivia really thought she loved Lucas and vice versa yet something has changed. Enter Natalie a single mom to Emma. She is a teacher and is trying to start a new life for herself and Emma. Then there is Jake and Candace. Jake is Natalie’s ex and his new wife is Candace who would love Emma to call her mom since Jake has Emma very often. Natalie meets Olivia through the school that she and Lucas teach at. Only Natalie remembers Lucas in another lifetime. Does he remember her? Does his wife know that Lucas has. a secret past? Since Natalie and Olivia are becoming friends she they discuss this slippery husband of hers? What secrets are all of these characters hiding? How are they all intertwined especially Natalie and Candace? You see Natalie has a few secrets of her own that she is sharing with no one.
The Innocent wife is filled with suspense ,hope,love and survival. How two women came together to help each other out of a bad situation. Not knowing that evil is lurking around the corner. Natalie is a strong woman who would do anything to protect her family. Olivia is a young woman learning what it takes to survive a bad situation. Joining forces helps them realize they are strong and will not be taken down by any ma.
The twists in this story kept me wanting more. Even though it was a little predictable I really enjoyed the suspense. A solid 4 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Storm for the ARC. Looking forward to more stories from Ms. Royer-Derr