oh behave this book was too much. in all the delicious and brilliant ways a thriller should be. it had me from the blurb to be honest. and from there it just hooked me in more and more until i was speeding through out. and then i wanted to find the end but also with my alegances to certain characters i didnt know if i could face the end if it turned some of the characters into "baddies".
so what would you do if your husband vanished....
then youve fought to move on and married his best friend...
then one day your first husband is just there,back,on your doorstep...
and so we are pulled into how their lives will unfold. and how they handle it. but also the past. and the telling of how and what happened to the first husband.
this book was great.
a true gem of a domestic thriller.

First, thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC!

What would you do when your ex-husband suddenly shows up at your doorstep? Especially when you thought said husband is dead? That is exactly what Alex gas to deal with. On top of that, her ex, Freddie, does tell her she can not trust her current husband, Carter....

I did really enjoy the book which is told from the POV of both Alex (present) and Freddie (past). The chapters are not too long, fast-paced, and since this is a thriller, we do have a lot of twists and turns. Totally recommended!

From the first line, this book hooks you in. It’s a brilliant story about Alex, and the bombshell she finds herself when her ex-husband (presumed dead) turns up at her door! The multiple timelines work exceptionally well, alongside the multiple character perspectives. At first, the present is narrated by Alex, while the past is told by her ex-husband. As the plot thickens, you see the perspectives of other characters. This was an addictive read, and I couldn’t put it down once I’d started!

This was a well written book. I found myself reading into the night. It was written by one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend reading this book and any other books by this author.

The Husband Before You by A J McDine
10 years ago, Alex’s first husband, Freddie disappeared without a trace. Now he’s standing at the front door unbeknownst to Alex now being married his best friend Carter.

The timelines goes back and forth between now and before Freddie disappeared. Alex was struggling with PPD and Freddie was facing legal recourse at work. Alex has begun to receive anonymous notes alluding to the truth coming out, but Alex has no idea what that truth is.

A brilliant domestic thriller filled with plot twists and turns! Quick paced and an easy read .

Alex’s first husband has been missing for 10 years. On the night of Alex and her new husband’s anniversary, Freddie, the first husband reappears. Where has Freddie been? And why has he come back? And what is Alex going to do now that she has remarried to Freddie’s best friend, Carter?

Freddie told Alex, “Don’t trust Carter.” Who should she trust, her first husband or her second husband?
And who could be behind the mysterious notes that keep appearing in Alex’s mail slot saying that “the truth will come out?”

The premise of this book sounded great, and I was so excited to read it, but it fell short for me.

One of the first things that I found strange was when Freddie comes through the door, one of the first things that Alex did was to go and “cancel the cab” for the anniversary dinner. She wasn’t freaking out or emotional about Freddie’s return. If my husband all of a sudden reappeared after 10 years, I imagine that my reaction would be MUCH different than Alex’s.

Then they all just coexisted like a big dysfunctional family. “It would be the perfect picture of domesticity if it wasn’t so twisted. One wife, three kids, two husbands. It’s like something from a down-market reality tv show. … what happens next? Freddie can’t stay here forever. “

As the book went on, Alex and Carter act like they know he’s been alive for the last 10 years, like they never assumed he was dead. I thought this was so strange!

“I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. How am I supposed to keep both husbands happy? I’m not sure it’s possible.”

The amount of times that the author referred to Freddie and Carter as the “first husband” and “second husband” drove me crazy.

When we get to the part in the story where Alex is recounting the morning Freddie left, she doesn’t seem all that worried or concerned. She didn’t assume something horrible had happened to him, she just said that he vanished.

Overall, I thought this book was choppy and predictable. We never did find out why Freddie decided to return, and his reasoning for being away for 10 years was stupid. Not my favorite, and unfortunately probably would not recommend it to friends.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Y’all, AJ doesn’t get enough hype for her domestic thrillers 😮‍💨

You’re always guaranteed a quick, twisty ride with a WTF storyline. The Husband Before You was a fun one that had me speed reading trying to find out if my hunch was correct. I also need a follow up book because I know that you know who isn’t going to let it go that easily!

“The Husband Before You" by A.J. McDine is an engrossing 5-star read! Alex was abandoned by her first husband, Freddie, 10 years ago when he suddenly walked out on her and their children. Seven years later, he was declared dead, allowing Alex to marry Carter—Freddie’s best friend since college and former colleague at the same hospital. But when Freddie unexpectedly reappears at her doorstep, everything spirals out of control.

The story is told from the perspectives of both Alex and Freddie, shifting between the present and the past—spanning 10 or even 20 years back. The author masterfully weaves these timelines together, revealing the intricate connections between the four main characters. There are a few small twists along the way, but the real surprises come at the end!

Having read a couple of A.J. McDine’s other books and enjoyed them, I’m excited to see what she comes up with next!

Thanks to Bookouture, A. J. McDine, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

I always enjoy books by AJ McDine! This domestic thriller had my attention from chapter 1. From the very beginning, you don't know who to trust. Does husband #1 or husband #2 have the family's best interests in minds? Can either of them be trusted? Someone is sending anonymous messages (are they meant to be threatening or warnings?) and everyone seems to be harboring a secret.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn’t particularly care for this book. The description and premise sounded interesting, but after having figured out what was going on in the first 15% of the novel I only finished it because it was offered to me on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The book leans heavily on the “domestic” part of “domestic thriller”. The story focuses on Alex, a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) who has made the decision to become a mother not once, or twice, but three times, then spends her days whining and sighing about how tired she is at having to do laundry and clean while her doctor husband supports them. The self-imposed martyrdom made me not root for her, which I don’t think was the author’s intention. Alex was simply just unlikable for endlessly whinging about how hard her life is when she has no money woes, there are two parents to carry the load, she only has one child not in school, and she doesn’t need to work. It left a very sour taste in my mouth.

As an American reader I did not understand a lot of the terms and verbiage, but eventually just stopped looking up the definitions as I was getting the general concept and wasn’t very invested in the story. I think it would be worthwhile for the publisher to make some small adaptations in that regard for a USA release.

This book lacked subtlety and the character’s motivations were trite (especially the antagonist’s). After having completed it, this is the type of book that gets adapted into a Lifetime movie. Between the endless SAHM navel-gazing, an unlikable protagonist, a predictable story, and motivations lacking nuance or depth, this isn’t a book I’d recommend.

I was hooked from the very first page and read it in one sitting! I absolutely loved The Husband Before You by A J McDine! Addicting! Highly recommend this one! Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC. I have read a few books by McDine now and have enjoyed every single one.

.J McDine always provides an entertaining read and this one was no exception.

Alex’s first husband Freddie has been gone for ten years, a doctor who had two young children with Alex. But one night Freddie just seems to disappear, never to be heard of again until one night Alex opens the front door and there he is, standing in front of her. She cannot believe what she is seeing.

Throughout Freddie’s time away Alex has been supported by her best friend Gemma and she honestly doesn’t know how she would have managed without Gemma to support her and confide in. Every girl needs a best friend they can count on don’t they?

Alex had finally learned to swallow her grief and move on with her life raising her children alone until she finally decided to marry again, to Freddie’s good friend Carter. But one night Freddie tells Alex she should not trust Carter and on top of this she has been receiving threatening messages, her life is now in turmoil.

So now with Freddie back Alex’s life will never be the same again. She is now having to navigate her world with both men in it, two men she feels a very strong connection with but ultimately she can only have one. But is Alex really seeing the whole picture clearly or is there signs she should be picking up on, signs that may clearing lead to the path that lies ahead of her.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all options expressed are my own.

Imagine your first husband leaving and never coming back. You presume he’s dead and you remarry. Well then your first husband shows back up after 10 years. This kept me glued to the pages and I enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book had me hooked Alex’s husband disappears, and years later, she marries his best friend and has a new child. Then, out of nowhere, her first husband shows up on their doorstep.

This was an easy, fast-paced, and engaging read. I finished it in just a couple of sittings and was fully invested in the characters and their story, eager to see how it all played out. However, I found the plot a bit too predictable. Additionally, I couldn’t quite get on board with Alex’s final decision.

That said, I really enjoyed the story overall and would definitely recommend it!

Alex a devoted mother, wife, and friend is doing the best she can when her husband disappeared without a trace. She continurz ro live her life with the support of friends and family. Ten years later she starts to recieve anonymous dark letters. Are these from someone in her past? She is determined to find out who these are from whole trying to keep a level head.

This book was a fast read and was hard to put down. I enjoyed the mystery that went along with it. You really get to know the characters of the story. Like any good story thier are characters you love and others you don't but all are necessary for a good story. Would reccomend to anyone who likes to read thrillers or mysteries.

I will share this review on Amazon and Goodreads once the book has been open to review.

This was my first time reading a book by A J McDine and it will definitely not be my last one.
I was completely hooked and read it in just over a day. It was gripping and the story was really well laid out. The characters were interesting and came across well.

Some of the twists were unexpected and I loved how it unfolded. The short chapters made it easy to read and I couldn't put it down.

I will definitely be recommending this one!

rating: 4.5

GoodRead review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7410654747

Will upload review on Fable and Instagram too

This moves back and forth in time to tell the story of Gemma and Freddie- and Carter who Gemma married after Freddie disappeared and was declared dead. There are also anonymous sort of threatening letters. Except Freddie's back ten years after he left. I felt for Gemma dealing with these two (I was not a fan of Carter). Fans of the domestic suspense genre might see some of this coming but McDine is a good storyteller. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC>

10 years ago, Alex’s husband, Freddie, disappeared without a trace. As she is about to celebrate her anniversary with her new husband, Carter (Freddie’s friend), Freddie shows up at the door.

The book explores the time leading up to his disappearance and now, alternating between past and present. While the premise of the book was good, I felt it was very predictable. When reading a book like this, I like to be surprised and hit with wow moments and I didn’t feel like this book delivered that. It wasn’t a bad book, just not one that had me frantically flipping the pages to find out the next details.

Thank you Net Galley and publisher for the advanced eARC copy of this book.

The Husband Before You by A J Mcdine was such a great book. It's filled with many twists and secrets and is tension filled. The action starts right away and continues throughout.

Alex has moved on with her life after her first husband walked out on her and their two daughters. With the help of her best friend Gemma and Freddie's friend Carter, she is able to get it together and raise her girls. Who knew she would fall in love with Carter, marry him and have a son with him? The night of their anniversary they are planning a ritzy night out, but that plan is thwarted when the doorbell rings and Freddie is standing at the door. Where has he been for the last 10 years?

This is a story that celebrates family and friendship, but also one that touches on betrayal and jealousy. It went in a totally different direction than I was expecting which I loved. Alternating between the past and present, it gives the reader a picture of how Alex and Freddie's love story began and how it ended up the way it did. The chapters are short and easy to read. I highly recommend this book to domestic suspense lovers.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy

Non-spoiler review:
The Husband Before You opens with Alex's husband, Freddie, returning after being gone for ten years. He had been presumed dead and she is now married to his best friend from before he disappeared, Carter.

The novel jumps between the past and present, explaining the events leading up to his disappearance as well as how Alex and Freddie's relationship began. The novel is entertaining, with the two main storylines being how/why Freddie was gone for ten years and why he's suddenly returned, and suspicious letters Alex keeps getting from an anonymous source saying things like "the truth will be revealed". It kept me reading and avoided some of the bigger pitfalls of suspense thrillers (e.g. too many twists, the ending being too obvious, etc.). My bigger concerns can't be discussed without spoilers, so I'll separate those out below.

Trigger warnings: <spoiler>post-partum depression (which I thought was really well done and represented), suicidal thoughts/attempts, loss of a child.<spoiler>

Spoiler review:
<spoiler>Carter is one of the most unlikeable characters I've read in a long time. He's a walking red flag and the fact that Alex ends up with him really ruined the book for me. First up, he's a terrible partner to Alex. Issues include:
He openly flirts with her best friend as a way to make her jealous.
When her husband (and his best friend) returns after ten years, he immediately wants to kick him out, even though Alex clearly needs to understand and have closure over why he left and what he was doing.
He takes her to restaurants she doesn't like for their anniversary and there's no attempt at understanding what she does like or compromising on what she wants to do.
He gets mad at her when she doesn't want to have sex with him...
The insecurity that manifests as arrogance is astounding.
He doesn't participate in the household labor/mental load for running the household.

Secondly, he's an awful father. His one saving grace was that he checked online multiple times to get his step-daughter tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. The issues with his parenting include:
His step-daughter's father returns after ten years, and rather than facilitating them connecting (which the oldest daughter, Erin, openly communicates wanting), he's in a rush to get him out of the house and is physically confrontational.
Again, doesn't participate in household labor/mental load.
He's thrilled he "got his son" when him and Alex had a kid.

Just in general, he's a terrible person. He says that Gemma misreads the situation when he sleeps with her/goes out with her...but then continues doing it. If it happens one time, fine, but to continually do things when you know she's taking it as something more serious is just using her and treating her without respect. He then blames her being crazy, but he's the one causing/driving the issue! Also, how does he still have a medical license at the end of the book?! He covered up Gemma's transgressions, which then led to him caving to blackmail and a child almost dying. Freddie gets blamed for it even though he didn't do anything wrong, it was Gemma and Carter that should lose their jobs/ability to practice medicine, but Carter just gets away without any repercussions? Alex is fine with this and still marries him and has a kid with him?!

I get that Carter was made to look like a terrible person because we were supposed to suspect him and think he had to do with it. The fractures in his relationship with Alex and his abuse was intentional to make us think she'd get back with Freddie, especially once she kisses him. The problem is that when you show such massive red flags with him and their relationship, it can't be fixed with a simple, and he bought these concert tickets in the past and they're fine, don't worry about it.

For Alex, her being in love with Carter the entire time she was married to Freddie. She straight up had an emotional affair on her husband that was there for her and cared for her. I get that post-partum depression caused the events of the book (and she's the victim there and not at fault) but the emotional affair and being in love with your husband's best friend IS her fault. I guess maybe Carter and her deserve each other?

Lastly, the reason for Freddie being away for ten years was too weak. Additionally, his comments about not trusting Carter were really stupid. It was a way to create suspense but doesn't make ANY sense once you finish the book.<spoiler>