Publisher: Recorded Books

🎧︎The Wife Before by Shanora Williams

The Wife Before

Posted on February 17, 2023 by Nadene @ Totally Addicted to Reading in Reviews / 10 Comments

The Wife Before is my first time reading author, Shanora Williams. This book came on my radar from the Black History Month prompt in the Kindle challenge. I have read romance books written by black authors, but never a thriller-and as the characters featured were persons of colour, my interest was further piqued. Narrated by Tracy Conyer Lee, The Wife Before delivered an addictive thriller which readers of the genre will enjoy. 

 

🎧︎The Wife Before by Shanora WilliamsTitle: The Wife Before
Author(s): Shanora Williams
Narrator(s): Tracey Conyer Lee
Published by Recorded Books on June 28, 2022
Pages: 322
Length: 10 hrs 6 mins
Genre(s): Psychological Thriller
Source: Kindle Unlimited, Scribd
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne Flame

Fans of Verity will be engrossed by this unpredictable novel of suspense as a new bride’s fairytale marriage becomes a prison of secrets. From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Perfect Ruin, this insidiously sexy, twist-filled psycho-drama is reminiscent of the classic gothic tale Rebecca.
Samira Wilder has never had it easy, and when her latest lousy job goes south, things only promise to get harder. Until she unexpectedly meets a man who will change her life forever. Renowned pro golfer Roland Graham is wealthy, handsome, and caring, and Samira is dazzled. Best of all, he seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. And though their relationship moves a bit fast, when Roland proposes, Samira accepts. She even agrees to relocate to his secluded Colorado mansion. After all, there's nothing to keep her in Miami, and the mansion clearly makes him happy. Soon, they are married amid a media firestorm, and Samira can't wait to make a fresh start--as the second Mrs. Graham...
Samira settles into the mansion, blissfully happy--until she discovers long-hidden journals belonging to Roland's late wife, Melanie, who died in a tragic accident. With each dusty page, Samira comes to realize that perhaps it was no accident at all--that perhaps her perfect husband is not as perfect as she thought. Even as her trust in Roland begins to dwindle and a shadow falls over her marriage and she begins to fear for her own life, Samira is determined to uncover the truth of Melanie's troubled last days. But even good wives should know that the truth is not always what it seems...

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The Wife Before introduces Samira, an irresponsible adult, who always shirks her responsibilities and can never keep a job. Her brother enables her irresponsible behaviour. However, when her brother’s fiancée became pregnant, he had no choice but to cut the financial string, forcing her to seek employment. Her search led her to a temporary waitressing gig at a fancy event for the rich and famous. While working the event, she met Roland Graham, a wealthy professional golfer, and the man who would become her husband. 

The chemistry between Samira and Roland sizzled, leading to a whirlwind romance. Samira feels she has found the man of her dreams, but she’s not aware that her dream man has a dubious past. His first wife died under mysterious circumstances and he was the number one suspect. However, insufficient evidence made an arrest impossible. Samira finds herself in the position of competing with the ghost of her husband’s ex-wife while trying to prove her husband’s innocence.

I had a great time with The Wife Before. It held me captive from the first page. The story piqued my curiosity, and I eagerly turned the pages, needing to know if Roland was a murderer or if there was another sinister plot in the making. There were so many theories floating in my head, but none came close to what actually transpired. Wow! Talk about twists, The Wife Before had it in spades.

The story was narrated from the POV of Samira and through the journal of the Roland’s ex-wife. The reading of the journals provided insight into her personality. Let me tell you, she was not a nice person. The deeper Samira went into the journal, the more secrets came to light. In the beginning Samira grated on my nerves with her down care attitude. However, as the story unfolds she showed determination and strength. 

Overall, an entertaining and addictive read

 The narration was absolutely perfect. This is my first time listening to Tracy Conyer Lee and wouldn’t hesitate to listen to her again. Her performance was solid, and the characters were delivered well.

 

Story Evaluation
Plot
4
Characters
4
World Building
3.5
Writing Style
4
Pacing
4.5
Cover
3
Narrator (Audio)
4.5
Enjoyment
4
Ending
3.5
Overall: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

Nadene @ Totally Addicted to Reading

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