The Last Mrs. Parrish

I don't usually reach for thrillers, but I am so glad I chose to pick up The Last Mrs. Parrish. This story gripped me in its clutches from the first page and did not let me go until the very last page. I literally read this cover-to-cover in one day. I could not put it down.

This book is told from two different women's perspectives - Amber and Daphne - the woman who has it all and the woman who wants it all. But appearances can be deceiving. I don't want to say too much, other than the twists and turns in this psychological thriller had me holding my breath the whole time. You will not be disappointed. Liv Constantine has developed a fast-paced, thrill ride that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.

The book entices you from the beginning, wanting to read more, flipping the pages came easy, and then the action begun and I truly could not put the book down. Great read! Fun read! Physiological thriller for sure. The sisters have done an awesome job with this book. Looking for a fun fall read? Pick this up you won’t be disappointed!!

I don't usually reach for thrillers, but I am so glad I chose to pick up The Last Mrs. Parrish. This story gripped me in its clutches from the first page and did not let me go until the very last page. I literally read this cover-to-cover in one day. I could not put it down.

This book is told from two different women's perspectives - Amber and Daphne - the woman who has it all and the woman who wants it all. But appearances can be deceiving. I don't want to say too much, other than the twists and turns in this psychological thriller had me holding my breath the whole time. You will not be disappointed. Liv Constantine has developed a fast-paced, thrill ride that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.

The book entices you from the beginning, wanting to read more, flipping the pages came easy, and then the action begun and I truly could not put the book down. Great read! Fun read! Physiological thriller for sure. The sisters have done an awesome job with this book. Looking for a fun fall read? Pick this up you won’t be disappointed!!

Oh come on, the store! Let me give ten stars, just this once.

You know those books you read that take a while to get into and you keep wanting to put it down, but you press on? Yeah, this is NOT that kind of book. The Last Mrs. Parrish will hook you from the first chapter and it's unputdownable. The characters are written so well and the twists and turns are great. I've recommended it to several people and thought about it for a few days after I finished it. I want more books like this by the Constantine sisters!

Absolutely a waste of time. I read many books and this has been the worst written book I’ve read in years. The writing is so bad, I’m pretty sure I lost brain cells while reading. Not only is the writing poor the storyline is so basic. It’s been done before and it’s been done better. I literally finished this book and was sad for the authors, disappointed in the editor, and mad at the publisher. We the people desire better writing and storytelling!

I really did not like this book. It was recommended all over the internet, but dang, I wanted the narrator to get hit by a train and end my misery. Didn't even make it halfway through and a couple people from my book club advised that I should quit while I was ahead. Sorry Ms. Constantine.

I would actually give this read a 3.5. It was well written in terms of pace and style, which is a huge plus in this era of the store recommendations. But the ending became predictable before we even got to the second half of the book, which is Daphne's story. I am frustrated with searching for psychological thrillers, getting a return search that bills a book as just like 'girl on the train' or 'gone girl', and in reality the book is just not in the same league in terms of multi character development, suspense, and plot twists. That being said, this was an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it as a 'beach read' with a small dose of suspense.

I enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish, and definitely liked the ending. Unfortunately, for me, it was too much like a mashup of Behind Closed Doors and The Wife Between Us, so I saw the end coming from very early on. But because there was an interesting twist, this book definitely deserves 4 stars. Great psychological thriller.

Visions of 'Sleeping With the Enemy' and Never Let You Go' are flashing in my mind as I finished this book. I could not put it down as I needed to know what was going to happen to Daphne and Amber. The story is well played and believable characters with twists just in the right places. One of my new favorites.

This book is excellent! If you read just one book this year make it this one!! I am an avid reader and many psychological thrillers do not live up to the hype but this one does. I definitely recommend and look forward to more books from this amazing sister authors.

I don't write many reviews but I just had to for this one. It was the best book I have read in quite awhile. I figured out half way through where it was going but that it didn't matter because I enjoyed the ride all the way until the end.

It seems that a lotnof stories are now following the Gone Girl format and this book is no exception. The writing is okay for a quick read you buy at rhe airport; but the story is so predictable that it was a eeliwf to finish.

I didn’t expect much from this book in terms of being anything remotely highbrow literature,but it was a quick, fun, predictable read. I enjoy hearing about how the 2% live, and this was a cross between Talented Mr Ridley, Fifty Shades, and Big Little Lies. Poor dialogue and few plot surprises. More a guilty pleasure, like watching The Real Housewives. Good, not great.

I read this book immediately after reading “the wife between us”. At first, I was annoyed because it seemed to be on the same subject. However, this book was much better. I’m glad I kept going. You’ll love the twist. Enjoy!

This book was sooo good! Perfect read to pass the time on Christmas vacation! I was worried at first with the second part of the book, I didn’t want to read a repeat of the story from the other side, but it actually flowed really well. I bought it after hearing Reese Witherspoon’s book club recommendation, and I’m glad I did!

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine can officially stay on my bookshelves, as it is a thriller that kept me guessing, had twisty and interesting characters told from multiple view points and an ending I wasn't expecting. Thank you Harper Books for not only the ARC and the finished copy, but also for sending me a thriller I actually enjoyed reading all the way through (and honestly had a hard time putting down).

I'm kind of a picky thriller reader. I get frustrated with stories that seem SO out of the realm of the real world or characters that are just AWFUL, completely unlikeable that I don't really care what happens to them by the end of the story. Usually I feel like they deserved everything they got.

Theres been a few thrillers lately that I've reviewed and really enjoyed...The Last Mrs. Parrish by sister writers working under the name Liv Constantine is definitely going on that list. I LOVED this story line, how the characters were introduced, the way the viewpoint shifted halfway through. The subtleness. It reminded me of a Hitchcock in some ways. I liked Daphne, but I also liked Amber (she had some serious stamina and dedication to her cause, haha). There were a few cringe moments where I had to shake off what I was reading but mostly, the twisted lives of the two women and Jackson Parrish left me thinking every time I put the book down.

If you are looking for a great thriller, I highly recommend The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine. I really enjoyed reading it!

This book had way too much expository dialogue. I can't believe that it was rated so high! I read until the end since I figured there had to be something to it, the second part reads better than the first. Overall disappointed in the predictability of the whole thing.

The writing seemed shallow and I never felt invested in the characters. There were some interesting turns in the book, but the story didn't feel believable enough to fully draw me into it. Once I found out that it was written by 2 people in different states it made sense that it seemed to jump around a lot.

Awesome storyline. What a great book. I kept reading to see what would happen all the while lamenting the fact that I was getting closer to finishing it!
If you didn't enjoy this book you should see a doctor because something is seriously wrong with you

Psychological suspense novel that I was unable to put down! The book alternates between the perspective of the wife and the envious new girl in town with a mysterious past. Things are not always what they may seem. Highly recommend!

“The Last Mrs. Parrish” is actually a collaborative work written by two sisters, Lynne and Valerie Constantine, who combine their efforts under the pen name “Liv”. One is intrigued by this conjoining of talents; since the book is presented in two separate “voices”, a third-person narrative representing “Amber” and the first-person story of Daphne Parrish. It is fair to speculate that perhaps each author took one of these two women as her “half” of the story.

We first encounter Amber, an extremely avaricious young woman (who is also a consummate con artist). She is determined to “steal” and marry Daphne’s handsome and obscenely rich husband, Jackson Parrish. Having been born poor, and failed in her first vicious attempt to snag a rich husband, Amber has fled town, reinvented herself, and wormed her way into the Parrish’s lives by pretending to relate to Daphne. whose sister Julia died of CF. Amber pretends that she, too, has lost a sister to this disease, and volunteers at the charitable foundation “Julie’s Smile” organized by Daphne.

At first, Daphne accepts Amber at face value and considers her a cherished friend, actually persuading Jackson to hire her as his administrative assistant. As the plot thickens, though, it becomes obvious that the real situation is very different from the “ideal marriage” Amber is seeking to destroy; the second half of the narrative, voiced by Daphne, lets us see the reality of the “perfect life” which Amber has fantasized and plans to pirate from the woman she so envies. The culmination of the plot is extremely satisfying “poetic justice”, and just what one would hope for. I found this book a very good story, as well as an effective morality play.

This book is about materialism in a patriarchal world; it subjugates women into possessions of a rich man, all the while masquerading as a book about women for women. I am utterly amazed this book has been well received. It’s little more than a book about a cat fight with a plot twist that is just the abusive version of 50 Shades of Grey.

This is a perfect summer beach read or a great book to take on the plane with you. It is a page turner and a quick read. If you like psychological thrillers with nice twists and turns as secrets are slowly revealed, pick this book up.

Amber has come to the town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut with the express purpose of seducing Jackson Parrish, an obscenely rich man. Amber's first order of business is to get into the good graces of his wife Daphne, pretending to be her friend. Once she accomplishes this, she thinks it will be short shrift to Jackson's bed and then becoming his wife. Amber has worked out her plan of action from A to Z and the first part of the book is told from her point of view.

Amber thinks the Parrish family is perfect. Jackson and Daphne appear to be very much in love. Daphne is beautiful and kind, welcoming Amber into her friendship circle easily. There are hints from the beginning of the book that Amber has had problems in the past and is running away from something. Could her efforts to destroy a marriage and make herself the new reigning Mrs. Parrish be as easy as it seems? Is Daphne as gullible as she appears?

I enjoyed the juiciness of this book, the secrets revealed and the gossip-like quality that pervades it. This is not literary fiction but it is fun. I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I recommend this book for fun. It's a quick read with lots of surprises in store.

This is a fantastic book with only three characters. Husband, wife, and home-wrecker. It’s no spoiler to tell you that Amber Patterson is the home wrecker and a self-avowed woman on a mission. Motivated mostly by her wish to be tremendously wealthy, Amber is determined to OUTRIGHT steal Jackson Parrish away from his sweet, beautiful wife, Daphne. What ensues is unbelievably fun to read about. Deliciously wicked.

First, what I love about this book:

The story is entertaining and addictive! I couldn’t put it down.
The writing is effortless, easy and flows at a naturally fast pace.
The structure of the book is perfect. The first third is Amber’s POV, the second is Daphne’s and the third part is a bit of a combination conclusion. (I enjoyed Daphne’s section so much more than Amber’s!)

And, the best part, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH has one of the most satisfying endings to a story I’ve read in a long time!

What I don’t like:

This book is too long. Even though it reads fast for a 400 page book, there is too much fat. Where are those editors when you need one? For the first half of the book, we get an up close, continuous description of how the “one percent” lives and that starts to get tiring.

Ok, we get it, Jackson Parrish is super duper rich and buys very expensive clothes, shoes, and jewelry for Mrs. Parrish. If you’re into designer brand names, etc. you will enjoy reading about the trappings and joys of wealth. And that’s not a bad thing! But, if you tire of this part, persevere until the second half where the plot really picks up.

Aside from not really feeling a connection to the characters, there is also not any suspense in this book. There is a mild twist, but you will probably not be that surprised.

All of these negatives are only because my expectations were that this would be a “twisted, psychological thriller”. I mean, it says it right there on the book jacket.

It’s my opinion that this book is mis-categorized. I would call it women’s fiction (I hate “chick-lit”). It is VERY light on the psychological suspense and there is not a thriller vibe or shocking mystery to solve.

Overall, this is a very fun book to read, most people will love it and I’m betting it is going to be very popular.

The strange thing is….it is almost the exact same plot line from THE WIFE BETWEEN US by Greer Hendricks, which is the book I read just before this one. Caaaarazzzzy.

In contrast, THE WIFE BETWEEN US is a much darker, tighter, twisted story and I did give it all the stars. That book doesn’t come out until January 2018.
THE LAST MRS. PARRISH is scheduled for US publication today, October 17. It has a gorgeous cover !!

My biggest disappointment was that I figured out the “shocking” developments of the novel. Also the writing style was journalistic rather than artistic.

Three stars is a generous rating for this book.

Given how highly rated this book is, I never felt so compelled to write a negative review for a book. It is a fast read and there is a twist, but the plot development was totally predictable. The setting and characters are out of a daytime soap and the writing has no literary value.

How far would a woman seeking power, prestige, and fortune go to secure a man who would provide all of those things and more? This is the question that Liv Constantine's The Last Mrs. Parrish initially asks, but as the book progresses, we find appearances are deceiving.

The first half of the book follows the plight of the conniving, self-absorbed Amber, a young woman in her 20s who is running from her sordid past. Seeking money and power, Amber has moved far from her Nebraskan hometown to the high brow community of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut. She's done investigate research to find a wealthy, attractive man to fulfill her life goals, selecting the wealthy, seemingly successful family of Jackson and Daphne as her prey.

Amber is calculated and cold; she knows exactly how to worm her way into the family without arousing too much suspicion. Or, at least it seems that way. Amber befriends Daphne at the local upscale gym. Having done extensive research on Jackson and Daphne, Amber reveals that her sister passed away of Cystic Fibrosis. Daphne runs a charity for families suffering from Cystic Fibrosis as her sister passed away from it many years ago. Daphne immediately takes a liking to Amber, as she has yet to meet many women who know what it is like to lose a beloved sister to Cystic Fibrosis. This seemed to be a bit of a plot hole to me; isn't it somewhat odd that Daphne has yet to make good friends with other families who have suffered a loss given she runs a huge charity for Cystic Fibrosis? We later learn that Daphne has ulterior motives for befriending Amber, which resolved this plot hole.

Amber manages to not only become a permanent fixture in Daphne's life, but also in Jackson's. Jackson hires Amber as his assistant to his assistant (yes, he's rich) after Amber tearfully tells Daphne she is being sexually harassed by her boss. Slowly, Amber transforms from a woman lacking fashion sensibilities to a woman who men desire; she changes her hairstyle, her makeup, and clothing to appeal to Jackson. Jackson starts to take note of Amber, and soon they are arranging secretive trips around the world, nights out on the town, and wild evenings in hotels and at Jackson's other properties. Amber thinks she has secured Jackson's affections and the future she envisioned, only to find out that she has simply scratched the surface of Jackson and Daphne's family dynamics and secrets.

If it weren't for the thrilling twist in this book that happens midway through it, Amber's story would seem like another Lifetime movie plot. There is certainly no lack of novels involving scorned lovers and cunning mistresses. But this book takes it to another level, illustrating that what we thought about Daphne and Jackson's marriage is superficial at best. I suppose this should have been a red flag for me as a reader, especially considering we initially learn about Daphne and Jackson through Amber's jaded eyes.

It's hard to write this review without revealing some major spoilers. Let's just say that besides being a cheater, Jackson is not the person he seems to be, nor is Daphne the meek, submissive, and money hungry woman Amber makes her out to be. Once I got through Amber's narrative (at about the 40% mark of the book), I could not put this book down. The ending was satisfyingly delicious.

Please note that there are scenes of domestic violence in this book, so if that is a trigger for you, you probably should not read this book.

I received this book in my PageHabit mystery box, and it was also Reese Witherspoon's December read for Hello Sunshine. So it was meant for me to read this wonderful book!

Within minutes after diving into this book, I was hooked. I didn't know which end was up and which end was down. I fell in love and hate with the characters accordingly, or so I thought.

I did see one of the major twists coming, but that didn't lessen the blow. Liv delivered that blow in the most glorious way! I was hooked and didn't want the book to end.

I highly recommend this book no matter what your reading preference. This book deserves all of the praise!

In my head I was thinking about all the things I wanted to say about this, but really I'm just over it. By the way, Santa Cruz is not in Southern California. It's about 32 miles from San Jose which is in Northern California. For those of us who live in these areas it shows lack of research by the authors and editor. Frankly, given how over the top the entire book was I'm not surprised. This was written for just for shock and awe as nothing was realistic in this plot line whatsoever. That being said if you are triggered by repeated descriptions - and some of my reader friends are - of violence against women you need to be cautious here.

You know that feeling when you mistakenly say something and then want to spit the aftertaste of the words out of your mouth? That's a little like what my brain wants to do every time I think about this story. I listened to the audiobook thanks to my local library (FREE, hallelujah!) and am glad that I didn't waste a credit on this gem. I wanted to give it two stars, and then remembered how awful the narrator was in the first part of the book. Maybe I'm impatient, but the pace was so slow! I've listened to several audiobooks in the last few weeks and this is the only one that makes me want to cringe. Yes, cringe.

The plot?

Maybe falling asleep during this audiobook made it harder to keep all the details straight, but it seemed like Amber and Daphne had two different timelines. I did like hearing it from both characters' point of view; however, it was unnecessary and nearly made me give up. Honestly, we could have ditched anything from Amber's point of view and it might have been stronger. It reminds me of Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris now that I think of it. Fast romance, sister with genetic condition, rich man, beautiful woman, and torture. I'm sure you can guess how it ends, although the body count is much lower! Hooray!

Spoilers?

Can one con artist con another and then be conned by a non-con artist? It's a stretch.

The ending could have been cut short for more of an impact. Why couldn't we just end with Daphne showing Jackson that he'd been duped and walking away into the sunset? Couldn't we have been happy after the FBI bust? Did we have to have the explanation that Amber really got the life she deserved? The author doesn't give us enough credit as readers and tries to spoon feed us the details, but it just ends up mushy and bland. Kick us in the gut with the plot twist and sweet revenge and then move on, sister!

I wanted to be thrilled and now I'm seriously doubting the reliability of Audible ratings. Did someone fudge these scores?

VERDICT: Just say NO!

I received my copy of The Last Mrs. Parrish by winning a PageHabit contest, which has no effect on my review.

I read this book to fulfill the prompt of “A book by two authors” (Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine) for the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.

The first part of this book is about con woman Amber Patterson, a young woman who resents having been raised in poverty, and resolves to find a way out, even if it means insinuating herself into the lives of millionaires Daphne and Jackson Parrish.

I hated the first half of this book.

HATED, IT.

Amber’s motivations for everything were sketchy at best. I got tired of poor gold diggers setting their sights on married millionaires when Dynasty was still a thing in the 80s. All that was missing here was the two women wrestling and falling into the pool while wearing their elegant designer gowns.

I really can’t say a lot about the plot because there were some twists and turns that some people might enjoy (and I don’t want to spoil), so I’ll just leave it by saying if you enjoyed Dynasty and Falcon Crest, this will feel like familiar territory for you.

The second part of the book was marginally better, but by that point it was too far gone to save. At that point, I felt like a very poor writer who imagined himself to be the next Sidney Sheldon had joined the Dynasty writing staff. I literally spent at least 200 pages of this book massaging my temples (to ease the headache it was giving me) with one hand while turning pages with the other.

Everything was far-fetched, the characters were caricatures, and I didn’t care about any of them because I couldn’t buy into the basic premise.

I will not be reading anything else from these authors, either on their own or together. One of the worst books I’ve read in a long time.

1 out of 5 stars

I received The Last Mrs. Parrish in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are exclusively mine.

I must start out and say OMG…I did not see that coming. What you ask? Well, I can’t tell you, as I do not want to spoil this exciting read. I dreamed about this book. It was that intense for me.
When I first started I was immediately reminded of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Amber was similar to Tom…but I know better. The story became very much its own book.
Part 1 starts out with Amber’s story. Growing up as a nobody. Knowing where she came from did not help my opinion of her. I disliked her as a person intently. She is callus and uncaring. The poster child for social climber.
And then we go to Daphne…the wife. Mrs. Parrish. The person Amber wants to become…or more so replace. At first glance. I thought poor Daphne. She is absolutely clueless…but as the story progressed I found myself rooting for her.

Jackson, or Mr. Parrish. I’m can’t even talk about you without a spoiler…so I won’t.

I highly recommend this book. It is absolutely a page turner that will keep you reading past your bed time. The characters were well written. The plot was well thought out and ended with a bang! I was expecting this to be a pleasant read…but had no idea it would grab me as much as it did.

I really want to write more…but I am telling you. Grab a copy. Tell me your thoughts.

Thank you Harper Collins and Liv Constantine for the review copy.

The Last Mrs. Parish is the latest novel from two sisters writing as Liv Constantine. And for those of you who like psychological suspense - you're going to want to read this one!

Amber has set her sights set on having Daphne Parrish's fairy tale life. Not just a life like Daphne's - she literally wants her husband Jackson, her house, her money and her social standing. And why shouldn't she have it she thinks? She's smart, beautiful and just as good as these society women. So, she reinvents herself, begins ingratiating herself with Daphne and slowly insinuates her way into the Parrish family life......

Oh, Amber is one of the best 'worst' characters I've read in a long time. She's callous, cold and calculating. Constantine's depiction of her scheming is impossible to put down. The reader is aware of Amber's plan and I wanted to shout at Daphne - to wake her up to what is happening right under her nose. Surely she can't be that oblivious?

There are three parts to The Last Mrs. Parrish. Part Two comes from a different viewpoint - and is no less addictive. You might have an idea whose viewpoint part two belongs to - and yes, you're going to race through it as well. Part three? Well, it's just perfect. And just deserts.

Constantine does a wonderful job of manipulating her characters - and the reader. Although the twist is telegraphed ahead, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. The Last Mrs. Parrish was a five star read for me - twisty, addicting and just plain fun to read. I wouldn't be surprised to see film rights for this book being snapped up. I look forward to the next thriller from these two sisters.

A tale of envy, greed, psychological manipulation, betrayal and revenge, this one has all the tantalising ingredients for a mouth watering, delicious read!

Exquisitely entertaining and oh so addictive, I finished this one in record time... I just couldn't put it down, with writing that was fast paced and flowed easily.

The book was well structured , broken up into 3 parts. In part one we learn about Amber and her meticulous plan to con and weasel her way into the Parrish family, in order to get the life she thinks she deserves. In part two, we discover Daphne Parrish's perspective from when she first met her doting husband Jackson and how her life has changed since marriage, children, and since Amber came into her life. Part three then becomes a combination of both Amber and Daphne's perspectives, leading up to the books delightful conclusion.

The incorrigible characters had my jaw dropping on several occasions, and my blood boiling to new highs in others. First prize goes to Amber for the woman you love to hate, for being a master of duplicity and manipulation. Will she get the life she deserves?

All I'll say is that the authors have gifted us with the créme de la créme of endings!!!! This is how it should be done! I've got a feeling I'll be having quite the book hangover now that I've sadly reached the final page.

BRAVO and congratulations to the authors on a very impressive debut read.

I've seen this book plastered all over social media for quite a while now. I kept ignoring it, as the description didn't grab and and I felt like this type of plot has been done too many times before. After seeing so many friends rave about this book, I finally decided to get it from the library and see what the fuss was about. OMG I am so glad I did!

This book was far better than I expected. It was more character-driven than plot-driven, but the story moved alone at a great pace. The first section was written in one character's POV, the second section in the other main character's POV, and the third section was written to show how it all came together. and led to a very satisfying ending.

The word I keep using to describe this book is "bonkers". Amber was absolutely ruthless, and nothing was beneath her in her quest to become the new Mrs. Parrish. Daphne was a survivor, and I loved her section of the book and being able to see how she got where she was in her life and whether or not she was able to find a way out.

This book is one that I would definitely recommend. It had me tuning pages and staying up late into the night because I couldn't stop reading.

‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ quickly draws you in and moves you along into a ever-tightening web of suspense. It certainly elicits many emotions - ranging from envy to intrigue to amazement to shock to amusement.
The only call out I’d make that after reading ‘The Wife Between Us’, - this is a very similar story line: rich man, beautiful girl, intrigue, deception, etc. However ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ is better executed in my opinion.

Amber Patterson is tired of being an invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves a life of money and power like the blond-haired, blue-eyed Daphne Parrish takes for granted. In the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne who is a socialite and her real-estate developer husband - Jackson, are perceived to be the perfect couple.

The first half of ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ is told from Amber’s perspective, and while we know that she is manipulative and has a big plan, one that will take her to the new life she wants, there are also hints of a life of secrets she left behind.

When it looks like she is right where she wants to be, things turn around and we see life from the perspective of Daphne... who is not quite the happy woman she appears, in fact her secrets and what she has done to keep them hidden make everything about this story the page turner it is.

‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ is actually confusing at times, as it jumps around a great deal it still works well as a psychological read. The characterisations are strong yet there is just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you wondering...
Be warned: this is no sleeper, be prepared to finish in a couple of sittings or less.
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“All she’d wanted was the life she deserved. It didn’t occur to her that she had gotten it.”

Daphne was beautiful, yes, but she didn’t think she was anything special --- until real estate mogul Jackson Parrish took notice of her. Jackson was the most eligible bachelor in upscale Bishops Harbor. In a whirlwind romance, he began wooing Daphne with a dogged passion, and soon they were married. To everyone in this posh Connecticut town, life for the Parrishes looked like a fairy tale. They lived in a vast mansion by the water, had a lake house to escape to and a fabulous boat to play on whenever they wished. Jackson doted on his wife, lavishing her with expensive gifts, whisking her off on exotic trips and holding her close to him. They appeared to be inseparable. A few years passed, and they were graced with two lovely daughters. It seemed like things couldn’t be better for them.

Don’t think that Amber Patterson hasn’t noticed that. Envy drips from every pore of the young woman, but in order to get close to Daphne --- and Jackson, her ultimate target --- she suppresses her true feelings. She has to, if her plan is going to work the way she has mapped it out. She can be patient, but even more so, she can be devious. Amber knows Daphne’s weak spot: her sister, Julie. Cystic fibrosis had taken Julie at a young age and left Daphne crushed. Now Daphne runs a foundation, Julie’s Smile, to help families financially who struggle with CF.

So Amber goes for the sympathy card, with a sad story about how she lost a sister to the disease, too. Daphne melts at this news, instantly opening her heart to Amber, who silently claims a victory at weaseling her way into the Parrish home. But Jackson is a different matter altogether. He has eyes only for Daphne. If Amber is going to have any chance of stealing him away, she’s going to need help. And, surprisingly, she gets it --- from a most unlikely source. But will Jackson take the bait? His devotion to his wife is rock solid.

THE LAST MRS. PARRISH starts out slowly but steadily gains steam until you simply can’t put the book down. You’ve been drawn into the story so totally that you can’t wait to find out what happens next. How it all unfolds gets you wondering about appearances and how deceptive they can be. What can you believe? More importantly, who can you trust? The three major characters --- Daphne, Jackson and Amber --- indulge in some cunning charades. At least one of them goes quite a bit overboard. Well, nobody’s perfect, but who would guess someone could be this creepy?

Liv Constantine is, in fact, two sisters writing together. One developed Amber Patterson, while the other developed Daphne Parrish. The result is brilliant. Each of the women is uniquely different because each had her own special creator. And because of the two authors, the suspense builds at double the speed and the twists skyrocket off the pages. Don’t miss this superb thriller debut.

Reviewed by Kate Ayers

The Last Mrs. Parrish is the fast-paced, binge-worthy, debut novel by Liv Constantine, the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine and while I wouldn't call it a twisted psychological thriller, or even a thriller at all, although it's being marketed as one, there are A LOT of manipulations and a couple of twists happening in the book that make it well-worth the read.

Manipulative. Cunning. Wicked. A homewrecker. A villain. Amber Patterson is a woman you cannot help but thoroughly dislike, but she is so fun to read about! She’s set her sights on the wealthy, handsome, and powerful Jackson Parrish, and she is determined to get him at all costs even if it means destroying a beautiful family and a woman who has become like a sister to her... at least to the outside observer.

And you really cannot help but feel sorry for beautiful, kind, loving Daphne Parrish when you realize that Amber, the woman she befriends and takes into her home, takes on vacations, gives gifts, and treats like family, has been planning from the beginning to steal not only her husband but take over her life. After all, there can be only one Mrs. Parrish. In the end, who will it be? And will it be worth it in the end to have Jackson Parrish? The book is full of secrets, lies, betrayals, and manipulations!

The writing style is smart, sexy, and sleek and if you are looking for a highly entertaining read, then The Mrs. Last Parrish, is the perfect choice even though the big “twist” in the story was not too hard to figure out, which again this really should not have been marketed as such since it reads like women’s fiction or just domestic drama. And while I thoroughly enjoyed the book, that is my biggest issue with the book-I completely expected it to be a dark, shocking, suspenseful thriller when it fell flat as such. With that said, the plot twist is still fantastic and crazy, and I would recommend The Last Mrs. Parrish based on that part of the book alone since I could not turn the pages fast enough once I hit Part II! The book is divided up into three parts: Part I is told from Amber’s POV, so we get to learn all about her devious plans, Part II is told from Daphne’s POV and in my opinion it is the best part of the book since it is where the plot twist occurs (and we find out that Daphne is not all that she appears to be either!!), and Part III combines the two and gives a very, very gratifying conclusion to the story!

While The Last Mrs. Parrish is not the suspenseful read that I expected, it is exhilarating fun! I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a wicked, fast-paced, well-written drama that will keep you entertained and quickly flipping pages! If you are looking for something darker, twisted, intense, and much more suspenseful, then this will likely not be what you are looking to read.

**Thank you Edelweiss, HarperCollins, and Liv Constantine for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.**

I have not read a page turner such as this, in a very long time. Honestly, it would make a great movie.

I read this in one day and had every intention of leaving it five stars, until I got to the end. And I feel odd about leaving four, because I am unsure if it is my lack of understanding of psychology and what makes certain weirdos, do what they do, or if the fault lies within the writing. And I'm going to be clear about what I mean, without giving too much away.

The Amber and Jackson characters were bat-crap crazy. But not obviously, nuthouse so, which was what made them so dangerous. Still, with the level of vitriol, hatred and animosity going on in the plot, I fully expected a death to occur. I also couldn't conceive of Amber, after all we learned about her, just deciding to settle for the unexpected life she had schemed so hard to get. Because she WAS a schemer, 24/7.

I also thought Jackson's financial fate was a bit over the top. And I was surprised that Amber had not discovered his treachery in that regard, long before it was discovered, given she used to work for him.

But again, maybe the ending that was written, was fitting after all that had been revealed. I would have liked to have read about Amber actually LIVING her new nightmare existence, like Daphne had, instead of being TOLD what was happening. But other than that, the book is a fascinating read. Like I said before, it could easily be made into a movie.

This is a perfect summer beach read or a great book to take on the plane with you. It is a page turner and a quick read. If you like psychological thrillers with nice twists and turns as secrets are slowly revealed, pick this book up.

Amber has come to the town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut with the express purpose of seducing Jackson Parrish, an obscenely rich man. Amber's first order of business is to get into the good graces of his wife Daphne, pretending to be her friend. Once she accomplishes this, she thinks it will be short shrift to Jackson's bed and then becoming his wife. Amber has worked out her plan of action from A to Z and the first part of the book is told from her point of view.

Amber thinks the Parrish family is perfect. Jackson and Daphne appear to be very much in love. Daphne is beautiful and kind, welcoming Amber into her friendship circle easily. There are hints from the beginning of the book that Amber has had problems in the past and is running away from something. Could her efforts to destroy a marriage and make herself the new reigning Mrs. Parrish be as easy as it seems? Is Daphne as gullible as she appears?

I enjoyed the juiciness of this book, the secrets revealed and the gossip-like quality that pervades it. This is not literary fiction but it is fun. I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I recommend this book for fun. It's a quick read with lots of surprises in store.

This is a fantastic book with only three characters. Husband, wife, and home-wrecker. It’s no spoiler to tell you that Amber Patterson is the home wrecker and a self-avowed woman on a mission. Motivated mostly by her wish to be tremendously wealthy, Amber is determined to OUTRIGHT steal Jackson Parrish away from his sweet, beautiful wife, Daphne. What ensues is unbelievably fun to read about. Deliciously wicked.

First, what I love about this book:

The story is entertaining and addictive! I couldn’t put it down.
The writing is effortless, easy and flows at a naturally fast pace.
The structure of the book is perfect. The first third is Amber’s POV, the second is Daphne’s and the third part is a bit of a combination conclusion. (I enjoyed Daphne’s section so much more than Amber’s!)

And, the best part, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH has one of the most satisfying endings to a story I’ve read in a long time!

What I don’t like:

This book is too long. Even though it reads fast for a 400 page book, there is too much fat. Where are those editors when you need one? For the first half of the book, we get an up close, continuous description of how the “one percent” lives and that starts to get tiring.

Ok, we get it, Jackson Parrish is super duper rich and buys very expensive clothes, shoes, and jewelry for Mrs. Parrish. If you’re into designer brand names, etc. you will enjoy reading about the trappings and joys of wealth. And that’s not a bad thing! But, if you tire of this part, persevere until the second half where the plot really picks up.

Aside from not really feeling a connection to the characters, there is also not any suspense in this book. There is a mild twist, but you will probably not be that surprised.

All of these negatives are only because my expectations were that this would be a “twisted, psychological thriller”. I mean, it says it right there on the book jacket.

It’s my opinion that this book is mis-categorized. I would call it women’s fiction (I hate “chick-lit”). It is VERY light on the psychological suspense and there is not a thriller vibe or shocking mystery to solve.

Overall, this is a very fun book to read, most people will love it and I’m betting it is going to be very popular.

The strange thing is….it is almost the exact same plot line from THE WIFE BETWEEN US by Greer Hendricks, which is the book I read just before this one. Caaaarazzzzy.

In contrast, THE WIFE BETWEEN US is a much darker, tighter, twisted story and I did give it all the stars. That book doesn’t come out until January 2018.
THE LAST MRS. PARRISH is scheduled for US publication today, October 17. It has a gorgeous cover !!

My biggest disappointment was that I figured out the “shocking” developments of the novel. Also the writing style was journalistic rather than artistic.

Three stars is a generous rating for this book.

Given how highly rated this book is, I never felt so compelled to write a negative review for a book. It is a fast read and there is a twist, but the plot development was totally predictable. The setting and characters are out of a daytime soap and the writing has no literary value.

There's two sides to every story, is the phrase which comes to mind when reading this fantastic psychological thriller. The first part of the book is told from Amber's perspective and what a conniving creature she is. Two faced and devious, she sets about systematically inserting herself into the lives of Daphne and her husband in order to usurp Daphne's position as Jackson's wife. She's unapologetic in her actions and although quite clearly has no morals, she's a fascinating character to read.

Secrets and lies are revealed in the second part of this story, when it switches to Daphne's point of view. Not everything is as it seems in the Parrish household. Without wishing to give away spoilers, I thought this part of the plot was extremely clever in the way it showed how relatively easy it was for someone with intelligence to become entrapped and controlled when targeted by a determined person with certain personality traits. Things do take a rather darker turn from this point on, which some may find disturbing but I was unable to stop turning the pages. In part 3, I took great delight when it started to become clear that maybe there was some justice to be had. I do love a good comeuppance!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by these authors in the future.

How far would a woman seeking power, prestige, and fortune go to secure a man who would provide all of those things and more? This is the question that Liv Constantine's The Last Mrs. Parrish initially asks, but as the book progresses, we find appearances are deceiving.

The first half of the book follows the plight of the conniving, self-absorbed Amber, a young woman in her 20s who is running from her sordid past. Seeking money and power, Amber has moved far from her Nebraskan hometown to the high brow community of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut. She's done investigate research to find a wealthy, attractive man to fulfill her life goals, selecting the wealthy, seemingly successful family of Jackson and Daphne as her prey.

Amber is calculated and cold; she knows exactly how to worm her way into the family without arousing too much suspicion. Or, at least it seems that way. Amber befriends Daphne at the local upscale gym. Having done extensive research on Jackson and Daphne, Amber reveals that her sister passed away of Cystic Fibrosis. Daphne runs a charity for families suffering from Cystic Fibrosis as her sister passed away from it many years ago. Daphne immediately takes a liking to Amber, as she has yet to meet many women who know what it is like to lose a beloved sister to Cystic Fibrosis. This seemed to be a bit of a plot hole to me; isn't it somewhat odd that Daphne has yet to make good friends with other families who have suffered a loss given she runs a huge charity for Cystic Fibrosis? We later learn that Daphne has ulterior motives for befriending Amber, which resolved this plot hole.

Amber manages to not only become a permanent fixture in Daphne's life, but also in Jackson's. Jackson hires Amber as his assistant to his assistant (yes, he's rich) after Amber tearfully tells Daphne she is being sexually harassed by her boss. Slowly, Amber transforms from a woman lacking fashion sensibilities to a woman who men desire; she changes her hairstyle, her makeup, and clothing to appeal to Jackson. Jackson starts to take note of Amber, and soon they are arranging secretive trips around the world, nights out on the town, and wild evenings in hotels and at Jackson's other properties. Amber thinks she has secured Jackson's affections and the future she envisioned, only to find out that she has simply scratched the surface of Jackson and Daphne's family dynamics and secrets.

If it weren't for the thrilling twist in this book that happens midway through it, Amber's story would seem like another Lifetime movie plot. There is certainly no lack of novels involving scorned lovers and cunning mistresses. But this book takes it to another level, illustrating that what we thought about Daphne and Jackson's marriage is superficial at best. I suppose this should have been a red flag for me as a reader, especially considering we initially learn about Daphne and Jackson through Amber's jaded eyes.

It's hard to write this review without revealing some major spoilers. Let's just say that besides being a cheater, Jackson is not the person he seems to be, nor is Daphne the meek, submissive, and money hungry woman Amber makes her out to be. Once I got through Amber's narrative (at about the 40% mark of the book), I could not put this book down. The ending was satisfyingly delicious.

Please note that there are scenes of domestic violence in this book, so if that is a trigger for you, you probably should not read this book.

I received this book in my PageHabit mystery box, and it was also Reese Witherspoon's December read for Hello Sunshine. So it was meant for me to read this wonderful book!

Within minutes after diving into this book, I was hooked. I didn't know which end was up and which end was down. I fell in love and hate with the characters accordingly, or so I thought.

I did see one of the major twists coming, but that didn't lessen the blow. Liv delivered that blow in the most glorious way! I was hooked and didn't want the book to end.

I highly recommend this book no matter what your reading preference. This book deserves all of the praise!

In my head I was thinking about all the things I wanted to say about this, but really I'm just over it. By the way, Santa Cruz is not in Southern California. It's about 32 miles from San Jose which is in Northern California. For those of us who live in these areas it shows lack of research by the authors and editor. Frankly, given how over the top the entire book was I'm not surprised. This was written for just for shock and awe as nothing was realistic in this plot line whatsoever. That being said if you are triggered by repeated descriptions - and some of my reader friends are - of violence against women you need to be cautious here.

You know that feeling when you mistakenly say something and then want to spit the aftertaste of the words out of your mouth? That's a little like what my brain wants to do every time I think about this story. I listened to the audiobook thanks to my local library (FREE, hallelujah!) and am glad that I didn't waste a credit on this gem. I wanted to give it two stars, and then remembered how awful the narrator was in the first part of the book. Maybe I'm impatient, but the pace was so slow! I've listened to several audiobooks in the last few weeks and this is the only one that makes me want to cringe. Yes, cringe.

The plot?

Maybe falling asleep during this audiobook made it harder to keep all the details straight, but it seemed like Amber and Daphne had two different timelines. I did like hearing it from both characters' point of view; however, it was unnecessary and nearly made me give up. Honestly, we could have ditched anything from Amber's point of view and it might have been stronger. It reminds me of Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris now that I think of it. Fast romance, sister with genetic condition, rich man, beautiful woman, and torture. I'm sure you can guess how it ends, although the body count is much lower! Hooray!

Spoilers?

Can one con artist con another and then be conned by a non-con artist? It's a stretch.

The ending could have been cut short for more of an impact. Why couldn't we just end with Daphne showing Jackson that he'd been duped and walking away into the sunset? Couldn't we have been happy after the FBI bust? Did we have to have the explanation that Amber really got the life she deserved? The author doesn't give us enough credit as readers and tries to spoon feed us the details, but it just ends up mushy and bland. Kick us in the gut with the plot twist and sweet revenge and then move on, sister!

I wanted to be thrilled and now I'm seriously doubting the reliability of Audible ratings. Did someone fudge these scores?

VERDICT: Just say NO!

I received my copy of The Last Mrs. Parrish by winning a PageHabit contest, which has no effect on my review.

I read this book to fulfill the prompt of “A book by two authors” (Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine) for the 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.

The first part of this book is about con woman Amber Patterson, a young woman who resents having been raised in poverty, and resolves to find a way out, even if it means insinuating herself into the lives of millionaires Daphne and Jackson Parrish.

I hated the first half of this book.

HATED, IT.

Amber’s motivations for everything were sketchy at best. I got tired of poor gold diggers setting their sights on married millionaires when Dynasty was still a thing in the 80s. All that was missing here was the two women wrestling and falling into the pool while wearing their elegant designer gowns.

I really can’t say a lot about the plot because there were some twists and turns that some people might enjoy (and I don’t want to spoil), so I’ll just leave it by saying if you enjoyed Dynasty and Falcon Crest, this will feel like familiar territory for you.

The second part of the book was marginally better, but by that point it was too far gone to save. At that point, I felt like a very poor writer who imagined himself to be the next Sidney Sheldon had joined the Dynasty writing staff. I literally spent at least 200 pages of this book massaging my temples (to ease the headache it was giving me) with one hand while turning pages with the other.

Everything was far-fetched, the characters were caricatures, and I didn’t care about any of them because I couldn’t buy into the basic premise.

I will not be reading anything else from these authors, either on their own or together. One of the worst books I’ve read in a long time.

1 out of 5 stars

How far would you go for the life you want? Amber Patterson dreams of a certain kind of life: expensive parties, mansions on the coast, shopping at designer boutiques, a rock the size of a fist on her finger. In order to get what she wants, she is willing to stop at nothing, including befriending the wife of a wealthy man. Amber weaves a twisted tale, inserting herself into the lives of Daphne and her husband. Meanwhile, Daphne has a secret of her own, and Amber and Daphne find themselves in a blind struggle to come out on top.

Liv Constantine is actually two sisters, who collaborated on this novel. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the story is told from the alternating perspective of Amber and Daphne. I found both characters to be a bit too one-dimensional. Daphne is goodness and light and Amber is pure evil. The plot is also somewhat predictable - I found myself guessing what would happen well before it did. That said, the book is engaging and the story is well laid out. You find yourself rooting for the characters and shocked by the depths to which people will go to get what they want. Dark, twisted and a real page turner.

I received The Last Mrs. Parrish in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are exclusively mine.

I must start out and say OMG…I did not see that coming. What you ask? Well, I can’t tell you, as I do not want to spoil this exciting read. I dreamed about this book. It was that intense for me.
When I first started I was immediately reminded of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Amber was similar to Tom…but I know better. The story became very much its own book.
Part 1 starts out with Amber’s story. Growing up as a nobody. Knowing where she came from did not help my opinion of her. I disliked her as a person intently. She is callus and uncaring. The poster child for social climber.
And then we go to Daphne…the wife. Mrs. Parrish. The person Amber wants to become…or more so replace. At first glance. I thought poor Daphne. She is absolutely clueless…but as the story progressed I found myself rooting for her.

Jackson, or Mr. Parrish. I’m can’t even talk about you without a spoiler…so I won’t.

I highly recommend this book. It is absolutely a page turner that will keep you reading past your bed time. The characters were well written. The plot was well thought out and ended with a bang! I was expecting this to be a pleasant read…but had no idea it would grab me as much as it did.

I really want to write more…but I am telling you. Grab a copy. Tell me your thoughts.

Thank you Harper Collins and Liv Constantine for the review copy.

The Last Mrs. Parish is the latest novel from two sisters writing as Liv Constantine. And for those of you who like psychological suspense - you're going to want to read this one!

Amber has set her sights set on having Daphne Parrish's fairy tale life. Not just a life like Daphne's - she literally wants her husband Jackson, her house, her money and her social standing. And why shouldn't she have it she thinks? She's smart, beautiful and just as good as these society women. So, she reinvents herself, begins ingratiating herself with Daphne and slowly insinuates her way into the Parrish family life......

Oh, Amber is one of the best 'worst' characters I've read in a long time. She's callous, cold and calculating. Constantine's depiction of her scheming is impossible to put down. The reader is aware of Amber's plan and I wanted to shout at Daphne - to wake her up to what is happening right under her nose. Surely she can't be that oblivious?

There are three parts to The Last Mrs. Parrish. Part Two comes from a different viewpoint - and is no less addictive. You might have an idea whose viewpoint part two belongs to - and yes, you're going to race through it as well. Part three? Well, it's just perfect. And just deserts.

Constantine does a wonderful job of manipulating her characters - and the reader. Although the twist is telegraphed ahead, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. The Last Mrs. Parrish was a five star read for me - twisty, addicting and just plain fun to read. I wouldn't be surprised to see film rights for this book being snapped up. I look forward to the next thriller from these two sisters.

A tale of envy, greed, psychological manipulation, betrayal and revenge, this one has all the tantalising ingredients for a mouth watering, delicious read!

Exquisitely entertaining and oh so addictive, I finished this one in record time... I just couldn't put it down, with writing that was fast paced and flowed easily.

The book was well structured , broken up into 3 parts. In part one we learn about Amber and her meticulous plan to con and weasel her way into the Parrish family, in order to get the life she thinks she deserves. In part two, we discover Daphne Parrish's perspective from when she first met her doting husband Jackson and how her life has changed since marriage, children, and since Amber came into her life. Part three then becomes a combination of both Amber and Daphne's perspectives, leading up to the books delightful conclusion.

The incorrigible characters had my jaw dropping on several occasions, and my blood boiling to new highs in others. First prize goes to Amber for the woman you love to hate, for being a master of duplicity and manipulation. Will she get the life she deserves?

All I'll say is that the authors have gifted us with the créme de la créme of endings!!!! This is how it should be done! I've got a feeling I'll be having quite the book hangover now that I've sadly reached the final page.

BRAVO and congratulations to the authors on a very impressive debut read.

I've seen this book plastered all over social media for quite a while now. I kept ignoring it, as the description didn't grab and and I felt like this type of plot has been done too many times before. After seeing so many friends rave about this book, I finally decided to get it from the library and see what the fuss was about. OMG I am so glad I did!

This book was far better than I expected. It was more character-driven than plot-driven, but the story moved alone at a great pace. The first section was written in one character's POV, the second section in the other main character's POV, and the third section was written to show how it all came together. and led to a very satisfying ending.

The word I keep using to describe this book is "bonkers". Amber was absolutely ruthless, and nothing was beneath her in her quest to become the new Mrs. Parrish. Daphne was a survivor, and I loved her section of the book and being able to see how she got where she was in her life and whether or not she was able to find a way out.

This book is one that I would definitely recommend. It had me tuning pages and staying up late into the night because I couldn't stop reading.

‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ quickly draws you in and moves you along into a ever-tightening web of suspense. It certainly elicits many emotions - ranging from envy to intrigue to amazement to shock to amusement.
The only call out I’d make that after reading ‘The Wife Between Us’, - this is a very similar story line: rich man, beautiful girl, intrigue, deception, etc. However ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ is better executed in my opinion.

Amber Patterson is tired of being an invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves a life of money and power like the blond-haired, blue-eyed Daphne Parrish takes for granted. In the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne who is a socialite and her real-estate developer husband - Jackson, are perceived to be the perfect couple.

The first half of ‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ is told from Amber’s perspective, and while we know that she is manipulative and has a big plan, one that will take her to the new life she wants, there are also hints of a life of secrets she left behind.

When it looks like she is right where she wants to be, things turn around and we see life from the perspective of Daphne... who is not quite the happy woman she appears, in fact her secrets and what she has done to keep them hidden make everything about this story the page turner it is.

‘The Last Mrs. Parrish’ is actually confusing at times, as it jumps around a great deal it still works well as a psychological read. The characterisations are strong yet there is just enough mystery and intrigue to keep you wondering...
Be warned: this is no sleeper, be prepared to finish in a couple of sittings or less.
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“All she’d wanted was the life she deserved. It didn’t occur to her that she had gotten it.”

Daphne was beautiful, yes, but she didn’t think she was anything special --- until real estate mogul Jackson Parrish took notice of her. Jackson was the most eligible bachelor in upscale Bishops Harbor. In a whirlwind romance, he began wooing Daphne with a dogged passion, and soon they were married. To everyone in this posh Connecticut town, life for the Parrishes looked like a fairy tale. They lived in a vast mansion by the water, had a lake house to escape to and a fabulous boat to play on whenever they wished. Jackson doted on his wife, lavishing her with expensive gifts, whisking her off on exotic trips and holding her close to him. They appeared to be inseparable. A few years passed, and they were graced with two lovely daughters. It seemed like things couldn’t be better for them.

Don’t think that Amber Patterson hasn’t noticed that. Envy drips from every pore of the young woman, but in order to get close to Daphne --- and Jackson, her ultimate target --- she suppresses her true feelings. She has to, if her plan is going to work the way she has mapped it out. She can be patient, but even more so, she can be devious. Amber knows Daphne’s weak spot: her sister, Julie. Cystic fibrosis had taken Julie at a young age and left Daphne crushed. Now Daphne runs a foundation, Julie’s Smile, to help families financially who struggle with CF.

So Amber goes for the sympathy card, with a sad story about how she lost a sister to the disease, too. Daphne melts at this news, instantly opening her heart to Amber, who silently claims a victory at weaseling her way into the Parrish home. But Jackson is a different matter altogether. He has eyes only for Daphne. If Amber is going to have any chance of stealing him away, she’s going to need help. And, surprisingly, she gets it --- from a most unlikely source. But will Jackson take the bait? His devotion to his wife is rock solid.

THE LAST MRS. PARRISH starts out slowly but steadily gains steam until you simply can’t put the book down. You’ve been drawn into the story so totally that you can’t wait to find out what happens next. How it all unfolds gets you wondering about appearances and how deceptive they can be. What can you believe? More importantly, who can you trust? The three major characters --- Daphne, Jackson and Amber --- indulge in some cunning charades. At least one of them goes quite a bit overboard. Well, nobody’s perfect, but who would guess someone could be this creepy?

Liv Constantine is, in fact, two sisters writing together. One developed Amber Patterson, while the other developed Daphne Parrish. The result is brilliant. Each of the women is uniquely different because each had her own special creator. And because of the two authors, the suspense builds at double the speed and the twists skyrocket off the pages. Don’t miss this superb thriller debut.

Reviewed by Kate Ayers

The Last Mrs. Parrish is the fast-paced, binge-worthy, debut novel by Liv Constantine, the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine and while I wouldn't call it a twisted psychological thriller, or even a thriller at all, although it's being marketed as one, there are A LOT of manipulations and a couple of twists happening in the book that make it well-worth the read.

Manipulative. Cunning. Wicked. A homewrecker. A villain. Amber Patterson is a woman you cannot help but thoroughly dislike, but she is so fun to read about! She’s set her sights on the wealthy, handsome, and powerful Jackson Parrish, and she is determined to get him at all costs even if it means destroying a beautiful family and a woman who has become like a sister to her... at least to the outside observer.

And you really cannot help but feel sorry for beautiful, kind, loving Daphne Parrish when you realize that Amber, the woman she befriends and takes into her home, takes on vacations, gives gifts, and treats like family, has been planning from the beginning to steal not only her husband but take over her life. After all, there can be only one Mrs. Parrish. In the end, who will it be? And will it be worth it in the end to have Jackson Parrish? The book is full of secrets, lies, betrayals, and manipulations!

The writing style is smart, sexy, and sleek and if you are looking for a highly entertaining read, then The Mrs. Last Parrish, is the perfect choice even though the big “twist” in the story was not too hard to figure out, which again this really should not have been marketed as such since it reads like women’s fiction or just domestic drama. And while I thoroughly enjoyed the book, that is my biggest issue with the book-I completely expected it to be a dark, shocking, suspenseful thriller when it fell flat as such. With that said, the plot twist is still fantastic and crazy, and I would recommend The Last Mrs. Parrish based on that part of the book alone since I could not turn the pages fast enough once I hit Part II! The book is divided up into three parts: Part I is told from Amber’s POV, so we get to learn all about her devious plans, Part II is told from Daphne’s POV and in my opinion it is the best part of the book since it is where the plot twist occurs (and we find out that Daphne is not all that she appears to be either!!), and Part III combines the two and gives a very, very gratifying conclusion to the story!

While The Last Mrs. Parrish is not the suspenseful read that I expected, it is exhilarating fun! I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a wicked, fast-paced, well-written drama that will keep you entertained and quickly flipping pages! If you are looking for something darker, twisted, intense, and much more suspenseful, then this will likely not be what you are looking to read.

**Thank you Edelweiss, HarperCollins, and Liv Constantine for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest and fair review.**

I have not read a page turner such as this, in a very long time. Honestly, it would make a great movie.

I read this in one day and had every intention of leaving it five stars, until I got to the end. And I feel odd about leaving four, because I am unsure if it is my lack of understanding of psychology and what makes certain weirdos, do what they do, or if the fault lies within the writing. And I'm going to be clear about what I mean, without giving too much away.

The Amber and Jackson characters were bat-crap crazy. But not obviously, nuthouse so, which was what made them so dangerous. Still, with the level of vitriol, hatred and animosity going on in the plot, I fully expected a death to occur. I also couldn't conceive of Amber, after all we learned about her, just deciding to settle for the unexpected life she had schemed so hard to get. Because she WAS a schemer, 24/7.

I also thought Jackson's financial fate was a bit over the top. And I was surprised that Amber had not discovered his treachery in that regard, long before it was discovered, given she used to work for him.

But again, maybe the ending that was written, was fitting after all that had been revealed. I would have liked to have read about Amber actually LIVING her new nightmare existence, like Daphne had, instead of being TOLD what was happening. But other than that, the book is a fascinating read. Like I said before, it could easily be made into a movie.

A story that follows two points of views, of two very different women. First, we have Amber, a small town girl who grew up dirt poor and believes she deserves better. In fact, she believes that so much that she had set her eyes on Jackson Parrish, the husband of Daphne Parrish – who happens to be handsome and rich – the two portraying the perfect golden couple. The second woman, is Daphne, the perfect wife, the perfect mother. She is gorgeous and rich, and Amber wants her spot.

This was a really interesting story, a really quick paced read with some interesting characters. I hated Amber, but we were meant to hate her. She was so deceitful that at times I couldn’t help but have to put the book down from the anger. I felt bad for Daphne, who we later discover has enough on her plate without this snake wiggling into her life.

This book was a good read, well written, totally engrossing with fantastic character development and progression. It was exciting, as it was uncomfortable and believe me the second part of the book had some really cringe worthy scenes when Daphne unravels everything and keeps us on the edge of the seat.

Unfortunately for me, the book was super predictable down to the bone because this was exactly like The Wife Between Us, but on steroids. There was just so much that was super similar, it was kind of weird how similar the two books were? There is even an expression nervous Nellie, which was odd cause it’s not something you see often for it not to be a coincidence? And there were other similarities as far as the story went.

Umm, the difference was how it was told, how it unrevealed and the authors of this one really went farther about the dynamics between Jackson and his wife. Plus the whole Amber plot line was completely different. It was still really well done. I really enjoyed it, a lot, in fact, and why wouldn’t I, I absolutely loved the storyline.

But after reading this, I am a little confused how that happened.

Anyway, that aside. Great book, great characters. The main plot line was different, but the point where this was heading and some things that occurred, felt the same…

I still highly recommended it for fans of psychological thrillers and domestic thrillers, because I found this to be enjoyable, uncomfortable, but still well done.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is a story of lies and revenge, jealousy and manipulation. It is lavish, shocking, and completely over-the-top. And I loved it.

Amber is from a small town and grew up with nothing. She is sick of always being the underdog and is ready for her turn at the privileged life she deserves. Planning her every move, she targets Daphne Parrish, wife of billionaire Jackson Parrish, in order to slip into their lives and tear the power couple apart, in turn becoming the next Mrs. Parrish.

This story is filled with more twists and turns than you could ever see coming, and it has plenty of parts that will leave your jaw dropped. However, it takes a little while to get there. I would say the first 40 pages of the book were a little slow for me as the authors spend a lot of time glamorizing the lifestyle of the rich and showing off all of the wealth. I understand it's necessary background and buildup, but I did almost completely stop the book a few times during the beginning. But I’m warning you- don’t!

Even if you feel the start is slow, and you absolutely cannot stand Amber (because she is basically just a horrible person), I promise it all pays off, especially once you get about halfway through the book. Oh, does it pay off. I would say this is one of the best psychological thrillers I read in 2017 and I can’t wait to see what else this team of sisters has in store.

Overall, I REALLY liked this book. I was so close to giving it a 5 as I would love to read it again, but due to its slow start I went down to a 4. Still an excellent read, however, and definitely worth your time. If you are looking for a twisted and suspenseful psychological thriller, you will find it in The Last Mrs. Parrish.

-Busy Brunette

I personally really enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish. I know that some people didn't like it based on the outcome of certain events but I didn't find it as disturbing since it was classified as a psychological thriller.

At first we meet Amber and honestly I thought she was pretty annoying. She didn't appreciate anything in her life and just wanted to have a completely different life but honestly her life wasn't that bad. She "bumps" into the woman she's been admiring from afar at the gym one day and they become fast friends. Little do we know they both want the other one currently has. Without giving too much away, one comes out of the story the way she's hoping and the other *thinks* she is coming out the way she wants to but ends up totally blindsided.

I think that the Last Mrs. Parrish tackles some pretty brutal issues. It's interesting how Money and Wealth can make someone feel like they have so much power and they are so smart but yet they can still get manipulated.

I'd really love if Liv Constantine wrote a follow up to this book. I'd be really interested in hearing what happens with Amber and Daphne. Somethings tells me their paths may end up crossing again...

I went into this thinking it was going to be girl on a train and gone girl mixed together but I was happy to see it was its own unique tale with a satisfying twist and clever story telling from such different POVs. I actually found myself feeling sorry for Amber - as much as she seemed like a calculating monster..and I think that's a testament to the complex talent of these sister authors who are so adept at writing three dimensional characters and showing is how pain can sometimes cause a personality to fracture and become destructive. When we heard from Daphne I was beyond thrilled that she too was more complicated and clever than we'd thought and I'm guessing many other readers feel the same way. Another thing that struck me was how little violence and blood needed to be in this to have such a high level of suspense and drama. It's just a great absorbing read -- a thriller with heart that makes you think about the characters later. That's my favorite kind of book. Also found myself thinking of who would play which character in a movie version! Looking forward to their next work!

In many ways I hated this book...yet I kept turning the pages. My reason for disliking Mrs. Parrish is because of how these two authors, sisters, portrayed women’s relationships as competitive and not just competitive but as a struggle over a man. They were underhanded, secretive, conniving, etc. The Constantine’s covered all the negative stereotypes about women. Trust and loyalty were nowhere in evidence and just to be fair the authors also made men out to be controlling, manipulative, and in some cases stupid or at least gullible. My last problem with the book besides the stock characters was that it read like a romance novel, my least favorite genre.

But hen I circle back to the fact of how I kept turning the pages though I did it while shaking my head and clucking my tongue. So I’m still giving Mrs. Parrish three stars or at least two and a half.

Wow! Just wow! The Last Mrs. Parrish is a brilliantly written thriller that dives into the lives of three very different people in a small Connecticut coastal town.

Sister team, Liv Constantine, pull you into a psychological thriller and about a con artists and the tangled web she’s weaving. Amber is the person you want to hate! And then you get to Part 2 and realize that everything you’ve just read might not be accurate. Is there more that meets the eye? What do you think ?

Pick up this book. Turn off your phone and ignore your family as you come to the incredibly delicious and manipulative end of this book. It will keep you guessing and you just might hide out in a closet while your child is sleeping to finish it.

This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in 2017 and two fabulous unreliable narrators emerge.

It can be refreshing to note that a rewarding novel does not need to be particularly literary, unpredictable or even plausible to be thoroughly enjoyable. Reading the Last Mrs. Parrish, cowritten by two sisters under the pen name Liv Constantine, is an example of such an experience. The characters are exaggerated archetypes: pure evil and plucky goodness pitted against each other set within the backdrop of luxurious wealth and glamour. The novel is divided into three parts, the first is presented in the third person (omniscient) and focuses on the wicked Amber Patterson, a grifter who feels entitled to the riches and privileges denied her by birth. She readily admits her intentions from the beginning-to lie, seduce and manipulate her way in to infiltrate that world she envies. Amber sees Daphne Parrish as an easy mark; a woman who is pitifully trusting and naïve, desperately trying to find someone to mentor as a replacement for her deceased sister. Amber, a true sociopath, feels no remorse as she plots to replace Daphne as the wife of the superrich Jackson Parrish. The second part switches to the first-person point of view of Daphne, who then relates her side of the story as it unfolds. Typical of stories of this type, there are plenty of twists and surprises for the characters as well as for the reader. The final section reverts to third person again, bringing the two women into clear focus and resolving the drama in a very satisfying way. A healthy suspension of disbelief and a respect for pulpy page-turners would be a good way to approach (and fully appreciate) this guilty pleasure of a novel.

This book had a lot of twists and turns and kept you guessing for a really long time. It got slightly drawn out for me right in the middle and some scenarios were so far fetched you were wondering if one of the main characters was really that oblivious. But then the author really tied everything together and made everything come around full circle. I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it

This book might be one of the few books that left me pumping my fist at the last page.

I literally sat up in my chair a couple of chapters toward the end of this book because I had a thrill course through my body, a giddy sensation to what this outcome would be.

The Last Mrs. Parrish starts off with Amber, a woman who has dedicated her life with a heinous plan to snatch a wealthy husband, even if he’s married.

Amber has set her sight on wealthy entrepreneur and extremely handsome, Jackson Parrish, and to get to him she makes friends with his wife, Daphne. Daphne seemed to have the perfect life of

It’s quite clear that Amber only wants Jackson and it doesn’t matter that she would be tearing a family apart. So honestly I never liked this character or connected with her. I was getting frustrated with Daphne and Jackson and the cluelessness to Amber’s plans. I was almost to the point of putting the book down when I reached the halfway point where Daphne’s chapters arrive…and thing got interesting.

The story shifts from Amber’s third person narrative to Daphne’s first person point of view. It was any easy flip because honestly I loathed Amber and relished Daphne’s side of the story. Secrets are revealed in Daphne’s chapters and the pace quickens. Believe me this is where you strap in and hold on tight for the twisted rollercoaster of a ride Constantine gives you.

I finished this book in two days because I had to know what happened. The ending resolved all issues and I was immensely satisfied. Constantine did a wonderful job at immersing the reader into two different characters’ setting and the outcome that they each played in the story. She did a wonderful job at showing the luxurious lives of the wealthy by describing the details of clothing, purses, beverages and monstrous homes. I marveled at the secrets revealed and the enjoyment I had reading this book. It’s definitely a fun read.

I should start off by saying how much I enjoy books in this genre. If you are craving something that reads like Gone Girl, Best Day Ever, the Girl Before, or Girl on the Train, this book fits into that mold. I stayed up late turning the pages faster and faster until the very end. It is interesting to note that the author, Liv Constantine, is actually the pseudonym of co-author sisters Lynne and Valerie Constantine. Despite the different angles and voices from which this story is told, I thought the flow was smooth and had good pacing.

Summary (this is more for me so I can remember this tale 2 years from now): Small town Nebraska girl Amber Patterson arrives in Bishops Point, Connecticut, a fictional alcove of CT filled with wealth. Amber is a conniving, remorseless young woman who has dedicated all of her efforts into sacking and hopefully marrying wealthy (and married) businessman Jackson Parrish. Amber is meticulous with her planning, right down to the staging of meeting Jackson's perfect Stepford-like wife Daphne at a local gym, where Amber concocts a story about having a sister with cystic fibrosis to establish a connection with Daphne, who runs a foundation in honor of her sister, who died of CF. At first, Daphne appears naïve and trusting, letting her desire for a friend to fill the gap left by her deceased sister make her gullible to Amber's plotting. But as Amber slowly infiltrates the lives of the Parrish family, seeking to upend Daphne as a younger Parrish wife, the depth of Daphne's own plans take a parallel route. Like other books in this genre, as you dig further, the discovery is made that the Parrish's Golden Couple mystique is nothing more than a façade, and that people are not who they appear to be.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine is a 2017 Harperluxe publication.

Slick, shrewd, and wickedly devious-

Daphne meets Amber at the gym, where they discover they share a terrible tragedy in common- the death of a beloved sister due to Cystic Fibrosis. The women, though from very different worlds, form a close bond.

Before long, Amber has become Daphne’s confidante, while also working for her CF foundation, and even helps Mr. Parrish went he needs an assistant.

But, Amber has plans, big plans, and in order to achieve her goals, she will walk over and step on anyone in her path- even Daphne-

This story was chilling, clever, and sinfully entertaining. Amber gets to set the pace in the first half of the book as she describes her cunning, and very manipulative nature. She’s not the timid, sweet, impressionable woman she appears to be.

Once she has clued us in on her diabolic plans, and once she has seemingly gotten what she came for, the story shifts gears, and Daphne takes control of the wheel.

It’s at this point, things really get interesting-

There are many breadcrumbs left on the trail, and if you follow them you probably won’t be all that surprised when you learn all that glitters, isn’t gold. But, that’s only part of the picture. Those who appear naïve, those appear in control, those who seem like innocent bystanders may not be as naïve, innocent or as in control as they appear.

By the time we get to the last section in the book, that old phrase about ‘what goes around comes around' came to mind, along with a few other books or movies in which the tables are turned in spectacular fashion, and revenge is carried out with carefully constructed scheming.

The book is not too big on shock and awe, instead opting for a stylish noir type atmosphere, which is more understated than many novels that land in this sub-genre, but it gets the job done, just the same, without going off the rails with unnecessary plot twists.

The characters were not overly developed, as we only see them in certain contexts, with was key to the story, nor did they evoke deep feelings or emotions, other than disdain or dislike, but by the time all is said and done, I had an enormous amount of respect for some of them.

What makes the novel work is the careful arrangement and pacing. The twists weren’t really all that surprising, but they are still delectable and immensely entertaining. The story is a bit of a cautionary tale, a warning to beware of what appears on the surface, to never judge a book by its cover, or blindly trust people. But, it was also a story of escape and empowerment- albeit, one with an unconventional approach, as well as a tale of retribution- which was the most satisfying part of this enjoyable parable.

Overall, this is an impressive debut novel, and I look forward to seeing what else these talented sisters will entertain us with in the future.

Read this book in a few days, It kept me going. I don't know what to think of it, but one thing I can say,,,Watch what you wish for......You have 2 women, and 1 man who has it all. But does he? Amber and Daphne seem to want the good life and will stop to no end on looking great and feeling great..haha. I LOVE the ending...We will be reading this book in our March group. Now I don't know how to classify this book, it is definitely a Psy, and a touch of thriller, mystery,,,,

On the surface, Daphne Parrish appears to have it all: a loving husband of ten-plus years, two beautiful children, a luxurious home in Connecticut, and she doesn't want for anything. Not only is she depicted as beautiful, she has a good heart, running Julie's Smile, a cystic fibrosis foundation in honor of her sister who died in her teens. She truly does have it all, unlike Amber Patterson, a 20-something woman on the run from her past. Amber spends her time at the gym, obsessing over the women who frequently go there. Through her third-person perspective, we read as she worms herself into their lives, first by making up a dead sister, Charlene, and then becoming Mr. Parrish's assistant. Becoming his assistant allows her to change her wardrobe, her hair, etc., making her of a more desirable figure to him. Daphne ignores the warning signs, even a conversation with Meredith, her best friend, and continues to insert Amber into her life.

It was a quick, engrossing read. Once you start the novel, it's hard to put down. That being said, it was on the long side. The writer could have easily trimmed some of the excess writing off the story to tighten up the pacing even further. It's told via a dual perspective, first from Amber's side and then from Daphne's. Additional flaws included too many complaints from Amber about not liking Bella, the youngest child; mentions of how she was going to bring Daphne down; and I thought that Daphne was just a little too perfect. There's no real twist, which is fine but this is not a mystery or suspense novel, as I thought that there was nothing to solve. As the reader, you're aware very early on of what's happening. I liked the straightforward aspect of it, and the story carries you.

This was a deliciously salacious book which had a great surprise ending. It wasn't perfect with some inconsistent details and the first half of the book seemed like the standard domestic thriller, but the second half of the book more than made up for the "imperfections". So I was reading the first half of the book and I thought I would know how it would end. I was thinking it wasn't different from other books where the assistant or nanny or best friend takes away the husband. But Daphne was such a surprising character, not a passive victim at all. That's when the book got veryinteresting and unpredictable! I loved the ending. Some of the inconsistencies which bothered me were:
1) If the Parrish family was so rich, how come Daphne and the girls took the train with Amber to New York City? Why didn't they hire a limo from a car service? Taking the train to NYC is for plebians like Amber and my middle-class family, so it surprised me that the Parrish family traveled that way too.
2) If Jackson was keeping such a close eye on Daphne, with Sabine's help, how was she able to sneak out and accomplish all she did as revealed at the end of the book?
3) The way Amber, a nobody, moved in on the family seemed so easy and I felt the readers had to withhold their disbelief.

Outwardly he appears to be a handsome gregarious CEO admired by business as well as social acquaintances. But his wife sees and experienced a different aspect, indeed virtually a different person. Caught in a terrible trap with everything ,- from the books she reads to her exercise program to her clothes and accessories, to his and with whom she spends every moment of her day under his rigid control, Daphne seeks escape. Enter a conniving lower class woman seeking to evade the law and put into motion a plan to snare a wealthy, handsome, generous and loving husband, all of which she has observed. The interactions of these three characters are disgusting, thrilling in their wantoness, and amazing in their lack of subtlety or awareness. The winner in this trifecta at first appears to be a devastated and destroyed "loser", but when the ending comes, the best laid plans are rent asunder. An excellent, compelling read.

From the captivating title to the suspense of wondering what happens to Mrs. Parrish and to this cleverly written novel by two sisters, I found myself reading pages late into the night until sleep won. The story of Amber, who is obsessed with the rich society life Daphne leads, is told with high intrigue as her character develops, from what she wants it to look - like an adoring friendship 'want to be', to the devious manipulations and plots she has that show her true dysfunctional character. Daphne is thrilled to have a friend she feels close to since she feels there is a kinship brought by the fact that both have lost their sisters tragically. Daphne's husband Jackson's character is at first shown as the revered devoted husband. The second part of the book is Daphne's story and shows the dangerous sociopath that Jackson really is. The manipulations and abuse are even more disturbing, the suspense heightens as one wonders what the next evil plot twist will be. This thriller won't let go till the ending which had me wondering which one would be the Last Mrs. Parrish.

I read a lot but am almost never compelled to write book reviews. This was a page turner at times but was ultimately one of the worst books I've ever read and finished. I would not recommend this to a new or nursing mother because of some of the scenes in part 2. The ultimate message of this novel was sick and disturbing, and not in a fun or thrilling way.

My secondary issues with the novel were that the plot was contrived, the dialogue was unrealistic, the pace was all over the place, and the twist became predictable partway through -- but I'm often fine with these issues in escapist fiction if only it's an enjoyable read. This was not.

***SPOILER ALERT. Parts 2 and 3 of the book are full of gratuitous and depraved abuse and violence. The final message that some women deserve rape and abuse was absolutely sickening. It is depraved and irresponsible to suggest that a woman being so afraid of her husband that she involuntarily urinates -- even if she was a scammer and liar and caused someone harm -- is a form of justice. ***End of spoiler***

I can't believe this book was recommended to me or even published.

Why would the authors write that a hugely wealthy woman, who lives on a huge estate in a huge house, go to a public gym to work out? People of this wealth level have gyms in their own homes. Totally unrealistic. I quit reading after the first chapter, but did read the end to see if, perhaps, I should try again. Nope. I could not identify with Amber nor, obviously, with Dawn.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fun, entertaining, and perfect beach read. Or for that matter, a great read anytime. This is a definite page turner. The protagonist, Amber, is not a good person, in fact, she is a terrible person. But oh, so fun to follow. Amber epitomizes a multidimensional well-written character which can be said for all the characters in this adeptly written, unpredictable, and twisty story.
I heartily recommend this book for all who enjoy a well-conceived and interesting novel.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
From page one, I was hooked. The pace of the book was steady but it held my interest throughout because it was cleverly constructed and well written.
The character of Amber was brilliantly created. She was evil, calculating and trouble with a capital T from the very start. In contrast Daphne annoyed me. I felt she was a weak person who could not see what was happening around her. However in the second half of the book, which is told through her eyes, a different perspective is seen. *No spoilers **

I so enjoyed the suspense wondering what was going to happen when Lana aka Amber finally got not only that which she wanted; as well as what she deserved. .

It was a grand victory for Daphne to gain freedom for herself and her lover ones. A brilliant ending. Would definitely recommend The Last Mrs. Parrish.

I love page turners that you can read in just a few days. The Last Mrs. Parrish did not fail. I could not put it down. It kept me reading trying to figure out who the villain was and there were some unpredictable twists and turns a long the way. You can tell each character was carefully created and each chapter with a different point of view made it even more exciting to read. I would love to watch this book unfold on the screen. I could see it as a great mini series such as Big Little Lies. If your reading this trying to figure out if you should get it- you should!

Never judge a book by its cover – or by its title. I’ll admit that when I first picked up THE LAST MRS PARRISH, the title put me off a little. But, as Liv Constantine’s book cleverly demonstrates, appearances can be deceiving.

THE LAST MRS PARRISH tells the story of Amber Patterson, a young woman in her 20s running from her sordid past. Fed up of being a nobody, Amber sets out to befriend Daphne Parrish, a beautiful and rich socialite who lives in a picture-perfect mansion with her millionaire husband and their two children. Gradually, Amber insinuates herself into the Parrish family’s life, becoming Daphne’s closest confidante and catching the eye of Daphne’s handsome and powerful husband, Jackson. But a skeleton from Amber’s past could undermine everything she has worked for, and if discovered, her well-laid plan may end in disaster.

Thrilling, dark and incredibly clever, THE LAST MRS PARRISH is a story of greed, envy and psychological manipulation at its best. From its well-developed characters to its highly-crafted plot packed full of secrets, scandal and suspense, every inch of this addictive psychological thriller will have you gripped from the very first page.

Divided into three parts and narrated by the two main characters Amber and Daphne, the first half of the novel follows the heartless and manipulative Amber as she sets out on her plan to steal Daphne’s husband and take over her ‘perfect’ life. The second half sees Daphne tell the story from own perspective, before both sections come together in part three with an exploding ending.

Considering this is Liv Constantine’s debut (the pen name of sister writing team, Lynne and Valerie Constantine), the writing in THE LAST MRS PARRISH is first-class. The author cleverly intertwines the characters, drawing you into the cunning plot at a relentless pace.

In terms of characters, first prize goes to the cold and calculated Amber, the woman you love to hate. Here, Constantine has put together a fascinating psychological profile of a sociopath who is a master of duplicity and manipulation. Daphne and Jackson are equally fascinating characters, each with their own secrets that will both shock and surprise.

But the true beauty of THE LAST MRS PARRISH is the unexpected twist the author throws in half way through. Just when you think you know where the story is going, the plot suddenly veers off in a completely different direction, leaving you shell shocked yet completely gripped. From then, the book races towards the delicious and explosive finale, which will leave you with a smile on your face and a satisfied feeling of time well spent.

A great piece of escapist melodrama.

4.5 stars!

I really, really enjoyed this book. I liked the subtly of it all, the pulsing undercurrent that ran beneath the plot line, where you could just FEEL that there was a big twist coming. And come it DID! I suspected the twist, to be honest, but that didn't make it any less thrilling to witness. Very, very well-written book and the characters were extremely developed. Would definitely recommend this book and will be looking into other works by this author!

Started out interestingly enough, but soon it became evident what was going to happen. No unexpected twist. Basically, a generic mistress/wife story. Too contrived. Better than I could write, but still too contrived.

A psychological thriller - not a genre I read very much, but this was pretty good. Once the plot started rolling it was hard to put down. I had to see how it played out for Amber (a very troubled girl) who was trying to seduce a married rich man so she could have the wealthy life she’d always dreamed of. The author did a good job throwing in a few twists and turns to keep it interesting and I was a ways into the book before I started to suspect the ending.

Terrible. I almost blame myself for sitting through this. The writing is inane and sophomoric - am I reading Sweet Valley High? I was waiting some sort of redemption to happen, but unfortunately it never came. The plot twist is predictable, even a 5-year old can figure it out. I am not sure why this book is so popular. Props to the narrator for giving the characters distinct-enough voices, but her valley girl rendition of Amber is so annoying I almost wanted to stop listening. I have read and listened to a lot of books in this genre, and this is the only one I can truly say I HATE.

I chose to read "The Last Mrs. Parrish" because it is the new "Reese's Book Club" selection. I was appalled actually when Reese Witherspoon chose "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty as her first choice to make into an HBO mini series. I complained bitterly to my friends and family that the book had been absolutely terrible and was just dumbfounded at the silly and insipid selection. "Big Little Lies" is set in Australia. The mini series was filmed in Monterey California, which is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. I vacation there every summer. The fabulous setting, and big name cast along with so many recommendations pulled me into watching the mini series. I enjoyed it, mainly because I could actually identify spots where I have recently visited and they are mesmerizing as well as the beautiful homes portrayed. HBO took a really pathetic book by Liane Moriarty and created a very watchable mini series. Not as good as Elizabeth Strout's "Olive Kitteridge" but enjoyable and allowed me a much needed repose from my compulsive CNN viewing. So...as I expect Liv Constantine's (ha) book to also appear on HBO, although I realized I was getting into "fluff" I took the leap for a respite from the odious political coverage if nothing else.

I have always been suspicious when two writers collaborate on a novel. I feel it can be successful in non fiction sometimes but NEVER in fiction. I was cruising along pretty well through Part 1 of "The Last Mrs. Parrish". The story of the insidious Amber seemed completely unlikely and contrived but I don't think the feeling of life being unfair is all that unrealistic. Since this book is four hundred pages I would have really appreciated a little character development. I don't believe in "evil"....I believe that everyone has their own unique story that contributed to who they are. There are no black or white personalities. Amber DEFINITELY deserved to have a back story. It would have made Part 1 palatable.

Part Two just totally jumped the proverbial shark. It was so obvious that the writers had switched. The entire tone of the narrative changed. Protagonist, Daphne, became a country girl. I understand that Amber had been an unreliable narrator....but we as readers had become pretty well acquainted with Daphne. The story just lost all credibility. If you are a fan of "catfishing" stories, you may like this one. The lack of character development and the far fetched concept left me pretty disappointed. This isn't a terrible book....if you loved the film version of "Big Little Lies" as much as all of the award shows did this year then you should read this one to give yourself a framework before tuning in. My main complaint is being able to hear the two distinctly different voices of the authors.

Just a little heads up. HBO is also developing at least the first book of, Elena Ferrante's , Neopolitan Series. "My Brilliant Friend" is supposed to premier in the Spring. This set of four books covers 60 years of a special friendship of two girls growing up in post world war II Italy. The best fiction I have read in years. Don't miss it! Sixteen hundred pages of truly joyous reading....hard to find these days.

At times this book just seemed like a romance story, which I never read but then the suspense started. This story is about Mr. and Mrs. Parish and the devious woman who wants to be the next Mrs. Parrish. All is not what it seems however as the story moves on. I read the kindle version of this and there was a lot of highlighting, of my own and others. This is a good portrayal of two sociopaths and how they get what they deserve.

This was almost a DNF for me, as I was wondering how it could possibly be constructed the way that it was. But thankfully, I have a stubborn streak that rarely puts books down unfinished and I'm so glad that was the case here. At one point in the book, the things I'd been most frustrated by took on brand new meaning and formed the whole story. I found it, ultimately, to be a page-turner, most deserving of its hype.

There’s been an excited hum about this new psychological thriller, The Last Mrs. Parrish, and it’s well-deserved. This book is co-authored by sisters Lynne and Valerie, using the pen name Liv Constantine, and their collaboration will have you gasping and hanging on through twists and turns. This one is hard to put down until you reach the very end, and gasp.

The villainy and actions of the devious Amber Patterson fascinate. She is calculating in the way she becomes a part of the lives of Connecticut’s well-to-do, perfectly blessed, golden couple. Amber is certain she was never meant for the everyday, plain life that she’s living. She has no doubts that the Parrish privileged life is the life that she deserves.

Driven by envy and equipped with a detailed plan, Amber takes action. The ensuing consequences produce a centrifugal force that will hold you spellbound as you grip your book or kindle, eager to read what happens next. Can Amber end up with everything she wants, or will she get what she deserves? What dark secrets will be revealed? What will be overheard when lurking at doorways or through deceitful means? The writing flows so naturally, you’ll enjoy the storytelling style of these authors.

The co-authors’ collaboration is smoothly, seamless to the reader. They’ve created memorable characters and skillfully paint the setting and atmosphere of the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor. As a reader and town visitor, you may enjoy sipping your way through the pages with Bishops Harbor’s popular drink – “the Double Cross Martini. It’s deliciously duplicitous, sneaks up on you, and packs a potent punch, but it is low-carb so you can still fit into your designer jeans.”

Lynne is also author of the amazing suspense novel The Veritas Deception in addition to several short stories. She’s also a social media strategist and speaker. Valerie has been a mystery fan from her early days with Nancy Drew, and later graduating on to Shakespeare. She’s an active community volunteer, working with Free the Slaves in Washington, D.C. – an organization that fights human trafficking – and also with Caritas Society of St. John’s College Annapolis, which raises funds for student financial aid. The sisters also co-authored Circle Dance - a taut, Greek American, family drama page turner.

And if you want to hear more from the authors, tune into YouTube's Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Lynne and Valerie (Liv) Constantine

I don’t know how to review this without giving away too much plot... we have on one hand a gold-digging young woman with a dubious past; on the other hand a beautiful, devoted, faithful wife; and in the middle a gorgeous rich husband. The story goes along fairly predictably.... until suddenly, it’s not! I read this in just a couple of days! Lost a fair amount of sleep..... if you enjoyed Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, and similar, you’ll love this.

If I could give more than five stars then I would to this book. What a brilliant story it starts quite simply then wow, what a twist. Amber befriends Daphne Parrish as she wants her husband Jake. So begins Amber's plan. Will she get what she wants? This is a must read book.

It started off really strong and had me convinced it was going to be a fun con book about a woman totally conquering the patriarchy. But it candcades in a melodrama posturing women as the helpless play things of men. It propagates the idea that no matter how hard you work, someone will come along and crush you. And in order for you to get that happily ever after, someone else has to fall into despair.

The book was an interesting read. In the first part, I absolutely hated Amber. I couldn’t figure out how she could get away without the other characters figuring her out. Then I hated both Amber and Jackson in the second part. The twist made me cheer.

The story behind the authors and the fact that Emily Giffin is an editor is a reason to give this book a try. It takes a while to actually reach the pivotal moment in the book, but once you get there you will not want to stop reading. I hope that there is a follow up book that expands upon the thoughts of others mentioned in the book.

I would probably give this book a 4.3 instead of a 4, however this was not an option.

Thank you to Netgalley for. the free copy I really appreciated it. I really did enjoy this book, it was great how it was set in 3 parts. In part one I really had no idea about what was to come! I wasn't a fan of Amber at all she was manipulative and selfish and felt Bella was a complete 'boiled sprat'. By the end of the book I was pleased that all things worked out as they should and so pleased to find out who YMB was!

THE LAST MRS. PARRISH is a psychological thriller that focuses on three main characters: Jackson, a wealthy and powerful husband; Daphne, his socialite wife; and Amber, the woman determined to pry them apart. The first part of the novel is told from Amber's POV while the second part is told from Daphne's POV with a satisfying conclusion told in the third part. The intense character studies make this one sinfully delicious novel!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in 3 days! Sucks you in right from the beginning and I loved how they wrote Amber’s and Daphne’s POV. Also, I liked how in Daphne’s they started from the very beginning of their marriage so you could better understand her relationship to Jackson. Nothing at all was predictable, one of the best books I have read in a really long time. (And it’s nothing like Fifty Shades or Gone Girl-besides the psycho-manipulation part lol)

This is actually a borderline trashy novel, but I'm giving it (3) stars just for being a diverting page-turner. Just be forwarded if you are a discriminating reader that the prose and dialogue are amateur level, the characters are stereotypes, and the plot is rather predictable. Ignore of of that, and it's moderately entertaining.

I thoroughly enjoyed this piece of escapist fiction about a jealous evil woman who befriends a wealth socialite and then aspires to take over her husband and her life. Great insight into how the very wealthy live. A real treat.

I bought this book without knowing what it was about but only based on the fact a friend recommended it to me. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the ride. Love the glimpse in the life of the uber wealthy and seeing behind closed doors.

What a story. Just when you thought people being nice to you are actually, just being nice to you. Guess from now on, I gotta be more aware of what others may want of me! WHEW! Great story, couldn't put it down. And from now on, I'm making my own tea and coffee!

This is one of the worst books I have picked up. Generally, I would sell a book I've read to a used book store or give it to a friend. I will not be passing this one along at all. If you are a mean girl or were a mean girl ever in your life, you might enjoy the vapid dialogue. I found it trivial and quit reading after about 75 pages. Felt like a waste of my money. I'm surprised how many strong reviews it has received. I bought on Reese Witherspoon's book club recommendation. Now I will not buy any book based on her recommendation again.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fun, readable, addictive story of a wannabee trophy wife who insinuates herself into the lives of the seemingly-perfect Parrish family. Suffice it to say that she really does get what she deserves. This stunning debut novel is a page-turner that should serve as a warning for all members of high society, and those looking to enter through the back door!

Wow. This was so incredibly cheesy throughout, and there were so many super villain characters that it was laughable. None of the characters seemed even remotely realistic, and the story definitely wasn't enough story to justify the 500+ pages. This almost seemed like a spoof of the genre.

Frankly after reading the first half of the book I was ready to quit because the narrator was such a stereotype then I noticed the second half was from the perspective of her victim. Let's just say there is a fine vengeance and everyone gets what they deserve. However, the plot is a bit soapy and pretty predictable.

Wow! I bought this book at a local store,because I wanted a quick read. It had me from page one! Once I started reading it I could not put it down! I thought I had it figured out until I got to Daphne’s perspective.
I am so glad I bought this book It took me two days to read and now I’m disappointed I finished it.

This was a great psychological suspense thriller! A really fun read! Manipulative white trash Barbie sets her sights on a handsome rich guy to get the life she believes she deserves, with little regard for his wife or children. Be careful - sometimes you get what you ask for!

Satisfying twist at the end!

LOVED this book. I could hardly wait to see what was going to happen next. Great new author-actually two women wrote it. Highly recommend this one.

Liv Constantine, when is the next book coming out?!?!

The Last Mrs. Parrish
By
Liz Constantine

What it's all about...

What is it about books with characters you absolutely love to hate? What it is...is this...these books are highly readable, they get to your gut, you bite your fingers with stress and you can not even remotely begin to think about putting these books down. Life kind of has to stop until you get to the next chapter and then another and another until you shockingly have finished the book in a day. I heard my husband call my name repeatedly but I didn’t have the strength to tear myself away from this book...sorry dear husband. This book was that good! So...here is the gist of this book. Daphne is married to Jackson who is wealthier than anyone should be. They have beautiful homes, country club memberships, two lovely young daughters...pretty much everything anyone could want. From the outside looking in they are the most beautiful couple. But evil lurks within their “happy” life. Daphne develops a friendship with a poor unattractive woman...Amber...who works her way into the very heart of Daphne and Jackson’s relationship. No matter what they do...Amber is always there...always watching, working, lurking...seemingly ready to pounce! I loved it! Amber is filled with her own dirty secrets...I loved this even more!

Why I wanted to read it...

I really thought that this book would be a good one but I didn’t realize just how good it was destined to be. The premise wasn’t a new one but it was written in such a way as to sort of tease the reader along in a really clever way.

What made me truly enjoy this book...

I loved that I was surprised by certain situations in this book. I loved these surprises! The book took quite a few twisty turns that I didn’t expect but that really made this book exciting. Sharing any more about what actually happened would detract from anyone’s reading enjoyment...you really have to read it to believe it.

Why you should read it, too...

So...potential readers who like books with a bit of mystery, surprise, and a little bit of sexiness...should love this book. The characters...Daphne, Jackson and Amber drive this story. They roll around and tumble and perhaps even manage to pick themselves up again. But...certain characters get their “just rewards”. Readers might actually stand and cheer for this part! I loved this book.

I received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I then read this book on my Kindle Oasis.

From the publisher: Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more - - a life of money and power, like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne - - a socialite and philanthropist - - and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, a man of apparently limitless wealth, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion to insinuate herself into the family’s life - - the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may destroy everything that Amber has worked toward, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

Part I of the novel is told from Amber’s perspective, Part II, roughly half-way through the book, from Daphne’s. The two women meet at a gym they both attend, and are drawn together by a shared interest: It appears that Daphne, through an organization called the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, puts out a magazine dealing with that disease. Daphne tells Amber, when questioned, that she had lost her younger sister to that disease, 20 years earlier at the age of 16. When Daphne asks, Amber reveals that her own younger sister had died of the disease at the age of 14. That is the beginning of a friendship that becomes much more than just that, with Amber becoming almost of the Parrish family

The reader discovers late in the novel that Amber’s name isn’t even Amber – it was Laura Crump. She had made everything up, including the ostensible existence of a sick sister, an abusive father, when in actuality she was a criminal, a fugitive. But we are told very early on that the only sisters she does [or ever did] have are all alive and well. She apparently makes monthly pilgrimages to the main library in Manhattan and to museums, the better to display her apparent knowledge and acumen to others, most importantly to Jackson Parrish. She inveigles her way into the family dynamic and, in doing so, into the “world of the rich and mighty, mingling and toasting each other, smug and confident in their little one percent corner of the world,” and ultimately landing a job as Jackson’s new office assistant. I have to admit I found myself at one point I could not help but admire Amber’s success in achieving her aim of worming herself into the Parrish world in many aspects, although that didn’t last too long. The Parrish marriage of 12 years soon is threatened. I also have to admit that once the 2nd half of the book is under way--from Daphne’s p.o.v.--that admiration quickly ended.
.
This novel received starred reviews from each of the most highly respected review sites in the industry, each comparing it favorably with “Gone Girl,” one of the mostly highly lauded novels of its kind in the last couple of years [and one I must admit I have never read, unlike, I suspect, most of the readers of this review, I humbly realize]. That said, “Mrs. Parrish” kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could until the very end.

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine., a remarkable job, considering they live several states apart! They have created a book that captivates the reader, and one I highly recommend.
From the publisher: Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more - - a life of money and power, like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne - - a socialite and philanthropist - - and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, a man of apparently limitless wealth, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion to insinuate herself into the family’s life - - the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may destroy everything that Amber has worked toward, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

Part I of the novel is told from Amber’s perspective, Part II, roughly half-way through the book, from Daphne’s. The two women meet at a gym they both attend, and are drawn together by a shared interest: It appears that Daphne, through an organization called the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, puts out a magazine dealing with that disease. Daphne tells Amber, when questioned, that she had lost her younger sister to that disease, 20 years earlier at the age of 16. When Daphne asks, Amber reveals that her own younger sister had died of the disease at the age of 14. That is the beginning of a friendship that becomes much more than just that, with Amber becoming almost of the Parrish family

The reader discovers late in the novel that Amber’s name isn’t even Amber – it was Laura Crump. She had made everything up, including the ostensible existence of a sick sister, an abusive father, when in actuality she was a criminal, a fugitive. But we are told very early on that the only sisters she does [or ever did] have are all alive and well. She apparently makes monthly pilgrimages to the main library in Manhattan and to museums, the better to display her apparent knowledge and acumen to others, most importantly to Jackson Parrish. She inveigles her way into the family dynamic and, in doing so, into the “world of the rich and mighty, mingling and toasting each other, smug and confident in their little one percent corner of the world,” and ultimately landing a job as Jackson’s new office assistant. I have to admit I found myself at one point I could not help but admire Amber’s success in achieving her aim of worming herself into the Parrish world in many aspects, although that didn’t last too long. The Parrish marriage of 12 years soon is threatened. I also have to admit that once the 2nd half of the book is under way--from Daphne’s p.o.v.--that admiration quickly ended.
.
This novel received starred reviews from each of the most highly respected review sites in the industry, each comparing it favorably with “Gone Girl,” one of the mostly highly lauded novels of its kind in the last couple of years [and one I must admit I have never read, unlike, I suspect, most of the readers of this review, I humbly realize]. That said, “Mrs. Parrish” kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could until the very end.

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine., a remarkable job, considering they live several states apart! They have created a book that captivates the reader, and one I highly recommend.
From the publisher: Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more - - a life of money and power, like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne - - a socialite and philanthropist - - and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, a man of apparently limitless wealth, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion to insinuate herself into the family’s life - - the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may destroy everything that Amber has worked toward, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

Part I of the novel is told from Amber’s perspective, Part II, roughly half-way through the book, from Daphne’s. The two women meet at a gym they both attend, and are drawn together by a shared interest: It appears that Daphne, through an organization called the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, puts out a magazine dealing with that disease. Daphne tells Amber, when questioned, that she had lost her younger sister to that disease, 20 years earlier at the age of 16. When Daphne asks, Amber reveals that her own younger sister had died of the disease at the age of 14. That is the beginning of a friendship that becomes much more than just that, with Amber becoming almost of the Parrish family

The reader discovers late in the novel that Amber’s name isn’t even Amber – it was Laura Crump. She had made everything up, including the ostensible existence of a sick sister, an abusive father, when in actuality she was a criminal, a fugitive. But we are told very early on that the only sisters she does [or ever did] have are all alive and well. She apparently makes monthly pilgrimages to the main library in Manhattan and to museums, the better to display her apparent knowledge and acumen to others, most importantly to Jackson Parrish. She inveigles her way into the family dynamic and, in doing so, into the “world of the rich and mighty, mingling and toasting each other, smug and confident in their little one percent corner of the world,” and ultimately landing a job as Jackson’s new office assistant. I have to admit I found myself at one point I could not help but admire Amber’s success in achieving her aim of worming herself into the Parrish world in many aspects, although that didn’t last too long. The Parrish marriage of 12 years soon is threatened. I also have to admit that once the 2nd half of the book is under way--from Daphne’s p.o.v.--that admiration quickly ended.
.
This novel received starred reviews from each of the most highly respected review sites in the industry, each comparing it favorably with “Gone Girl,” one of the mostly highly lauded novels of its kind in the last couple of years [and one I must admit I have never read, unlike, I suspect, most of the readers of this review, I humbly realize]. That said, “Mrs. Parrish” kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could until the very end.

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine., a remarkable job, considering they live several states apart! They have created a book that captivates the reader, and one I highly recommend.
From the publisher: Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more - - a life of money and power, like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne - - a socialite and philanthropist - - and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, a man of apparently limitless wealth, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion to insinuate herself into the family’s life - - the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may destroy everything that Amber has worked toward, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

Part I of the novel is told from Amber’s perspective, Part II, roughly half-way through the book, from Daphne’s. The two women meet at a gym they both attend, and are drawn together by a shared interest: It appears that Daphne, through an organization called the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, puts out a magazine dealing with that disease. Daphne tells Amber, when questioned, that she had lost her younger sister to that disease, 20 years earlier at the age of 16. When Daphne asks, Amber reveals that her own younger sister had died of the disease at the age of 14. That is the beginning of a friendship that becomes much more than just that, with Amber becoming almost of the Parrish family

The reader discovers late in the novel that Amber’s name isn’t even Amber – it was Laura Crump. She had made everything up, including the ostensible existence of a sick sister, an abusive father, when in actuality she was a criminal, a fugitive. But we are told very early on that the only sisters she does [or ever did] have are all alive and well. She apparently makes monthly pilgrimages to the main library in Manhattan and to museums, the better to display her apparent knowledge and acumen to others, most importantly to Jackson Parrish. She inveigles her way into the family dynamic and, in doing so, into the “world of the rich and mighty, mingling and toasting each other, smug and confident in their little one percent corner of the world,” and ultimately landing a job as Jackson’s new office assistant. I have to admit I found myself at one point I could not help but admire Amber’s success in achieving her aim of worming herself into the Parrish world in many aspects, although that didn’t last too long. The Parrish marriage of 12 years soon is threatened. I also have to admit that once the 2nd half of the book is under way--from Daphne’s p.o.v.--that admiration quickly ended.
.
This novel received starred reviews from each of the most highly respected review sites in the industry, each comparing it favorably with “Gone Girl,” one of the mostly highly lauded novels of its kind in the last couple of years [and one I must admit I have never read, unlike, I suspect, most of the readers of this review, I humbly realize]. That said, “Mrs. Parrish” kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could until the very end.

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine., a remarkable job, considering they live several states apart! They have created a book that captivates the reader, and one I highly recommend.
From the publisher: Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more - - a life of money and power, like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne - - a socialite and philanthropist - - and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, a man of apparently limitless wealth, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale. Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn’t have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion to insinuate herself into the family’s life - - the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may destroy everything that Amber has worked toward, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

Part I of the novel is told from Amber’s perspective, Part II, roughly half-way through the book, from Daphne’s. The two women meet at a gym they both attend, and are drawn together by a shared interest: It appears that Daphne, through an organization called the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, puts out a magazine dealing with that disease. Daphne tells Amber, when questioned, that she had lost her younger sister to that disease, 20 years earlier at the age of 16. When Daphne asks, Amber reveals that her own younger sister had died of the disease at the age of 14. That is the beginning of a friendship that becomes much more than just that, with Amber becoming almost of the Parrish family

The reader discovers late in the novel that Amber’s name isn’t even Amber – it was Laura Crump. She had made everything up, including the ostensible existence of a sick sister, an abusive father, when in actuality she was a criminal, a fugitive. But we are told very early on that the only sisters she does [or ever did] have are all alive and well. She apparently makes monthly pilgrimages to the main library in Manhattan and to museums, the better to display her apparent knowledge and acumen to others, most importantly to Jackson Parrish. She inveigles her way into the family dynamic and, in doing so, into the “world of the rich and mighty, mingling and toasting each other, smug and confident in their little one percent corner of the world,” and ultimately landing a job as Jackson’s new office assistant. I have to admit I found myself at one point I could not help but admire Amber’s success in achieving her aim of worming herself into the Parrish world in many aspects, although that didn’t last too long. The Parrish marriage of 12 years soon is threatened. I also have to admit that once the 2nd half of the book is under way--from Daphne’s p.o.v.--that admiration quickly ended.
.
This novel received starred reviews from each of the most highly respected review sites in the industry, each comparing it favorably with “Gone Girl,” one of the mostly highly lauded novels of its kind in the last couple of years [and one I must admit I have never read, unlike, I suspect, most of the readers of this review, I humbly realize]. That said, “Mrs. Parrish” kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could until the very end.

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine., a remarkable job, considering they live several states apart! They have created a book that captivates the reader, and one I highly recommend.

For fans of "Behind Closed Doors" by B.A. Paris, this is the next book to read. Talk about a romance gone awry. As they say never judge a book by its cover and keep an open mind. I wasn't at all disappointed and was in fact beyond tickled with how it played out and ended. Kudos to this new author. Will be waiting anxiously for next book.

This was such a good read! I am a sucker for plot twists and trying to figure the story out before you get there. I also listened to some on audio and it was very pleasant to listen to the voices, made the characters come to life. This has been my favorite read of 2018 thus far.

Overall, I liked the book a lot! Books like this are not my usual go-to genre but I did enjoy it. It's a fast read - while I was reading it, I was definitely compelled to keep going. I struggled a bit in the middle because I found the main character, Amber, to be a bit flat and (although you aren't supposed to) I definitely wasn't rooting for her. However, about two-thirds through the book there is a turning point and I just couldn't put it down from that point on. I was completely captivated and had to know where it was going. I was constantly trying to theorize what was going to happen next and I was never on the right page - kudos to the authors!

It started off really strong and had me convinced it was going to be a fun con book about a woman totally conquering the patriarchy. But it candcades in a melodrama posturing women as the helpless play things of men. It propagates the idea that no matter how hard you work, someone will come along and crush you. And in order for you to get that happily ever after, someone else has to fall into despair.

The book was an interesting read. In the first part, I absolutely hated Amber. I couldn’t figure out how she could get away without the other characters figuring her out. Then I hated both Amber and Jackson in the second part. The twist made me cheer.

The story behind the authors and the fact that Emily Giffin is an editor is a reason to give this book a try. It takes a while to actually reach the pivotal moment in the book, but once you get there you will not want to stop reading. I hope that there is a follow up book that expands upon the thoughts of others mentioned in the book.

I would probably give this book a 4.3 instead of a 4, however this was not an option.

Thank you to Netgalley for. the free copy I really appreciated it. I really did enjoy this book, it was great how it was set in 3 parts. In part one I really had no idea about what was to come! I wasn't a fan of Amber at all she was manipulative and selfish and felt Bella was a complete 'boiled sprat'. By the end of the book I was pleased that all things worked out as they should and so pleased to find out who YMB was!

THE LAST MRS. PARRISH is a psychological thriller that focuses on three main characters: Jackson, a wealthy and powerful husband; Daphne, his socialite wife; and Amber, the woman determined to pry them apart. The first part of the novel is told from Amber's POV while the second part is told from Daphne's POV with a satisfying conclusion told in the third part. The intense character studies make this one sinfully delicious novel!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in 3 days! Sucks you in right from the beginning and I loved how they wrote Amber’s and Daphne’s POV. Also, I liked how in Daphne’s they started from the very beginning of their marriage so you could better understand her relationship to Jackson. Nothing at all was predictable, one of the best books I have read in a really long time. (And it’s nothing like Fifty Shades or Gone Girl-besides the psycho-manipulation part lol)

This is actually a borderline trashy novel, but I'm giving it (3) stars just for being a diverting page-turner. Just be forwarded if you are a discriminating reader that the prose and dialogue are amateur level, the characters are stereotypes, and the plot is rather predictable. Ignore of of that, and it's moderately entertaining.

I thoroughly enjoyed this piece of escapist fiction about a jealous evil woman who befriends a wealth socialite and then aspires to take over her husband and her life. Great insight into how the very wealthy live. A real treat.

I bought this book without knowing what it was about but only based on the fact a friend recommended it to me. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the ride. Love the glimpse in the life of the uber wealthy and seeing behind closed doors.

What a story. Just when you thought people being nice to you are actually, just being nice to you. Guess from now on, I gotta be more aware of what others may want of me! WHEW! Great story, couldn't put it down. And from now on, I'm making my own tea and coffee!

This is one of the worst books I have picked up. Generally, I would sell a book I've read to a used book store or give it to a friend. I will not be passing this one along at all. If you are a mean girl or were a mean girl ever in your life, you might enjoy the vapid dialogue. I found it trivial and quit reading after about 75 pages. Felt like a waste of my money. I'm surprised how many strong reviews it has received. I bought on Reese Witherspoon's book club recommendation. Now I will not buy any book based on her recommendation again.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fun, readable, addictive story of a wannabee trophy wife who insinuates herself into the lives of the seemingly-perfect Parrish family. Suffice it to say that she really does get what she deserves. This stunning debut novel is a page-turner that should serve as a warning for all members of high society, and those looking to enter through the back door!

The Last Mrs Parrish is an interesting book by Liv Constantine where the future Mrs Parrish (Amber) and the current Mrs Parrish (Daphne) tell us about their story and interactions with Jackson Parrish. The Last Mrs Parrish is a fast read with an interesting view of life among the wealthy, and those who want to make this their life at any cost.

Wow. This was so incredibly cheesy throughout, and there were so many super villain characters that it was laughable. None of the characters seemed even remotely realistic, and the story definitely wasn't enough story to justify the 500+ pages. This almost seemed like a spoof of the genre.

Frankly after reading the first half of the book I was ready to quit because the narrator was such a stereotype then I noticed the second half was from the perspective of her victim. Let's just say there is a fine vengeance and everyone gets what they deserve. However, the plot is a bit soapy and pretty predictable.

Wow! I bought this book at a local store,because I wanted a quick read. It had me from page one! Once I started reading it I could not put it down! I thought I had it figured out until I got to Daphne’s perspective.
I am so glad I bought this book It took me two days to read and now I’m disappointed I finished it.

This was a great psychological suspense thriller! A really fun read! Manipulative white trash Barbie sets her sights on a handsome rich guy to get the life she believes she deserves, with little regard for his wife or children. Be careful - sometimes you get what you ask for!

Satisfying twist at the end!

LOVED this book. I could hardly wait to see what was going to happen next. Great new author-actually two women wrote it. Highly recommend this one.

Liv Constantine, when is the next book coming out?!?!

The Last Mrs. Parrish
By
Liz Constantine

What it's all about...

What is it about books with characters you absolutely love to hate? What it is...is this...these books are highly readable, they get to your gut, you bite your fingers with stress and you can not even remotely begin to think about putting these books down. Life kind of has to stop until you get to the next chapter and then another and another until you shockingly have finished the book in a day. I heard my husband call my name repeatedly but I didn’t have the strength to tear myself away from this book...sorry dear husband. This book was that good! So...here is the gist of this book. Daphne is married to Jackson who is wealthier than anyone should be. They have beautiful homes, country club memberships, two lovely young daughters...pretty much everything anyone could want. From the outside looking in they are the most beautiful couple. But evil lurks within their “happy” life. Daphne develops a friendship with a poor unattractive woman...Amber...who works her way into the very heart of Daphne and Jackson’s relationship. No matter what they do...Amber is always there...always watching, working, lurking...seemingly ready to pounce! I loved it! Amber is filled with her own dirty secrets...I loved this even more!

Why I wanted to read it...

I really thought that this book would be a good one but I didn’t realize just how good it was destined to be. The premise wasn’t a new one but it was written in such a way as to sort of tease the reader along in a really clever way.

What made me truly enjoy this book...

I loved that I was surprised by certain situations in this book. I loved these surprises! The book took quite a few twisty turns that I didn’t expect but that really made this book exciting. Sharing any more about what actually happened would detract from anyone’s reading enjoyment...you really have to read it to believe it.

Why you should read it, too...

So...potential readers who like books with a bit of mystery, surprise, and a little bit of sexiness...should love this book. The characters...Daphne, Jackson and Amber drive this story. They roll around and tumble and perhaps even manage to pick themselves up again. But...certain characters get their “just rewards”. Readers might actually stand and cheer for this part! I loved this book.

I received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I then read this book on my Kindle Oasis.

The first 30% read just like any other okay novel. But soon, it ramped up and I couldn’t put it down. I usually only read at night, but I finished this during the day. I seriously could not put it down.

It's a very light and easy read, good for poolside reading. I thought the plot was rather predictable, and I believe the title gave that away already. The book did not keep me in suspense. It is not as sophisticated as "Little Fires Everywhere" or "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" (those are light reads, but incredibly well written and sophisticated).

I’m only 25 pages into this book, but I knew by page 3, that The Last Mrs. Parrish is not for me. It seems like a book a 20 year old might read if they were not well educated! The story begins with a ridiculous scheme/plot that had me cringing because it reminded me of something a high school student might write... and most likely get a C- when completed.
I apologize for the harsh words, but I couldn’t get past page 25.
Do yourself a favor and read a sample before purchasing, so you know what your in for.

Like others have said, the writing style is a bit sophomoric. Sounded like a teen had written it and there were some eye rolling moments.
That being said it did get more interesting in part 2-Daphne’s story. Easy read. Chapters short. Would be a good beachhead or for a long flight.

The storyline was OK but it was so badly written! Like another reviewer said, everything is explained in very simple and banal language. Characters are exaggerated and unbelievable. Not sure how it got so many stars.

Be careful what you wish for. This describes the storyline and my expectations of this book that has been receiving a lot buzz. I thought this was going to be more of a Girl on the Train type of thriller, but it's sort of a more mysterious women's fiction with psych-thriller elements. I enjoyed it, it was fast paced, parts I found uncomfortable (am I the only one that does not like reading about narcissistic, manipulative men even for the sake of the plot?), but overall it was just alright, not worth all the hype.

The Last Mrs. Parrish is an addictive read. I couldn't stop turning the pages and was completely intrigued by Amber and the other characters. The book has a cinematic feel and would make for a great movie.

I cannot say that I liked the characters much, until the second half of the book, where a different point of view began to make things clear. In that sense it was an interesting reflection of how one judges people without having the whole picture. It takes place in a small town like the ones around here, and the thought that some of these people might be living in my neighborhood gives me pause. That's because they rang horribly true. I found myself staying up much too late to finish it - so, Ms Constantine, job done!

Really enjoyed this book. The characters generated so much emotion in me. It reminded me of a movie called "Sleeping With The Enemy." This would make such a great movie. Had a chance to meet Valerie Constantine in person during a book club meeting. She was such a lovely person and fun to talk to. I look forward to reading the next book!

Why are we still reading books that Reese Witherspoon recommends? We should all reflect on that.

This is literally the same book as The Wife Between Us. Or vice versa. It doesn't really matter. However, this book is somewhat better and at least clearer than The Wife Between Us.

The worst part here was that the dialogue was absolutely awful. Mechanical and unrealistic. People don't speak in real life the same way they write. This is a writing issue. As a writer, if you want real dialogue, you need to actually go out and record what people say and how they speak.

Not an original story at all. You know how it goes. But still somewhat entertaining. It's not really a twist at the end.

This story was extremely predictable. The author/s went to such extreme measures to cast the husband as a monster, I had to skim over a few parts as it was depressing to read and after a point, unnecessary to the plot. This book warrants a big eye roll.

A great novel in the style of Jane Stanton Hitchcock's Social Crimes and Trick of the Eye. Read it in 3 days while commuting to/from my job. I love when a character gets even and another never sees it coming. Keep those books coming!

I loved this book!! From the very first page until the very last page, I could not stop reading it. The characters are wonderful and believable, the story is just sublime, and it is a true thriller - which is why I couldn't put it down. The book starts with you just wanting more, to just want to know how it all ends, and it's totally fun in between. They know how to write female characters, for sure! Thank you!

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Yes, some women are gold-digging home wreckers. Yes, some extremely wealthy men are sociopaths/psychopaths and yes, some women are desperate enough to push another down to keep from drowning. In true Gillian Flynn style, all the characters are flawed and maybe not likable, but that doesn't matter in this fantastic story.

I had such high hopes for the book, but it turned out to be boring, predictable, and SO SO flat. Amber could have been this incredibly complex, interesting character. But by part three of the book, I didn't care what happened to any of the characters. I ended up forcing myself to finish the book, just to see if it would end the way I predicted. It started off so well and quickly devolved into meh.

I loved this book! At first I didn't think I would b/c Daphne was so "ugh"... rich socialite who has nothing to do but, gardening meetings (wth is that anyway?), shopping, dining etc. BUT it got way more interesting!!! I would LOVE to see this as a movie.

This book could be very triggering for an abuse survivors. Luckily I listened to this on audible so I can return it. This wasn’t well written and presents a really troubling view of an abused woman. To suggest that an abused woman would exact revenge but getting her husband to abuse another one instead is a horrible thought. The author is exploiting abuse as a suspense plot line and it’s disappointing.

The first book since Middlesex that I pulled an all-nighter to finish. Ok, this isn't James Joyce's Ulysses or anything but, while it may not qualify as a great literary masterpiece, it was utterly compelling in the most frivolous, riveting, loved-every-second-of-it way. Highly recommend.

I read your this book when it was first released and I really enjoyed It. I often forget books when I start a new one. However, this book stayed with me and I have recommended it to several avid readers who also enjoyed it. Easy to get hooked and read straight through quickly.
This book was written by 2 authors which adds another creative aspect to the storyline.

I haven't read any other reviews yet, but I thought this was outstanding. I was in the airport when I picked it up, headed out on a business trip, and each day, I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel to read more!

I loved everything about this book. The only con was reading it before my friends so I didn't immediately have someone to talk to about it with when I finished it. Wouldn't have mattered though, I finished it around 2 am because I couldn't not know the ending. I hope this book goes the way of Big Little Lies and turns into a miniseries because I am not ready to say goodbye to it yet!

I'm always looking for a good psychological thriller and The Last Mrs. Parrish definitely fit the bill. I read this novel in one sitting, and despite a little predictability and some one dimensional characters, found this book to be absolutely entertaining and absorbing. I love novels that look at the lives of the wealthy and this novel had that along with suspense and betrayal.

Written by an author team, I am also intrigued by their process of writing a novel together, and the changing narration of the story. Anyone looking for a book to get sucked into will enjoy The Last Mrs. Parrish.

This psychological suspense novel is unlike any I've ever read. The thing I really loved about this novel is that it is told from two different perspectives from two very different women telling two very different stories. Intrigued? You should be. THE LAST MRS. PARRISH is a tale about obsession, desire, sex, and lies. I guess the best way to review this is by splitting my review into three different parts...for three very different and uniquely dark and delicious stories.

Part 1: Amber

Amber's perspective is dark, calculating, and wildly entertaining. It is clear from the beginning that Amber is keeping quite a lot of secrets and her perspective is not only terrifyingly brilliant, but just plain terrifying. We get a unique and rather honest portrayal of who Amber is through Amber's eyes, but we also get to see how many other characters view her...and everyone has something different to say.

I would say this portion of the novel is more of the psychological thriller aspect and not so much a mystery or suspense. It is more or less a character study that blurs along the lines of FATAL ATTRACTION with its themes of obsession, desire, and manipulation. I was quickly drawn into this novel reading Amber's story and couldn't stop myself from wondering where this one would go.

I was quickly flying through the pages as something dark and ominous was brewing in the background. While Amber seemed to be taking life in stride and proving that she was not only a genius, but quick to go after what she wants and let nothing and no one get in her way, we all know that not all is what it seems. The pacing with this one was not only beautifully done, but the story is crafted in such an addicting way, that it's impossible to put down once you get 50 pages in. That is, until Amber's story concludes halfway through the novel.

Part 2: Daphne

Daphne's story is more or less a tale of survival. This perspective is less psychological and more of a character study into the woman that we've gotten to know through Amber's eyes in Part 1. What I really enjoyed about this was that we've all been there. We've all witnessed the fictional and reality of people who seem to have it all and may at some times take things for granted. It is easily shown in Part 1 with Amber that this is how she feels about Daphne. However, with things not always being as they seem, the reader is thrown into an emotional and honest look into the life of Daphne Parrish.

I enjoyed getting to know Daphne for who she really was and not just how Amber portrayed her. It was really interesting to get to know both women inside and out and learn about who Daphne was before she met Jackson Parrish and how their relationship got to where it was before Amber came into the picture. It was also interesting to see their relationship behind closed doors and realize the problems they face are issues and situations I would have never guessed through Amber's perspective, making it all the more addicting to continue this journey of two women.

As I really got a hold of what was truly going on with this novel as the two perspectives blended together, I found myself at a standstill. I truly had no idea what the hell was going on or where this would take me as each part was so different than the other. And then, Daphne's part came to an end.

Part 3: The Conclusion

As I found myself dumbfounded and really addicted and obsessed with this brilliantly honest story, I was thanking my lucky stars I had began this novel on a weekend as I couldn't imagine trying to put this one down to go to work, socialize, or carry on with any other responsibility of my everyday life. I was immersed and too far gone to even try to put this one down.

The suspense and tension really built up with the third and final part of this story as the reader gets to see how this one is going to end for all three of the main characters. It was a brilliant and unnerving change to go from two character perspectives to the conclusion of this amazingly taut story told from a different narrative. Ultimately, the ending came to not only a satisfying conclusion, but one with not only chills, but a little bit of heart.

This is a beautifully creepy, sexy, and downright addicting psychological thriller that is unlike any I have had the pleasure of reading. With amazingly honest and well-crafted characters, a brilliant plot, and an ending that made my jaw drop, I cannot imagine what these two brilliant writers will do next. Whatever it is, consider me in.

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Picked this one up from the library because it seemed like it would be a fun read. Boy was I wrong.
1) Amber the gold digger is a flat cliche of a greedy, shallow person. She has zero introspection and is completely vapid and boring. However, she possesses the ability to meticulously read, study, and absorb the books in whatever field she determines necessary to her plots. If she were really so capable, she wouldn't need wild marriage traps to dig herself out of poverty.
2) The MOMA is pay as you wish. Factually wrong to write that Amber could not afford both admission and lunch. This is not a character who would have scruples about paying a nickel for MOMA admission.
3)The following are the first 2 sentences of a 3 sentence paragraph and indicative of the writing on display: "They finished the bottle of wine and opened another while Amber listened to more stories of Daphne's tragic fairy-tale relationship with her perfect dead sister. Amber threw a full glass down the sink when she went to the bathroom." What?? Surely the authors meant Amber threw a full glass of wine down the sink and not a "full glass". Also, who takes a full glass to the bathroom?? And, how is that second sentence a good follow up to the first?
4) There is no 4 because I gave up reading shortly after this.

Book chosen for book club. Great choice for a summer read! Was a page turner from start to finish. Enjoyed getting sucked into the glamorous lifestyle and following the twists & turns. Finished the book on the beach in Newport RI. A true enjoyable beach read...

I was not excited about the book at first. Amber was not a nice character at all....very conniving. She wanted “what she wanted” and did not seem to care who she hurt along the way. And there were many !
Then the story took off. Daphne had a history. She would get even. Happy about the ending, but so much more could have been imagined. Will definitely read Liv Constantine next novel.

So good! I read it in four hours, as I could not put it down. Great writing, character building and a twist at the end! The people that are saying they don’t like it because of the “sexual orientation,” should not be reading this type of literature. It is NOT glamorizing rape, and it is a shame that people read this and think that. Loved this one!!

Great book - one of the top ten I have read this year. Great story line, intriguing, and suspenseful.

The only thing I would say is the story line is VERY similar to Behind Closed Doors. Rich, handsome very successful husband who has it all and beautiful wife, but behind closed doors he is a controlling tyrant.

THIS BOOK! As a fan of dark and twisted reads, I was hopeful that this would fall somewhere in that realm. I was SO pleasantly satisfied when it exceeded expectations. If you're a fan of Gillian Flynn, Dot Hutchison, and Paula Hawkins, you are certainly in for a treat. Right when I needed it to pick up, it did and I couldn't put it down until I finished the whole thing! When is the movie??

A nicely twisted thriller that delves into the world of the mega-rich and reveals how not even money can satisfy the darkest desires. A book about need, control, and the illusion of happiness. After reading this I felt very good about not being able to count myself among the top .01%! Well done, Constantine sisters.

All I can say is, "WOW!" This book has everything you would want in a psychological thriller. So many twists and turns. Some truly nasty characters, along with some good.

Gillian Flynn is about to be usurped as the queen of this genre. I don't want to say too much. Just read it. Make sure you have plenty of spare time because you will not be able to put it down.

This was the perfect summer read. The character Amber was diabolical- hard to imagine someone like that exists! They do!! My father married one! I can see this becoming a movie soon. Go grab one while you still have summer left. You will be on beach turning the pages quickly, not wanting to put it down. Enjoy the escape!

I enjoyed this book very much. I liked all of the characters, especially Daphne. I finished ‘Behind Closed Doors’about 10 books ago, so it was a little predictable, but still very good. Absolute page turner from middle to end, had a hard time putting it down.

I read your this book when it was first released and I really enjoyed It. I often forget books when I start a new one. However, this book stayed with me and I have recommended it to several avid readers who also enjoyed it. Easy to get hooked and read straight through quickly.
This book was written by 2 authors which adds another creative aspect to the storyline.

Schedule an entire day and spend it with Amber. Her strategic planning, patience and execution invites you to step into the mix and enjoy the story from within! Feels as though I just watched a movie... I hope there's another one from this author sooner rather than later! Thank you for the experience...and, Amber!!!!

I haven't read any other reviews yet, but I thought this was outstanding. I was in the airport when I picked it up, headed out on a business trip, and each day, I couldn't wait to get back to my hotel to read more!

I loved everything about this book. The only con was reading it before my friends so I didn't immediately have someone to talk to about it with when I finished it. Wouldn't have mattered though, I finished it around 2 am because I couldn't not know the ending. I hope this book goes the way of Big Little Lies and turns into a miniseries because I am not ready to say goodbye to it yet!

This is one of the best, edge-of-your-seat psychological thrillers I have ever read. Do not plan on doing anything else once you start this book. It's awesome. I've recommended it to all my friends. I eagerly await Liv Constantine's next novel.

I'm always looking for a good psychological thriller and The Last Mrs. Parrish definitely fit the bill. I read this novel in one sitting, and despite a little predictability and some one dimensional characters, found this book to be absolutely entertaining and absorbing. I love novels that look at the lives of the wealthy and this novel had that along with suspense and betrayal.

Written by an author team, I am also intrigued by their process of writing a novel together, and the changing narration of the story. Anyone looking for a book to get sucked into will enjoy The Last Mrs. Parrish.

This psychological suspense novel is unlike any I've ever read. The thing I really loved about this novel is that it is told from two different perspectives from two very different women telling two very different stories. Intrigued? You should be. THE LAST MRS. PARRISH is a tale about obsession, desire, sex, and lies. I guess the best way to review this is by splitting my review into three different parts...for three very different and uniquely dark and delicious stories.

Part 1: Amber

Amber's perspective is dark, calculating, and wildly entertaining. It is clear from the beginning that Amber is keeping quite a lot of secrets and her perspective is not only terrifyingly brilliant, but just plain terrifying. We get a unique and rather honest portrayal of who Amber is through Amber's eyes, but we also get to see how many other characters view her...and everyone has something different to say.

I would say this portion of the novel is more of the psychological thriller aspect and not so much a mystery or suspense. It is more or less a character study that blurs along the lines of FATAL ATTRACTION with its themes of obsession, desire, and manipulation. I was quickly drawn into this novel reading Amber's story and couldn't stop myself from wondering where this one would go.

I was quickly flying through the pages as something dark and ominous was brewing in the background. While Amber seemed to be taking life in stride and proving that she was not only a genius, but quick to go after what she wants and let nothing and no one get in her way, we all know that not all is what it seems. The pacing with this one was not only beautifully done, but the story is crafted in such an addicting way, that it's impossible to put down once you get 50 pages in. That is, until Amber's story concludes halfway through the novel.

Part 2: Daphne

Daphne's story is more or less a tale of survival. This perspective is less psychological and more of a character study into the woman that we've gotten to know through Amber's eyes in Part 1. What I really enjoyed about this was that we've all been there. We've all witnessed the fictional and reality of people who seem to have it all and may at some times take things for granted. It is easily shown in Part 1 with Amber that this is how she feels about Daphne. However, with things not always being as they seem, the reader is thrown into an emotional and honest look into the life of Daphne Parrish.

I enjoyed getting to know Daphne for who she really was and not just how Amber portrayed her. It was really interesting to get to know both women inside and out and learn about who Daphne was before she met Jackson Parrish and how their relationship got to where it was before Amber came into the picture. It was also interesting to see their relationship behind closed doors and realize the problems they face are issues and situations I would have never guessed through Amber's perspective, making it all the more addicting to continue this journey of two women.

As I really got a hold of what was truly going on with this novel as the two perspectives blended together, I found myself at a standstill. I truly had no idea what the hell was going on or where this would take me as each part was so different than the other. And then, Daphne's part came to an end.

Part 3: The Conclusion

As I found myself dumbfounded and really addicted and obsessed with this brilliantly honest story, I was thanking my lucky stars I had began this novel on a weekend as I couldn't imagine trying to put this one down to go to work, socialize, or carry on with any other responsibility of my everyday life. I was immersed and too far gone to even try to put this one down.

The suspense and tension really built up with the third and final part of this story as the reader gets to see how this one is going to end for all three of the main characters. It was a brilliant and unnerving change to go from two character perspectives to the conclusion of this amazingly taut story told from a different narrative. Ultimately, the ending came to not only a satisfying conclusion, but one with not only chills, but a little bit of heart.

This is a beautifully creepy, sexy, and downright addicting psychological thriller that is unlike any I have had the pleasure of reading. With amazingly honest and well-crafted characters, a brilliant plot, and an ending that made my jaw drop, I cannot imagine what these two brilliant writers will do next. Whatever it is, consider me in.

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Picked this one up from the library because it seemed like it would be a fun read. Boy was I wrong.
1) Amber the gold digger is a flat cliche of a greedy, shallow person. She has zero introspection and is completely vapid and boring. However, she possesses the ability to meticulously read, study, and absorb the books in whatever field she determines necessary to her plots. If she were really so capable, she wouldn't need wild marriage traps to dig herself out of poverty.
2) The MOMA is pay as you wish. Factually wrong to write that Amber could not afford both admission and lunch. This is not a character who would have scruples about paying a nickel for MOMA admission.
3)The following are the first 2 sentences of a 3 sentence paragraph and indicative of the writing on display: "They finished the bottle of wine and opened another while Amber listened to more stories of Daphne's tragic fairy-tale relationship with her perfect dead sister. Amber threw a full glass down the sink when she went to the bathroom." What?? Surely the authors meant Amber threw a full glass of wine down the sink and not a "full glass". Also, who takes a full glass to the bathroom?? And, how is that second sentence a good follow up to the first?
4) There is no 4 because I gave up reading shortly after this.

Book chosen for book club. Great choice for a summer read! Was a page turner from start to finish. Enjoyed getting sucked into the glamorous lifestyle and following the twists & turns. Finished the book on the beach in Newport RI. A true enjoyable beach read...

I thought this was a brilliant book with a fantastic twist! A real page turner, I was hooked from the beginning and just couldn’t put it down. The characters are brilliant, love or hate them and you really get sucked into their lives. I’m not going to say more as I don’t want to spoil this for anyone, just go and read it!

I was not excited about the book at first. Amber was not a nice character at all....very conniving. She wanted “what she wanted” and did not seem to care who she hurt along the way. And there were many !
Then the story took off. Daphne had a history. She would get even. Happy about the ending, but so much more could have been imagined. Will definitely read Liv Constantine next novel.