My first five star read of the year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And it earned every single one.
From the beginning, this book makes it clear that something is going to go very wrong. The plot is laid out so well that you can feel the tension simmering under the surface before anything actually explodes.
And when it does? It does not disappoint.
A Plot You Know Will Implode
The story follows a married couple navigating the emotional and complicated journey of using a surrogate. Right away, you can sense the imbalance.
You’re constantly keeping up between the main character, her husband, and their surrogate. The dynamics shift subtly at first, then more aggressively as secrets, jealousy, and suspicion start creeping in.
You know trouble is coming. You just don’t know from where.
And that’s what makes it so good.
When Everything Starts to Go Wrong
As the plot thickens and things begin to unravel, you’re forced to pay attention. Every interaction feels loaded. Every choice feels like it could lead somewhere dangerous.
Then someone ends up dead.
At that point, you think you’ve figured it out. You think the story is heading in one clear direction.
But this is Frieda McFadden. And that’s when the twists kick into high gear.
The story flips. Then flips again. And again.
I read this book in two days because the chapters are so fast and sharp that you physically don’t want to stop turning the pages.
Why This Was My First Five Star Read
This book is everything I want in a psychological thriller.
Fast paced.
Twisty.
Easy to read.
Impossible to predict.
It balances emotional tension with suspense in a way that keeps you fully locked in without feeling heavy or complicated.
During this chapter of my life, I’m drawn to books that pull me completely out of my routine. Stories that demand presence. That make me choose reading over scrolling.
This one did exactly that.
The Chapter I’m In
Right now, I’m choosing more intentional downtime.
More evenings with a book.
Less noise.
More immersion.
Reading has become part of my reset. And when a book can hold my attention so fully that I forget to check my phone, that’s a five star experience for me.
Final Thoughts
If you love psychological thrillers with:
- marriage drama
- morally gray characters
- fast chapters
- shocking twists
- and that classic Frieda “wait… WHAT?” moment
The Surrogate Mother needs to be on your list. Click this link and get access to it and all of my recommendations.
This one set the bar high for the year.
Have you read it yet?
And what’s been your first five star read of the year?