Small-town lawyer Karen O’Connell believes that all of her clients who have found themselves recklessly embroiled in scandal and trouble have done so foolishly because of love. She has heard far too many times that the heart wants what it wants. But one night, Karen receives a call from Jack Curtis, her vengeful ex-husband, whom she’s never told anyone in her family about. He’s found himself in … himself in a world of trouble, arrested and in jail, charged with murder.
He says he’s innocent, and he needs her help.
Her first response is to say no, but Karen knows Jack isn’t the kind of guy to ask for help from anyone, especially not from the ex-wife he openly despises and hasn’t seen in years. She knows there must be more to the story—but what she doesn’t know is that the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder could be the reason their hasty marriage ended so badly.
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I listened to the audiobook. I thought the narration was good, but the story was lacking.
I thought it was a bit ridiculous that this MAJOR thing happened in Karen’s life where her family seems to be pretty well known and NO ONE knew about it. Her brother Marcus didn’t happen to come across anything in 8 years?
I thought it was weird that Jack who she hadn’t seen or heard from in 8 years, did his best Jekyll and Hyde imitation, threw all of this conspiracy conversation at Karen, was arrested, etc., etc., yet, she drove off with this man by herself. Then to go through all of the other strange and secretive things that occurred with little to no push back. The fact that she would just take him at his word was off putting.
The ending was not a cliffhanger, but it absolutely felt unfinished. I didn’t get any sense of connection or chemistry between Jack and Karen. He came across as dishonest, controlling, and untrustworthy. Karen came across as a weak, wimpy, potential alcoholic. His family was creepy. Her family was pushy.
I just couldn’t see anything about this book that made me feel good, or lighter, or happy. There was nothing sweet, sexy, endearing, or anything else going on. This book felt very dark to me.
Interestingly enough, I can honestly say the only thing I liked about this book was when the two nieces were together. I take that back. I also liked that it was short.
This is another entry into the O’Connell’s saga and similar to the others, it is short but chock full of stuff happening. I mean, so much happened- Jack called Karen for help, they needed to figure out what happened but also resolve their relationship. In between that, we continue to enjoy the interactions between the members of this family. I have to admit that I was a little confused some times, a bit of whiplash with how Jack treated Karen and a bit of disconnect with the flow of the story. It could be just because it was a short story? But overall, it was interesting so I give it 3.5 stars.
I listened to the audiobook with Shiann Tilly and Eric Umstott and they were great. I love duet style recordings and they genuinely seemed like they were having fun.
AudiobookObsession, the flock
I love the Cover! This is the third novella in The O’Connell’s Series. I love this Series! I recommend to listen to this series in order. Karen and Jack’s story is breathtaking. I loved to follow them in their second chance to love. The entire series is filled with intrigue, secrets, and twists and turns. I love The O’Connell family, and their strong bonds. Shiann Tilly did a great job with the narration. I highly recommend this series. #AudiobookObsession
Karen O’Connell and Jack Curtis were married while in college on a whim. He left her after 3 days. Why? She was devastated. Years later, he called her out of the blue. He was in jail and needed her help. Of all the lawyers he could have chosen, why her? She said she hated him, but she was still in love with him. He told her he left, to keep her safe. From what? From whom?
This story is intriguing , and had me wondering what exactly was Jack’s secret? Karen always knew, whatever happens, she always has the love and support of her family.
The narrators were very good and showed all the emotions in this story.
audiobookObsession reviewer
The Secret Husband
The O’Connells, Book 3
By: Lorhainne Eckhart
Narrated by: Shiann Tilly & Eric Umstott
Karen is a lawyer. You know the kind, the one that will fight for those that cannot help themselves. She is happy in her job and never questioned her decision to work in her hometown near her family. Now, a phone call from the past has her thinking about things she thought were put to rest. Her one mistake she never told anyone about, Jack Curtis is looking for help with a murder case. Will she find it in her heart to help him? Can she forgive the ultimate betrayal? And what will her family think? I love the O’Connels! This tight knit family is one I would love to visit. All in each other’s business, this story had me smiling each time Owen forced Karen’s cards. The family rallies around her, and gives her the support in whatever she decides. Jack proves to be quite the character, and though it’s hard to resist his charms, there is a lot more to this man than we get in this story. I can’t wait to hear more about these two!
Shiann Tilly and Eric Umstott narrate this story in duet and their chemistry just works! The banter off each other and the building frustration and passion comes through in spades. I enjoyed these two and hope to hear more from them.
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This is a real intriguing tale, filled with unexpected and surprising twists.
There are many twists and turns in this story, and the secrets get more astonishing.
It’s definitely a story that will grab your attention and keep you enthralled from start to finish.
An engaging addition to this wonderful series!
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
All is not how it appears. Things are going on behind the scenes. Money and power make things happen in a manipulated fashion. Jack has an unusual family that he is trying to keep in the background, but he has not had much success. Karen’s large family has them watching each other’s back since daddy just left. What is jack going to do to appease everyone? Well written and very suspenseful. Lorhainne has woven another intriguing story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
We are back in Livingston, Montana with the O’Connell siblings. A tight knit clan whose life change at an early age when their father passed away.
This time the story belongs to Karen, the dedicated lawyer who mourns not only those she couldn’t safe but also the secret she’s kept for years.
That is until a phone call from a man of her past, her husband, comes in. He’s accused of murder and wants her help.
Her oldest brother Owen, is present during the call, thus causing her life to implode as she’s forced to deal not only with Jack, but also with her family now that they know her secret.
The plot is engaging. The reader is kept on their toes as to who had committed murder, and why someone planted evidence against Jack. Also the interaction and the why Jack left Karen.
This is a story where the lines of the right and wrong, or the black and white of life is blurry. A reminder that life is messy and the future is an unknown. Much like what life awaits Jack and Karen.
Another thought provoking story by this talented author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
The Secret Husband is the 3rd book in The O’Connells Series, although I hadn’t read the first two books in the series this book can certainly be read as a stand alone. As with previous books by this author I found it to be very well written, it was able to pull me in and keep my interest throughout the book. There are unexpected and surprising twists, and I would have wished for a little clearer ending but hopefully their storyline will be revisited in some of the later books. Overall this was a enjoyable read and I would recommend it to others. I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author, and this is my fair and honest review.
Karen has her law practice which is going well. But one Friday night, her pity party night, she gets a phone call. Surprise! It is from her ex-husband. But none of her family know that she was married at all. Jack needs her help as he is in jail accused of murder. Coincidentally, her brother is with her when she gets the call. He insists that she tell her family about her past but she is very reluctant to do so. A secret marriage. Big, big trouble. Very handsome Jack. A very nosy family. What a terrific story.
This is a real intriguing tale, filled with unexpected and surprising twists. Karen’s secret past comes back in the most unusual way when her ex-husband calls for help in front of her big brother Owen. Now the cat’s really out of the bag, but that’s not all. There’s more to this story, and the secrets get more astonishing. I can’t say anything more because I don’t want to give anything away. It’s definitely one that will grab your attention and keep you enthralled from start to finish. I know it’s not what I expected, but it sure kept me reading from beginning to end. An engaging addition to this wonderful series!