By Book Club Team 
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is a gripping domestic thriller about Sarah Morgan, a powerhouse defense attorney, and her husband Adam, a struggling writer. Their seemingly perfect life unravels when Adam’s mistress is found murdered at their lake house, and Sarah takes on the impossible task of defending him in court. As secrets emerge and suspicions mount, the line between loyalty and betrayal blurs, leading to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion. Perfect for fans of jaw-dropping twists and morally complex characters!
| Author | Jeneva Rose |
| Publication date | July 13, 2020 |
| Goodreads Rating | 3.97 |
| Page count | 337 pages |
| Topics | Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Adult, Contemporary |
The Perfect Marriage Book Summary
Sarah Morgan is a high-powered defense attorney living in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Adam, an aspiring novelist who feels overshadowed by her success. Their marriage seems stable but is marred by growing emotional distance. Adam retreats to their secluded lake house to write, but he’s also having an affair with Kelly Summers, a local woman.
The story takes a shocking turn when Kelly is found brutally murdered at the lake house. Adam is arrested for her murder, and Sarah, despite the betrayal, decides to defend him in court. As the case unfolds, dark secrets from both Adam’s and Sarah’s lives come to light, leaving readers questioning who they can trust.
The courtroom drama intensifies as Sarah fights to prove Adam’s innocence while grappling with her own conflicted feelings. The plot twists and turns, leading to a jaw-dropping revelation about who really killed Kelly and why.
This fast-paced thriller keeps readers guessing until the very last page, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the masks people wear in relationships.
The Perfect Marriage Characters
Here’s a list of the main characters in The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose:
- Sarah Morgan: A brilliant and successful defense attorney. She’s ambitious, career-driven, and seemingly the perfect wife, though her marriage to Adam is far from ideal.
- Adam Morgan: Sarah’s husband, an aspiring novelist who feels neglected in their marriage. He’s having an affair with Kelly Summers, which becomes the catalyst for the story’s drama.
- Kelly Summers: Adam’s mistress and a local woman from the lake town. Her murder at the Morgans’ lake house sets the story in motion.
- Anne Morgan: Sarah’s mother-in-law and Adam’s mother. She adds tension to the story with her complex relationship with both Sarah and Adam.
- Bob Michaels: The lead detective investigating Kelly’s murder. His methods and assumptions play a significant role in the case.
- Marlene Summers: Kelly’s mother, who brings her own perspective and grief into the story.
- Matthew Jameson: Adam’s best friend and confidant. His loyalty and involvement become questionable as secrets unravel.
- Shannon Taylor: Sarah’s close friend and someone she leans on during the chaos of the trial.
- Judge Edward Kingsley: The judge presiding over Adam’s trial, whose presence adds to the high stakes of the courtroom drama.
- Prosecutor Linda Whitmore: The prosecutor in Adam’s trial, determined to see him convicted for Kelly’s murder.
Each character contributes to the web of lies, secrets, and betrayals that make this thriller so compelling.
The Perfect Marriage Book Review
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is a riveting domestic thriller that delivers on suspense, shocking twists, and morally complex characters. The novel’s central premise—a wife defending her husband accused of murdering his mistress—is an undeniably juicy hook that draws readers in right away.
What Works:
- Fast-Paced Plot: The story is a true page-turner, with short chapters and a steady build-up of tension. The courtroom scenes add drama, while the shifting dynamics between Sarah and Adam keep readers guessing.
- Unpredictable Twists: Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the plot pulls the rug out from under you. The ending, in particular, is a jaw-dropper that many won’t see coming.
- Themes of Betrayal and Loyalty: The novel dives deep into the complexities of marriage, exploring trust, infidelity, and power dynamics in relationships.
What Could Be Better:
- Character Development: While Sarah is compelling as a strong, driven woman, some readers might find Adam less nuanced, making it hard to sympathize with him.
- Believability: Like many thrillers, the twists sometimes stretch plausibility, especially the final revelation.
Final Verdict:
The Perfect Marriage is a wild, addictive ride that’s perfect for fans of Gone Girl or The Wife Between Us. While it’s not without its flaws, it’s an entertaining read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quick, suspenseful escape!
The Perfect Marriage Ending Explained [Spoilers]
After an intense courtroom battle where Sarah defends her husband Adam, he is ultimately found not guilty of Kelly’s murder. Adam, who was having an affair with Kelly, is relieved and believes he can move on with his life. However, the final twist reveals that Sarah orchestrated the entire situation.
Sarah had discovered Adam’s infidelity and, rather than confront him directly, plotted to frame him for Kelly’s murder. She killed Kelly herself and meticulously set up the evidence to point toward Adam. Her decision to defend him in court was a calculated move to ensure she had control over the case. By winning his acquittal, she ensured he would be unable to blame her or expose her without implicating himself further.
The Perfect Marriage: Genre
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is a domestic thriller and psychological suspense novel. It combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and relationship-focused storytelling, making it a gripping read for fans of twisty, character-driven plots. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and the dark secrets hidden within seemingly perfect relationships, all hallmarks of the domestic thriller genre.
The Perfect Marriage: Age Rating
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is best suited for mature audiences, typically ages 18 and up, due to its adult themes and content. The book contains:
- Strong language
- Sexual content (including infidelity)
- Violence (including a murder and its investigation)
- Dark themes (such as betrayal and manipulation)
These elements make it more appropriate for adult readers who enjoy complex, mature storylines with morally ambiguous characters. If you’re considering it for a book club or discussion, it’s definitely a thriller that will spark some serious conversation!
Is The Perfect Marriage Book Spicy?
Yes, The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose has some spicy moments! The book contains explicit scenes and explores themes of infidelity, passion, and betrayal, which add a layer of intensity to the story. While the romance isn’t the main focus—it’s a thriller at heart—the intimate moments between characters are steamy and integral to the plot, especially in highlighting the dynamics of Adam’s affair and Sarah’s calculated reactions.