Review: The Second Honeymoon - McGarvey Black

Review: The Second Honeymoon - McGarvey Black - July 2025

McGarvey Black has crafted a psychological thriller that left me questioning every "romantic" gesture my own partner has ever made. The Second Honeymoon isn't just a book—it's a masterclass in how quickly love can turn sinister when inconvenience enters the equation.

The story follows Becca, a woman whose fibromyalgia diagnosis has strained her ten-year marriage to Andre. When he surprises her with an all-expenses-paid cruise for their anniversary, complete with a new outfit, my initial reaction mirrored Becca's delight. The romantic in me swooned at what seemed like the perfect gesture from a devoted husband. How tragically wrong we both were.

Andre's true intentions—orchestrating Becca's murder to escape with his girlfriend Lily—hit like a punch to the gut. McGarvey Black's portrayal of a man who views his wife's chronic illness as an unbearable burden rather than a shared challenge resonated painfully with anyone who has watched relationships crumble under the weight of health struggles. The casual cruelty of his plan, banking on the "no body, no crime" principle, made my skin crawl.

What kept me turning pages frantically was Becca's miraculous survival and subsequent memory loss. Washing ashore and starting fresh with Javier felt like witnessing a phoenix rise from the ashes. The irony of watching Andre stand trial for her murder while she rebuilds her life from the shadows provided a delicious sense of poetic justice that had me cheering aloud.

Stella's Antarctic subplot was an unexpected gem that brought genuine warmth to an otherwise chilling narrative. Her journey of discovery and the truth she uncovers made me smile during some of the book's darker moments. Black skillfully weaves this secondary storyline into the main plot, creating layers that reward careful readers.

My only complaint? I desperately wanted to witness Andre's reaction when he discovers Becca survived. That moment of realization would have been absolutely priceless, and I found myself imagining his shock long after finishing the book.

The Second Honeymoon will make you scrutinize every surprise your partner springs on you, especially those involving remote locations and deep water. McGarvey Black has created a thriller that lingers, making readers appreciate the genuine love in their lives while remaining cautiously aware of its potential counterfeits.

This book comes highly recommended for thriller enthusiasts who enjoy their suspense served with a side of karmic justice.

Thanks to Zooloos Book Tours for providing this ARC for review.


Amazon: https://amzn.to/40Xa6a8