My Secret Ex Summary & Review : Love, Lies & Deadly Secrets Unfold

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Introduction

What if your new love uncovered a secret so dark it could kill you?

In My Secret Ex by bestselling author Daniel Hurst, readers are pulled into the spiraling life of Marissa—a woman trying to escape her criminal ex and build a better future. But when love, lies, and hidden pasts collide, no one is safe—not even her young son.

This My Secret Ex summary unpacks the psychological thriller that’s gripping readers with its fast pace, multiple POVs, and nerve-wracking suspense. If you’re a fan of books that combine emotional depth with heart-pounding twists, this story is your next must-read.

Keep reading to discover the characters, plot layers, themes, and key takeaways from My Secret Ex.

✅ Quick Summary

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Main Characters: Marissa, Dermot, Carlton
Narrative Style: Alternating perspectives
Primary Conflict: A buried past resurfaces, threatening everyone
Themes: Secrets, betrayal, second chances, survival
Recommended For: Fans of Gillian Flynn, B.A. Paris, and Lisa Jewell

My Secret Ex Summary: What Is My Secret Ex About?

What is the central plot of My Secret Ex?

My Secret Ex tells the story of Marissa, a single mother who finally feels ready to open her heart again after a traumatic past. She meets Dermot, a charming and caring man who seems like the perfect fresh start. But Marissa has a big secret: her ex, Carlton, is a notorious criminal—and the father of her son, George.

When Carlton re-emerges, Marissa’s carefully rebuilt life begins to crumble. With her son’s safety at stake and Dermot hiding financial troubles of his own, the couple find themselves entangled in a web of lies, danger, and life-threatening choices.

What are the key themes in My Secret Ex?

Daniel Hurst weaves intense psychological themes with emotional realism. Key themes include:

Secrets and Consequences – Hidden pasts don’t stay buried.
Trust and Betrayal – Can love survive when everything is built on lies?
Second Chances – Is it ever safe to start over?
Parenthood and Protection – How far would you go to keep your child safe?
Power and Control – Carlton’s toxic dominance adds a layer of psychological horror.

Who are the main characters in My Secret Ex?

Marissa

A strong yet haunted single mother
Determined to leave her past behind
Torn between safety and love

Dermot

Marissa’s new love interest
Struggles with financial debt and dangerous entanglements
Well-intentioned but naive

Carlton

Marissa’s ex and father of her son
Charismatic, manipulative, and dangerous
His obsession with family makes him a true threat

George

Marissa’s sweet 7-year-old son
Innocent but central to the unfolding chaos

How is the story told? (Narrative Style)

Daniel Hurst uses multiple perspectives—mainly Marissa and Dermot’s, with occasional chapters from Carlton. This adds:

Deeper character understanding
Emotional connection to both flawed protagonists
Tension, as readers see danger before the characters do

The story’s fast pacing and short chapters make it a compulsive, one-sitting read.

What makes My Secret Ex a standout thriller?

Dual POV structure keeps suspense building on both sides.
Unexpected twists keep readers second-guessing intentions.
Sympathetic characters make readers emotionally invested.
A chilling villain (Carlton) who isn’t a cliché—he believes in his own twisted logic.
Short, snappy chapters ideal for mobile reading and binge consumption.

How does Daniel Hurst build suspense?

Hurst balances emotional stakes with psychological danger. His key techniques include:

Cliffhanger chapters: Each scene ends on a tense note.
Hidden motives: Characters keep secrets from each other—and the reader.
Realistic dilemmas: The threats feel personal and relatable.
Cinematic style: You can see the danger unfolding scene by scene.

️‍️ What questions does the book make you ask?

Can you ever really escape your past?
How much should you reveal to someone new?
What defines a “good parent” in extreme situations?
Can love survive when danger is near?
Who do you trust when your life is on the line?

⭐ Author Spotlight: Daniel Hurst

Daniel Hurst is a UK-based Amazon #1 bestselling author specializing in fast-paced psychological thrillers. Known for The Doctor’s Wife, Til Death Do Us Part, and The Passenger, Hurst has become a household name for readers who love binge-worthy, emotionally intense fiction.

Experience: A KDP Select All-Star
Authority: Topped Amazon UK Kindle charts in 2023
Trust: Known for clean, gripping storytelling and regular releases
Engagement: Actively connects with readers, listens to reviews, and keeps improving

His books consistently reflect a sharp understanding of human psychology and domestic suspense—qualities that drive My Secret Ex.

Conclusion: Why You Should Read My Secret Ex Summary

This My Secret Ex summary captures a suspenseful, emotionally rich thriller where love and lies collide dangerously. Daniel Hurst delivers another masterpiece, making you question how well we know the people we love—and what dark truths may be hiding just beneath the surface.

If you’re looking for a psychological thriller that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go until the final, shocking twist—My Secret Ex is the perfect read.

➡️ Ready to uncover the truth? Try My Secret Ex today!