Title: Womb for Rent
Author: L. J. Smith
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1665571289
Pages: 300
Genre: Mystery & Suspense
Reviewed by: Christina Avina

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One of the most difficult decisions a couple can make together is the means in which they begin a family. For some, the original means of procreation are the ideal way. Yet due to circumstances beyond their control, some couples may face medical or personal issues which prohibit them from being able to conceive normally. That leads to discussions surrounding adoption, IVF, and surrogacy. Choosing surrogacy and the right person to be their surrogate is a truly important decision which involves a lot of trust and a lot of money.

In author L. J. Smith’s Womb for Rent, the author delves into the complex world of surrogacy and the shocking mystery which unfolds when a young woman enters into a deal with prospective parents. The young woman, who has struggled through alcoholism and financial stress, believes she’s found the perfect job as a surrogate for a nice couple. However, things take a dark turn when the relationship between her and the mother is anything but friendly, and the tension builds as secrets are uncovered and the woman becomes embroiled in a shocking twist of fate no one could have seen coming.

The author did an incredible job of balancing the rich character dynamics between the characters and the slow burn of the mystery being developed here. The emphasis the author poured onto the protagonist’s personal struggles in her past and how they impacted her everyday life, especially through this surrogacy journey, was so realistic and compelling, while the bonds she formed with Jason and the tension that built between her and the parents Ken and Vicky were equally compelling. The atmosphere this created between the characters allowed the mystery to unfold perfectly, keeping readers guessing until the book’s final pages.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy mysteries, especially those who enjoy suspense thriller-novels that explore family relationships, addiction, and surrogacy. As a fan of mystery reads, the way the author framed the narrative to show the struggles of the protagonist both personally and in the context of this mystery was great to see, and the detail the author put into the world of surrogacy, legal and moral issues surrounding the topic, and the hard-fought path to finding acceptance and understanding in the wake of addiction.

Thoughtful, chilling, and entertaining, author L. J. Smith’s Womb for Rent is a must-read mystery thriller you won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns the narrative takes as the story unfolds and the dynamic characters the author develops to help bring these important themes to life while still keeping the air of mystery and the shocking developments that come to life on the page made this a truly remarkable story.