El otro

by Ali Blood, Carlos Ramos Malave (translator)

ELLA HA SEGUIDO ADELANTE.

Tres años después del asesinato de su prometido, Gemma Morgan, por fin, está empezando a seguir adelante con su vida.

ÉL YA NO ESTÁ.

Pero justo cuando cree que todo ha vuelto a la normalidad, se da cuenta de que el nuevo hombre en su vida parece estar escondiéndole algo importante. Gemma ha vuelto a caer en un pozo de desesperación, pero ¿es solo la paranoia jugándole una mala pasada?

¿O ES ÉL?

Solo que esta vez no es el dolor lo que la consume, sino el temor por su vida.

UNA LECTURA ÁGIL Y APASIONANTE CON UN TOQUE DE TERROR, PERFECTA PARA LOS FANS DE ALEX MICHAELIDES Y FREIDA MCFADDEN.




A los lectores les encanta EL OTRO:

«Una gran historia, con tantos giros que estuve al borde del asiento esperando a ver cómo se desarrollaba».

«¡Un thriller psicológico absolutamente asombroso!».

«Qué viaje tan emocionante de principio a fin. ¡Tenía todo lo que me gusta!».

«¡Imprescindible!».

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2024

Reviews

[aeryn rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

THE PLOT:

Gemma Morgan's fiancé was murdered 3 years ago and she finally feels like she's moving on with her life. While scrolling on a dating app, she matches with a man named John Jackson. Right from the jump, John is very eager and moving very fast and soon makes Gemma an obsession. All while this is going on, Gemma's friend, Alice, is in a very toxic and physically abusive relationship and is convinced he's hurting her out of love. This puts Gemma in a bad place mentally, and Alice's husband makes several threats unnerving her even more. All of these bad things are happening at once in Gemma's life she can barely handle it. But some people have far deeper secrets that they will do anything to keep them hidden.

MY THOUGHTS:

The Characters: I actually really liked the characters in this book! Gemma was very likable and John was the biggest creep and I think anyone who reads this would agree. The side characters made a world of a difference in this book. They were so involved and showed a really good sense of trust and closeness that anyone would dream of. Martin was such a underrated character in this book I loved him so much!! The way he was there for Gemma in every sense just gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. I think everyone had enough depth to really feel for the characters, especially Alice. I always find it tough to read about domestic violence, but I stuck through it and ended up liking where the conclusion led. I'm glad he got what he deserved. 😌

The Plot: The plot was soooo good!!! There were so many twists and turns in this book. John literally made my skin crawl. He was the kind of stalker that we dark romance girlies do NOT like. 🤚🏼 From the very beginning, the plot was gripping and was such a page turner. It was such a fast-paced read that you could probably binge in a day. I absolutely could not turn away from reading this book it was in my hand every chance I could get. There was so much going on that I was never bored and all information that was given was for a purpose. A lot of thrillers can be filled with a lot of fluff that is not related, but Ali Blood knew what she was doing!!

Overall, I had such a good time reading this book. I ABSOLUTELY recommend this book to people who love a creepy, fast-paced, action filled thriller because THIS is the one!! I will definitely be reading more from this author!🩷

⚠️PLEASE CHECK TW BEFORE READING THIS BOOK! THIS BOOK IS FILLED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SOME READERS⚠️

Thank you Ali Blood, Avon Books UK, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just received this ARC this morning!! I love reading thriller ARCs! So many new, brilliant authors to discover ☺️

[Araceli Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó! No será el último libro que lea de este autor.. el libro engancha

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's moved on. Three years after her fiancé was murdered, Gemma Morgan is, at last, starting to move on with her life. He's long gone but just as she thinks everything is back on track, she realises the new man in her life seems to be hiding something big from her. Gemma’s hurled right back into her pit of despair, but is it just paranoia playing tricks on her?

Twisty thriller that captures your attention and was well thought out in regard to the plot and characters, but the title did throw me as it does not reflect the story. There is a theme of domestic violence in the book so if this makes you uncomfortable the book may not be for you. Overall this was a good read, some of the supporting characters where excellent such as Martin and really enhanced the story, I did wish these characters had more development and a bigger role in the book as they are what added to the quality of the story. A few twists that move the pace of the book along and I read the book quite quickly as I wanted to see where it was all heading and to see if I would I be satisfied with the ending which I was. Definitely worth reading this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 no ha estado mal. Se lee muy rápido. Con capítulos cortos pero me ha faltado algo.

[Montse #SeguiréLeyendo · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Idoia blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impresionante!!! Desde el primer capítulo te engancha y no te permite parar. La historia está narrada en 2 voces, la de la protagonista principal en primera persona, y la de otro protagonista en tercera. La trama te lleva a una tensión continua,   habla de temas muy actuales como citas por Internet, violencia de género y corrupción dentro de la policía.  Y el final no me lo esperaba asi, completamente sorprendida .De lectura ágil y muy fácil de leer.  Se nota que el autor sabe bien de lo que escribe, ya que ha sido reportero de  sucesos criminales. Leeré más libros de el.
10/10

[Manisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wtf did I just read.. I hate when books start off as such promising thrillers but end up feeling so flat and inconsequential? Like what’s the point of introducing so many characters only to make it all so anti-climatic?
And don’t get me wrong, I love a slow-burn thriller but atleast make the buildup worth waiting?

Everything from the characters, setting to the storytelling and the plot in itself was captivating but then the last 100 pages, things just felt a bit too convenient and predictable imo.

I’m so annoyed ughhh

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping thriller that drew me in from the prologue and kept me hooked to the end. This hotel follows investigative journalist Gemma who works for a Sunday newspaper. Three years ago, her fiancé Callum was brutally murdered and she finally thinks she’s getting her life back on track. But after dating a new man, she realises he’s hiding something big from her. Like other reviewers I was confused by the title of the novel but I enjoyed the whole book and also Gemma’s character. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

[Another Read by Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like a good domestic thriller and crime journalism novels , then this one is for you !

Gemma is an investigative reporter who is slowly piecing her life back together after losing her Fiance' several years ago. Between juggling work and coaching her best friend through Alice though Alice's sinister marriage , Gemma is investigating a heavy and messy case that digs up a dirty cop from the past.

Despite having no time for herself Gemma puts herself on Tinder with hopes to maybe get back into the dating scene. Things spiral quickly and things don't quite seem as they appear .

This is a slow burn cat and mouse and totally gave me Pelican Brief Vibes !!

I found the story took about 100 pages in to finally capture me , and I struggled to keep engaged .I feel the chapters that were in the office at the News Paper just too slow for me .

However I do think fans of The Wife Upstairs , The Widow and Behind Closed Doors will LOVE this read !
Thank you Netgalley , Avon Books and Ali Blood for this advance digital copy !

[Janaya Kabamba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was there another fiance or am I leaving feedback for the wrong book lol. Other than being a bit confused at the title, this was such a good book! There was always something happening and the author did a good job of building the tension for the reader so you were constantly on edge, much like the main character. The characters were well written and original. I loved the multiple storyline and seeing what connected to whom. And then of course there were some really good twists thrown in to make you rethink everything you thought you knew! I flew through it and loved every second

[Taylor W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy of The Other Fiance.

Sadly, I think this might be a DNF for me. I'm 40% in and the writing style and story aren't grabbing my attention as much as I hoped. I'm happy for the other readers who gave this a 4 or 5 star rating.

I'll likely revisit at another time but right now, I just don't think it's for me.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Other Fiance by Ali Blood. The chapters are shorter helping to make this a quick read. The start of the book is a little slower and theres quite a few things going on involving domestic abuse, stalking, crimes etc.. But it's easy to straighten out once the book gets going.

John is.... ICK! Straight up ICK!!! He is so disturbing and obsessive from the start. I can't say we all know someone like that but i can sure think of a few myself... ick ick ick! Then you also have Gemmas friend Alice who is a very abusive relationship.

The plot kept me going! I wanted to know how this was going to end!

Overall I thought this was a good thriller and would recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and AvonBooks for the ARC! Loved it!

[Maru chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.2/5 ⭐

[Deborah Ingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went through most of this book with high hopes of it ending brilliantly but unfortunately, I was disappointed. Within the book are multiple sub plots all surrounding the main character and they could have been great had they been individual stories of their own with greater detail applied. Sadly, this was not the case and I felt that all of the stories the main character was experiencing were rushed and there was no link between them that could have potentially led to a fantastic twist.

The writing was good and I cannot fault the style that Ali Blood uses to create an easy read.

Overall, I was looking forward to rating this higher. I will give another Ali Blood novel a go at some point in the future in the hope that it was just this story that wasn't for me.

[Lauritxi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Casi muero intentando terminarlo… madre mía 🤦‍♀️ , qué malo que es este libro 💤

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I found myself hooked on this from that very first chapter I struggled to put it down. The main character Gemma, my goodness what a woman she is! I went through many emotions with her on her journey. I was devastated for her after the loss of her almost husband. Then extremely frightened for her so many times. I was so worried what was going to happen to her. I flew through this book as I needed to know if she was going to be ok or not. But nothing prepared me for the ending. I literally did not see that coming, and no matter how many times I tried to guess I definitely come close to this.

This author sure knows how to write a bestseller thriller! They know how to capture your attention and make you completely obsessed with the book.

[CammieOH · Rating 2 out of 5]

What’s with this title? It has nothing to do with this book because there is no “other fiancé.” Plus it was incredibly boring the FMC inner dialogue was extremely repetitive. There was no satisfaction in the ending. I only rate two stars instead of one because I actually finished the book.

[Bismah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mundane

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley.

In the aftermath of her fiancé's tragic murder, Gemma Morgan has dedicated three years to rebuilding her life. Just when it seems like she's finally on the path to recovery, a new man enters her world, bringing with him an air of mystery. As Gemma delves into the complexities of her burgeoning relationship, she can't shake the feeling that he's concealing something substantial. The initial optimism gives way to a pit of despair, leaving Gemma to grapple with the unsettling question of whether her fears are grounded in reality or if they're mere products of a paranoid mind.

As a reader, cruelty to animals is my ultimate red line, and encountering it in literature, even when acknowledging its unfortunate reality, remains deeply unsettling. The theme of gangster-related activities, coupled with the recurrent portrayal of a female crime reporter, felt somewhat worn out for my taste. However, Gemma's character did manage to resonate with me. Her unwavering loyalty to her friend Alice and her earnest attempts to offer support stood out in a world filled with toxic relationships, dominated by controlling males.

The exploration of online dating in the narrative struck a chord with me, having navigated through it myself, although my current relationship took a different path. The book adeptly exposes the prevalent fakeness in online personas, showcasing a stark contrast between the curated "internet persona" and real-life behavior—a reflection I found all too familiar.

Gemma's perspective dominates the narrative, with occasional contributions from Jackman. The story delves into the profound impact external circumstances beyond our control can exert on our self-perception and reactions within a given environment.

While the predictability of the ending loomed from the book's outset, Gemma's journey and the exploration of contemporary issues kept me engaged, despite my reservations about certain thematic elements. The interplay of characters and the unveiling of societal complexities painted a nuanced picture, making the read an intriguing experience.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jimma is an investigative reporter and leads a very busy life but it has been three years since she lost her fiancé and believes it is now time to MoveOn. This is how she meets John Jackmen. They meet on a dating app and after talking to him Gemma thinks he sounds like the perfect gentleman if not a bit anxious even after their first date she knows she should be over the moon about Mr. Jackman but that was just something not fitting in the proper places for her. Not only that her work life is getting busier it seems the crooked policemen DCI detective Elias cane is willing to do an interview with Gemma and this is an opportunity she’s wanted he has a missing wife and is rumored to have killed someone and he also believes Gemma and her colleagues are out to get him. There’s also the plot line of her friend Alice who is in an abusive relationship which makes for some awkward conversations with Alice’s partner and Jimma. Thankfully she has Martin who is always there for her no matter what I thought by the end of this book everything will fall in place in the POV‘s would some how come together in the end alast that did not happen. Having read her other book which I absolutely love I really believed the plotting would be the same but having said that I still thoroughly enjoyed this book I enjoyed these characters and would definitely read a second book with Gemma and Martin and her good friend Alice. Although it isn’t a straight thriller but a thriller mixed with crime fiction it is still thriller worthy an Ollie blood is definitely becoming an author to look out for. I want to thank Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Deepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Morgan is an investigative journalist whose fiancé Callum was brutally murdered three years ago. She has finally started getting her life back on track and started seeing other people through a dating app and have very recently seemed to have “clicked online” with John Jackman. Jackman ticks all the boxes when checked through the app and Gemma is looking forward to meeting him soon. But after the first meeting she realizes there is something off about him- Jack is over enthusiastic, good looking and very eager to make this relation work. She is forced to take a step back.

At her paper, she has a very a good friend and confidante- Martin who also works with her on her latest assignment and her boss Ryan is also a good guy. Gemma’s best friend Alice is in a really toxic and abusive relationship and is going through lot of issues. Alice’s husband Sean is convinced that Gemma is the one putting bad thoughts into Alice’s head and making Alice want to leave Sean. Sean also ends up threatening Gemma.

Gemma’s latest assignment with Martin is a huge corruption scoop on Senior Detective Cain at the MET. Gemma has previously worked on another matter about Cain- when Cain’s wife went missing one fine day. Detective Cain is very angry at Gemma and her paper for spoiling his reputation and has threatened Gemma and also formally complained about her officially.

A thriller which starts slowly and gets on to you after 100 pages or so….a lot of twists, physical marital abuse, murder …is all part of this book by Ali Blood!

[Lizzie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three years after her fiancé was murdered, walking his dog in a London park, journalist Gemma Morgan is starting to move on with her life – except that her new date isn’t all he seems... Meanwhile, an informer has phoned the paper to say Met DCI Elias Cain is in the pay of one of London’s criminal gangs – Gemma has investigated Cain before, when his wife disappeared. Can she nail him at last?

Against a background of increasing violence, the dangers of online dating are clearly demonstrated: Gemma’s danger from her new date, John Jackman, Alice’s controlling husband, Sean Kelly and Martin’s top-model wife – all three couples met on-line. It’s easy for Jackman to find out where Gemma lives, and the chapters focused on him and show the man behind the pleasant facade, and heighten the tension as Gemma continues to meet him in spite of her instinctive misgivings.

Most of the novel is narrated by Gemma, drawing us into her increasing fear. I enjoyed the vividly drawn South London background, and the authenticity of the newsroom scenes (Blood is a journalist), which also showed some decent men, particularly Gemma’s friend Martin, as a counterpoint to the violence displayed by others in the book: Jackman, Kellly, and possible wife-murderer DCI Cain, now in the anti-corruption squad. The story builds to a gripping climax.

A fast-paced ‘woman in danger’ thriller with good characterisation, a well-created background and a serious message about the dangers facing women today.
------
Reviewer: Marsali Taylor
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)

[Angela Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Other Fiancé is a decent thriller that I enjoyed, I was just left confused by the title because as far as I am aware there was only 1 fiancé??
Gemma Morgan is a reporter for a local paper, she is still trying to get her life back after her fiancé and dog were brutally murdered. She has dipped her to into online dating and so far hasn’t felt a connection with any she’s seen. She agrees to a date with John but right from the get go is over committed and obsessive, Gemma goes on two dates with him and calls it a day but he doesn’t want it to end and stalks her. Meanwhile her best friend is in an abusive relationship and her husband is blaming Gemma for putting ideas of splitting up in his wife’s head so he starts to threaten Gemma to stay away or else!!
This is a full on read as I said at the beginning the title makes no sense but if I forget about that Gemma was very likeable and the chapters were fairly short so it allowed the book to be picked up and dropped very easily throughout the day. The storyline was decent I was a little let down but he ending but in the whole an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma is starting to date again after losing her fiancee, Callum. Brutally murdered while walking their dog, his killer was never found.

She joins a dating app and meets someone who ticks the boxes, but there is no spark, and he won't take no for an answer when he asks for a third date.

Meanwhile, her friend is in a terribly violent relationship, and Gemma gets drawn into that, albeit, unwillingly.

Trigger warning - stalking and Gender based violence.

When I finished this book, the title puzzled me. I wasn't sure if I had missed something. Nonetheless, it was a good book, and kept my attention, as I needed to know what Alice would do, and why John Jackman was so fixated on a relationship with Gemma.

It was a quick, easy read, and there were several twists.
While I enjoyed the story, there just seemed to be something missing.

Living in a country with a particularly high annual rate of GBV (50 000 cases a year - and this is only the ones that are reported), I cannot understand why Alice did not receive more assistance, especially since Gemma reported Sean's threats towards her.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly stunning psychological thriller from Ali Blood that I couldn't devour fast enough!!

This is the story of Gemma, a journalist in her late twenties, who has suffered the ultimate bereavement - her fiancé, Callum, was senselessly murdered in a seemingly random attack in a park when walking his dog 3 years previously. As Gemma tries to move on with her life she embarks on a number of internet dates. She feels an initial attraction to John, just as her personal life takes a further turn when her best friend confirms her marriage has turned abusive, and the husband, Sean, resents Gemma's influence over his wife. Professionally, Gemma finds her investigative work leads to her making a dangerous enemy, as she uncovers a potentially corrupt police officer who may have murdered his wife. Yikes! When Gemma finds herself targeted in some unpleasant ways, the list of potential culprits is large!!

This is a great read, the plot is interesting and the writing is of a quality that makes it unputdownable!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Nicole Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did a good job of keeping me guessing all the way through. There was a lot going on, but it was easy to manage. I liked the characters and was interested in their backgrounds and stories. I felt like the book was an easy read as far as chapters weren’t too long and it held my interest. I also felt what was happening in the book is relatable. I think that it could happen, although it’s unlikely someone would have all those events happening at the same exact time.

The cons: I feel like there could have been more/ or something was missing with John Jackman’s late Fiancé? Maybe the only reason she was brought up was for the title of the book, but I expected for there to me more there. Also the ending was kinda a let down. We got closure on all things we needed, but at the pace we were going I thought there was going to something greater that happened.

Overall I would recommend this book if you are looking for a fact paced easy read with likable people. The cons weren’t a huge dealbreaker for me, just something I think would have made the book better.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has taken 3 years for investigative journalist Gemma Morgan to get over the loss of her fiance Callum, who was murdered. But after an intense period of mourning, Gemma is finally starting to feel that her life is heading in the right direction. And it includes a new love interest as well.

What she hasn't bargained for is that an old issue will rear its head to have an unexpected impact on her new life. And amidst a sense that things are not quite as they seem with her new man, Gemma begins to get worried that either she is being paranoid, or there is a possibility that she is in some kind of danger...

This is an entertaining story that moves quite quickly and delivers plenty of twists. It will be a good fit for readers who enjoy domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. I give it 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so pleased to receive an ARC of The Other Fiancé, thank you to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for this in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a page turner! I binge-read it in two days!
I really enjoyed the multiple plot lines throughout, all creating suspense and making me worry about our FMC, Gemma. She’s an investigative journalist working on police corruption case - I felt like I was in an episode of Line of Duty but from a journalists perspective! Very fun!
The first 80% of the book had me totally hooked.

I didn’t find the dual POV added a lot to the story, I felt it detracted from that storyline by reducing the suspense. Unfortunately I didn’t love the ending. It felt rushed and I didnt feel each of the plot lines were given the conclusion they deserved.

Overall a good read, I think most thriller fans would enjoy The Other Fiancé.

[Jxn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Fiancé by Ali Blood is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Gemma Morgan is a young woman who is trying to move on with her life three years after her fiancé was murdered. She has found a new man, but she can't shake the feeling that he is hiding something from her. As Gemma investigates, she begins to fear for her life. The Other Fiancé is a well-written and suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Ali Blood does an excellent job of creating a sense of suspense and dread, and the characters are well-developed and believable. I highly recommend this book to fans of thrillers and suspense novels.

[Bradley Raymond Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character in this book, Gemma, certainly doesn't have much luck with men! Her beloved fiance was murdered three years ago and now she has three other men after her, but not in a good way. Gemma works for a sunday tabloid and is investigating a possibly corrupt copper. At the same time she meets a gut on a dating app who starts coming over as obsessive, and also, her best friends controlling husband starts seeing her as a threat. This makes for a great read and I loved Ali Bloods style of writing. I was engaged throughout and liked the building of the characters. The ending didn't come as a big suprise to me but I would highly recommend this book.
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