The Ex

by Shalini Boland

A dark past. A fresh start. A new nightmare waiting to begin.

Willow McAllister is desperate to start over. Quiet town. Blank slate. No attachments. When she meets her friendly new neighbour, Priya, it feels like a the start of something good.

And then there’s charming, funny, easy to talk to. Maybe she’s allowed a little happiness. Maybe she can trust again.

But Willow’s instincts have been wrong before. And when she discovers that Gabe and Priya share a past, the cracks start to show. Willow can’t help wondering if Priya’s arrival next door really was by chance. Because coincidences like this? They don’t feel like coincidences at all.

Is she imagining the tension between them? Or ignoring something she shouldn’t?

Someone is lying.

And Willow can’t afford to get it wrong again.

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Psychological Thriller

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2026

About the author

Shalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).

She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.

www.shaliniboland.com

Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure

Reviews

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: Domestic Abuse, Gaslighting

Willow McAllister has found peace in her new town, even if she is a bit lonely.

But then a “meet cute” in a quaint coffee shop with a guy named Gabe and a friendly new neighbor, Priya, moving in down the hall, is giving her hope that things may be looking up.

But Willow’s instincts have been wrong before.

When Willow discovers that Gabe and Priya share a past, she isn’t sure which one she should trust. Was Priya’s arrival in her building really by chance?

Coincidences like these are often not really coincidences at all.

Shalini Boland seems to write entertaining short books with short chapters which can be read in a sitting or two. This one scores just three stars because I found it to be really predictable but keep in mind that I have read A LOT of these types of psychological thrillers so if you are a reader who only picks up the genre occasionally, you may find it a lot more surprising.

I appreciate that the author has provided these resources at the end of the book for those who may be affected by Domestic Violence and are looking for support:

UK: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
US: www.thehotline.org/
AU: www.1800respect.org.au/
CA: www.domesticshelters.org./enca/domesi...

AVAILABLE January 15, 2026

Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shalini brings us a new psychological thriller, and it really pulls you in. With a few characters in play, the story flows nicely as it moves between two narratives. A heads up that domestic violence is a trigger in this book. The story feels tense and a little unsettling, and it holds that feeling all the way through. It’s also a quick and easy read.

There are some big connections between the characters, and the pace really picks up toward the end, which I enjoyed. I did like the book, but it follows a trope I’ve read many times before, so nothing major felt new or different for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the chance to read and review this ARC.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather predictable psychological suspense novel that highlights gaslighting as a form of manipulation. Boland masterfully creates an atmosphere where her readers are on edge and slightly uncomfortable, unable to trust any of her characters. Her endings are always jaw-dropping revelations.

I enjoyed the journey.

I do love Shalini Boland's books and eagerly await each release.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Erica⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the story of Jasmine and her marriage to Adam, Jasmine who is living in fear under the control of her abusive husband Adam. She leaves and becomes Willow McAllister by deed poll. 2 years pass, she meets Gabe, who has his own skeletons. They form a relationship. Then someone from her past spots her near the beach and Willow is worried it might get back to Adam, 2 years after leaving him. A tragedy unfolds and that person is murdered. After everything Willow can now breathe and enjoy life or can she?

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to have a new book by one of my fav authors and back with a psychological bang to boot!

We meet Willow, Adam, Gabe and Priya, all with secrets and all whose lives have become entwined

Now I detested Adam ( sign of a well written character ) a true misogynist manipulator hellbent on intimidating through control and fear, he was subtlety brutal, one of those who is perfect when friends pop round and totally changes when the friends leave, he is a skin crawler of a character ( can you tell didn’t like him 😎 )

As for the others I wasn’t sure who to trust and what rheir motives were, some genuine, some not genuine and I wasn’t sure until I got to the last few pages

Every thriller base touched and top marks scored in this once again page turning drama from an author who never disappoints in great storytelling

[Krista (Mrs K Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its scary that this happens in real life but i was captivated from the very start. Lots of twists and turns throughout. A recommend however this has domestic abuse.

Thank you to publishers and netgalley. All thoughts are my own

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Bowens has thrown a surprise Anniversary party for a husband Adam but the reception she gets from him starts a serious of controlling and abusive behaviour. She wants to leave him, but she doesn’t know how as she tracks her 24/7.
Willow McAllister has moved to a new quiet town which nobody knows her. So, she can start a new life and put all the bad things behind her. She starts a decorating business and becomes friends with her new neighbour Priya and has a new boyfriend called Gabe. She thinks that things are looking up. But she discovers that Priya used to go out with Gabe and then wonders who she can trust. As she doesn’t want her to repeat what happened to her all over again.
The Ex by Shalini Boland is another fantastic read from the author. The is a tense emotional read, which had me holding my breath in anticipation on what is what was going to happen next.
At first, I didn’t know what the relevance of the two protagonists where and each story was quite unsettling at times. But as we reach, we reach the latter half of the story it slowly comes clear. And a ending that I didn’t see coming. 5 stars from me.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Release date: 01-15-26
Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins
Narrated by Katie Villa

Willow McAllister is desperate to start over. New town. New life. No attachments. Until she meets Gabe who is very charming and he soon wins her over. She also meets her friendly new neighbor, Priya. When she discovers that Gabe is Priya's ex-boyfriend, the cracks start to show. Willow can’t help but wonder if Priya’s arrival next door was a coincidence or there are things about Gabe he keeps hidden from her?

I though that this will be Willow's story, so it was a bit confusing why author started to include chapter narrated by Jasmine who has increasing problems with her husband Adam and his controlling and abusive behavior. Soon it was pretty clear where both stories will go but it took a lot of time for author to reveal the "connections".

Author was pretty good at showing how alone, vulnerable and desperate you can get when you have no income, no friends, no family, no help from outside when your partner has cut you off from everything normal. When he control and manipulate your life, use you as his free servant. Jasmine recognized the red flags and started to prepare her escape from an abusive relationship. You can never please heartless narcissists. It is better to escape, start over somewhere else and be safe!

[Sacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Just in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Willow and Priya are showing up to remind us of exaclty how NOT okay some of these cishet fellas are right now. Weirdly, though they both know this firsthand, they're not as keen to listen to each other or to other women in their lives about the red flags. One of many lessons here? Believe women. This includes if you ARE a woman.

Priya and Willow are neighbors, and in addition to sharing a building, they share some troubled pasts when it comes to former relationships. Willow takes readers through her experiences with a former abusive partner. Fortunately, she makes her way out of that situation, relocates, changes her name, and even looks for love again. Hopeful, right? Her neighbor, Priya, seems like a great new friend, which frankly Willow definitely needs, but Priya is not as supportive of Willow's new relationship as Willow hoped. Why? Well, Priya's been around that block already: that exact block.

I found this to be a super quick and engaging read, but I also knew exactly what was going on immediately. It's not hard to guess, and you will be correct. It's tough to be too thrilled by a thriller that is overly predictable, and that was my overall experience with this read, unfortunately. I'll admit that while the predictability did dampen my spirits a bit, I still would recommend this for folks who prefer less intensity, can manage DV content, and are looking for a read that will keep them engaged but doesn't require full attention. I enjoy this author and will be back for more from her, as usual.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Michel Brockington-Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and one of my favorite authors, Shalini Boland, for providing me with an ARC in audio format.

Shalini can do no wrong for me. I love the plots and twists in all her books, and this one was no exception. This was probably the first time I actually guessed the twist and I was right! I’ve now read her entire catalog.

Willow McAllister is desperate to start over. A quiet town. A blank slate. No attachments. When she meets her friendly new neighbor, Priya, it feels like the start of something good.

Then there’s Gabe charming, funny, and easy to talk to. Maybe Willow is allowed a little happiness. Maybe she can trust again.

But Willow’s instincts have been wrong before. When she discovers that Gabe and Priya share a past, cracks start to show. Willow can’t help wondering if Priya’s arrival next door was really by chance. Because coincidences like this don’t feel like coincidences at all. Is she imagining the tension between them or ignoring something she shouldn’t? Someone is lying, and Willow can’t afford to get it wrong again.

The story kept me engaged, and I flew through the audiobook. While the twist didn’t completely shock me this time, the buildup was still tense and entertaining but overall it was a solid, suspenseful read that reminded me why I enjoy this author so much.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Publication Date: 01/15/26

[kesy_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, psychological seat, gripping thriller!

This is the first time I read anything by this Author and I’m so happy that I did and so grateful to NetGalley the publishers and the Author for allowing me this ALC.
The narrator did a fantastic job with voicing the different characters and also her accent was absolutely beautiful! Very well played.

This story is a mix of the housemaid and behind closed doors , in my opinion.

The FMC falls in love with her prince, charming, so handsome sweet a great boyfriend but then after they get married, and they live together, things change drastically. He becomes extremely abusive and controlling.

She has to figure out how she’s going to escape this horrible marriage and in the process a lot of things happen, including deaths.

This book was so good I could not put it down. It kept a steady pace and of course, the plot twists were insane!

I cannot wait to read more of this Author’s work.

[Cynth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast-paced psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down. Shalini Boland writes gripping thrillers that you will fly through. This gave me slightly similar feelings to Behind Closed Doors, I would definitely recommend. Check TW.

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of gaslighting, manipulation, narcissism, and secret identities, and the tension never really lets up. It flips between two POVs with a small cast, which I loved because it was easy to follow but still kept me guessing the whole time. Quick heads up though, domestic violence is a trigger in this one.

The vibe is tense and unsettling from start to finish, in that slow, creeping way where you’re constantly side-eyeing everyone. It’s also a pretty fast, easy read, which made it hard to put down. The characters’ lives slowly start weaving together, and once things start clicking into place, the pace really picks up near the end. I flew through the last part.

And Adam…ugh. I hated him. Which honestly means he was written perfectly. He’s a manipulative misogynist who controls through fear and intimidation, but in a quiet, subtle way. The type who’s charming when other people are around and terrifying once the door closes. Disgusting.

I honestly didn’t fully trust a single character until the very end. This one keeps you questioning everything the whole time, and I loved that about it.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jasmine Owens, husband Adam, neighbour and best friend Carol who saves her life.
Willow McAllister dating Gabe Walker, new neighbour Gabes ex Priya.
Two women, one identity.
She left the past behind or so she thought.
Fleeing her abusive marriage.
Psychological and emotional controlling husband.
This is one powerful read, keeping you hanging on the edge of your seat.
Gripping right down to the ending, this book is certainly not for the faint hearted, but definitely so addictive and putdownable.
This author just get better and better with her writing. Superb.

[Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

The EX by Shalini Boland

I listened to this one on audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. The performance kept me engaged and made it easy to move through the story. It’s a quick, fast-paced listen that held my attention.

The story centers around familiar thriller themes—domestic abuse, manipulation, and gaslighting. There’s a strong focus on emotional and psychological control, especially the kind often used by narcissistic personalities. While those elements do create tension, it’s also a topic that’s been explored many times in the thriller genre.

Overall, this isn’t a bad read at all. It’s entertaining, moves quickly, and would be great if you’re looking for something fast and bingeable . That said, as a regular thriller reader, it didn’t necessarily stand out or feel particularly unique. Solid, but not unforgettable.

[Nicky Mottram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A physiological thriller that had you gripped from the first page to the last ! Told From the POV of 2 characters, it was scary to think that this sort of thing happens on a daily basis to all types of people. Great twists and turns !

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Agnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I love books by this author and never am disappointed by the story. Again this book had me turning the pages, beautiful story and a bit of a twist at the end even though I knew there was something about the story that was missing. Add this one to your TBR list.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

What a great read. I couldn’t put this down. The reveal/connection between the stories surprised me. I also thought the author wrote domestic abuse/controlling partners perfectly.

SUMMARY: two stories: willow has recently moved to a new town and meets a charming man. A few weeks into dating she befriends her new neighbor who turns out to be her boyfriend’s ex gf. Awkward… willow can’t sort out who is telling the truth about the least relationship; both the guy and the girl had very different stories…

In the other story, jasimine had thrown a bbq party to celebrate her 1yr wedding anniversary. As soon as the party ends, her husband turns into someone she doesn’t recognize. Things only get worse from there as he becomes more and more controlling. She plots an escape…

The stories eventually sync up.

Thanks netgalley!!! Excellent performance by narrator.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Haunted by the shadows of her past, Willow McAllister moves to a quiet town hoping for a clean slate and a life free of entanglements. At first, her new neighbour Priya seems like a welcome sign of friendship, and Gabe’s easy charm tempts her to believe happiness might finally be within reach. Yet when Willow learns that Priya and Gabe share a history, unease begins to creep in, and the coincidences surrounding their connection feel far too deliberate. As tension builds, Willow is left questioning whether she’s simply being paranoid or overlooking a danger that could shatter her fragile new beginning.

This book was a decent read, but it didn’t quite live up to the author’s usual standard. The storyline felt predictable, with twists that were easy to see coming, and it lacked the spark that normally makes their work so engaging. While the characters and pacing kept it from being a complete miss, the overall experience was more “okay” than memorable. It’s not their strongest effort, but still serviceable if you’re looking for something light and familiar.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own

[Lori Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex is a thriller that will keep your heart racing by Shalini Boland. Willow McAllister has had to leave her life behind and start anew. A new name, a new quiet town, and a new start. She's leaving behind a painful past and will constantly be looking over her shoulder. What is Willow running from? Will she be able to start over? Will she be safe? When Willow moves into her new apartment she is determined to keep her head down and not form friendships with anyone. When Priya moves in a couple of apartments down she's very friendly and Willow feels like they could become good friends.

When Willow finds out that Priya dated Gabe, the man she's currently seeing, alarm bells go off. Did Priya move here because she knew Gabe and Willow were dating? There seems to be tension between Gabe and Priya, but each one tells Willow a different story. Who should she believe and why is one of them lying? Will Willow find out the truth and know who to trust? She can't go through this again. Will Willow's past come back to haunt her as she's dealing with trust issues between her boyfriend and best friend? The Ex is a suspenseful thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I read the book way too fast and finished it in one day. I rate The Ex 4 stars with a high recommendation and it is out now! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an advanced copy of The Ex in exchange for a fair review. #TheEx.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Willow has just started seeing Gabe. A new relationship blooming into her life. Everything seems to be going swimmingly for her. A new friendship is the only thing that could potentially stand in her way.

Jasmine and Adam just got married. It new. She should be happy, but little red flag keep popping up until they can no longer be ignored. What seemed innocuous now is becoming glaring, and something will need to change.

Shalini Boland is one of my FAVORITE thriller writers. An absolute auto read for me. The twist, turns, and absolute jaw-dropping plot rotation leave me in awe. Coupled with short chapters and an easy reading style of writing makes the author a no-brainer. I haven't read one I haven't thoroughly enjoyed myself through.

The characters are likable and relatable. I can easily identify with them and feel empathy for their plights. Growth and change round them out until they feel like flesh and blood friends.

While entering this book into Goodreads, I found some incredible news....... She has a new book coming out in July!!!!

I will 💯 keep an eye open for *The Other Twin!*

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE EX BY SHALINI BOLAND.
Release date set for the 15th of January 2026.
I really enjoyed this story.
I thought it was suspenseful and I found it rather tense and emotional at times.
I really enjoy Shalini's writing style and I thought the premise came together great.
Looking forward to picking up another book by this author.

[Denise Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tense psychological thriller from Shalini! This one has domestic violence, past mistakes, lies and a couple of twists I was not ready for! Definitely a must read for 2026.

Release date January 15, 2026

[Sonal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow hasn't lived in the beachside town of Highcliff for very long, but she hopes she can build a future here. Nobody knows her or her past and she prefers to keep it that way. When she, literally, runs into Gabe at a coffeeshop, she finds it impossible to resist his charm and sweet demeanor. As much as she tries to avoid getting too close, it's difficult. When a new neighbor, Priya, moves in, Willow is hopeful to possibly make a friend, until she finds out that Gabe is Priya's ex. Both Gabe and Priya claim to be history, so why does Willow spot Gabe going into Priya's apartment one day?
Are they really broken up?

Jasmine is excited to throw a surprise party for her and Adam's first wedding anniversary. She's baffled when Adam seems angry with her, he's never behaved like this before. As the days go by, Adam's behavior becomes more and more controlling. Jasmine doesn't recognize this new version of her husband. When things become too much to bear, Jasmine make a difficult and dangerous choice.

The novel alternates between Willow and Jasmine's stories, how they both intertwine isn't revealed until about 75% into the book. I had an idea about how the two stories would come together, but not how it would all play out. I've always enjoyed this author's writing style as it keeps me engrossed in the story and moves at a decent pace. The very end wasn't quite a surprise for me, as I had already deduced who was trustworthy, but I still enjoyed the ending.

Thank you to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Thomas & Mercer for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

It was fun! Some of the twists I picked early on but I’ve never read work by this author so had no idea what her MO is. Felt like there could have been more to the plot with Priya/Carol/Elsie but eh.

Knew Gabe was a twit but the last chapter did throw me lol

[Ney oh the thrill of it FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Shalini Boland and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC via Netgalley. This review is being left voluntarily and the opinions are my own.

What a book!
This was the true definition of psychological thriller, with gaslighting, manipulation, coercion and control. It really showed how easy it is to isolate someone and make them believe they have no one else.

Shalini handles these themes with accuracy and sensitvity, highlighting how easily ordinary people can end up in these situations. It truly makes you question, if you were in the situation how would you react?

This book also helps to raise awareness. At the end, the author provides details of how to get help which is an amazing addition that could help so many people.

Adam, you are on my villain list. I found myself loathing this character and his ability to reduce his wife to a quivering shell of herself whilst seamlessly maintaining an image of being the perfect husband. Carol you are a real one!

This is a brilliant read that had me not trusting any chatacters and waiting for something to happen. The epilogue took me out and I'm mad. Even though i had been waiting for something to happen, I didn't expect that!

Always a pleasure to read a Shalini Boland book, so I'm already looking forward to the next one!

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t my fave book by her and I kept getting characters mixed up. But it kept me up late reading.

[Rania Kamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as brilliance can get !! And the plot twists! Wow!

[Beryl Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book although took me a while to get into it just because of the voice of the reader. But what a great book with a very good twist at the end.

[casabooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5