The Girlfriend

by Gemma Rogers

The all NEW heart-stopping, nail-biting thriller which will keep you guessing from Gemma Rogers 💥 bestselling author of The Honeymoon . Perfect for the fans of Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell. 👀 Her every move is watched. They know everything...

Abbi Montgomery thought her life was perfect—until an anonymous email shatters it. Attached is a photo of her and her boyfriend in a moment that was meant to stay private. The message is Do exactly as we say, or everyone will see.

As the demands escalate, Abbi’s world begins to unravel. Someone is inside her life—tracking her every move, invading her home, her work, her mind.

She doesn’t know who to trust—her friends, her colleagues, even Rick. Everyone has something to hide.

To keep her secret buried, Abbi must play The Watchers’ deadly game. But in a world built on secrets and lies, the most dangerous enemy may be closer than she thinks…

Praise for Gemma

'Unputdownable. a nail-biting thriller that grips to the very last page' - Keri Beevis

'Excellent storyline - Rogers has excelled with this book! A massive five stars. Highly recommended' - Reader Review

‘Captivating and enthralling, I give this book five shiny golden stars’ - Anita Waller

'A claustrophobic psychological thriller with an explosive finale. Gripping and absorbing'- David Beckler

'Thrilling - Really enjoyed this book, it kept me up at night wanting to read more. Character's good. Lots of twists. Loved the ending. Would definitely recommend it' - Reader Review

‘It’s a shocking thriller that grabs at your emotions on every page! Loved it’ - Lauren North

'This book had me hooked within a few pages. I would really recommend it - just make sure you are free to keep reading it!' - Reader Review

‘A well-written and thoroughly entertaining thriller from a very talented author’ - John Nicholl

‘A beautifully written edge-of-your-seat thriller that had me guessing right until the end’ - Dreda Say Mitchell

'A brilliant thriller from an exciting new voice. Stalker it had me on the edge of my seat' - Kerry Barnes

'An atmospheric, taut thriller which keeps you hooked from the first page' - Jacqui Rose

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2026

About the author

Gemma Rogers is the bestselling author of gripping domestic thrillers that delve into dark secrets, twisted relationships, and shocking betrayals. Her books often explore the hidden dangers lurking behind closed doors in seemingly perfect families and communities.

Writing for Boldwood Books, Gemma has become known for her fast-paced plots, unpredictable twists, and relatable yet flawed characters. Her novels frequently chart in the psychological suspense and crime thriller categories on Amazon and have sold over six hundred and fifty thousand copies.

If you enjoy tense, emotionally-charged thrillers in the vein of Lisa Jewell, B.A. Paris, or K.L. Slater, you’ll feel right at home with Gemma’s books.

When she’s not plotting her next twist, Gemma enjoys include horror and thriller movies, country walks, swimming and anything involving cake.

Gemma is currently working on her latest book which will be out in August 2026.

All the below are standalone titles in publication order:

Stalker (2019)
The Secret (2020) *previously published as Payback*
The Teacher (2020) *previously published as Reckless*
The Mistake (2021) *previously published as Bad Girls*
The Babysitter (2021)
The Feud (2022)
The Neighbour (2023)
The Good Wife (2023)
The Flatmate (2023)
The Honeymoon (2024)
The Night Shift (2025)
The Stranger at No. 6 (2025)
The Girlfriend (2026)

Follow her on:

X/Twitter: gemmarogers79
Facebook & Instagram: GemmaRogersAuthor

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you didn't have trust issues before, you definitely will have them after reading The Girlfriend. Abbi thought her life was perfect. She loved being an artist, and her boyfriend was her Prince Charming. Her life instantly goes from idyllic to tragic. She finds herself in a world where no one can be trusted. Anyone could be The Watcher. Secrets, lies, and betrayal quickly become part of her everyday existence. The plot is fast-paced, unpredictable, and I could not stop reading. It’s full of countless twists and turns. This will have you asking yourself what you would do if you were in Abbi’s horrifying position. This book could be read as a cautionary tale to be careful who you trust. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy.

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good quick recreational read.

Abbi works on property related artwork. One day she receives a photo by mail of a private moment with her boyfriend. A video follows. Abbi is in panic and very worried about what is to follow & its impact on her reputation, work & family. More messages arrive with threats. Despite warnings, Abbi reaches out to the police, but there is not much to go on for them as the messages and social media handles involved stay active only for limited periods and are routed through VPNs outside the country.

The story has a limited set of characters and there are some suggestions along the way. In psychological thrillers I am prepared for absurd twists, thankfully this story did not have those. There were some behaviours I found a little odd, but the resolution is uncomplicated and logical.

My rating: 3.75 / 5.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for a free electronic review copy.

[Jo Woodcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ❤️ all of Gemma Rogers books and thanks to Netgallery this one definitely didn't disappoint. kept me hooked and interested from the first to the last page. the storyline and characters were all relatable and definitely recommend this book when its published.

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second reading of Gemma Rogers' work after The Stranger at No.6, and I found The Girlfriend to have a compelling premise, a fast-paced narrative, with questionable characters and motives.

We follow Abbi Montgomery's life as it unravels after receiving an anonymous email, with a compromising photo of her and escalating threats. Realising her life is being closely monitored, paranoia and suspicion take hold as she struggles to trust those closest to her, while also trying to uncover the truth.

This quickly pulled me in from the start and I appreciated that the author used relateable, everyday fears to create a creepy and dread-inducing atmosphere. The twists weren't in any way mind-blowing, but there were a few surprising details that I did miss, so I enjoyed seeing the pieces click into place. There's some dark themes in this story, so definitely check trigger warnings. I have my eye on a few of this author's other books, so while this wasn't a banger, I'll sure I'll dive into her backlist again.

3.5⭐️

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Price of Privacy. ​Gemma Rogers delivers another practically perfect domestic thriller that grips you from the first page.
Abbi is finally content with her thriving business and supportive boyfriend, until a single message sends her world spiraling. ​
Desperate to stop a deeply private video from ruining her life, Abbi descends into a vortex of paranoia. Rogers masterfully captures Abbi’s perpetual unease as she questions everyone in her inner circle, while desperately trying to work out what "The Watcher's" end goal is.
The emotional tension mounts with every chapter and I found myself turning the pages faster than a hamster in a wheel.
With a shocking ending that's tied up as neatly as one of Abbi's portraits wrapped in a bow, this is a must-read for suspense fans.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy. All views are my own and submitted voluntarily.
Expected release date 6 March.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Another binge worthy read from one of my favorite authors! Gemma Rogers does it again with this novel you won't want to put down. She has created an awesome plot with characters you will love, and some you love to hate... Abbi has a great life, wonderful job, amazing boyfriend, until she starts to get messages warning her. How will this play out? Are people really as they seem?
I thought I knew who was guilty, and then there is a twist! The story and characters are so well thought out. From start to finish this book rocks!
I have read all of Gemma's amazing books, I was hooked from the first one, Stalker, and now I wait for the next. Thank you Gemma for writing❤️
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers, published by Boldwood Books

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, rape, blackmail, stalking
If you love thrillers that make you check over your shoulder and question who’s really watching, The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers is a pulse-pounding ride you won’t want to put down. 👀💥
Abbi Montgomery thought she had the perfect life—until a chilling anonymous email shatters it. Attached is a private photo of her and her boyfriend, Rick, from a moment that was never meant to be seen. The message is clear: do exactly as we say… or everyone will see it.
What starts as a threat quickly spirals into a nightmare. Someone seems to know everything about Abbi—where she goes, what she’s doing, and the secrets she thought were buried. As the demands grow more dangerous, her carefully built life begins to crumble.
Soon Abbi realizes she can’t trust anyone. Not her friends. Not her coworkers. Maybe not even Rick.
Fast-paced, tense, and packed with shocking twists, this addictive thriller will keep you guessing until the very last page. If you enjoy suspense in the style of Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell, this one deserves a spot on your thriller TBR. 🔐📖
⚠️ This story contains sensitive themes including sexual assault, rape, stalking, and blackmail that may be difficult for some readers.

[Riette Beling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my days this was absolutely crazy! I was so on edge throughout this book and could not stop reading. @gemmarogersauthor captured Abbi's fear and paranoia perfectly!

When Abbi starts getting messages that threatens to blowup her life and post personal videos online, she starts suspecting every person she knows.

"The Watcher" seems to know everything and as Abbi discover secret after secret and her life falls apart in front of her eyes, she is desperate to figure out why the people she loves have so much to hide.

This was classic psychological thriller and the tension was intoxicating, my heart was racing and my mind was reeling!

Amazing thriller and a fantastic ending with some crazy twists!! Definitely worth the read

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GIRLFRIEND BY GEMMA ROGERS.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s
I do love myself a bit of Gemma Rogers.
Her storylines and plots are amazing and her characters are always brilliant.
I was hooked reading this and became consumed until I had finished.
Another CORKER of a book by the brilliant Gemma Rogers ☺

[Sherri Thacker]

I loved the authors last book but this one, no thanks! I DNF at 31%. It’s all about being stalked on the internet - not for me.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Abbi, whose life appears perfectly ordinary until an anonymous email turns everything upside down. Attached is a private photo and a chilling ultimatum: comply with the demands, or everything will be exposed. From that moment on, Abbi’s sense of safety begins to crumble.

What unfolds is a tense psychological thriller where someone is clearly embedded in her life — tracking her movements, invading her personal space, and manipulating her every decision. Trust becomes a major issue, as friends, colleagues, and even her boyfriend all feel questionable. Everyone seems to have something to hide.

The author does an excellent job of capturing Abbi’s anxiety, making it easy to place yourself in her position and imagine just how devastating and humiliating the situation would be. There are some genuinely unpleasant characters — Linda, in particular, stood out as instantly unlikeable — which adds to the overall sense of unease.

I have read all of Gemma Rogers’ books, and once again she did not disappoint. She handles dark subject matter with skill, keeping the pacing tight and the tension high throughout. The twists kept coming, and I found myself completely absorbed, needing to know how it would end.

Overall, this was an addictive, unsettling read that I struggled to put down. Another strong thriller from Gemma Rogers, and one that fans of suspenseful, twist-filled stories will definitely want to add to their list.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not get past the first chapter. The wishy-washy Abbi reads like a one-dimensional caricature, who acts like a five year old instead of the twenty-something she is. I'm not sure if I was meant to like her as a character - she didn't come across as intentionally unlikable, but I could not take her seriously enough to really care about what was happening to her. Maybe the feminist in me just couldn't stomach this watered-down version of a successful young woman who not only seems to miss the most glaringly obvious, but also seems to have an internalised hatred of women's sexuality. The writing / Abbi's internal monologue focused on how a leaked sex tape could result in people thinking she was some sort of loose woman, instead of being outraged at the invasion of privacy and the expectation that others would be similarly outraged. I dunno, it just felt like something out of the 90's. Aren't we better than that now? Don't most people realise that women do actually have sex sometimes? Especially in the age of OnlyFans, the discourse that society would be so quick to blame and hate on the woman of a leaked sex tape - rather than supporting her and sharing her outrage - didn't sit well with me, and I just couldn't make myself care enough about the MC to keep reading.

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a NetGalley ARC and this review is an honest feedback based on my reading it.

When I picked up The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers from NetGalley I was genuinely excited for a twisty character driven thriller. The premise had all the right ingredients: secrets buried in friendship blurred lines between trust and obsession and a promise of psychological danger. Unfortunately the execution left me wanting more clarity more depth and more of the unsettling tension the blurb suggested.

I expected the kind of slow burning psychological tension I often gravitate toward. The premise promised obsession blurred loyalties and a friendship that might not be as safe as it first appears. On paper it felt like a story made for readers who enjoy unsettling dynamics and creeping unease. In practice though the novel never quite delivered the punch it was aiming for.

The story circles around a central relationship built on secrets and quiet manipulation. There is an attempt to keep the reader guessing about motives and truth but the suspense rarely tightens in a meaningful way. Instead of dread gradually building I often felt like the narrative was skimming its own surface. Moments that should have landed with emotional weight passed by too quickly leaving little room for tension to fully take hold. From my experience reading similar books and reflecting on patterns I see this is where psychological thrillers often falter and unfortunately this one does too.

The protagonist is written to be vulnerable yet observant but her voice felt uneven throughout. At times she seemed perceptive and grounded and at others frustratingly passive without enough internal reflection to justify her decisions. I struggled to emotionally invest in her journey which made it harder to care about the twists when they arrived. There were glimpses of insight into insecurity and self doubt that worked well but they were not sustained long enough to anchor the story.

Structurally the book leans heavily on reveals but many of them felt familiar rather than shocking. Instead of re framing what came before they often confirmed what I had already suspected. For a thriller that relies on psychological tension this predictability dulled the impact. I kept waiting for that moment where everything would click into place and elevate the story but it never quite arrived.

That said the book is not without merit. The themes around identity dependence and trust are interesting and there is a genuine attempt to explore emotional complexity within close relationships. I can see this working better for readers who prefer lighter psychological suspense without too much darkness or intensity.

By the end I felt more appreciative of the idea than the execution. The Girlfriend had potential but lacked the sharpness and emotional depth needed to truly stand out in a crowded genre. For me this lands in that two and a half to three star space where the ambition is clear but the delivery feels uneven.

[Stephen Clynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbi Montgomery receives an anonymous email which includes an intimate photo of her with boyfriend Rick. What does this person want and why?

The Girlfriend is another British psychological thriller from Gemma Rogers which once again is set around Crawley, in West Sussex. The tension builds from the first page as Abbi struggles with the mess she has fallen into. This whole story is told in the first person and I feel that male readers may have difficulty in sympathising with Abbi’s problems. The issues Abbi is forced to deal with are very contemporary and she is clearly a victim of modern trends on social media. I liked how my suspicions grew as many warning flags flew up. All the characters Abbi had to deal with could be involved in her shaming - is there anybody she could actually trust? I found progress to be steady with a lovely linear time frame that was always looking forward. Abbi’s character was fully developed and by the end of this book you understand what makes her tick. Everything worked out in the end, with no loose ends dangling. I enjoyed reading The Girlfriend and found it an entertaining and interesting GOOD 4 star read, with plenty of detail about internet activity.

I love how Gemma uses real locations for her novels, this time Abbi and her friend pay a visit to The Jack Fairman pub in nearby Horley. A quick search reveals that this pub is not fictional but real bricks and mortar along Victoria Road, Horley - a branch of J D Wetherspoon.

I was a little disappointed by a lack of continuity that was not picked up by the publishing team. In chapter 21…

‘Are you going to the hospital?’ Becca asked as they strapped (patient name) to a gurney and wheeled (him/her) towards the lift.
‘Yes,’ I said immediately, ‘I’ll ring (his/her) mum en route.’ I was dreading making the call I couldn’t avoid.
I’d never been in an ambulance before, let alone one with flashing lights and sirens. It was far too loud to make a phone call, and I felt in the way as (patient name) was worked on in the back…When we got to the hospital, Tim wheeled (patient name) into Resus and I waited outside…I stayed at the hospital for a while…I got in the car and headed home, emotionally wrung out.

…Sorry Gemma but Abbi went to the hospital with the patient in the ambulance, so would have been unable to drive her old Citroen home, where it was parked.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers is a completely gripping, fast-paced psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. This is one of those books that you pick up for a quick read and suddenly realize you’ve flown through in one sitting—it’s that addictive.

Abbi is a fantastic main character to follow. At the start, her life seems stable and happy—she’s building her career creating property artwork and in a loving relationship—but everything changes in an instant when she receives an anonymous message containing a private photo of her and her boyfriend. From there, things spiral quickly, and the tension ramps up as more messages, threats, and videos begin to appear. The idea of having your most personal moments exposed is genuinely unsettling, and the story captures that fear and paranoia so well.

What really stood out to me was how tense and claustrophobic the story feels. There’s a constant sense of being watched, and it makes you question every single character. I loved how the author kept me guessing—just when I thought I had it figured out, something shifted and I was second-guessing everything again. The smaller cast of characters works really well here, making every interaction feel important and suspicious.

The pacing is another huge strength. This is such a quick, engaging read with short chapters that keep you saying “just one more.” The twists are well placed and, while the story stays grounded and doesn’t rely on anything too over-the-top, it still manages to deliver plenty of surprises along the way. I especially appreciated that the resolution felt logical and satisfying without becoming overly complicated.

Overall, this is a tense, twisty, and highly addictive thriller that keeps you on edge from start to finish. The Girlfriend is a great reminder of how quickly things can spiral—and how little we sometimes know about the people closest to us.

✨ I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Rogers delivers another unsettling psychological thriller centred on Abbi Montgomery, whose seemingly secure life collapses the moment she receives an anonymous message containing a secretly recorded video of her and her partner—footage never intended for anyone else’s eyes. The threat is stark: obey the sender’s instructions or face public exposure. From that point on, Abbi’s sense of safety erodes as an unknown figure infiltrates every corner of her life, tracking her movements and manipulating her through fear. As the pressure mounts, she begins to question the motives of those around her, realising that friends, colleagues, and even Rick—the man she hoped to build a future with—may be hiding far more than she ever suspected. Drawn into a dangerous game orchestrated by a shadowy group known as The Watchers, Abbi uncovers a web of secrets and betrayals that strike far closer to home than she imagined.

Rogers crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere where privacy feels fragile and easily violated, building tension with steady precision. While some twists feel familiar, the story remains gripping and compulsively readable, constantly prompting the reader to reassess their assumptions. Rogers’ writing is fast‑paced and accessible, making the novel easy to devour in a single sitting. The premise taps into a deeply relatable fear—the loss of control over one’s private life—and Rogers uses that vulnerability to keep Abbi, and the reader, on edge. By the time the truth behind the threats is revealed, the discoveries are both shocking and disturbingly plausible. The Girlfriend may not be Rogers’ most intricate thriller, but it is undeniably tense, creepy, and engaging, offering a sharp reminder that the greatest dangers often come from those closest to us.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbi Montgomery thought her life was perfect - until an anonymous email shatters it. Attached is a photo of her and her boyfriend in a moment that was meant to stay private. The message is Do exactly as we say, or everyone will see. As the demands escalate, Abbi's world begins to unravel. Someone is inside her life - tracking her every move, invading her home, her work, her mind. She doesn't know who to trust - her friends, her colleagues, even Rick. Everyone has something to hide. To keep her secret buried, Abbi must pay The Watchers' deadly game. But in a world built on secrets and lies, the most dangerous enemy may be closer than she thinks.

Someone is watching Abbi Montgomery, tracking her every movement, and they are somehow getting into her house. Abbi's life is turned upside down when she recieves a photo of her and her boyfriend Rick on her phone, and the message telling her she has to do everything she was told to do. Abbi's trust in her friends and colleagues diminishes, even her boyfriend Rick is under suspicion.

I love when I see Gemma Rogers has a new book coming out, and I know I'm not going to be disappointed, I also know that once I pick the book up, I won't be able to put it back down again until the last page has been turned. In this fast-paced and thought-provoking read, my anxiety was rising just as quickly as Abbi's was. My mind kept changing from who the guilty culprit was. There were quite a few sleazy characters to choose from. Another fabulous read.

Published 6th March 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #GemmaRogers for my ARC of #TheGirlfriend in exchange for an honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girlfriend delivers exactly what I hope for in a domestic suspense: a seemingly ordinary life cracked open by one chilling message, and a heroine whose world narrows into a maze of secrets, paranoia, and impossible choices. Abbi Montgomery is instantly relatable—content, hopeful, and completely unprepared for the anonymous email that detonates her sense of safety. From that moment on, Gemma Rogers builds tension with elegant precision.

The escalation is deliciously unnerving. Each new demand from “The Watchers” feels sharper than the last, and the way Abbi’s life is slowly infiltrated—her home, her routines, her relationships—creates a creeping dread that never lets up. Rogers captures that claustrophobic feeling of being observed, judged, and manipulated by someone who knows far too much.

What elevates the story is the cast around Abbi. Friends, colleagues, even Rick—everyone seems to be holding something back, and the novel plays beautifully with that uncertainty. The atmosphere is taut without ever feeling overwrought, and the pacing keeps you in that perfect state of “just one more chapter.”

Fans of Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell will appreciate the sharp twists and the emotional undercurrent running beneath the suspense. It’s a story about control, vulnerability, and the terrifying power of secrets—both the ones we keep and the ones we never meant to reveal. A gripping, stylish thriller that kept me guessing right up to the final reveal

My thanks to Gemma Rogers, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Girlfriend
Author: Gemma Rogers
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: March 6, 2026
My Rating: 3 Stars
Page: 288

Abbi Montgomery and Rick are in love and ready to move to the next level…
However when Abbi receives what at first looked like an ordinary email from gogetter@gmail.com- although an unknown link she is in business so opens it. Yikes it includes a sex video of her and Rick with a message NOT to tell anyone or notify police or it will be released to every social media platform. She runs to the bathroom thinking she is going to throw-up. When she returns to her computer it is gone!
Sometime later she gets a heart-shaped biscuit with “You’re Mine”. Later another message from Gogetter’ which is an ultimatum! The ultimatum is if the demands are not met the video will be sent to everyone….all she has to do is get ‘rid of Rick’!
(What does that mean? Abbi assumes dump him however since I read a lot of thrillers I assume worst.

I love psychological thrillers but I am sorry to say this isn’t one of my favorites. It was my first Gemma Rogers but I will give her another change as parts were definitely entertaining. When I read her bio it stated she writes ‘gritty thrillers’ – I thought Hmmm Yes I believe this is more a ‘gritty thriller’ than a psychological thriller.

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this e-Galley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 3, 2026.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers is a fast paced thriller where the walls are constantly closing in and shows that our most private moments are often our most vulnerable.

Abbi Montgomery appears to have everything in life, but perfection is a fragile thing, and it shatters the moment an anonymous email lands in her inbox. It’s not just a threat, it’s a photo of her and her boyfriend, Rick, in a private moment that was never meant for public eyes.The ultimatum is simple and chilling: “Do exactly as we say, or everyone will see.”

Abbi realises she is being tracked at work, in her home, and even within the confines of her own mind. The sense of being perpetually watched made my skin crawl. As the demands from her blackmailers escalate, Abbi becomes more paranoid, everyone feels like a potential enemy, The Boyfriend: Does Rick have a hidden agenda?, The Colleagues: Is someone at the office trying to sabotage her? and are her friends as loyal as they seem?

“Abbi thought she was hiding a secret, but she didn’t realise that in a world built on lies, the person holding the camera is the one who holds all the power.”

The Girlfriend is a fast paced a paced, addictive, and a little unsettling look at the dark side of intimacy and technology.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Boldwood Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

After really enjoying The Stranger at No. 6, I was excited to dive into another Gemma Rogers thriller. This is the second book I’ve read by her, and while I was thoroughly entertained by this one, I didn’t find it quite as riveting as that first read. That said, I still really enjoyed it.

The Girlfriend is a fast, easy thriller with a fun premise that taps into the whole “someone is watching you” fear in a very modern way. The idea of being blackmailed and tracked through your own life definitely kept me turning the pages, and I liked how the tension slowly built as things spiraled out of control.

For me, the pacing felt a little uneven at times, and I wasn’t as emotionally invested in the characters as I was in The Stranger at No. 6. Some moments felt predictable, and I found myself wanting just a bit more depth and sharper twists.

Still, Gemma Rogers’ writing style really works for me. It’s accessible, bingeable, and perfect for when I’m in the mood for a quick psychological thriller that’s entertaining and easy to get through. Even though this wasn’t my favorite of hers so far, I’ll definitely keep picking up her books.

A big thank you to Boldwood Books & Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my opinion.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️ 🌷 👀 WoW! 👀 🌷 ❤️ The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers was an excellent book with so many twists and turns throughout and it was very cleverly written, especially as I thought I had worked it all out and then Bang - all change!!!!

All Gemma's books have been a superb read and her latest one had me sitting on the edge of my bed and reading it till the early hours of the morning as I could not put it down, it was so addictive!

When, Abbi Montgomery thought her life was perfect, she had a perfect boyfriend called Rick and he has just asked her to move in with him. Plus, she was doing what she always wanted to do, painting pictures on commission for other people around the country.

What could ever go wrong!?

Until an anonymous email shatters it and attached is a photo of her and her boyfriend in a moment that was meant to stay private. But there is a message with this photo . . . . "Do exactly as we say, or everyone will see"

WoW! . . . . . . Then Abbi, starts to receive video's of her and Rick, then Rick with other women!!!! who are they and these video's are taken from his Penthouse apartment.

What would you do if you started to receive these?

But, Gemma has done it again - 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I highly recommend The Girlfriend.

[Zara Dal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, tense psychological thriller and once I started it, I could not stop reading!

Abbi appears to have the perfect life — her own successful business, her own home, and a loving boyfriend, Rick. But everything changes when she receives an anonymous email containing a still image of her and Rick in an intimate moment, along with a chilling message: 'do exactly as we say, or everyone will see'.

Terrified and trapped, Abbi becomes aware that the mysterious figure she calls “The Watcher” seems to have eyes and ears everywhere in her life. Someone is watching her every move but who?

As Abbi is forced to play their deadly game, secrets begin to unravel, paranoia creeps in, and trust becomes impossible. Friends, colleagues, even those closest to her all become suspects.

This was such a thrilling and addictive read. At one point or another I suspected everyone! While I occasionally found myself frustrated with some of Abbi’s reasoning and decisions, it also made her feel very human in an impossible situation. And when the truth was finally revealed, I genuinely felt heartbroken for her.

A gripping psychological thriller packed with tension, secrets, and twists — such a great read!

[Lovetoread2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great read from Gemma Rogers. She has such a talent for writing stories that feel frighteningly real, and The Girlfriend is no exception. What I really love about her books is that the subject matter could happen to any of us in real life.
This is a fast-paced, twisty, and thought-provoking thriller that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. As things unravel around Abbi, every character seems capable of what’s happening, leaving you constantly questioning — is it him? is it her? — and asking a big WHY? I genuinely felt Abbi’s anxiety with each turn of the page. Gemma doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting themes. At times it’s quite unsettling and could potentially trigger some readers, but it’s told and handled really well. The novel highlights how the online world, while offering connections can also be incredibly dangerous. It’s a stark reminder of how easily things can spiral and how vulnerable we can all be.
I absolutely love her books and would highly recommend The Girlfriend to anyone who enjoys realistic, tense, and emotionally charged psychological thrillers.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok- I liked the last 30% more than the rest of it. It centers on Abbi, who receives a picture of herself in a compromising position from an unknown person who called themselves the watcher, giving her instructions to follow if she doesn’t want it to get released more widely.

Abbi got on my nerves a bit - I thought she overreacted at some times and underreacted at other times and I couldn’t figure out what it was about her that had guys falling at her feet. The story got more interesting as more facets were introduced, culminating in a darker plot than I initially imagined. Interestingly, I had predicted even more far-fetched twists and what ended up happening was more straightforward, thus more realistic, than I anticipated; I always enjoy books more when they seem like they could really happen. I thought the ending worked and fit well with the rest of the story.

Overall, I liked the book but didn’t love it, as most of the action fell towards the end. It was interesting with good twists when all was said and done, though. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[justonemorechapter2025 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller that grips you from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go. With a premise rooted in secrecy, trust, and the fear of exposure, this is a story that feels chillingly relevant in today’s digital world.
The novel centres around a woman whose seemingly stable life is thrown into turmoil when she realises someone is watching her — and knows far too much. What follows is a tense, claustrophobic spiral as paranoia builds and the question of who to trust becomes increasingly unclear. Rogers does an excellent job of keeping the reader constantly guessing.
One of the strongest elements of this book is its pacing. The chapters are short and punchy, making it incredibly easy to say “just one more” — and then suddenly realise you’ve read fifty pages.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers packed with secrets, shifting loyalties, and mounting psychological tension, The Girlfriend is a compelling and entertaining read. It’s dramatic, addictive, and perfect for fans of twisty, character-driven suspense.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Rogers never disappoints and let me assure you - I should know! I've read EVERY book she's released.

Her latest novel, 'The Girlfriend,' was a FOUR STAR read that was thrilling, claustrophobic, and had me unknowingly biting my nails!

Imagine your most intimate moments with a partner being posted on YOUR social media page. Your colleagues, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, parents, current and childhood friends, friends of your parents who have known you since you were born....it would be utterly invasive, a ginormous betrayal of your privacy, something that would certainly inflict immediate trauma for me, and would be completely illegal. Especially since you had NO CLUE you had been recorded in the first place.

Trying to find answers leads Abbi on a journey that takes her deep into an evil world she never expected to find herself involved in. And, her search for a reason leads to a place a little too close to home.

If you've not indulged in a book by Gemma Rogers yet, you are missing out! This book is available now and is currently available to enjoy for free for Kindle Unlimited members!

Thank you NetGalley, Gemma Rogers, and the amazing Boldwood Books for gifting the ARC in exchange for a review. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

13th book have read by this author and as always GR never disappoints

In this story we meet Abbi, Abbi has fallen in love with Rick and feels its time they moved to the next level…however just before she does this a video is sent to her, a sex vid of them both with warning it will be sent to everyone….all she has to do is leave Rick

You/we can only imagine her shock and horror at seeing this vid but tbh this is just the start and things get much worse for Abbi, she really cant trust anyone ( as the story shows ) and feels she is being pursued from all angles ( literally )

A dark, tense thriller which is relatable to all readers as you feel Abi’s anxiety and put yourself in her place and know how absolutely mortifying it would be

Nasty characters abound including Linda who I disliked on first meet

The author takes a grim subject and manages to work through it and show how Abi can and has to overcome this horrifying situation

Great read

[Elizabeth]

I can highly recommend The Girlfriend, a thriller by Gemma Rogers which was a nail biting read. This is my first thriller I have read by Gemma.

Abbi has been dating Rick for several months and is over the moon when he gives her the key to his affluent suite. Then her life is turned upside down when she receives an email showing Rick and herself in an intimate moment and a message saying to do exactly as I say, or everyone else will see.

Abbi feels she is being watched, she feels she is being stalked and things start being moved around her old flat. Someone is trying to drive her out of her mind, she names whoever it is, the watcher.

Who can she turn to, who can she trust, as she tries to unravel who is behind the turmoil of what she is going through. as everyone comes under suspiscion.

Gemma Rogers has captured the shame, the utter corruption of human nature, the injustice in this roller coaster thriller that reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers.

[A Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Rogers has most definitely outdone herself with her newest dark, disturbing, and twisty new psychological thriller, The Girlfriend. This pulse pounding thriller had me alternating between gasping out loud and holding my breath. I frantically flew through the pages needing to know how this was going to end. Hint- I was NOT disappointed.

Abbi has met the boyfriend of her dreams, Rick. Kind, gentle, good looking and well off. When someone gets a hold of something that should have stayed a private moment between the two, her world starts to collapse.

This tense and creepy drama was like a giant roller-coaster ride with a steep uphill climb leading to a sharp drop. I loved every second of this fast-paced, chilling read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy