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The Ex
8 hours
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.
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.
Audible Audio
Published January 15, 2026
355 people are currently reading
7486 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
43 books3,455 followersShalini 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 27, 2025
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
November 3, 2025
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.
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.
November 27, 2025
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
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
November 23, 2025
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
Thank you to publishers and netgalley. All thoughts are my own
December 7, 2025
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.
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.
October 23, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
January 9, 2026
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.
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.
January 20, 2026
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.
January 2, 2026
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.
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.
December 8, 2025
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
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
October 31, 2025
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.
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.
January 15, 2026
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.
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.
January 20, 2026
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!*
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!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
December 29, 2025
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
Release date January 15, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
January 18, 2026
This wasn’t my fave book by her and I kept getting characters mixed up. But it kept me up late reading.
January 18, 2026
Brilliant as brilliance can get !! And the plot twists! Wow!
December 12, 2025
A taut, unnerving thriller about second chances, buried scars, and the danger of trusting the wrong people.
Willow McAllister wants nothing more than quiet—a place where no one knows her name, her past, or the mistakes she barely survived. A sleepy small town seems like salvation. A fresh start. A chance to finally breathe.
Then she meets Priya, the impossibly kind new neighbour who shows up just when Willow needs a friend. It feels like fate. And Gabe? Well… he might be the first spark of hope she’s allowed herself in years.
But fresh starts are never as clean as they look.
Especially when Priya and Gabe share a history Willow knew nothing about.
Suddenly the “coincidences” don’t line up. The smiles feel too practiced. The stories don’t match. And Willow—whose instincts failed her once in the most devastating way—can’t afford another mistake. Not now. Not with danger slipping so quietly back into her life.
This book is a slow-burn unraveling of trust, trauma, and the terrifying realization that sometimes the monsters closest to us are the ones wearing the warmest smiles.
Moody. Suspenseful. Completely addictive.
Perfect for readers who love small-town secrets, unreliable connections, and thrillers that whisper run long before the characters realize why.
Willow McAllister wants nothing more than quiet—a place where no one knows her name, her past, or the mistakes she barely survived. A sleepy small town seems like salvation. A fresh start. A chance to finally breathe.
Then she meets Priya, the impossibly kind new neighbour who shows up just when Willow needs a friend. It feels like fate. And Gabe? Well… he might be the first spark of hope she’s allowed herself in years.
But fresh starts are never as clean as they look.
Especially when Priya and Gabe share a history Willow knew nothing about.
Suddenly the “coincidences” don’t line up. The smiles feel too practiced. The stories don’t match. And Willow—whose instincts failed her once in the most devastating way—can’t afford another mistake. Not now. Not with danger slipping so quietly back into her life.
This book is a slow-burn unraveling of trust, trauma, and the terrifying realization that sometimes the monsters closest to us are the ones wearing the warmest smiles.
Moody. Suspenseful. Completely addictive.
Perfect for readers who love small-town secrets, unreliable connections, and thrillers that whisper run long before the characters realize why.
November 27, 2025
Shalini is one of my favourite authors when it comes to psychological thrillers, as I always know that I am in for a treat with her stories.
Her latest The Ex, was brilliant, had me captivated throughout. I loved how the story played out, in that it had two storylines going on at the same time. So we get to meet Willow and experience what is going on with her life and trying to figure out what she is hiding from, and then we also get to meet and know Jasmine within the other storyline. Both have stories to tell, and to begin with, there are no clues as to what links the two women together. I had a few guesses when trying to figure it out, one of them was right but the other was wrong.
It truly was a great entertaining story, although some readers might find some of the story difficult to read, in the event they have been victims of abuse in any way shape or form. Abuse in relationships is a terrible thing, one that we all wish was purely make believe for just fiction, but unfortunately that is not the case and really does happen in real life. I think it is great when authors feature abuse in books as it makes readers aware and teaches them what to look out for, so as us as readers will never find ourselves as victims to abuse.
Anyway, getting of topic there. So lastly, this story was brilliantly well written with such believable characters and that twist (even though I sensed it coming) was totally shocking. You really do have to be careful with who you trust and who you invite willingly into your life.
Her latest The Ex, was brilliant, had me captivated throughout. I loved how the story played out, in that it had two storylines going on at the same time. So we get to meet Willow and experience what is going on with her life and trying to figure out what she is hiding from, and then we also get to meet and know Jasmine within the other storyline. Both have stories to tell, and to begin with, there are no clues as to what links the two women together. I had a few guesses when trying to figure it out, one of them was right but the other was wrong.
It truly was a great entertaining story, although some readers might find some of the story difficult to read, in the event they have been victims of abuse in any way shape or form. Abuse in relationships is a terrible thing, one that we all wish was purely make believe for just fiction, but unfortunately that is not the case and really does happen in real life. I think it is great when authors feature abuse in books as it makes readers aware and teaches them what to look out for, so as us as readers will never find ourselves as victims to abuse.
Anyway, getting of topic there. So lastly, this story was brilliantly well written with such believable characters and that twist (even though I sensed it coming) was totally shocking. You really do have to be careful with who you trust and who you invite willingly into your life.
November 7, 2025
The books by this author are always something to look forward to. I’ve never been disappointed, and I can assure you that this time was no exception.
The author gives the floor to two main characters — Jasmine and Willow. Their lives are so far apart that I kept wondering how these two could possibly be connected. Some readers might have seen it coming and found it predictable, but I certainly didn’t. I was completely in the dark and genuinely surprised when the connection was finally revealed.
My suspicion was actually focused on another character. I had a gut feeling about Gabe that I couldn’t shake, and the author did a brilliant job of making me doubt myself. Still, I didn’t let it go — I kept my eye on him. Did I trust too little, or was my instinct right? Who can say? I won’t — you’ll have to find out for yourself. Or maybe you’ll trust him. ;)
From beginning to end, I was completely absorbed in the story and admired the courage of both women. It’s certainly not easy to reclaim your own life, but thankfully, help can sometimes come from unexpected places.
The book reads incredibly smoothly — but that’s true for all of this author’s works. I love her engaging style, interesting characters, and creativity.
I’m clearly a big fan, and for me, this book deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you
The author gives the floor to two main characters — Jasmine and Willow. Their lives are so far apart that I kept wondering how these two could possibly be connected. Some readers might have seen it coming and found it predictable, but I certainly didn’t. I was completely in the dark and genuinely surprised when the connection was finally revealed.
My suspicion was actually focused on another character. I had a gut feeling about Gabe that I couldn’t shake, and the author did a brilliant job of making me doubt myself. Still, I didn’t let it go — I kept my eye on him. Did I trust too little, or was my instinct right? Who can say? I won’t — you’ll have to find out for yourself. Or maybe you’ll trust him. ;)
From beginning to end, I was completely absorbed in the story and admired the courage of both women. It’s certainly not easy to reclaim your own life, but thankfully, help can sometimes come from unexpected places.
The book reads incredibly smoothly — but that’s true for all of this author’s works. I love her engaging style, interesting characters, and creativity.
I’m clearly a big fan, and for me, this book deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I have been reading a lot of the mystery genre lately, so it was natural that this would appeal to me. The fact that it was an audiobook only made this more appealing, since I like to lose myself in the story.
Katie Villa was the narrator, and I think she did a fantastic job. She voices characters who are very different from each other, and does so believably. She did wonderfully with the different timelines, and I enjoyed listening to her reading.
There are two very different timelines in the story. One features Jasmine and her increasingly abusive husband, Adam. The other timeline focuses on Willow and her fresh start. We don’t actually learn how these two women are connected until very close to the end.
This is a fast-paced story. I found myself unable to put it down, with a lot happening over the course of the book. Shortly into the story, the tension begins to build with both predictable and unpredictable events. It felt completely organic as the tension continues to slowly ratchet up until the completely unpredictable end. I love a story with good tension and unpredictable twists, so this was right up my alley. There are some predictable twists and some that blindsided me, but none more so than the events at the end of the book.
It’s hard to really discuss more than this without giving anything away, so I want to instead shift to my own reading experience. The story was fast moving and engaging all the way through, but I didn’t fully connect with either Jasmine or Willow. Initially, Jasmine wasn’t a bad character, but once her husband begins to display red flags, I was so disappointed in her for making excuses for him. For the majority of the book, readers are treated to the course of Jasmine’s days—not working or going to school, therefore no need to keep her car insured, keeping her distant from friends and relatives and basically anyone other than him, and I couldn’t understand why she continued to make excuses for him when there was only one answer for his actions.
Don’t get me wrong—I know how difficult and dangerous it is to leave an abusive partner. There are many reasons that a person stays with an abusive partner, and stupidity is not one of them. Instead, readers see the increasingly abusive behaviors of Adam towards Jasmine and exactly how difficult it is for her to escape once his patterns escalate to a scary level. Slowly, he begins to chip away at her various types of freedoms—employment, seeing friends, transportation, finances, even a tracker on her phone, until she is nearly confined to the house and completely isolated. My issue with Jasmine wasn’t that she didn’t leave, it was that she continued to make excuses to herself rather than admit that there was a problem.
Willow, on the other hand, is getting a fresh start. It’s clear that she’s been through some kind of trauma or abuse and is working on healing in her new life. She’s closed off emotionally, which reads as realistic. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t have believed her as a trauma or abuse survivor. However, other aspects of her behavior didn’t feel as natural. For someone who has survived abuse, she is somewhat oblivious to certain things and doesn’t have the reactivity that I’ve seen from others in that situation. Additionally, she gaslights herself, which I wouldn’t expect to see as much as she does.
Overall, this was a gripping and fast-paced read that is easy to finish in a day. The story has a relatively fast pace and it’s very engaging despite my feelings about both Willow and Jasmine along with the men in their lives. I would have liked to see more of a friendship bloom between Willow and Priya and learn more about her character, since she came across as one-dimensional. If I was able to connect with either of the characters, I might have enjoyed the book more.
Bottom line: A fun read but neither timeline has an easily likable character.
I have been reading a lot of the mystery genre lately, so it was natural that this would appeal to me. The fact that it was an audiobook only made this more appealing, since I like to lose myself in the story.
Katie Villa was the narrator, and I think she did a fantastic job. She voices characters who are very different from each other, and does so believably. She did wonderfully with the different timelines, and I enjoyed listening to her reading.
There are two very different timelines in the story. One features Jasmine and her increasingly abusive husband, Adam. The other timeline focuses on Willow and her fresh start. We don’t actually learn how these two women are connected until very close to the end.
This is a fast-paced story. I found myself unable to put it down, with a lot happening over the course of the book. Shortly into the story, the tension begins to build with both predictable and unpredictable events. It felt completely organic as the tension continues to slowly ratchet up until the completely unpredictable end. I love a story with good tension and unpredictable twists, so this was right up my alley. There are some predictable twists and some that blindsided me, but none more so than the events at the end of the book.
It’s hard to really discuss more than this without giving anything away, so I want to instead shift to my own reading experience. The story was fast moving and engaging all the way through, but I didn’t fully connect with either Jasmine or Willow. Initially, Jasmine wasn’t a bad character, but once her husband begins to display red flags, I was so disappointed in her for making excuses for him. For the majority of the book, readers are treated to the course of Jasmine’s days—not working or going to school, therefore no need to keep her car insured, keeping her distant from friends and relatives and basically anyone other than him, and I couldn’t understand why she continued to make excuses for him when there was only one answer for his actions.
Don’t get me wrong—I know how difficult and dangerous it is to leave an abusive partner. There are many reasons that a person stays with an abusive partner, and stupidity is not one of them. Instead, readers see the increasingly abusive behaviors of Adam towards Jasmine and exactly how difficult it is for her to escape once his patterns escalate to a scary level. Slowly, he begins to chip away at her various types of freedoms—employment, seeing friends, transportation, finances, even a tracker on her phone, until she is nearly confined to the house and completely isolated. My issue with Jasmine wasn’t that she didn’t leave, it was that she continued to make excuses to herself rather than admit that there was a problem.
Willow, on the other hand, is getting a fresh start. It’s clear that she’s been through some kind of trauma or abuse and is working on healing in her new life. She’s closed off emotionally, which reads as realistic. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t have believed her as a trauma or abuse survivor. However, other aspects of her behavior didn’t feel as natural. For someone who has survived abuse, she is somewhat oblivious to certain things and doesn’t have the reactivity that I’ve seen from others in that situation. Additionally, she gaslights herself, which I wouldn’t expect to see as much as she does.
Overall, this was a gripping and fast-paced read that is easy to finish in a day. The story has a relatively fast pace and it’s very engaging despite my feelings about both Willow and Jasmine along with the men in their lives. I would have liked to see more of a friendship bloom between Willow and Priya and learn more about her character, since she came across as one-dimensional. If I was able to connect with either of the characters, I might have enjoyed the book more.
Bottom line: A fun read but neither timeline has an easily likable character.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked up The Ex expecting a tense psychological thriller, and from the very first pages it delivered exactly that. The opening scene of a woman running across the beach instantly drew me in. What worked so well for me was the uncertainty — it genuinely could have been any of the women we went on to follow or none of them at all. That ambiguity created an undercurrent of dread straight away and made me pay close attention to every character, searching for clues without quite knowing what I was looking for.
Shalini Boland does a good job of slowly tightening the tension, particularly in the early chapters. I found myself questioning motivations, second-guessing loyalties, and constantly wondering who was being truthful. The shifting viewpoints between Willow and Jasmine were effective at first, as both women felt believable and flawed in different ways. However, I did struggle a little with the middle section of the book. At times, it felt as though we were circling the same issues repeatedly, revisiting the same doubts and fears from slightly different angles. While I understood why this was done, it did make the pacing feel sluggish for a stretch, and I was eager for something to finally disrupt the pattern.
When that disruption comes, it really lands. The twist is a turning point, and although I had an inkling something significant was coming, the execution still managed to surprise me. From that moment on, the story regained its momentum and became very hard to put down. The sense that everything was about to unravel kept me reading well past when I’d planned to stop.
This is the kind of book I’d happily describe as chewing gum for the brain: undemanding, gripping, and ideal for getting lost in for a few hours. The writing is clear and accessible, making it an easy, fast read without feeling flimsy. As for the ending, I initially thought it went on a bit longer than necessary, but I quickly realised it was deliberately setting the stage for what was to come. That final reveal was a real jaw-dropper and completely reframed how I viewed certain events.
By the time I finished, I felt both satisfied and slightly bereft, which is always a good sign. The Ex may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers suspense, intrigue, and a memorable finish, and it left me keen to pick up more from this author.
Shalini Boland does a good job of slowly tightening the tension, particularly in the early chapters. I found myself questioning motivations, second-guessing loyalties, and constantly wondering who was being truthful. The shifting viewpoints between Willow and Jasmine were effective at first, as both women felt believable and flawed in different ways. However, I did struggle a little with the middle section of the book. At times, it felt as though we were circling the same issues repeatedly, revisiting the same doubts and fears from slightly different angles. While I understood why this was done, it did make the pacing feel sluggish for a stretch, and I was eager for something to finally disrupt the pattern.
When that disruption comes, it really lands. The twist is a turning point, and although I had an inkling something significant was coming, the execution still managed to surprise me. From that moment on, the story regained its momentum and became very hard to put down. The sense that everything was about to unravel kept me reading well past when I’d planned to stop.
This is the kind of book I’d happily describe as chewing gum for the brain: undemanding, gripping, and ideal for getting lost in for a few hours. The writing is clear and accessible, making it an easy, fast read without feeling flimsy. As for the ending, I initially thought it went on a bit longer than necessary, but I quickly realised it was deliberately setting the stage for what was to come. That final reveal was a real jaw-dropper and completely reframed how I viewed certain events.
By the time I finished, I felt both satisfied and slightly bereft, which is always a good sign. The Ex may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers suspense, intrigue, and a memorable finish, and it left me keen to pick up more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If your heart is thumping louder than normal, if your mouth feels dry and you are able to anticipate abnormal behaviour, you are reading good content.
Jasmine Owens is married to the man of her choice and dreams. He has never made her feel bad or awkward. Never has he let her down. Almost too good to be true. All this goodness and great behaviour goes down the drain when, on their anniversary, Jasmine chooses to invite hers and Adam's, her husband's, friends over for dinner. Nothing much is said that night but the silent treatment that he is giving Jasmine has her palpitating all evening. What was so wrong in giving a surprise party? Well, she did not know that he didn't like surprise parties at all! Now she would have to face the consequences once everybody left. This was just one off incident. Many more were to follow. Where did Jasmine land herself in? If this marriage was going to turn out like this, she might as well end it. But would she be able to? Will Adam leave her? Will Jasmine manage to gather courage and walk out or just runaway?
Willow McAllister. Jittery and antsy all the time. Her anxiety won't let her live in peace. Constantly looking over her back to see if "he" had returned or if "he" was following her, making her life a living hell. Willow meets Gabe. Kind, loving, caring, funny. What changes these good men? Willow and Gabe come to know of each other and are an instant hit. One coffee too many has taken their knowing each other to a full fledged relationship. All is well until Willow gets a new neighbour, Priya. Over the days, Priya tells her things that shocks her and she is in the lurch. Why is life being so difficult with her? Does she not deserve any kind of love, affection, security? Walking on egg-shells is just unacceptable.
Will Jasmine and Willow manage to get their life on track? Will their relationships work out? Or will the Ex'es give them a tough time? To know more, watch out for this book. Fast paced and easy reading. I had starting trouble and kept abandoning the book, but I managed to finish over 20 chapters all in one afternoon. And I should not have devoured the last chapter... I should have read it slowly but curiosity got the better of me.
Jasmine Owens is married to the man of her choice and dreams. He has never made her feel bad or awkward. Never has he let her down. Almost too good to be true. All this goodness and great behaviour goes down the drain when, on their anniversary, Jasmine chooses to invite hers and Adam's, her husband's, friends over for dinner. Nothing much is said that night but the silent treatment that he is giving Jasmine has her palpitating all evening. What was so wrong in giving a surprise party? Well, she did not know that he didn't like surprise parties at all! Now she would have to face the consequences once everybody left. This was just one off incident. Many more were to follow. Where did Jasmine land herself in? If this marriage was going to turn out like this, she might as well end it. But would she be able to? Will Adam leave her? Will Jasmine manage to gather courage and walk out or just runaway?
Willow McAllister. Jittery and antsy all the time. Her anxiety won't let her live in peace. Constantly looking over her back to see if "he" had returned or if "he" was following her, making her life a living hell. Willow meets Gabe. Kind, loving, caring, funny. What changes these good men? Willow and Gabe come to know of each other and are an instant hit. One coffee too many has taken their knowing each other to a full fledged relationship. All is well until Willow gets a new neighbour, Priya. Over the days, Priya tells her things that shocks her and she is in the lurch. Why is life being so difficult with her? Does she not deserve any kind of love, affection, security? Walking on egg-shells is just unacceptable.
Will Jasmine and Willow manage to get their life on track? Will their relationships work out? Or will the Ex'es give them a tough time? To know more, watch out for this book. Fast paced and easy reading. I had starting trouble and kept abandoning the book, but I managed to finish over 20 chapters all in one afternoon. And I should not have devoured the last chapter... I should have read it slowly but curiosity got the better of me.
December 4, 2025
Willow McAllister ran away from a bad situation and was desperate to start over. She finds a small town that has no attachments to her. She makes friends with her new neighbor Priya in the apartment building. She even starts dating a man named Gabe who she accidentally spilled coffee on at a coffeehouse. Willow finds out Priya and Gabe used to date. Priya and Gabe tell Willow two different stories but which should she believe? Willow is also hiding her own secrets.
Spoiler
Willow, who’s real name is Jasmine, ran from a physical and psychological abusive marriage where she was like a prisoner in her home, not being able to go anywhere, a tracker on her phone, her car taken away, no visitors allowed. After almost having her hair pulled out of her head and punched in the stomach, Jasmine ran and ended up at her neighbors, Carol, house, who helped her get away. She settles in a small town and makes money being a handywoman for women. She makes friends with her neighbor Priya and starts dating Gabe. She finds out Priya and Gabe dated. Gabe tells Willow that Priya is still obsessed with him and Priya tells her Gabe is obsessed with her. She ends up believing Gabe and continues dating him.
When her husband Adam finds out where she lives, he nearly choked her to death at a nearby beach. Priya comes to the rescue by hitting him in the head with a rock and calling the police. Adam ends up serving life. Priya ends up moving.
The ending
The last chapter is told in Gabe’s voice. Gabe tells what happened with his relationship with Priya. He’s obsessed with her and wants to be with her. The only reason he got in a relationship with Willow was to get closer to Priya.
The story shined a light on domestic abuse. I can feel the fear and control Adam created for Jasmine. There’s tension that’s felt. It shows the emotional toll on someone who’s been abused and the mask abusers put on to fool others. The story made me uncertain what characters to trust especially with Priya and Gabe. Unfortunately the ending was predictable.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer
Pub date: January 15, 2026
Spoiler
Willow, who’s real name is Jasmine, ran from a physical and psychological abusive marriage where she was like a prisoner in her home, not being able to go anywhere, a tracker on her phone, her car taken away, no visitors allowed. After almost having her hair pulled out of her head and punched in the stomach, Jasmine ran and ended up at her neighbors, Carol, house, who helped her get away. She settles in a small town and makes money being a handywoman for women. She makes friends with her neighbor Priya and starts dating Gabe. She finds out Priya and Gabe dated. Gabe tells Willow that Priya is still obsessed with him and Priya tells her Gabe is obsessed with her. She ends up believing Gabe and continues dating him.
When her husband Adam finds out where she lives, he nearly choked her to death at a nearby beach. Priya comes to the rescue by hitting him in the head with a rock and calling the police. Adam ends up serving life. Priya ends up moving.
The ending
The last chapter is told in Gabe’s voice. Gabe tells what happened with his relationship with Priya. He’s obsessed with her and wants to be with her. The only reason he got in a relationship with Willow was to get closer to Priya.
The story shined a light on domestic abuse. I can feel the fear and control Adam created for Jasmine. There’s tension that’s felt. It shows the emotional toll on someone who’s been abused and the mask abusers put on to fool others. The story made me uncertain what characters to trust especially with Priya and Gabe. Unfortunately the ending was predictable.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer
Pub date: January 15, 2026
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
📚The Ex
✍🏻Shalini Boland
Blurb:
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.
My Thoughts:
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, 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. Willow, whilst not interested in a relationship belongs friendly with Gabe. Just when everything's going smoothly she discovers he was previously in a relationship with her new neighbour Priya.
As with Shalini"s previous novels she's written a pacy, tense thriller, gripping to the very last page.
It's impossible to put down
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Shalini Boland for the advanced copy of "The Ex" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#ShainiBoland
#TheEx
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Shalini Boland
Blurb:
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.
My Thoughts:
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, 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. Willow, whilst not interested in a relationship belongs friendly with Gabe. Just when everything's going smoothly she discovers he was previously in a relationship with her new neighbour Priya.
As with Shalini"s previous novels she's written a pacy, tense thriller, gripping to the very last page.
It's impossible to put down
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Author Shalini Boland for the advanced copy of "The Ex" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#ShainiBoland
#TheEx
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Willow McAllister is trying to rebuild her life after a traumatic past and is not looking for another relationship when she literally bumps into Gabe Walker in a coffee shop and they hit it off straight away. She later meets her new neighbour Priya and believes that life is starting to look positive again, then she discovers that Gabe and Priya used to be a couple and she wonders if it is just a coincidence that Priya has moved in next door or is there more to it? Jasmine Owens has been happily married to Adam for a year when she decides to throw a surprise anniversary party at home with their friends but Adam is clearly not happy and throws her daggers all evening. As the weeks pass his behaviour towards her gets worse and he starts tracking her movements. Beginning to feel like a prisoner in her own home she hatches a plan...
The Ex follows the lives of two women; Willow and Jasmine, with the story being told in alternate chapters by the two main characters. It becomes apparent quite early on that they both have trust issues, what isn't clear is what is the connection between the two of them but, as the story progresses and the author strips back the layers of each character, it all starts to make sense and the reader can piece together what is happening. This is a tense and compelling read centred around coercive control and domestic abuse and can be quite a harrowing read in parts, but these delicate subjects are written with integrity and respect. It's a tale of secrets and lies, with some unreliable characters, especially Adam who was despicable but, it would appear he wasn't the only one who couldn't be trusted and when the author delivered that final curveball I was totally unprepared, what a perfectly executed ending that was! Another intriguing read from one of my go to authors whose stories never disappoint.
I'd like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The Ex follows the lives of two women; Willow and Jasmine, with the story being told in alternate chapters by the two main characters. It becomes apparent quite early on that they both have trust issues, what isn't clear is what is the connection between the two of them but, as the story progresses and the author strips back the layers of each character, it all starts to make sense and the reader can piece together what is happening. This is a tense and compelling read centred around coercive control and domestic abuse and can be quite a harrowing read in parts, but these delicate subjects are written with integrity and respect. It's a tale of secrets and lies, with some unreliable characters, especially Adam who was despicable but, it would appear he wasn't the only one who couldn't be trusted and when the author delivered that final curveball I was totally unprepared, what a perfectly executed ending that was! Another intriguing read from one of my go to authors whose stories never disappoint.
I'd like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
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