What do you think?
The Jealous Girl
When Kirsty and Ryan broke up, Kirsty didn't just lose the man she loved. She lost the life she'd built around him. The future they'd promised each other.
But now he's left her for Charlotte. Again. The woman his family always preferred.
And Kirsty is done waiting. Done hoping. Done being the one left behind.
This time, she wants revenge.
Consumed by jealousy, Kirsty becomes obsessed by Charlotte, turning into a stalker as she digs into her life and uncovers secrets and lies buried deep within Ryan's family. Lies that involve her.
But the more Kirsty learns, the more dangerous her obsession becomes.
Because revenge was one thing.
But murder is something else entirely.
But now he's left her for Charlotte. Again. The woman his family always preferred.
And Kirsty is done waiting. Done hoping. Done being the one left behind.
This time, she wants revenge.
Consumed by jealousy, Kirsty becomes obsessed by Charlotte, turning into a stalker as she digs into her life and uncovers secrets and lies buried deep within Ryan's family. Lies that involve her.
But the more Kirsty learns, the more dangerous her obsession becomes.
Because revenge was one thing.
But murder is something else entirely.
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2026
About the author
Alex Stone
9 books98 followersAlex Stone is a psychological thriller author based in Dorset, where the beautiful yet dramatic coastline provides the inspiration and setting for her gripping, character-driven novels.
Originally from the West Midlands, Alex left behind her career as an accountant to pursue her lifelong dream of living by the sea and becoming a writer. She’s living proof that perseverance pays off — and that it’s never too late to change your life.
With a deep interest in psychology, Alex explores how past trauma, hidden truths, and complex relationships shape people — for better or worse. Her thrillers are packed with emotional depth, compelling twists, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
Her upcoming novel, The Missing Boyfriend (out 14th October 2025), is a tense and emotionally layered thriller set in Christchurch, Dorset:
When Olivia reports her boyfriend Callum missing, the police want to know one thing — is he even real?
Alex draws inspiration from authors such as Gillian McAllister, C.L. Taylor, S.E. Lynes and Lisa Jewell — writers who, like her, craft twisty, thought-provoking thrillers with heart.
Connect with Alex on her website, Facebook, and Instagram at AlexStoneAuthor
https://bit.ly/AlexStoneNewsletter
Originally from the West Midlands, Alex left behind her career as an accountant to pursue her lifelong dream of living by the sea and becoming a writer. She’s living proof that perseverance pays off — and that it’s never too late to change your life.
With a deep interest in psychology, Alex explores how past trauma, hidden truths, and complex relationships shape people — for better or worse. Her thrillers are packed with emotional depth, compelling twists, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
Her upcoming novel, The Missing Boyfriend (out 14th October 2025), is a tense and emotionally layered thriller set in Christchurch, Dorset:
When Olivia reports her boyfriend Callum missing, the police want to know one thing — is he even real?
Alex draws inspiration from authors such as Gillian McAllister, C.L. Taylor, S.E. Lynes and Lisa Jewell — writers who, like her, craft twisty, thought-provoking thrillers with heart.
Connect with Alex on her website, Facebook, and Instagram at AlexStoneAuthor
https://bit.ly/AlexStoneNewsletter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 18, 2026
3.5 rounded to 4 for my review
If I had to sum this book up in one word: **TOXIC.** 😂 And if I could give Kirsty one piece of advice, it would be: **RUN, GIRL. RUNNNNN.** Oh boy, this was a LOT. Kirsty is still hung up on Ryan after he leaves her for Charlotte (again!), and instead of walking away from this entire toxic mess, she becomes obsessed with Charlotte and starts digging into her life. And what she uncovers about Ryan, his family, and the people around them just keeps making everything worse.
Ryan? Toxic.
His family? TOXIC.
The woman who supposedly “just works at the ranch”? Yep, toxic too. 😏
And then there’s Ben, who honestly deserves a medal for putting up with Kirsty. 😂 He’s the one person who seems to genuinely have her back and keeps trying to help her, and what does she do? **Pushes him away and goes right back to Ryan.** Over and over again. Even when she knows something isn't right! GIRL. BEN IS RIGHT THERE. 😩😂 I lost count of how many times Kirsty questioned Ryan, felt like something was off, and then somehow ended up right back where she started. I wanted to reach through the pages and say, “You KNOW this isn't right! WHY ARE WE DOING THIS AGAIN?!”
But honestly, that's what made this book so hard to put down. It was basically a car wreck in slow motion, you know you should probably stop watching, but you're absolutely going to keep staring. 😂 So much is happening right in front of the characters while I’m sitting here screaming at them to OPEN THEIR EYES. I did question who the “bad” person was, and while they were on my radar, they didn't make my final top three suspects, so kudos for that one!
Was this book stressful? Absolutely. Was it toxic? **Beyond.** Did I spend a good portion of it yelling **“RUNNNNN!”** at Kirsty while simultaneously yelling **“BEN IS TRYING TO HELP YOU!”**? Also absolutely. 😂
Whew. I’m glad I can put this one down and walk away from this entire family!
If I had to sum this book up in one word: **TOXIC.** 😂 And if I could give Kirsty one piece of advice, it would be: **RUN, GIRL. RUNNNNN.** Oh boy, this was a LOT. Kirsty is still hung up on Ryan after he leaves her for Charlotte (again!), and instead of walking away from this entire toxic mess, she becomes obsessed with Charlotte and starts digging into her life. And what she uncovers about Ryan, his family, and the people around them just keeps making everything worse.
Ryan? Toxic.
His family? TOXIC.
The woman who supposedly “just works at the ranch”? Yep, toxic too. 😏
And then there’s Ben, who honestly deserves a medal for putting up with Kirsty. 😂 He’s the one person who seems to genuinely have her back and keeps trying to help her, and what does she do? **Pushes him away and goes right back to Ryan.** Over and over again. Even when she knows something isn't right! GIRL. BEN IS RIGHT THERE. 😩😂 I lost count of how many times Kirsty questioned Ryan, felt like something was off, and then somehow ended up right back where she started. I wanted to reach through the pages and say, “You KNOW this isn't right! WHY ARE WE DOING THIS AGAIN?!”
But honestly, that's what made this book so hard to put down. It was basically a car wreck in slow motion, you know you should probably stop watching, but you're absolutely going to keep staring. 😂 So much is happening right in front of the characters while I’m sitting here screaming at them to OPEN THEIR EYES. I did question who the “bad” person was, and while they were on my radar, they didn't make my final top three suspects, so kudos for that one!
Was this book stressful? Absolutely. Was it toxic? **Beyond.** Did I spend a good portion of it yelling **“RUNNNNN!”** at Kirsty while simultaneously yelling **“BEN IS TRYING TO HELP YOU!”**? Also absolutely. 😂
Whew. I’m glad I can put this one down and walk away from this entire family!
October 1, 2026
Kirsty Palmer breaks up with her boyfriend Ryan Blackwater who then has a relationship with Charlotte Lewis.
Kirsty then becomes “The Jealous Girl” who wants Charlotte gone and Ryan back.
The Jealous Girl is billed as a psychological suspense but I found the “suspense” tiresome. I hated how this story was told with constant and repeated switching time frames. Each chapter is declared as either “Now”, “Then” or even “Two Years ago” leading to an extremely slow build up around Kirsty’s obsession with Charlotte and Ryan.
The whole story is told from Kirsty’s point of view and she is not a girl to like. When Kirsty and Ryan first broke up she should have walked away and never looked back. It was simply pointless stalking Charlotte hoping to gain an edge and win Ryan back into her arms.
The Jealous Girl is mostly set around Dorset and features Blackwater Stables, Ryan’s family home and business. The horses have their part to play in this story and horses are clearly not Kirsty’s thing. She does not fit in with the routines around the horses giving rise to the amusing quip…
‘Yeah, they needed you. Not some clueless city girl who’s afraid of horses.’
… The story rumbled along at a slow pace, building the plot over three time frames. All was revealed by the end of this book with no WOW! Factor making The Jealous Girl an OKAY 3 star read - nothing to get excited about. It is about as interesting as watching Bargain Hunt on BBC television, pleasant but not edge of your seat stuff.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
Kirsty then becomes “The Jealous Girl” who wants Charlotte gone and Ryan back.
The Jealous Girl is billed as a psychological suspense but I found the “suspense” tiresome. I hated how this story was told with constant and repeated switching time frames. Each chapter is declared as either “Now”, “Then” or even “Two Years ago” leading to an extremely slow build up around Kirsty’s obsession with Charlotte and Ryan.
The whole story is told from Kirsty’s point of view and she is not a girl to like. When Kirsty and Ryan first broke up she should have walked away and never looked back. It was simply pointless stalking Charlotte hoping to gain an edge and win Ryan back into her arms.
The Jealous Girl is mostly set around Dorset and features Blackwater Stables, Ryan’s family home and business. The horses have their part to play in this story and horses are clearly not Kirsty’s thing. She does not fit in with the routines around the horses giving rise to the amusing quip…
‘Yeah, they needed you. Not some clueless city girl who’s afraid of horses.’
… The story rumbled along at a slow pace, building the plot over three time frames. All was revealed by the end of this book with no WOW! Factor making The Jealous Girl an OKAY 3 star read - nothing to get excited about. It is about as interesting as watching Bargain Hunt on BBC television, pleasant but not edge of your seat stuff.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood Books for passing me an ARC on the understanding that I post a review.
September 24, 2026
Alex Stone returns with a masterclass in tension and domestic suspense that delivers everything psychological thriller fans crave—and then some. Framed around the devastating fallout of a toxic breakup, this novel takes a classic premise and sharply turns it into a claustrophobic, unpredictable ride.
At the heart of the story is Kirsty, a deeply compelling yet deliciously unhinged protagonist. Left reeling after her ex-partner Ryan returns to Charlotte—the "ideal" woman his family always preferred—Kirsty’s grief rapidly turns into something far more volatile. What begins as understandable heartbreak spirals into a dark, obsessive stalking campaign. Stone does an incredible job of forcing the reader into Kirsty’s head, making her descent into jealousy feel both uncomfortably intimate and horrifyingly inevitable.
The strength of the novel lies in its layered plotting. As Kirsty digs into Charlotte’s world, she doesn't just find a rival; she uncovers a rotting foundation of secrets and lies embedded deep within Ryan’s family—secrets that directly target Kirsty herself. The shift from a simple story of a woman scorned to a high-stakes investigation of family deceit keeps the pacing relentless.
Stone’s execution of the transition from petty revenge to deadly stakes is seamless. The paranoia builds brick by brick, culminating in a jaw-dropping twist that fundamentally recontextualizes the entire narrative.
The Verdict
If you love the dark domestic tension of Lisa Jewell, the clever character studies of Claire Douglas, or the propulsive twists of Andrea Mara, this is a must-add to your reading list. A sharp, addictive thriller about how far we’ll go when the life we were promised is stolen away.
At the heart of the story is Kirsty, a deeply compelling yet deliciously unhinged protagonist. Left reeling after her ex-partner Ryan returns to Charlotte—the "ideal" woman his family always preferred—Kirsty’s grief rapidly turns into something far more volatile. What begins as understandable heartbreak spirals into a dark, obsessive stalking campaign. Stone does an incredible job of forcing the reader into Kirsty’s head, making her descent into jealousy feel both uncomfortably intimate and horrifyingly inevitable.
The strength of the novel lies in its layered plotting. As Kirsty digs into Charlotte’s world, she doesn't just find a rival; she uncovers a rotting foundation of secrets and lies embedded deep within Ryan’s family—secrets that directly target Kirsty herself. The shift from a simple story of a woman scorned to a high-stakes investigation of family deceit keeps the pacing relentless.
Stone’s execution of the transition from petty revenge to deadly stakes is seamless. The paranoia builds brick by brick, culminating in a jaw-dropping twist that fundamentally recontextualizes the entire narrative.
The Verdict
If you love the dark domestic tension of Lisa Jewell, the clever character studies of Claire Douglas, or the propulsive twists of Andrea Mara, this is a must-add to your reading list. A sharp, addictive thriller about how far we’ll go when the life we were promised is stolen away.
September 25, 2026
The Jealous Girl by Alex Stone was another excellent psychological thriller which was full of revenge and obsession and with a big twist I did not see that coming!!! This book was Toxic and I LOVED IT. Once I started to read it The Jealous Girl I was hooked and I ended up reading it all day until I had finished it.
I highly recommend this book and a great book to read sitting by a pool relaxing.But, be warning it is very addictive read!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
I highly recommend this book and a great book to read sitting by a pool relaxing.But, be warning it is very addictive read!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you very much Boldwood Books for the ARC!
I think my biggest issue with the book was that I wanted to strangle so many characters half of the time - especially our boi Ryan. But most othere were not better, either. I felt sorry for Kirsty, though. She was the only one who did not deserve shit happening to her.
The other issue was that I felt like I already would know what happen all of the time. Not really many big twists that shocked me. It made it an easy, entertaining read, but nothing that will really leave an impact whatsoever. 3,5 stars.
I think my biggest issue with the book was that I wanted to strangle so many characters half of the time - especially our boi Ryan. But most othere were not better, either. I felt sorry for Kirsty, though. She was the only one who did not deserve shit happening to her.
The other issue was that I felt like I already would know what happen all of the time. Not really many big twists that shocked me. It made it an easy, entertaining read, but nothing that will really leave an impact whatsoever. 3,5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Jealous Girl gave me an entire group of people I wanted to put in separate rooms and question about their life choices. Kirsty and Ryan were happy together in Malta, talking marriage, building a future, doing the whole we-have-a-plan thing. Then Ryan gets called home because his dad is ill, Kirsty goes with him to the family’s equestrian farm, and almost immediately you can feel that nobody ordered a Kirsty with their returning son. His mother doesn’t want her there. Charlotte, who works at the stables and is basically treated like the daughter Ryan’s family wishes they had, definitely doesn’t want her there. And Ryan, the man who should perhaps locate a backbone during all this, keeps changing direction depending on which woman spoke to him last.
Then he leaves Kirsty for Charlotte. Again. AGAIN. That word is doing so much work here because this is not Kirsty’s first trip through the Ryan-Charlotte emotional car wash. And instead of blocking everybody and moving somewhere without horses, Kirsty becomes obsessed with figuring out what Charlotte has that she doesn’t. Soon she’s following her, watching her, digging around in her life, and crossing increasingly alarming boundaries while telling herself she just needs answers. I spent so much time wanting to grab Kirsty by both shoulders and say, babe, we have enough information. Ryan is the information.
The problem is, I also understood why Kirsty couldn't just walk away, which was deeply inconvenient because I wanted to yell at her constantly. She grew up with an emotionally absent father and a stepmother whose favorite hobby seems to have been making sure Kirsty knew she wasn't quite good enough. Even when the woman isn't physically there, Kirsty is still having conversations with her in her head. So when Ryan's family starts treating Charlotte like the deluxe upgraded girlfriend package while Kirsty is standing right there, you can practically watch every old insecurity wake up, stretch, and clock in for work.
And RYAN. My margarita needs another margarita. This man keeps making decisions and then apparently sending them to his mother for final approval. Kirsty keeps getting hurt, Ryan keeps wavering, his family keeps behaving like Charlotte's campaign committee, and I'm sitting there wondering why we're fighting this hard to retain custody of him. Even when Kirsty's behavior crossed into "perhaps stalking should not be today's self-care activity," I never once thought Ryan was the prize at the end of this particular scavenger hunt.
Then there's Ben, a former employee of Ryan's family, who becomes Kirsty's friend and starts giving her something nobody else seems particularly interested in providing: basic human decency. Naturally, because Kirsty's life cannot contain one uncomplicated relationship, Ben mysteriously disappears from her orbit too. And when Charlotte's involvement in that starts coming into focus, suddenly Kirsty's fixation isn't just about wanting to know why another woman got her boyfriend. There really are secrets buried inside this family, and some of them have Kirsty's name all over them.
The whole thing jumps between different points in time, so for a little while I was mentally carrying around one of those detective boards with string trying to remember whether I was in current disaster, last week's disaster, or the disaster from two years ago. Once I got everybody situated, though, I tore through it because every return to the past made somebody's present-day behavior look a little worse. And these people did not need assistance looking worse. I already had Ryan and his family on probation.
What got me underneath all the stalking and revenge was Kirsty slowly realizing that being rejected by people who treat you badly does not mean you failed some test. She has spent so much of her life auditioning to be chosen, first inside her own family and then with Ryan and his, that she doesn't seem to know what to do when someone simply treats her like she's worth knowing. Watching that realization finally start to settle in was the part where I stopped wanting to confiscate her car keys and just wanted better for her.
By the end, the lies have piled up, revenge has stopped being theoretical, and murder has entered the group chat. I had a few moments where I could see pieces clicking into place before Kirsty did, but I was still glued to the mess because I needed to know exactly how much worse this family could get. Apparently the answer was: don’t challenge them.
3.5 stars for The Jealous Girl, because I tore through it while repeatedly asking Kirsty why we were committing this much emotional labor over a man whose mother apparently has veto power over his relationships.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Investigate an Entire Family When Dumping Ryan Would Have Saved Everybody So Much Time
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I came for toxic love and revenge and left wanting to put Kirsty in therapy, Ben somewhere safe, Charlotte under observation, and Ryan on a family phone plan where his mother can continue making all his decisions for him.
Then he leaves Kirsty for Charlotte. Again. AGAIN. That word is doing so much work here because this is not Kirsty’s first trip through the Ryan-Charlotte emotional car wash. And instead of blocking everybody and moving somewhere without horses, Kirsty becomes obsessed with figuring out what Charlotte has that she doesn’t. Soon she’s following her, watching her, digging around in her life, and crossing increasingly alarming boundaries while telling herself she just needs answers. I spent so much time wanting to grab Kirsty by both shoulders and say, babe, we have enough information. Ryan is the information.
The problem is, I also understood why Kirsty couldn't just walk away, which was deeply inconvenient because I wanted to yell at her constantly. She grew up with an emotionally absent father and a stepmother whose favorite hobby seems to have been making sure Kirsty knew she wasn't quite good enough. Even when the woman isn't physically there, Kirsty is still having conversations with her in her head. So when Ryan's family starts treating Charlotte like the deluxe upgraded girlfriend package while Kirsty is standing right there, you can practically watch every old insecurity wake up, stretch, and clock in for work.
And RYAN. My margarita needs another margarita. This man keeps making decisions and then apparently sending them to his mother for final approval. Kirsty keeps getting hurt, Ryan keeps wavering, his family keeps behaving like Charlotte's campaign committee, and I'm sitting there wondering why we're fighting this hard to retain custody of him. Even when Kirsty's behavior crossed into "perhaps stalking should not be today's self-care activity," I never once thought Ryan was the prize at the end of this particular scavenger hunt.
Then there's Ben, a former employee of Ryan's family, who becomes Kirsty's friend and starts giving her something nobody else seems particularly interested in providing: basic human decency. Naturally, because Kirsty's life cannot contain one uncomplicated relationship, Ben mysteriously disappears from her orbit too. And when Charlotte's involvement in that starts coming into focus, suddenly Kirsty's fixation isn't just about wanting to know why another woman got her boyfriend. There really are secrets buried inside this family, and some of them have Kirsty's name all over them.
The whole thing jumps between different points in time, so for a little while I was mentally carrying around one of those detective boards with string trying to remember whether I was in current disaster, last week's disaster, or the disaster from two years ago. Once I got everybody situated, though, I tore through it because every return to the past made somebody's present-day behavior look a little worse. And these people did not need assistance looking worse. I already had Ryan and his family on probation.
What got me underneath all the stalking and revenge was Kirsty slowly realizing that being rejected by people who treat you badly does not mean you failed some test. She has spent so much of her life auditioning to be chosen, first inside her own family and then with Ryan and his, that she doesn't seem to know what to do when someone simply treats her like she's worth knowing. Watching that realization finally start to settle in was the part where I stopped wanting to confiscate her car keys and just wanted better for her.
By the end, the lies have piled up, revenge has stopped being theoretical, and murder has entered the group chat. I had a few moments where I could see pieces clicking into place before Kirsty did, but I was still glued to the mess because I needed to know exactly how much worse this family could get. Apparently the answer was: don’t challenge them.
3.5 stars for The Jealous Girl, because I tore through it while repeatedly asking Kirsty why we were committing this much emotional labor over a man whose mother apparently has veto power over his relationships.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Investigate an Entire Family When Dumping Ryan Would Have Saved Everybody So Much Time
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I came for toxic love and revenge and left wanting to put Kirsty in therapy, Ben somewhere safe, Charlotte under observation, and Ryan on a family phone plan where his mother can continue making all his decisions for him.
September 30, 2026
★★★★½
I went into this one genuinely confused about who had written it. Having previously read a book by the female author Alex Stone, I initially thought it was her, only to see it listed as a different, male Alex Stone. That had me bracing for a cliché, one-dimensional "crazy stalker woman" trope, which made me slightly hesitant. As it turns out, Goodreads seems to have tagged the author profile completely incorrectly and it was indeed the original author, delivering far more nuance than the title might suggest.
The story centres on Kirsty, who didn’t just lose the love of her life when she and Ryan split; she lost the entire future they had mapped out together. When Ryan leaves her for Charlotte—the woman his family always championed—Kirsty is utterly done being the one cast aside. Consumed by jealousy and desperate for closure, she begins stalking Charlotte, digging into her life only to uncover toxic family secrets and lies that tie directly back to herself. What starts as a bitter quest for answers quickly spirals toward far more dangerous territory when murder enters the frame.
The narrative unfolds across a tight timeframe in the present day, spliced with flashbacks that provide vital context for how things unraveled. I stayed up far too late with this, continuously bargaining with myself for "just one more chapter" until I had burned straight through to the end. The book is messy, chaotic, and completely wild, but in the best possible way. It plays out like an entertaining trainwreck where you simply cannot look away, and every time I assumed I had mapped out the trajectory, another sharp turn pulled the rug out.
Kirsty was by far the most compelling and believable character here. As a natural people-pleaser carrying baggage from a difficult family background, her devotion to someone she believed was her future felt deeply authentic, and watching her evolve was genuinely rewarding. There were certainly moments where I grew frustrated with her for constantly subjecting herself to the same emotional punishment. However, I had to actively remind myself that she was only twenty-two during the flashback chapters and twenty-four in the present; expecting thirty-something logic from someone navigating raw twenty-something heartbreak is unrealistic. Once her history is laid bare, her inability to let go makes complete sense.
On the other hand, Ryan, his family, and Charlotte were infuriating. Ryan feels like two completely incompatible men stitched together: "Malta Ryan," who was tender and the version I desperately wanted Kirsty to have her happy ending with, versus "Stables Ryan," who was an absolute nightmare. Watching him repeatedly waver, make choices, and then seemingly run to his mother for final approval made me question what on earth Kirsty saw in him during the present timeline. The toxic dynamic of his family treating Charlotte like an untouchable saviour whilst treating Kirsty like an inconvenience made them thoroughly detestable.
It is a sharp, chaotic psychological thriller driven by obsession, revenge, and dreadful family politics.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I went into this one genuinely confused about who had written it. Having previously read a book by the female author Alex Stone, I initially thought it was her, only to see it listed as a different, male Alex Stone. That had me bracing for a cliché, one-dimensional "crazy stalker woman" trope, which made me slightly hesitant. As it turns out, Goodreads seems to have tagged the author profile completely incorrectly and it was indeed the original author, delivering far more nuance than the title might suggest.
The story centres on Kirsty, who didn’t just lose the love of her life when she and Ryan split; she lost the entire future they had mapped out together. When Ryan leaves her for Charlotte—the woman his family always championed—Kirsty is utterly done being the one cast aside. Consumed by jealousy and desperate for closure, she begins stalking Charlotte, digging into her life only to uncover toxic family secrets and lies that tie directly back to herself. What starts as a bitter quest for answers quickly spirals toward far more dangerous territory when murder enters the frame.
The narrative unfolds across a tight timeframe in the present day, spliced with flashbacks that provide vital context for how things unraveled. I stayed up far too late with this, continuously bargaining with myself for "just one more chapter" until I had burned straight through to the end. The book is messy, chaotic, and completely wild, but in the best possible way. It plays out like an entertaining trainwreck where you simply cannot look away, and every time I assumed I had mapped out the trajectory, another sharp turn pulled the rug out.
Kirsty was by far the most compelling and believable character here. As a natural people-pleaser carrying baggage from a difficult family background, her devotion to someone she believed was her future felt deeply authentic, and watching her evolve was genuinely rewarding. There were certainly moments where I grew frustrated with her for constantly subjecting herself to the same emotional punishment. However, I had to actively remind myself that she was only twenty-two during the flashback chapters and twenty-four in the present; expecting thirty-something logic from someone navigating raw twenty-something heartbreak is unrealistic. Once her history is laid bare, her inability to let go makes complete sense.
On the other hand, Ryan, his family, and Charlotte were infuriating. Ryan feels like two completely incompatible men stitched together: "Malta Ryan," who was tender and the version I desperately wanted Kirsty to have her happy ending with, versus "Stables Ryan," who was an absolute nightmare. Watching him repeatedly waver, make choices, and then seemingly run to his mother for final approval made me question what on earth Kirsty saw in him during the present timeline. The toxic dynamic of his family treating Charlotte like an untouchable saviour whilst treating Kirsty like an inconvenience made them thoroughly detestable.
It is a sharp, chaotic psychological thriller driven by obsession, revenge, and dreadful family politics.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Alex Stone, and Boldwood Books for a copy of The Jealous Girl in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, I LOVED me some Kirsty…but girl was dumb as a box of rocks. 😂
When Ryan leaves Kirsty for Charlotte AGAIN, Kirsty becomes convinced that Charlotte is up to something. So naturally, instead of walking away from Ryan and his dumpster-fire family, she puts on a wig and goes undercover to spy on Charlotte. Because obviously that's the completely rational thing to do. 🤦♀️😂
This story jumps between three timelines: two years ago, two weeks ago, and now. And honestly, I could have done without the two-years-ago timeline because it felt like I was getting the same information from the two-weeks-ago timeline. One of those timelines could have hit the editing room floor and I wouldn't have complained.
Kirsty, honey…CAN YOU PLEASE SEE THAT RYAN IS A LOSER?! And his family? Girl, the red flags aren't just waving—they're practically beating you over the head. 🚩🚩🚩
Now Ben? I can get behind Ben. That man is practically a saint in my opinion. Somebody needs to give that poor guy a medal for putting up with all of this nonsense. 😂
This book was ALL over the damn place, but surprisingly, I mean that in the best possible way. It was messy, chaotic, ridiculous, and completely entertaining. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the story would take another turn.
And honestly? I COULDN'T PUT THIS TRAINWRECK DOWN.
After several books and audiobooks this week that left me in a reading slump, The Jealous Girl finally pulled me out of it. Was Kirsty making some questionable decisions? Absolutely. Was I judging her? Constantly. 😂 But was I entertained? HELL YES.
⭐ 4 Stars
Final Verdict:
Sometimes you don't need a perfectly executed thriller. Sometimes you just need a beautifully chaotic trainwreck that makes you yell at the characters while desperately needing to know what happens next. The Jealous Girl was exactly that for me—and after the reading slump I've been in this week, Kirsty and her ridiculous wig saved the damn day. 😂
Okay, I LOVED me some Kirsty…but girl was dumb as a box of rocks. 😂
When Ryan leaves Kirsty for Charlotte AGAIN, Kirsty becomes convinced that Charlotte is up to something. So naturally, instead of walking away from Ryan and his dumpster-fire family, she puts on a wig and goes undercover to spy on Charlotte. Because obviously that's the completely rational thing to do. 🤦♀️😂
This story jumps between three timelines: two years ago, two weeks ago, and now. And honestly, I could have done without the two-years-ago timeline because it felt like I was getting the same information from the two-weeks-ago timeline. One of those timelines could have hit the editing room floor and I wouldn't have complained.
Kirsty, honey…CAN YOU PLEASE SEE THAT RYAN IS A LOSER?! And his family? Girl, the red flags aren't just waving—they're practically beating you over the head. 🚩🚩🚩
Now Ben? I can get behind Ben. That man is practically a saint in my opinion. Somebody needs to give that poor guy a medal for putting up with all of this nonsense. 😂
This book was ALL over the damn place, but surprisingly, I mean that in the best possible way. It was messy, chaotic, ridiculous, and completely entertaining. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the story would take another turn.
And honestly? I COULDN'T PUT THIS TRAINWRECK DOWN.
After several books and audiobooks this week that left me in a reading slump, The Jealous Girl finally pulled me out of it. Was Kirsty making some questionable decisions? Absolutely. Was I judging her? Constantly. 😂 But was I entertained? HELL YES.
⭐ 4 Stars
Final Verdict:
Sometimes you don't need a perfectly executed thriller. Sometimes you just need a beautifully chaotic trainwreck that makes you yell at the characters while desperately needing to know what happens next. The Jealous Girl was exactly that for me—and after the reading slump I've been in this week, Kirsty and her ridiculous wig saved the damn day. 😂
August 15, 2026
📖 The Jealous Girl by Alex Stone
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨ 3,75 stars
I received an ARC of this book and went into it almost completely blind. I had never read anything by Alex Stone before, but after reading this one, I can definitely say that it won’t be my last.
The story follows Kirsty and Ryan and is told through two timelines, “then” and “now,” which I thought worked really well. It gave us the chance to slowly understand their relationship, what happened between them, and how everything eventually led to the present. After Ryan leaves Kirsty for Charlotte once again, Kirsty becomes consumed by jealousy and revenge. She starts obsessing over Charlotte and digging into her life, only to uncover secrets and lies within Ryan’s family that involve her as well. What starts as a desire for revenge slowly turns into something much darker.
I honestly HATED Ryan, his family, and Charlotte so much. They were absolutely disgusting human beings, and I wanted to slap them so many times. They were infuriating. I also disliked Kirsty at times because she kept putting herself through the same things over and over again, but once we learn more about her past, it becomes much easier to understand why she struggles to let go.
I really enjoyed how the story slowly revealed more about the characters and their relationships, and the tension kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The fact that Kirsty’s obsession becomes increasingly dangerous also added a great psychological thriller element to the story.
Overall, this was a really good thriller and a great first book by Alex Stone for me. I’m definitely excited to read more from this author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫✨ 3,75 stars
I received an ARC of this book and went into it almost completely blind. I had never read anything by Alex Stone before, but after reading this one, I can definitely say that it won’t be my last.
The story follows Kirsty and Ryan and is told through two timelines, “then” and “now,” which I thought worked really well. It gave us the chance to slowly understand their relationship, what happened between them, and how everything eventually led to the present. After Ryan leaves Kirsty for Charlotte once again, Kirsty becomes consumed by jealousy and revenge. She starts obsessing over Charlotte and digging into her life, only to uncover secrets and lies within Ryan’s family that involve her as well. What starts as a desire for revenge slowly turns into something much darker.
I honestly HATED Ryan, his family, and Charlotte so much. They were absolutely disgusting human beings, and I wanted to slap them so many times. They were infuriating. I also disliked Kirsty at times because she kept putting herself through the same things over and over again, but once we learn more about her past, it becomes much easier to understand why she struggles to let go.
I really enjoyed how the story slowly revealed more about the characters and their relationships, and the tension kept me wanting to know what would happen next. The fact that Kirsty’s obsession becomes increasingly dangerous also added a great psychological thriller element to the story.
Overall, this was a really good thriller and a great first book by Alex Stone for me. I’m definitely excited to read more from this author!
August 29, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
The Jealous Girl by Alex Stone is a relationship-based thriller centred on jealousy, secrets and family.
Kirsty and Ryan are enjoying a blossoming relationship and making plans to marry when a phone call out of the blue shatters their plans.
I liked the premise and thought the novel got off to a dynamic start, with elements of disguise, concealed identity and mysterious transactions creating plenty of intrigue. However, the pace felt incredibly slow at points, with several moments where the characters seemed to dither rather than move the story forward. I also found the relationship between the central characters somewhat flat. I would have liked to see more passion and emotional intensity, particularly to help establish what each of the women saw in Ryan. At times, it was difficult to understand quite why he held such appeal.
The setting moves between family life and the equestrian world. While I think many readers will find this aspect interesting, I found it somewhat alienating and struggled to connect with it initially. I did, however, become more invested as the novel progressed and found it engaging overall, despite some repetition. The recurring use of certain phrases, such as “I licked my lips”, occasionally became distracting and jarring.
For me, the most interesting elements were found in the backstory, particularly Kirsty’s relationship with her mother. These sections added depth to the characters.
Overall, The Jealous Girl is a smooth and accessible read that should appeal to readers who enjoy relationship-based thrillers, secrets and complicated interpersonal dynamics.
The Jealous Girl by Alex Stone is a relationship-based thriller centred on jealousy, secrets and family.
Kirsty and Ryan are enjoying a blossoming relationship and making plans to marry when a phone call out of the blue shatters their plans.
I liked the premise and thought the novel got off to a dynamic start, with elements of disguise, concealed identity and mysterious transactions creating plenty of intrigue. However, the pace felt incredibly slow at points, with several moments where the characters seemed to dither rather than move the story forward. I also found the relationship between the central characters somewhat flat. I would have liked to see more passion and emotional intensity, particularly to help establish what each of the women saw in Ryan. At times, it was difficult to understand quite why he held such appeal.
The setting moves between family life and the equestrian world. While I think many readers will find this aspect interesting, I found it somewhat alienating and struggled to connect with it initially. I did, however, become more invested as the novel progressed and found it engaging overall, despite some repetition. The recurring use of certain phrases, such as “I licked my lips”, occasionally became distracting and jarring.
For me, the most interesting elements were found in the backstory, particularly Kirsty’s relationship with her mother. These sections added depth to the characters.
Overall, The Jealous Girl is a smooth and accessible read that should appeal to readers who enjoy relationship-based thrillers, secrets and complicated interpersonal dynamics.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Jealous Girl by Alex Stone, I really was looking so forward to reading this book but unfortunately throughout the book we learn about the horrendous black Water family chosen girl Charlot or Scarlet Kirsty who believes Ryan is her soulmate and Ryan who is with Scarlet because that’s who his family chose for him, or at least that’s what he tells Kirsten this book is like one of them old Victorian novels were the worst is the worst they can get and head they any good characters they would’ve been the pinnacle of piousness and goodness. I usually can read a thriller even if it’s bad and still get some enjoyment out of it but I started getting bored when Kirsten was following Your girl all over and spying on her I wanted so bad to DNF and only finished by the skin of my teeth I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller cause that’s not this if you like bad thrillers definitely give it a read. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
These were the most infuriating characters I have ever had the pleasure to read! Kirsty was the most relatable and believable character; she was in love with someone whom she thought was her future, came from a difficult family background and a people pleaser. I loved seeing her character evolve in the book. The Blackwater's are one of the most toxic families in the fictional world and annoyed me to my core which I feel was the author's intention.
The plot was quite slow from beginning to around the middle of the book, struggled to stay invested in the story but eventually fell into the rhythm. It was a very basic thriller, nothing that would make my heart leap. I felt like the revelation of the whodunit happened very quickly and also predictable but other than that it was still a fun, simple read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The plot was quite slow from beginning to around the middle of the book, struggled to stay invested in the story but eventually fell into the rhythm. It was a very basic thriller, nothing that would make my heart leap. I felt like the revelation of the whodunit happened very quickly and also predictable but other than that it was still a fun, simple read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
August 26, 2026
Kristy and Ryan are happy working in the hospitality industry in Malta, plans to get married when a phone call out of the blue changes their plans. His dad is sick and he’s needed back on the equestrian farm to work. Kristy goes too, it soon realizes nobody wants her there and there’s the other woman Charlotte to think about. I really liked the story about Kristy, she’s a likeable character and I had her back throughout there as. Ryan on the other hand is a doche, no other words for him. A great quick read, well written and a 4 star read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.
September 15, 2026
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Kirsty comes from a broken family, she so desperately wanted a relationship and strong family life. When she met Ryan in college, he quickly began to check those boxes for her. While away on vacation, Ryan gets a call urging him to come home for a family emergency. Of course Kirsty goes with him, but quickly realizes the family does not want her there. The novel jumps between their two break ups and present times. The family business comes into play, but Kirsty senses something is not right and takes it upon herself to further investigate....
Kirsty comes from a broken family, she so desperately wanted a relationship and strong family life. When she met Ryan in college, he quickly began to check those boxes for her. While away on vacation, Ryan gets a call urging him to come home for a family emergency. Of course Kirsty goes with him, but quickly realizes the family does not want her there. The novel jumps between their two break ups and present times. The family business comes into play, but Kirsty senses something is not right and takes it upon herself to further investigate....
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy of The Jealous Girl. The characters were horrible people, terrible what they did to Kirsty. The beginning at the airport broke me, the emotions were so heartfelt for both Ryan and Kirsty. A big negative were the timelines, it did eventually get better but three of them right from the beginning was tough. Ryan changing his mind all the time especially after talking with his mom and his emotions on and off were frustrating. Ben was the most likable and honest character throughout the entire plot. The ending was good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2026
The Jealous Girl is a great crime thriller with so much family gossip thrown in - which I enjoy
The characters other than Kirsty are all horrible, but so well written.
The story is across a short time period with flash backs to before which brings a good dimension to what really happened.
This is a book you will want to read in one go.
Kirsty is a sad character, who needs to be loved but falls into something she doesn’t deserve, the locations are described perfectly and all in all an enjoyable read
The characters other than Kirsty are all horrible, but so well written.
The story is across a short time period with flash backs to before which brings a good dimension to what really happened.
This is a book you will want to read in one go.
Kirsty is a sad character, who needs to be loved but falls into something she doesn’t deserve, the locations are described perfectly and all in all an enjoyable read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Jealous Girl is a fast-paced popcorn thriller with a brilliantly tense opening. Kirsty’s unhinged obsession and escalating jealousy make for a highly addictive, quick read. However, seasoned thriller fans may find the family secrets and mid-book twists a bit predictable. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel and wraps up a little too neatly, it is still a thoroughly entertaining, suspenseful weekend read.
September 7, 2026
This was a decent read but honestly not a lot of suspense. It was very predictable overall. I kinda wish it spent a bit of time with the relationship with Ryan and Kristy during school and even with Ryan and Charlotte before Kristy too. Just felt kinda lacking in information.
I do like how it shows that Kristy did grow up and learned to rely on herself not others and learned to trust herself.
Thank you NetGalley for the read
I do like how it shows that Kristy did grow up and learned to rely on herself not others and learned to trust herself.
Thank you NetGalley for the read
September 11, 2026
Loved this twisty thriller! Kirsty and Ryan go to Malta where he proposes and they marry...but things begin to go awry. Later she discovers a woman named Charlotte is in the picture as well and things get dicey as she realizes she isn't getting the "big picture" and doesn't know who to believe. There's poison, fraud, murder and lies everywhere!
August 24, 2026
Read this as an ARC from Netgalley.
The story overall was good although there was a bit of predictability. The timelines were hard to follow at times. I do like that the FMC was able to grow from her experience and the ending did come together well.
The story overall was good although there was a bit of predictability. The timelines were hard to follow at times. I do like that the FMC was able to grow from her experience and the ending did come together well.
September 22, 2026
wow
I loved this story I found it a bit slow to start but once you got into the story I really enjoyed it’s the ending was brilliant I can’t wait for more books by this author
I loved this story I found it a bit slow to start but once you got into the story I really enjoyed it’s the ending was brilliant I can’t wait for more books by this author
October 4, 2026
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn’t know who to believe, a cleverly written book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
I read a lot of psychological thrillers, and it takes a special kind of story to genuinely pull the rug out from under me. The Jealous Girl did exactly that.
From the very first page, Alex Stone snares you in this web of obsession, toxic love, and revenge. It’s beautifully written and fast-paced, making it virtually impossible to put down once you start. Kirsty’s spiraling jealousy felt so real and tense that I couldn't stop turning the pages to see just how far she’d go.
The story is told across three different timelines. You definitely have to concentrate a bit to keep track of where (and when) you are in the narrative, but it didn't slow me down or ruin the momentum at all—if anything, it added to the suspense!
Usually, I can guess where a thriller is heading long before the final reveal, but not with this one. Stone manages to keep you completely in the dark until the end. If you’re a fan of dark, twisty stories about secrets, obsession, and deadly revenge, you need to add this to your reading list immediately. Highly recommended!
I read a lot of psychological thrillers, and it takes a special kind of story to genuinely pull the rug out from under me. The Jealous Girl did exactly that.
From the very first page, Alex Stone snares you in this web of obsession, toxic love, and revenge. It’s beautifully written and fast-paced, making it virtually impossible to put down once you start. Kirsty’s spiraling jealousy felt so real and tense that I couldn't stop turning the pages to see just how far she’d go.
The story is told across three different timelines. You definitely have to concentrate a bit to keep track of where (and when) you are in the narrative, but it didn't slow me down or ruin the momentum at all—if anything, it added to the suspense!
Usually, I can guess where a thriller is heading long before the final reveal, but not with this one. Stone manages to keep you completely in the dark until the end. If you’re a fan of dark, twisty stories about secrets, obsession, and deadly revenge, you need to add this to your reading list immediately. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"But what if there were no second chances? What if all we ever got were repeated mistakes?"
The Jealous Girl is a first-person point of view novel told from the perspective of Kirsty, who has broken up a second time by her boyfriend, Ryan. He has returned to Charlotte, a woman who works for his family's stables. Kirsty's unhappiness with Ryan leaving her results in her stalking Charlotte. The novel is told in three time frames - current, a week ago and two years ago. The constant changing of the time references was a little hard to follow but got easier as the novel progressed.
Even as a stalker, Kirsty is a sympathetic character who had been raised by an emotionally absent father and a critical and condescending stepmother. Kirsty continuously has an inner dialog with her stepmum. You cannot help but root for Kirsty. It is evident that at her core, Kirsty is a decent person who has been abandoned by the people around her.
This was a short and fast paced mystery/thriller. I enjoyed it and I liked how Kirsty's character developed throughout the novel. Ryan's family (and Charlotte, who was referred to as "the daughter they never had") were cruel and spiteful to Kirsty. Kirsty with the help of Ben (a former employee of Ryan's family) discovers her worth.
This book would be good for anyone with a few hours who wants to have a satisfying read with a few surprises (3 gasps from me).
#NetGalley #TheJealousGirl
The Jealous Girl is a first-person point of view novel told from the perspective of Kirsty, who has broken up a second time by her boyfriend, Ryan. He has returned to Charlotte, a woman who works for his family's stables. Kirsty's unhappiness with Ryan leaving her results in her stalking Charlotte. The novel is told in three time frames - current, a week ago and two years ago. The constant changing of the time references was a little hard to follow but got easier as the novel progressed.
Even as a stalker, Kirsty is a sympathetic character who had been raised by an emotionally absent father and a critical and condescending stepmother. Kirsty continuously has an inner dialog with her stepmum. You cannot help but root for Kirsty. It is evident that at her core, Kirsty is a decent person who has been abandoned by the people around her.
This was a short and fast paced mystery/thriller. I enjoyed it and I liked how Kirsty's character developed throughout the novel. Ryan's family (and Charlotte, who was referred to as "the daughter they never had") were cruel and spiteful to Kirsty. Kirsty with the help of Ben (a former employee of Ryan's family) discovers her worth.
This book would be good for anyone with a few hours who wants to have a satisfying read with a few surprises (3 gasps from me).
#NetGalley #TheJealousGirl
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kirsty hasn't had the best upbringing. Her stepmother constantly reminds her how she isn't good enough. She meets Ryan, and they click. However, every time they try and get their relationship to become permanent, something happens.
Ryan's mother definitely doesn't like Kirsty, and neither does Charlotte, who is close to the family.
There is a lot going on in this book! I could have slapped Kirsty a few times! She put up with being treated badly by Ryan and his mother, and of course, Charlotte.
Ben became her friend until he mysteriously disappeared. His disappearance was engineered by Charlotte.
Ryan is sly, I didn't like his character at all. As for his parents!! One was as bad as the other!
Twisty and packed with suspense, I enjoyed this book.
4/5
Ryan's mother definitely doesn't like Kirsty, and neither does Charlotte, who is close to the family.
There is a lot going on in this book! I could have slapped Kirsty a few times! She put up with being treated badly by Ryan and his mother, and of course, Charlotte.
Ben became her friend until he mysteriously disappeared. His disappearance was engineered by Charlotte.
Ryan is sly, I didn't like his character at all. As for his parents!! One was as bad as the other!
Twisty and packed with suspense, I enjoyed this book.
4/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Possible spoilers
3.5 ⭐
Another one of those were people are making questionable decisions, and you can't help but shake your head at them.
From the off Ryan came across as a weak mummy's boy that you probably want to run a mile from.
I can't say my opinion of him ever improved.
Kirsty grew into herself though, and it was good to find her finding confidence and friendship after a lifetime of being undermined.
Excellent pacing, a fast read, perfect for your next holiday.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
3.5 ⭐
Another one of those were people are making questionable decisions, and you can't help but shake your head at them.
From the off Ryan came across as a weak mummy's boy that you probably want to run a mile from.
I can't say my opinion of him ever improved.
Kirsty grew into herself though, and it was good to find her finding confidence and friendship after a lifetime of being undermined.
Excellent pacing, a fast read, perfect for your next holiday.
Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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