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The Boyfriend
He loves you.
He loves you not.
Amy is fiercely independent, with a high-powered career, a flat of her own and tight-knit friendships. But as she approaches her thirtieth birthday, she can't help but rue the one thing she doesn't have - a relationship.
When Amy comes round following a serious fall, she doesn't remember anything from the last six months. Not even the week skiing at her aunt's luxurious chalet in Val D'Isere with her mum and best friends to celebrate her birthday. And she certainly doesn't remember being swept off her feet by the handsome Dr Jack Stewart . . .
Jack is the full package - charming, caring and devoted to Amy. Everyone is smitten with him, but as the week goes on, Amy begins to find Jack’s presence chilling. Is her broken mind playing tricks? Or is the perfect boyfriend really too good to be true?
The Boyfriend is a twisting anti-love story that will keep you guessing with every page, from the author of the number one bestselling sensation The Girlfriend.
He loves you not.
Amy is fiercely independent, with a high-powered career, a flat of her own and tight-knit friendships. But as she approaches her thirtieth birthday, she can't help but rue the one thing she doesn't have - a relationship.
When Amy comes round following a serious fall, she doesn't remember anything from the last six months. Not even the week skiing at her aunt's luxurious chalet in Val D'Isere with her mum and best friends to celebrate her birthday. And she certainly doesn't remember being swept off her feet by the handsome Dr Jack Stewart . . .
Jack is the full package - charming, caring and devoted to Amy. Everyone is smitten with him, but as the week goes on, Amy begins to find Jack’s presence chilling. Is her broken mind playing tricks? Or is the perfect boyfriend really too good to be true?
The Boyfriend is a twisting anti-love story that will keep you guessing with every page, from the author of the number one bestselling sensation The Girlfriend.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2022
66 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Frances
13 books786 followersMichelle's books have been published in 21 countries and have sold three quarters of a million copies worldwide. She is a USA Today bestseller and has charted at No. 1 on both Amazon Kindle and Apple UK.
Her first novel, The Girlfriend, became an international best seller. She is also the author of The Playground, The Boyfriend, Sisters, The Daughter and The Temp.
Find out more at http://michellefrancesbooks.com
Her first novel, The Girlfriend, became an international best seller. She is also the author of The Playground, The Boyfriend, Sisters, The Daughter and The Temp.
Find out more at http://michellefrancesbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
January 6, 2022
Amy has a bad accident in February with a head injury that causes amnesia, she has no memories of her life since the previous August bank holiday. Her friend Lisa tells her she has a boyfriend, Dr Jack Stewart, who she cannot remember. She messages him and receives nothing- she’s ghosted. Shortly after her release from hospital she travels to Val d’Isère to celebrate her thirtieth birthday, staying in a house owned by her Aunt Esmé. Her friends Jenna, Lisa and her mother Martha are with her when out of the blue Jack turns up.....
This is a really enjoyable easy to read psychological thriller. It’s well written, with a good plot and a mostly quick pace which makes it hard to put down. The setting in Val d’Isère is excellent, the descriptions are vivid and the February weather conditions give a suitably icy background to the unfolding drama. There are very good though awkward dynamics such as between Amy and Jenna and Amy and her judgey mother, who though she clearly cares can be a pain! Once Jack turns up the dynamics are REALLY interesting! The central premise of Amy’s post head injury amnesia and resulting paranoia is an interesting conundrum while you figure out what’s true and what’s not. Her building dread is conveyed well and it becomes chilling. There are some good plot twists and one is an absolute doozy. The ending is unexpected, I’m not sure if what happens is possible but I really like that it’s not predictable.
Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable novel.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan McMillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
This is a really enjoyable easy to read psychological thriller. It’s well written, with a good plot and a mostly quick pace which makes it hard to put down. The setting in Val d’Isère is excellent, the descriptions are vivid and the February weather conditions give a suitably icy background to the unfolding drama. There are very good though awkward dynamics such as between Amy and Jenna and Amy and her judgey mother, who though she clearly cares can be a pain! Once Jack turns up the dynamics are REALLY interesting! The central premise of Amy’s post head injury amnesia and resulting paranoia is an interesting conundrum while you figure out what’s true and what’s not. Her building dread is conveyed well and it becomes chilling. There are some good plot twists and one is an absolute doozy. The ending is unexpected, I’m not sure if what happens is possible but I really like that it’s not predictable.
Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable novel.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan McMillan for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review
January 16, 2022
Amy is fiercely independent, with a high-powered career, a flat of her own and tight-knit friendships. But as she approaches her 30th birthday, she can't help but rue the one thing she doesn't have - a relationship. When Amy comes round after a serious fall, she doesn't remember anything from the last six months. Not even the week skiing at her aunt's luxurious chalet in Val D'Isere with her mum and best friends to celebrate her birthday. And she doesn't remember being swept off her feet by the handsome Dr Jack Stewart.
This is a fast paced read from the beginning and I was hooked in straight away. It is a little bit far fetched so suspend your beliefs whilst reading and you'll enjoy the story better. Filled with twists, this book has an unexpected ending and it was definitely not what I thought it was going to be. As Amy's memory comes back, she begins to question the intensions of her boyfriend Jack. I liked the authors style in writing this book. I was suspicious of everyone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #MichelleFrances for my ARC of #TheBoyfriend in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fast paced read from the beginning and I was hooked in straight away. It is a little bit far fetched so suspend your beliefs whilst reading and you'll enjoy the story better. Filled with twists, this book has an unexpected ending and it was definitely not what I thought it was going to be. As Amy's memory comes back, she begins to question the intensions of her boyfriend Jack. I liked the authors style in writing this book. I was suspicious of everyone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #MichelleFrances for my ARC of #TheBoyfriend in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2022
So this comes under the category of Phycological Thriller?
Not for me.
I didn’t encounter any phycological evidence, I encountered lots of predictability and unbelievable convenience of tying in loop holes.
Thrilling events didn’t happen at all.
It was only my determination that kept me switching from ebook to audio so that I could speed up the story!
Definitely not my kind of read.
Not for me.
I didn’t encounter any phycological evidence, I encountered lots of predictability and unbelievable convenience of tying in loop holes.
Thrilling events didn’t happen at all.
It was only my determination that kept me switching from ebook to audio so that I could speed up the story!
Definitely not my kind of read.
Read
March 3, 2023Women's Fiction / Domestic Thrillers
Publication date : January 6, 2022
When Amy comes around following a serious fall, she doesn’t remember anything from the last six months. Not the upcoming skiing holiday at her aunt’s luxurious chalet in Val d’Isère with her mum and best friends to celebrate her 30th birthday. Not the reason why her best friend is suddenly very cold towards her. And she certainly doesn’t remember her handsome new boyfriend, Dr Jack Stewart....
I was inrigued by the synospsis, so I looked forward reading it. It was a bit confusing at times because I didn't understand what was going on. Oh, Amy didn't also know what was happening, so it was fun to guess with her and see if she can regain her memory about the missing months and her boyfriend.
When story suddenly jumped back in time to Harry's POV, some of the tension got lost for me. I kept wondering who was Harry? Why his POV? I was pretty sure what was going on, but then I hoped, surely not. It can't be this easy?
I kept wondering why Amy didn't think to Google
Publication date : January 6, 2022
When Amy comes around following a serious fall, she doesn’t remember anything from the last six months. Not the upcoming skiing holiday at her aunt’s luxurious chalet in Val d’Isère with her mum and best friends to celebrate her 30th birthday. Not the reason why her best friend is suddenly very cold towards her. And she certainly doesn’t remember her handsome new boyfriend, Dr Jack Stewart....
I was inrigued by the synospsis, so I looked forward reading it. It was a bit confusing at times because I didn't understand what was going on. Oh, Amy didn't also know what was happening, so it was fun to guess with her and see if she can regain her memory about the missing months and her boyfriend.
When story suddenly jumped back in time to Harry's POV, some of the tension got lost for me. I kept wondering who was Harry? Why his POV? I was pretty sure what was going on, but then I hoped, surely not. It can't be this easy?
I kept wondering why Amy didn't think to Google
December 21, 2021
This book is so far fetched, it actually made me quite angry by the end.
Not only is the book super repetitive, it ends on a slight cliffhanger as if to suggest that more books are to come in this series.
We're constantly questioning whether Amy is a reliable narrator - but the fact her own friends are questioning her annoyed me! Surely her mates would stick by her?
The whole thing was just so unbelievable and I am disappointed that i stuck it out until the end, as the ending just wasn't worth it!
Not only is the book super repetitive, it ends on a slight cliffhanger as if to suggest that more books are to come in this series.
We're constantly questioning whether Amy is a reliable narrator - but the fact her own friends are questioning her annoyed me! Surely her mates would stick by her?
The whole thing was just so unbelievable and I am disappointed that i stuck it out until the end, as the ending just wasn't worth it!
June 25, 2023
Amy is onafhankelijk, met een goede carrière, een eigen appartement en hechte vriendschappen. Maar nu ze haar dertigste verjaardag nadert, kan ze het niet helpen dat ze spijt heeft van het enige dat ze niet heeft: een relatie.
Als Amy na een zware val weer bijkomt, herinnert ze zich niets meer van de afgelopen zes maanden. Zelfs niet de komende skivakantie in het luxe chalet van haar tante in Val d'Isère met haar moeder en beste vrienden om haar verjaardag te vieren. En ze kan zich zeker niet herinneren dat ze van haar sokken werd geveegd door de knappe Dr. Jack Stewart...
Jack is het volledige pakket: charmant, zorgzaam en toegewijd aan Amy. Iedereen is verliefd op hem, maar naarmate de week vordert, begint Amy Jacks aanwezigheid huiveringwekkend te vinden. Speelt haar gebroken geest parten? Of is het perfecte vriendje echt te mooi om waar te zijn?
Soms lees ik ook Engelstalige boeken en 'The boyfriend' is daar dus weer eentje van. Dit verhaal begint erg goed. Amy wordt wakker in het ziekenhuis en ze weet niet wat er met haar is gebeurd. Alle herinneringen zijn verdwenen en de vraag is of deze nog terug zullen komen. Ze heeft immers een harde val gemaakt.
Vervolgens kom je erachter dat ze een vriend heeft. Hij heet Jack, is arts en enorm charmant. Maar ook hier weet Amy niets meer van. Als ze samen met haar familie haar verjaardag gaat vieren in een luxe chalet, duikt hij opeens op. Amy begrijpt waarom ze blijkbaar in het verleden voor hem is gevallen... maar naarmate de tijd verstrijkt twijfelt ze steeds meer over hem. En dan gebeuren er ondertussen ook nog een aantal vreemde dingen.
Ik vond 'The boyfriend' oké. Het is een langzaam verhaal en ik vond dat het ook een aantal keren in herhaling viel. Er is ook nog een tweede verhaallijn en ik had al een beetje een vermoeden wat deze twee met elkaar te maken hadden. Al met al dus een "oke" verhaal. Niet superslecht, maar het gaf mij ook geen "wauw" gevoel.
Beoordeling: 3,0 ⭐️
Als Amy na een zware val weer bijkomt, herinnert ze zich niets meer van de afgelopen zes maanden. Zelfs niet de komende skivakantie in het luxe chalet van haar tante in Val d'Isère met haar moeder en beste vrienden om haar verjaardag te vieren. En ze kan zich zeker niet herinneren dat ze van haar sokken werd geveegd door de knappe Dr. Jack Stewart...
Jack is het volledige pakket: charmant, zorgzaam en toegewijd aan Amy. Iedereen is verliefd op hem, maar naarmate de week vordert, begint Amy Jacks aanwezigheid huiveringwekkend te vinden. Speelt haar gebroken geest parten? Of is het perfecte vriendje echt te mooi om waar te zijn?
Soms lees ik ook Engelstalige boeken en 'The boyfriend' is daar dus weer eentje van. Dit verhaal begint erg goed. Amy wordt wakker in het ziekenhuis en ze weet niet wat er met haar is gebeurd. Alle herinneringen zijn verdwenen en de vraag is of deze nog terug zullen komen. Ze heeft immers een harde val gemaakt.
Vervolgens kom je erachter dat ze een vriend heeft. Hij heet Jack, is arts en enorm charmant. Maar ook hier weet Amy niets meer van. Als ze samen met haar familie haar verjaardag gaat vieren in een luxe chalet, duikt hij opeens op. Amy begrijpt waarom ze blijkbaar in het verleden voor hem is gevallen... maar naarmate de tijd verstrijkt twijfelt ze steeds meer over hem. En dan gebeuren er ondertussen ook nog een aantal vreemde dingen.
Ik vond 'The boyfriend' oké. Het is een langzaam verhaal en ik vond dat het ook een aantal keren in herhaling viel. Er is ook nog een tweede verhaallijn en ik had al een beetje een vermoeden wat deze twee met elkaar te maken hadden. Al met al dus een "oke" verhaal. Niet superslecht, maar het gaf mij ook geen "wauw" gevoel.
Beoordeling: 3,0 ⭐️
September 24, 2021
Anyone who knows me knows I enjoy psychological thrillers, so when Netgalley offered this Arc I was happy to give it whirl. After all a couple of authors of this genre had declared it “Terrific, fraught with suspense” and writer Louise Candlish apparently “tore through the pages” of every Michelle Frances novel she's read. Well, that's good enough for me, I thought, as I settled in for a thrilling read.....
...or so I thought...
Amy wakes up in hospital with no memory of how, when or why she was there. In fact she has no memory of anything that has occurred in the previous six months. She has no memory of the Wonderful Jack, her handsome and perfect boyfriend who, by sheer coincidence, is a doctor, and as such is far too busy to visit his girlfriend. Anyway, Amy is released from hospital, and goes home to prepare for a skiing holiday n France to celebrate her birthday, convinced that Handsome Jack has dumped her. Now you might be forgiven for thinking that Amy is going to celebrate her 18th birthday, but no it's her 30th!
One of her friends, Lisa, also a doctor, is a caring and loyal friend, the other one – Jenna - is weird, whilst her mother seems to enjoy wine just a little too much, and as for Jack....
So, what's wrong with Jenna, giving Amy those sneaky, sidelong glances?
Will Amy's mother stop drinking and sniping at Amy?
Will Amy's memory return?
Is Handsome Jack real or a figment of Amy's absent memory?
But – most important of all....
Do I care?
I've reached 20% on my kindle and I've read enough. The whole thing is just too silly, and if I didn't know better I would suggest it's aimed for a younger reading audience. It feels as though it's been written by someone entering a school writing competition.
There are so many really – really – good books out there. Don't waste your time on this with it's cheesy dialogue, flat characters and silly, predictable plot.
...or so I thought...
Amy wakes up in hospital with no memory of how, when or why she was there. In fact she has no memory of anything that has occurred in the previous six months. She has no memory of the Wonderful Jack, her handsome and perfect boyfriend who, by sheer coincidence, is a doctor, and as such is far too busy to visit his girlfriend. Anyway, Amy is released from hospital, and goes home to prepare for a skiing holiday n France to celebrate her birthday, convinced that Handsome Jack has dumped her. Now you might be forgiven for thinking that Amy is going to celebrate her 18th birthday, but no it's her 30th!
One of her friends, Lisa, also a doctor, is a caring and loyal friend, the other one – Jenna - is weird, whilst her mother seems to enjoy wine just a little too much, and as for Jack....
So, what's wrong with Jenna, giving Amy those sneaky, sidelong glances?
Will Amy's mother stop drinking and sniping at Amy?
Will Amy's memory return?
Is Handsome Jack real or a figment of Amy's absent memory?
But – most important of all....
Do I care?
I've reached 20% on my kindle and I've read enough. The whole thing is just too silly, and if I didn't know better I would suggest it's aimed for a younger reading audience. It feels as though it's been written by someone entering a school writing competition.
There are so many really – really – good books out there. Don't waste your time on this with it's cheesy dialogue, flat characters and silly, predictable plot.
February 2, 2022
This book was not for me. Actually, I was annoyed by it. Amy is thirty and allegedly a lawyer. But she acts like a teenager and I really can’t imagine her in court fighting a case. She is inconsistent and childish. And she has an awful mother and horrible friends who never had her back. The story gave me strong YA-vibes and I did not like that. All this stuff about having a boyfriend and her mother nagging her about being single – it was just awful. I mean, in which century was this woman stuck? The story is not very suspenseful. I was annoyed all the time by stupid Amy and her even more stupid friends. Amy fails to tell her friends properly that she begins to remember. She prefers to run out of the room when they doubt her. And her friends doubt her all the time. She is supposed to be their best friend for years but suddenly they treat her like an imbecile. The story itself is plainly constructed and full of conveniences. Especially when it comes to Jack. A friend of mine wrote little love stories when we were teens and this story sounded exactly like one of her stories.
This was my third book from the author. I rated the first with four stars and the second was a DNF. I thought I give her another try but it seems that Michelle Frances is not going to become one of my favourite authors.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my third book from the author. I rated the first with four stars and the second was a DNF. I thought I give her another try but it seems that Michelle Frances is not going to become one of my favourite authors.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2023
What a c**p ending!!
The story starts off ok then it jumps to Harry out of nowhere, who is he and why is he is the story?
Then back to Amy, back to penniless Harry, back to Amy ....
They all spend a week in the French mountains and only leave the lodge once to go gliding 🤔 apart from Amy who visits her aunt's bf house and her mate to take photos of snow!
It all gets very strange and unbelievable, then there's a rushed prologue and it ends.
Kinda assume it all gets wrapped up in the next book but to be honest although I want to know what happens and hope Harry gets thrown in prison, it's so jumpy and erratic I don't think I would read it.
The story starts off ok then it jumps to Harry out of nowhere, who is he and why is he is the story?
Then back to Amy, back to penniless Harry, back to Amy ....
They all spend a week in the French mountains and only leave the lodge once to go gliding 🤔 apart from Amy who visits her aunt's bf house and her mate to take photos of snow!
It all gets very strange and unbelievable, then there's a rushed prologue and it ends.
Kinda assume it all gets wrapped up in the next book but to be honest although I want to know what happens and hope Harry gets thrown in prison, it's so jumpy and erratic I don't think I would read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
I’m not a person who tends to review books but I’m not entirely sure how people didn’t see the reveals coming in this one
It’s either really predictable, or I’m wasted in my current day job.
Also what a disappointing ending.
It’s either really predictable, or I’m wasted in my current day job.
Also what a disappointing ending.
February 12, 2022
A bad accident in February leaves Amy with a head injury that causes amnesia - she has no memories of her life from the previous August onwards. Her GP friend Lisa tells her she has a boyfriend, Dr Jack Stewart, a consultant paediatrician, but she cannot remember him. After her release from the hospital, she travels to Val d’Isère to celebrate her 30th birthday, leaving London from St Pancras station and staying in a mountain lodge owned by her Aunt Esme. Her friends Jenna, Lisa and her mum Martha are with her when Jack, who has been ghosting her, turns up on the doorstep. David and Lewis, the husbands of Lisa and Jenna, are also expected to arrive.
This is a really enjoyable psychological thriller. It’s well-plotted, fast-paced and engrossing. The setting in Val d’Isère is vividly described and the February weather conditions give atmosphere and chills to the unfolding drama. There are excellent, though awkward dynamics between the characters, layering the interest. Amy’s post head injury amnesia and resulting paranoia are central to the tale whilst the reader ponders what could be true. Her building dread is conveyed well, there are some good plot twists and the ending is unpredictable. 100% recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This is a really enjoyable psychological thriller. It’s well-plotted, fast-paced and engrossing. The setting in Val d’Isère is vividly described and the February weather conditions give atmosphere and chills to the unfolding drama. There are excellent, though awkward dynamics between the characters, layering the interest. Amy’s post head injury amnesia and resulting paranoia are central to the tale whilst the reader ponders what could be true. Her building dread is conveyed well, there are some good plot twists and the ending is unpredictable. 100% recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 19, 2022
With a snowy Val D'Isere setting and a hot but possibly dangerous boyfriend, The Boyfriend is such a compelling story! The novel begins as the main character comes round in hospital following a fall in which she banged her head and lost consciousness. She has lost her memory of the last six months. She's shocked to learn she has a boyfriend. Over the next days, on holiday with the boyfriend and her friends in the French Alps, her memory returns in fragments, forcing her to question her own judgement and ask who she really trusts. There are some truly sinister moments.
Fast paced, compelling and full of intrigue! Loved this one!
Fast paced, compelling and full of intrigue! Loved this one!
February 14, 2022
Listened to on audio. Absolutely loved it, great story which kept me guessing all the way through. This is my third read by this author and have enjoyed them all. The remaining 2 are on my TBR pile!
September 15, 2023
Spodziewałam się hitu.
Nie było źle, ale najlepiej też nie.
Widzę wady i zalety.
Nie było źle, ale najlepiej też nie.
Widzę wady i zalety.
May 1, 2025
Ik had niet perse hoge verwachtingen van dit boek, eigenlijk best wel lage verwachtingen. Ik denk dat het me daarom zo goed deed. Want wat een spannend, boeiend en verrassend verhaal. Ik had tijdens het lezen telkens de frustratie; wanneer komt de plot nu? En de plot kwam en was niet abrupt of kort. Ik vond het heel erg prettig lezen! Vooral het einde is erg verfrissend.
March 10, 2022
If you enjoyed The Tinder Swindler on Netflix... this is the book for you!
I started THE BOYFRIEND by Michelle Frances just yesterday and already finished it! The premise hooked me right away. Its about Amy who is approaching her thirties. She has a head injury and can't remember the last 6 months of her life.... she can't remember the relationship she's started with the seemingly wonderful doctor who is right by her side. She just has to go along with everything.. however.. her memory starts trickling back and she remembers she's made up her boyfriend to stop the nagging from her friends and family.... so who is the guy posing as her boyfriend and what does he want!?
I have been in such a huge reading slump... I really just needed a suspenseful thriller to kick me back into gear. I'm glad I picked up The Boyfriend on a whim. I hadn't heard anything about it so had no idea what to expect.
I loved the amnesia element to the book.. not truly being able to trust Amy as a main character. Questioning her and those around her. It was a fun, entertaining and gripping read. It was a really enjoyable, easy read. I have seen a number of reviews saying this book was too far-fetched and silly - but it's honestly the kind of read I was really needing. Is it far fetched? Before I watched The Tinder Swindler, I might have said yes.. but Simon Leviev (Shimon Hayut?) has made it very clear that these things truly can happen and that's damn scary!
I liked the pacing of the book and the build up of tension. It was well-written with vivid descriptions. An absolute page turner.
The cliffhanger ending leaves you on tenterhooks, needing to find out what happens next. It definitely suggests there will be a sequel coming and I'm excited for it!
I started THE BOYFRIEND by Michelle Frances just yesterday and already finished it! The premise hooked me right away. Its about Amy who is approaching her thirties. She has a head injury and can't remember the last 6 months of her life.... she can't remember the relationship she's started with the seemingly wonderful doctor who is right by her side. She just has to go along with everything.. however.. her memory starts trickling back and she remembers she's made up her boyfriend to stop the nagging from her friends and family.... so who is the guy posing as her boyfriend and what does he want!?
I have been in such a huge reading slump... I really just needed a suspenseful thriller to kick me back into gear. I'm glad I picked up The Boyfriend on a whim. I hadn't heard anything about it so had no idea what to expect.
I loved the amnesia element to the book.. not truly being able to trust Amy as a main character. Questioning her and those around her. It was a fun, entertaining and gripping read. It was a really enjoyable, easy read. I have seen a number of reviews saying this book was too far-fetched and silly - but it's honestly the kind of read I was really needing. Is it far fetched? Before I watched The Tinder Swindler, I might have said yes.. but Simon Leviev (Shimon Hayut?) has made it very clear that these things truly can happen and that's damn scary!
I liked the pacing of the book and the build up of tension. It was well-written with vivid descriptions. An absolute page turner.
The cliffhanger ending leaves you on tenterhooks, needing to find out what happens next. It definitely suggests there will be a sequel coming and I'm excited for it!
June 9, 2022
This book had a great first half however the second half (especially the last quarter) let me down and the ending was a tad unbelievable.
To begin with I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to know if the main character really couldn’t remember anything, if the boyfriend was genuine, if her best friend was genuine, I wanted to know everything. However, the more the story went on especially when things started to unravel and the truth was relieved I was left feeling rather disappointed. I found the reason the main character was chased absolutely ridiculous and there was no reason that they money couldn’t be traced. He was he a master mind criminal he was just a young man chancing his luck.
The story follows a young lady who suffers a hit to the head. She wakes up in hospital unnerved to discover that she can’t remember anything that happened during the last six months, including her new boyfriend. She then finds herself on a skiing holiday with her two best friends, mum and boyfriend. As expected everything isn’t as it seems but who is hiding something? And why?.
All in all it was ok but I’d recommend watching The Tinder Swindler on Netflix rather than reading this book.
To begin with I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down. I wanted to know if the main character really couldn’t remember anything, if the boyfriend was genuine, if her best friend was genuine, I wanted to know everything. However, the more the story went on especially when things started to unravel and the truth was relieved I was left feeling rather disappointed. I found the reason the main character was chased absolutely ridiculous and there was no reason that they money couldn’t be traced. He was he a master mind criminal he was just a young man chancing his luck.
The story follows a young lady who suffers a hit to the head. She wakes up in hospital unnerved to discover that she can’t remember anything that happened during the last six months, including her new boyfriend. She then finds herself on a skiing holiday with her two best friends, mum and boyfriend. As expected everything isn’t as it seems but who is hiding something? And why?.
All in all it was ok but I’d recommend watching The Tinder Swindler on Netflix rather than reading this book.
February 25, 2022
Implausible and predictable.
February 23, 2022
Amy has met with an accident that led to temporary memory loss. She cannot remember any detail of the last six months. So, when her best friend tells her that she had a trip planned with her friends and mother, she cannot believe it.
Her friend, Lisa, also mentions that Amy has a boyfriend. One that she met just three months prior. One that Amy doesn't remember at all.
A few days later, they are all off to the snow resort-esque home in the mountains. And when they are all snowed in, Jack Stewart, a handsome paediatric surgeon and her boyfriend, appears.
He is suave and caring and everything a good boyfriend can be. He is a bit too perfect. While others are completely taken in, Amy begins to doubt. Is he really her boyfriend? Or is he an imposter? Is her paranoia following the head injury acting up?
The book was good. It was a complete page-turner and unputdownable. Though some things were a bit unbelievable, there was always an undercurrent of tension. I wanted to get to the end as much as Amy did. The ending also gave me the promise of a sequel so I am happy. I will look out for this author and the subsequent book.
4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Her friend, Lisa, also mentions that Amy has a boyfriend. One that she met just three months prior. One that Amy doesn't remember at all.
A few days later, they are all off to the snow resort-esque home in the mountains. And when they are all snowed in, Jack Stewart, a handsome paediatric surgeon and her boyfriend, appears.
He is suave and caring and everything a good boyfriend can be. He is a bit too perfect. While others are completely taken in, Amy begins to doubt. Is he really her boyfriend? Or is he an imposter? Is her paranoia following the head injury acting up?
The book was good. It was a complete page-turner and unputdownable. Though some things were a bit unbelievable, there was always an undercurrent of tension. I wanted to get to the end as much as Amy did. The ending also gave me the promise of a sequel so I am happy. I will look out for this author and the subsequent book.
4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
March 9, 2025
In een (zonnige) middag en avond uitgelezen, amazing. Ook echt van genoten!! Zat ook gewoon goed in elkaar en ik was heel benieuwd naar hoe het helemaal zat. Oh en ik hou van ons powervrouwkeeee Amy!! Kortom, leuk thrillertje voor even tussendoor🙈
February 18, 2022
Boring and bland. It was very predictable. There were no red herrings or twists or turns but I soldiered on thinking surely this story is going somewhere. The ending was awful and made no sense (I mean neither did the rest of the story if we are honest). The money couldn’t be traced? Even though it was transferred into his bank account? I’m quite happy to suspend disbelief for my fiction fix but this was just daft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2023
Not really a psychological thriller as there no suspense or surprise. Main character suppose to be a 30 year old lawyer but comes across as much younger person with a group of unsupportive friends. I’m surprised I didn’t give up on this book as it was predictable and not all that exciting
January 27, 2026
3.5 stars - Amy, a lawyer, awakes to find herself in a hospital room. She's told she had a bit of an accident and has a head injury. As a result, she has amnesia and can't remember anything from the last 6 months, including her boyfriend Jack Stewart. She's warned that paranoia and confusion may be other symptoms she may experience and to take it easy. She will eventually get her memory back.
Amy is informed that her, her mother and her two closest friends - Jenna and Lisa - had planned to stay at her Aunt Esme's ski chalet in the French Alps for her 30th birthday. Amy decides to go. Jack, previously unable to come, surprises her and shows up. He's seemingly the perfect boyfriend, or is he? Amy starts to get memories back and she believes she made Jack up after being frustrated that she was always the single one amongst her friends and her mother making her feel guilty for being perpetually single. No one believes her. Her mom and friends are concerned this is the paranoia creeping in. Jack seems to know too much about Amy and her life, her apartment, as well as her likes/dislikes and their previous dates (which she had posted on her Facebook). How would he know all those things if he was made up? Amy even starts to doubt herself.
This thriller is a classic "unreliable narrator" story. There's a second storyline centering on Harry. The reader doesn't know how he fits into everything until the end. Although I guess how he fit in although I didn't guess why until the end.
The characters weren't particularly likeable or unlikeable - aside from Amy and Martha, I didn't have any strong feelings about anyone. I liked Amy - I thought she was smart and I felt her frustration at her friends and mother for not believing her. Martha, Amy's mother, I hated, haha. I thought she was annoying and a nuisance but I'm fairly confident that that was the author's point.
I enjoyed this book more than the average Goodreads rating would suggest I should. It was fast paced, short chapters and a really quick read. I liked the setting and I thought the storyline was good. The ending felt a tad rushed and I feel like I didn't get all the closure I would have liked. It feels like there should be a sequel, but there isn't. I checked. Haha.
Amy is informed that her, her mother and her two closest friends - Jenna and Lisa - had planned to stay at her Aunt Esme's ski chalet in the French Alps for her 30th birthday. Amy decides to go. Jack, previously unable to come, surprises her and shows up. He's seemingly the perfect boyfriend, or is he? Amy starts to get memories back and she believes she made Jack up after being frustrated that she was always the single one amongst her friends and her mother making her feel guilty for being perpetually single. No one believes her. Her mom and friends are concerned this is the paranoia creeping in. Jack seems to know too much about Amy and her life, her apartment, as well as her likes/dislikes and their previous dates (which she had posted on her Facebook). How would he know all those things if he was made up? Amy even starts to doubt herself.
This thriller is a classic "unreliable narrator" story. There's a second storyline centering on Harry. The reader doesn't know how he fits into everything until the end. Although I guess how he fit in although I didn't guess why until the end.
The characters weren't particularly likeable or unlikeable - aside from Amy and Martha, I didn't have any strong feelings about anyone. I liked Amy - I thought she was smart and I felt her frustration at her friends and mother for not believing her. Martha, Amy's mother, I hated, haha. I thought she was annoying and a nuisance but I'm fairly confident that that was the author's point.
I enjoyed this book more than the average Goodreads rating would suggest I should. It was fast paced, short chapters and a really quick read. I liked the setting and I thought the storyline was good. The ending felt a tad rushed and I feel like I didn't get all the closure I would have liked. It feels like there should be a sequel, but there isn't. I checked. Haha.
March 28, 2022
The Boyfriend begins with a fantastic opening. Amy wakes up in hospital with no memory of the last six months of her life. Enter, her boyfriend, who Amy has absolutely no memory of. Are Amy's concerns justified? Or, as her family and friends believe, is her head injury affecting her judgment? I couldn't wait to find out!
Unfortunately, while I loved the original take on the overused memory-loss thriller trope and the overall concept, I found pretty much everything else quite flat. Part of this, I think, is due to the audiobook, as I think I needed to read this story for myself to feel more engaged with the characters. Instead, I found their actions ridiculous and childish, and there were far too many coincidences to make this work.
What did work well was that I was constantly trying to guess which character was deceiving me, so there was definitely a lot of suspense at the start which made me excited to see where the story would go. But because there are two stories being told at once, I thought that the link between them felt too obvious, so it did take away a lot of the surprise for me when it came to the final revelations. I was still waiting for something more, so it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
The book is narrated by Christina Cole whose performance was great. However, I do think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had read it physically. That's no fault of Cole's as I would definitely listen to more audiobooks by her, but I just think I needed to connect to this story and its characters personally to be more gripped by it.
Unfortunately, while I loved the original take on the overused memory-loss thriller trope and the overall concept, I found pretty much everything else quite flat. Part of this, I think, is due to the audiobook, as I think I needed to read this story for myself to feel more engaged with the characters. Instead, I found their actions ridiculous and childish, and there were far too many coincidences to make this work.
What did work well was that I was constantly trying to guess which character was deceiving me, so there was definitely a lot of suspense at the start which made me excited to see where the story would go. But because there are two stories being told at once, I thought that the link between them felt too obvious, so it did take away a lot of the surprise for me when it came to the final revelations. I was still waiting for something more, so it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
The book is narrated by Christina Cole whose performance was great. However, I do think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had read it physically. That's no fault of Cole's as I would definitely listen to more audiobooks by her, but I just think I needed to connect to this story and its characters personally to be more gripped by it.
December 13, 2021
I wasn't familiar with Michelle Frances' books, but this one really gripped me. I loved it straight away.
The story centres around Amy, who after an accident, wakes up in hospital with no memory of the last six months of her life. Enter Jack, her amazing, loving boyfriend of several months, of whom Amy has no memory whatsoever. He appears so perfect and charming, but is he really all he seems?
I love books with an "unreliable narrator". Suspicion creeps in and Amy starts to doubt Jack's intentions, but she has a head injury, so could this be affecting her judgment? One of her friends is also acting strangely around her and Amy can't remember why.
The descriptions of the ski slopes were vividly drawn, and the atmospheric snowy setting of the chalet was absolutely perfect for this time of year and really added to the sense of eeriness and isolation.
Amy's sense of unease continues to grow, especially as everyone else seems to adore Jack, and she begins to feel increasingly vulnerable and alone. I was swept up in the fast paced twists and tension and finished the book in two days.
Excellent chilling psychological thriller, perfect for these cold, wintry evenings. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, Michelle Frances, publishers Pan Macmillan and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story centres around Amy, who after an accident, wakes up in hospital with no memory of the last six months of her life. Enter Jack, her amazing, loving boyfriend of several months, of whom Amy has no memory whatsoever. He appears so perfect and charming, but is he really all he seems?
I love books with an "unreliable narrator". Suspicion creeps in and Amy starts to doubt Jack's intentions, but she has a head injury, so could this be affecting her judgment? One of her friends is also acting strangely around her and Amy can't remember why.
The descriptions of the ski slopes were vividly drawn, and the atmospheric snowy setting of the chalet was absolutely perfect for this time of year and really added to the sense of eeriness and isolation.
Amy's sense of unease continues to grow, especially as everyone else seems to adore Jack, and she begins to feel increasingly vulnerable and alone. I was swept up in the fast paced twists and tension and finished the book in two days.
Excellent chilling psychological thriller, perfect for these cold, wintry evenings. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the author, Michelle Frances, publishers Pan Macmillan and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2022
He loves you.
He loves you not.
Amy is fiercely independent, with a high-powered career, a flat of her own and tight-knit friendships. But as she approaches her thirtieth birthday, she can’t help but rue the one thing she doesn’t have – a relationship.
When Amy comes around following a serious fall, she doesn’t remember anything from the last six months. Not even the upcoming skiing holiday at her aunt’s luxurious chalet in Val d’Isère with her mum and best friends to celebrate her birthday. And she certainly doesn’t remember being swept off her feet by the handsome Dr Jack Stewart . . .
Jack is the full package – charming, caring and devoted to Amy. Everyone is smitten with him, but as the week goes on, Amy begins to find Jack’s presence chilling. Is her broken mind playing tricks? Or is the perfect boyfriend really too good to be true?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
He loves you not.
Amy is fiercely independent, with a high-powered career, a flat of her own and tight-knit friendships. But as she approaches her thirtieth birthday, she can’t help but rue the one thing she doesn’t have – a relationship.
When Amy comes around following a serious fall, she doesn’t remember anything from the last six months. Not even the upcoming skiing holiday at her aunt’s luxurious chalet in Val d’Isère with her mum and best friends to celebrate her birthday. And she certainly doesn’t remember being swept off her feet by the handsome Dr Jack Stewart . . .
Jack is the full package – charming, caring and devoted to Amy. Everyone is smitten with him, but as the week goes on, Amy begins to find Jack’s presence chilling. Is her broken mind playing tricks? Or is the perfect boyfriend really too good to be true?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
June 22, 2022
Don’t bother reading if you want a real suspenseful novel. Why try for a mystery if isn’t going to be a good one?
A bit unbelievable but full of suspense.
Amy wakes after an accident with amnesia and can`t remember the last six months not even her boyfriend Jack Stewart.
Her 30th birthday is due and her plan is to spend it with friends and her mam at her aunts ski lodge in Val d`Isere, unfortunately Jack can`t make it, but then he turns up at the lodge and things don`t seem right to Amy.
Lots of things that doesn`t make sense with Amy just after having a head injury, but the suspense keeps you reading.
It makes you wonder, why would you make up a fake boyfriend and carry on the charade and keeping track of all your lies like what is the point? Just be honest or get on with it.
Technically she did get what she deserved and Jack did teach her a lesson therefore I didn’t feel sorry for her in that aspect. I did feel sorry for Amy when her friends and mum wouldn’t listen to her at all without any proof. They would rather listen to a handsome stranger instead of someone they actually know.
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Blog: https://clife.blog/2022/06/22/book-re...
A bit unbelievable but full of suspense.
Amy wakes after an accident with amnesia and can`t remember the last six months not even her boyfriend Jack Stewart.
Her 30th birthday is due and her plan is to spend it with friends and her mam at her aunts ski lodge in Val d`Isere, unfortunately Jack can`t make it, but then he turns up at the lodge and things don`t seem right to Amy.
Lots of things that doesn`t make sense with Amy just after having a head injury, but the suspense keeps you reading.
It makes you wonder, why would you make up a fake boyfriend and carry on the charade and keeping track of all your lies like what is the point? Just be honest or get on with it.
Technically she did get what she deserved and Jack did teach her a lesson therefore I didn’t feel sorry for her in that aspect. I did feel sorry for Amy when her friends and mum wouldn’t listen to her at all without any proof. They would rather listen to a handsome stranger instead of someone they actually know.
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Blog: https://clife.blog/2022/06/22/book-re...
May 1, 2024
Amy wordt op een avond wakker in het ziekenhuis. Ze is hard op de gladde straat gevallen in London. Ze herinnert zich niets. En ook niets meer van wat er een halfjaar aan haar val vooraf ging.
Een aantal dagen later vertrekt ze met haar moeder Martha, en haar vriendinnen Jenna en Lisa naar een geplande vakantie in een skioord in Frankrijk. Ze verblijven in het luxueuze chalet van haar tante. Eenmaal daar komt haar knappe vriend en dokter Jack Stewart haar als verrassing opzoeken.
Maar zij herinnert hem zich niet.
Is Jack echt?
Hij is charmant en volledig toegewijd aan Amy, maar Amy krijgt steeds meer twijfels over hem.
In het verhaal loopt ook de verhaallijn van een jongeman Harry. Later komt dit bij elkaar. Erg spannend is het boek niet en ik vond het deels erg fijn om te lezen. Maar ik miste spanning, en psychologische dynamiek in het chalet. Het verviel ook in herhaling, wat de vaart eruit haalde. Verrassend was het einde niet. Toch las het als een trein en had ik er plezier van.
Het krijgt van mij 3,5⭐
Een aantal dagen later vertrekt ze met haar moeder Martha, en haar vriendinnen Jenna en Lisa naar een geplande vakantie in een skioord in Frankrijk. Ze verblijven in het luxueuze chalet van haar tante. Eenmaal daar komt haar knappe vriend en dokter Jack Stewart haar als verrassing opzoeken.
Maar zij herinnert hem zich niet.
Is Jack echt?
Hij is charmant en volledig toegewijd aan Amy, maar Amy krijgt steeds meer twijfels over hem.
In het verhaal loopt ook de verhaallijn van een jongeman Harry. Later komt dit bij elkaar. Erg spannend is het boek niet en ik vond het deels erg fijn om te lezen. Maar ik miste spanning, en psychologische dynamiek in het chalet. Het verviel ook in herhaling, wat de vaart eruit haalde. Verrassend was het einde niet. Toch las het als een trein en had ik er plezier van.
Het krijgt van mij 3,5⭐
February 23, 2022
Imagine the scene: You’ve just started a mini getaway with your mum and two best friends at a luxury chalet in the French Alps, when your boyfriend turns up to surprise you. Jack is handsome, attentive and charming — everything you could possibly wish for in a man — but you’ve never seen him before in your life!
Or at least you can’t remember him, thanks to a head injury that’s erased all memory of the past six months. But the evidence is all there — on your phone and social media — of a hearts and flowers romance with dishy doctor Jack.
So why do you feel so uneasy? And what possible motive could he have for pretending to be someone he’s not?
Ooh, what a chiller thriller of a read this was! It had everything: a remote, snowed-in location, unreliable narrators, and a twisty, corkscrew of a plot that kept me guessing until the last page. And, of course, a body.
The memory-loss trope isn’t original, but it does lend itself rather brilliantly to this kind of thriller. And author Michelle Frances does a first-rate job of inserting you inside protagonist Amy’s head, as she vacillates between thinking she’s losing her mind and the absolute conviction that Jack is an imposter.
As flashbacks of memory add to the uncertainty so does a second narrative that you know is going to intersect at some point. I guessed how quite early on but couldn’t for the life of me make all the pieces fit.
The strands finally untangle, in what is a masterful display of prestidigitation by Frances. I’m a highly critical thriller reader, but every time I thought I spotted a hole, she stepped in and patched it up quick smart.
And the ending! Just as I thought everything was done and dusted — and, I won’t lie, I felt a tad underwhelmed — out came the sucker punch. Please tell me there’s going to be a sequel.
Or at least you can’t remember him, thanks to a head injury that’s erased all memory of the past six months. But the evidence is all there — on your phone and social media — of a hearts and flowers romance with dishy doctor Jack.
So why do you feel so uneasy? And what possible motive could he have for pretending to be someone he’s not?
Ooh, what a chiller thriller of a read this was! It had everything: a remote, snowed-in location, unreliable narrators, and a twisty, corkscrew of a plot that kept me guessing until the last page. And, of course, a body.
The memory-loss trope isn’t original, but it does lend itself rather brilliantly to this kind of thriller. And author Michelle Frances does a first-rate job of inserting you inside protagonist Amy’s head, as she vacillates between thinking she’s losing her mind and the absolute conviction that Jack is an imposter.
As flashbacks of memory add to the uncertainty so does a second narrative that you know is going to intersect at some point. I guessed how quite early on but couldn’t for the life of me make all the pieces fit.
The strands finally untangle, in what is a masterful display of prestidigitation by Frances. I’m a highly critical thriller reader, but every time I thought I spotted a hole, she stepped in and patched it up quick smart.
And the ending! Just as I thought everything was done and dusted — and, I won’t lie, I felt a tad underwhelmed — out came the sucker punch. Please tell me there’s going to be a sequel.
November 17, 2021
The Boyfriend is a psychological thriller set on a Holiday which straight away interested me! I love books that are set away from home and this one was a chilling read and not just because of the snow!
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and a little dark in places. The Characters were developed well, but they also left a little to the imagination which really helped with developing theories for what was going on.
Although the book was quite predictable, I thought that the ending was absolutely brilliant! I love a cliff hanger especially when you won’t ever find out what happens as it keeps the tension alive after the book is finished.
I have a couple of Michelle Frances other books on my #TBR and I cannot wait to get to them now!
I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paced and a little dark in places. The Characters were developed well, but they also left a little to the imagination which really helped with developing theories for what was going on.
Although the book was quite predictable, I thought that the ending was absolutely brilliant! I love a cliff hanger especially when you won’t ever find out what happens as it keeps the tension alive after the book is finished.
I have a couple of Michelle Frances other books on my #TBR and I cannot wait to get to them now!
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