What do you think?
Rate this book
The Perfect Husband
Laura thought Robert was too good to be true. She got that right.
A small-town barbeque in summer’s dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on her every word.
He’s the one. Isn’t he?
But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert’s mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won’t tell her where he’s been, he even locks her own door against her.
Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she’s living with and what terrible things has he done?
As Laura slowly discovers the truth about Robert, she begins to realise that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger. And finally she understands she will have to answer one terrifying question – how far is she willing to go to protect her baby?
A small-town barbeque in summer’s dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on her every word.
He’s the one. Isn’t he?
But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert’s mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won’t tell her where he’s been, he even locks her own door against her.
Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she’s living with and what terrible things has he done?
As Laura slowly discovers the truth about Robert, she begins to realise that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger. And finally she understands she will have to answer one terrifying question – how far is she willing to go to protect her baby?
- GenresThriller
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2022
551 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Iain Maitland
86 books42 followersIain Maitland has been a professional writer since 1987. He has written over 50 books, mainly on business, and been published as far away as Russia, India, Japan, USA and Australia. He has also written for the Sunday Times, Which? and the Financial Times amongst many others.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 2, 2022
a small-town barbeque in summer's dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on to her every word. He's the one, isn't he? But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert's mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won't tell her where he's been, he even locks her own door against her. Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she's living with and what terrible things has he done?
Oh, how much did I want Laura to get revenge on her husband Robert. Laura is deluded, believing a baby would change Robert's ways. Robert is controlling, abusive and jealous. The story is told from Laura's point of view as we learn of her fear, anguish and stress. Your heart goes out to Laura, and I worried what was going to happen to the baby. This is a weel written and gripping read. The plotline has been cleverly executed. The pace is steady throughout. I kept turning the pages hoping Laura had kicked Robert into touch. I wasn't quite expecting the shocking ending.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #IainMaitland for my ARC of #ThePerfectHusband in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, how much did I want Laura to get revenge on her husband Robert. Laura is deluded, believing a baby would change Robert's ways. Robert is controlling, abusive and jealous. The story is told from Laura's point of view as we learn of her fear, anguish and stress. Your heart goes out to Laura, and I worried what was going to happen to the baby. This is a weel written and gripping read. The plotline has been cleverly executed. The pace is steady throughout. I kept turning the pages hoping Laura had kicked Robert into touch. I wasn't quite expecting the shocking ending.
I would like to thank #Netgalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #IainMaitland for my ARC of #ThePerfectHusband in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2022
★★★ 2.5 stars (rounded up)
This is the second book by this author that I have tackled - the first I DNF and this one I only read because I accidentally downloaded it from Netgalley mistaking it for another book. And really, I'm not sure how to review this book because although it seemed to drone on, I found it almost impossible to put down!
Laura is an awkward shy self conscious 37 year old single woman at a neighbourhood BBQ when neighbour Harry introduces her to Robert. He is charming, good-looking and a successful investments advisor...and he is interested in her, hanging on to her every word. He walks her home that evening but is the complete gentleman. Laura knows she is at once in love.
And so their whirlwind romance begins and a few months later, Robert moves in and Laura couldn't be happier. But it isn't the happy ever after she imagined it would be. The charming, attentive man he had been suddenly morphs into an angry, dismissive tyrant, taking every opportunity to point out her flaws...of which there are many. He even has a little notebook in which he makes her write in detail her past indiscretions which he would later quiz her about...again and again. He isolates her and won't allow her to have friends, is furious if she is even a minute late home from work and he laughs at any attempt she makes to look attractive, accusing her of being a tart. He is jealous, controlling and abusive. He is not the man she fell in love with.
Who is this stranger she allowed to move into her house? She is on the verge of asking him to leave. She cannot live like this. And then she discovers she is pregnant. A baby. That's what they need. A baby will bring them closer again.
But she couldn't be more wrong.
I really wanted to like this book as it had all the ingredients. Lonely vulnerable woman meets who she thinks is the charming man of her dreams only for it to end in abuse. Enter pregnancy and a fight to save herself and that of her unborn child. I would follow her plight in which she would eventually find help and hopefully make her escape, assuming it would an intriguing and compelling story that only got better. I was wrong.
The first part was sluggishly slow in which Laura continually and repetitively droned on and one and continually second guessed herself. She obviously had her remaining self confidence destroyed by Robert's nit-picking remarks that chipped away at her. But gosh, her monologuing was truly depressing. I noted that the second part was nearing so I resolved to continue in the hope it would change pace at that stage...or at least, something...anything...would happen. Thankfully, and quite surprisingly, it did. I thought "yes, this is more like it!" but then the further I read Laura just kept going around in circles and second guessing everything she did or didn't do or could do but didn't. In the end, what did she do? Not a whole lot. Except continue to drone on and on.
The story was broken into three parts, with the first one slow and somewhat disturbing. I found Laura's behaviour frustrating as she went back and forth, to and fro between leaving or hoping to salvage their relationship. I'm not sure how she thought that was ever going to happen walking around on eggshells all the time. It was blindingly obvious how controlling Robert was and that nothing will salvage their relationship. I could sympathise with her to a point but in the end she was only fooling herself.
I was all ready to shelve this book until the end of part one, which ended with a shocking incident that left me turning the pages eagerly wanting to know what would happen next. This was more like it! The pace was ramped up as was the tension as I urged Laura on. But things started to spiral pretty quickly and it just continued downhill into the ridiculous. I kept reading in the hope it would improve...it didn't. And part three? Seriously?
By the time I got to the epilogue I was shaking my head. It was an interesting ending, I'll say that, but the entire book that culminated into what exactly? Laura's bad decisions, inaction and second guessing everything. She should have dialed 999 in the beginning and this would have been an entirely different story I'd be reviewing.
I will say I am not a fan of Iain Maitland's writing style. Sometimes I couldn't decipher whether what was written was actually happening or if it was all what "could happen" playing out in Laura's mind. She was clearly suffering mental health issues, and I'm not surprised given Robert's abuse and coercive control of her. She'd had a lonely upbringing with her elderly parents and though it is one she clearly cherishes, it set her up to become vulnerable later in life.
As I said in the beginning, this is a hard book to review...and rate...because it is riddled with so many frustrating decisions and actions that by the end I wasn't sure what to make of it. I must say that as the reader I felt so far apart from the other characters as if there were a great divide between Laura and everyone else. Particularly between Laura and Andrew. There was no connection between her and anyone. It was if she were an island and everyone was just floating around her, unable to reach them.
I wasn't surprised by the turn of events at the end as I suspected things heading that way anyway...I mean, where else could it possibly go if she didn't do anything but stand there and fret all day?
I would like to thank #IainMaitland, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ThePerfectHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
This is the second book by this author that I have tackled - the first I DNF and this one I only read because I accidentally downloaded it from Netgalley mistaking it for another book. And really, I'm not sure how to review this book because although it seemed to drone on, I found it almost impossible to put down!
Laura is an awkward shy self conscious 37 year old single woman at a neighbourhood BBQ when neighbour Harry introduces her to Robert. He is charming, good-looking and a successful investments advisor...and he is interested in her, hanging on to her every word. He walks her home that evening but is the complete gentleman. Laura knows she is at once in love.
And so their whirlwind romance begins and a few months later, Robert moves in and Laura couldn't be happier. But it isn't the happy ever after she imagined it would be. The charming, attentive man he had been suddenly morphs into an angry, dismissive tyrant, taking every opportunity to point out her flaws...of which there are many. He even has a little notebook in which he makes her write in detail her past indiscretions which he would later quiz her about...again and again. He isolates her and won't allow her to have friends, is furious if she is even a minute late home from work and he laughs at any attempt she makes to look attractive, accusing her of being a tart. He is jealous, controlling and abusive. He is not the man she fell in love with.
Who is this stranger she allowed to move into her house? She is on the verge of asking him to leave. She cannot live like this. And then she discovers she is pregnant. A baby. That's what they need. A baby will bring them closer again.
But she couldn't be more wrong.
I really wanted to like this book as it had all the ingredients. Lonely vulnerable woman meets who she thinks is the charming man of her dreams only for it to end in abuse. Enter pregnancy and a fight to save herself and that of her unborn child. I would follow her plight in which she would eventually find help and hopefully make her escape, assuming it would an intriguing and compelling story that only got better. I was wrong.
The first part was sluggishly slow in which Laura continually and repetitively droned on and one and continually second guessed herself. She obviously had her remaining self confidence destroyed by Robert's nit-picking remarks that chipped away at her. But gosh, her monologuing was truly depressing. I noted that the second part was nearing so I resolved to continue in the hope it would change pace at that stage...or at least, something...anything...would happen. Thankfully, and quite surprisingly, it did. I thought "yes, this is more like it!" but then the further I read Laura just kept going around in circles and second guessing everything she did or didn't do or could do but didn't. In the end, what did she do? Not a whole lot. Except continue to drone on and on.
The story was broken into three parts, with the first one slow and somewhat disturbing. I found Laura's behaviour frustrating as she went back and forth, to and fro between leaving or hoping to salvage their relationship. I'm not sure how she thought that was ever going to happen walking around on eggshells all the time. It was blindingly obvious how controlling Robert was and that nothing will salvage their relationship. I could sympathise with her to a point but in the end she was only fooling herself.
I was all ready to shelve this book until the end of part one, which ended with a shocking incident that left me turning the pages eagerly wanting to know what would happen next. This was more like it! The pace was ramped up as was the tension as I urged Laura on. But things started to spiral pretty quickly and it just continued downhill into the ridiculous. I kept reading in the hope it would improve...it didn't. And part three? Seriously?
By the time I got to the epilogue I was shaking my head. It was an interesting ending, I'll say that, but the entire book that culminated into what exactly? Laura's bad decisions, inaction and second guessing everything. She should have dialed 999 in the beginning and this would have been an entirely different story I'd be reviewing.
I will say I am not a fan of Iain Maitland's writing style. Sometimes I couldn't decipher whether what was written was actually happening or if it was all what "could happen" playing out in Laura's mind. She was clearly suffering mental health issues, and I'm not surprised given Robert's abuse and coercive control of her. She'd had a lonely upbringing with her elderly parents and though it is one she clearly cherishes, it set her up to become vulnerable later in life.
As I said in the beginning, this is a hard book to review...and rate...because it is riddled with so many frustrating decisions and actions that by the end I wasn't sure what to make of it. I must say that as the reader I felt so far apart from the other characters as if there were a great divide between Laura and everyone else. Particularly between Laura and Andrew. There was no connection between her and anyone. It was if she were an island and everyone was just floating around her, unable to reach them.
I wasn't surprised by the turn of events at the end as I suspected things heading that way anyway...I mean, where else could it possibly go if she didn't do anything but stand there and fret all day?
I would like to thank #IainMaitland, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ThePerfectHusband in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 26, 2022
Oh boy. It’s not very often I feel so emotional at the end of a psychological thriller. But here I am.
The Perfect Husband is written through the eyes of the main character Laura.
Although at first I struggled with the writing style feeling slightly robotic, the storyline soon took over and I found myself captivated by Laura.
Laura Curtis is an average woman almost middle aged and fell for well a bastard. Robert and Laura had only been together for a short period of time really but half taken over her life and basically she was miserable.
The book is split up into 3 separate parts. But Laura’s life doesn’t get much easier. She goes from being stuck in a shitty relationship, to fearing for her life and then continues on a path of fear.
I absolutely adored Laura’s character and felt an instant connection to her. She had a troublesome life and all she actually wanted was to be happy but couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although I did feel like the context could be slightly robotic, the storyline and plot compelled me to read more. As more pages were turned the more I needed to see how everything panned out for Laura.
I felt, quite protective of her, I wanted to wrap her up in the hug she so desperately needed, in spite of what she had done I was on her side.
I connected to Laura and her story so much so that by the end of this psychological thriller I felt gutted and teary eyed by the ending. Not because I was disappointed but because I felt so deeply for Laura.
The Perfect Husband is a psychological thriller that is character driven and will keep you turning those pages.
The Perfect Husband is written through the eyes of the main character Laura.
Although at first I struggled with the writing style feeling slightly robotic, the storyline soon took over and I found myself captivated by Laura.
Laura Curtis is an average woman almost middle aged and fell for well a bastard. Robert and Laura had only been together for a short period of time really but half taken over her life and basically she was miserable.
The book is split up into 3 separate parts. But Laura’s life doesn’t get much easier. She goes from being stuck in a shitty relationship, to fearing for her life and then continues on a path of fear.
I absolutely adored Laura’s character and felt an instant connection to her. She had a troublesome life and all she actually wanted was to be happy but couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although I did feel like the context could be slightly robotic, the storyline and plot compelled me to read more. As more pages were turned the more I needed to see how everything panned out for Laura.
I felt, quite protective of her, I wanted to wrap her up in the hug she so desperately needed, in spite of what she had done I was on her side.
I connected to Laura and her story so much so that by the end of this psychological thriller I felt gutted and teary eyed by the ending. Not because I was disappointed but because I felt so deeply for Laura.
The Perfect Husband is a psychological thriller that is character driven and will keep you turning those pages.
November 5, 2022
Thank you @ZooloosBT @iainmaitland @InkubatorBooks for letting me part of this tour and reviewing this book. I enjoyed reading the Perfect Husband it gripped me straight the way i loked Laura and felt so sorry for her living with someone who is horrible and hits her. I just wanted to shout at her to leave. I did feel sorry for Laura and just wanted her to be happy. The ending was sad and did wounder if that would happen. it was good storyline and i did like Laura and Robert brother but i hated Robert. This is good psychological thriller kept me entertain . I liked Iain Maitlan writing style and will read more. The pacing was just right and some good twusts . Perfect husband defiantly gripped me to my seat and is good page turner. 5 stars
September 21, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the eARC.
I don't quite know how to review this book. It was at once impossible to put down, but also quite disturbing. I felt terribly sorry for Laura and also worried about the baby. Her partner, Robert, is a monster and I kept waiting for her to kick him out of her house instead of keeping her outside cool, while terrified inside waiting for his reactions. I don't want to give away the ending, but can only say I was surprised.
The writing is beautiful, you feel you're in Laura's shoes and you're freaking out! But it was a tough read for me, therefore the 3 stars rather than 5.
I don't quite know how to review this book. It was at once impossible to put down, but also quite disturbing. I felt terribly sorry for Laura and also worried about the baby. Her partner, Robert, is a monster and I kept waiting for her to kick him out of her house instead of keeping her outside cool, while terrified inside waiting for his reactions. I don't want to give away the ending, but can only say I was surprised.
The writing is beautiful, you feel you're in Laura's shoes and you're freaking out! But it was a tough read for me, therefore the 3 stars rather than 5.
January 1, 2025
It was love at first sight for Laura when she met Robert at a neighbor’s barbecue. He was successful, charming, and seemed to hang on her every word. A few months after their whirlwind romance began, Robert moves into her house, but it isn’t the happily ever after Laura imagined it would be.
The perfect man she fell in love with quickly transforms into a cruel, abusive monster who isolates and controls her in every way. With no access to her savings, and unable to get him out of her house, Laura—who always longed for a child of her own—still feels hopeful things will improve once she discovers she is pregnant. Those hopes are quickly dashed, however, and Laura realizes Robert remains a danger, both to herself and her unborn child… and she must do whatever it takes to protect them both.
I really wanted to like this book. It seemed to have all the necessary ingredients: a lonely, vulnerable woman meets what she thinks is the man of her dreams, only to find herself in an abusive relationship. A crisis situation (in this case, a pregnancy) that forces her to take action in order to save herself and her baby. It seemed to be a given that I would be fully invested in her plight, which she would (hopefully) eventually escape. I assumed it would be a compelling story that only got better, the further I read.
Sadly, that wasn’t the case.
The story is broken down into three parts, and part one was full of promise. It was deeply disturbing, and Robert was clearly illustrated to be a constant, unpredictable threat. Even though it was frustrating to see Laura go back and forth between leaving him and hoping to salvage their relationship somehow, it was logical that she would do that. It made me feel even more sympathetic towards her character, because I knew she was only fooling herself.
Part one ended with an explosive incident that left me eager to find out what would happen next. Laura’s emotions were all over the place, and her thoughts were exactly what you would expect at this point in the story. Things started to get shaky pretty fast, though, and it was all downhill from there. I found myself feeling less sympathetic towards Laura and became frustrated with the direction the story had taken. By the time I got into part three, I regretted that I’d chosen to read this book at all.
I would have enjoyed this book much more if the story focused solely on the events of part one. Part one was absolutely enthralling, edge-of-your-seat storytelling, in my opinion, and could have easily been expanded into a book-length story. (Had that been the case, I’d be writing a much different review right now!) I understand that Laura has some mental health issues and is dealing with a lot of trauma, but even so, the events of parts two and three failed to hit the mark for me. I spent a lot of time being annoyed with her decisions about various things, and by the time I reached the end of the book, I didn’t like her or feel any sympathy for her, at all—definitely not the reaction I expected (or wanted) to have.
Others may read and greatly enjoy this book. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Inkubator Books via Netgalley.
The perfect man she fell in love with quickly transforms into a cruel, abusive monster who isolates and controls her in every way. With no access to her savings, and unable to get him out of her house, Laura—who always longed for a child of her own—still feels hopeful things will improve once she discovers she is pregnant. Those hopes are quickly dashed, however, and Laura realizes Robert remains a danger, both to herself and her unborn child… and she must do whatever it takes to protect them both.
I really wanted to like this book. It seemed to have all the necessary ingredients: a lonely, vulnerable woman meets what she thinks is the man of her dreams, only to find herself in an abusive relationship. A crisis situation (in this case, a pregnancy) that forces her to take action in order to save herself and her baby. It seemed to be a given that I would be fully invested in her plight, which she would (hopefully) eventually escape. I assumed it would be a compelling story that only got better, the further I read.
Sadly, that wasn’t the case.
The story is broken down into three parts, and part one was full of promise. It was deeply disturbing, and Robert was clearly illustrated to be a constant, unpredictable threat. Even though it was frustrating to see Laura go back and forth between leaving him and hoping to salvage their relationship somehow, it was logical that she would do that. It made me feel even more sympathetic towards her character, because I knew she was only fooling herself.
Part one ended with an explosive incident that left me eager to find out what would happen next. Laura’s emotions were all over the place, and her thoughts were exactly what you would expect at this point in the story. Things started to get shaky pretty fast, though, and it was all downhill from there. I found myself feeling less sympathetic towards Laura and became frustrated with the direction the story had taken. By the time I got into part three, I regretted that I’d chosen to read this book at all.
I would have enjoyed this book much more if the story focused solely on the events of part one. Part one was absolutely enthralling, edge-of-your-seat storytelling, in my opinion, and could have easily been expanded into a book-length story. (Had that been the case, I’d be writing a much different review right now!) I understand that Laura has some mental health issues and is dealing with a lot of trauma, but even so, the events of parts two and three failed to hit the mark for me. I spent a lot of time being annoyed with her decisions about various things, and by the time I reached the end of the book, I didn’t like her or feel any sympathy for her, at all—definitely not the reaction I expected (or wanted) to have.
Others may read and greatly enjoy this book. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Inkubator Books via Netgalley.
September 21, 2022
The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland is a fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages. This is a new to me author, and I will be adding his work to my TBR imminently.
Laura is a shy and unassuming nursery teacher who continues to grieve the loss of her beloved parents. Believing that she is destined to spend her life alone, an introduction to the charming Robert comes as a happy surprise, and the two are soon living together in the house that Laura purchased with her inheritance. But Robert's perfect mask almost immediately begins to slip, and Laura has serious doubts about this stranger she has invited into her life. When she becomes pregnant, Robert's abusive behaviour begins to escalate, and Laura knows that she must do whatever it takes to protect not only herself, but the life of her unborn child.
This one ticked all of the boxes for me. The mounting tension between Robert and Laura is almost tangible, and I was fully invested in the latter's plight from the very start.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
Laura is a shy and unassuming nursery teacher who continues to grieve the loss of her beloved parents. Believing that she is destined to spend her life alone, an introduction to the charming Robert comes as a happy surprise, and the two are soon living together in the house that Laura purchased with her inheritance. But Robert's perfect mask almost immediately begins to slip, and Laura has serious doubts about this stranger she has invited into her life. When she becomes pregnant, Robert's abusive behaviour begins to escalate, and Laura knows that she must do whatever it takes to protect not only herself, but the life of her unborn child.
This one ticked all of the boxes for me. The mounting tension between Robert and Laura is almost tangible, and I was fully invested in the latter's plight from the very start.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.
October 15, 2022
All Laura wants is a husband and family of her own to love. What she gets is Robert, who starts off kind and loving but once is is fully ensconced in her house, shows his true colours for the evil man that he is.
Laura finally decides to pluck up the courage to leave Robert but finds out she’s pregnant so gives him one more chance. Robert is making enemies in the small area where they live - a so-called investor, he owes everyone money.
I found this to be quite a difficult story to read, especially the descriptions of physical violence, it was quite emotional. I felt for Laura’s character and couldn’t help but worry about the baby, even though I knew this was fiction.
A psychological thriller that had me holding my breath often. The ending was not what I was expecting at all.
My thanks to Inkubator Books and Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Laura finally decides to pluck up the courage to leave Robert but finds out she’s pregnant so gives him one more chance. Robert is making enemies in the small area where they live - a so-called investor, he owes everyone money.
I found this to be quite a difficult story to read, especially the descriptions of physical violence, it was quite emotional. I felt for Laura’s character and couldn’t help but worry about the baby, even though I knew this was fiction.
A psychological thriller that had me holding my breath often. The ending was not what I was expecting at all.
My thanks to Inkubator Books and Zooloo’s Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2022
The Perfect Husband starts off with the unraveling of Robert and Laura’s relationship which is, honestly, increasingly uncomfortable to read as time progresses. I desperately wanted her to leave this man.
It starts to get a little repetitive until part 2 hits and then I’m all in needing to know what will happen next. I find myself screaming at her at times throughout this book because her choices are absolutely maddening.
The ending did have a good twist, thought I can’t say I hadn’t considered it several times throughout reading.
It starts to get a little repetitive until part 2 hits and then I’m all in needing to know what will happen next. I find myself screaming at her at times throughout this book because her choices are absolutely maddening.
The ending did have a good twist, thought I can’t say I hadn’t considered it several times throughout reading.
Read
October 22, 2022This was such a great read it was great to disappear with, at times I got so frustrated with the characters and the ending was right but cant help but thinking if only, but then there wouldnt have been a story. Dont want to say more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2022
The Perfect Husband by Iain Maitland.
Laura thought Robert was too good to be true. She got that right.A small-town barbeque in summer’s dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on her every word.He’s the one. Isn’t he?But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert’s mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won’t tell her where he’s been, he even locks her own door against her. Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she’s living with and what terrible things has he done?As Laura slowly discovers the truth about Robert, she begins to realise that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger. And finally she understands she will have to answer one terrifying question – how far am I willing to go to protect my baby?
A brilliant read. Twisty. Didn't expect that. 5*.
Laura thought Robert was too good to be true. She got that right.A small-town barbeque in summer’s dying days. There, gentle, bookish Laura meets a man who makes her laugh, hangs on her every word.He’s the one. Isn’t he?But once Laura falls pregnant, Robert’s mask slips. She can never quite keep him happy. He is cold and judgemental with a temper that can flare up at any moment. He goes out for hours and won’t tell her where he’s been, he even locks her own door against her. Laura realises she has married a total stranger, a man governed by dark impulses and darker secrets who seems determined to gain control of every part of her life. Who is this man she’s living with and what terrible things has he done?As Laura slowly discovers the truth about Robert, she begins to realise that she and her unborn child are in terrible danger. And finally she understands she will have to answer one terrifying question – how far am I willing to go to protect my baby?
A brilliant read. Twisty. Didn't expect that. 5*.
October 27, 2022
The Perfect Husband is a twisted domestic thriller. Laura is introduced to Rob at a neighborhood bbq. As expected he is charming, good-looking and a successful investments advisor. Rob has his party manners on throughout the evening, walks her home and is the perfect gentleman. Laura is immediately wrapped up in his charms and has decided he is the one.
Their romance is quick and a few months later, Rob moves in. But the man is not what he appeared to be. Isolated from everything she decides that she can't continue like this but turns up pregnant. Believing a baby will change everything, she holds off. This only enrages Rob more until she is forced to save herself and her baby. Laura is in more danger than she can ever imagine.
This story dragged slightly in order to keep you wrapped up in the twisted drama which increases over time. The ending was pretty predictable. This just wasn't for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Their romance is quick and a few months later, Rob moves in. But the man is not what he appeared to be. Isolated from everything she decides that she can't continue like this but turns up pregnant. Believing a baby will change everything, she holds off. This only enrages Rob more until she is forced to save herself and her baby. Laura is in more danger than she can ever imagine.
This story dragged slightly in order to keep you wrapped up in the twisted drama which increases over time. The ending was pretty predictable. This just wasn't for me.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
December 4, 2022
This was a disturbing story about a plain Jane teacher Laura who has no self esteem. She is lacking in so much confidence and self worth, despite being a popular teacher, that she allows herself to be mistreated and physically assaulted by a reprehensible con artist, Robert. He scams her and several of her neighbours out of their money and she is about to die at his hands before she decides to fight back.
This was neither gripping nor thrilling and I found myself exasperated with the main character. The story also had gaping holes in terms of the police not pinging Robert's cellphone when he went missing, nor searching Laura's home properly. Mainly, a body will reek especially in Summer quite quickly but in this story a body rolled in a carpet and plastic sits for several days with people coming to the home without anyone noticing. 3 Stars.
This was neither gripping nor thrilling and I found myself exasperated with the main character. The story also had gaping holes in terms of the police not pinging Robert's cellphone when he went missing, nor searching Laura's home properly. Mainly, a body will reek especially in Summer quite quickly but in this story a body rolled in a carpet and plastic sits for several days with people coming to the home without anyone noticing. 3 Stars.
July 4, 2023
Laura seemingly meets the perfect man - Robert. However, over time, Robert begins to show his true colours, especially after Laura falls pregnant. His temper is red hot. Laura becomes increasingly worried, not only for herself, but for her unborn baby. Who is Robert? As Laura realizes she and her baby are in grave danger, she has to consider how far she will go to protect them.
I enjoyed this book! It is a very quick and easy read. It is well-written and filled with shocking twists and turns. The final twist at the end got me! It It was emotional and kept me thinking long after I finished reading. The main character, Laura, was easy to connect with and I really felt for her. This was my first read from Iain Maitland, but definitely not my last!
Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed this book! It is a very quick and easy read. It is well-written and filled with shocking twists and turns. The final twist at the end got me! It It was emotional and kept me thinking long after I finished reading. The main character, Laura, was easy to connect with and I really felt for her. This was my first read from Iain Maitland, but definitely not my last!
Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 30, 2022
Oh!! What a read. I have to admit to finding this book quite harrowing at the beginning. Robert’s treatment of Laura and her acceptance of it made difficult reading. I know a lot of readers will be screaming, just throw him out but that’s not how victims of abuse behave and Laura has been brought up in a genteel and gentle family and so was particularly naïve with no one close who could help her. The fact that this was written from Laura’s view point really added to the fear, the suspense. What she thought might be happening and what actually was happening.
This could have been a very different book with a very different ending and part of me hoped that it would be but that wouldn’t have made it the edge of your seat read that it is.
This could have been a very different book with a very different ending and part of me hoped that it would be but that wouldn’t have made it the edge of your seat read that it is.
December 23, 2023
Laura thinks she’s found her dream man but when he moves in with her she finds he’s not quite the shining knight she was hoping for. I’m well used to reading books where the “heroine”/main character is as wet and miserable as a damp towel. Laura is the queen of them all, dithering, overthinking and doing nothing. She has to be the most annoying character of all previously read books. Thank goodness it was short because I couldn’t have borne much more of her. Why does there ALWAYS have to be an animal that dies in these novels? I could have liked this story and usually do, but not this version sorry to say. Incidentally this is not the book to choose if you need cheering up! I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2022
Laura has had a whirlwind romance, but not everything is as it seems with her husband. When she falls pregnant she hopes things could change for the better, unfortunately, she was wrong.
This novel is well written and has a steady pace, which kept me engaged throughout, with a twist I didn't see coming at the end.
However, I felt myself to be frustrated at the main character and wanted to shout at them and I kept looking for other clues and underlying issues to do with their character.
Overall this was a good read.
This novel is well written and has a steady pace, which kept me engaged throughout, with a twist I didn't see coming at the end.
However, I felt myself to be frustrated at the main character and wanted to shout at them and I kept looking for other clues and underlying issues to do with their character.
Overall this was a good read.
November 2, 2022
Okay
I liked the concept, I liked the plot, I think the characters were very well written. But...
So much of the narrative was written as what MIGHT happen or be happening that I often had to go back and clarify what was ACTUALLY happening. It was frustrating to be constantly pulled out of the story like that.
That ending? Seriously? I think I'll be taking up the author's offer to contact him for his original ending. The one that existed before the publisher's suggested changes.
I liked the concept, I liked the plot, I think the characters were very well written. But...
So much of the narrative was written as what MIGHT happen or be happening that I often had to go back and clarify what was ACTUALLY happening. It was frustrating to be constantly pulled out of the story like that.
That ending? Seriously? I think I'll be taking up the author's offer to contact him for his original ending. The one that existed before the publisher's suggested changes.
November 7, 2022
This is my first read from Iain Maitland and it certainly will not be my last. The story is based around Laura who meets the man of her dreams, Robert. She thinks he is too good to be true, turns out she is right! Things make a turn for the worse when he moves in and begins controlling every aspect of her life. What will she do? How will this end? This story was a page turner from me from the start! I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2023
It had the potential.
The writing was a bit hard to gel with, it felt very disjointed but in the end I assumed it was just her character, her POV.
I found myself getting frustrated with her and her decisions often.
The man really did ruin her life, but her choices following did not help her cause.
The ending was not it for me, it kinda felt like it just abruptly ended. So many questions.
I mean it can’t have been that terrible as I did finish reading it to find out what happened, could have been a DNF.
The writing was a bit hard to gel with, it felt very disjointed but in the end I assumed it was just her character, her POV.
I found myself getting frustrated with her and her decisions often.
The man really did ruin her life, but her choices following did not help her cause.
The ending was not it for me, it kinda felt like it just abruptly ended. So many questions.
I mean it can’t have been that terrible as I did finish reading it to find out what happened, could have been a DNF.
September 5, 2023
I was disappointed with this. It is the first I've read by the author, and it appealled greatly. However, I thought the 1st person narrative was very simplistic. It didn't need to be, but it was. I'm not a writer, but I found the endless short sentences repetitive and flat. None of the characters were remotely likeable in my opinion, and I only read to the end to find out the outcome. Thank goodness it wasn't a cliffhanger!
I appreciate why some readers would enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me.
I appreciate why some readers would enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me.
Read
October 28, 2022What a thrilling 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 read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
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 read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 29, 2022
Laura just found out she is pregnant. She is thrilled but her husband does not have the reaction she expected. As the story gets deeper you find out they do not have the ideal marriage and he is not a nice man.
This is a guessing game book. You never know what will happen or what secrets will be uncovered. Laura is the central character and she keeps the story interesting.
This is a guessing game book. You never know what will happen or what secrets will be uncovered. Laura is the central character and she keeps the story interesting.
December 27, 2022
Part one was ok for a build up. Part two was frustrating in it's inaction. I only read part three because I'd already invested time in the book. Epilogue was obvious, I mean there were actually two endings written and thanks to the weird writing style. I couldn't tell if things were actually happening or in her imagination half the time. So I'll just choose to believe the ending I want anyway.
November 4, 2022
Andrew would have been The Perfect Husband…
I liked the storyline but kept questioning Laura’s true state of mind and her choices. I hated the part about Ginger and the ending. I would like to know what the original ending was and may follow-up with an email to the author.
I liked the storyline but kept questioning Laura’s true state of mind and her choices. I hated the part about Ginger and the ending. I would like to know what the original ending was and may follow-up with an email to the author.
November 10, 2022
Unputdownable!
This book had me gripped from the start,very well written and you just want to see what happens next.
This is the second book I've read from this author and was not disappointed.
This book had me gripped from the start,very well written and you just want to see what happens next.
This is the second book I've read from this author and was not disappointed.
November 16, 2022
Anticipation. Anxiety. What next?
An excellent storyline that kept me up til 2 a.m.!! Lately I've been disappointed in so many books and easy to predict story lines. Not so with this one! I look forward to reading more by this author!!
An excellent storyline that kept me up til 2 a.m.!! Lately I've been disappointed in so many books and easy to predict story lines. Not so with this one! I look forward to reading more by this author!!
November 19, 2022
Good read!
Wow! This was a really good read! Laura takes you on quite a psychological journey. Robert, her abusive, common law husband, is nothing but a thief and a conman. Laura will do whatever it takes to save her baby!!
Wow! This was a really good read! Laura takes you on quite a psychological journey. Robert, her abusive, common law husband, is nothing but a thief and a conman. Laura will do whatever it takes to save her baby!!
December 12, 2022
Awful
I did not like this book at all. I read the whole thing, even though I was tempted to toss it halfway through. My reward was a horrible ending. The book was nothing but repetition page after page. Made me tired. I can't think of anyone I would recommend this too.
I did not like this book at all. I read the whole thing, even though I was tempted to toss it halfway through. My reward was a horrible ending. The book was nothing but repetition page after page. Made me tired. I can't think of anyone I would recommend this too.
December 21, 2022
Good thriller to keep you at the end of your seat and twists to keep you guessing. It took me a bit to fully get into, but was glad stuck with it. Great for anyone who enjoys the domestic thriller genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews