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The Ideal Man
Three women’s lives are about to change forever.
The Daughter.
My father is innocent. He’s spent almost four years behind bars, but now he’s getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me. It’s all going to be worth it now.
The Girlfriend.
As soon as I opened the paper that day and saw that picture of Sandy, I didn’t care about the story surrounding it. There’s no way he hurt that girl. Now he’s out, we’ll get married and I’ll finally get to meet his daughter. There’ll be no more hiding our love.
The Other Woman.
No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he’s getting out, my secrets may soon see the light. I can’t let that happen.
One Loves Him.
One Needs Him.
One Wants Him DEAD.
The Daughter.
My father is innocent. He’s spent almost four years behind bars, but now he’s getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me. It’s all going to be worth it now.
The Girlfriend.
As soon as I opened the paper that day and saw that picture of Sandy, I didn’t care about the story surrounding it. There’s no way he hurt that girl. Now he’s out, we’ll get married and I’ll finally get to meet his daughter. There’ll be no more hiding our love.
The Other Woman.
No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he’s getting out, my secrets may soon see the light. I can’t let that happen.
One Loves Him.
One Needs Him.
One Wants Him DEAD.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2023
466 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Emerson
7 books68 followersThis author is also published under Tracey Emerson.
Tracey’s latest psychological thriller, The Perfect Holiday, is published by Boldwood Books. Before writing fiction, she worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in healthcare settings, focusing on adults with mental health issues. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and literary magazines, and her feature writing has appeared in Stella magazine, Woman’s Own and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her first psychological thriller, She Chose Me, was published by Legend Press in 2018.
She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for art and community projects.
Tracey’s latest psychological thriller, The Perfect Holiday, is published by Boldwood Books. Before writing fiction, she worked in theatre and community arts. As well as acting, she ran drama workshops in healthcare settings, focusing on adults with mental health issues. Her short stories have been widely published in anthologies and literary magazines, and her feature writing has appeared in Stella magazine, Woman’s Own and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her first psychological thriller, She Chose Me, was published by Legend Press in 2018.
She has a PhD in Creative Writing from The University of Edinburgh and works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She is also the Creative Director of The Bridge Awards, a philanthropic organisation that provides micro-funding for art and community projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 12, 2023
I won’t use much time on writing the review because I’m done thinking about it. The plot was not memorable and where there could have been tension and suspense, the alternating between three POVs was like spikes puncturing the pace. One of the POVs didn’t add anything to the story, it just didn’t make sense to include her. The writing was very basic and I struggled with getting through the story.
January 26, 2023
I‘ve read “The Perfect Holiday” and “She Chose Me” that the author wrote as Tracy Emerson so this is my third book by her. All three have beautiful covers but the last two make me dream of warmer weather. I’m tired of staring at snow out of my windows.
Sandy Gilligan is a charismatic man who was convicted of rape and just received an early release from prison for good behavior. Is Sandy the ideal man?
The three women in his life:
His daughter—Collette—is one of the few people that believe in his innocence. She gave up everything to be there for him through his trial and while he was in prison. Now she’s ready to help him adjust to his new life.
While in prison he met Lynne. They started as penpals then she began visiting and fell in love. She’s willing to quit her job, relocate, and start a new life with Sandy because she believes in his innocence. This lady is devoted! I’ll never understand how or why this happens.
Jane is the hardest woman to figure out. She claims to be one of Sandy’s victims but never told anyone.
Is this wealthy, charming businessman guilty of the brutality he was convicted of? Or was it consensual as he claimed? And the victim had a change of heart afterward. Collette can’t imagine the loving and protective father that raised her is capable of the awful things he was accused of. But others, including her brother, do.
Sincere thanks to Boldwood Books for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheIdealMan #TJEmerson #rachelsrandomresources #boldwoodbooks #netgalley #booktour #booktourhost #howluckyami #usbookreviewer #ireadbooks #ireviewbooks #ilovereading #newrelease #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme
Sandy Gilligan is a charismatic man who was convicted of rape and just received an early release from prison for good behavior. Is Sandy the ideal man?
The three women in his life:
His daughter—Collette—is one of the few people that believe in his innocence. She gave up everything to be there for him through his trial and while he was in prison. Now she’s ready to help him adjust to his new life.
While in prison he met Lynne. They started as penpals then she began visiting and fell in love. She’s willing to quit her job, relocate, and start a new life with Sandy because she believes in his innocence. This lady is devoted! I’ll never understand how or why this happens.
Jane is the hardest woman to figure out. She claims to be one of Sandy’s victims but never told anyone.
Is this wealthy, charming businessman guilty of the brutality he was convicted of? Or was it consensual as he claimed? And the victim had a change of heart afterward. Collette can’t imagine the loving and protective father that raised her is capable of the awful things he was accused of. But others, including her brother, do.
Sincere thanks to Boldwood Books for providing this gifted ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheIdealMan #TJEmerson #rachelsrandomresources #boldwoodbooks #netgalley #booktour #booktourhost #howluckyami #usbookreviewer #ireadbooks #ireviewbooks #ilovereading #newrelease #honestreview #crimeandcocktailsbookcrew #mysteryandthrills #readwithme
December 16, 2022
This is my first book by T.J. Emerson and oh what a wild ride it is! This thriller is set in France and told in multiple point of views. I was having a hard time keeping track of who was who. A man named Sandy served some years in prison for raping a woman but he got out early and had to start his life over. More secrets emerged and there was quite the twist at the end! Looking forward to more books by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published January 2023.
January 6, 2023
**TRIGGER WARNING** Rape - Sexual Assault
One loves him. One hates him. One wants him dead.
The Daughter: My father is innocent. He spent almost four years behind bars, but now he's getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me.
The Girlfriend: As soon as I opened the paper that day and I saw the picture of Sandy, I didn't care about the story surrounding it. There's no way he hurt that girl. Now he's out, we'll get married, and I'll finally get to meet his daughter.
The Other Woman: No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he's getting out, my secrets may soon see the light.
Three women's lives are about to change forever. Sandy has been in prison but he's about to get liberated. The story is told from Colette, Jane and Lynne's perspectives. The further we get into the story more secrets are revealed. This is a well written book. The characters are well developed. I was pulled into the story after reading a couple of chapters, then I couldn't put it down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TJEmerson for my ARC of #TheIdealMan in exchange for an honest review.
One loves him. One hates him. One wants him dead.
The Daughter: My father is innocent. He spent almost four years behind bars, but now he's getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me.
The Girlfriend: As soon as I opened the paper that day and I saw the picture of Sandy, I didn't care about the story surrounding it. There's no way he hurt that girl. Now he's out, we'll get married, and I'll finally get to meet his daughter.
The Other Woman: No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he's getting out, my secrets may soon see the light.
Three women's lives are about to change forever. Sandy has been in prison but he's about to get liberated. The story is told from Colette, Jane and Lynne's perspectives. The further we get into the story more secrets are revealed. This is a well written book. The characters are well developed. I was pulled into the story after reading a couple of chapters, then I couldn't put it down.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #TJEmerson for my ARC of #TheIdealMan in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2023
A well rounded story of a dad and a crime he has just served time for, his adult daughter who believes her Dad re his innocence, another possible victim of the Dad who cannot forget what she says he did and also the Dad’s ‘pen pal’ who he agreed to marry via prison visits and letters…
The story then is told via these 4 characters in revolving chapters and little by little we get to the truth, just who is telling the truth and who is lying? It took me a while to get there but I got it right!
Have to mention the ‘pen pal’ who plays her part in a marvellously down to earth yet with a twinge of menace way, she was great to read and get to know
Fab setting in the South of France, beautifully described and well written and a good solid intriguing mystery/thriller
8/10
4 Stars
The story then is told via these 4 characters in revolving chapters and little by little we get to the truth, just who is telling the truth and who is lying? It took me a while to get there but I got it right!
Have to mention the ‘pen pal’ who plays her part in a marvellously down to earth yet with a twinge of menace way, she was great to read and get to know
Fab setting in the South of France, beautifully described and well written and a good solid intriguing mystery/thriller
8/10
4 Stars
January 3, 2023
A solid "meh" for me.
Sandy is in jail after being found guilty of rape but is close to getting out. His daughter is sure he's innocent. He meets a woman who writes to him while he's in prison. And his victim is terrified of him. The story is told by the 3 women in alternating 1st person chapters.
My first problem was that the 3 narrators (especially Jane (victim) and Collette (daughter)) sounded so similar. If I wasn't paying attention when the chapter started, I would get confused when Collette was talking about running the hotel - oops, no, my bad, that's Jane. It got a little easier to differentiate as the story went on, but still not great.
I was hoping for twists and turns in this thriller, but it had barely any. There was one small one with Jane about mid book but I think that was it. The ending was super boring and a bit predictable. Again, I kept waiting for a twist, any twist, any surprise, anything at all, and got nothing. The tagline was also a bit misleading since Jane (victim) just wanted to be left alone and get on with her life despite the unprocessed trauma.
Sandy manipulates his daughter: telling her to eat less since she's out of shape, criticizing her work, telling her that he shouldn't have let her marry her ex-husband. It was sad watching this poor woman keep telling herself that he didn't mean it and he's right. For his girlfriend - he clearly is stringing her along and lying to her. Again, it was just sad watching this desperate woman let herself be manipulated and keep making excuses for his behavior. I wanted to be open and not assume who was telling the truth and who was lying, but it was so painfully obvious throughout.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
Sandy is in jail after being found guilty of rape but is close to getting out. His daughter is sure he's innocent. He meets a woman who writes to him while he's in prison. And his victim is terrified of him. The story is told by the 3 women in alternating 1st person chapters.
My first problem was that the 3 narrators (especially Jane (victim) and Collette (daughter)) sounded so similar. If I wasn't paying attention when the chapter started, I would get confused when Collette was talking about running the hotel - oops, no, my bad, that's Jane. It got a little easier to differentiate as the story went on, but still not great.
I was hoping for twists and turns in this thriller, but it had barely any. There was one small one with Jane about mid book but I think that was it. The ending was super boring and a bit predictable. Again, I kept waiting for a twist, any twist, any surprise, anything at all, and got nothing. The tagline was also a bit misleading since Jane (victim) just wanted to be left alone and get on with her life despite the unprocessed trauma.
Sandy manipulates his daughter: telling her to eat less since she's out of shape, criticizing her work, telling her that he shouldn't have let her marry her ex-husband. It was sad watching this poor woman keep telling herself that he didn't mean it and he's right. For his girlfriend - he clearly is stringing her along and lying to her. Again, it was just sad watching this desperate woman let herself be manipulated and keep making excuses for his behavior. I wanted to be open and not assume who was telling the truth and who was lying, but it was so painfully obvious throughout.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
December 30, 2022
Three women’s lives are about to change forever, the daughter, the girlfriend and the other woman. This had the potential to be a great book but unfortunately for me it did not hit the mark.
The book has what feels like a million characters and trying remember who was who and what had they done started doing my head in. Also, as the book progressed I kept waiting for something big to happen that would hopefully take my breath away, twists did start to occur but we are nearly three quarters through the book before the story brings these women together and any great action begins and for me this was just to long. There was not a lot of depth to the characters and really they have quite shallow personalities which did not make me engage more with the story. I do not like giving negative reviews so all I will say is read it for yourself, you may enjoy it more than I did. I think also that I have read several really good books previously to this and the standard was just that much higher. 2 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The book has what feels like a million characters and trying remember who was who and what had they done started doing my head in. Also, as the book progressed I kept waiting for something big to happen that would hopefully take my breath away, twists did start to occur but we are nearly three quarters through the book before the story brings these women together and any great action begins and for me this was just to long. There was not a lot of depth to the characters and really they have quite shallow personalities which did not make me engage more with the story. I do not like giving negative reviews so all I will say is read it for yourself, you may enjoy it more than I did. I think also that I have read several really good books previously to this and the standard was just that much higher. 2 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2023
The Ideal Man is the first book by TJ Emerson and I'm definitely a fan. The book follows three women, told in their POV. Each character was well developed and each had their own shortcomings which often made me cringe and want to yell at them, a sign of great writing.
The ending was surprising, and satisfactory, but not as shocking as I hoped for.
The ending was surprising, and satisfactory, but not as shocking as I hoped for.
January 21, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I will start off by saying I read T.J Emerson’s last book and absolutely loved it, so I went into this book with really high expectations.
The story centers around a man named Sandy who is in prison for rape. The story follows three women in his life; his daughter Colette, his new girlfriend Lynne, and Jane who he knew for years before. We begin to learn how each woman feels about Sandy’s prison sentence and crime, and eventually learn how all the women’s experience is intertwined.
To me the book was a bit long, and dull in certain spots. It felt like a lot of overkill and extra information was added that didn’t need to be included. But one thing I did enjoy about this book was the way the ending wrapped up perfectly, and answered all remaining questions you might have.
Overall, this was a decent and suspenseful story (that’s a bit long) and set in beautiful sunny France.
**Trigger warning that this book includes mention of sexual assault, and rape.**
I will start off by saying I read T.J Emerson’s last book and absolutely loved it, so I went into this book with really high expectations.
The story centers around a man named Sandy who is in prison for rape. The story follows three women in his life; his daughter Colette, his new girlfriend Lynne, and Jane who he knew for years before. We begin to learn how each woman feels about Sandy’s prison sentence and crime, and eventually learn how all the women’s experience is intertwined.
To me the book was a bit long, and dull in certain spots. It felt like a lot of overkill and extra information was added that didn’t need to be included. But one thing I did enjoy about this book was the way the ending wrapped up perfectly, and answered all remaining questions you might have.
Overall, this was a decent and suspenseful story (that’s a bit long) and set in beautiful sunny France.
**Trigger warning that this book includes mention of sexual assault, and rape.**
October 15, 2025
This was an OK read. It switches from Daughter to Girlfriend to Hero to Other Woman which got a bit confusing in the beginning. Each has a story to tell and it all comes together in the end. Didn’t love the end but still enjoyed the read. 3.5 stars.
January 1, 2023
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
Three women’s lives are about to change forever.
The Daughter - My father is innocent. He’s spent almost four years behind bars, but now he’s getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me. It’s all going to be worth it now.
The Girlfriend - As soon as I opened the paper that day and saw that picture of Sandy, I didn’t care about the story surrounding it. There’s no way he hurt that girl. Now he’s out, we’ll get married and I’ll finally get to meet his daughter. There’ll be no more hiding our love.
The Other Woman - No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he’s getting out, my secrets may soon see the light. I can’t let that happen.
Starting out this book I knew everything was not what it seemed. The other woman was the most intriguing storyline. I can see how hard it would be for someone to open up about what had happened to them, especially if they are starting to doubt themselves. It couldn't have been easy for her and I can see how that would have affected the rest of her life. You can't just move on from something like that pretending it didn't happen. I was surprised by the ending though, that was not what I was expecting at all.
Three women’s lives are about to change forever.
The Daughter - My father is innocent. He’s spent almost four years behind bars, but now he’s getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me. It’s all going to be worth it now.
The Girlfriend - As soon as I opened the paper that day and saw that picture of Sandy, I didn’t care about the story surrounding it. There’s no way he hurt that girl. Now he’s out, we’ll get married and I’ll finally get to meet his daughter. There’ll be no more hiding our love.
The Other Woman - No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. Now he’s getting out, my secrets may soon see the light. I can’t let that happen.
Starting out this book I knew everything was not what it seemed. The other woman was the most intriguing storyline. I can see how hard it would be for someone to open up about what had happened to them, especially if they are starting to doubt themselves. It couldn't have been easy for her and I can see how that would have affected the rest of her life. You can't just move on from something like that pretending it didn't happen. I was surprised by the ending though, that was not what I was expecting at all.
January 9, 2023
Sandy is released from prison after being convicted of rape. This will effect three women very differently.
Collette: the daughter who stood by her father, not believing he committed the crime.
Lynne: the woman he has been writing to while in prison, who is very anxious for their life together to really begin.
Jane: the accuser of the crime. Has told no one what happened to her in the past.
This book seemed longer than it actually was. It felt like it was saying the same thing over again just in a different way. While the ending was satisfying it felt a little lackluster at the same time.
Many others have enjoyed this book more than I did, so don't let my opinion stop you.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
Collette: the daughter who stood by her father, not believing he committed the crime.
Lynne: the woman he has been writing to while in prison, who is very anxious for their life together to really begin.
Jane: the accuser of the crime. Has told no one what happened to her in the past.
This book seemed longer than it actually was. It felt like it was saying the same thing over again just in a different way. While the ending was satisfying it felt a little lackluster at the same time.
Many others have enjoyed this book more than I did, so don't let my opinion stop you.
Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
February 27, 2023
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
This book encompasses the perspectives of three woman who all have a connection to one man. A daughter, a girl friend and a woman from his past. The man, Sandy, was sentenced to prison for raping a young woman. His daughter does not believe that her father is capable for committing such an act. She spends years defending him and is anxious for him to come home and for life to go back to normal. The girlfriend, was kept secret from the daughter, as she became a prison pen pal who then came into town once Sandy was released. The last female, has a traumatizing history with Sandy and is terrified of his release. We follow the progression of each woman after Sandy is released. Little did we know the secrets Sandy has kept.
This book encompasses the perspectives of three woman who all have a connection to one man. A daughter, a girl friend and a woman from his past. The man, Sandy, was sentenced to prison for raping a young woman. His daughter does not believe that her father is capable for committing such an act. She spends years defending him and is anxious for him to come home and for life to go back to normal. The girlfriend, was kept secret from the daughter, as she became a prison pen pal who then came into town once Sandy was released. The last female, has a traumatizing history with Sandy and is terrified of his release. We follow the progression of each woman after Sandy is released. Little did we know the secrets Sandy has kept.
December 21, 2022
At the beginning of the book I felt like there were 2 books. One was Lynne and Collette, and Jane was the other. There didn't seem to be the connection to all 3 women until maybe 75% of the way thru, and then finally the pieces stories seemed to intertwine better. The book was great with keeping you on the edge of the seat with "where is this going?" And a couple big twists at the end that I didn't see coming, but wow. Just have to say that I would have done the same thing if I were Lynne or Collette.
January 1, 2023
Sandy was convicted of rape and has been in prison. His upcoming release will affect the lives of three different women.
The story is narrated by Colette the daughter, Jane the victim and Lynne the new girlfriend. The story unfolds through their eyes. There is some content on sexual assault and some common misconceptions (she was promiscuous so she can’t have been raped etc).
I wasn’t keen on the casual fatphobia in the book. But overall it was well written, if a little overlong.
The story is narrated by Colette the daughter, Jane the victim and Lynne the new girlfriend. The story unfolds through their eyes. There is some content on sexual assault and some common misconceptions (she was promiscuous so she can’t have been raped etc).
I wasn’t keen on the casual fatphobia in the book. But overall it was well written, if a little overlong.
March 18, 2023
3⭐️
I enjoyed The Ideal Man but felt there were some inconsistencies that needed a really good edit. I did however find the ending disappointing. The plot and suspense had built throughout the book, but then just limped to the conclusion.
I enjoyed The Ideal Man but felt there were some inconsistencies that needed a really good edit. I did however find the ending disappointing. The plot and suspense had built throughout the book, but then just limped to the conclusion.
January 3, 2023
I was slightly nervous about reading The Ideal Man because I adored The Perfect Holiday, and I was worried that this novel wouldn't live up to the high expectations set by the last. I needn't have worried! This novel is just as brilliantly plotted and thrilling as the previous one, and just as compelling and atmospheric. I admire Emerson's clever plotting so much. Her skilful storytelling creates and maintains tension throughout, keeping us turning the pages late into the night. Had it not been for Christmas getting in the way, I'd have read this in two or three days flat! I really cared about the three characters who narrate the story (especially Lynne, who I think was my favourite character). The novel left me thinking about the question, How well do we really know those we love? And, perhaps even more importantly, how well do we really know ourselves and what we might be capable of if pushed to extremes?
May 30, 2023
This is not a thriller. Not by my standards at least. Also TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ should be on this book because the entire basis is a man that has committed several rapes in his lifetime. This book follows the early release of Sandy, a man accused of raping a young woman. You follow his story through the eyes of 3 women in his life. One is his loyal daughter that doesn’t believe him capable, one is his loving pen pal/girlfriend that has fallen in love with him, and the last is a precious rape victim of his. Which one wants him dead? Which one ends up killing him? Did he do these horrible things to women? Yes. That is very obvious from the start. I kept waiting for the big twist but one never came. It’s exactly what you think from the first chapter.
January 4, 2023
Thank you Boldwood Publishers and Netgalley for this arc. I was really interested who and how would solve the mystery about the two opinions. I felt so proud at the end but can not say why. Maybe I would love to have some more steam around but on the other hand maybe less was enough this time. The family matters but till what point. Manipulating with feelings is not nice. But some people are masters in it. On the other hand is so hard sometimes that people belive us an not the other part of the story. Finding balance after a tragedy must be terrible. Repeating wrong decisions is also human so noone we can blame. Life is so beautiful but so difficult.
May 11, 2023
Well, after recently reading some just about average books, I was ready for something more of a page turner. And I got it!
I really loved this book, the depth of the characters , the setting and the storyline.
Will definitely read more by the author.
I really loved this book, the depth of the characters , the setting and the storyline.
Will definitely read more by the author.
June 15, 2024
I really liked the book all in all. The only part i did not enjoy was the end of this book.📕
If you enjoy a little bit of thriller and who did what , it would be a good book.
If you enjoy a little bit of thriller and who did what , it would be a good book.
December 21, 2022
Unfortunately this was a miss for me. First it was too long for the actual content and story. Then, there was no real twist or mystery, and the story didn't really captivate me as much as I wanted it to. I liked some of the descriptions of the locations as they made me want to visit France, but that was it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.
March 24, 2024
Definitely not an ideal man but in most cases wouldn't his daughter think so even with evidence against the fact? Told from many points of view but never the Ideal Man himself.
December 30, 2022
This is more a family drama than a thriller per se, but potato...potatoh!! Either way, it was engaging and easy to read. I truly felt for all three women - the daughter unquestioningly believing in her father, the "girlfriend" blindly and sadly putting all her romantic eggs in her prison pal romance basket, and the victim who has lived with her secrets for years while it slowly destroys her mental well being and her family. I probably felt the worst for Lynne, the girlfriend. So many times I wanted to shake some sense into her and then hug her tight. The ending was quite fitting and had some delicious twisty things.
May 21, 2023
T J Emerson’s latest twisty thriller The Ideal Man is sure to keep readers turning the pages all through the night.
Colette, Lynne and Jane are three women who have had their lives changed by one man: Sandy Gilligan. Currently in prison for rape, Sandy Gilligan means different things to these three different women and now that he’s being released, Colette, Lynne and Jane once again find themselves on the precipice of great change as they are caught up in a maelstrom of lies, secrets and deception. Daughter Colette is over the moon that her father is being released. She has always believed in his innocence and has fought for his release from day one. Colette has always been there for Sandy, but will he offer his daughter the same support? Or is Colette about to be seriously disappointed?
Girlfriend Lynne is beside herself when she hears that Sandy is going to be released. Like Colette, Lynne never believed for a second that Sandy was guilty of the heinous crime he was being accused of and now that his release is imminent, she is looking forward to planning their wedding and meeting his daughter. With Sandy acquitted, there will be no more hiding their love – or so Lynne thinks! Just how well does she know the man she’s given her heart to? And can she trust him? Or will letting Sandy into her life prove to be the biggest mistake she’s ever made?
Finally, Jane’s worst nightmare has come true: Sandy is being released. Jane has spent the past few years trying to forget what happened on the worst night of her life and she has managed to make a fresh start for herself. But with everything she has worked so hard for in jeopardy, Jane is about to realise that outrunning the past might be harder than she thought.
Colette, Lynne and Jane are all connected to Sandy Gilligan in their own different way – but only one of them will kill him…
B A Paris and Liane Moriarty fans will not want to miss T J Emerson’s The Ideal Man. A nail-biting thriller that keeps readers glued to its pages, The Ideal Man is a heart-stopping page-turner about complex family ties, devastating betrayals and dangerous secrets that had me jumping out of my skin on plenty of occassions.
More addictive than any Netflix binge, T J Emerson’s The Ideal Man is a must for thriller fans everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Colette, Lynne and Jane are three women who have had their lives changed by one man: Sandy Gilligan. Currently in prison for rape, Sandy Gilligan means different things to these three different women and now that he’s being released, Colette, Lynne and Jane once again find themselves on the precipice of great change as they are caught up in a maelstrom of lies, secrets and deception. Daughter Colette is over the moon that her father is being released. She has always believed in his innocence and has fought for his release from day one. Colette has always been there for Sandy, but will he offer his daughter the same support? Or is Colette about to be seriously disappointed?
Girlfriend Lynne is beside herself when she hears that Sandy is going to be released. Like Colette, Lynne never believed for a second that Sandy was guilty of the heinous crime he was being accused of and now that his release is imminent, she is looking forward to planning their wedding and meeting his daughter. With Sandy acquitted, there will be no more hiding their love – or so Lynne thinks! Just how well does she know the man she’s given her heart to? And can she trust him? Or will letting Sandy into her life prove to be the biggest mistake she’s ever made?
Finally, Jane’s worst nightmare has come true: Sandy is being released. Jane has spent the past few years trying to forget what happened on the worst night of her life and she has managed to make a fresh start for herself. But with everything she has worked so hard for in jeopardy, Jane is about to realise that outrunning the past might be harder than she thought.
Colette, Lynne and Jane are all connected to Sandy Gilligan in their own different way – but only one of them will kill him…
B A Paris and Liane Moriarty fans will not want to miss T J Emerson’s The Ideal Man. A nail-biting thriller that keeps readers glued to its pages, The Ideal Man is a heart-stopping page-turner about complex family ties, devastating betrayals and dangerous secrets that had me jumping out of my skin on plenty of occassions.
More addictive than any Netflix binge, T J Emerson’s The Ideal Man is a must for thriller fans everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 16, 2023
The Ideal Man is a gripping novel by T.J. Emerson, following the lives of three women as they deal with the release of Sandy, from prison, after he has spent time in prison for rape. What follows is an intense narrative as the three women battle with their perception of Sandy and what sort of a man he truly is, a monster or a victim.
Following Sandy’s release from prison, he travels to the French town of Nice to be with his daughter, Colette, who has fought for his release, and has publicly shared her journey to this point on her blog. She believes wholeheartedly in his innocence, which has ostracised her from her brother, who now lives in Australia, and who has no relationship with her, or their father. It also sparked the end to her marriage. I thought it was intriguing to see their relationship begin to move forward when Sandy comes to live with her. He comes across as someone who is dominating, and Colette begins to feel this a little, as Sandy begins to pick up his life again from before he went to prison. I was fascinated to see if whether or not she would begin to change her mind about her dad.
T.J. Emerson also tells the story from the point of view of a woman called Lynne, who is Sandy’s new girlfriend. She contacted him while he was in prison, and like Collette, she can’t believe that he is guilty of the crime he was convicted of. I was interested to see what Collette’s relationship with Lynn would be like, once Sandy introduced the two of them together, and if there would be any tensions between them, particularly as Sandy kept Lynne a secret from Collette.
We also hear from Jane, the woman who Sandy raped. Jane has struggled to move on from the incident, and you can see just how fearful she is, knowing that Sandy has been released from prison. This is also affecting the relationship that she has with her husband and her son. T.J. Emerson keeps the tension ticking up a notch, as I kept wondering, if at any point in the novel, if Jane and Sandy would cross paths again, and what would happen if they did.
I really liked how T.J. Emerson got inside the heads of her characters. Their emotions come through in the writing as they grapple with their thoughts and feelings, and this is what makes this novel an intense read. The Ideal Man makes for an intriguing and an absorbing psychological thriller.
Following Sandy’s release from prison, he travels to the French town of Nice to be with his daughter, Colette, who has fought for his release, and has publicly shared her journey to this point on her blog. She believes wholeheartedly in his innocence, which has ostracised her from her brother, who now lives in Australia, and who has no relationship with her, or their father. It also sparked the end to her marriage. I thought it was intriguing to see their relationship begin to move forward when Sandy comes to live with her. He comes across as someone who is dominating, and Colette begins to feel this a little, as Sandy begins to pick up his life again from before he went to prison. I was fascinated to see if whether or not she would begin to change her mind about her dad.
T.J. Emerson also tells the story from the point of view of a woman called Lynne, who is Sandy’s new girlfriend. She contacted him while he was in prison, and like Collette, she can’t believe that he is guilty of the crime he was convicted of. I was interested to see what Collette’s relationship with Lynn would be like, once Sandy introduced the two of them together, and if there would be any tensions between them, particularly as Sandy kept Lynne a secret from Collette.
We also hear from Jane, the woman who Sandy raped. Jane has struggled to move on from the incident, and you can see just how fearful she is, knowing that Sandy has been released from prison. This is also affecting the relationship that she has with her husband and her son. T.J. Emerson keeps the tension ticking up a notch, as I kept wondering, if at any point in the novel, if Jane and Sandy would cross paths again, and what would happen if they did.
I really liked how T.J. Emerson got inside the heads of her characters. Their emotions come through in the writing as they grapple with their thoughts and feelings, and this is what makes this novel an intense read. The Ideal Man makes for an intriguing and an absorbing psychological thriller.
January 25, 2023
Five years ago, Sandy Gilligan was found guilty of rape. Now he is about to be freed. Two women are looking forward to seeing him leave prison. Colette, his daughter, someone who stood by him, convinced of his innocence. And Lynne, who corresponded and visited him while he was in prison, and now looks forward to a new life with him on the Cote d’ Azur.
For a third, there is only fear. She was not involved in his trial. Her attack happened earlier. She has become obsessed with the fear he will come looking for her, and the life she has rebuilt since the attack will be destroyed.
Written from all three women’s viewpoints, it opens a window onto their very different lives – the devoted daughter, sure her father is, as he has always claimed, innocent. The prison visitor, a twice divorced woman looking for love and a settled life with her new man, and a previous victim, living in fear. Jane knows she’s no innocent, but the ferocity of her attack leaves the reader aware that Sandy Gilligan is not the man Colette and Lynne think he is.
As Sandy settles back into the life of luxury he was once used to, from his behaviour and the things he says, it’s easy to believe he’s been wronged, and the law has made a mistake. He loves his daughter, that’s clear, and he’s being cautious with Lynne who’s already dreaming of wedding bells. And as for Jane, could she be mistaken?
I really enjoyed this book, getting the perspective of three different characters, whose views of Sandy are completely different. For me, in the beginning, I did wonder about his guilt. Having done jury service on a rape trial where the accused was acquitted, I realise how fine a line it can be between innocence and guilt. Although the reader doesn’t get inside Sandy’s head, it’s clear from the way he begins to behave once he has his freedom, that something isn’t right. He thinks he knows the two women in his life, but sadly he completely underestimates them both. With Jane, there's that sense of fear right from the moment she knows Sandy is free. Although she has changed her identity and lives nowhere near him, could the man she's glimpsed on more than one occasion be him?
Well written with believable characters, right from the start I was pulled into this story and had no idea how things would end. Recommended.
For a third, there is only fear. She was not involved in his trial. Her attack happened earlier. She has become obsessed with the fear he will come looking for her, and the life she has rebuilt since the attack will be destroyed.
Written from all three women’s viewpoints, it opens a window onto their very different lives – the devoted daughter, sure her father is, as he has always claimed, innocent. The prison visitor, a twice divorced woman looking for love and a settled life with her new man, and a previous victim, living in fear. Jane knows she’s no innocent, but the ferocity of her attack leaves the reader aware that Sandy Gilligan is not the man Colette and Lynne think he is.
As Sandy settles back into the life of luxury he was once used to, from his behaviour and the things he says, it’s easy to believe he’s been wronged, and the law has made a mistake. He loves his daughter, that’s clear, and he’s being cautious with Lynne who’s already dreaming of wedding bells. And as for Jane, could she be mistaken?
I really enjoyed this book, getting the perspective of three different characters, whose views of Sandy are completely different. For me, in the beginning, I did wonder about his guilt. Having done jury service on a rape trial where the accused was acquitted, I realise how fine a line it can be between innocence and guilt. Although the reader doesn’t get inside Sandy’s head, it’s clear from the way he begins to behave once he has his freedom, that something isn’t right. He thinks he knows the two women in his life, but sadly he completely underestimates them both. With Jane, there's that sense of fear right from the moment she knows Sandy is free. Although she has changed her identity and lives nowhere near him, could the man she's glimpsed on more than one occasion be him?
Well written with believable characters, right from the start I was pulled into this story and had no idea how things would end. Recommended.
February 3, 2023
I’d read both of Tracy's last two books and loved them. 'The Ideal Man' also did not disappoint. Once again, characterisation and sense of place are significant strengths. I was able to visualise France, the hotel, and the apartments where the characters lived.
The storyline - a man charged with rape, newly released from prison, and the complexities of his relationship with his daughter, girlfriend, and victim – is a sensitive and brave one, but lends itself well to the genre of psychological thriller.
Kind-hearted, but gullible Lynne was by far my favourite character. She was totally believable and I could visualise her, hear her talking, and read her thoughts. I found myself looking forward to hearing her POV. Silly or not, I really liked her.
Sandy was also a well-developed character, who showed many sides to his (split) personality. While being the focal part of the whole novel, quite rightly, his story was overshadowed by the other three characters.
Kudos to the author on the creation, and presentation of both of these characters and their stories.
The other two characters, even though they had the more complex connections with Sandy – were less well defined. Bizarrely I felt guilty for thinking this about ‘Jane’ (one of Sandy’s victims) – after all, hadn’t she been through enough – and from the perspective of the author, having to recreate the emotions and possible thoughts and feelings of a rape victim, is a huge responsibility. I just felt a little bored with her ‘perfect’ husband, perfect in-laws, and perfect ‘new life’, and kept expecting a more shocking twist to eventuate (see, I feel guilty for saying that. She deserves to be boring).
Collette, the loyal daughter, with an ironclad commitment to her father was also difficult to figure out – I couldn’t get a grasp of her personality, and therefore was unable to imagine her, even though she had been described to me. However, without giving too much away, the skill of keeping some aspects of a character hidden, and unfolding information bit by bit is actually genius on behalf of the author, as there are more places to go with that character as the story unfolds.
This aside, I couldn’t put the book down. And I can’t wait to read the next one.
The storyline - a man charged with rape, newly released from prison, and the complexities of his relationship with his daughter, girlfriend, and victim – is a sensitive and brave one, but lends itself well to the genre of psychological thriller.
Kind-hearted, but gullible Lynne was by far my favourite character. She was totally believable and I could visualise her, hear her talking, and read her thoughts. I found myself looking forward to hearing her POV. Silly or not, I really liked her.
Sandy was also a well-developed character, who showed many sides to his (split) personality. While being the focal part of the whole novel, quite rightly, his story was overshadowed by the other three characters.
Kudos to the author on the creation, and presentation of both of these characters and their stories.
The other two characters, even though they had the more complex connections with Sandy – were less well defined. Bizarrely I felt guilty for thinking this about ‘Jane’ (one of Sandy’s victims) – after all, hadn’t she been through enough – and from the perspective of the author, having to recreate the emotions and possible thoughts and feelings of a rape victim, is a huge responsibility. I just felt a little bored with her ‘perfect’ husband, perfect in-laws, and perfect ‘new life’, and kept expecting a more shocking twist to eventuate (see, I feel guilty for saying that. She deserves to be boring).
Collette, the loyal daughter, with an ironclad commitment to her father was also difficult to figure out – I couldn’t get a grasp of her personality, and therefore was unable to imagine her, even though she had been described to me. However, without giving too much away, the skill of keeping some aspects of a character hidden, and unfolding information bit by bit is actually genius on behalf of the author, as there are more places to go with that character as the story unfolds.
This aside, I couldn’t put the book down. And I can’t wait to read the next one.
January 25, 2023
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
Despite having a pretty good idea of knowing how this story would end, The Ideal Man offered up plenty of thriller moments–the kind of moments that are more discreet and unassuming. A slow burn and build up of plotline tension.
Daughter Colette is certain her father, Sandy, is an innocent man. Other family members and friends had all walked away from Sandy, certain of his guilt, but Colette never wavered, even after he’d gone to jail for his potential crimes. After he’s released early for good behavior, she does all she can to make his transition back into life outside of bars as easy as possible, but there are plenty of red flags that present themselves, ones that are difficult to excuse away. Out of all of the relationships within this book, the one between Colette and Sandy offered up the most change, and it was really interesting to witness.
Lynne offered up a different perspective where Sandy is concerned. So many people are focused on the past and what Sandy had been accused of, but Lynne is looking towards the future and what might be. When the reader discovers the relationship arc between the two characters, I wasn’t surprised by the outcome because it was most fitting. It was almost as if Lynne had become a character witness for Sandy.
Jane’s point of view provided the most suspense and intrigue. At first, I wasn’t sure who Jane represented; the person Sandy is accused of hurting, or the person who has remained in the shadows with secrets. Once it’s figured out, I was eager to discover what Jane would do, and how she would handle the situation she’s in. When characters who have never collided begin to collide, it was even better!
The ending felt right, for everyone involved. And even though I knew how the story would end, the characters who are part of it was a big surprise. It’s always the person you least expect. I really enjoyed The Ideal Man, a worthy, suspenseful five-star experience.
Despite having a pretty good idea of knowing how this story would end, The Ideal Man offered up plenty of thriller moments–the kind of moments that are more discreet and unassuming. A slow burn and build up of plotline tension.
Daughter Colette is certain her father, Sandy, is an innocent man. Other family members and friends had all walked away from Sandy, certain of his guilt, but Colette never wavered, even after he’d gone to jail for his potential crimes. After he’s released early for good behavior, she does all she can to make his transition back into life outside of bars as easy as possible, but there are plenty of red flags that present themselves, ones that are difficult to excuse away. Out of all of the relationships within this book, the one between Colette and Sandy offered up the most change, and it was really interesting to witness.
Lynne offered up a different perspective where Sandy is concerned. So many people are focused on the past and what Sandy had been accused of, but Lynne is looking towards the future and what might be. When the reader discovers the relationship arc between the two characters, I wasn’t surprised by the outcome because it was most fitting. It was almost as if Lynne had become a character witness for Sandy.
Jane’s point of view provided the most suspense and intrigue. At first, I wasn’t sure who Jane represented; the person Sandy is accused of hurting, or the person who has remained in the shadows with secrets. Once it’s figured out, I was eager to discover what Jane would do, and how she would handle the situation she’s in. When characters who have never collided begin to collide, it was even better!
The ending felt right, for everyone involved. And even though I knew how the story would end, the characters who are part of it was a big surprise. It’s always the person you least expect. I really enjoyed The Ideal Man, a worthy, suspenseful five-star experience.
February 1, 2023
The Ideal Man
Three women’s lives are about to change forever.
The Daughter. My father is innocent. He’s spent almost four years behind bars, but now he’s getting out. I gave up everything to be there for him, just like he was always there for me. It’s all going to be worth it now.
The Girlfriend. As soon as I opened the paper that day and saw that picture of Sandy, I didn’t care about the story surrounding it. There’s no way he hurt that girl. Now he’s out, and we’ll get married and meet his daughter. There’ll be no more hiding our love.
The Other Woman. No one knows what happened all those years ago, and the life I built depends on no one finding out. But, now he’s getting out, my secrets may soon see the light. I can’t let that happen.
One Loves Him. One Needs Him. One Wants Him DEAD.
Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3Ds0XtM
Author Bio –
T.J. Emerson’s debut psychological thriller was published by Legend Press and received brilliant reviews. Her short stories and features have been widely published in anthologies and magazines. She works as a literary consultant and writing tutor. She lives in Scotland.
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