If you’re looking for a dark, psychological thriller to keep you up at night, this one will absolutely fit the bill.
About the Book
Not every love story is a fairytale romance…
When Anna first meets Mark, she thinks he’s the perfect boyfriend. Wealthy and charming, he showers her with gifts, compliments, everything she has ever desired.
But Mark is less a prince than a man with a dangerous secret, and as their love life becomes ever darker, Anna flees him.
There is nowhere safe from him, though. Not for Anna. Nor for the girlfriends who follow her.
Because this is a boyfriend who would kill to make sure he can continue to kiss sleeping princesses…
A pulse-poundingly gripping suspense thriller, perfect for fans of Daniel Hurst, TM Logan and Anita Waller.
My Thoughts
I have read a lot of psychological thrillers in the past year or two. I discovered a love of thrillers – especially psychological ones – and hit the ground running. In fact, I’ve read so many lately, I’ve been thinking I should probably take a little break and read something else for my mental health. And, this one was one of the darker ones! So, if that’s what you’re into, definitely pick this one up! I can’t promise a page-long list of content warnings like some of the famous dark romances that have made the circuit lately, but this definitely has its warnings. And it is filled to the brim with darkness and an absolutely devious villain that made me more than a little ill.
The breadth to write such a dark villain alongside loving fathers, mothers, detectives, etc., always amazes me. But then, dark villains belong to people in some way. Sometimes they are fathers, mothers, sisters, or brothers. They sometimes fit into lives when they’re not being devious. And sometimes they don’t do a good job of fooling people.
I really enjoyed the big twist at the end of this one, and I also really enjoyed the character growth and development we saw for the detective. It’s not an uncommon trope, but I appreciate the unique style and turn this author took this story on. This is not a cozy mystery by any stretch of the imagination. It is a gritty, dark story exploring some of the worst humanity has to offer, exploring those who live and work in that world.
It was an intense read at times, and is definitely not for the faint of heart. It included scenes of kidnapping, sexual assault, death, and more. So, be sure to check content warnings before reading. I’m grateful to the author and LBT for including me on this tour. I will definitely look for more by him.
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy very dark, twisty, turny psychological thrillers, then this is a great read for you. But because of the nature of the read, you must check out the content warnings before reading to ensure that you take care of your mental health!
Content Warnings: This book contains topics that may disturb some readers, including, but not limited to, Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Violence, Murder, Necrophilia, Gross Miscarriage of Justice, Vigilante Justice, Corrupt Police, and More.
About the Author
John Nicholl is a Welsh author renowned for his gripping psychological thrillers and crime novels. Born and raised in West Wales, Nicholl draws upon his experiences as a former police officer, child protection social worker, and lecturer to craft compelling narratives that delve into the darkest corners of human nature. His work often explores themes of justice, psychological manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Nicholl’s transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.
He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.
Links
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Boyfriend-utterly-gripping-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B0DPJR9HK4
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4hwZwML
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9781835612699
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222802713-the-boyfriend
Author’s Website: https://www.johnnicholl.com/
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Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.