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The Ex Boyfriend
He promised to love her until her dying day…
When Becca’s first love shows up on her social media feed, she can’t help but smile fondly. Once upon a time, Connor was the love of her life, and though it was over ten years ago, he’s always held a place in her heart.
Then he sends her a message. He sounds happy – still kind and funny, still living across the world in Australia. But he wants to know everything about her life now. How can Becca tell him the truth? About her workaholic husband, her stressful job, and the challenges of caring for her elderly father and her longed-for, adorable but exhausting three-year-old daughter Mia?
Becca hesitates, knowing she shouldn’t even reply. But Connor lives on the other side of the world. Just how dangerous can becoming friends again be?
It feels harmless. Until Mia gets sick – in a way that no one can explain. And it starts to become clear – someone will do absolutely anything to make sure Becca never escapes her past…
When Becca’s first love shows up on her social media feed, she can’t help but smile fondly. Once upon a time, Connor was the love of her life, and though it was over ten years ago, he’s always held a place in her heart.
Then he sends her a message. He sounds happy – still kind and funny, still living across the world in Australia. But he wants to know everything about her life now. How can Becca tell him the truth? About her workaholic husband, her stressful job, and the challenges of caring for her elderly father and her longed-for, adorable but exhausting three-year-old daughter Mia?
Becca hesitates, knowing she shouldn’t even reply. But Connor lives on the other side of the world. Just how dangerous can becoming friends again be?
It feels harmless. Until Mia gets sick – in a way that no one can explain. And it starts to become clear – someone will do absolutely anything to make sure Becca never escapes her past…
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2020
1054 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Rona Halsall
20 books531 followersRona is the #1 best selling author of twisty psychological thrillers and loves to create mayhem in her characters' lives to keep her readers guessing. She lives halfway up a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales with her three dogs - Maid, Evie and Sandy who are the writing support team.
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
She is an outdoorsy person, who loves nothing better than stomping up a mountain, and wandering round forests and woodlands while she's plotting her next book. Outside is where the ideas are!
The peak of her writing career was being short-listed for the International Thriller Writers Awards 2024, for THE BIGAMIST. The translation was also shortlisted for an award in Holland.
For the latest news and information on all her books you can check out her website: https://ronahalsall.org/
You can also sign up to her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/RonaHalsallNews
Also...If you follow her Author page on Amazon, you'll get notifications when a new book is out. You can have a look here:
UK - https://tinyurl.com/yfk4ydyt
US - https://tinyurl.com/26cwfkc7
Go on... hit that Follow button!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
September 9, 2020
Becca is married to Dean and they have a young daughter Mia. Their marriage is definitely under strain as his focus seems to be principally on his burgeoning business rather than his family. This loneliness leads Becca to think about her ex Connor who she met on an extended holiday in Australia. She has to leave him and go home for family reasons but promises to return but circumstances get in the way. Unexpectedly he gets in touch via social media which coincides with Mia having a series of recurring illness with the same horrible symptoms. Is someone deliberately harming her?? After this Becca’s life goes from bad to worse in this intriguing domestic noir.
First of all, although I don’t warm to Becca as a personality, her background, health issues with anxiety, OCD and depression and her work history certainly lends itself to interesting reading. The start is good and draws you in though I think it takes a while for the storyline to get going as it’s a bit clunky and disjointed initially. However, once the scene is established it becomes an engaging and compelling read. The suspicion for what happens to Mia falls on several suspects which obviously makes you want to read on and the final twist is a good one as you do not see that one coming. It’s a shock to say the least.
Overall, an easy to read and enjoyable psychological suspense drama. I definitely want to read more by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC for an honest review.
First of all, although I don’t warm to Becca as a personality, her background, health issues with anxiety, OCD and depression and her work history certainly lends itself to interesting reading. The start is good and draws you in though I think it takes a while for the storyline to get going as it’s a bit clunky and disjointed initially. However, once the scene is established it becomes an engaging and compelling read. The suspicion for what happens to Mia falls on several suspects which obviously makes you want to read on and the final twist is a good one as you do not see that one coming. It’s a shock to say the least.
Overall, an easy to read and enjoyable psychological suspense drama. I definitely want to read more by this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC for an honest review.
September 30, 2020
The Ex-Boyfiend is a fantastic domestic thriller. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning and trying to figure out what was going on.
I highly recommend The Ex-Boyfriend to domestic thriller fans. The Ex-boyfriend is a book you won’t want to put down. Everyone has secrets. Everyone is suspicious, so you have to wait until the very end to find out who is poisoning Mia.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for The Ex Boyfriend.
Full review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I highly recommend The Ex-Boyfriend to domestic thriller fans. The Ex-boyfriend is a book you won’t want to put down. Everyone has secrets. Everyone is suspicious, so you have to wait until the very end to find out who is poisoning Mia.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for The Ex Boyfriend.
Full review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
April 3, 2021
Becca is overwhelmed with her 3 year old daughter Mia sporadically unwell & her husband Dean who is hardly ever around due to his business, her life is spiralling out of control not knowing why her daughter cries through the night constantly changing her clothes & bed Linen, with her father Frank who has just lost his wife isn't coping she relies on him & her sister Kate for help.
Then all of a sudden she goes on Twitter to get in contact with her former lover Connor who lives in Darwin she leaves him a message & is happy that he replies as she gets lonely & remembers what they had shared. 10 years earlier, he goes by the name of Surfer Boy.
But Becca gets a call from her boss Carol that she has temporarily been stood down of her duties as a nurse The committee said she gave the patients the wrong medication which she vehemently denies, she is heartbroken but there is nothing she can do. Becca decides to get a childminder to take care of Mia Ruth she is middle aged no kids but gets on very well with Mia, until mia is sick yet again & Becca is accused of doing it? & Dean is horrified that Becca would do such a thing he calls social services & Mia is taken off the only mother she has known.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first read by Rona Halsall & wont be my last i loved this book could not put it down you could feel Becca's grief chapter by chapter rise the characters were well developed, i put on my detective hat & thought i picked the culprit but then the author put you in another direction i wish i could give this 10 stars because it deserves it., , there were twists & turns at every corner Kudos to Ms Halsall for writing a Psychological Thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Then all of a sudden she goes on Twitter to get in contact with her former lover Connor who lives in Darwin she leaves him a message & is happy that he replies as she gets lonely & remembers what they had shared. 10 years earlier, he goes by the name of Surfer Boy.
But Becca gets a call from her boss Carol that she has temporarily been stood down of her duties as a nurse The committee said she gave the patients the wrong medication which she vehemently denies, she is heartbroken but there is nothing she can do. Becca decides to get a childminder to take care of Mia Ruth she is middle aged no kids but gets on very well with Mia, until mia is sick yet again & Becca is accused of doing it? & Dean is horrified that Becca would do such a thing he calls social services & Mia is taken off the only mother she has known.
MY THOUGHTS
This is my first read by Rona Halsall & wont be my last i loved this book could not put it down you could feel Becca's grief chapter by chapter rise the characters were well developed, i put on my detective hat & thought i picked the culprit but then the author put you in another direction i wish i could give this 10 stars because it deserves it., , there were twists & turns at every corner Kudos to Ms Halsall for writing a Psychological Thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
December 31, 2021
Becca is overwhelmed with her non-stop duties of being a working mom and wife to a husband who is always busy with his work and doesn't seem to have time to talk or work on their problems. Suddenly, Becca's old love Connor shows up on her social media stirring up some of those old happy and warm memories when she felt so free and alive. Well since Connor lives in Australia maybe it couldn't hurt to make contact with her old dear friend and lover because she really needs someone to talk things over. Then her precious three year old Mia starts getting sick and Becca is suspicious that someone might be trying to make Mia sick even though the doctors keep say it is just a tummy virus. What is going on? Mia's illness only started after Becca reconnected with Connor. Could Connor be trying to destroy her marriage? That's not possible if he is in Australia or is he?
I really enjoyed this fast paced story. There were so many twists and turns. (Love when that happens). Everytime I thought I had solved the puzzle I would find out I was wrong, and sometimes I just love being wrong. This was a fun (not light in any way) and suspenseful read. I can't wait to read more books by Rona Halsall.
I want to thank the publisher "Bookouture" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book to any mystery or psychological suspense loved and have given a rating of 4 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Publication Date is September 30, 2020
Merged review:
Becca is overwhelmed with her non-stop duties of being a working mom and wife to a husband who is always busy with his work and doesn't seem to have time to talk or work on their problems. Suddenly, Becca's old love Connor shows up on her social media stirring up some of those old happy and warm memories when she felt so free and alive. Well since Connor lives in Australia maybe it couldn't hurt to make contact with her old dear friend and lover because she really needs someone to talk things over. Then her precious three year old Mia starts getting sick and Becca is suspicious that someone might be trying to make Mia sick even though the doctors keep say it is just a tummy virus. What is going on? Mia's illness only started after Becca reconnected with Connor. Could Connor be trying to destroy her marriage? That's not possible if he is in Australia or is he?
I really enjoyed this fast paced story. There were so many twists and turns. (Love when that happens). Everytime I thought I had solved the puzzle I would find out I was wrong, and sometimes I just love being wrong. This was a fun (not light in any way) and suspenseful read. I can't wait to read more books by Rona Halsall.
I want to thank the publisher "Bookouture" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book to any mystery or psychological suspense loved and have given a rating of 4 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
I really enjoyed this fast paced story. There were so many twists and turns. (Love when that happens). Everytime I thought I had solved the puzzle I would find out I was wrong, and sometimes I just love being wrong. This was a fun (not light in any way) and suspenseful read. I can't wait to read more books by Rona Halsall.
I want to thank the publisher "Bookouture" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book to any mystery or psychological suspense loved and have given a rating of 4 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Publication Date is September 30, 2020
Merged review:
Becca is overwhelmed with her non-stop duties of being a working mom and wife to a husband who is always busy with his work and doesn't seem to have time to talk or work on their problems. Suddenly, Becca's old love Connor shows up on her social media stirring up some of those old happy and warm memories when she felt so free and alive. Well since Connor lives in Australia maybe it couldn't hurt to make contact with her old dear friend and lover because she really needs someone to talk things over. Then her precious three year old Mia starts getting sick and Becca is suspicious that someone might be trying to make Mia sick even though the doctors keep say it is just a tummy virus. What is going on? Mia's illness only started after Becca reconnected with Connor. Could Connor be trying to destroy her marriage? That's not possible if he is in Australia or is he?
I really enjoyed this fast paced story. There were so many twists and turns. (Love when that happens). Everytime I thought I had solved the puzzle I would find out I was wrong, and sometimes I just love being wrong. This was a fun (not light in any way) and suspenseful read. I can't wait to read more books by Rona Halsall.
I want to thank the publisher "Bookouture" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book to any mystery or psychological suspense loved and have given a rating of 4 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
September 30, 2020
The Ex Boyfriend by Rona Halsall is a thriller that was so much more than the title and book synopsis lead me to believe it would be. With an unreliable narrator at the helm this one really seems to take a reader down two different paths with only one being obvious from the description.
Becca is married to Dean and the mother of a wonderful toddler, Mia. Becca and Dean have hit that spot in their marriage where it feels to Becca like she is a second choice to Dean’s budding career. Just at a time when Becca is beginning to wonder if Dean’s eye has wandered away from her Becca receives a message from her old flame, one that she had thought she would be with forever until life got in the way.
But just as Becca gets the flash of her past and questions where she is now in her life with her marriage Mia begins to become ill. What seems to come on quickly and disappear just as fast leads Becca to seeking medical advice. Being told it’s simply a bug doesn’t sit well with Becca and when the illness keeps coming back Becca becomes more and more worried.
The Ex Boyfriend is the type of book that you just can’t trust anyone or anything that is happening at the moment. With every turn of the page it seems like the story unpeals another layer and twists things even further making you question just where things will end up. By the time the end came with this one I had more than given up guessing and just went along for the ride waiting to find out the truth of it all and when that happens I always enjoy whatever comes my way.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Becca is married to Dean and the mother of a wonderful toddler, Mia. Becca and Dean have hit that spot in their marriage where it feels to Becca like she is a second choice to Dean’s budding career. Just at a time when Becca is beginning to wonder if Dean’s eye has wandered away from her Becca receives a message from her old flame, one that she had thought she would be with forever until life got in the way.
But just as Becca gets the flash of her past and questions where she is now in her life with her marriage Mia begins to become ill. What seems to come on quickly and disappear just as fast leads Becca to seeking medical advice. Being told it’s simply a bug doesn’t sit well with Becca and when the illness keeps coming back Becca becomes more and more worried.
The Ex Boyfriend is the type of book that you just can’t trust anyone or anything that is happening at the moment. With every turn of the page it seems like the story unpeals another layer and twists things even further making you question just where things will end up. By the time the end came with this one I had more than given up guessing and just went along for the ride waiting to find out the truth of it all and when that happens I always enjoy whatever comes my way.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 27, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was the first book I’ve read by Rona Halsall, but definitely won’t be my last. She has written a well crafted thriller that will keep you reading late into the night. I literally couldn’t put it down! Becca’s world is turned upside down when an ex-boyfriend sends her a message on Twitter. Old memories start to surface along with the question, “What if?” When her daughter, Mia, suddenly becomes violently ill with no explanation, her life continues to spiral down a path of mystery, deception and doubt. Who can she trust when betrayal and danger may be closer than she could ever imagine. A shocking conclusion that I didn’t see coming! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 18, 2020
Rona Halsall really knows how to rock the domestic noir genre. This one is a beauty! Becca and Dean have a wonderful life. Dean’s new business is doing well and growing. Becca combines three half days of work community nursing with caring for their energetic three year old daughter Mia. Everything is wonderful - until it isn’t.
When you lift the lid on this simmering cauldron you find that Dean is spending more time than ever at work (and we all know what that means) while Becca is struggling with competing demands just when her child minder thinks she has cancer and her sister, Kate, demands a break from looking after their father who has never quite recovered from the death of his wife - Becca and Kate’s mother 10 years ago. So when she gets a Twitter message from Connor, the surfer who swept her off her feet 10 years ago while she was on sabbatical in Australia, she can’t help thinking “what if?”
But when Mia starts having inexplicable bouts of illness and people start to suspect Becca of causing it because wasn’t there a cloud over her all those years ago that led to a breakdown...and caused her to flee to Australia? Things go from bad to worse for Becca and she doesn’t know who to believe, or trust or indeed if she is really going insane. This twist, when it comes, well you may have been thinking it but it still slaps you in the face with its sheer horror. How well do you really know the people close to you? I really enjoyed this one! 4.5 stars rounded down. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Rona Halsall for providing this copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
When you lift the lid on this simmering cauldron you find that Dean is spending more time than ever at work (and we all know what that means) while Becca is struggling with competing demands just when her child minder thinks she has cancer and her sister, Kate, demands a break from looking after their father who has never quite recovered from the death of his wife - Becca and Kate’s mother 10 years ago. So when she gets a Twitter message from Connor, the surfer who swept her off her feet 10 years ago while she was on sabbatical in Australia, she can’t help thinking “what if?”
But when Mia starts having inexplicable bouts of illness and people start to suspect Becca of causing it because wasn’t there a cloud over her all those years ago that led to a breakdown...and caused her to flee to Australia? Things go from bad to worse for Becca and she doesn’t know who to believe, or trust or indeed if she is really going insane. This twist, when it comes, well you may have been thinking it but it still slaps you in the face with its sheer horror. How well do you really know the people close to you? I really enjoyed this one! 4.5 stars rounded down. Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Rona Halsall for providing this copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 13, 2020
This is what you call a perfect psychological thriller, in every way
Becca is married to Dean and they have a daughter, Mia, all is ‘ok’ but then Becca receives an unexpected tweet from her ‘many moons ago’ first love Connor,and the temptation to reply is too strong, so she does , this opens up a whole host of past secrets, can she face reopening all those wounds....and then Mia gets sick, for no reason....suspicions are raised as to why and thats where I will leave it as the drama, twists and turns fly thick and fast and you will find yourself being more and more shocked as more and more is revealed
I really liked Becca and liked Connor too, the story is easy to visualise and ‘get into’ and once you start you wont be able to stop
Rona Halsall writes great books and I think this is my favourite, fast paced, exciting, at times dark, very dark and at all times thrilling
10/10
5 Stars
Becca is married to Dean and they have a daughter, Mia, all is ‘ok’ but then Becca receives an unexpected tweet from her ‘many moons ago’ first love Connor,and the temptation to reply is too strong, so she does , this opens up a whole host of past secrets, can she face reopening all those wounds....and then Mia gets sick, for no reason....suspicions are raised as to why and thats where I will leave it as the drama, twists and turns fly thick and fast and you will find yourself being more and more shocked as more and more is revealed
I really liked Becca and liked Connor too, the story is easy to visualise and ‘get into’ and once you start you wont be able to stop
Rona Halsall writes great books and I think this is my favourite, fast paced, exciting, at times dark, very dark and at all times thrilling
10/10
5 Stars
September 22, 2020
Becca'sfirst love, Connor shows up on her social media feed. He has always held a special place in her heart. He sends her a message. He's happy and still living in Australia. Becca can't tell him the truth. Her husband is a workaholic, her job is stressful and she has to care for her father and daughter Mia. Then Mia starts getting bouts of sickness as events from her past are being used against her.
I was gripped by this story from the first page. The pace us well set and steady. It's told from Becca's perspective. There's so many twists that I found myself second guessing everything. Becca thinks her daughters illness isn't a virus, she thinks that something else is going on. Things soon spiral out of control. There's a mixed bunch of likeable and unlikable characters. This is an addictive page turner. Rona Halsall writes chilling and thrilling books. Each book is better than the previous one.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Becca's first love, Connor show up on her social media feed. He has always held a special place in her heart. He sends her a message. He sounds happy and still living in Australia. Becca can't tell him the truth. Her husband's a workaholic, her job is stressful and she has to care for her father and her daughter Mia. The Mia starts getting bouts of sickness as events from her past are being used against her.
I was gripped by this story from the first page. The pace is well set and steady. It's told from Becca's perspective. There's so many twists that I found myself second guessing everything. Becca thinks her daughter's illness isn't a virus, she thinks that something else is going on. Things soon spiral out of control. There's a mixed bunch of both likeable and unlikable characters. This is an addictive page turner. Rona Halsall writes chilly and thrilling books. Each book is better than the previous one.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was gripped by this story from the first page. The pace us well set and steady. It's told from Becca's perspective. There's so many twists that I found myself second guessing everything. Becca thinks her daughters illness isn't a virus, she thinks that something else is going on. Things soon spiral out of control. There's a mixed bunch of likeable and unlikable characters. This is an addictive page turner. Rona Halsall writes chilling and thrilling books. Each book is better than the previous one.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Becca's first love, Connor show up on her social media feed. He has always held a special place in her heart. He sends her a message. He sounds happy and still living in Australia. Becca can't tell him the truth. Her husband's a workaholic, her job is stressful and she has to care for her father and her daughter Mia. The Mia starts getting bouts of sickness as events from her past are being used against her.
I was gripped by this story from the first page. The pace is well set and steady. It's told from Becca's perspective. There's so many twists that I found myself second guessing everything. Becca thinks her daughter's illness isn't a virus, she thinks that something else is going on. Things soon spiral out of control. There's a mixed bunch of both likeable and unlikable characters. This is an addictive page turner. Rona Halsall writes chilly and thrilling books. Each book is better than the previous one.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #RonaHalsall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2020
This is a very well written book. The story is not that strong, but the author certainly makes the most of the possibilities it offers.
Becca and Dean have been married a few years and have a daughter Mia. Dean is very focused on his work leaving much of the job of caring for Mia to Becca. She thankfully has a reliable house help in Ruth. After many years, Becca’s ex-boyfriend Connor, with whom she was very close while in Australia suddenly messages her on Twitter. As the exchange grows, Becca is forced to admit to herself that her feelings for Connor are still strong. She is however determined to stay committed to her marriage.
Mia falls ill a few times and while it appears to a routine viral infection initially, the suspicion grows that it may be a case of poisoning. There are not too many people who can do this though and the suspicion falls on Becca herself. There are some incidents in the past which she was cleared of, but raise suspicion in the light of recent events, coupled with her near hysterical behavior. Becca is determined to get to the bottom of this and finds it odd that all this coincides with Connor getting reconnected with her. As the stress grows and Becca is forbidden from being with Mia till she is cleared, she has to lean on her father Frank and sister Kate for support. She also learns that there are some events in the past she has not known about which might be influencing what is happening now.
While the writing is great, there is only so much this story can offer. As a result, the ending seems fairly tame. The behaviour of Becca’s character is intermittently quite silly, but it is entirely plausible, nevertheless. I did like the epilogue which covers the decisions Becca makes for her future, and the book finishes well.
My rating: 3.25 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Becca and Dean have been married a few years and have a daughter Mia. Dean is very focused on his work leaving much of the job of caring for Mia to Becca. She thankfully has a reliable house help in Ruth. After many years, Becca’s ex-boyfriend Connor, with whom she was very close while in Australia suddenly messages her on Twitter. As the exchange grows, Becca is forced to admit to herself that her feelings for Connor are still strong. She is however determined to stay committed to her marriage.
Mia falls ill a few times and while it appears to a routine viral infection initially, the suspicion grows that it may be a case of poisoning. There are not too many people who can do this though and the suspicion falls on Becca herself. There are some incidents in the past which she was cleared of, but raise suspicion in the light of recent events, coupled with her near hysterical behavior. Becca is determined to get to the bottom of this and finds it odd that all this coincides with Connor getting reconnected with her. As the stress grows and Becca is forbidden from being with Mia till she is cleared, she has to lean on her father Frank and sister Kate for support. She also learns that there are some events in the past she has not known about which might be influencing what is happening now.
While the writing is great, there is only so much this story can offer. As a result, the ending seems fairly tame. The behaviour of Becca’s character is intermittently quite silly, but it is entirely plausible, nevertheless. I did like the epilogue which covers the decisions Becca makes for her future, and the book finishes well.
My rating: 3.25 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
August 28, 2020
The Ex-Boyfriend is my very first Rona Halsall novel and boy it got my attention. So much so, that I read the book in a single day. A first single day read for me. I just couldn't put it down.
Mia is the three year old daughter of Becca and Dean Thornton. Mia is being poisoned and the suspect of Mia's poisoning is Becca. Becca is a nurse, so how can that be? Coincidentally, the poisoning started when Becca's ex-boyfriend, Conner, starts tweeting messages to her in an attempt to reconnect. Maybe it is Becca, being that she is stuck in a not so happy marriage.
So many suspects and so many theories come into play as you read the novel. Who will be your suspects and what will be your theories? Mine were wrong as I found out in a surprising ending.
A gripping 5 stars for an unputdownable read. I will definitely keep Rona Halsall on my radar.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Mia is the three year old daughter of Becca and Dean Thornton. Mia is being poisoned and the suspect of Mia's poisoning is Becca. Becca is a nurse, so how can that be? Coincidentally, the poisoning started when Becca's ex-boyfriend, Conner, starts tweeting messages to her in an attempt to reconnect. Maybe it is Becca, being that she is stuck in a not so happy marriage.
So many suspects and so many theories come into play as you read the novel. Who will be your suspects and what will be your theories? Mine were wrong as I found out in a surprising ending.
A gripping 5 stars for an unputdownable read. I will definitely keep Rona Halsall on my radar.
I received a digital ARC from Bookouture through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 30, 2020
Becca's marriage isn't going as well as expected. Her husband spends long hours away in building up his business, along with a new employee ... a very beautiful woman. There is quite a bit of travel involved, so is he having an affair?
Their 3-year-old-daughter is the apple of her eye. But it's sometimes rather exhausting, working as a nurse, even part-time, taking care of the household, and a very active young child with no help from her husband.
Becca's first boyfriend, her first love, shows up on her social media feed after a long time away. He seems the same ... they were also best friends and she could talk to him about anything. But it's been a long while .. and he's in another country, so can they just become friends again?
But Mia, their daughter, has a medical issue. Somewhere in Becca's past, she was accused of mistreating patients, mixing up their meds, giving incorrect dosages. When doctors examine Mia, they find that she has been poisoned. Mia is okay ... for now. So who's making her daughter ill ... who's tampering in her marriage?
Plenty of suspects ... her husband, but would he try to hurt the daughter he loves? Her childless sister .. does she want Her sister's daughter? Becca's friend and sometime babysitter ... who always calls Mia her little girl? Or is the ex-boyfriend lying ...and not in another country as he says? Could he be trying to make Becca pay for dumping him all those years ago? Or is it Mia herself?
This is a well-written, psychological thriller, filled with twists and turns that move faster than a roller coaster. The characters are deftly drawn ... and one or more of them are not exactly what... or who ... you think. It's fast-paced leading to a disturbing, unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Their 3-year-old-daughter is the apple of her eye. But it's sometimes rather exhausting, working as a nurse, even part-time, taking care of the household, and a very active young child with no help from her husband.
Becca's first boyfriend, her first love, shows up on her social media feed after a long time away. He seems the same ... they were also best friends and she could talk to him about anything. But it's been a long while .. and he's in another country, so can they just become friends again?
But Mia, their daughter, has a medical issue. Somewhere in Becca's past, she was accused of mistreating patients, mixing up their meds, giving incorrect dosages. When doctors examine Mia, they find that she has been poisoned. Mia is okay ... for now. So who's making her daughter ill ... who's tampering in her marriage?
Plenty of suspects ... her husband, but would he try to hurt the daughter he loves? Her childless sister .. does she want Her sister's daughter? Becca's friend and sometime babysitter ... who always calls Mia her little girl? Or is the ex-boyfriend lying ...and not in another country as he says? Could he be trying to make Becca pay for dumping him all those years ago? Or is it Mia herself?
This is a well-written, psychological thriller, filled with twists and turns that move faster than a roller coaster. The characters are deftly drawn ... and one or more of them are not exactly what... or who ... you think. It's fast-paced leading to a disturbing, unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 23, 2021
I was so impressed with author Rona Halsall’s latest novel ‘The Guest Room’ that I purchased the rest of her books.
Mother Becca is the chief suspect when it is discovered that her 3 year old daughter Mia is being poisoned. Not surprisingly Becca is dumb struck and wants to find out who is trying to harm her daughter, not only to clear her name but to protect Mia. Her married life is also suffering and this is not helped by her contacting her ex boy friend on twitter. Becca doesn’t know who to trust as the guilty party must be someone close and protecting Mia is almost impossible since she was stopped from seeing her.
This is a good page turner, fast paced, plenty of suspense and twists make this an enjoyable read.
Mother Becca is the chief suspect when it is discovered that her 3 year old daughter Mia is being poisoned. Not surprisingly Becca is dumb struck and wants to find out who is trying to harm her daughter, not only to clear her name but to protect Mia. Her married life is also suffering and this is not helped by her contacting her ex boy friend on twitter. Becca doesn’t know who to trust as the guilty party must be someone close and protecting Mia is almost impossible since she was stopped from seeing her.
This is a good page turner, fast paced, plenty of suspense and twists make this an enjoyable read.
September 13, 2020
4 Curiosity Or Manipulation Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Social Media...Oh, how it has changed so many things. Many for the betterment, many not so much, and many for the way to stir up situations that maybe should have been left alone.
We have a couple going through some distance...he is always busy at the hospital, he is a doctor, after all. She is a nurse, understands but also is in charge of everything else; their daughter, their home, her ailing father, and a sister who resents having to always take care of the dad.
A lot to process. A lot to sometimes resent. So when a past passion, a man who she hasn't heard from, from like forever sends her a DM...the idea of what if...twirls around in her head.
What if her life was with him instead of the marriage she has...What if she followed the passion from so long agao...what, it was 10 years...so much has gone on since then. Well, she has my daughter and this fella is in Australia while she is here in London...so nothing will come of it.
Yet...It would be nice to have a friendly exchange...
The Ex Boyfriend takes this idea, twists it with the start of ugly things happening with her daughter, and goes on from there. Mia starts to become sick all of the time, her relationship with the husband comes into question, and that ailing father more demanding.
Lots going on, twists and turns.
The Ex Boyfriend
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
Social Media...Oh, how it has changed so many things. Many for the betterment, many not so much, and many for the way to stir up situations that maybe should have been left alone.
We have a couple going through some distance...he is always busy at the hospital, he is a doctor, after all. She is a nurse, understands but also is in charge of everything else; their daughter, their home, her ailing father, and a sister who resents having to always take care of the dad.
A lot to process. A lot to sometimes resent. So when a past passion, a man who she hasn't heard from, from like forever sends her a DM...the idea of what if...twirls around in her head.
What if her life was with him instead of the marriage she has...What if she followed the passion from so long agao...what, it was 10 years...so much has gone on since then. Well, she has my daughter and this fella is in Australia while she is here in London...so nothing will come of it.
Yet...It would be nice to have a friendly exchange...
The Ex Boyfriend takes this idea, twists it with the start of ugly things happening with her daughter, and goes on from there. Mia starts to become sick all of the time, her relationship with the husband comes into question, and that ailing father more demanding.
Lots going on, twists and turns.
The Ex Boyfriendhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 22, 2020
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Rona Halsall for the copy of this incredible story.
She couldn’t understand how everything had fallen apart so quickly.
Is a huge understatement! Becca's life gets torn from her when her little girl Mia starts getting Ill sporadically.
Events from Becca's past all play a role in a manipulation game that will twist your thoughts as a reader.
By the time he’d finished, she felt like a worn-out rag, wrung out so many times she was tattered and frayed, no substance left in her threadbare fibres.
This book had layers upon layers upon layers of shocking events, twists and turns and ever single page had me wondering what the hell was going on!
I was on the edge if every seat I took to read this! And Rona Halsall should be on the edge of glory with that incredible woven masterpiece.
Absolutely beautifully written! Fantastic characters! And a thrilling read.
She couldn’t understand how everything had fallen apart so quickly.
Is a huge understatement! Becca's life gets torn from her when her little girl Mia starts getting Ill sporadically.
Events from Becca's past all play a role in a manipulation game that will twist your thoughts as a reader.
By the time he’d finished, she felt like a worn-out rag, wrung out so many times she was tattered and frayed, no substance left in her threadbare fibres.
This book had layers upon layers upon layers of shocking events, twists and turns and ever single page had me wondering what the hell was going on!
I was on the edge if every seat I took to read this! And Rona Halsall should be on the edge of glory with that incredible woven masterpiece.
Absolutely beautifully written! Fantastic characters! And a thrilling read.
September 27, 2020
Yet another great psychological thriller from Rona Halsall.
There’s lots going on in this book and when it all comes crumbling down it’s hard to know who to suspect.
Becca is tired from working and looking after her three year old daughter and her husband is working away more and more. An ex boyfriend gets in touch and Becca wonders what could have been if she’d gone back to Australia several years ago.
Her childminder has a health scare so leaves Becca with no-one to look after Mia so she asks her sister, Kate, who is living with their dad after their mother’s death.
Kate is not happy as whilst working from home is ok she’s feeling trapped and it’s clear her and her dad aren’t getting on.
Frank comes to stay with Becca for a few days which seems to work well as he’s there to help with another sickness episode that Mia suffers.
Becca is worried that the vomiting and diarrhoea is happening too often so demands that some tests are carried out.
It’s found that Mia is being poisoned and Becca is suspected of doing it and Mia is taken away from her.
What follows is heartbreaking to see as Becca longs to be with her daughter but the authorities won’t let her.
When the truth comes out, there’s multiple shocks as several people close to Becca have been hiding things from her and someone wanted her to lose her child.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that well and truly had me hooked throughout.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
There’s lots going on in this book and when it all comes crumbling down it’s hard to know who to suspect.
Becca is tired from working and looking after her three year old daughter and her husband is working away more and more. An ex boyfriend gets in touch and Becca wonders what could have been if she’d gone back to Australia several years ago.
Her childminder has a health scare so leaves Becca with no-one to look after Mia so she asks her sister, Kate, who is living with their dad after their mother’s death.
Kate is not happy as whilst working from home is ok she’s feeling trapped and it’s clear her and her dad aren’t getting on.
Frank comes to stay with Becca for a few days which seems to work well as he’s there to help with another sickness episode that Mia suffers.
Becca is worried that the vomiting and diarrhoea is happening too often so demands that some tests are carried out.
It’s found that Mia is being poisoned and Becca is suspected of doing it and Mia is taken away from her.
What follows is heartbreaking to see as Becca longs to be with her daughter but the authorities won’t let her.
When the truth comes out, there’s multiple shocks as several people close to Becca have been hiding things from her and someone wanted her to lose her child.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that well and truly had me hooked throughout.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 7, 2021
Rating:
4 stars
Cover:
OK
Trigger:
Mention of depression, munchausen syndrome and miscarriages
Short review:
It is a pretty clean and linear thriller - the type I like. It is difficult to review these types of books without giving away too much.
When you read many psychological/domestic thrillers it becomes so easy to spot the culprit but I wanted it to be someone else...all things considered, it was a pretty neat ending of the story.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
I really like Halsall's writing style and I am going to read more of her.
4 stars
Cover:
OK
Trigger:
Mention of depression, munchausen syndrome and miscarriages
Short review:
It is a pretty clean and linear thriller - the type I like. It is difficult to review these types of books without giving away too much.
When you read many psychological/domestic thrillers it becomes so easy to spot the culprit but I wanted it to be someone else...all things considered, it was a pretty neat ending of the story.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
I really like Halsall's writing style and I am going to read more of her.
October 1, 2020
I am starting to think of myself as something of a Rona Halsall veteran having now read three of her other books - The Honeymoon, One Mistake and Her Mother's Lies. I was so impressed with this outstanding psychological thriller! The premise of The Ex Boyfriend beckoned to me and I knew that I had to read this novel.
In The Ex Boyfriend, district nurse Becca is married to workaholic Dean and the busy couple have a lovely daughter, Mia. One day, Becca receives an unexpected message from her first love Connor who's in Australia. She knows that she shouldn't reply to his tweets but decides that it will do no harm as he is on the other side of the world. As Becca's load becomes ever greater - Dean is spending even more time working, Becca is looking after her lively three-year-old, and the demands of her job, albeit part-time, are increasing - she knows she still has feelings for Connor but is determined to put her marriage first. Then Mia starts to suffer from periodic bouts of illness... but why?
With her particular brand of style and flair, Rona Halsall wowed me with this classy psychological thriller. The author really excels with this type of novel that explores toxic relationships. It was a well-written story and the plot execution was tremendous, as was the characterisation, and pacing. There were no disappointments and it had abundant twists and turns, keeping me fully engrossed in occurrences and events. There were many suspects, each potentially having a different motive, and it was exciting to try to figure out who the culprit might have been, whilst realising that nobody could be trusted.
The story was told mostly from the perspective of Becca, across different timescales, and was jammed full of 'lowbrow' topics - family drama, mental instability, and affairs, among others. As events and clandestine behaviours began to manifest, the fabulous formula of Rona Halsall kept me on the edge of my seat. The Ex Boyfriend was everything I wanted in what was a pretty special psychological thriller, and I enjoyed how things played out in the surprising finale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
In The Ex Boyfriend, district nurse Becca is married to workaholic Dean and the busy couple have a lovely daughter, Mia. One day, Becca receives an unexpected message from her first love Connor who's in Australia. She knows that she shouldn't reply to his tweets but decides that it will do no harm as he is on the other side of the world. As Becca's load becomes ever greater - Dean is spending even more time working, Becca is looking after her lively three-year-old, and the demands of her job, albeit part-time, are increasing - she knows she still has feelings for Connor but is determined to put her marriage first. Then Mia starts to suffer from periodic bouts of illness... but why?
With her particular brand of style and flair, Rona Halsall wowed me with this classy psychological thriller. The author really excels with this type of novel that explores toxic relationships. It was a well-written story and the plot execution was tremendous, as was the characterisation, and pacing. There were no disappointments and it had abundant twists and turns, keeping me fully engrossed in occurrences and events. There were many suspects, each potentially having a different motive, and it was exciting to try to figure out who the culprit might have been, whilst realising that nobody could be trusted.
The story was told mostly from the perspective of Becca, across different timescales, and was jammed full of 'lowbrow' topics - family drama, mental instability, and affairs, among others. As events and clandestine behaviours began to manifest, the fabulous formula of Rona Halsall kept me on the edge of my seat. The Ex Boyfriend was everything I wanted in what was a pretty special psychological thriller, and I enjoyed how things played out in the surprising finale.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 10, 2020
Becca has become involved via email with her first love. He is across the world so she cannot imagine it would do any harm to her marriage. Meanwhile, her three-year-old daughter becomes quite ill from time to time, thus adding stress to Becca's already strained marriage to Dean.
Mia's symptoms are severe, yet they come and go, thus leading Becca to believe that Mia is being poisoned. But by whom, and why? Could this have anything to do with her ex suddenly showing up online? What about the people in her everyday life - her husband, sister, father, even the childminder? Could any of them have something to do with Mia's bouts of extreme illness? Who can Becca trust?
Not only is Becca quite naturally concerned with what is going on with Mia, she begins to see that her past - one where there are indeed secrets - has a chance at being exposed. This mix of family, drama and secrets create a delicious combination that turned into quite a remarkable story. One thing that drew me to this story is that I was kept guessing throughout and managed to be completely shocked at the guilty party. I love it when an author keeps me on my toes and that is exactly what Rona Halsall has done with The Ex Boyfriend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Mia's symptoms are severe, yet they come and go, thus leading Becca to believe that Mia is being poisoned. But by whom, and why? Could this have anything to do with her ex suddenly showing up online? What about the people in her everyday life - her husband, sister, father, even the childminder? Could any of them have something to do with Mia's bouts of extreme illness? Who can Becca trust?
Not only is Becca quite naturally concerned with what is going on with Mia, she begins to see that her past - one where there are indeed secrets - has a chance at being exposed. This mix of family, drama and secrets create a delicious combination that turned into quite a remarkable story. One thing that drew me to this story is that I was kept guessing throughout and managed to be completely shocked at the guilty party. I love it when an author keeps me on my toes and that is exactly what Rona Halsall has done with The Ex Boyfriend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 18, 2020
Oh my!! What a curvy path the author took me on with this book. And the twists hit me hard when I banged into them unexpectedly. Author Rona Halsall is becoming quite a wicked queen of suspense. A dark plotter.
Story seemed simple, a good life with family and with husband being busy, Becca’s mind wandered to the past and voila. There came a message from the ex. Before she could act on it, daughter Mia became ill with no concrete diagnosis. Later she found out that her daughter was being poisoned, and the blame was shifted on Becca along with restraining order. Who was the puppet master and why was she being played?
Omg! When I started the book, all I could think was – This was a lull before the storm. And sure enough, the author caused the winds of circumstances to swirl around the main character. And I soon found myself right in the eye of the storm, not knowing what to believe and whom to trust. Well plotted scenes with a fluidity in the prose, this was Rona at her best.
With an unreliable narrator and many suspects, I was led down the merry path, though my thriller antenna kept twitching. I was sure the author had something up her sleeve. With great subplots which brought to light different motives, I was completely engrossed, trying to solve the mystery. Becca being occasionally irritating, I knew I couldn’t trust her. I needed to get to the bottom of things. Where was Rona going to take me in this family drama? And I had a few suspicions, wondered if I would be proved right.
The story moved like a sniper’s bullet, and the last few pages left me completely enthralled where the sting of bullet could be clearly felt with the twist. Oh my!! I was right!! Go me!!
One of my favorites by this author, I started this at midnight to get the complete feel of the book. And stayed up till 4 to finish it. A fantastic midnight read. Get the book today. Well recommended for thriller and mystery loving fans.
Story seemed simple, a good life with family and with husband being busy, Becca’s mind wandered to the past and voila. There came a message from the ex. Before she could act on it, daughter Mia became ill with no concrete diagnosis. Later she found out that her daughter was being poisoned, and the blame was shifted on Becca along with restraining order. Who was the puppet master and why was she being played?
Omg! When I started the book, all I could think was – This was a lull before the storm. And sure enough, the author caused the winds of circumstances to swirl around the main character. And I soon found myself right in the eye of the storm, not knowing what to believe and whom to trust. Well plotted scenes with a fluidity in the prose, this was Rona at her best.
With an unreliable narrator and many suspects, I was led down the merry path, though my thriller antenna kept twitching. I was sure the author had something up her sleeve. With great subplots which brought to light different motives, I was completely engrossed, trying to solve the mystery. Becca being occasionally irritating, I knew I couldn’t trust her. I needed to get to the bottom of things. Where was Rona going to take me in this family drama? And I had a few suspicions, wondered if I would be proved right.
The story moved like a sniper’s bullet, and the last few pages left me completely enthralled where the sting of bullet could be clearly felt with the twist. Oh my!! I was right!! Go me!!
One of my favorites by this author, I started this at midnight to get the complete feel of the book. And stayed up till 4 to finish it. A fantastic midnight read. Get the book today. Well recommended for thriller and mystery loving fans.
August 23, 2020
This was a great, believable creepy thriller and the first (for me) by this author. It had many twists and turns and was hoping for a happy ending for the protagonist. Easy to read this in a few sittings because of the suspense and OMG aspect. Recommended for readers who like thrillers that could happen in real life.
Thanks to Netgalley, Rona Halsall and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/30/20
Thanks to Netgalley, Rona Halsall and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/30/20
August 11, 2020
This is my first read by Rona and you know I blooming loved it.
Becca is a part time district nurse, married to workaholic Dean.
Juggling working part time and looking after 3 year old Mia Becca gets a unexpected tweet from Australia her Ex Connor, Becca keeps thinking about her past what secrets she has held to herself and why she run off to Oz in the first place over 10 years ago.
Poor little Mia keeps getting sick which no real answers as to why.
Is Becca going mad? Is someone harming her daughter?
I read this gripping read in just two sittings, I was totally drawn to the characters and this had you guessing all the way though which kept me page turning until almost midnight.
WOW A must read I would definitely pick up another book from Rona again, just brilliant.
Thank you Bookouture 5 stars from me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Becca is a part time district nurse, married to workaholic Dean.
Juggling working part time and looking after 3 year old Mia Becca gets a unexpected tweet from Australia her Ex Connor, Becca keeps thinking about her past what secrets she has held to herself and why she run off to Oz in the first place over 10 years ago.
Poor little Mia keeps getting sick which no real answers as to why.
Is Becca going mad? Is someone harming her daughter?
I read this gripping read in just two sittings, I was totally drawn to the characters and this had you guessing all the way though which kept me page turning until almost midnight.
WOW A must read I would definitely pick up another book from Rona again, just brilliant.
Thank you Bookouture 5 stars from me ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 6, 2020
Wow Rona Halsall has done it again with her new novel The Ex-boyfriend.
Becca is married to Dean and they have a three-year-old daughter called Mia. Dean has been distant of late and is always going on business trips away leaving Becca sole care of Mia. Becca is also a part time nurse and helps when she can look after her father, when sister Kate is away. She struggles at the best of times. So, when Kate says she is going away to London for an interview, she asks to look after her father. As Kate has being doing to since the death of her mother. It is her turn to take over for a change.
When suddenly Mia starts getting ill. At first, she thinks that there is something wrong with her. But all kids have tummy bugs some time or other, don’t they? But when she is checked by the doctor there is nothing wrong with her. Then Becca can only think that someone is poisoning her. But Who? When Dean gets to find out, Dean thinks it is Becca doing it herself and with that there is an order against Becca not to see her daughter.
I have followed Rona Halsall from the beginning and her books never disappoint. This is another superb, gripping thriller from the author. With shocking twists and turns. 5 stars from me.
Becca is married to Dean and they have a three-year-old daughter called Mia. Dean has been distant of late and is always going on business trips away leaving Becca sole care of Mia. Becca is also a part time nurse and helps when she can look after her father, when sister Kate is away. She struggles at the best of times. So, when Kate says she is going away to London for an interview, she asks to look after her father. As Kate has being doing to since the death of her mother. It is her turn to take over for a change.
When suddenly Mia starts getting ill. At first, she thinks that there is something wrong with her. But all kids have tummy bugs some time or other, don’t they? But when she is checked by the doctor there is nothing wrong with her. Then Becca can only think that someone is poisoning her. But Who? When Dean gets to find out, Dean thinks it is Becca doing it herself and with that there is an order against Becca not to see her daughter.
I have followed Rona Halsall from the beginning and her books never disappoint. This is another superb, gripping thriller from the author. With shocking twists and turns. 5 stars from me.
August 28, 2020
I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Clearly, I am in the minority here for not liking this book. I was expecting a completely different book after reading the blurb.
I found the characters completely unlikable, the plot thin at best, pretty unbelievable actually. And possible SPOILER the book had very little to do with actual title.
Overall, not enjoyable. I rolled my eyes a lot.
Clearly, I am in the minority here for not liking this book. I was expecting a completely different book after reading the blurb.
I found the characters completely unlikable, the plot thin at best, pretty unbelievable actually. And possible SPOILER the book had very little to do with actual title.
Overall, not enjoyable. I rolled my eyes a lot.
September 24, 2021
The plot was great, the writing not so much. I struggled to finish, the character was not my favorite. The writing sounded like this was her first novel, which I know it wasn't, I was expecting better. The story is a good story but not something I'm going jump up with joy and gush about. I liked it.
October 21, 2020
The Ex-Boyfriend was way more exciting than I thought it would be by the synopsis. Character driven with wife and mother,Becca at the helm trying to find who has poisoned her 3 year old daughter,Mia.That had me on edge turning the pages.
Compelling,had me anticipating what would happen until the very end. The plot was exciting,full of twists and turns. No one was who they turned out to be. One of my most favorite domestic thrillers.
Thank you Bookoture and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy. This was a honest review.
Compelling,had me anticipating what would happen until the very end. The plot was exciting,full of twists and turns. No one was who they turned out to be. One of my most favorite domestic thrillers.
Thank you Bookoture and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy. This was a honest review.
September 23, 2020
OH MY DAYS!! I mean seriously OH MY DAYS! Yes, I have to shout this! This book has blown me completely away. It is so compelling and it is a story which will chill you to the core. It is a story that had me panicked, not quite sure how I would act in Becca’s situation.
My mind kept changing to who was behind everything! Who doesn’t love a book where you question the main character too, I mean can we even trust what Becca is saying? I can’t tell you who I specifically suspected, but it was everyone but the person I should have suspected, but on reflection, it made perfect bloody sense. It’s just well so sad.
Rona has definitely left me flying down the motorway at over 100mph. As soon as you open the book you are hurtling so fast that you need a minute to take a breath. She does this for you occasionally while we reflect on the past with Becca but don’t get comfortable because it does not last long. I sped through the last 20% because I needed to know how everything would play out. It was just mental! I don’t know how else to explain it, she can write a goddamn twist in the tale. This was a sharp sting and it will leave a mark!
With the theme an actual ex boyfriend in The Ex Boyfriend hovering too, well it makes you question everything you know on social media. I mean do you know who is behind the computer! Now that’s a chilling thought!
I think I can say this so easily but it’s my favourite so far of Rona’s. It’s a story that would have most mums panicking about what they would do. It made me nervous at how easy it would all be and that is a scary situation to be in. I really was gripped from the first page, I mean I need to remember not to read a book by Rona late at night and start it in the daytime because I always lose my nights to her book. It a taut thriller, it takes a look into a seemingly normal family and the dark secrets that lie beneath. Teasing information out so slowly, but enough to make you flick the pages quickly to find out what is going on and then everything just spirals out of control so quickly.
Gah this book!! I need to find some decent words to get you to read it but I don’t know any! It’s a book that I have come to expect from Rona and then some! She has completely upped her game with this tale, my head is still spinning from it all! Blinding!
My mind kept changing to who was behind everything! Who doesn’t love a book where you question the main character too, I mean can we even trust what Becca is saying? I can’t tell you who I specifically suspected, but it was everyone but the person I should have suspected, but on reflection, it made perfect bloody sense. It’s just well so sad.
Rona has definitely left me flying down the motorway at over 100mph. As soon as you open the book you are hurtling so fast that you need a minute to take a breath. She does this for you occasionally while we reflect on the past with Becca but don’t get comfortable because it does not last long. I sped through the last 20% because I needed to know how everything would play out. It was just mental! I don’t know how else to explain it, she can write a goddamn twist in the tale. This was a sharp sting and it will leave a mark!
With the theme an actual ex boyfriend in The Ex Boyfriend hovering too, well it makes you question everything you know on social media. I mean do you know who is behind the computer! Now that’s a chilling thought!
I think I can say this so easily but it’s my favourite so far of Rona’s. It’s a story that would have most mums panicking about what they would do. It made me nervous at how easy it would all be and that is a scary situation to be in. I really was gripped from the first page, I mean I need to remember not to read a book by Rona late at night and start it in the daytime because I always lose my nights to her book. It a taut thriller, it takes a look into a seemingly normal family and the dark secrets that lie beneath. Teasing information out so slowly, but enough to make you flick the pages quickly to find out what is going on and then everything just spirals out of control so quickly.
Gah this book!! I need to find some decent words to get you to read it but I don’t know any! It’s a book that I have come to expect from Rona and then some! She has completely upped her game with this tale, my head is still spinning from it all! Blinding!
November 26, 2020
I have to say this was a very cleverly written psychological thriller which had me hooked from the start and picking up my kindle at every available opportunity.
Dean and Becca are happily married with a young daughter Mia. As time goes on there marriage starts to crack as the couple come to realise they no longer want the same thing and don’t have much in common. Dean is too wrapped up in his business is hardly ever at home which leads to Becca longing for the life she could have been living with her ex boyfriend Conner.
Out of the blue Conner gets in touch with Becca just as the cracks in her marriage begin to occur; however at the same time Beccas daughter Mia comes down with a mysterious reoccurring illness which has doctors stumped as to what it is. As Beccas life goes from bad to worse and her life starts to fall apart she begins to wonder if someone is deliberately hurting her daughter and why they would want to do that.
Becca starts to question all the people around her and at one point every character in the book is being suspected which I found kept me really drawn into the book I formed my own conclusions multiple times and even in the last few chapters I still didn’t have a clue who it was. There are lots of twists and turns in this book making it a real page turner and I was completely shocked by the outcome. I’d certainly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting read that will keep you guessing right until the very end.
Dean and Becca are happily married with a young daughter Mia. As time goes on there marriage starts to crack as the couple come to realise they no longer want the same thing and don’t have much in common. Dean is too wrapped up in his business is hardly ever at home which leads to Becca longing for the life she could have been living with her ex boyfriend Conner.
Out of the blue Conner gets in touch with Becca just as the cracks in her marriage begin to occur; however at the same time Beccas daughter Mia comes down with a mysterious reoccurring illness which has doctors stumped as to what it is. As Beccas life goes from bad to worse and her life starts to fall apart she begins to wonder if someone is deliberately hurting her daughter and why they would want to do that.
Becca starts to question all the people around her and at one point every character in the book is being suspected which I found kept me really drawn into the book I formed my own conclusions multiple times and even in the last few chapters I still didn’t have a clue who it was. There are lots of twists and turns in this book making it a real page turner and I was completely shocked by the outcome. I’d certainly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting read that will keep you guessing right until the very end.
October 27, 2020
Becca is district nurse, she is happily married to Dean, although lately he seems to be spending more time on his business rather than on his family. Her young daughter Mia is the light of her life, but she is exhausting especially when Dean is away so often. Her father is very needy, never having got over his wife's death. He can't stand Dean & makes sure everyone knows it. Sometimes it all gets a bit too much. When she sees Connor on social media she is taken back to her time in Australia when they were everything to each other. He's the other side of the world- what harm is there in getting in touch? Suddenly Mia starts suffering from terrible stomach upsets. Becca is frantic to find out why, but when questions are asked about her work history she finds herself in the middle of a nightmare.
This was a fast moving story with some very unpleasant characters- particularly Becca's clingy father.
This is a suspenseful read . Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting m read & review this book.
This was a fast moving story with some very unpleasant characters- particularly Becca's clingy father.
This is a suspenseful read . Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting m read & review this book.
October 7, 2020
Wow this book had me guessing all the way, it’s so twisty, and suspenseful. Things begin to happen once our main character, Becca Thorton, receives a message from a long ago ex boyfriend, Connor. Hearing from Connor awakens her memories. They met ten years ago in Australia, had a whirlwind romance, but when her mom had a stroke she returned to the UK with the promise of her returning. Then Becca met Dean, she became pregnant with Mia and they got married. Now Becca is questioning if she had made the wrong decision & doing the what if’s she realizes what she has been missing in her marriage to Dean and shares this with Connor in a long reply. Oh no don’t hit the send button! Well Mia begins to get sick every few days, though blood tests always come back negative Becca is never settled. Becca listens to her motherly instinct and believes Mia is being poisoned but by whom? Who would want to harm a child? Who do you trust? It’s so good I’ll be reading more from this author! Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a gifted ARC. This is my honest review.
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