Rona Halsall is one of my favourite authors and this book doesn't disappoint. Relatable characters, good plot and a satisfying twist, I highly recommend this book.

I’m not really sure why the author chose the title “The Ex-Boyfriend”, and the description doesn’t really match the book at all. Connor played an extremely minor role in this book. This is a family drama about what it’s like to be a mom and how to advocate for your child when no one will listen to you. There was a mild thriller aspect as the reader waits to find out who is poisoning Mia, but I would categorize this as domestic suspense.

If I didn’t know the description or the title, I would have gone into this book with a different mindset and enjoyed it a lot more. The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the characters. I felt for Becca as she struggled to advocate for her child despite everyone blaming her.

A story that proves that all is not always as it may seem. This book had numerous twists and turns and I found myself really empathising with the main character. Your child becoming ill is certainly up there as one of your top worries but to discover she is being poisoned, well that's enough to drive you crazy. The ending was certainly a surprise I didn't see coming. Really enjoyed the story and the fact that it is based 30 minutes down the road was certainly another plus point.

Really enjoyed this, Rona's latest thriller. Twisty and tense with great characters that keep me turning the pages! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read an advance copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc of The Ex-Boyfriend by Rona Halsall.

4 star read for me- this was a well written and exciting book to read it had me hooked from start to finish had me on the edge of my seat with suspense i really enjoyed reading this, i ended up reading within one day as it was such a great one to read i definitely recommend to all.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

First book. I’ve read by this author & it definitely won’t be the last! A very clever plot, this really kept me guessing, and was a hard book to put down. I would recommend this to anyone.

This is the first book I have read by Rona Halsall, and it certainly won’t be my last. The majority of the book held my attention and interest, although there were some plot twists that just didn’t quite ring true for me and dampered my enjoyment of the story.

Becca has a husband and child that she loves, but doesn’t feel appreciated by her workaholic spouse. Her child is very sickly all of a sudden. Suspicions run deep among her circle of friends and acquaintances.
There are plenty of twists and turns and surprises in store.

I didn’t quite believe some of these surprises, which seemed convoluted and abrupt, but am very interested in continuing to read Rona Halsall’s suspense thrillers, my favorite genre.

Thank you for Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

District nurse Becca is convinced her daughter Mia's illness is something more serious, possibly even a poisoning. But who would harm a three year old? Becca is having lots of family issues. Her husband is often absent, working long hours. Her sister is full of angst due to the stress of looking after their father.
Then Becca's ex boyfriend Connor makes contact via social media and her heart is tugged in yet another direction...
The Ex Boyfriend has SOOOO many twists and turns: relentless!
I suspected everyone of harbouring secrets and did wonder about the strength of Becca's mental health which is continually undermined. It was often uncomfortable to read as Becca's life unravels and she really is a victim of circumstance and the machinations of others.
Becca is vulnerable due to her past and has plenty of regrets. However, my sympathy (as well as suspicions!) was also directed at others: her husband working so hard for his family, her father who is treated as a burden by his daughters, her sister who has put her life on hold to care for their dad.
There was a strong realism about the plot and characters. Family life and relationships are hard work and the rose tinted view of the past can skew our perspective of the present day. The reality of being a working mum and the worry of having a sick child was very relatable for me.
Overall The Ex Boyfriend was a very enjoyable psychological thriller as it maintained the mystery and momentum until the very end.

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.

5 stars from me 

Seems I'm a little late to the Rona Halsall party as I think this is the first of her books that I've read.

Fair to say that it won't be the last!

The Ex Boyfriend offers a complete distraction from the outside world - I read it in a day (a glorious day, grey and rainy outside copious mugs of tea and a warm blanket on the sofa - bliss).

This is a mind bending book - as soon as you are convinced you know what's what it is all swept away and a new scenario appears to be the one. This makes it super fast paced and interesting. Yes, yes there are bits that seem a little fantastic but that just added to the tension for me.

I have no intention of giving spoilers - just know that if you like a psychological thriller then you will LOVE this book!

A very clever plot, this really kept me guessing, and was a hard book to put down. I was totally absorbed by this book and a great ending. Yet another fabulous novel from this excellent author.

I received an eARC of The Ex-Boyfriend by Rona Halsall from Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
5 Stars! I was excited to read this book. It's a gripping thriller with plenty of drama. There isn't a shortage of twists either! Highly recommended for readers of this genre. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I really enjoyed reading this book about Becca who after a troubled last is now married with a daughter Mia. One day her ex gets in touch online - out of the blue - Becca knows ordering but she can't help responding, then her world calls apart when her daughter becomes I'll and people including her husband think Mecca may be in some way responsible.

Becca goes to stay with her Dad and sister and tries to work out who actually is responsible.
I
This tale is a whodunit of sorts and a tragic tale. I did guess parts but other developments were a bit suprise. I was also shocked by the ending.

A good quick read. 4 stars.

Brilliantly written and powerful thriller that grips you from the start til the end amazing characters explosive thriller just mindblowing highly recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a great book with so many twists. I had a few guesses at how it was going to end, but I was wrong. A very satisfactory ending . Highly recommended

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.

This is a new author for me and it was a pleasant surprise and more exciting than I thought it would be by the synopsis and the cover.

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, then he sends her a message..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?
Becca and Deans marriage isn't great, so Becca opens up to him about her problems and her life.
Becca' s daughter Mia suddenly starts getting ill and found to be poisoned . Is Becca poisoning her or is someone else trying to harm this family.?

The story seems simple but the way it's written.. oh it's very good!! Compelling, absolutely captivating and twisty until the very end.. nothing and everyone is not what it's seems so simple 😉

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this masterpiece!

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.

Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to read on netgalley. This is another new author for me and another fantastic bookouture publication, they certainly pick great writers.

This was tonights choice of book and i was completly swept away with it. A plot that hooks you straight away, untrustworthy characters and lots of twists and turns. This had all the ingredients for a great thriller.

This kept me on my toes and was completey unpredictable.

I loved everything about it!

Published 30th September

Lots of twists & turns in this one, making it a good thriller suspense. The main storyline is about finding the culprit who is poisoning the 3 year old daughter of Becca who is suspected by family services to be the guilty party. Great writing, characterization, plot & build=-up. Enjoyed & Recommend highly. Thanks to NetGalley & Bookoutour for a copy of this book.