This was a a hard read, and based on a true story. Abuse is not easy to read about and knowing there was truth behind it made it harder still. However it was well written and I did enjoy it, if I can use the word enjoy about this subject matter!

First, I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.

I went into this book full of excitement — my favorite genre with the best kind of theme. I thoroughly enjoy books about a husband that starts off as a Prince Charming and then reveals his evil ways. This book fits that theme, but falls short with the dialogue, long-winded abuse scenes, and lack of wrap up at the end. I truly wanted to enjoy it, but found it to be way more triggering and traumatic then enjoyable.

This book is hard to review without giving away too much of the story but I will say it was one of the most frustrating books I've ever read. I was silently screaming at the characters throughout the story. I thought the author portrayed how insidious the domestic abuser is and I liked the end but it's not a book I'd read again. The whole subject is just too disturbing.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

This novel is supposed to be based on a true story, which makes it all rather heartbreaking. The story contains a number of triggers, including repeated instances of domestic violence and animal abuse.

For anyone who has been in a violent or abusive relationship - or anyone who is aware of the patterns that occur in such relationships - several of the issues raised in this story will be very familiar. Controlling behaviour, isolating the victim from friends and family, and continuous gaslighting can leave anyone questioning themselves. And that is usually how predators coerce victims into remaining in situations that are adverse to their wellbeing.

That said, this story really did not work well for me. It was hard to understand why Sophie's family would abandon her so easily. And the dramatic writing style seemed repetitive and a little over the top.

This could, of course, just be a question of personal taste. And for those who are not aware of how abusers operate, this novel can certainly provide an object lesson in that regard - and act as a cautionary tale.

This turned out to be a somewhat hard read for it being so well written and so real. The portrayal of an abusive and toxic relationship is perfect here.
The book sucks you in at the very beginning, and suspense just builds up as you keep reading. It is full of raw emotions and really at times slightly too much to take in, especially if you have had an experience similar to what the book is about.
Still, it was an absolutely fantastic book. I feel like shouting from the rooftops about it now, if you are in domestic thrillers, this one is a must-read.

The Perfect Husband is an utterly tense thriller by Danielle Ramsay. We meet Sophie, as she is getting married to her husband, Jay. She was previously engaged to her last boyfriend, Ben, but he decided to leave her for another woman shortly before they were due to get married, a decision Ben bitterly regrets. Even Sophie’s family, especially her mother, is devastated that Sophie and Ben split up and she wants Sophie to get back together with him. Even before the marriage ceremony gets underway, Sophie is warned about Jay by his best man. Is Sophie marrying the right man?

Right from the start there is tension in Sophie’s marriage, when, on her wedding night, she ends up in Accident and Emergency after Jay breaks her wrist. Already, Sophie is beginning to wonder if she made the right choice. Jay is adamant that she was responsible for breaking her wrist. You can clearly see that he has a temper on him, but this seems to come and go, almost like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It’s what makes him really unpredictable and dangerous, as he can change at any moment, and this is what makes the novel tense, as Sophie has no idea who he really is. Is Jay someone who can change? Or will he be the same person for the rest of their lives together. This might be the one chance Sophie has of getting out of the marriage.

Danielle Ramsay has really created an evil character in Jay. I disliked him right from the start of the novel, and even as he tried to persuade Sophie that this wasn’t the man he was, whenever he turned violent, I still could never trust him. Sophie is walking around on egg shells around him and it becomes even worse for her when she is cut off from her family, and it seems that Jay is beginning to control every access of her life. She has no idea what card Jay will play next.

The idea of this story isn’t unique but I really liked how Danielle Ramsay told it. I really cared for Sophie and I wanted her to get out of her relationship with Jay. There are times when it does seem impossible for her to achieve this, but I was rooting for her the whole way through and I wanted Jay to get what he deserved.

The Perfect Husband is an utterly gripping read by Danielle Ramsay. I really enjoyed it.

This book is so brilliantly written. It is gripping, keeps you guessing, fast paced and very heartbreaking.

There are triggers (physical abuse, mental abuse, torture) attached with this book which were very harrowing to read.

I flew through this book in just over a day, I couldn't put it down. I really excited to see what Danielle brings out next.
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"The Perfect Husband" is a raw and intense portrayal of an abusive relationship, exploring the devastating consequences of marrying the wrong person. The author adeptly captures the initial whirlwind romance and the protagonist's belief in having found her dream partner. However, the facade quickly crumbles, and the true nature of her husband is revealed.

The author's narrative is both chilling and poignant, painting a vivid picture of the escalating toxicity within the marriage. The protagonist's shattered romantic illusions and heightened fear for the future serve as a powerful catalyst for the reader's empathy and investment in her journey.

The exploration of control and isolation is particularly compelling in this novel. As the protagonist's husband exerts his dominance, cutting her off from family and friends, a sense of helplessness and claustrophobia seeps into every aspect of her life. The author skillfully captures the psychological manipulation and the insidious ways in which the abuser gains control over their victim.

The story's emotional impact is heightened by the protagonist's journey towards reclaiming her life and finding her strength to fight back. The depiction of her struggle, both internal and external, is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The author effectively portrays the complexities of leaving an abusive relationship, highlighting the difficult choices and sacrifices that must be made for self-preservation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't really enjoy this book. I felt uncomfortable reading it. Well done to the author for creating a truly unpleasant character in Jay. I did find most of Sophie's thought processes quite realistic in places.

The author really did create lots of suspense but this just wasn't for me.

I enjoyed this book. Got frustrated at Sophie at times and hated Jay the whole time. Story was gripping and would read another book by this author.

Until one day he went too far, and I found my strength to fight back.
I no longer wanted to be a victim.
I wanted to live.
I wanted my life back.
But at what cost?
What words
This is based on a true story and has a few triggers so you may want to check.
When Sophie meets Jay she thinks she’s the luckiest person to have met him. Soon Sophie and Jay decide to get married after knowing each other for 8 months and what happens next to Sophie was heart breaking.
The fact that this is based on a true story made some of this hard to read it is a raw and an emotional story
the author did a great job telling this story It was very well written

Just finished reading The Perfect Husband and really enjoyed it. I read a lot of psychological/domestic thrillers, so it takes a lot to 'wow" me. While I enjoyed this book, it felt predictable and repetitive at times. I would still recommend it to readers and give it a 4/5 stars. I look forward to hopefully reading more by Danielle Ramsay.

It's the night before Jay and Sophie's beach wedding: they are having dinner with her family, and Sophie can't believe how lucky she is to have found Jay: even though they've only been together for eight months, she knows she's found the one her soul loves.
If that is the truth, then how twenty-four hours later is Sophie in the emergency room instead of at their wedding reception celebrating their happiness with their guest?
I had requested this book on Netgalley because based on a true story, and as a true crime enthusiast, I couldn't wait to start reading this.
Jay is a narcissist who physically and mentally abuses Sophie to feel better about himself, then tries to convince her she's the one to blame for what happened. Sophie is isolated from her family and friends. Jay's abuse goes too far one night. Afraid Jay will kill her, she starts to plan her escape.
I think the author tried to make the ending into a didn't see it coming twist: I admit it fell flat and was a bit rushed for my taste. Even though I found the end lacking, The rest of the story held my interest: I wanted to see what kind of horror Jay had planned next for his wife.
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this title.

Publication Date: 5-26-2023

The Perfect Husband
By Danielle Ramsay
Pub Date: May 26, 2023
BoldWood
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
There were just too many triggers for me: domestic violence, gaslighting, coercive control, death of a pet.
Tough read but it was a page turner.
3 stars

I was drawn into this book from the start. It certainly started with a bang, as newly married Sophie is attending A&E with a broken wrist, on her wedding night. I disliked Jay Bradley, Sophie's husband, from the start and was very very curious as to how she came to marry him. More importantly I was desperate to know how this story of domestic abuse ended. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The Perfect Husband is a really good read, maybe not enjoyable , but that's due to the subject matter of domestic abuse

A fantastic read with believable characters. The storyline addresses a sensitive subject really well. I look forward to reading more

A raw, emotional and heart-breaking book based on a true story. Every single page of this draws you right in and takes you on an emotional and traumatising journey. I'm so glad the author is drawing attention to domestic abuse and violence and shows how you can come back from that situation, gain your strength back and recover. Overall this is such an amazing thought provoking book I think everyone should read.

📚: The Perfect Husband
✍️: Danielle Ramsay

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ARC #2 for this book lover 😍😍

I didn’t realize this book was based on a true story until the end. I’m not sure if it’s based on Ramsay’s life, but, I will say, this book makes you feel every emotion. I could feel Sophie’s distress and pain throughout the book. Ramsey dedicated this book to victims of DV and is also the Patron of the charity SomeOne Cares, a cause close to her heart, which counsels survivors of domestic violence, rape and child abuse.

Sophie’s dad dies, and soon after, her fiancé Ben breaks off their engagement. Sophie is devastated. Soon, Jay becomes a part of her life. He is the perfect man! Or is he?

I gave this book 5 stars because of the raw, real emotions that consumed me on every page. The story is traumatizing (thank goodness for my truly perfect husband so endlessly adores me!!) but the way the story is written kept my attention. I think these types of books are difficult to read, but also important and empowering. I like Ramsay’s style of writing and will read for of her books in the future.

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookbabesara

Very good book.

I really liked the story of this woman who, after a disappointment in love, meets this man and how he treats her well, she gets hooked on this idea of ​​being someone very desired and doesn't really see what this man is trying to do.

How this story turns in the first pages make you can not stop reading it. How he develops and how he can change from being the monster that he is to that person who teaches in public is very impressive.
Sophie is very independent, somewhat successful and can support herself, but meeting Jay makes her doubt herself a bit. It is truly chilling how Jay's control is separating all the people in her life and how confused Sophie at first cannot do anything against it.
Also, I liked how she is gaining strength, how she is remembering who she is and when she says enough of the abuse. And everything that happens at the end hooked me a lot.
This story is shocking, highly recommended.

This fast paced thriller explores domestic abuse in a husband and wife’s relationship. This page Turner kept me up late reading to get to the conclusion. It was definitely a thriller.