Have you ever finished a book and felt an overwhelming need for both a hug and quiet reflection? That’s exactly how I felt after reading this one. Freida has a remarkable way of drawing readers in, making us empathize with the characters while simultaneously revealing their deep flaws. Yet, despite this connection, I found myself not entirely loving them—perhaps because their struggles left me genuinely concerned.

Freida is undoubtedly a masterful storyteller. Her writing captivates, inviting readers to delve into a world where the characters are complex and their imperfections drive the narrative forward. I listened to the audiobook (my second of hers), which offered a dynamic experience through multiple perspectives. Each viewpoint guided me seamlessly through their lives, experiences, and pivotal moments.

Set in New York City, the story introduces us to Sydney and her friends. Sydney, in her mid-thirties, is eager to find a meaningful relationship, and her mother’s pressure to settle down looms large. The brilliance of this novel lies in the tension between what you believe is happening and the unexpected twists that unfold, especially toward the end, where things become even more intricate.

By the conclusion, I was left savoring the story and pondering whether I could truly like any of these characters as real people. But that, in itself, is part of the book's charm. I highly recommend it. When I say I didn’t "like" the characters, I mean I couldn’t connect with them in the usual sense—yet I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them, perhaps because their lives were so distant from my own. Pick up this book; you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. This Thriller storyline was a little basic and overdone but the ending was amazing. I didn’t see that coming even though the entire time the author was eluding to the killer the entire time. The ending was super shocking and unexpected. Definitely worth getting this book.

I normally love McFadden’s books, but this one left me underwhelmed. The story of the perfect boyfriend, who in reality, is anything but, just seems like it’s been done too many times

Let me start by saying I really enjoy Freida McFadden's books—I devour them., I feel a little guilty admitting that I just couldn’t fully get into “The Boyfriend” though. It wasn’t until about halfway through that my curiosity was truly piqued, and while the ending did deliver a shocking twist, for the first time, I guessed half the twist. It was just okay for me.

Twisty and propulsive as always with Freida. Great narrators for this audio version--happy there were male and female voices.

Frieda McFadden never misses! The Boyfriend is another book by McFadden that I just could not put down. This is a one-sitting kind of book because you just need to know what happens.

The book follows two timelines both from a different point of view. The present day follows Sydney who is going on date after date trying to find love. She pauses dating when her best friend is murdered in their apartment building. After a couple of months, she starts dating Tom, who seems just a little too perfect.

The past timeline follows Tom in high school. It shows what kind of person Tom really is and how different the old Tom seems to be from the new Tom. Since I have read so many books by McFadden I knew nothing is as it seems and I was definitely not disappointed. I love how both timelines clashed together.

Every book that Frieda McFadden has put out has been a book that has sucked me in. I will continue to read anything that she puts out.

Frieda McFadden has wowed me with her latest thriller, THE BOYFRIEND. I couldn't listen to this one fast enough! She really kept me guessing here until the very end, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I liked the dual timelines and the humor that was thrown in as well. I'll be anxiously awaiting her next book which releases in January.

Many thanks to Freida McFadden and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

Ok ok ok you got me, that was a good one.
I didn’t guess all of the twists, I gasped out loud and whilst I was alone in my car it had me shouting.
Leading lady was a little dopey but sometimes you need that to keep a good thriller going along.
Audio narrators were great

Freida has done it again. This is a fast paced, gripping thriller that will keep you guessing until the last page.

Sydney is a bit naive and definitely ignores red flags while on dates, but we have all been guilty of that before. Her new boyfriend is perfect, but how perfect is too perfect before she starts questioning his actions.

The audiobook narrators Victoria Connolly and Adam Blanford do a wonderful job of narrating and gave the characters personality.

This was a super fun, thrilling, psychological thriller which is what I typically expect from Freida.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select | Hollywood Upstairs Press for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Expected Pub Date: Oct 01 2024

4.5 rounded up. The day Freida McFadden puts out a new thriller always feels like my birthday! This one did not disappoint. I called half of the twist reallllly early on (like the first time the character came on page) but I think it was just a fluke/I read a ton of popcorn thrillers (have been so into them this past year, after never reading mystery/thrillers before that). The second half of the twist came totally out of the blue for me!

Premise - Sydney has terrible luck with men until she meets the perfect guy. But is Tom, a hot doctor and consummate gentleman, too good to be true? Soon later, Sydney finds her bestie, Bonnie, murdered in her apartment. She’s the latest victim of a serial killer terrorizing daters. His modus operandi? Dating his victims, then killing them.

This was twisty, dishy, fast paced, and fun! Everything we love about McFadden books was present, so if you’re a fan you’ll enjoy it (and if you’re not yet a fan, wow are you in for a treat).

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Victoria Connolly and Adam Blanford. I overall enjoyed the listening experience, but I thought Blanford’s interpretation of adolescent Tom was odd - it was a kind-of-annoying kid voice that sounded incredibly young… but the boy was a high school junior? That was a little distracting. Connolly did a great job with her read, I definitely enjoyed her chapters more!

Thanks, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow what another huge twist! Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and Freida herself for the chance to listen(read) this book early! Whenever I see Freida has a new release I jump to it as fast as I can. This book goes from past to present throughout the entire book which makes it even more interesting. It follows the characters of Tom and Sidney. When I tell you that you’ll think you have this figured out from the beginning, you’ll then second guess yourself throughout the entire book. The ending had me SHOCKED. I did not see that coming at all. I have always loved Freida’s writing and can’t wait to read everything else she puts out.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this audio!

WOW! Freida McFadden has done it again!!! She can never fail for me! I loved this one and it had me guessing the entire time but I did figure it out towards the end.

This is my 18th book by Freida McFadden, so I guess you can say, I'm a fan. BUT, I am not the groupie fan who raves endlessly and believe all she produces is a homerun, 5 star book. Some I love, some I hate. The Boyfriend, as an audio arc, was a good one. Listened to it in one day and enjoyed all of it. But, Ms. McFadden, no more turtle references. 'Kay?

This one features Sydney, close girlfriends, a dating app and all the joy that comes from that experience, a perfect boyfriend and a murder. It's wrapped up nicely and it was only in the last few chapters that I had my guess. I appreciate that it took so long to unpeel that onion.

Will I read a 19th book? Yup. Silly question.

Okay the narration is absolute perfection! I was hooked immediately. I wanted to stay up all night to finish it but that is not healthy so I had to get up early to get back to it. It is so twisty!
I love Sid!
I love her friends too!