Stayed up too late to finish.. really enjoyed this. It was a unique story that wasn’t totally predictable. I’d read more books by this author. Thanks NetGalley for the audio book to review! Great narrator.

The beginning of this book caught my attention almost immediately. Who is this person? Why do they look like someone from her past, but answers to a different name? It had so much potential but it all fell flat there. While I can appreciate the author including information that’ll come full circle in the end, it totally diverted the story. I spent way too long trying to understand why the story was called “the perfect boyfriend” instead of “the missing neighbor”.

Kirsty and Dougie are a wonderfully happy couple. Kirsty is pregnant with their child, has a fantastic job delivering babies, and has a close network of friends. But when she sees her ex boyfriend, Hughie Reynolds, at the hospital where she is employed, her world turns upside down. Especially because of the way he vanished from her life years ago. Now that he has returned, strange things start to happen. Even stranger, this man claims he isn’t Hughie. But Kirsty is sure it’s him. It has to be him.

This book feels just like a Lisa Jewell novel, but with its own unique twists and turns. Lynes does a fantastic job of building suspense and drama in an easy-to-follow but complex way, leaving you guessing until the last page. I loved the switching POVs. I thought it was interesting to read from both perspectives and it really added depth to the story. It helped the pacing as well. This book felt layered and each page was a new discovery as you get closer to the truth. It was truly a fantastic book. My only critique is the title. It didn’t seem to suit the story as a whole. It just seems a little on the plain side compared to how wild and thrilling the actual book is. Overall, I adored this book. It is truly a gem.

Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I was really disappointed in this book. First of all, the title does not give a clue about the book.I have no idea why it's named that. I am still not sure.I understand the ending as far as who's who. I was invested and disappointed in the end for sure.

Well well well another fantastic ARC with thanks to Netgalley & Bookouture for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an open and honest review, which is as follows....

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook the storyline had a strong plot from beginning to end with the main bones being that Kirsty met Hughie while at school had a relationship with him that left her extremely heartbroken and even as far as traumatised by the way and means in which he left he basically disappeared from nor only her life but her family and all their friends...

Fast forward into the now timeline slightly dualistic timeline merge in this that brings the pieces of this psychological thriller together and we have Kirsty who loves all her friends, family and neighbours alike she is a outgoing bubbly people person very much an empath who enjoys caring for others which shows in her job as a midwife. Kirsry is currently pregnant and as she walks along the corridor I work is when things begin to go terribly wrong she sees a man who she is convinced is her ex Hughie but it can't be surely, he looks older, bigger, balder but there is something about him, ever get that gut feeling like you just know something 🤔???

Kirsty then starts to see various suspicious activity without giving away the rest of the storyline let's just say it was a contiued sequemce of events that all made sense to her but also there could be logic applied at times. Its always alot od litle nothings that maybe feel like something eventually adding up proving to be sadly pretty much exactly as the gut has been teying to warn you all along...!!! There is a reason we all have this gut instinct

This was riveting, well written and well narrated all characters came alive in their own way much of it I was able to predict myself as we went along with exception of 1 thing although I did it wasn't until the last minute which isn't like me very well done I was a little like whoa because I thought I thought it but I dismissed it so the writer was so good even I was dismissing myself within the story as well which I found to be outstanding work!! Also, a great wee twist at the end some may or may not predict..

Overall an enjoyable easy 4 stars very frustrating that nobody would listen or believe Kirsty in her plight till closer to the end when eventually her best friend does and also a mum who she had helped deliver the baby of but I won't go any further with those details...

A definite add for your 2025 TBR list!

First of all the title does not match the book, at all. This gal’s old boyfriend, or his lookalike, shows up years later and seemingly 15 years or so older. The mystery, wondering what in the world is happening and questions how people are connected kept me listening. The narration was good. However, the ending with gobs of twists, some completely unnecessary threw me off no lie. Thanks to @bookouture for my advanced copy! :)

First time reader of SE Lynes and I will say this book was a fast paced, thrilling, mysterious read. There were a lot of twists and turns and I was trying to figure this one out right until the end. I thought some of it was a bit coincidental and slightly over the top but this was a good read and I'll definitely check out other works by this author.

The audio narration done by Tamsin Kennard was superb. I loved the voices, the accents and the pace.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This high quality audio version deals with what happens when you have moved on with your life you are heavily pregnant and happy and suddenly you come face to face with the boy who cruelly broke your heart at age 18. Except he tells you you are wrong its not him. Queue a binge listen as a pov mystery is revealed . The narration was engaging . fast paced with a drip character history this will keep you hooked until the end, with . The twists just kept coming and coming. I loved the way other events were pulled into the narrative that at the time seemed irrelevant. At times this was film like and so out there it felt unrealistic and at times I couldn't care about the characters as their actions seemed wrong. There were plot points that seemed to be there to move the story along. It was really entertaining and i needed to know the truth. The final reveal was spot on . This is 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. perfect for anyone who loves a mystery that is revealed within a series of other events. Thank you netgallery, publisher, author and narrators.

This is my first book by the author.

Parts of this were really great. The tension, the build up to the reveal and the concept were really engaging. The pace was good and the characters varied enough to give them all their own voice.

However for the last 20% or so everything just felt unbelievable and awkward. I even found myself laughing at a few bits asmt the sheer lunacy of it!

The narrator for the audio book did a great job at doing all the varying accents etc. and I found her really engaging to listen to.

Overall this was a bit of a mixed bag for me but I would probably give this author another try.

I could have listened to this brilliant narrator, Tamsin Kennard, for days. She is excellent and really did this story justice with her gorgeous voice and accents.
The premise of The Perfect Boyfriend is intriguing – Kirsty bumps into Hughie, a guy she went out with at school. He had left her abruptly and hatefully, and she hasn’t seen him for a decade. Despite his having aged badly, she recognises him instantly. He, however, pretends not to know her – and is going by another name. Is Kirsty’s pregnancy making her imagine things? Is she mistaken, or is her ex-boyfriend pretending to be someone else?
Susie Lynes is brilliant at developing characters and I couldn’t help but really enjoy getting to know warm-hearted Kirsty and the love of her life, Dougie.
The story is full of surprises, mystery, suspense and drama. The author throws in lots of twists (one of which, however, felt a little pointless), and this story kept me hugely invested in finding out what was really going on.
A really enjoyable audiobook.

What started as a simple story quickly unfolded into a tale layered with deception, lies, and plenty of surprises.

Midwife Kirsty is about to start her maternity leave when she spots someone she believes is her ex-boyfriend—the one who ghosted her years ago. The trauma she thought was long buried rises to the surface.

Feeling increasingly unsettled, Kirsty begins noticing strange events around her and starts questioning if they’re connected.

Her friends and family doubt her, which drove me crazy—gaslighting always triggers me! But I was glad Kirsty didn’t back down and keeps digging for answers.

I appreciated the simplicity of the story and the small cast of characters. I got through this quickly as I found it addictive, but it would be easy to pick up and put down on a vacation without getting lost.

The audiobook was fun, though the Scottish accent might be tricky for some readers. I managed to listen at 2x but had to slow to 1.50x at times.

One of the twists had me nearly falling over and made me want to go back and reread to catch all the clues I missed. And just when I thought it was done, another whopper!

Was it all realistic? Maybe not, but this was a thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me hooked till the very end.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review

This twisty turny psychological thriller has unique parts, which is hard to find in this genre.
Kirsty swears that she sees her ex-boyfriend from high school at work, but when she confronts the guy, he acts like a complete stranger who doesn’t know her. She feels pretty awkward about it, but can’t let it go. Everything unravels from there.

I didn’t love the guys point of view in the novel. He lays everything out too much which is a bit of a pet peeve for me. I like when the reader isn’t talked down to, but has to figure things out on their own.

Overall, it was an entertaining read that should be enjoyable for anyone who loves the genre.

Tasmin Kennard, the narrator, did a great job as always. She had such a delightful voice to listen to.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for the chance to receive this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really appreciate it!

The Perfect Boyfriend
S. E. Lynes
I really like the narrator of this audiobook. Her voice transitions throughout the chapters quite smoothly. The narrator also portrayed the characters really well and gave them life. The story is interesting, we follow a couple who is having a baby when the girl discovers her ex who ran away at her workplace. And the story unfolds from there, she keeps finding out secrets and trying to find her neighbor. It keeps adding and adding to the story, keeping it engaging with the audience. It was really interesting and new, not something I expected. I like the way the author has written the different perspectives. That’s what I like in a story, for it to make sense and for it to flow and this author has done that as well as having a few twists and turns. As it’s an audiobook, there aren’t any mistakes I could correct. However I look forward to getting more audiobooks from this publisher and others on Netgalley. It reminded me of Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter, at least the style of writing.

Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me this audiobook. I enjoyed it

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.8 stars

Kirsty is a pregnant midwife on her last couple of shifts at work before her maternity leave begins. She runs into her high school boyfriend at work after not seeing him for ten years. The new doctor says he isn't who she thinks he is. Then her elderly neighbor goes missing. Several twists I didn't see coming.

I enjoyed the narration by Tamsin Kennard.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

The Perfect Boyfriend* by S.E. Lynes, Narrated by Tamsin Kennard

"The Perfect Boyfriend" is a darkly captivating psychological thriller that masterfully balances tension and emotional depth, making it a standout in its genre. S.E. Lynes weaves a narrative that is intricate and gripping, holding listeners in a vice-like grip throughout the story.

This novel unfolds with precision, quickly drawing readers into the lives of its meticulously crafted characters. The protagonist's journey is one of escalating suspense, as secrets and hidden motives are gradually revealed. Lynes' writing is taut and evocative, painting vivid scenes that come alive through Tamsin Kennard’s exceptional narration.

Kennard’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Her nuanced delivery brings each character to life, capturing their unique voices and emotional complexities. The way she navigates the twists and turns of the plot adds an additional layer of suspense, making the listening experience incredibly immersive. Kennard’s ability to convey the tension and psychological undercurrents of the story is a testament to her skill as a narrator.

Lynes delves into the dark corners of her characters' minds, revealing the fragility and resilience that coexist within them. This psychological depth adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative, making it more than just a conventional thriller.

The pacing of the audiobook is expertly managed, maintaining a steady buildup of tension that keeps listeners captivated. The shifts in perspective and unexpected twists are handled with finesse, ensuring that the plot remains unpredictable and compelling.

"The Perfect Boyfriend" is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers. S.E. Lynes’ storytelling, combined with Tamsin Kennard’s mesmerizing narration, creates an audiobook experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It’s a journey through the labyrinth of human emotions and hidden truths, one that leaves a lasting impression long after you finish the final chapter.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that delve deep into the minds of their characters while delivering relentless suspense, "The Perfect Boyfriend" should definitely be on your playlist!

PERFECT! PERFECT! PERFECT!

this was one great read! This book had a way of pulling you into and holding you hostage! The twist and turns was out of this world! Everything each and every page was a wild freaking rollercoaster ride! I love it

Kirsty is sure she spots her ex working in the same hospital as her. But when she confronts him, he tells her she's mistaken and gives her his name. Kirsty is left unsettled as she is sure she used to know him. Of course, she goes about and does her own research.

This was a good thriller. It kept me entertained and had excellent narration on the audiobook. I did feel like it was missing something though, I just can't put my finger on what.

I was a bit conflicted on whether to rate this title 3 or 4 stars, I was going to plump for 3.5 then I added on an extra half purely to make up for the readers that don’t want to understand Aberdonian vernacular - I’m not from Aberdeen, they have a different accent (I’m not a huge lover of the accent in all honesty) and different words for things but it really isn’t too much of a stretch to guess what’s being said. In fact it’s explained. It was not overdone at all.

I enjoyed the majority of the story, I found Kirsty easy to warm to, a heavily pregnant midwife, who is always going the extra mile for people, but she has friends and family a bit concerned about her mental health when she’s adamant that she’s seen her ex boyfriend, who upped and left many years ago walking the halls of the hospital she works at. Add to that her obsession that her octogenarian neighbour Joanie is missing, she’s tired, stressed and won’t let it go.

Things take a turn when lovely Joanies body turns up in the North Sea, has Kristy’s dear pal really drowned herself?

And what about that encounter with Hugh?

The story that unravels is so well plotted with twists and turns that I was even questioning myself! The story that played out was reminiscent of an actual case in Glasgow, I wonder if the author took inspiration from this.

There was an extra little bit of fuckery from the author in the epilogue that made me skip back a few times. Well played.

I really enjoyed Tamsin Kennards narration on the title, she handled the varying accents with ease.

My gratitude to Bookouture Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This had some real surprises in it. I had a hard time getting into it at first and then it got interesting and bizarre. Great narration and well written.
Plenty of gaslighting throughout! Worth the listen.

This book did have enjoyable twists and turns that I did not see coming. However, I was not invested in any of the characters. I felt the characters did not have many layers/depth. I also found that the story was not smoothly tied together- it was hard to connect different details. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this opportunity!