Title: THE BOYFRIEND
Author: John Nicholl
ISBN: 9781835612637
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 266
Source: NetGalley
Not every love story is a fairytale romance… When Anna first meets Mark, she thinks he’s the perfect boyfriend. Wealthy and charming, he showers her with gifts, compliments, everything she has ever desired.
But Mark is less a prince than a man with a dangerous secret, and as their love life becomes ever darker, Anna flees him.
There is nowhere safe from him, though. Not for Anna. Nor for the girlfriends who follow her.
Because this is a boyfriend who would kill to make sure he can continue to kiss sleeping princesses…
Official Summary
15 April 2025
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this review copy.
The Boyfriend is a disturbing psychological thriller that explores the dark side of charm, control, and obsession. While the premise is chilling and definitely had the potential to be a page-turner, I found this one to be a bit of a mixed bag.
We follow Anna, who is swept off her feet by the seemingly perfect Mark—wealthy, attentive, and full of romantic gestures. But things take a sinister turn as the mask begins to slip, revealing a controlling, dangerous man with far more than emotional manipulation in his arsenal. The concept is gripping and sadly believable, making for a haunting read that reminds us how predators can hide in plain sight.
What worked for me was the raw, unsettling look into coercive control and psychological abuse. Nicholl doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of toxic relationships, and the theme of how trauma can follow victims long after the relationship ends is handled with sensitivity. Anna’s fear and emotional torment felt authentic, and there were moments when I genuinely rooted for her.
That said, I had a few issues that kept this from being a higher-rated read. First, the plot felt quite linear and predictable—I could see the major twists coming from early on. Mark is portrayed as such an over-the-top villain that he sometimes felt more like a caricature than a real person, which made it harder for me to stay immersed. I also wanted more depth from the side characters, especially the women who came after Anna—there was room to explore their stories, but the book stayed pretty surface-level.
All in all, The Boyfriend is a decent, dark thriller with a relevant theme and some truly chilling moments, but it lacks the complexity and emotional punch I was hoping for. A quick read.
Also By John Nicholl
THE BRIDE
She’s on trial for murder… Now it’s her turn to tell her story…
The truth is that I loved James with my whole heart. We were soulmates: meant to be together forever. On the morning of our wedding, I had just found out I was carrying his child.
But it’s time to tell my side of the story. It’s time everyone knew what happened on that wedding day, on our honeymoon, and on that fateful last drive together. It’s time everyone found out about the secrets and about the threat that loomed over our marriage. It’s time everyone found out who really killed James.
And I need everyone to believe me. To believe I’m not a killer. Because if they don’t, then my baby won’t just have no father… she’ll have no mother.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
John Nicholl is a Welsh author renowned for his gripping psychological thrillers and crime novels. Born and raised in West Wales, Nicholl draws upon his experiences as a former police officer, child protection social worker, and lecturer to craft compelling narratives that delve into the darkest corners of human nature. His work often explores themes of justice, psychological manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Nicholl’s transition to writing began after leaving a career in law enforcement and social services, where he witnessed the harsh realities of crime and its impact on victims. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to his stories, which are known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and emotionally charged storytelling.
He debuted with the bestselling novel The Doctor, a chilling psychological thriller that introduced readers to his distinctive style. This was followed by a string of successful novels, including The Wife and The Cop. Nicholl’s books have resonated with readers worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his novels, Nicholl is an advocate for raising awareness about abuse and mental health issues, using his platform to address societal challenges. When not writing, he enjoys the tranquil surroundings of West Wales, where he continues to draw inspiration for his work.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. While I may have rated this one as an average read, I would still recommend you give it a try. Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below, I would love to hear from you. Until Next time… Happy Reading!
