BOOK REVIEW: The Perfect Girlfriend by Hayley Smith

 

FORMAT: Ebook

Disclaimer: This review may contain spoilers.

I smile at my boyfriend as I set the table ready for the delicious dinner that’s bubbling on the stove. I know I’m everything to him. I’ve made absolutely sure I’m his perfect match, in every way…

Jay and I have only known each other a short while, but whenever I gaze into his gorgeous green eyes I know he’s the one. His little house by the deep forest’s edge is perfect for the two of us – there’s no internet, no phone signal, and no neighbours. I’m about as far from my past as I could be. No one knows where I am, and I need to keep it that way.

Warm in Jay’s arms, I can persuade myself it’s ok that he disappears for hours when he thinks I’m asleep at night, returning the next morning, glittery eyed and tense. And I don’t mind that he likes to be in charge of our money, our time, of me. He’s just looking after me, keeping me safe from the outside world, because he loves me.

I won’t question him, I can’t challenge him. I need our relationship to work. Because I have secrets too. Jay thinks he knows me, but he doesn’t have a clue.

All I have to do is play my part, and pray he never discovers just how far from perfect I really am…

It's not often that I find book that I want to finish in one sitting, but The Perfect Girlfriend by Hayley Smith just ticked all the boxes. While I was reading the book I felt like I was constantly on the verge of finding out something sinister. I was simultaneously dying to find out how the book ends and terrified to actually discover the truth. At the end of every chapter I felt compelled  to keep reading. The need to put the pieces of the puzzle together was quite overwhelming,

I loved how the book was written.  The short, concise chapters made it really easy to read and keep track of the story line because there was a lot going on. There were quite a few cliffhangers and surprises and the suspense was constantly building . I might be a little biased since I share a name with the main character, but I was really rooting for Lauren. Her difficult past, tense relationship with her family and the death of her best friend made it really easy to feel sorry for her. Which is probably I related to and forgave her for overlooking certain things when it came to Jay's sketchy behavior. His reluctance to talk about his past paired with his "off the grid '' lifestyle and temper raises a lot of red flags.

Naturally, I assumed Lauren did not want to blow up the peace and security her new life by addressing these issues ,but it quickly becomes clear that she has her own ulterior motives for putting up with dodgy Jay and his even dodgier friend group.  Each character is wonderfully developed. They are interesting on their own,  but the way they contribute to the overall plot was quite delightful to discover. They all play a significant role in the eeriness of the whole story: especially the little girl who refuses to talk and Jay's creepy best friend.

The Perfect Girlfriend is one of those stories that stays with you long after you have finished it and the ending was simply magnificent. The perfect combination of justice being served and revenge. Before I give away too much, do yourself  a favour and get your hands on this book. You can thank me later.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

* Thank you to Bookouture & Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.