The Perfect Girlfriend

What a rollercoaster of a book this is. It kept me hooked from the first page. I couldn’t put it down. Excellent book. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Karen Hamilton for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

A darkly disturbing yet sad story of obsession, manipulation, revenge, love and hate.

This was yet another brilliantly realistic psychological thriller! Again, because this is a thriller there’s not too much I can say about the plot without ruining it, so sorry! It follows Juliette who is sure that she is the perfect girlfriend and will stop at literally nothing to show that she is the perfect girlfriend and win back her ex-boyfriend no matter what the cost. The things she does at first are slightly creepy but very realistic and could actually happen if you put enough thought into it and that’s what makes this so creepy! As Juliette escalates in the things she does to prove that she’s so perfect they escalate again in creepy, realistic ways and that’s what makes this so great!

Again, one of the best things about this was that the story was told from the psychotic side and not the victims side. This gave us so much more insight into her reasonings behind her actions and it’s so fascinating to see what goes on behind the scenes. Juliette truly believes that she is in the right and is doing everything to prove that she’s the best girlfriend and the ex-boyfriend is just being temporarily blind to how great she is, and people are dragging him in the wrong direction and he’ll soon see how perfect she is. Using the Airline jobs as a pilot and air hostess really helped make this book come together and was a new and interesting setting for a book that worked so so well!

This another one of those books where you’re not really sure what to make of the main character; you feel sorry for Juliette at first, especially since the book starts with some of Juliette’s background and what happened to her brother. But to me she was obviously delusional and one of the things that got me the most, was that I was sort of rooting for Juliette to be back together with her ex, Nate despite all that she was doing and most of it, if she hadn’t taken it that one step too far, I could see a lot of people doing in normal everyday life which is crazy!

I figured out the twist literally a few pages before it was revealed and it was a well thought-out a rounded twist that made sense and wasn’t ridiculous which again, was great. It didn’t have a solid ending but in a way, it sort of made sense and I wasn’t mad at it!

Remember that old film Fatal Attraction where Glenn Close was the hook-up from hell? Well, this book has a heroine who is Glenn Close on a double-dose of steroids! Juliette is utterly determined to prove to her ex, Nate, that he should never have dumped her and how perfect they are together - but sneaking into his flat to leave him chocolate muffins and his favourite bottle of wine while he's away probably isn't the way to his heart... So Juliette takes a job as an airline hostess for the same company for whom Nate is a pilot - and unweaves one of the most demented plots ever to get her man...

Ok, there's lots about this that is silly (how can Nate never realise someone's repeatedly in his flat, rummaging through his wardrobe, taking pictures off his fridge etc.?) BUT Juliette's so insanely manic in her single-mindedness that I couldn't help but get drawn into her demented plots - and there's a development about halfway through that is just jaw-dropping in its craziness!

With my sensible, feminist hat on, I'd have to say that this plays to so many gender stereotypes that are just plain wrong - but, then, this is a book for which it's best to abandon sense and just go with it because Hamilton has pulled off a story which is addictive precisely because of its demented heroine. And its central show-off scenario of that trip to Vegas is just genius!

There’s crazy and there is Juliette crazy - that’s all I can say! I love a good psycho ex - they make for really good reading - and if we are being honest there is a little bit of Juliette in all of us.... or maybe not! It is well written and I was pretty gripped at the lengths Juliette will go to to win Nate back, and seek revenge on those who have done her wrong! I loved the creepiness of her popping over to feed his fish, or staying at someone’s flat and organising their towels, and she genuinely doesn’t think she is doing anything wrong! There were parts that I felt may have been a bit far fetched but on the whole it was a pretty good read! I can imagine the movie will be out in a few years, and sadly will take place in upstate New York, and United airlines rather than keeping true to the book. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this.

She is not.........The Perfect Girlfriend.....anything but...you have dated her once....you will regret it forever

Many of the books I read have characters in who stalk, even are obsessive stalkers.......Juliette is like no other I have read......100% obsessive, determined, hell bent on revenge, cold, hot, clever and manipulative.....she has you in her sights...shes getting you!!!!’

The story is narrated by Juliette and the author manages very quickly to conjure a picture of her that sticks and is built on page by page

The main players are all deliciously described and as Juliette jump out of the book at you as you join in this rampage of a story

Its an addictive read and one that doesn’t let up, nor does Juliette

The one big twist I didnt see coming at all.....and was very clever

A fantastic read that will shock and surprise and make you go ‘NOOOOOO, she cant be doing this’....but she is

You will be careful who you date and get involved with after this book and wonder ‘do I REALLY know this person’

The authors first book and I really look forward to reading more of her work
10/10 5 stars,

This psychological thriller combines elements of Highsmith’s Talented Mr.Ripley and the film Fatal Attraction, with obsession, envy and vengeance as recurring motifs in a tale of unrequited passion.
Elizabeth (AKA Lily/ Aka Juliette) is the narrator - a manipulative fantasist, stalking her ex-boyfriend Nate in an effort to win him back. The detailed account of her meticulous schemes to insinuate herself into every aspect of his life (taking on a new persona is the least of it) draws us in to her delusional world, which is initially entertaining, but becomes increasingly disturbing and cringeworthy to imagine. A compelling sense of dread permeates the novel, whilst the fascinating insights into the work of a flight attendant are as authentic as only someone who has done this job could depict.

I really enjoyed this book. Juliette stalks Nate, his family and friends relentlessly after he ends their brief relationship. There is no limit to what she will do to be with him which she believes is her right, and their destiny. It's a gripping read and just when you think she's got the message she ups her plan of action.
Definitely recommended.

Juliette wants nothing more than to be with the love of her life, Nate and will stop at nothing until she gets exactly what she wants.
her plan to inject herself into his life, a plan driven by obsession, Nate is a Pilot and now Juliette is an air hostess. He said he needed space,
she thinks that time is up and fate has brought them together and no one will stand in the way of that. Even more so Bella, Nate's sister whom Juliette has an unfortunate past with
that has lead to all the makings of her current plan.

It's a tale of Obsession, love and vengeance combined and how far one woman will go to get what she wants.

I really enjoyed this, it was page turning right from the get go and i found the main character very witty.
Throughout much of this story i found myself laughing, even though some of what she was doing was crazy, it was the writing it has a certain charm and witt that really did make
the character likeable. As for Nate, i have mixed feeling what i feel about him, what happened back when they were much younger was wrong in so manys, he shouldn't have ignored her and also he should
have made sure she wasn't underage but i do believe she should have told him about that night. His character wasn't likeable and as for Bella she was a complete bully and i just really disliked her.

As a debut this was great and i'd look forward to reading more from this author

Psychological fiction at it's very finest. One of this year's MUST READS.
Had me on the edge of my seatime right from the first page.
An author I would love to read more from in the future.

The Perfect Girlfriend is the stunning debut novel from Karen Hamilton.Juliette/Lily/Elizabeth is the obsessed stalker from hell ! Scarred by a childhood incident when at school Juliette finds herself a few years later in a relationship with Nate an airline pilot, but when he tells her he needs space and to move out of his flat she goes into full on stalker mode getting a job as a flight attendant at Nate's airline as well as watching his every move on Facebook and letting herself into his flat while he is away.The book is a well written psychological thriller that rattles along at a great pace as you wait to see what Juliette will do next in her POA (plan of action) to win Nate back.As the story develops you start to piece together the connection with Bella, Nate's sister who is also in Juliette's bad books ! With out wanting to reveal to much else about the plot i must say this one of the best psychological thrillers i have read this year.A new name as just entered the psychological thriller genre and if Karen Hamilton's future books are as good as this one her readers are in for a treat !! A superb 5 star debut.

I really enjoyed this book and looked forward to getting back to it. It is a modern day story of obsession, social media and relationships.
It was very absorbing and you could relate to the characters (not totally) but nonetheless you had some sympathy for the woman.
I could never get into Girl on a train, so this was a lot better in my opinion.

Wow what a wild ride this book was.

I do enjoy a story about people re-inventing themselves and Juliet was such a great character. In the beginning she was a very likeable character and I felt sorry for her. I loved her tenacity about getting her boyfriend Nate back, and admired her desire to give him some space, even though she desperately wanted to be with him.

Her character development was really good and very interesting as the plot progressed. I won’t say any more as I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone, but she knew what she wanted and she certainly wasn’t going to let anything, or anyone stop her from getting it.

If you enjoy books with unreliable narrators, you’re going to love this, and the subtle twist at the end was a very good one, that I hadn’t guessed at all.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. What a brilliant book, well written and a real page turner. Fantastic

With thanks to Netgalley and Wildfire for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

The Perfect Girlfriend is the debut novel written by Karen Hamilton, I look forward to reading more books from this lady in the future.

Elizabeth was in a perfect relationship with Nate a pilot. Until six months earlier when he decided to break up with her, to placate her he paid the rent on a flat in Reading, some distance from him.

However Elizabeth believes she and Nate are the perfect couple so she decides to play the long game to win him back. Elizabeth uses her middle name of Juliette and gets a job as Cabin Crew on the same airline as Nate. She breaks into his flat when he is away at work and puts his favourite chocolate brownies in the freezer. She installs software on his mobile phone and befriends one of Nate's friends on Facebook so she can keep tabs on him.

The reader also sees a glimpse of Juliette's childhood. Her mother Amelia was an alcoholic and was often left to look after her little brother Will. When Juliette was 10 years old, 4 year old Will accidentally fell in a lake and drowned, Juliette has blamed herself ever since.

I. don't want to discuss what Juliette did next, but her Vegas plan was audacious and part of me was rooting for her. When her plan goes wrong she becomes more desperate and more dangerous. As love turns to hate Juliette wants Nate to suffer, she moves into a flat opposite him, going as far as meeting his mother and soon to be brother in law.

Karen Hamilton was ex cabin crew and it was interesting to see behind the scenes of the job. What happens when the passengers depart the plane on their holidays, the jetlag and lonely hotel rooms.

The Perfect Girlfriend was exciting, I could not wait to see what Juliette would do next. I was disappointed that the story was left open ended, I would of liked a proper ending.

However it did not spoil my enjoyment of the book, it will definitely be in my top ten books for 2017.

What an amazing read from this author’s debut book. An incredible start to her career that’s for sure! It’s twisted in so many ways and you’ll be hooked from the get go.

The main character, Juliette, is not quite there in the head but she’s invigorating to read about. She takes ‘the perfect girlfriend’ to a whole new level and this girl doesn’t take no for an answer. She’s definitely head strong, rather vindictive but she has every right to be.

An amazing, and tantalising, read from this author and can’t wait to see what else she produces.

Absolutely brilliant pshycological thriller. At first I could not understand how one person could act so deranged and I cringed at some of the things she said and did. However by the middle of the book I was actually rooting for her. Don't ask me why because she is cray-cray but that just goes to show the immense skill Karen Hamilton has in creating a spectacularly flawed character that, I for one, could not help but love.

An excellent debut novel.
The main character is so absolutely awful that you actually find yourself strangely warming to her and then feeling terrible that you do. She is utterly awful and yet she really believes that those around her are at fault and therefore should pay for the way they have treated her.
And so you have a premise for a great novel and the writer does a superb job with it.
A real page turner with a few gentle twists that I must admit I didn't see coming and an ending which could have gone several ways. It actually finished about how I thought it would but that certainly didn't detract from the tension or the overall plot.
I finally reached the last page on Sunday morning, went downstairs to make a cuppa and found myself determined to ensure I always looked after my husband and treated him right. It won't last but it just goes to show what an impact this book had on me!

Oh my goodness if you ever meet Juliette run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.
Great story that kept me turning the pages. The frightening thing is that whilst Juliette appears relatively sane we know different.
The book gradually builds up the tension to the conclusion, watch out Nate.
Looking forward to reading more books in future by this author.

WOW! Karen Hamilton certainly knows how to craft a tale! The Perect Girlfriend puts a whole new spin on the bunny boiler story and I was hooked from the very first page. I read it in just over a day and really enjoyed it. I was sucked in from the start, wondering what Juliette would do next.
The writing in this book is really fantastic. The story moves along at a good pace that keeps your attention all the way through. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fast-paced dramas packed with jealousy and revenge.

Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting! It is a very intense and creepy psychological thriller, told from a different perspective. This story is narrated by the perpetrator, so you go with the twists and turns, rather than have them as hooks to keep you in suspense. This doesn't mean that this book isn't a page turner because it is! The things this "perfect girlfriend" does will have you reading with your mouth open aghast and in total disbelief. For me this book felt more like a train bumpety bumping over a track rather than a roller coaster, with the train just ending its journey.at the buffers. So with this in mind I'm going to drop one star, but I still think this book is definitely one not to be missed.

Wow- that was pretty intense......although again as with a lot of thrillers lacking a conclusion and felt left wide open. I'm unsure if that signals a sequel or if it's just going to be left wide open like that.

Lily has been dumped by Nate- a well do do guy who's a pilot- whom doesn't do commitment- but having forced herself into his life he's ended up settled down with her- and ends the relationship.

So Lily thinks he just needs space- he will eventually realise he loves her- so she re-invents herself into Juliette- and becomes an air hostess in order to get closer to him.

And that is just the start!

Juliette does some extremely questionable things- and is quite frankly bat sh*t crazy- she will stop at no lengths to get back her man.

Not too much can be said about the story- as it would give too much away- but it goes to show how long someone can hold a grudge!!

I dropped a star due to a massive plot hole left unexplored and the fact that it didn't have a conclusion

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publishers for a copy of this book.

This is a new author who's written a really compelling and psychological thriller. Juliette is a woman on a mission. She wants Nate and NOTHING is going to stop her from getting him.

What would you do if the man of your dreams doesn't want you? What lengths would you go to make sure you and him ended up together? Find out in The Perfect Girlfriend exactly what Juliette and Nate get up to. A MUST READ for any psychological fan.

Juliette and airline pilot boyfriend Nate have split up. Nate needed 'space' from their stifling relationship. The only problem is, Juliette still loves Nate and will do anything to win him back. And OH BOY, do I mean ANYTHING!

Not wanting to let slip any spoilers, this book is an excellent debut psychological thriller from author Karen Hamilton. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what craziness would happen next! The author has created a fantastic tale of unrequited love and the insane lengths one woman will go to for her Happy Ever After.

Juliette was 'damaged goods' long before hooking up with Nate. An early childhood tragedy followed by bullying at boarding school left her continually searching for the better life she deserved. Craving acceptance by her school peers, especially the beautiful and sophisticated Bella, she was forever on the periphery; always the outsider. When Nate came along, she had their whole lives mapped out - love, marriage, babies, growing old together - but Nate's rejection brought it spectacularly crashing down around her!

What a wonderfully complex character Juliette is. She's a masterful manipulator with one viewpoint - her own. She knows what she wants, and how to get it, to make life complete; yet she's vulnerable and flawed. I compliment the author on her creation.

The Perfect Girlfriend is the perfect twisty story of an obsession that's dangerously out of control. Can Juliette be stopped before she goes too far? Read it and see!

*I received an Advance Reader Copy. My thanks to NetGalley, Karen Hamilton and Wildfire.

Wow, couldn’t put it down from the first page! Loved it. Felt like it could all actually happen in real life, scary but true! Would highly recommend

As someone who is interested in psychology and behaviour (obsession in particular), this was a fantastic read! The Perfect Girlfriend is creepy, dark and disturbing in all the right ways and I do love a realistic thriller. All the characters are so well done, and the way Karen Hamilton has managed to portray Juliette and her delusional behaviour is fantastic. Juliette is definitely a fascinating character; her behaviour and thought-process is so disturbing yet realistic and believable.

I did find the writing a bit clunky at times, especially the dialogue, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to all psychological thriller fans!

Absolutely fantastic debut book. It was very intense and full of twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down and genuinely didn’t know what to expect. It had me hooked from the first page. Very well written and I would highly recommend

I absolutely loved this. Very unnerving (in a good way!) I’ll definitely be recommending. Thank you.

Excellent book. Brilliant story and I loved the main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

The Perfect Girlfriend is an utterly captivating and addictive read; one that I thoroughly enjoyed. In it we meet Juliette (real name, Elizabeth) who will go to any lengths to win back her ex-boyfriend, Nate, who she firmly believes will fall in love with her again after she executes the plans she has been concocting since their break-up seven months ago. Becoming a cabin crew member for Nate’s airline is just the start of a tumultuous game of cat and mouse.

In Juliette/Elizabeth, Karen Hamilton has created a complex and intriguing character. At first I sympathized with her and part of me actually wanted her to succeed in her mission, then, as the book went on, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Nate and wonder if he’d ever be rid of her. It’s true what they say - ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’.

The one thing that stopped me giving this book five stars is the ending. I found it too abrupt and felt like I needed to know more, especially as it ended straight after the fated ski trip. I just hope that all the unanswered questions mean that there will be a sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wildfire for this advanced copy.

Well as much as I thought some of Juliette’s behaviour was a bit over the top there was a part of me acknowledging that people do act out in this way. In the early part I did feel a bit sorry for her but with each page I liked her less and less. There are elements of this book that will chill you but towards the end I was finding it a little bit ridiculous. The author was previously a flight attendant and her knowledge in this area came across in the narrative. We can only hope that her knowledge of stalker girlfriend behaviour was down to research alone.

Now, I know you hear stories of scorned women going to extreme lengths but my gosh, Juliette takes first place for persistence. Throughout this book I loved her character, I despised her, I was in disbelief, I laughed at her, I felt pity towards her. Honestly, I can’t even say now whether I actually sympathised with her or not. I found her to be so complex, she left me confused about my own feelings towards her. What a character to have written!

In usual circumstances, I would have scoffed in disbelief at some of the antics that Juliette gets up to and found them ridiculous but because of how brilliantly her character was written I was completely invested in her every move. I willed her to do the crazy stuff and then even more psychotic stuff. I felt like I was thriving on it with her.

I questioned myself during this book also. Do I agree with some of things she did? Do I understand why she did them? Do I think her actions were justifiable. It’s not until a day after finishing I’m able to regain some sanity and realise that of course she’s a raving lunatic! But during the book, I was in so deep I can’t believe I even thought she was remotely ok!

So it will come of no shock, that I loved this book. It’s making me smile now thinking about it. It was so satisfyingly outrageous with a nutter of a main character. If you’re into psychological thrillers, you’ll love this. I have to give in to my inner psycho and give this a perfect 5 stars! I can’t wait to indulge on more of Karen Hamilton’s work.

If you like a tense story of a manipulative, bunny-boiling stalker then this is the book for you.

The book opens with a short prologue of Elizabeth as a child on the day her little brother, Will, died while he was in her care. We then very quickly move on to present day when Elizabeth, who now uses her middle name, Juliette, is coming to the end of her air steward training. This isn't her preferred career choice, no, this is solely to facilitate her obsessive stalking of her ex-boyfriend, Nate, who is a pilot. Their relationship finished several months ago but Juliette just can't let him go. He doesn't know it yet, but he soon will.

Juliette changes work rosters to enable her to crew on the same flights as Nate, and when he is away she lets herself in to his apartment knowing how long he will be away for, and snoops, takes photos of private documents and even stays overnight. She is scheming, devious and intelligent with it.

Nate is the brother of Belle, Juliette's school friend who was more of a mental bully than friend, and Juliette being a little unhinged has kept track of both of them to mete out her revenge.

Juliette is a fabulous character, I loved her neurotic, unbalanced personality and she makes for great reading. This is Karen Hamilton's debut novel and I think she has done a great job of creating a seriously flawed yet likeable character in Elizabeth/Juliette. Her writing keeps you on your toes all the way through the book – I wondered where some of the crazy situations were going and was never disappointed when Juliette's intentions were revealed. The pace is fast, is never dull, and has just enough description to let us realise what devastation she has caused. The only slight disappointment was the ending, I wanted more, more of the life all the main characters were leading. I'd got used to Juliette's scheming ways and I didn't want it to end.

Wow,This is one heck of a story with lots and twists and turns. It has been well plotted and gathers pace as it goes on.
Lily is a child who has a past and then this shapes her future.
The cruelty of children is evident within this book and how this can affect someones life in the long term. How can you forget the bullies and how can you get your revenge.
As Lily moves from that persona to the persona of Juliette, she becomes more obsessive and more chilling in her approach.
The ending is not what I was expecting but this was actually good.
A well written debut book.I struggled until 50% as it sort of gripped me but not quite enough but then it did.

The Perfect Girlfriend - a fabulous psychological thriller. Juliette loves Nate, she even takes a job to be near him. They are meant to be. The only problem is, Nate broke up with her six months earlier and doesn’t love her.

This book is brilliantly written as Juliette plots and plans to get Nate back. She’s conniving, malicious and dangerous - everything you want in a main character. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wildfire and the author for the chance to review.

Well, this was the book that kept on giving! Just when I thought Juliette had exhausted her list of ways to get back with Nate, up she pops with something that topped the rest. She really was a deliciously created bunny boiler, with bells on top. She really was a psycho and so calculating to have got away with what she did for so long. Not without her mistakes though, she makes a few slip ups along the way but the other characters were so naive and unknowing that she really was aided and indeed enabled along the way. The way she put on all her masks and juggled her lies and deceptions really gave her a juicy role in the most scary way. She was also really rather ballsy insofar as she actually got to play out what I guess would be some things that probably many of us spurned lovers really want to do but don't have the guts and tenacity (and wherewithal) to carry out so, in a weird way, kudos to her. Although, that said, her perception was at times( quite often) really rather skewed.
Plot and revenge and all that aside though, I really enjoyed the glimpse into the life of an air hostess. The training, the reality of what happens behind the scenes, how it all comes together really interested me in a way that I never really thought of before. How the job impacts on life, love and living in ways that I didn't even cast a thought to previously.
Another thing that I really must rave about was the way that Juliette evolved, or should I say devolved, as she started to spiral out of control, especially towards the end. She really did employ all the tricks of the trade to get her man back. Some of which were delightfully evil and conniving; all compelling reading. Several times whilst reading I thought that the book could actually double as a bunny boiler manual and I almost fear that it does at times spell out things a little too much and could actually end up giving people ideas. I guess that's a reflection of how real some of what I was reading felt at times.
My emotions were a little all over the place whilst reading too. I swung my allegiance between characters quite a bit along the way. Where I can't actually condone what Juliette resorted to, the lengths she went to, there were times when action, albeit not quite as strong as what actually happened, was perfectly justified as certain behaviour displayed by certain characters wasn't really the done thing. I definitely admired the way that Juliette retained her sane face for the majority of the book. Hiding what was beneath very well indeed.
All in all, a cracking read that kept my attention well, and me on my toes throughout. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This was absolutely brilliant I couldn’t put it down it certainly had the suspense factor and it certainly kept me on my toes.....the lengths she went to ...amazing.
Highly recommend

The Perfect Girlfriend is a truly addictive, can't-stop-reading psyschological thriller! It's actually a fairly slow-moving story but Juliette is such a deliciously devious, complex character that I found myself absorbed in every step of the story. She's a great character because she's not all out 'crazy', she's not a completely awful person, but she has some truly chilling traits which makes her such an interesting person to read about. Sometimes I felt (a little) sorry for her but most of the time I just continued reading on and on, in abject fascination, as things got more and more intense! Therefore you can easily imagine meeting someone like her in real life. In fact, you probably have and perhaps just didn't quite twig...!

As I mentioned, the story is not all action, which I don't say as a negative at all because the pace at which it does move along reflects the mounting tension of Juliette's mood, mind and actions. I honestly can't fault this story; though some parts are a bit more dramatic the character of Juliette is so convincingly odd that I just felt myself believing it all, and it kept me reading on page after page!

I loved The Perfect Girlfriend and was hooked from the first chapter. Creepy and gripping, though Juliette is clearly bonkers I found her story of unrequited love - and her determination to win back her boyfriend - utterly compelling. The lengths she goes to and the subterfuge is incredible and at times blackly comic.
It was also great to have a lead character who wasn't a victim but instead was pursuing her victim.
If you liked Mad by Chloe Esposito, you'll love this!

A thoroughly fantastic read by debut author Karen Hamilton telling the story of Juliette who is the perfect girlfriend to dashing and privileged airline pilot Nate. She visits his home to leave his favourite foods and wine, keeps a close eye of his wok schedules and is generally an attentive and loving girlfriend except...... Nate broke up with Juliette 6 months ago in the familiar "I need space" vein but it seems Juliette will not be accepting this decision any time soon!
It is impossible to say much more without spoiling things for the many readers that I know will love this book but the plot and characterisation is top class and I can hardly believe that the author managed to elicit feelings of sympathy in me for Juliette as she takes the idea of "bunny-boiler" to new extremes. The very clever way in which the author reveals Juliette's - or Lily as she was known in her younger days - childhood and boarding school experiences given the character vulnerability and make her systematic efforts to get the life she wants without consequence a bit more understandable and evoked a bit of sympathy in this reader. A standout thriller and I will wait impatiently for the next book by Karen Hamilton. 5 stars and huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for advance review copy.

It was the book cover that drew me to wanting to read this book but having said that once I read the blurb which sounded very intriguing it made me want to read it even more.

Suffice to say I wasn't disappointed. It was a captivating and addictive read from start to finish. I was turning the pages as quick as I could so as to find out what would happen next.

I thought the characters were all brilliantly written, but I'll say one thing about the character of Juliette, I'd certainly never want to get on the wrong side of her, she is a piece of work for sure. I spent a fair bit of the book liking her, then not liking her, to liking her again and so on.

The story had me guessing throughout trying to figure out how it would all end. I have to say I was quite surprised by the ending as wasn't expecting it to end like that at all.

Juliette (also known as Elizabeth, also known as Lily) is a woman who’s very certain of what she wants - and how she’s going to get it. What she wants, and is very certain she deserves, is Nate, and she’ll go to any lengths to achieve her goal, never seeming to experience a moment’s doubt that it’s the right thing to do. Getting a job as a flight attendant at the airline where Nate works as a pilot is only the beginning...

If nothing else, you have to give Juliette credit for sheer dedication and single-mindedness. Literally nothing matters to her apart from winning her man; there’s no extreme, however absurd, she won’t go to, and it makes for a very entertaining read, because what Juliette gets up to is appalling, but you just can’t look away. There were times when I did feel empathy for her, but it seemed like she’d immediately go and do something so awful that it never lasted long. Some sort of personality disorder seems indicated...

It’s a well written story which definitely keeps you reading! The author worked for years as a flight attendant herself and it shows, because all those details ring very true, and apart from anything else I now feel I know a lot more about what life as a flight attendant involves.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

The Perfect Girlfriend is VERY different to any other psychological thriller I've read lately. This is a novel that shouldn't work, it’s basically an in-depth character study of Juliette a flight attendant and wronged girlfriend, told from her POV, BUT author Karen Hamilton has created a complex character, she’s a woman you will love, hate, she's someone you will want to shake some sense into, she's scary, obsessive and a control freak and deluded! but boy does she make The Perfect Girlfriend a deliciously twisted read.

From the introduction you know something really bad happened to Juliette as as a young girl, so you can't help but blame some of her behaviour on past events. As the reader I found myself making excuses for her increasing erratic behaviour, but on the other hand the way she manipulated situations and people also made me dislike her intensely. At first her behaviour appears a little off and fairly harmless, but as the story develops and she becomes more determined to win “the love of her life” Nate back things take a far more sinister turn, the old adage Hell Hath No Fury Like A Woman Scorned sprung to mind.

Juliette certainly fits the definition “bunny boiler” to a T, but the incredibly scary thing is she's very credible, she justifies everything she does in the “name of love”, how many times have you read or heard someone say “I did it because I loved them”. You may I have noticed I said at the beginning of my review this was a book that shouldn't have worked, it’s slow paced, the focus is very much centred on one characters thoughts and actions, there's no real mystery, see what I mean? But thanks to the authors unique style of writing, The Perfect Girlfriend is a compelling and twisted story of an obsession that's dangerously out of control. If I had one tiny criticism I thought the ending lacked a clear conclusion, but other readers may think the ending was “perfect”, either way I would say “enjoy the ride”, with plenty of turbulence and flawed characters this is a book I would highly recommend.

This was such a good read, gripping from start to finish. Juliette and Nate are great characters - the story is incredibly well written and I could not put this book down.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of The Perfect Girlfriend, the tale of Juliette's efforts to win back ex-boyfriend Nate.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Girlfriend which is a twisted tale of obsessive love. Juliette, formerly Elizabeth or Lily, Price is determined to win back handsome pilot, Nate, because he is her one true love and after their relationship sours the first time she is prepared to play a long game and go to great lengths to make him love her back. Told in the first person it is more humorous than thriller as Juliette works out her POA (plan of action), acts on it and amends it as required.

This should be a really creepy read as Juliette is seriously unhinged but some ridiculous scenarios and a very readable style make it compulsive reading as the reader can't help wondering what she'll get up to next in pursuit of her goal. Her tone is so reasonable and reasoned you can't help rooting for her and condemning Nate's bad behaviour - I didn't feel as sorry for him as I probably should have.

The twists come fast and furious as Juliette adapts to unforeseen circumstances and reactions. She is obviously smart and resourceful so it's a shame she has turned her energies in this direction but as the novel unfolds some well paced reveals explain why she is as she is although I suspect she has an inner psychopath to help her along.

I felt that the middle of the novel is a bit repetitive and I felt my interest flagging slightly but the ending makes up for it, not so much the action but the resolution (I can't say more without spoilers) which is probably the creepiest part of the novel.

The Perfect Girlfriend is not at all what I expected but is a hugely entertaining if slightly sick read and I have nothing but admiration for Ms Hamilton's skill in creating such an unusual character as Juliette. I have no hesitation, therefore in recommending it as a good read.

Truly thrilling tale from the point of view of a stalker. Kept me entertained throughout.

I really enjoyed this thriller! Quite a page turner and I loved the setting, makes s change!

well! What a story! I alternated between sympathy for Juliette, to horror at her actions, to sympathy for Nate, to disbelief at his actions, and then at the end, I just didn't know what I felt! A fantastic, enjoyable, roller coaster of a read

After being part of the cover reveal for The Perfect Girlfriend last year, I was looking forward to reading the book. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting but let me just say…

…This book blew me away!

I have never sat there in such stunned disbelief, staring agape at my kindle, unable to believe just how twisted this character is. The things she did, the things she planned, all in the name of love… Creepy does not begin to cover it!

I’m being very cautious writing this review. The best bit about the book is that I literally had no idea what was going to come next, if the character(s) were going to get away with it or what the final outcome was going to be. It gripped my attention in a vice and kept tightening the screws. I won’t ruin the reading experience for anyone else.

Juliette is the most messed up, twisted character I think I’ve ever read. I had a very strange love/hate relationship with her. She’s the main character and the view point that the reader follows. She’s not evil, she’s not cruel – not deliberately, anyway – and yet I’m sure her humanity got lost somewhere on the way. I want to say she’s irrational and crazy, but that’s just it…she’s not. She thinks everything through, plans meticulously and plays the long game.

She has qualities (other than manipulation) and she cares deeply (who else takes a spare key of a new friend, just so they can go and tidy the towels while said friend is away?). You can’t connect with her on an empathetic level (at least, I hope for your sake, you can’t!), but at the same time, this is her story and you want to know the outcome.

Like I said, you love to hate her.

It took me a couple of chapters before I really got into the book, as initially you don’t realise what is going on. In retrospect, the gradual unravelling of the scale of what is going on is cleverly done – just as the pace/tension eases up, you find out something else. However, stick with it if you aren’t initially grabbed in chapter one because you are going to be in for a heck of a ride.

The pacing is good and the tension builds. Despite dramatic events that happen at the end of the book, the tension peaks for me a little before that, when Juliette takes things to the extreme in Vegas. It’s from that moment on that I spend the rest of the book in disbelief at how far things are going.

I feel this is a rambling review because I’m trying so hard not to give anything away. My mother had to listen to me ranting every few chapters because I couldn’t work out what was going to happen, or what I wanted to happen.

The Perfect Girlfriend is a mind-twisting, spine-chilling tale of what could happen when love goes wrong. Definitely worth a read!

Gripping and entertaining with not one word out of place, I loved this insider glimpse of the airline industry through the eyes of the obsessively lovestruck Lily, who will stop at nothing in the attempt to win back her pilot ex. And thrillers are not usually my thing at all.

The title of this book led me to believe it was going to be yet another one of the many recent dramas which centre around a girlfriend who appears to be perfect and yet is transpires to be anything but...
However, I was delighted to be very surprised by this book that showed from the outset that this ‘perfect girlfriend’ was anything but and the book certainly stood out from all of the rest with similar titles.
I was intrigued to find out how the story would unfold and just far Juliette would go to demonstrate she was ‘the perfect girlfriend’.
Thanks to GoodReads for a free Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.