In this The Boyfriend book review, I read a lot of thrillers and thought I had this one figured out, but then the end came, and I was like, “Oh, Ms. Freida, I was not familiar with your game!” The twist got me, and this has to be one of my favorite thrillers from her. Everyone raves about The Housemaid series (which I will review soon—I’ve read the entire series plus The Housemaid’s Wedding), but The Boyfriend holds a special place in my thriller-loving heart. This book was the epitome of a Lifetime movie in book form, and I loved every second of it.

Freida McFadden has a way of making simple premises spiral into chaotic, fast-paced, unputdownable thrillers. In The Boyfriend, we follow a classic too-good-to-be-true relationship that quickly becomes a psychological nightmare. The story revolves around a woman who believes she’s found the perfect man, but we all know better than that. As secrets unravel, her world flips upside down in a way that only McFadden can execute.

The Boyfriend delivers if you love messy characters, semi-surprising twists, and “this could be a Lifetime movie” energy. The pacing is relentless, and even if you think you’ve figured it out, there’s always that one last turn that will leave you questioning everything.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.85/5 Lighters

• Readability When High: This book is a breeze to read. The short, punchy chapters make it nearly impossible to put down, even if you’re a little zoned out.
• Mind-Blown Factor: That final twist? Yeah, it got me. I honestly thought I had it, and then bam!
• Vibe Check: This is it if you love fast-paced thrillers that don’t waste time with unnecessary fluff.
• Smokability: Pairs well with a potent hybrid, which keeps you engaged but lets you sit back and enjoy the chaos.
• Would I Reread While Baked? Absolutely. The twist alone is worth revisiting to see what clues I missed.

I knew The Boyfriend would be entertaining, but it exceeded my expectations. It’s proof that Freida McFadden knows how to keep readers on their toes. If you love Lifetime thrillers, unpredictable plots, and those “Wait, WHAT?!” moments, this one must be on your list. I hope this one gets made into a small movie. I know The Housemaid adaptation is coming later this year, but I would love to see The Boyfriend brought to the screen too.

Check it out on Amazon here.