This is a fast paced thriller that draws you in early and won't let go. Juliette operates so far outside what is socially and morally acceptable but her tragic past had me still feeling empathetic towards her. (There is so much I could say about this book but I'd hate to spoil the story for anyone!)

The details of the airline world were authentic and added an extra layer of interest to the story for me.

I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more from this author.

** I was provided an ARC in ebook form via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
The Perfect Girlfriend is a debut thriller by Karen Hamilton. Since I found it on Goodreads, I’ve been so excited to read it and when I found it on Netgalley of course I requested it.

Juliette is the perfect girlfriend. She’s attentive, attractive, passionate and knows what she wants. She has her perfect man. Trouble is, they broke up months ago and now she’s obsessed with winning him back and willing to go to any lengths to make it happen. Even training as a flight attendant so that she can plan the perfect reunion, consequences be damned.
Let me start by saying that this book was addictive and really fast paced, which I loved. I got sucked into the story really easily and found it effortless to stay engaged with the plot and characters. I really liked that the protagonist is an unreliable narrator and we see the story through her eyes and get to read her thoughts and see her logic.
I did get a bit annoyed with the MC at some points but for 99% of the story, I loved the intricate plot that Hamilton has weaved. The execution of the plot was great and I loved how flying and working as part of a flight crew was used as a backdrop – this is something I’ve never encountered before so it was a nice change for me.

The side plot regarding how she lost her virginity and how the boy back then is Nate from the present really interested me – It actually felt a little bit sorry for Juliette/Elizabeth when I found this out, along with what happened to her brother when she was a child.
When it was revealed that Nate is indeed the boy from our MC’s past, I was a little disappointed because I did see it coming, however it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

The ending was great! I really like how the author left the ending ambiguous – it added to the overall ‘thriller’ vibe.

This novel is a solid debut and I can’t wait to read more from Karen Hamilton.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with an e-copy!