Some people feel like they need to like the main character in a book in order to enjoy the story, but there is not much chance that you are going to like Juliette (or Elizabeth, or Lily, depending on which name she is using at the time). However, you will likely, at times, understand her and maybe even feel for her. Her story isn’t told in chronological order, but once you put all of the pieces together you will find a truly unique character. But you will be relieved that character lives inside a book!
Karen Hamilton’s debut novel is a wild ride through the eyes, and the mind, of a woman who truly believes, “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they’re yours. If they don’t, make them.”
Juliette has spent a lot of time formulating a plan to get back together with her ex-boyfriend, Nate, and she is determined to see that nothing and nobody stands between them. Is that what Nate wants? Oh, that doesn’t matter.
You could have Dr. Robert Hare’s definitive work on psychopathy, Without Conscience, open next to you while you read The Perfect Girlfriend and literally mark off the symptoms from his checklist as you see Juliette demonstrate them. Yes, our main character is, without a doubt, a psychopath. She sees people as merely pawns in her game, objects to be used to make her plan work the way she wants it to. Her lack of any guilt or remorse, as well as her manipulative and deceitful manner, make it quite clear you do not want to get in Juliette’s way. And yet, as you learn more of her compelling backstory, you can’t help but feel something for this woman who had such odds stacked against her throughout her early life.
It’s easy to even occasionally find yourself agreeing with Juliette as he was kind of sending mixed signals, or maybe she did do that on purpose, etc. She explains to us what she is thinking and why, and there are times they we may see it just about the same. But more than anything else, you will learn from Juliette – you will learn to change your locks and change your passwords frequently!
Hamilton’s background as a flight attendant gives the story such realism that it makes Juliette’s actions extra-creepy. Hamilton’s knowledge of the industry and how scheduling, time off, and travel arrangements for airline employees are made, it ultimately gives the reader extra anxiety as it all seems like someone really could pull off Juliette’s plan.
While the story is full of exciting twists, turns, and surprises, it gets off to a bit of a slow start. It takes some time to get the action rolling, but things ramp up as soon as we can see that Nate is about to cross Juliette’s path, or maybe the other way around is more accurate as Juliette is certainly the one in charge of who crosses which path! From that point on, the book becomes hard to put down.
Anyone who enjoys over-the-top characters, twisted tales that don’t always tell you the story from the beginning, or just likes a dark and twisty story should find something to enjoy in this novel. In particular, fans of Caroline Kepnes’s book You will especially enjoy this gender-swapped, stalker’s-point-of-view tale. As Juliette’s plan to reunite with Nate takes unexpected turns, Hamilton consistently ratchets up the suspense time and time again. I am excited to see where she goes from here and definitely will be picking up any future books from Karen Hamilton!
The Perfect Girlfriend is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Will you be reading The Perfect Girlfriend? Have you read it already? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
You’ll never read a love story as twisted as this.
Juliette loves Nate. She will follow him anywhere. She’s even become a flight attendant for his airline, so she can keep a closer eye on him. They are meant to be. The fact that Nate broke up with her six months ago means nothing. Because Juliette has a plan to win him back. She is the perfect girlfriend. And she’ll make sure no one stops her from getting exactly what she wants. True love hurts, but Juliette knows it’s worth all the pain.
Now I’m intrigued. Adding this one to my list.