Scan barcode
alxndrhncl's review
3.0
Phoebe Wong, a single mum from London, has been dating Carter Hartwell for eleven months now. They decided to take the big step of their relationship: Phoebe flying over to Florida to spend a vacation with Carter and her young daughter. Everything is perfect! What could go wrong, right? However, what was supposed to be a romantic and blissful vacation took a sharp and violent turn: being robbed, a too-friendly neighbor, an old house with hidden secrets, and a muder case.
I could not put this book down. With its short chapters and slow build up of mystery, it was enough to put me in a loop of “Okay, I’ll read one last chapter and then I’ll sleep.” The narrative's shift in multiple points of view within the book is effective with its purpose of unveiling subtle clues, fostering a sense of suspicion that significantly contributes to the captivating mystery woven throughout the story.
What I admired from this book is its portrayal of the reality of everyday challenges and joys of raising a toddler. It is a major aspect of the book that is carefully woven into the tapestry of suspense and psychological intrigue of the book. This not only adds a layer of authenticity but also amplifies the reader's emotional investment in the characters' lives.
On the other hand, I think that the pacing of the story is a bit slow but I feel that it is necessary for a psychological thriller. I was seeking more of an in-depth delve into Carter’s character. It would have provided a more satisfying understanding of his role within the intricate tapestry of the plot. However, it's important to keep in mind that this perspective is influenced by my personal preference.
All in all, Ivy Ngeow skillfully spins you around with her intricate web of tantalizing hints and revelations that will have you guessing at every turn. You’ll think you had it all figured out until she sweeps you off of your feet and strikes you with another plot twist up her sleeve.
nataliereadz's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Excellent premise, but I just didn't care about a single character (except the baby!) Each time a new character was introduced, I hoped they'd be the one to pull the depth and layers from the rest, but nope. The meandering, disjointed and sometimes boring plotline also stole the show from the twists (though one was very predictable), and this just fell flat for me. I did admire the protagonists gusto though, once the story finally did pick up (when the book was almost over), but there were so many missed opportunities to really pack a punch with this storyline.
nocturnalpaperbacks's review
3.0
★.·´¯`·.·★ A R C Review ★·.·`¯´·.★
✨ The American Boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow ✨
✨ The American Boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow ✨
ajb24's review
1.0
*My copy of this was an uncorrected proof*
The most un-suspenseful, non-romantic "thriller" I've ever read. Absolutely bizarre ending that comes out of nowhere. The narration felt detached from all the action. Plot points were set up, but I never felt emotionally invested or interested in anything that happened. Everything was vague and confusing until the end where in the last 20 pages we get a ton of backstory for side characters (their stories add context to the boyfriend's history) that has no emotional impact because it's the end of the novel???
But like, hold on, the more I think about this the more annoyed I get. We spend a majority of the novel waiting for Carter (the boyfriend) to show up. We basically don't learn ANYTHING about Carter until the last 20 pages?! The climactic confrontation happens for seemingly no reason. We only learn the context AFTER the confrontation from random side character POV chapters.
I thought I might rate this higher because I usually like stories with mother/child dynamics. There were a couple moments where I thought the descriptions of JoJo were cute. But again, the writing suffers from emotional detachment. Everything is just stated...like, we get told details about what's happening or what Phoebe's thinking or who her family is, but I don't care. That sounds harsh but I don't know how else to explain how I felt like I was getting told a story without being immersed in it.
The most un-suspenseful, non-romantic "thriller" I've ever read. Absolutely bizarre ending that comes out of nowhere. The narration felt detached from all the action. Plot points were set up, but I never felt emotionally invested or interested in anything that happened. Everything was vague and confusing until the end where in the last 20 pages we get a ton of backstory for side characters (their stories add context to the boyfriend's history) that has no emotional impact because it's the end of the novel???
But like, hold on, the more I think about this the more annoyed I get. We spend a majority of the novel waiting for Carter (the boyfriend) to show up. We basically don't learn ANYTHING about Carter until the last 20 pages?! The climactic confrontation happens for seemingly no reason. We only learn the context AFTER the confrontation from random side character POV chapters.
I thought I might rate this higher because I usually like stories with mother/child dynamics. There were a couple moments where I thought the descriptions of JoJo were cute. But again, the writing suffers from emotional detachment. Everything is just stated...like, we get told details about what's happening or what Phoebe's thinking or who her family is, but I don't care. That sounds harsh but I don't know how else to explain how I felt like I was getting told a story without being immersed in it.
inscribedinklings's review
4.0
The American boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow
Merged review:
The American boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow
Merged review:
The American boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow
rovie_reads's review
✈️ phoebe wong and carter knew each other for less than a year. but when carter invited phoebe to their old house in for a vacation, she flew from London to Florida with her child, Jojo.
✈️ several unexpected things happened even before she got to Florida. Carter couldn’t make it in time to meet them, and the house isn’t what she expected. She met a couple of strangers until things started to get really out of hand.
✈️ it’s intriguing to read about stories like this, where the character does the exact opposite of what you would done if you’re in the same situation. i keep telling myself that whatever happens to phoebe and her kid has nothing to do with me, but i can’t blame myself for being annoyed and entertained at the same time loo.
✈️ this domestic thriller doesn’t include gruesome, graphic imagery, and the pacing feels like a slow burn, which will keep you on the edge of your seat. the chapters are short and the book itself isn’t that thick, so it makes for a quick read!
verdict: this is a good book to read while waiting for your flight boarding time. if you like domestic thrillers with plot twists until the last page, this one’s for you!
✈️ several unexpected things happened even before she got to Florida. Carter couldn’t make it in time to meet them, and the house isn’t what she expected. She met a couple of strangers until things started to get really out of hand.
✈️ it’s intriguing to read about stories like this, where the character does the exact opposite of what you would done if you’re in the same situation. i keep telling myself that whatever happens to phoebe and her kid has nothing to do with me, but i can’t blame myself for being annoyed and entertained at the same time loo.
✈️ this domestic thriller doesn’t include gruesome, graphic imagery, and the pacing feels like a slow burn, which will keep you on the edge of your seat. the chapters are short and the book itself isn’t that thick, so it makes for a quick read!
verdict: this is a good book to read while waiting for your flight boarding time. if you like domestic thrillers with plot twists until the last page, this one’s for you!
meg37's review
3.0
I was fortunate enough to win this in a giveaway. I thought it was a decent thriller. A little slow in the middle, but I appreciated how a few chapters gave you glimpses into different characters and it had some good twists at the end.
chroniqled's review
3.0
okay i did not expect that ending. that was actually a pretty good plot twist.
i have to admit, though— i actually got bored with the writing style and had to drag my eyes through the first half just so the book could get to the good parts. oh well, i enjoyed it anyway tho. full review to come soon!
i have to admit, though— i actually got bored with the writing style and had to drag my eyes through the first half just so the book could get to the good parts. oh well, i enjoyed it anyway tho. full review to come soon!