Welcome to another Weekend Read. This week’s featured book is the psychological thriller, The Girlfriend by Gemma Rogers. Gemma has dropped by to tell us a bit about the book and her writing journey, so grab a cuppa, get cosy and let’s get chatting to Gemma. ☺️

Book Blurb for The Girlfriend – released 6^th March 2026

Abbi Montgomery thought her life was perfect—until an anonymous email shatters it. Attached is a photo of her and her boyfriend in a moment that was meant to stay private. The message is clear: Do exactly as we say, or everyone will see.

As the demands escalate, Abbi’s world begins to unravel. Someone is inside her life—tracking her every move, invading her home, her work, her mind.

She doesn’t know who to trust—her friends, her colleagues, even Rick. Everyone has something to hide.

To keep her secret buried, Abbi must play The Watchers’ deadly game. But in a world built on secrets and lies, the most dangerous enemy may be closer than she thinks…

Grab a copy here: https://tinyurl.com/mw86cmev

Welcome to my blog, Gemma. Can you tell us about your writing journey?

My brother and I used to write stories and illustrate them as children; we absolutely loved immersing ourselves in the worlds of Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. We wrote about a kitchen wall clock called Horace who came alive at night and had adventures while the residents of the house slept.

My passion was only just beginning and in my teenage years I wrote fan fiction for my favourite movie ‘The Crow’ but it wasn’t until 2016, at the age of thirty-seven, I finally drafted a whole book.

I’ll never forget writing ‘The End’ on that first novel, which has since been published as The Teacher. I lived off that high for a long time, having completed a manuscript of over eighty thousand words, I really felt I’d achieved something, even if no one read it. The fact I’d got to the end made all the novels I’d started but not finished worthwhile.

I tried to get an agent, sending out chapters, at the same time going on to write my next book now I had the writing bug. After a few nice rejections from agents, and sometimes no response at all, I tried to keep my spirits up. I kept writing and knocking on doors but without success. It wasn’t until Boldwood Books, a new publisher formed in 2019 and advertised they were open for submission that I thought, why not try without an agent.

They loved my first book, Stalker, and asked if I had any more up my sleeve. By then I’d almost finished book three. I got the offer early one morning, amid getting the kids ready for the school, dashing downstairs in the nude screaming at my husband, I was going to be published.

I’m now on my fourth contract with Boldwood Books. The Girlfriend will be my thirteenth title and I’ve sold over 600,000 domestic thrillers. I’m so incredibly grateful to have a loyal readership who are always eager for the next book. I love being an author, it really is my dream come true. I gave up looking for an agent… I’m not sure I need one now, although if someone comes knocking with a Netflix deal in hand, I might change my mind.

That’s an amazing achievement, Gemma. Thanks for dropping by to talk to us today, and congratulations on your new book. I hope you sell shed loads!

Meet Gemma

Short bio

Gemma Rogers is bestselling author of twelve domestic thrillers published by Boldwood Books. She lives in West Sussex with her family and beloved bulldog Boycie.

For more information you can find her on Instagram and Facebook @gemmarogersauthor

More of Gemma’s books