Release date: July 29, 2025
Publisher: Thomas and Mercer
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Synopsis:
In this thrilling debut, author Lissa Lovik plumbs the murky depths of a stalker’s mind as he insinuates himself into the life of the woman he’s determined to have and to hold . . . forever.
For Chris, it’s love at first sight. After their grocery store meet-cute, it’s easy to get her name from a fallen Serena. A quick online search reveals Serena’s status (single mom), address, and workplace. And once he discovers she’s a Realtor, Chris schedules a house showing right away. But he isn’t pushy—he’ll wait to ask her out.
In the meantime, he’ll just watch. And listen in. He wants to learn everything about her, so he can make her happy. It’s not creepy; it’s true love.
From their first date, their relationship is perfect. But Serena’s “bestie” keeps getting in the way. She thinks he’s just a friend, but Chris knows better. He knows better about a lot of things. Keeping her in line is getting harder, but their love is worth the effort.
The stars aligned when Chris and Serena met in that Winn-Dixie. And they’re going to be happy together . . . even if it kills them.
Review:
All Because of You is an impressive and chilling debut that delivers major You by Caroline Kepnes vibes in all the best (and worst) ways. From the very first chapter, I was sucked into the obsessive, twisted mind of Chris, whose fixation on Serena grows more intense and unsettling with every page. Told from his perspective, the story feels claustrophobic and disorienting in the most deliberate way, giving readers a deeply uncomfortable front row seat to his spiraling thoughts and manipulative behavior. It’s character driven and psychological, with the kind of slow burn suspense that creeps up on you until you’re completely immersed.
Chris is one of those deeply disturbing narrators who believes every decision he makes is completely justified. That’s what makes this story so fascinating and unnerving, his delusions are fully rationalized in his own mind, which adds a layer of tension that never lets up. Serena, the object of his obsession, is somewhat enigmatic on the page, which only reinforces how warped and one sided Chris’s perspective truly is. The toxicity is the point, and Lovick doesn’t shy away from making readers sit with that discomfort.
The pacing is steady throughout, not a breakneck thriller, but a methodically crafted descent into obsession. I truly wasn’t sure how things would end, which kept me turning pages late into the night. If you’re into dark psychological suspense, flawed characters, and stories that get under your skin, All Because of You is one to check out. I can’t wait to see what Lissa Lovick writes next.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 