Tag: #bookreview

Audiobook Review: The Sweetest Getaway by Sasha Preston

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Genre:

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Synopsis:

They’ll need the sweetest getaway ever to escape this mess as the cops are closing in…

Jennifer used to be a wholesome daydreamer who’d never broken a law in her life.

Then her bold roommate, Nari, ropes her into a money-making scheme that isn’t exactly…legal. To Jennifer’s shock, stealing from bad guys is actually fun.

But their joyride comes crashing down when someone tips off the cops. Now Jennifer and Nari must team up with a crew of seasoned criminals for one daring heist that could set them up for life…or land them behind bars.

Add in a charming stranger who tempts Jennifer’s heart, and suddenly her double life is more complicated than ever. Can she find a happily-ever-after that doesn’t include an orange jumpsuit?

Fans of heist rom-coms, found family crews, and laugh-out-loud women’s fiction will love The Sweetest Getaway.

The Sweetest Getaway is a no spice, cozy heist novel with laughs and the smartest heroines since Ocean’s 8. Get it today for a criminally good time.

The Sweetest Getaway follows A Sweet Scheme but can be read first. Each story stands on its own with a full, satisfying ending.

Review:

The Sweetest Getaway by Sasha Preston is the kind of audiobook that feels like pure serotonin, it’s bright, playful, and effortlessly entertaining. From the very first chapter, you’re swept into Jennifer’s unexpectedly chaotic world, where her rule following tendencies are quickly upended by a not so legal scheme and a fast paced spiral into heist territory. The story leans fully into its rom com crime vibes, blending found family dynamics, high stakes antics, and just the right amount of chaos. It’s warm, witty, and delightfully a little silly in the best way, making it incredibly easy to sink into and just have fun with.

Narrated by Bahni Turpin, the audio experience absolutely shines. She’s a legend for a reason and her performance adds so much personality and charm to every character, elevating the humor and heart of the story effortlessly. Her delivery captures the light, adventurous tone perfectly, making each twist, close call, and comedic moment land exactly as it should. She brings a cinematic quality to the listening experience that makes the heist elements feel vivid and engaging without ever losing that cozy, feel good energy.

At its core, this is a story about stepping outside your comfort zone and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Between the lovable crew dynamics, the dash of romance, and the action packed plot, it delivers a feel good escape that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you’re in the mood for something adventurous, charming, and easy to devour, The Sweetest Getaway is a seriously fun ride from start to finish.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

Review: Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass

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Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The two-time Edgar Award–nominated author of ON A QUIET STREET and THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10, Seraphina Nova Glass, is back with TOO CLOSE TO HOME

Nothing in this idyllic community is quite what it seems…

Those lucky enough to live in the elite lakefront community of Cloverhill Lakes are drawn to it for its safety and top-notch school district. The moms meet for coffee at the park while their kids play, they’re heavily involved in the PTA, and the summers are filled with chardonnay, brunch, sundresses, and backyard bonfires.

But everything changes when Regan Hoffman’s car explodes at the annual Labor Day party. The wrong person is killed, but it was meant for her. As the carefully crafted walls of her community begin to crumble, Regan tries to keep it together—something made infinitely harder when she sees her dead husband…alive.

When a Cloverhill Lakes resident suddenly goes missing, dark secrets begin to surface from underneath the idyllic veneer of their beautiful community—and the truth threatens to destroy them all as Regan finds herself in a fight for her life.

Review:

Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass is the kind of suburban thriller you fly through in a weekend—fast paced, twisty, and packed with secrets that unravel at lightning speed. Set in an idyllic lakefront community where everything looks picture perfect, the story quickly spirals into chaos after a shocking explosion at a neighborhood party sets off a chain reaction of lies, betrayals, and very questionable decisions. The multiple POV structure keeps things moving and adds to the tension as each character brings their own baggage (and secrets) to the table.

This is one of those reads where you absolutely have to suspend disbelief to fully enjoy the ride, but honestly? If you lean into the drama and don’t overthink the logistics, it’s a lot of fun. The plot is unapologetically unhinged in the best way, with twists that keep coming and a constant sense that no one can be trusted. Between the missing persons, shocking reveals, and increasingly chaotic turns, it delivers exactly what you want from a bingeable thriller.

At its core, this is a story about the cracks beneath curated suburban perfection, and it thrives on the messiness hiding just below the surface. If you’re in the mood for something suspenseful, entertaining, and just a little bit outrageous, this one makes for a perfect grab your snacks and don’t move kind of read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Once in a Blue Moon by Kristan Higgins

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Narrator: Xe Sands

Synopsis:

From the international bestselling author of PACK UP THE MOON and OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY…

Winnie Smith was never supposed to be that woman. She’s the responsible sister, the behind-the-scenes event planner, the one who avoids drama at all costs. So how did she end up publicly branded as the other woman—and promptly canceled by the Mommy Mafia of Cape Cod? One disastrous relationship, a missing background detail, and suddenly Winnie’s quiet life is in shambles.

Enter Lorenzo Santini, the world-renowned surgeon, feared and revered by colleagues, with zero patience for incompetence and life’s ordinary tasks. Known to hospital staff as Dr. Satan, Lorenzo needs a personal assistant—and Winnie needs a fresh start. It’s strictly business…until it isn’t.

As Winnie manages Lorenzo’s demanding schedule and carefully guarded life, she discovers there’s more beneath his intimidating exterior than arrogance and ambition. And Lorenzo begins to see that Winnie is anything but invisible.

Once in a blue moon, two people who seem to have nothing in common could turn out to be perfect for each other after all.

Review:

There’s something so comforting about returning to a familiar world, and Once in a Blue Moon by Kristan Higgins delivered exactly that for me. While you absolutely don’t need to read the connected books to enjoy this one, longtime fans will appreciate the little threads that tie everything together—especially getting to see beloved characters again (yes, Grandpop 🥹). Higgins has such a gift for creating communities that feel warm, lived in, and full of heart, and stepping back into Winnie’s world felt like coming home.

Winnie is such an easy character to root for, she’s the responsible, behind the scenes sister who suddenly finds herself at the center of unwanted drama. Watching her rebuild after being unfairly labeled and judged was both frustrating and empowering in the best way. And then there’s Lorenzo—aka Dr. Satan—who was such a fun surprise here. Seeing him soften, layer by layer, and getting a deeper look into who he really is made his dynamic with Winnie incredibly satisfying. Their boss/employee relationship evolving into something more was slow, sweet, and filled with those little moments that just work.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Xe Sands and she was, as always, an absolute joy. Her performance added so much depth and personality to both Winnie and Lorenzo, bringing out the humor, tenderness, and emotional beats beautifully. And Winnie’s family? Truly one of the highlights, so loving, warm, and supportive, it made being back with them feel extra special. Honestly, my only complaint is that I wanted more. Higgins never misses for me, and I would happily stay in this world a little longer.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Start at the End by Emma Grey

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Zibby Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

This is a love story . . . but not the one you’re expecting.

Start at the End is a powerful, soul-stirring, sliding-doors novel from the bestselling author of The Last Love Noteand Pictures of You that explores second chances and unwritten endings.

Audrey and Fraser tumble into a romance for the ages. After an unlikely start, they fall deeply in love and dream of the life they’ll build together—until one tragic moment upends everything. Facing the unimaginable and wrestling with guilt, they’re left haunted by “what ifs,” each asking where they would be if fate had spun a different story.

Start at the End is an unforgettable drama of two soulmates who have to find a way to start over when they had only just begun.

Review:

Emma Grey’s Start at the End is a heartbreakingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the unthinkable ways life can shift in an instant. Audrey and Fraser’s connection feels immediate and all consuming, the kind of love that readers will ache for and root for in equal measure. But this isn’t a conventional romance, it’s a sliding door story that shows how one moment can ripple into countless “what ifs,” forcing each character to navigate grief, guilt, and the daunting prospect of starting over. Grey handles this delicate structure with a deft touch, ensuring the emotional resonance lands without feeling manipulative.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its emotional realism. Grey’s writing captures the raw, often contradictory feelings of heartbreak, hope, and human fragility with a rare honesty. Moments of tenderness sit alongside gut punch heartbreak, and the characters’ struggles to rebuild their lives feel painfully authentic. As with her previous novels, Grey excels at portraying humanity in all its messy, flawed, yet profoundly beautiful glory. Every scene is charged with depth, every choice weighed with consequence, making it a book that lingers long after the last page.

For book clubs, Start at the End offers layers to unpack—from the ethics of moving on, to the nature of love and destiny, to the quiet, often invisible ways grief shapes us. It’s a story that is both intimate and expansive, heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful. Fans of Grey will recognize the same emotional acuity and character driven storytelling that makes her novels so unforgettable, and newcomers will be swept up in the intensity of Audrey and Fraser’s journey. This is a book that asks you to feel deeply and think about what it means to start again, even when everything you thought you knew has changed.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Everyone is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Severn House

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman’s life is upended when her past comes back to mess with her mind in this psychological thriller full of twists and turns.

There’s no such thing as perfect.

It’s been fifteen years since Carly Bennett’s mother was brutally murdered during a home robbery. Since then, she’s worked hard to build a normal life with a stellar career as an English professor—far away from the picture-perfect stepfamily that abandoned her at boarding school.

When a male colleague is found dead in Carly’s office—her name scrawled next to his body—everything she’s strived for starts to fall apart. There are eerie similarities to her mother’s attack, and Carly determines to find the truth. 

Yet things take a bizarre turn when she suddenly experiences lost time, waking up in strange places, and flashes of dormant memories . . . memories that can’t possibly be real. Because, if they are, then she was there the night her mother was killed.

Could Carly have been responsible? Or is something more sinister at play in her stepfamily’s perfect world . . .?

This eerie domestic suspense is perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden and Lisa Jewell.

Review:

Everyone Is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine is an engaging, twisty domestic suspense that leans heavily into family drama, buried trauma, and the lingering impact of the past. Told across dual timelines, the story follows Carly Bennett as she’s pulled back into the mystery of her mother’s murder, an event that shattered her childhood and continues to echo into her present. The past and present structure keeps the narrative moving at a steady, compelling pace, gradually revealing secrets that reshape everything Carly thought she knew.

Carly herself is an intriguing and layered protagonist, especially as her grip on reality begins to blur with unsettling memory gaps and flashes of something darker beneath the surface. The story thrives on that eerie uncertainty—what really happened, what can be trusted, and how much of the past has been buried for a reason. The pacing is quick and the twists keep things entertaining, making it an easy book to fly through, especially for fans of family centered thrillers with psychological elements.

While this one didn’t fully land as a standout for me, it was still a solid and enjoyable read. The exploration of trauma and complicated family dynamics adds depth, even as the story leans into more dramatic, twist driven moments. Overall, it’s a fast paced, intriguing suspense that will appeal to readers who enjoy unraveling messy family secrets with a touch of unreliability and tension.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the award-winning author of Songs in Ursa Major comes an epic, decade-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy, and charts a connection so powerful it might just break space and time itself.

In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.

Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.

Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?

Review:

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie is a tender, heart wrenching saga that lingers long after the final page. At its core, this is a deeply character driven story about AJ Graves and Noah Drew, two fated soulmates whose lives intertwine across years, distances, and even the blurred lines of acting versus reality. Brodie masterfully explores the raw and authentic emotions of first love, friendship, and the heartbreak of unspoken truths, pulling readers into an angsty, unforgettable romance that is as intimate as it is cosmic.

What sets this story apart is the fascinating backstage peek into the world of acting, particularly improvisational work, which feels both immersive and authentic. AJ’s journey from her small town Massachusetts life to the chaotic allure of New York City and a sci fi TV set adds a unique, cinematic layer to the story. The chemistry between AJ and Noah is electric, their connection unshakable, and the tension (rooted in years of unresolved longing and secrets) keeps the pages turning.

Brodie’s prose is tender, gentle, and yet raw, capturing the nuance of love, heartbreak, and the choices that shape our lives. Into the Blue is perfect for readers who love sagas about soulmates, angsty romance, and stories that make you feel every emotion, all while offering a fresh, behind the scenes glimpse into the acting world. It’s heartbreaking, swoony, and impossible to put down—a love story that feels destined yet painfully real and raw. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Save the Date by Mallory Kass

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Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A romantic comedy of manners about a lavish wedding weekend gone very, very wrong with the slow-burn romance of Emily Henry and the fizzy humor of Sophie Kinsella.


The Bride: Beautiful, seemingly carefree Marigold, is tired of being treated like a shallow it-girl. That’s one of the many reasons she’s excited to marry Jonathan—the handsome, kind, respectable doctor of her dreams. So, when a shocking secret from her past threatens to ruin her wedding, she’ll do anything to make it disappear…even if it means tracking down a man she vowed to avoid forever.


The Maid of Honor: As the bride’s best friend, all Natalie wants is for this wedding to go off without a hitch. There’s only one problem: Natalie has secretly been in love with the groom since college. When Marigold disappears, Natalie is forced to ask whether she can keep burying her feelings for the sake of friendship…or if she’s ready to risk everything to pursue her own happy ending.

The Sister: Olivia has spent her life cleaning up Marigold’s messes. So, she’s determined to keep the wedding on track for the sake of their mother, who’s battling cancer and longs for one last perfect weekend. But when Jonathan’s best man—a prickly academic with a heart of gold—ropes her into a fake dating scheme, sparks unexpectedly fly. Will Olivia sacrifice her own happiness again, or could this fake relationship turn into the truest choice she’s ever made?

Heartwarming, hilarious, and sparklingly romantic, Save the Date will have you cheering for love in all its messy, unexpected glory.

Review:

Save the Date by Mallory Kass is the kind of ensemble romantic comedy that feels tailor made for spring reading, it’s bright, dramatic, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. Set over the course of one lavish wedding weekend, the story unfolds through multiple POVs, giving us a front row seat to the tangled emotional lives of the bride, her sister, and her maid of honor. Each perspective adds a new layer of tension, humor, and heart, creating a story that feels both expansive and intimate as secrets unravel and relationships are tested.

What makes this one especially fun is how it leans fully into the drama. Between long buried secrets resurfacing, complicated romantic entanglements, and the pressure to keep everything picture perfect, the weekend quickly spirals into a delicious mess. There’s a satisfying balance here—sparkling, witty moments alongside more emotional beats about loyalty, family expectations, and choosing your own happiness. The romance threads (especially the fake dating and unrequited love angles) deliver plenty of swoony tension while still letting the friendships and family dynamics shine.

Overall, this is an entertaining, warm, and delightfully soapy read that embraces its rom com roots while still offering a bit of depth. If you love wedding centered stories, multiple POV chaos, and character driven drama with a hopeful, feel good payoff, Save the Date is a perfect pick. It’s the kind of book you breeze through in a weekend, fully immersed in the glitter, gossip, and emotional fallout.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Love Song by Elle Kennedy

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Goodreads

Release date: March 17, 2026

Publisher: Bloom Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns with her signature heat and humor for a Briar universe standalone romance featuring the next generation Off-Campus characters―where one unforgettable summer changes everything.

After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family’s lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a “bad idea,” and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen.

With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He’s spent years keeping his distance, convinced he’s all wrong for her, but she’s no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She’s confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It’s catching fire fast.

They both know this can’t last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they’re tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces.

But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance…or the final verse.

Review:

There are certain fictional worlds I will never, ever get tired of visiting, and the Briar universe is at the very top of that list. With Love Song, Elle Kennedy delivers everything longtime fans could possibly want — nostalgia, next gen chaos, swoony romance, and emotional depth — and somehow still makes it feel fresh. Being reunited with this crew (plus watching the older generation interact with the next?) was pure serotonin. The group chats alone had me snort laughing, and the dad chat? Elite. Absolute elite content.

Wyatt and Blake were so obviously meant to be, but watching them actually get there was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The angst? Perfection. The chemistry? Off the charts undeniable. I tried so hard not to devour this book because I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to live in that Lake Tahoe summer bubble forever, but it was impossible to pace myself because it was just so freaking good. Blake’s post breakup resolve and Wyatt’s long simmering feelings created the kind of slow burn tension that aches in your chest in the most satisfying way.

And while this book is wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight. Elle Kennedy doesn’t shy away from serious topics, and she handles them with her usual care and tenderness, adding layers of depth to what already felt like a perfect romance. For me, the Lake Tahoe setting added an extra layer of comfort — it’s a place that holds special family memories, and seeing it come alive on the page made this story feel even more personal. Fans of this series are going to be absolutely delighted. It’s everything we’ve been waiting for and more. I’m fully obsessed.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

February Recap

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February felt a little shorter (because it literally is), but somehow I still packed in a solid mix of romances, thrillers, and a few surprise favorites. I leaned into seasonal vibes, Valentine’s reads, and a couple binge worthy backlist picks that completely delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up — plus a peek at what I’m excited about heading into March.

ICYMI: February Highlights

February Book Recommendations

A mixed genre roundup of love stories, twisty suspense, and a few books that genuinely surprised me in the best way.

→ Read the full list here

Full February Reading Wrap Up

All the stats, standouts, and quick hit thoughts.

→ See the wrap up here

I also shared:

• Books to read if you’re missing the Winter Olympics

• Romance books that feel like a Valentine

• An audiobook starter guide

• A 2016 vs. 2026 Bookstagram post to celebrate 10 yearsof reviewing (!!)

A Few of My Favorite Reads in February

Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris

This one absolutely wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s devastating and tender, layered and deeply human — a story about grief, survival, found family, and what it truly means to begin living again. Leigh’s journey is heavy with trauma, but the way healing slowly unfolds on that Alabama flower farm felt thoughtful and earned. It’s character driven fiction at its finest.

The audiobook experience elevated this story to something unforgettable. Narrated by Tracie Thoms, Dionte Black, and the author herself, the performances were immersive and emotionally precise. You can hear every crack in Leigh’s armor. This would be such a powerful book club pick — it lingers long after the final chapter.

→ Read my full audiobook review here

Whisper Sweet Nothings by Laura Pavlov

The perfect send off to Rosewood River. Winnie and Archer were EVERYTHING. Single dad x nanny tension? Elite. Banter? Top tier. The Chadwick group chat? Completely unhinged in the best way.

This had humor, heart, spice, small town charm, and the sweetest emotional core. Melody stole my heart, and that extended epilogue? I devoured it. Laura Pavlov truly writes single dads like no one else, and I would happily live in Rosewood River forever.

→ Read my full review here

Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles

Romantic suspense done right. Emotional depth, high stakes tension, layered mystery, and a slow burn romance rooted in trust and vulnerability. Brae as a fiercely protective single mom added so much weight to the story, and watching Dex with Owen melted me.

The twists absolutely got me (again), and the groundwork laid for future books has me fully invested. Catherine Cowles just knows how to balance danger and devotion.

→ Read my full review here

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

Returning to the Briar universe is pure serotonin for me. Nostalgia, next gen chaos, group chats, emotional growth — it’s everything I want from this world.

Wyatt and Blake’s slow burn tension was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The chemistry? Off the charts. And while it’s wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight in a way that feels real and grounded. I’m fully obsessed and will never get tired of visiting this universe.

→ Read my full review here

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Turn Off the Light by Jacquie Walters and it is creepy AF. Dual timelines, haunted house energy, women separated by four hundred years, and something in the walls? I’m unsettled in the best way.

• Listening: Served Him Right by Lisa Unger I’m about to start this one and I’m so ready for messy brunch drama, secrets, and revenge.

• Watching: Season 2 of Paradise on Hulu. I’m a HUGE Sterling K. Brown fan and this show is excellent.

What’s Next

Honestly? I’m fully in my mood reading era right now. No strict plan, just vibes.

You can definitely expect:

• A spring themed reads post soon

• More carousels, guides, and random themed lists whenever inspiration strikes

• Continued 10 year anniversary throwbacks and celebratory content throughout the year

Thank you for being here! Whether you read every post, tap through a carousel, or just lurk quietly in the background. I appreciate this little corner of the internet more than you know. 🤍

Audiobook Review: The Fall of Iris Henley

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Goodreads

Release date: February 24, 2026

Publisher: Wednesday Books/Macmillan Audio

Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

For fans of Megan Lally and Kara Thomas, a twisty thriller about a Texas teen accused of murder who’s desperate to clear her name. 

All it takes to ruin someone’s life is the stroke of a key. Just ask Iris Henley. Her life is destroyed when someone posts an anonymous message on her high school’s subreddit thread: “Iris Henley is a killer. I’ve been too scared to come forward until now, but I saw her murder Rocky and Lynette last summer.”

Just like that, Iris loses everything. Her reputation. Her friends. Her hope of getting into college on scholarship. Even, possibly, her freedom, once the police start to investigate. After all, she’s the perfect suspect: Rocky was her boyfriend, and Lynette was her ex-best friend—and the girl he was cheating on her with. But Iris didn’t do it, and now it’s up to her to clear her name by finding out who did—before it’s too late.

Propulsive, sharp, and absolutely twisty from the New York Times bestselling author who brought readers the Veronica Mars duology, Jennifer Graham’s YA thriller is unputdownable.

Review:

I’ll admit I don’t always gravitate toward YA thrillers (too often they feel predictable or watered down) but The Fall of Iris Henley genuinely surprised me. This twisty, digital age thriller drops us straight into the nightmare scenario of a Texas teen whose life implodes after an anonymous post accuses her of murder. The premise alone feels chillingly plausible: one post, one rumor, and suddenly everything—friendships, college dreams, freedom—is on the line. The pacing is sharp and propulsive, making it incredibly bingeable, especially in audio format.

Narrator  Eva Kaminsky perfectly captures Iris’s youth without overplaying it. She leans into the emotional volatility of being a teenager, the panic, the desperation, the indignation, in a way that feels authentic rather than melodramatic. Her performance adds weight to the cyberbullying element, amplifying how isolating and terrifying it would be to have your entire community turn on you overnight.

As a parent of two teens myself, this one hit differently. I’m endlessly grateful social media wasn’t what it is now when I was in high school, because the behavior in this book is brutal and all too believable. While some twists are easier to anticipate than others, the story as a whole is solid, timely, and unsettling in a way that lingers. A strong YA thriller that understands the stakes of growing up online.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.