What do you think?
Rate this book
You Will Never Be Me
When cracks start forming in an influencer’s curated life, she finds out that jealousy is just as viral as a video in this riveting suspense novel by bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto.
Influencer Meredith Lee didn't teach Aspen Palmer how to blossom on social media just to be ditched as soon as Aspen became big. So can anyone really blame Mer for doing a little stalking? Nothing serious, more like Stalking Lite.
Then Mer gets lucky; she finds one of Aspen's kids' iPads and swipes it. Now she has access to the family calendar and Aspen's social media accounts. Would anyone else be able to resist tweaking things a little here and there, showing up in Aspen's place for meetings with potential sponsors? Mer's only taking back what she deserves—what should have been hers.
Meanwhile, Aspen doesn't understand why her perfectly filtered life is falling apart. Sponsors are dropping her, fellow influencers are ghosting her, and even her own husband seems to find her repulsive. If she doesn't find out who's behind everything, she might just lose it all. But what everyone seems to forget is that Aspen didn't become one of TikTok's biggest momfluencers by being naive.
When Meredith suddenly goes missing, Aspen's world is upended and mysterious threats begin to arrive—but she won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect life again.
Influencer Meredith Lee didn't teach Aspen Palmer how to blossom on social media just to be ditched as soon as Aspen became big. So can anyone really blame Mer for doing a little stalking? Nothing serious, more like Stalking Lite.
Then Mer gets lucky; she finds one of Aspen's kids' iPads and swipes it. Now she has access to the family calendar and Aspen's social media accounts. Would anyone else be able to resist tweaking things a little here and there, showing up in Aspen's place for meetings with potential sponsors? Mer's only taking back what she deserves—what should have been hers.
Meanwhile, Aspen doesn't understand why her perfectly filtered life is falling apart. Sponsors are dropping her, fellow influencers are ghosting her, and even her own husband seems to find her repulsive. If she doesn't find out who's behind everything, she might just lose it all. But what everyone seems to forget is that Aspen didn't become one of TikTok's biggest momfluencers by being naive.
When Meredith suddenly goes missing, Aspen's world is upended and mysterious threats begin to arrive—but she won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect life again.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
About the author
Jesse Q. Sutanto
20 books6,412 followersJesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,106 reviews
June 9, 2024
Meredith has perfected her brand and is a rising influencer. She extends a helping hand to her new bestie Aspen, to show her the ropes and increase her following.
But what happens when the fledgling student surpasses the teacher?
Now, with over a million followers on her Instagram and TikTok accounts. Aspen is a powerhouse of her own and no longer in need of Meredith’s help.
Can Meredith accept this shift of balance? Survey says… the gloves are coming off!
This was a fun thriller with extremely unlikeable characters (that I thoroughly enjoyed!) I found myself questioning the authenticity of every popular influencer on line. I know… shocking! Right!?😱
This author is wildly popular in both the rom-com and thriller genres. This was the first I’ve picked up, (not sure why I waited so long.) But I’ll definitely be checking out her other books!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley
But what happens when the fledgling student surpasses the teacher?
Now, with over a million followers on her Instagram and TikTok accounts. Aspen is a powerhouse of her own and no longer in need of Meredith’s help.
Can Meredith accept this shift of balance? Survey says… the gloves are coming off!
This was a fun thriller with extremely unlikeable characters (that I thoroughly enjoyed!) I found myself questioning the authenticity of every popular influencer on line. I know… shocking! Right!?😱
This author is wildly popular in both the rom-com and thriller genres. This was the first I’ve picked up, (not sure why I waited so long.) But I’ll definitely be checking out her other books!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley
August 27, 2024
API Month
To all the people out there that hate on my one and two star reviews, and constantly tell me not to read genres I don't like, 1. Fuck you, and 2. This book, and others like it, are reasons why I continue to try genres I don't like.
I notoriously hate domestic thrillers. I hate every character in this book, and yet, loved it fiercely. I was two hours out from finishing last night, thought I'd stop at one, and then I couldn't stop.
Meredith and Aspen are momfluencers in LA. Gag me. I live in LA, and this is the worst kind of influencer, of which there are many. I will keep my green juice. You keep your Live, Laugh, Love sign. No, I don't think your décor is cute. Yes, I'm a hater.
So I've wanted to give Jesse's books another try. I didn't like Dial A for Aunties, because while I don't love cozy mysteries, some work for me. What will never work for me is second chance romance, which was the other category.
I know thrillers are inundated with twists, and I won't say I'm entirely surprised at the way this one turned out, but I loved it all the same. Maybe this won't be new if you only read thrillers. But the touch of Asian Americanness made it all the more palatable to me, as it is usually a very upper middle class white genre.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
To all the people out there that hate on my one and two star reviews, and constantly tell me not to read genres I don't like, 1. Fuck you, and 2. This book, and others like it, are reasons why I continue to try genres I don't like.
I notoriously hate domestic thrillers. I hate every character in this book, and yet, loved it fiercely. I was two hours out from finishing last night, thought I'd stop at one, and then I couldn't stop.
Meredith and Aspen are momfluencers in LA. Gag me. I live in LA, and this is the worst kind of influencer, of which there are many. I will keep my green juice. You keep your Live, Laugh, Love sign. No, I don't think your décor is cute. Yes, I'm a hater.
So I've wanted to give Jesse's books another try. I didn't like Dial A for Aunties, because while I don't love cozy mysteries, some work for me. What will never work for me is second chance romance, which was the other category.
I know thrillers are inundated with twists, and I won't say I'm entirely surprised at the way this one turned out, but I loved it all the same. Maybe this won't be new if you only read thrillers. But the touch of Asian Americanness made it all the more palatable to me, as it is usually a very upper middle class white genre.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
June 1, 2024
Whoa!! So much juicy drama!! I stayed up way too late reading this one because it was twisty and fun, and I could not make myself put it down. You Will Never Be Me follows two "momfluencers", Aspen and Meredith. They were best friends and then once Aspen got more popular than Meredith, they had a big drama-filled falling out. The two of them go to crazy lengths they go to stay relevant and grow their followings. Buckle up for a dark and twisty ride as this one unravels! The characters are very unlikeable, they are spiteful and selfish, but were well developed and perfect for this book. 4.5 solid stars for this one. This is my 4th book from Jesse Sutanto, I really like her writing and she is becoming one of my must-read authors! Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!
Thank you, Berkley, and NetGalley, for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you, Berkley, and NetGalley, for an ARC in return for my honest review.
November 30, 2024
Last year when I read Jesse Q. Sutanto’s debut thriller, I’m Not Done With You Yet, I knew there was a deft hand at work. With a gift for creating obsessive female friendships and twisty, twisty plots, it was no surprise when I discovered that You Will Never Be Me was just as good if not better. After all, from the plot charging drama to the thoroughly unguessable twists, there wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t completely enthralled. So much so, in fact, that I flew through the book in just a matter of hours.
What in particular did I love the most about this slam dunk success? Well, first off were the characters. From the dual frenemy POVs to the perfectly fractured marriage, I was addicted to the well-developed personas as the plot unwound before me. And let me tell you, they were each more unlikeable than the last. One hundred percent selfish, vindictive, and loathsome, I went back and forth on who to root for and, even by the end, I still happily couldn’t decide.
Next up in my long list of loves was the premise itself. Taking a deep dive into the world of influencers, the idea that it could so easily take a dark turn felt realistic in every respect. At the same time, it was a brilliant satire on our insatiable social media obsession. Witty and insightful, I was duly impressed. The only piece that didn’t quite work was the somewhat long, slow burn first half. Despite that, however, I was wholly won over by this addictive, unputdownable novel.
All in all, Sutanto has managed to pull out all of the stops and deliver yet another buzz-worthy rollercoaster ride of suspense. Just know that you shouldn’t trust anyone or anything within these pages. I mean, the well-hidden lies, snarky banter, and shrewd cunning had me utterly spellbound. So if you haven’t heard of this one yet, take my review as a sign to run out and grab a copy today. After all, who doesn’t love their popcorn with a side of revenge? Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Influencer Meredith Lee didn’t teach Aspen Palmer how to blossom on social media just to be ditched as soon as Aspen became big. So can anyone really blame Mer for doing a little stalking? Nothing serious, more like Stalking Lite. Then, Mer gets lucky; she finds one of Aspen’s kids’ iPads and swipes it. Now, she has access to everything: the family calendar and Aspen’s social media accounts. Would anyone else be able to resist tweaking things a little here and there, showing up in Aspen’s place for meetings with potential sponsors? Mer’s only taking back what she deserves—what should have been hers.
Meanwhile, Aspen doesn’t understand why her perfectly filtered life is falling apart. Sponsors are dropping her, fellow influencers are ghosting her, and even her own husband seems to find her repulsive. If she doesn’t find out who’s behind everything, she might just lose it all. What everyone seems to forget is that Aspen didn’t become one of TikTok’s biggest momfluencers by being naive. When Meredith suddenly goes missing, Aspen’s world is upended and mysterious threats begin to arrive—but she won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect life again.
Thank you to Jesse Q. Sutanto, Berkeley Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 20, 2024
Trigger warning: infidelity, gaslighting
What in particular did I love the most about this slam dunk success? Well, first off were the characters. From the dual frenemy POVs to the perfectly fractured marriage, I was addicted to the well-developed personas as the plot unwound before me. And let me tell you, they were each more unlikeable than the last. One hundred percent selfish, vindictive, and loathsome, I went back and forth on who to root for and, even by the end, I still happily couldn’t decide.
Next up in my long list of loves was the premise itself. Taking a deep dive into the world of influencers, the idea that it could so easily take a dark turn felt realistic in every respect. At the same time, it was a brilliant satire on our insatiable social media obsession. Witty and insightful, I was duly impressed. The only piece that didn’t quite work was the somewhat long, slow burn first half. Despite that, however, I was wholly won over by this addictive, unputdownable novel.
All in all, Sutanto has managed to pull out all of the stops and deliver yet another buzz-worthy rollercoaster ride of suspense. Just know that you shouldn’t trust anyone or anything within these pages. I mean, the well-hidden lies, snarky banter, and shrewd cunning had me utterly spellbound. So if you haven’t heard of this one yet, take my review as a sign to run out and grab a copy today. After all, who doesn’t love their popcorn with a side of revenge? Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Influencer Meredith Lee didn’t teach Aspen Palmer how to blossom on social media just to be ditched as soon as Aspen became big. So can anyone really blame Mer for doing a little stalking? Nothing serious, more like Stalking Lite. Then, Mer gets lucky; she finds one of Aspen’s kids’ iPads and swipes it. Now, she has access to everything: the family calendar and Aspen’s social media accounts. Would anyone else be able to resist tweaking things a little here and there, showing up in Aspen’s place for meetings with potential sponsors? Mer’s only taking back what she deserves—what should have been hers.
Meanwhile, Aspen doesn’t understand why her perfectly filtered life is falling apart. Sponsors are dropping her, fellow influencers are ghosting her, and even her own husband seems to find her repulsive. If she doesn’t find out who’s behind everything, she might just lose it all. What everyone seems to forget is that Aspen didn’t become one of TikTok’s biggest momfluencers by being naive. When Meredith suddenly goes missing, Aspen’s world is upended and mysterious threats begin to arrive—but she won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect life again.
Thank you to Jesse Q. Sutanto, Berkeley Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 20, 2024
Trigger warning: infidelity, gaslighting
August 21, 2024
Hell hath no fury like a Mumfluencer scorned
Alexa play ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ by Taylor Swift
When it comes to writing about obsession Jesse Q Sutanto hits it out the park every time and it was no different with her newest release You Will Never Be Me.
Social Media Influencer Meredith is PISSED! It used to be all about her. She was the IT girl on the scene but when she met plain ol’ Aspen and took her on as her protégé, she would have never guessed that Aspen would end up surpassing her and become the new IT Influencer.
But it’s ok because they are Best Friends and they wont let the “numbers” and “clout” come in between their friendship until one day they get into a heated argument over Meredith’s tear drop falling into the breast milk bottle she was about to give to her son (Yes you read that correctly) and now the friendship is over!!!!
Meredith wants compensation and revenge, because as far as she is concerned, she made Aspen who she is today and if Aspen thinks she’s going to get away with it, she’s got another thing coming to her.
Guys I don’t think I can stress enough how wickedly hilarious and drama filled this book was for me! I could not put it down! These unlikeable social media obsessed women had me cackling! There is not a redeeming quality about Meredith or Aspen and you best believe they are not going to tell you anything informative or interesting unless it involves TikTok, Instagram and the rest!
Their whole world revolved around social media and they are not in touch with reality whatsoever. Everything they did was with the mindset of how they could build their ‘following’ even more! Children, Spouses and Friends better take a back seat unless they are here to work and make it an ‘Instagram Moment’.
The cattiness, arrogance and plotting of these women had me hooked and grinning ear to ear. I enjoyed loathing these mumfluencers. The first two parts were so addictive. The last third of the book started to drag a bit and it was predictable what the outcome was going to be, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Let it be known this is not a book to be taken seriously and suspension of disbelief is seriously needed.
Although in between all the nonsensical and narcissism of it all, I really enjoyed how the author constantly kept displaying just how much social media can overconsume you and have you acting out of the norm for a bunch of people who don’t even flipping know you in real life.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ The Unlikeable Characters
➽ Dual POV
➽ Thee Drama
➽ Short Chapters
➽ Funny satirical moments
➽ Highlighting the toxicity of social media
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Started to drag in certain parts
➽ Predictable ending
Wooo anything Jesse writes I will be reading. She never disappoints! This was a very fun tongue in cheek thriller. It wasn’t super twisty or unpredictable but you will definitely have a good time cuddling up on the couch reading all the drama unfold!
4.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Eeeek I have been so excited to read a new Jesse book!!
She just knows to steal my attention!
Let’s gooooo! 💛💜
Alexa play ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ by Taylor Swift
When it comes to writing about obsession Jesse Q Sutanto hits it out the park every time and it was no different with her newest release You Will Never Be Me.
Social Media Influencer Meredith is PISSED! It used to be all about her. She was the IT girl on the scene but when she met plain ol’ Aspen and took her on as her protégé, she would have never guessed that Aspen would end up surpassing her and become the new IT Influencer.
But it’s ok because they are Best Friends and they wont let the “numbers” and “clout” come in between their friendship until one day they get into a heated argument over Meredith’s tear drop falling into the breast milk bottle she was about to give to her son (Yes you read that correctly) and now the friendship is over!!!!
Meredith wants compensation and revenge, because as far as she is concerned, she made Aspen who she is today and if Aspen thinks she’s going to get away with it, she’s got another thing coming to her.
Guys I don’t think I can stress enough how wickedly hilarious and drama filled this book was for me! I could not put it down! These unlikeable social media obsessed women had me cackling! There is not a redeeming quality about Meredith or Aspen and you best believe they are not going to tell you anything informative or interesting unless it involves TikTok, Instagram and the rest!
Their whole world revolved around social media and they are not in touch with reality whatsoever. Everything they did was with the mindset of how they could build their ‘following’ even more! Children, Spouses and Friends better take a back seat unless they are here to work and make it an ‘Instagram Moment’.
The cattiness, arrogance and plotting of these women had me hooked and grinning ear to ear. I enjoyed loathing these mumfluencers. The first two parts were so addictive. The last third of the book started to drag a bit and it was predictable what the outcome was going to be, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Let it be known this is not a book to be taken seriously and suspension of disbelief is seriously needed.
Although in between all the nonsensical and narcissism of it all, I really enjoyed how the author constantly kept displaying just how much social media can overconsume you and have you acting out of the norm for a bunch of people who don’t even flipping know you in real life.
⋆｡°✩WHAT I LIKED⋆｡°✩
➽ The Unlikeable Characters
➽ Dual POV
➽ Thee Drama
➽ Short Chapters
➽ Funny satirical moments
➽ Highlighting the toxicity of social media
⋆｡°✩WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE⋆｡°✩
➽ Started to drag in certain parts
➽ Predictable ending
Wooo anything Jesse writes I will be reading. She never disappoints! This was a very fun tongue in cheek thriller. It wasn’t super twisty or unpredictable but you will definitely have a good time cuddling up on the couch reading all the drama unfold!
4.5 ⭐
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Eeeek I have been so excited to read a new Jesse book!!
She just knows to steal my attention!
Let’s gooooo! 💛💜
May 22, 2024
Influencers, frenemies, and a toxic marriage combine to create an original unputdownable thriller! I loved every unpredictable moment of this tale of influencer obsession and friendship gone wrong. “I'm stalking my best friend. There's no use denying it.” Faking for “the gram” or being “Insta” friendly was a deadly driving force that made this book unique and addictive. I enjoyed getting a glimpse inside the world of creating internet content at any cost for the euphoria of a like and sponsorship. This is the first book I have read by this author but definitely won't be the last. Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for my copy.
August 18, 2024
#AlldayAspen had me glued to the pages. When a momfluencer's carefully curated life on TikTok starts to crack, be prepared for the fallout.
Aspen Palmer and Meredith Lee are besties for life until the apprentice (Aspen) and her millions of followers overshadow the teacher (Meredith). As the book begins, the two are estranged and things are going to get ugly.
Jesse Q. Sutanto has given us a brilliant satire on the current obsession with influencers. We see Aspen and Meredith (and others) networking and collaborating in that never-ending quest for likes and followers. It's a hamster wheel that never stops.
If you are looking for likable characters in this one, it will probably just be the children. It is heartbreaking to think of their lives being full of curated posts and "helping" mommy share with her followers.
I am giving this one all the stars as I was glued to those pages through a day of travelling in central Latvia. Stayed up past my bedtime just to finish and it was worth it!
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Aspen Palmer and Meredith Lee are besties for life until the apprentice (Aspen) and her millions of followers overshadow the teacher (Meredith). As the book begins, the two are estranged and things are going to get ugly.
Jesse Q. Sutanto has given us a brilliant satire on the current obsession with influencers. We see Aspen and Meredith (and others) networking and collaborating in that never-ending quest for likes and followers. It's a hamster wheel that never stops.
If you are looking for likable characters in this one, it will probably just be the children. It is heartbreaking to think of their lives being full of curated posts and "helping" mommy share with her followers.
I am giving this one all the stars as I was glued to those pages through a day of travelling in central Latvia. Stayed up past my bedtime just to finish and it was worth it!
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2024
The tables have turned – the influencer and the nobody have traded places!
Nine years ago, when Meredith met Aspen, she was one of the biggest beauty influencers. The two women struck up an instant friendship and Meredith took Aspen under her wing, advising her in rebranding her online image. But in the subsequent years Aspen has surpassed Meredith’s fame and is now one of the top mommy influencers. And now Aspen is no longer speaking to her, even though Meredith reinvented her friend into who she is today. Aspen needs to be taken down a peg or two, and Meredith intends to see that her former best friend gets her comeuppance.
You Will Never Be Me was a fun, haywire, troubling, black comedy and cautionary tale that highlighted the fakeness and obsession of social media. These immature, self-centred characters sickened me – the way they exploited and neglected their children was disgusting and sad. But as much as I pitied and found the adults in this novel pathetic, they sure were a blast to read about. Their behaviour and the lengths they were willing to go to for fame made for a twisty and twisted domestic drama thriller. What constantly ran through my mind as I was reading was that I know people whose offline life in no way resembles their picture perfect, lovey-dovey online content – I think we all do, and unfortunately things are only going to get worse.
I made the mistake of reading the book blurb and I implore you to avoid it at all costs as it gives so much away. You Will Never Be Me was a fast-paced, drama-filled, quick read with chapters alternating between Meredith and Aspen that I recommend if you are in the mood for hateful, unsympathetic characters and social media addiction.
Nine years ago, when Meredith met Aspen, she was one of the biggest beauty influencers. The two women struck up an instant friendship and Meredith took Aspen under her wing, advising her in rebranding her online image. But in the subsequent years Aspen has surpassed Meredith’s fame and is now one of the top mommy influencers. And now Aspen is no longer speaking to her, even though Meredith reinvented her friend into who she is today. Aspen needs to be taken down a peg or two, and Meredith intends to see that her former best friend gets her comeuppance.
You Will Never Be Me was a fun, haywire, troubling, black comedy and cautionary tale that highlighted the fakeness and obsession of social media. These immature, self-centred characters sickened me – the way they exploited and neglected their children was disgusting and sad. But as much as I pitied and found the adults in this novel pathetic, they sure were a blast to read about. Their behaviour and the lengths they were willing to go to for fame made for a twisty and twisted domestic drama thriller. What constantly ran through my mind as I was reading was that I know people whose offline life in no way resembles their picture perfect, lovey-dovey online content – I think we all do, and unfortunately things are only going to get worse.
I made the mistake of reading the book blurb and I implore you to avoid it at all costs as it gives so much away. You Will Never Be Me was a fast-paced, drama-filled, quick read with chapters alternating between Meredith and Aspen that I recommend if you are in the mood for hateful, unsympathetic characters and social media addiction.
July 8, 2024
When rising influencer Meredith takes dowdy outcast Aspen under her wing, she doesn’t expect Aspen’s online popularity to eclipse hers. Eight years later, Aspen has millions of followers as one of the industry’s top momfluencers while Meredith’s star is fading. After an explosive fight, the two former best friends part ways…until Meredith begins stalking Aspen and sabotaging her life.
This book was GREAT! There is a twist at about the halfway mark that pushed it into instant five-star territory for me. The characters are catty in a fun way, which made the book feel a bit like talking to that deliciously gossipy friend who’s a bit of a bad influence. This book was infused with wit without drifting into satire territory. And the ending was flawless! I definitely recommend this for your next creepy read.
This book was GREAT! There is a twist at about the halfway mark that pushed it into instant five-star territory for me. The characters are catty in a fun way, which made the book feel a bit like talking to that deliciously gossipy friend who’s a bit of a bad influence. This book was infused with wit without drifting into satire territory. And the ending was flawless! I definitely recommend this for your next creepy read.
May 5, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley for offering me the chance to read the latest Jesse Q. Sutanto. I've read one of the author's previous books and was about to start the series when this one showed up, so I opted for it instead. Mostly focused on two uber popular influencers, the book shows their rise and fall, their friendship and difficulties, and what others thought of them. But don't think it's so straightforward. I'm humming along, knowing it's a mystery, when bang, someone is killed. Sudden whodunnit, tho we know who it is... more about how to catch them, and what the real creativity of an Instagrammer and TikToker is really all about. Good story, lots to ponder... mostly disliked the characters, but you're meant to. Some people are just terrible! Liked that it was about Asian-American women, so it added a nuance we don't see often enough.
April 2, 2024
Synopsis:
Influencer Meredith was ditched by her mentee Aspen as soon as Aspen blew up. So when Meredith does some light stalking, it’s hard to feel bad for her. When she steals Aspen’s ipad and then her ideas, things get interesting.
Aspen is struggling. Her seemingly picture-perfect life is falling apart around her. She’s late to appointments, her daughters are rebelling, and even her husband is finding her hard to deal with.
When Meredith goes missing, Aspen’s world is upended, and she starts getting threats. But she won’t let anything, or anyone, get in the way of her life.
Thoughts:
I love books about influencers. There is just something about them that makes me want to grab the popcorn and a blanket and cozy up for a great read.
I loved getting this story from dual POV. Books done this way are usually more enjoyable for me, and that was the case with this one. In this case it was prior best friends, and I don’t think I’ve ever read one done this way before. Usually, I get dual POV in romance books, not necessarily thrillers, so it was refreshing.
I really loved to hate both Aspen and Meredith. Aspen decided to take the filtered approach to everything, and hey it worked, until it didn’t, and she hit a wall. Meredith struggled with ideas because she was so tired from being a single mom, but just when I thought I could sympathize with her, I learned something shocking and NOPE that went out the window – ha.
It wasn’t surprising that there were some generalized stereotypes thrown in throughout the pages. I know that they exist for a reason, but I think there were some good points as well. People want relatable but not unattainable, so it has to fit that niche when we post online. It’s a tricky balance and I know that I’ve struggled with it myself.
Seriously this book would make a good movie because it had so much drama and was a lot of fun!
Thank you to:
Thank you to Berkley Pub @BerkleyPub and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Influencer Meredith was ditched by her mentee Aspen as soon as Aspen blew up. So when Meredith does some light stalking, it’s hard to feel bad for her. When she steals Aspen’s ipad and then her ideas, things get interesting.
Aspen is struggling. Her seemingly picture-perfect life is falling apart around her. She’s late to appointments, her daughters are rebelling, and even her husband is finding her hard to deal with.
When Meredith goes missing, Aspen’s world is upended, and she starts getting threats. But she won’t let anything, or anyone, get in the way of her life.
Thoughts:
I love books about influencers. There is just something about them that makes me want to grab the popcorn and a blanket and cozy up for a great read.
I loved getting this story from dual POV. Books done this way are usually more enjoyable for me, and that was the case with this one. In this case it was prior best friends, and I don’t think I’ve ever read one done this way before. Usually, I get dual POV in romance books, not necessarily thrillers, so it was refreshing.
I really loved to hate both Aspen and Meredith. Aspen decided to take the filtered approach to everything, and hey it worked, until it didn’t, and she hit a wall. Meredith struggled with ideas because she was so tired from being a single mom, but just when I thought I could sympathize with her, I learned something shocking and NOPE that went out the window – ha.
It wasn’t surprising that there were some generalized stereotypes thrown in throughout the pages. I know that they exist for a reason, but I think there were some good points as well. People want relatable but not unattainable, so it has to fit that niche when we post online. It’s a tricky balance and I know that I’ve struggled with it myself.
Seriously this book would make a good movie because it had so much drama and was a lot of fun!
Thank you to:
Thank you to Berkley Pub @BerkleyPub and Netgalley @Netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
September 13, 2024
This one is really hard for me to rate. On the one hand, for about 2/3 of the book, it was like a delicious guilty pleasure that I never wanted to admit I was partaking. It was the exact kind of book I wanted to be reading on days that were super crappy where it felt good for a fictional someone else to be having a crappier day.
Then about the 2/3 mark, it got to be fatiguing. The reveal was done, and the deplorability of all the characters started to make me want to stop reading at times and at other times, speed read through it because the library wanted the book back sooner than I wanted to give it back.
The ending was just right, but the only growth any of the characters experienced was to get more and more disgusting. Unfortunately, it feels like it could be a version of the truth, a somewhat accurate reflection of society and social media today in the US. The theme of women shouldering all the invisible labor that they do every single day certainly felt spot on.
I’ve been waffling between a 3 and 4. I think I’ll give it a 4. Jesse Sutanto is a pretty prolific writer, but mostly, I’m impressed by the breadth of genres she can cover. I’ve read every one of her books, and she runs the gamut from this salacious social commentary/psychological thriller in the form a Lifetime movie format to young adult, romance, and comedy. My favorite of her books is Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
Then about the 2/3 mark, it got to be fatiguing. The reveal was done, and the deplorability of all the characters started to make me want to stop reading at times and at other times, speed read through it because the library wanted the book back sooner than I wanted to give it back.
The ending was just right, but the only growth any of the characters experienced was to get more and more disgusting. Unfortunately, it feels like it could be a version of the truth, a somewhat accurate reflection of society and social media today in the US. The theme of women shouldering all the invisible labor that they do every single day certainly felt spot on.
I’ve been waffling between a 3 and 4. I think I’ll give it a 4. Jesse Sutanto is a pretty prolific writer, but mostly, I’m impressed by the breadth of genres she can cover. I’ve read every one of her books, and she runs the gamut from this salacious social commentary/psychological thriller in the form a Lifetime movie format to young adult, romance, and comedy. My favorite of her books is Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.
August 12, 2024
I’m obsessed with every part of JESSE Q. SUTANTO’S newest thriller YOU WILL NEVER BE ME.
This is so square in my dark and messed up happy place. I was living for all the bad behavior and also cheering on the characters. The snark, the deception, the lies, the relentless drive for likes and followers. And one of the best mic drop moments I’ve read in a long time. Bravo!
While a totally bingeable thriller, the book also raised so many questions about the supposed authenticity of online life. Can we blame them for getting addicted to the attention? Did ambition drive their choices? Or are these two women who are desperate to do whatever is necessary to rise to the top because they rely on it to survive?
I’m continually fascinated by stories about toxic female friendships and by influencer life, so it’s no surprise I devoured this book. SUTANTO tears back the curtain on living your life online and this book read like an insider’s view. I gobbled up every betrayal and vicious word and absolutely loved these characters.
SUTANTO has such a gift for creating intriguing, complicated characters. There were so many moments where I was smiling along, despite being at times horrified. And there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. I feel like words don’t do justice for how much I loved this book.
My advice is to go into this knowing just a smidge:
Meredith Lee pays it forward by helping Aspen Palmer navigate that influencer life. Aspen only has 5,000 subscribers when they meet so Mer happily teachers her all her tricks on how to grow online. The two became the fastest and closest of friends. But online life is competitive and a series of events starts to drive a wedge between them.
Now Meredith is spends her days doing some low-key stalking of Aspen fixated on exacting a little revenge on her former best friend. But Aspen’s rise wasn’t just dumb luck. She’s built a life for herself that she will do anything to protect.
Massive thanks again to Berkley and NetGalley for gifting me an early copy. This will be out on 8/20 so get your preorder on now!
This is so square in my dark and messed up happy place. I was living for all the bad behavior and also cheering on the characters. The snark, the deception, the lies, the relentless drive for likes and followers. And one of the best mic drop moments I’ve read in a long time. Bravo!
While a totally bingeable thriller, the book also raised so many questions about the supposed authenticity of online life. Can we blame them for getting addicted to the attention? Did ambition drive their choices? Or are these two women who are desperate to do whatever is necessary to rise to the top because they rely on it to survive?
I’m continually fascinated by stories about toxic female friendships and by influencer life, so it’s no surprise I devoured this book. SUTANTO tears back the curtain on living your life online and this book read like an insider’s view. I gobbled up every betrayal and vicious word and absolutely loved these characters.
SUTANTO has such a gift for creating intriguing, complicated characters. There were so many moments where I was smiling along, despite being at times horrified. And there were plenty of laugh out loud moments. I feel like words don’t do justice for how much I loved this book.
My advice is to go into this knowing just a smidge:
Meredith Lee pays it forward by helping Aspen Palmer navigate that influencer life. Aspen only has 5,000 subscribers when they meet so Mer happily teachers her all her tricks on how to grow online. The two became the fastest and closest of friends. But online life is competitive and a series of events starts to drive a wedge between them.
Now Meredith is spends her days doing some low-key stalking of Aspen fixated on exacting a little revenge on her former best friend. But Aspen’s rise wasn’t just dumb luck. She’s built a life for herself that she will do anything to protect.
Massive thanks again to Berkley and NetGalley for gifting me an early copy. This will be out on 8/20 so get your preorder on now!
August 24, 2024
What??! I just finished this book, and I am still in shock. The twists were so unexpected. I could not predict the majority of them! This book had me on the edge of my seat the majority of the time. I ended up staying up until 2am to read this in one sitting. I am shocked. Literally, gasping at many parts. I truly loved how the author writes, makes you feel like you're one of the characters, and it's playing out with you right there the entire time. Truly gripping and suspenseful! Absolutely 5 stars!!
I received this ARC from Berkley Publishing Group to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from Berkley Publishing Group to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
September 2, 2024
3.5 stars Author Jesse Sutanto has got to be the most fun date at any party. I’m ready to circle the room with her, drink in hand, as we smile our social smiles and surreptitiously let savage remarks drop as we pass. This is the second novel of hers I’ve read, and while a lot of books try to write toxic female friendships and professional rivalries, I’m not sure I’ve come across a popular author who skewers them in such an entertaining way.
This one is particularly interesting since its two protagonists are influencers. There are a fair number of thrillers doing this lately, but not many have so believably and relatably portrayed how online friendships can be so intense and personal, yet so rapidly spiral into a seething storm of bewildering resentment and pain. It's a strange disjunction that will be familiar to anyone who's spent any time online, how you can know a stranger's deepest and truest feelings contrasted with the distrust and disillusionment that can come with not having shared history and context. It’s also a fascinating look at the weaponization of social media, all done with ice-pick sharp observations and healthy side-eye at all of us who get wrapped up into it. If this author ever decided to delve more deeply into the themes she portrays in her satirical books with such light razor cuts, I’d be very interested in reading it.
As a mystery, the sudden big thing halfway through threw me for a loop, and it never really regained its believability for me, and the ending gets a pretty big shiny bow on it—and a few of the subplots I probably could have lived without. Still, the various relationships kept me interested and invested, and it’s always great to have more Asian-American stories that are just…stories. I love Sutanto’s writing and keen interest in human behavior, even if this particular plot wasn’t quite as gripping as I’d hoped.
Audio Notes: Literally drafting this on my phone, so I’ll look up the names later. But both audiobook narrators were fantastic.
This one is particularly interesting since its two protagonists are influencers. There are a fair number of thrillers doing this lately, but not many have so believably and relatably portrayed how online friendships can be so intense and personal, yet so rapidly spiral into a seething storm of bewildering resentment and pain. It's a strange disjunction that will be familiar to anyone who's spent any time online, how you can know a stranger's deepest and truest feelings contrasted with the distrust and disillusionment that can come with not having shared history and context. It’s also a fascinating look at the weaponization of social media, all done with ice-pick sharp observations and healthy side-eye at all of us who get wrapped up into it. If this author ever decided to delve more deeply into the themes she portrays in her satirical books with such light razor cuts, I’d be very interested in reading it.
As a mystery, the sudden big thing halfway through threw me for a loop, and it never really regained its believability for me, and the ending gets a pretty big shiny bow on it—and a few of the subplots I probably could have lived without. Still, the various relationships kept me interested and invested, and it’s always great to have more Asian-American stories that are just…stories. I love Sutanto’s writing and keen interest in human behavior, even if this particular plot wasn’t quite as gripping as I’d hoped.
Audio Notes: Literally drafting this on my phone, so I’ll look up the names later. But both audiobook narrators were fantastic.
July 19, 2024
What is not to love about this book! Set in Los Angeles and the world of Momfluencers, it is a story of greed, jealously, toxic friendships and so much more. How far would you go to get more followers?
Aspen and Meredith are BFF’s and social media darlings.. until they are not. A big fight, revenge is sort and it all ends so badly!! It was so dark and yet so much fun. I couldn’t stop reading it! neithe rof our main protagonists were at all likeable and I wanted them both to get their just desserts. There are plenty of twists and shocks to keep you in your toes.
Highly recommend!! It was a fast read and one that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Thanks so much to HQ for my advanced copy to read. Publishes on August 29th.
Aspen and Meredith are BFF’s and social media darlings.. until they are not. A big fight, revenge is sort and it all ends so badly!! It was so dark and yet so much fun. I couldn’t stop reading it! neithe rof our main protagonists were at all likeable and I wanted them both to get their just desserts. There are plenty of twists and shocks to keep you in your toes.
Highly recommend!! It was a fast read and one that you won’t forget in a hurry.
Thanks so much to HQ for my advanced copy to read. Publishes on August 29th.
August 17, 2024
Author Jessie Q. Sutanto takes readers on a chilling, eye-opening deep dive into the cutthroat world of social media super influencers in YOU WILL NEVER BE ME. A place where the stakes and potential for making six figure incomes are high and the odds of crashing and losing it all higher. A place where friendships are made and broken and greed, jealousy and insecurity take root and grow. A facade where revenge turns dark, ugly and deadly.
Super "Momfluencer" Meredith Lee is riding a social media high at the top of her game when she takes a struggling mother, Aspen Palmer, under her wing teaching her how to become a successful, top earning influencer on social media. In a short amount of time, the student surpasses the teacher in the number of followers, likes, sponsors and income earned on TikTok and Instagram. Suddenly, Aspen is the social media darling invited to all the right parties, meeting other super influencers and making the big bucks, and she has little time for her former mentor. After a particularly nasty argument, the former friends part ways. Aspen is basking in her new fame and lifestyle while Meredith's flame is fading fast leaving her on the outside looking in, but don't count her out just yet. She made Aspen . . . and she can break her. Meredith begins stalking her former friend and when opportunity knocks, she walks through the door. Two can play this game . . . until someone goes missing, and the accusations fly.
YOU WILL NEVER BE ME unfolds through the dual points of view of Meredith and Aspen. The pace builds slowly as the author lays the groundwork, allowing readers to get to know each of the women and their families while setting the stage for what's to come. Halfway through, the pace intensifies, and the tone takes a dire turn into an imminent danger zone with warning signs flashing on every page. From this point on, no one will be putting this book down for any reason as it shifts gears with each shocking twist. While most of the characters are shallow, arrogant and extremely self-centered, the kind you love to hate, they are exactly what one would expect to find within the context of this story. Sutanto does an expert job at character development, allowing readers to see what drives each one. Like a wreck on the highway, I couldn't look away afraid of what I might miss. I suspect the ending may be controversial, but whether you like the way the author chose to wrap this story up or not, I guarantee you won't forget it anytime soon. I know I won't, and I'll never look at social media influencers the same way ever again.
Author Jesse Q. Sutanto brilliantly renders a dark, witty, parody of the fake, cutthroat world of social media influencers in YOU WILL NEVER BE ME. Toxic friendships are fed by greed, lies and the desire to be seen as the top influencer in the niche. I'm amazed and quite frankly shocked at the idea of how far some will go and how much they're willing to sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of success in the influencer world. I'm happy to say this reader has no desire to dip a toe in those toxic waters. Highly recommended to fans of suspense thrillers and anyone curious about the world of social media influencers.
I received a gifted copy of this arc from Berkley Publishing. Opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release on Aug. 20, 2024. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Super "Momfluencer" Meredith Lee is riding a social media high at the top of her game when she takes a struggling mother, Aspen Palmer, under her wing teaching her how to become a successful, top earning influencer on social media. In a short amount of time, the student surpasses the teacher in the number of followers, likes, sponsors and income earned on TikTok and Instagram. Suddenly, Aspen is the social media darling invited to all the right parties, meeting other super influencers and making the big bucks, and she has little time for her former mentor. After a particularly nasty argument, the former friends part ways. Aspen is basking in her new fame and lifestyle while Meredith's flame is fading fast leaving her on the outside looking in, but don't count her out just yet. She made Aspen . . . and she can break her. Meredith begins stalking her former friend and when opportunity knocks, she walks through the door. Two can play this game . . . until someone goes missing, and the accusations fly.
YOU WILL NEVER BE ME unfolds through the dual points of view of Meredith and Aspen. The pace builds slowly as the author lays the groundwork, allowing readers to get to know each of the women and their families while setting the stage for what's to come. Halfway through, the pace intensifies, and the tone takes a dire turn into an imminent danger zone with warning signs flashing on every page. From this point on, no one will be putting this book down for any reason as it shifts gears with each shocking twist. While most of the characters are shallow, arrogant and extremely self-centered, the kind you love to hate, they are exactly what one would expect to find within the context of this story. Sutanto does an expert job at character development, allowing readers to see what drives each one. Like a wreck on the highway, I couldn't look away afraid of what I might miss. I suspect the ending may be controversial, but whether you like the way the author chose to wrap this story up or not, I guarantee you won't forget it anytime soon. I know I won't, and I'll never look at social media influencers the same way ever again.
Author Jesse Q. Sutanto brilliantly renders a dark, witty, parody of the fake, cutthroat world of social media influencers in YOU WILL NEVER BE ME. Toxic friendships are fed by greed, lies and the desire to be seen as the top influencer in the niche. I'm amazed and quite frankly shocked at the idea of how far some will go and how much they're willing to sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of success in the influencer world. I'm happy to say this reader has no desire to dip a toe in those toxic waters. Highly recommended to fans of suspense thrillers and anyone curious about the world of social media influencers.
I received a gifted copy of this arc from Berkley Publishing. Opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release on Aug. 20, 2024. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
August 12, 2024
I loved this so much! I loved the characters, the storyline and the influencer angle. I kept me guessing and I came up with so many theories that were just wrong. She really got me!
I will definitely be reading more from this author. This is one of my favorite recent reads!
*Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early digital copy*
I will definitely be reading more from this author. This is one of my favorite recent reads!
*Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early digital copy*
September 15, 2024
About a year ago, I wrote a brief, positive review of this author’s previous adult thriller, I’m Not Done With You Yet, and much of what I said in that review applies to this book as well. Among other things, I commented on the twisty-turny plot that hooks you in and jerks you around like a carnival ride. I also remarked on the author’s ability to freshen up thriller tropes that are really at risk of being ridden hard and put away wet, as they say - and that compliment is definitely applicable to this book, which involves yet another social media/Influencers-at-war-based plot and yet manages to remain interesting. Finally, I said something in last year’s review about how it’s fortunate I legitimately liked the book, as I’d be a bit too afraid of the author to say otherwise! Of course that’s a joke, but it speaks to the dark twistedness of the characters the author builds in both novels. The only significant difference between the two books is that I felt this one was a bit more streamlined and efficient while the other seemed more convoluted (albeit in a good way). However, neither book is the better or worse one based on this, but rather just six of one, half dozen of the other: both are good. And while I powered through last year’s read on a tropical beach vacation, I’m happy to report that I read this one with equal expediency during the middle of a shit workweek at home. Overall, I’m impressed with this author’s ability to prolifically churn out a variety of quality genre fiction that readers and critics alike really seem to enjoy. She’s clearly hardworking and talented - but just to be safe, I’d still advise not crossing her!
September 1, 2024
3.5 maybe? This was solid, kept me engaged the whole time for sure.
I did feel like the pacing went a little slack towards the end. I was expecting one final twist, but it just kind of panned out exactly how I thought it would which was less than satisfying. I also found a lot of the central conflicts to just not feel realistic (people being shocked and upset that an influencer stages their photos/videos?? In this day and age?)
But, this was really fun and there was a huge twist around the 50% mark that really caught me by surprise. It really changed the time of the story completely. I found all the behind the scenes drama & commentary on social media fame super interesting and all the main characters hilariously unlikeable. I definitely think I'd pick up more from this author! I'm especially curious about her other genres as well now.
Thank you Berkly Publishing Group and NetGalley for an e-ARC.
I did feel like the pacing went a little slack towards the end. I was expecting one final twist, but it just kind of panned out exactly how I thought it would which was less than satisfying. I also found a lot of the central conflicts to just not feel realistic (people being shocked and upset that an influencer stages their photos/videos?? In this day and age?)
But, this was really fun and there was a huge twist around the 50% mark that really caught me by surprise. It really changed the time of the story completely. I found all the behind the scenes drama & commentary on social media fame super interesting and all the main characters hilariously unlikeable. I definitely think I'd pick up more from this author! I'm especially curious about her other genres as well now.
Thank you Berkly Publishing Group and NetGalley for an e-ARC.
September 20, 2024
3.5 stars. I guess I just wasn’t all that into the influencer business to love this book. I thought it was a decent novel and had some interesting little things happen but I really disliked the way one of the characters kept speaking to you the reader. It was really distracting to me. Like she was telling you the story. The other character didn’t do this and therefore the last half was better.
August 23, 2024
3.5 stars
November 5, 2024
*****IVE EDITED THIS REVIEW TO CONTAIN SPOILERS AT THE VERY END BC IM TIRED OF BEING ON CRAZY ISLAND BY MYSLEF. IF YOU THINK THIS BOOK HAD NO MAJOR TWISTS READ BELOW :) You will be warned before the spoilers so you can read this review and NOT see the spoilers.
✨B O O K • F E A T U R E✨
You Will Never Be Me
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
One of the best twists ever!
Never take what you see online at face value. This book resonated with me. You hate what you can’t be. Then you try to spread your hate but it doesn’t work. Love and support each other. It’s so important to cut the toxicity out.
Bestfriends, Meredith and Aspen, have always encouraged each other with their influencing as being momfluencers. But this friendship is based on the foundation of never outgrowing one another. I must be the star here type of mentality.
They eventually have a huge falling out and stop talking to each other. It’s all down hill from there for the both of them. But one of them has a secret they’d kill to keep hidden.
I lovvvvvvvved this book so much! It was so much fun to read. I liked how at times the author used her characters to speak directly to us. It was like pressing the pause button to fill us in on some things. I love movies that do this and especially love books that do. I also loved all the sabotage that was happening.
There’s also a few LOL moments and moments of truth. The writing is engaging and makes you not want to stop. The storyline alternates between Meredith and Aspen’s point-of-view and both are equally fun to read. They’re also interconnected so each part adds to the whole overall story.
Influencing is great. But be warned. Those followers who love you now can turn on you as fast as it takes you to snap your fingers. What a twist. I didn’t see that one AT ALL!!
Fab must read! I think most will enjoy this one.
The twist will have you questioning everything. IT BLEW MY MIND! Pure genius! I had to check with a fellow thriller lover (thanks @books_and_bicepts9155 😘) that what I was processing was right.
One of the best twists ever - it’s right up there with “Look Closer.”
SPOILER ‼️ ALERT BELOW
****
****
****
****
SPOILERS BELOW DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU’VE ALREADY READ THIS BOOK OR DON’T CARE.
****
****
****
****
SPOILER ‼️ ALERT BELOW
****
****
****
****
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people say, “This book was nothing. No shocking twists.” And I’ve sat here thinking to myself WHAATTTTTT?? Like whaaat? So let me explain, maybe you missed it. This book is so underrated IMO and I think it’s because many missed the twist.
The story doesn’t come right out and say this (which is how I think many have missed it) but…
The Meredith TWIST: SHE WAS DEAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BOOK … The random texts Aspen was getting? They were from MEREDITH PREVIOUSLY. The party Aspen and Meredith went to? They were SEPARATE parties.
The story is written as though Meredith was alive during the first half of the book … but she actually WASN’T, Aspen had already killed her. 💥
✨B O O K • F E A T U R E✨
You Will Never Be Me
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
One of the best twists ever!
Never take what you see online at face value. This book resonated with me. You hate what you can’t be. Then you try to spread your hate but it doesn’t work. Love and support each other. It’s so important to cut the toxicity out.
Bestfriends, Meredith and Aspen, have always encouraged each other with their influencing as being momfluencers. But this friendship is based on the foundation of never outgrowing one another. I must be the star here type of mentality.
They eventually have a huge falling out and stop talking to each other. It’s all down hill from there for the both of them. But one of them has a secret they’d kill to keep hidden.
I lovvvvvvvved this book so much! It was so much fun to read. I liked how at times the author used her characters to speak directly to us. It was like pressing the pause button to fill us in on some things. I love movies that do this and especially love books that do. I also loved all the sabotage that was happening.
There’s also a few LOL moments and moments of truth. The writing is engaging and makes you not want to stop. The storyline alternates between Meredith and Aspen’s point-of-view and both are equally fun to read. They’re also interconnected so each part adds to the whole overall story.
Influencing is great. But be warned. Those followers who love you now can turn on you as fast as it takes you to snap your fingers. What a twist. I didn’t see that one AT ALL!!
Fab must read! I think most will enjoy this one.
The twist will have you questioning everything. IT BLEW MY MIND! Pure genius! I had to check with a fellow thriller lover (thanks @books_and_bicepts9155 😘) that what I was processing was right.
One of the best twists ever - it’s right up there with “Look Closer.”
SPOILER ‼️ ALERT BELOW
****
****
****
****
SPOILERS BELOW DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU’VE ALREADY READ THIS BOOK OR DON’T CARE.
****
****
****
****
SPOILER ‼️ ALERT BELOW
****
****
****
****
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people say, “This book was nothing. No shocking twists.” And I’ve sat here thinking to myself WHAATTTTTT?? Like whaaat? So let me explain, maybe you missed it. This book is so underrated IMO and I think it’s because many missed the twist.
The story doesn’t come right out and say this (which is how I think many have missed it) but…
The Meredith TWIST: SHE WAS DEAD THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BOOK … The random texts Aspen was getting? They were from MEREDITH PREVIOUSLY. The party Aspen and Meredith went to? They were SEPARATE parties.
The story is written as though Meredith was alive during the first half of the book … but she actually WASN’T, Aspen had already killed her. 💥
October 10, 2024
★4.46 stars★
Wow what a ride. Sutanto did an amazing job at writing character that we love to hate because holy shit. i hate these women. And i loved doing it. this book was a messy, dirty, vile, and absolutely tortured tail of agony and woe. a cautionary tale sure to shock and surprise
Wow what a ride. Sutanto did an amazing job at writing character that we love to hate because holy shit. i hate these women. And i loved doing it. this book was a messy, dirty, vile, and absolutely tortured tail of agony and woe. a cautionary tale sure to shock and surprise
April 12, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted (free) ARC
This book got me out of a reading slump, I was completely hooked from the very first chapter.
Aspen & Meredith have been best friends for years, making their own names as influencers with Meredith acting as a mentor to Aspen. But when Aspen surpasses Meredith, it puts a wrinkle in their relationship.
Told in dual POV, this book will have you completely consumed. I was so confused about who I was rooting for here, and honestly I don’t know that I ever came to a clear conclusion on whose side I was on. I would definitely recommend reading this book!!
This book got me out of a reading slump, I was completely hooked from the very first chapter.
Aspen & Meredith have been best friends for years, making their own names as influencers with Meredith acting as a mentor to Aspen. But when Aspen surpasses Meredith, it puts a wrinkle in their relationship.
Told in dual POV, this book will have you completely consumed. I was so confused about who I was rooting for here, and honestly I don’t know that I ever came to a clear conclusion on whose side I was on. I would definitely recommend reading this book!!
September 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
Meredith and Ashton are two influencers, one-time BFFs, and current self-involved moms. After Mer and Ashton have a falling out, Mer decides to mess with Ashton’s perfect online life all the while using Ashton’s losses for her gains. Ashton at first struggles to understand how these mishaps keep occurring, and as she’s piecing it altogether, Meredith goes missing and all eyes turn to her.
Parts of this read like a “ripped from the headlines” story -the harshness of social media, the portrayal of how inauthentic influencers can be, and the struggles of marriage and kids - and I can’t help but think the rest of it could very well happen one day. I seriously disliked every character, but in a way that showed how well the characters were written. An entertaining and fun book to read!
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Meredith and Ashton are two influencers, one-time BFFs, and current self-involved moms. After Mer and Ashton have a falling out, Mer decides to mess with Ashton’s perfect online life all the while using Ashton’s losses for her gains. Ashton at first struggles to understand how these mishaps keep occurring, and as she’s piecing it altogether, Meredith goes missing and all eyes turn to her.
Parts of this read like a “ripped from the headlines” story -the harshness of social media, the portrayal of how inauthentic influencers can be, and the struggles of marriage and kids - and I can’t help but think the rest of it could very well happen one day. I seriously disliked every character, but in a way that showed how well the characters were written. An entertaining and fun book to read!
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2024
I cannot relate to anything that revolves around being a professional lifestyle influencer. I find it shallow, calculating, and just unrealistic. The entire premise of this book is just that.
Two friends, now former, though the reasons why they're not friends anymore is barely mentioned, are social media influencers and their entire goal is to support their family by being literally professional influencers.
Meredith goes missing, and wish the description doesn't mention it, cause it doesn't happen until midway in the book, so it's almost as if the secret is revealed long before one decides to read this book.
Not a lot of flare, and felt it was rushed, and just not "thrilling" enough.
In the end, I dislike influencers even more after reading this.
Two friends, now former, though the reasons why they're not friends anymore is barely mentioned, are social media influencers and their entire goal is to support their family by being literally professional influencers.
Meredith goes missing, and wish the description doesn't mention it, cause it doesn't happen until midway in the book, so it's almost as if the secret is revealed long before one decides to read this book.
Not a lot of flare, and felt it was rushed, and just not "thrilling" enough.
In the end, I dislike influencers even more after reading this.
August 6, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Berkeley publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Okay typically if things like instagram or TikTok are brought up in a book I think it’s pretty cringe, however I think going into this knowing that it’s about social media really helped me jump on board with the idea. I love a good stalking and revenge plot line and this one was so unique and such a wild ride. I was invested throughout and kept flip flopping on who I should be rooting for. This book was twisty, ridiculous at times (in a good way) and just a really entertaining popcorn thriller.
4.5 stars rounded up
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNqEv6yx/
Okay typically if things like instagram or TikTok are brought up in a book I think it’s pretty cringe, however I think going into this knowing that it’s about social media really helped me jump on board with the idea. I love a good stalking and revenge plot line and this one was so unique and such a wild ride. I was invested throughout and kept flip flopping on who I should be rooting for. This book was twisty, ridiculous at times (in a good way) and just a really entertaining popcorn thriller.
4.5 stars rounded up
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTNqEv6yx/
September 12, 2024
I ate this up like a bag of chips!
November 29, 2024
so outrageously catty
for our sorority age, this
frenemies to foes waltz is
futile, exaggerated, utterly
sad in its crude insight. ♡
for our sorority age, this
frenemies to foes waltz is
futile, exaggerated, utterly
sad in its crude insight. ♡
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,106 reviews