2.5 stars. This is the story of Ambrosia Wellington, along with her roommate Flora and her best friend Sully. Told in alternate chapters, the book focuses on the girls’ freshman year in college and then ten years later at their reunion. It is truly the story of “mean girls” — and they are really mean here — and how their dirty tricks for personal gain cause human tragedy. Although Flora was a “good girl” and a likable character, Ambrosia and Sully were definitely neither. Unlikeable characters usually do not ruin a story for me, but Amb and Sully had no really interesting, let alone likable, qualities at all.

The basis to the plot is that Amb has a secret concerning something that happened during her freshman year, and you hear about this secret over and over and over again before you eventually find out what it is. That the reveal of this secret was so drawn out made the plot somewhat tedious for me. So did the graphic detail concerning drinking, drugs and sex. Such detail can sometimes add a unique perspective to or enhance a novel, but here it seemed to be gratuitous and made the characters border on unrealistic.

The novel did have some interesting twists and turns along the way, and although the revelation of the secret was not all that surprising when it finally came out, I did like the ending.

I love mean girls-- and not the kind in the movie, saccharine and watered-down-for-mass-consumption as they were. I want my literary girls to have sharp edges, claws, razor blade wit. So when I came across The Girls Are All So Nice Here, I couldn't wait to read it. As soon as I was approved to review it, moved it to the top of my TBR list. I was hooked in the first 10 pages. It was clear that Laurie Elizabeth Flynn didn't come to play. She's a strong writer, with strong characters, who isn't afraid to serve up a whole slew of characters you love to hate, or hate to love. It instantly reminded me of one of my favorite, grossly underrated novels, from last year, FOUL IS FAIR.
That being said, I do think that the book loses its steam. I wholly expected that given the strong opening, this would be one of those books I didn't want to end, but by 2/3 of the way through, I was ready for it to be over. I think it couldn't sustain itself on the acerbic tone alone, and Amb eventually became too blasé. Perhaps it would've been stronger if the story had been told through multiple perspectives, a structure that is often employed and successful in these sorts of mysteries. I'd have really enjoyed getting into the head of Sully, especially, and perhaps even Kevin, Flora, or Poppy. I do commend Flynn for never caving into the temptation to soften her characters-- Sully remains harsh throughout, and justice is served in the end, though in a way that feels just as unsettling as you, purveyor of truly mean girls who do truly evil things, will likely expect and enjoy.

A ten year reunion of college grads dredges up plenty of memories, none of them good, in the wonderfully titled “The Girls Are All So Nice Here”, and yes, the book is as good as the title! Told in alternating “then” and “now” chapters, the author keeps building the suspense as the story grows, and you keep thinking these kids can’t get any worse, can they? Yes, they can, as we find out. Each chapter adds another layer until the explosive finale, and you’ll be flipping the pages to get there. Loved the writing style and dialogue, and you’ll cringe at characters that put mean girls everywhere to shame. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through @NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

There are no heroes in this story. This is a tale of obsession and bad decisions and how easy it can be to get swept up in other people's drama. Unless it's your drama. This is a book about the bad girls. The ones who really do whatever they want and seem to always get away with it without caring.

Since it's layered with flashbacks to "when everything happened" ten years ago, we get a back-and-forth thought pattern of our twisted narrator. Is she guilty? What does she know? What doesn't she know?! There's definitely a pattern of suspense that builds over the course of the story-I couldn't put the book down once I got to the end. I had to know!

That being said, there were a couple of conversations that seemed jarring to me because they felt...convenient? I was able to overlook them for the sake of the mystery. The ending made sense, but didn't leave me feeling any kind of hope. I had some satisfaction at the story wrap-up, but I like some character growth in my characters, and these are just not good people.

If you loved Kate Brian's Private series - this is a MUST READ for you. It's like the grown up version and I loved every single second of it. High school girls are fucking terrible, and while I did manage to sort out who was behind the plot, I still loved this book! Engaged from start to finish, and read it in one sitting. Solid 4.5 stars!

This book was a RIDE from start to finish. I enjoyed the alternating timelines of college and the present (ten years later), and I think they added to the suspense. This is one of those books where I didn't really like any of the characters. I struggled to feel sympathetic toward anyone, and I was constantly questioning who the actual victims and villains were. There is a huge plot twist in the middle of the book that I absolutely did not see coming and works really well. To be honest, it's much more satisfying than the ending, I think. The ending is good in that some things are tied up, but the story is certainly not resolved. Overall, this was a quick read and I enjoyed it. Content warnings: graphic description and repeated mentions of suicide, blood, rape, drug overdose, bullying.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy.

Well, this one was a deliciously twisted treat! I love stories about mean girls all grown up and and haunted by sins of the past! Yaaaay! I loved Sloane (Sully)! She's horribly cruel, but like a car crash, you have to look. I think we have all known, or been, someone like her. Amb just wants to fit in, meets Sully and it all goes downhill from there. The girls meet up 10 years later for a reunion and realize that someone knows something about a terrible act perpetrated by the two girls back in the day. This was a great character study as far as the lengths girls can go to for approval and wanting to fit in. I highly recommend this one, but you will need a shower after reading!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Laurie Elizabeth Flynn and Simon & Schuster for this ARC.

I have to say, I both loved and hated this book. Loved it until the very end. I hated the ending... but that feeling fits with the rest of the book.

I read it in a matter of days and really couldn't tell how it would end. The flashbacks give you just enough information to want to learn more, but not so little that you get annoyed.

I also happened to go to college the same years the "before" took place so there's some nice nostalgia in there too.

Definitely would recommend!

Publication Date: March 09, 2021
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 /5

The Girls Are All So Nice Here has all the ingredients for my favorite kind of suspense novel: academia, evil women, mystery notes, and more… This novel captivated me from the very first flashback, giving the reader insight to the “protagonist’s” incessant need to be looked at, to be admired. Ambrosia Wellington is one of the best anti-heroines I’ve ever read (and with a name like that, how couldn’t she be?). When we are introduced to her younger self freshly entering college, there are parts of her that many readers may identify with- her nervousness, how she wants to be liked, the way she feels that she doesn’t fit in with the more rich & beautiful crowd. However, her character really begins to take a turn when she becomes obsessed with befriending Sloane Sullivan- one of the most cruel, entrancing, unlikable characters I’ve ever read.

The mystery of what still haunts Ambrosia ten years after graduating was enough to hook me in, while the suspense of who wants revenge made me stay. While, at times, the book read as “young” and inexperienced, the writing was clever and real enough to keep you guessing. Much like other thrillers, every character in this book is white (except Clara, heyyy asian bestie !) & straight (well there is no inclination otherwise). However, there is of course a certain amount of awfulness afforded to straight, cis, white women that is not given to others. I’ve always been especially drawn to the power dynamics and social interactions between girls, and there is a rawness to this book that I really liked. I wish the main character would have shown more character development in the ten years since graduation, but maybe the author did that on purpose. My least favorite aspect, though, was how much the girls’ life revolved around approval, attention, and love from boys. While this is definitely not (always) unrealistic, I think the book would have really transcended if the boys would have been more of a background (not the motivation), with the main story being the connection of the two sinister girls.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and finished it in one day (much to the disapproval of 12:24 a.m. Bella who needs to read her physics textbook). I usually do not find the ending of these types of novels to be satisfying, but this one comes pretty close. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves exploring the savagery that girls can exhibit, and the thrill of a good mystery.

Thank you so much to @netgalley & Simon & Schuster for providing this ARC!

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence, Suicide, Gore, Threats/Stalkers, Drug Use ⚠️

Published: March 9, 2021
Simon & Schuster
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Laurie Elizabeth Flynn is a former model who lives in London, Ontario, with her husband and three children. She is the author of three young adult novels: Firsts, a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults pick, along with Last Girl Lied To and All Eyes on Her, under the name L.E. Flynn.

“Our ability to create waned in our instinct to ruin.”

Amb spent most of her teenage years trying to be what she thought people wanted her to be. She worked hard to mold herself into shapes that never quite fit. Then she meets Sully, the vibrant, carefree IT girl on campus, and decides Sully is the girl she needs in her life. College is supposed to be about finding yourself. Making mistakes and growing as a person. What happens when you end up being talked about for all the wrong reasons?

Holy buckets. This was an intense ride. The buildup moves at a steady climb until it suddenly comes crashing down. I enjoyed how this story was told, the flipping back and forth between past and present. Very clever.

The characters in this book are so identifiable. We have all known a mean girl, or we’ve all been a mean girl. The levels Amb goes to try and fit in with Sully, while sad, probably happens a lot more than anyone realizes.

There is such a creative realism to this novel, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish. I had so many theories as I read, and I was so wrong until the very end. The twist comes so fast and is so shocking, and I find myself still processing what just happened.

It’s no secret that women can be catty, especially towards each other. And the saying, “hell hath no fury as a woman scorned,” absolutely rings true in this novel. The play for truth and revenge is so bananas and so maniacally planned out that it’s like witnessing a Hail Mary of true crime.

This is a twisted puzzle, and when the pieces all come together, you will never believe who is left still standing. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer- but be careful who you trust. Because what starts as “us” can quickly become “you,” and once you’re left out-you, you won’t be coming back.

This was a deviously delicious debut novel from a talented author. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the twisted ending. I did not see it coming. This book will grab your attention and hold it until the last word. Friends don’t make secrets, and the girls are not so nice here. Wowza.

The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn was such a great book. The dual timelines helped to establish the why of the plot. The characters were well-developed even if the main character did not have a lot of growth, only self-preservation. The twists were a bit predictable, but the ending was still gratifying and that it what I like in a psychological thriller/mystery.

***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****

Well written with good character development but very predictable to me. Mean girls in real time. What they did to a girl back in high school comes back to haunt them in their adult age. It honestly was a struggle to get through this. Too many twists and turns. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
This is a story about bullies and being bullied. It is a story about trying to fit in. It is a story about re-inventing yourself when you leave high school and begin your college journey. It is a story about trying to figure life out. It is a story about trying to figure out who your real friends are. What image to you portray to people? Is it the same for everyone? Do you portray one thing to one person but something different to someone else?
“The past has a long reach and secrets never stay buried forever.” The story begins with an invitation to a college reunion. The story toggles back and forth between “then” and “now”. Are you the same person “now” as you were “then”? Sully and Ambrosia (Amb to most of her friends) met in college. Amb wanted to be liked, be in the “in” crowd. Sully is one of those people who just stands out wherever she goes. Sully makes Amb her new BFF. Sully uses people. She has a way of using and discarding people without regard for their feelings. It is a game to see if she can mess with their lives. She gets Amb involved too. It’s just a game. No one really gets hurt. Or do they?
Pick up this book and see the story from all sides of this equation. You won’t be disappointed.

This books was a fast and enjoyable read. The premise was well executed-- I enjoyed the shifts in time from the present day back to the events at the heat of the story. Definitely recommended.

Holy buckets of mean girls! Flynn’s prose was sharp and biting and part of the ending left me absolutely surprised. Definitely recommend!

The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

I wished I liked this book more, the two biggest problems I had: were the format of “Now & Then” and I didn’t connect or like any characters. This is supposed to be another Mean Girls book and that’s all it is showing how mean girls are but without anything compelling, new or different. The premise is a 10 year college reunion and it flashes between the upcoming reunion & the reunion to the freshman year 14 years ago. The main character Amb (Ambrosia not Amber) is a girl who so desperately wants to move on from who she was in high school begins to follow the Queen of Mean Girls Sully (don’t call me by my first name Sloan). Amb has a sweet roommate Flora who she ignores and thinks poorly of because that’s how Sully feels. The Then chapters where more interesting than the Now, specifically I had a problem with a now 32 year old woman who can’t stand up to two former friends and her husband to say she has no interest in a 3-day weekend reunion. To me it felt like the characters where written as archetypes and not fully developed people; very predictable and tedious.

They’re together, and they’re bad. We’re together, and we’re worse.

^^^Y’all, when I say this is EXACTLY what 18-24 year old Mellie would have said, I mean.. I can picture it in my damn head. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

This is very similar to another book I just previous read, but All The Girls is 100000x better. It was done so right, so well, so perfect. This is what I have been waiting for when I yell, “I want a former mean girls reunion and dual timelines because something horrible happened” From page to page my felt the anticipation of trying to figure out what the HELL just happened swell through me. Every page, another bomb dropped that was right in front of you the entire time. This was a literal mind fuck that had me clutching my pearls the entire time.

The only negative thing I have to say about it is that I don’t think her husband turning on her so quickly without talking to her is very realistic. Maybe because I know if my husband found out about some secret past, he’d want to talk in lengths without automatically going to trial against me.

Seriously, bravo Laurie Elizabeth Flynn on this amazing ride of a book. The characters were vile and ignorant of their nastiness at the core, which is how all mean girls are. (Trust me, I know. Recovering mean girl here, takes one to know one. The first step is acknowledgement) From the social pressures of college and society to trying to bury the past, this book had it all. I am floored.

“You’re not nice, are you?”
I didn’t know if it was a question or a statement, but I had the same answer. “No.”
“Good. I hate nice girls.”

Thank you Simon & Schuster for the gifted copy! The Girls Are All So Nice Here comes out March 9th. You need it.

Thank you to @netgalley & @simonandschuster for this eARC of The Girls Are All So Nice Here by @laurieelizabethflynn publication date is March 9 2021!

I do have to start off by saying at times it felt like almost a young adult trying to be slightly older. It just didn't always read as adult and myserious/ suspenseful as I was hoping and expecting. Still, there were so those suspenseful and tense moments!

I did enjoy the switch between then and now. I'm a sucker for timelines that go back and forth. Tho I do feel like something just was missing and I wish the main character Amb had gotten more character development mainly during the 'now' timeline. I needed more depth.

There were so many cliches, this definitely is a classic with mean girls and the manipulative best friend with the "cool" nickname. However, there were still some clever moments and lots of drama. Although the ending was kind of a disappointment. But it does read as a cautionary tale of the length people will go to get what they want and the dangers If you aren't careful about the type of people you surround yourself with.

So though I had some problems, I did enjoy it. Something was missing and yet I was unable to put it down, needing to know how it wrapped up.

Keep in mind some of the sexual scenes and such especially from the 'then' timeline are a bit graphic and detailed. ⚠️there are also many trigger warning. Bullying and drinking are big ones. I don't want to explain them all and give away pieces of the book but please go in with trigger warnings. Many. ⚠️

I think I'm giving this one 3🌟 a story you've read many times but has some clever moments and it's hard to resist a mean girl story even when it's a bit lackluster. I still recommend it for a quick and easy read with lots of backstabbing, betrayal, bullying and finding your true self + what you want in life.

my review is taken from my instagram @fortheloveofcrime

"Because the girls weren't nice at all."

Ambrosia "Amb" Wellington is a different person than she was in college. She lives a simple life with her husband and is still friends with her high school best friend. Her simple world is turned upside down when she receives a letter about her 10-year college reunion. She immediately throws it away -not wanting to relive the events that happened during her freshman year, but then the letters start coming, in perfect calligraphy, “We need to talk about what we did that night.” Feeling pressured by her husband and the two college friends she does keep in touch with, she decides she has to go and face the past that haunts her and what she did that night.

Told from alternating chapters from the past and present, comes an unraveling story about trying to fit in in college and how your words truly affect those around you. This story will leave you on the edge of your seat to find out what happened to make Amb so haunted to return to her alma mater, who is writing these notes, and what REALLY happened that night?? A great thriller that tells the story from the side of the mean girl but still makes you root for her somehow.

I'm so thankful the girls weren't this mean when I went to college. If you've ever felt like you need to fit in and love a good thriller, I highly recommend picking up Laurie Elizabeth Flynn's new novel, <i> The Girls Are All So Nice Here. </i>

TW: self-harm, mental health, rape, drugs, bullying

Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion!

I really enjoyed this book. It was about two college friends who return to their ten-year reunion after receiving some messages that hint at knowing a secret from their past. The story centered around Ambrosia Wellington and her college friendships, specifically with a girl named Sully. The story moves back and forth between their freshman year and the present day. It’s frustrating to see the decisions the girls make, but we all made bad decisions in college too. You see Ambrosia struggling to fit in and find herself and the decisions that she makes to do it. I like mysteries where I can’t quite figure it out and this one was one of those books. There were some unexpected twists and turns and I’m still thinking about the ending a month after finishing it! It was a good read!