The twists and turns that this provided were done well, in my opinion. I refused to put this one down and was able to finish it in two sittings (only because I had to work). I would definitely recommend “Did I Say You Could Go”! I look forward to seeing what else Gideon comes out with

With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Single moms Ruth and Gemma meet when their daughters are little. Ruth, looking to ingratiate herself into the mommy scene at her daughter Marley’s school, throws an ostentatious meet-and-greet for the kindergarten parents. Instead of being impressed, most of the other parents are turned off by Ruth’s over-the-top display, but Gemma can’t help but feel a little awed. Ruth quickly latches on, showering Gemma and her daughter Bee with attention, lavish gifts, and vacations. It’s seductive but also a little overwhelming. When scandal strikes Ruth several years into the course of their friendship, Gemma uses the opportunity to pull away.

Fast forward to Marley and Bee’s freshman year of high school, and now it’s Gemma who is beset with a scandal – accusations of cheating at the tutoring and test prep company she owns. Ruth sees an opening to swoop in and rescue Gemma and rekindle their friendship. Soon, Gemma is snared in Ruth’s web again, with Ruth’s excessive generosity guilt tripping Gemma and creating an obligation that Gemma feels she must repay with friendship and loyalty.

From the very first chapter, you know there is something a little “off” about Ruth as she spies on Gemma in the grocery store – a little too needy, a little obsessive. Ruth needs attention, craves the focus and flattery of everyone around her. As the story develops, we see the full depth of Ruth’s narcissism, how she manipulates and gaslights every situation and relationship to her benefit. Not just Gemma either; the teenage daughters – Marley (introverted, smart, self-conscious) and Bee (popular, social media obsessed) – also can’t escape Ruth’s cruelty and manipulations.

Wheeeee! “Did I Say You Could Go” grabs the reader from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very end. Told from four perspectives (Ruth, Gemma, Marley, and Bee), this story is a delicious tangled web of friendships and misdirection, full of unexpected twists. Our current culture’s social media obsession is perfectly captured not just from the daughters’ perspectives but also with the moms participating in anonymous online Mom “pods” of catty gossip and backstabbing. The twists and turns become darker and darker as the novel unfolds and Ruth becomes increasingly desperate and attention-grabbing, with a final twist that will shock the reader. I could not put this book down and finished it in less than a day!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

WOW, Sick book and the plot is unbelievable! I LOVED it, the main character was one that I never want to have in my life. I could Not turn the pages fast enough. The ending SHOCKED me, I did Not see that coming. Thank you Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for an early copy.

Backstabbing, Cyber Bulling, Abuse & much more all in one dark story!
Story stars with Gemma Howard, owner of “Study Right, Test Prep” is recovering from a big cheating scandal. One of her most popular brilliant tutors had a side business of actually taking the college qualifying SAT and/or ACT for students! Ruth Thorne was best friends with Gemma six years ago and is experiencing déjà vu when she sees her in the grocery store.

The main characters in this story are Ruth and Gemma, both single mothers who each have a young daughter.
Ruth is a wealthy divorcee and daughter Marley is a shy little girl who doesn’t make friends easily.
Gemma Howard is a struggling widower and daughter Bee is popular and very social.
Ten years ago Ruth volunteered to host the Hillside Academy kindergarten ‘meet-and-greet’ at her home ~ a catered event with valet service. She had hopes that both she and daughter Marley would be accepted. However, the opposites happens, most believe Ruth was just flaunting her wealth.
Gemma and outgoing Bee were at the event. Since Ruth and Gemma are the only two single moms there, Ruth decides they should be best friends and sets out to do just that!

Ruth soon presents Gemma and Bee with lavish gifts, vacation trip to places like Aspen expensive dinners even a car etc.At first Gemma cannot believe her good luck as she is living paycheck to paycheck. As this continues Gemma knows there is no way she can pay Ruth back so tried to break off the friendship.
When Ruth has an affair with a married man and here is a big scandal, Gemma sees her opportunity to dissolve the relationship.
However, six years later when Gemma is dealing with the cheating scandal, Ruth comes to her rescue and the friendship is renewed. Now Ruth is even more controlling.

The story is told form the POV of the moms and daughters. Typically when that happens, I have a favorite character and look forward to those chapters. But that wasn’t happening with this story. I really didn’t like any of them. True I felt sorry for Marley. I found myself rolling my eyes saying, “Really?”

I was well into and still struggling and thought ~ this is not working for me” I decided to read some reviews in hopes of encouragement. I saw many 4 and 5 star ratings. I looked for a 2 or 3 star review as I was sure I would agree with that rating. I found one where the reviewed said she was sure this was going to be DNF for her. I thought “Yes”! However, she said she was glad she hung in there ~ it took a while but was glad.
Yep! It did take on a dark twist which saved it for me!! Bumping my 3.5 up to 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I look forward to Ms. Gideon’s next story.

Want to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for professional review purposes only.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 3, 2021

Twist after twist, I loved the plot and could never guess what was going to happen next. Such a clever plot.... Gemma and Ruth’ had a tight friendship.... years later they are brought back together but behind the insecurities and malice who is to blame from all the drama. I stayed up late reading this book because I needed to find out the truth. A solid 4 star twisty dome toon suspense thriller!!!

I just reviewed Did I Say You Could Go by Melanie Gideon. #NetGalley
https://www.netgalley.com/book/209117/review/626029 Edit

This book was hard to enjoy because some of the characters- particularly Ruth- were so unlikeable. I understand that was part of the purpose of the story, and it means the author did a great job developing her character, but I just couldn't stand her to the point of almost not finishing the book. She was deceitful and manipulative and just... awful. The story itself wasn't bad or great, and there were a few twists and turns, but none of them were very shocking to me. It kept my interest, and I'd definitely read more by this author as I liked her writing style, but it wasn't one of my favorite reads so far this year.

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. I literally couldn’t put this book down and finished in one reading. Modern mean girls and acceptance as a mom in a new town. This does has a disclaimer as trigger warning for eating disorders. Amazing character development and integration. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, this is one of those unputdownable, riveting reads, which absolutely blew my mind! So well written, captivating, unique, and amazingly well done character development! Gave me whip lash with the twisty turns, on the edge of my seat with the thrills, goosebumps with the chills, and gasping from the shocks! Fast paced and fun! A must read for my fellow thrill lovers and seekers! I highly, highly recommend!

Will make sure to buzz around platforms and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!

Just when you think you know what happens next, a twist gets the best of you.
I read Did I Say You Could Go in one sitting. The characters are your neighbors, friends, fellow parents and students at schools. The teenagers are perfectly honed as well as overbearing mothers. When you leave your eye off the ball for a minute, anything can happen.

Ruth and Gemma are single moms who live vastly different lives. While Ruth is a wealthy divorcee, Gemma is a widow living paycheck-to-paycheck. When Ruth hosts the Hillside Academy kindergarten meet-and-greet, the two, along with their daughters, quickly become close friends. For years, the foursome becomes inseparable. Ruth takes Gemma and her daughter on lavish vacations, treats them to expensive dinners, and helps with Gemma's daily expenses. While Gemma is grateful for Ruth's generosity, she begins to feel controlled by Ruth and the unpayable debt accumulating. When Ruth has an affair with a married man and is shunned by the Hillside community, Gemma uses it as a reason to sever ties with Ruth. Several years later, Gemma is embroiled in her own scandal and Ruth is the only one who comes to her defense. Gemma needs Ruth's help - her business is collapsing, her daughter needs medical attention, and she could use a friend. As Gemma and Ruth reignite their friendship and their daughters become close again, Gemma starts to feel trapped as Ruth becomes increasingly obsessed with their relationship.


Did I Say You Could Go is quite the domestic suspense novel chronicling an unhealthy relationship between two grown women. Largely alternating between Ruth and Gemma's POVs, the two are compelling characters with opposite stories, so watching their friendship develop was fascinating. I found Melanie Gideon's writing enticing and page turning. However, I didn't get a lot out of this story - it felt pretty basic to me and I was annoyed by the back-and-forth and overtly toxic behaviors. There were several times where I found myself in the middle of a weird soap opera waiting for anything remarkable to happen. While I didn't love the book, I do think it is a good, casual read for people who want a fast-paced drama. If you're looking for an easy-to-read book packed with soap opera-level drama and a pretty good ending, I recommend Did I Say You Could Go.


Thank you, Simon & Schuster, for an advanced copy of Did I Say You Could Go in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth just wants people to like her. And it should be easy since she’s beautiful and has more money than God, right? Except somehow it isn’t. She experienced loss at a young age and it jacked her up. So much in fact that it’s hard for her to form relationships, both romantic and with friends. But she’s desperate for a connection.

Enter Gemma. An unsuspecting single mother who’s hustling to provide for her daughter after being widowed. Ruth is ruthless (ha!) at the lengths that she will go to be friends with Gemma, especially after she thought she had lost her forever. It’s obsessive, it’s crazy and it’s not actually that unbelievable. We’ve all met people with a few screws loose, and after some of the stories I’ve heard, these people do exist.

I really don’t want to say much more, because this book is amazing. As each crazy detail leads into the next, this book with scratch every single itch you have to gossip IRL. I think this is why people like reality TV? But this is fiction so you indulge guilt free! Did I Say You Could Go? is an amazing page-turner that really gets into the dark world of how far some people will go for a best friend.

I would recommend Did I Say You Could Go? to fans of Bridget Jones’ Diary, and Jane Green. Special thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced e-galley in exchange for my honest review. This one is out August 3, 2021. It’s the perfect read to sneak in before the end of summer.

This book was really engaging - I really enjoyed the dynamic between Ruth and Gemma and thought that the author did a great job of keeping you pulled in by the story, even when there was a lull in the action. It is told from alternating viewpoints, but the author did this with ease. Some of the twists that happened were more easy to figure out, but the end had one that really hit hard.

Oh my god! My head is spinning in a million different directions! What a crazy story! I read this in one sitting because I couldn't get it out of my head. Ruth is loaded but shunned and Gemma a single mom. They form a friendship that doesn't seem 100% sincere as it seems like Gemma is always going to have a debt to pay to Ruth for her money generoristy. I mean really it is a crazy friendship. Almost a obbessive friendship. So many twists and turns. Such a great book!
Thank you to #Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ruth and Gemma have a shaky past, as do their two daughters who were close as children. When Gemma is embroiled in a scandal at work, Ruth is back by her side. As Ruth continues to support her, Gemma feels like she is beginning to owe Ruth.

I loved the drama of this one. Any book with parent involvement in school drama is a book I will enjoy. This was one that you had chapters from both the mothers and daughters, which allows for different perspectives. It was so full of drama, gossip, and needy manipulation that just got worse and worse as the pages flew. The ending was perfectly done. I wasn’t expecting this story to have twists, so when they happened it was entirely unexpected. I highly suggest this read if you enjoy books such as The Gifted School and Girls With Bright Futures.

“As soon as high school starts, parents shift from ‘them’ to ‘we’. Getting into college is a family sport at Hillside.”

Did I Say You Could Go comes out 8/3.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster. I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Ruth is a wealthy divorcee, not liked by the other parents at the private school her daughter, Marley, attends. Gemma, a single mother to Bee, lost her husband a few years prior and lives paycheck to paycheck. They become close, and Ruth uses her wealth to “treat” Gemma and Bee to lavish vacations and meals. Gemma can’t help but wonder if she is somehow indebted to Ruth.

This book spans the girls’ kindergarten to high school years, and the chapters are through the four main characters’ perspectives. It was interesting to read the book from everyone’s perspective. I was disappointed by the time it took for things to build up and felt that more time could have been spent on “the twists” to really do them justice. Some parts kind of lost me, too, and I felt that they weren’t tied up well in the end.

I’m giving this book 3 stars because I would still recommend it to others as a quick read and a fun thriller.

This book got me out of a funk I was having with reading cause I am still grieving the loss of my mother. I started so many other book but none of them stuck so for that I am thankful for this book.....I gave it 3 stars though just cause I didn't like Ruth but I loved the Gemma and her daughter

Wow- what a suspenseful thriller! I loved all the POV shifts, twists and turns, and the "frenemies" theme, which is my catnip!! Did I Say You Could Go by Melanie Gideon was quite the wild ride and I absolutely loved every page!!!

I was excited about this book. The premise sounded interesting. It promised to be a psychological thriller with twists and turns. Just my type of book. The main characters are friends. Single moms whose daughters are friends as well. They do everything together. But then something happens (which is never really explained) and they are no longer friends. Years pass and they rekindle their friendship. One of them is unstable, manipulating the other to see and do things her way. This is when the book starts to get interesting. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.

DAMN. , What did I just read. There was so much going on, cyberbullying, abuse, and insanity. Did I Say you Could Go made me feel uncomfortable parts, as it should? It was a good read, and after reading it I almost started over.

I wish more books had the summary be the background info you needed for the story. I'm sure that only works for certain types of books, but those types would be anything mystery-related. I picked up this ARC from Netgalley based on my love of the author's previous books but this was a little detour of what those books were like. One was a memoir type of book and another was more of a fun marriage type book, dare I say 'women's lit' or whatever.

But I got sucked right in. Each chapter has a heading based on who it's about. You have Ruth who is uber wealthy and scathing. Her daughter Marley who is the complete opposite as sweet and naive and painfully insecure (actually all the characters are but Marley is that childlike insecurity that was painted with a perfect touch in this novel- being that of a teenager). Then there is Ruth's friend Gemma who is not rich but dependent on Ruth's generosity even if she truly doesn't want it but can't help saying yes to where money is concerned. But with Ruth's gifts come a price. She basically owns you. BUT this isn't a cookie cutter cliche plot. It is SO very realistic feeling. I identified with all the characters. Even Gemma's super popular daughter Bee who is forced to be friends with Marley because what Ruth wants Ruth gets and pushing the girls together when the moms first meet at a parent's night when the girls are in kindergarten would mean that the women would be friends. I have no idea what it's like to be rich but I do remember what it's like to be manipulated or to manipulate to make yourself feel better, if only for the moment.

I don't know what else to say about the book because a lot happens and it reads quickly but if you're in the mood for women's relationships and spot on eye to detail regarding the nuances of such friendships and want to read about teen girls' drama (again, I can't stress enough how un-angsty it is, truly so good (in a voyeuristic way)). This book is sure to be a hit when it drops in August. I have been going through some personal shit and lost my reading mojo and this saved the day.