A special thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book for an honest review. The best way I can describe this is Queer club meets Scream. I really love slashers and this did not disappoint! Just when I thought I predicted some things, I was proven wrong. This book did surprise me with a couple twists I didn’t see coming and I always love when I can be caught off guard. Thoroughly enjoyed this, and if you love slashers, I would give this a read for sure!

Okay wow wow wow. I am highly impressed with YOUR LONELY NIGHTS ARE OVER by Adam Sass, who is a new author to me.

The story follows Frankie Dearie and his bestie Cole Cardoso as a mythical and terrifying killer tries to off them and the Queer Club, one by one. (That’s really reductive, but yes. 😉)

My favorite thing about YLNAO is how deliciously queer it is. From the fashion to the vernacular, Adam Sass is givinggggggg all that needs to be given. And let’s be real… what’s more queer than horror?

I absolutely adored Cole and Frankie and their friendship. They are ride or dies in the best way possible. I loved how they constantly built each other up while still grounding each other when needed.

When YLNAO was described as <I>Scream</I> meets <I>Clueless</I> I knew I was going to be in for an incredible ride. And it was true! Reading a slasher hasn’t ever been so fun. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was constantly second-guessing everyone! I definitely didn’t expect the twist or for everything to play out the way it did. I was SHOOOOK.

YOUR LONELY NIGHTS ARE OVER is an incredible way to get into the spooky season. Just make sure to read it with someone else… or… to paraphrase Ms. Spears, “Your lonely nights are killing you.” Literally.

What a perfect way to start off the autumn season as we get closer to Halloween! I thoroughly enjoyed this romp of a slasher and literally could not put it down!

The book follows Dearie and Cole, two best friends, who are trying to figure out who is picking off the members of the Queer Club at their high school one by one! Swipe right for the blurb!

One of the things that I really loved is how comfortable the characters were with their queerness. If only I had been as confident as half of these teens in high school, it would have been a different experience altogether. Sass does an exceptional job of creating and allowing the MCs to be their most authentic selves who don’t have to hide or worry about being who they are. I loved every second of it.

The book was fast paced and started right off the bat, which I appreciated so much. It constantly left me guessing and trying to figure out who could be behind the mayhem!

This book has it all: a serial killer, high school drama, LGBTQIA+ representation, humor, twists, and an awesome message! You should pick it up if you like ANY of those things.

I want to say thank you to NetGalley and the Penguin group for providing me with an eARC. I received it last minute, so I know this book has already been published! You should get it today!

This book was a wild ride and I had a great time following along. First, I loved how queer positive the story is and that it showed friendships and relationships in a different way. There's no slut shaming between the main characters and they are comfortable in their own skin. I would like to see more books with characters written this way.

Secondly, there's a murderer on the loose who's story goes back fifty years. I thought the interspersed documentary clips were entertaining and helped give backstory to the old murders. I will say that I did guess the killer, but things were written in a way that made me feel like it couldn't be possible. I don't love when authors do that, but it kept the mystery intriguing.

This is fairly gory and features a lot of queer character deaths, so be warned before you start.

I thought this was a perfect intro into the spooky season and definitely recommend if you're looking for a slasher story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the copy.

What an ABSOLUTE treat. I was convinced I knew who Mr Sandman was; well guess who was wrong? This is such a smart story. I love it so much! I immediately demand a film adaptation. I laughed, audibly gasped, and found myself playing detective working out who Mr Sandman was. The friendship and queer found family in this book locked me in. @theadamsass is sooooo good at writing believable characters. I have the strongest urge to watch Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer now.

First I want to say that all of what I'm going to write needs to be taken with a grain of salt because I am not LGBTQ+ teen, I'm a straight white woman in her late 20's. Now, that being said I wanted to love this book so much and it just fell short. I'll start with the good; great representation, the idea of it was really fun, and I appreciate the easy platonic love that's shown between our two main characters. Men, even queer ones, are so rarely seen being affectionate with other men that it was great to see that get more or less a whole book filled with it. Now the not so good. Right off the bat I cannot help but articulate the fact that there's a glaringly massive - if not plot hole, plot...unreality. Don't get me wrong, horror stories often include things that stretch the realm of things that are realistic, but for a book that seems fairly realistic otherwise the idea that this serial killer copy-cat/apprentice is able to figure out who the REAL serial killer is based off of what amounts to a Netflix docuseries when NO ONE else was for a good 30 years or whatever, ridiculous. I don't even want to think about the fact that a large portion of the big reveal at the end is managed to remain a big reveal (but really isn't if you know anything about stories like this) because of amnesia. And last but not least our main characters are kind of terrible to...pretty much everyone else. Certainly the other queer characters. They even go so far as to label them all "flops" because they're...part of the queer club? I'm honestly not sure, but while this does change by the end of the book it's more or less this constant stream of "We are so much better than the other queer kids at school" for no discernable reason other than "one of them was mean to us before". We don't even really see the non-queer kids at the school, but I can only imagine that the attitude the two main characters have for them is similar, if not worse. I don't want to say this book was all bad, because there were some good elements of it, but I will certainly not be recommending this to anyone I come across at work and will not be hand-selling it by any means. I was sorely let down by what I was hoping would turn out to be a fun slasher and in all honesty I'm now somewhat hesitant to read Sass's backlist as well as anything he comes up with in the future. But we'll see.

Thank you to Colored Pages Blog Tours for including me on the tour and Penguin Teen for an eARC and finished copy in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.

Your Lonely Nights are Over by Adam Sass is a YA thriller that follows two gay best friends: Cole and Dearie. It’s been the two of them against the world since they’ve met and the friendship is about to get the worst test imaginable: framed for murder. Mr. Sandman, a dangerous serial killer who was never caught, is back and he is targeting kids at their school. As the mounting evidence continually points to Dearie and Cole, they must find a way to clear their names.

Right from the start the atmosphere of this book is full of tension. Sass sets the stage perfectly: we get invested in both Dearie and Cole as narrators and then the murders happen. The mystery aspect of this was really well done: my first guess was completely wrong (which I’m glad for tbh). I loved seeing all the clues lead us to the killer. I got quite a few surprises from all the connections.

Then we have the characters. Even though Dearie and Cole are supposed to be “unlikeable”, I loved them. Which is pretty on brand for me. I loved how these two were there for each other. Their friendship was one of my favorite parts of this book. And we had a lovely cast of supporting characters from Queer club. I really enjoyed getting to know (some) of them, iykyk.

This one is currently tied with The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers for my favorite of Adam's and I really enjoyed Surrender Your Sons! Adam is definitely going to be an auto-read author for me!

My lonely nights have just begun because my time with Cole and Dearie are over! Wow — what a blast it was to read. I’m always a little hesitant when books are advertised as “POPULAR MOVIE/TV SHOW/BOOK” - in the case of Lonely nights, Scream meets Clueless - so color me surprise when Adam Sass totally nails it. Or not too surprised - Surrender Your Sons was great so I knew he’d do a fantastic job with his third novel.

I really enjoyed getting to know the two MCs, their story told through interweaving chapters, and the cast of characters they called friends/flops. I do wish we got to spend more time with some of them before they’re whisked away but it’s a small qualm I have. The other is the third act is too long which is a critique I’d give to even the best Scream film.

Does Adam Sass have a new series on his hand? I definitely would love to see what happens next. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC.

Overall: 4.25/5⭐️

Many thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was fucking amazing, now I gotta take a lap or something. This was an amazing start to my spooky season as I had the absolute best of times with this book. I truly think it's safe to say that I ate this shit up-- the writing was decent, the characters were both unlikeable and lovable all in one, and the suspense was EVERYTHING! I got to play Sherlock Holmes and actually got a kick out of genuinely being able to discover who the killer turned out to be. There were twists and turns both expected and unexpected that I think would be wonderful for people just getting into the thriller/mystery genre. I highly recommend this to anyone new to the genre or who wants a more slasher type of book to add to their tbrs. Loved this!

So, I ALMOST DNFed this book. I am so glad I didn’t. The beginning of this book was very frustrating to me. I thought the characters were being petty and making stupid decisions. I will say by the end it ALL MADE SENSE! This book ended up being a great slasher. My favorite part is that we got MULTIPLE revels so the fun kept going for a while at the end. I am very happy that I kept reading! Thanks so much to penguin teen for the advanced readers copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As I am writing this review, it is September and I am thoroughly entrenched in my Spooky Season Reading, and this book was the perfect candidate for the horror/thriller/slasher vibe I've been going for this year. I love a good slasher, and the idea behind the killer in this one was fresh and interesting. I did, however, have a pretty decent idea of who the killer was about halfway through the book, which was confirmed as I read on- but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I love being able to pick up the clues and put the puzzle together- it makes me feel clever, and this one wasn't too terribly obvious, unless you make a habit of reading/watching mysteries, as I do.

Overall, this was a fun read, touching on some important topics (the need for queer community! YEESSS, LOVE IT), and I enjoyed it. 3.5, rounded up.

Your Lonely Nights Are Over by Adam Sass is a fun, Scream-esque, YA slasher that keeps you guessing and keeps the energy going all throughout the book.
In this book, we follow Dearie and Cole, two high school best friends who are being essentially framed by Mr. Sandman - a serial killer from the 70s who's made a return and is targeting their school's Queer Club.

What I loved about this book is what I love about the movie, Scream - it's a slasher, but also a murder mystery/who-dun-it. It was so much fun to guess who Mr. Sandman was and the anticipation had me flying through the story.

The book was surprisingly endearing and empowering had good points about how everyone's a little lonely. Cole and Dearie are a great pair of best friends and you can really see how much love them have for each other. There was a lot of character growth and I enjoyed watching the Queer Club overcome their petty dramas in order to come together to help stop Mr. Sandman.

Overall, I think this is a great read for anyone who enjoys slashers like Scream and enjoys a YA horror, especially with spooky season being here.

"Your Lonely Nights are Over" by Adam Sass is a rollercoaster ride of suspense, teenage drama, and LGBTQ+ empowerment that blends the horror of "Scream" with the sass of "Clueless." Sass takes us on a thrilling journey through the halls of Stone Grove High School, where teenage insecurities are just as terrifying as the lurking serial killer.

Dearie and Cole are the fabulous duo you'll love to hate and hate to love. They're flamboyant, fierce, and unapologetically themselves. They navigate the treacherous waters of high school with a snarky attitude and a killer wardrobe. But when a real killer, Mr. Sandman, sets his sights on their school's Queer Club, their friendship is put to the test in ways they never imagined.

Sass crafts a storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The tension escalates with each page as evidence piles up, bodies drop, and suspicion lands squarely on Dearie and Cole. Are they being framed, or could they have a hidden dark side?

Dearie and Cole's relationship is not just about friendship; it's a lifeline in a world that often feels hostile. Their camaraderie illustrates the strength of chosen families and the resilience of LGBTQ+ youth. Sass explores the challenges faced by queer teens, from discrimination to self-acceptance, making this story both relatable and empowering.

As the protagonists race against time to unmask the real killer, they uncover not only the identity of Mr. Sandman but also dark secrets lurking beneath their seemingly quiet desert community. The book's blend of horror, mystery, and social commentary creates a narrative that is spine-tingling.

Sass's writing is sharp and witty, with humor that balances the darkness of the plot. You'll find yourself laughing out loud one moment and gripping the book in suspense the next. Dearie and Cole are complex characters. Throughout the chaos, they evolve, learning about themselves and each other, and ultimately, their journey is one of self-discovery.

In "Your Lonely Nights are Over," Sass delivers a captivating queer YA horror that speaks to the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth while keeping readers guessing until the very end. It's a scream-worthy page-turner that doesn't shy away from tackling important themes of identity and acceptance.

In the 70s there was a serial killer called the Sandman and just like this song Mr. Sandman instead of a dream he would bring a nightmare by killing those who were recently broken hearted and or single. It has recently become a pop-culture phenomenon TV show that everyone is watching everyone except for Deerie that is. Frankie Dearie and Cole Velozo are seniors and best friends and sometimes hook up but on this morning they’re supposed to meet at the LGBTQ support group meeting because two of its members claim to have gotten the famous note saying you’re next from someone who is pretending to be the Sandman and because for some reason that I as the reader didn’t get everyone thought it was these two. Unfortunately it seems just Deery and a girl name ‘Em will be the only members attending the meeting that morning until Cole stumbles in late while they are discussing Grover and Greta getting these messages they see the teacher who sponsors their group looking frantic and calling 911 when they go to investigate Rover has razor wire around his neck and gretta is dead this is Win dairies mom Mary a local detective comes and starts the investigation. I want to say there is some racism and people in power being abusive in the book so if you cannot stomach that then pass it up but if you can then do yourself a favor and read this book! There is way too much to describe the summary but what I will say is there is moments in this book that will make you angry, laugh, sit on the edge of your seat and find yourself swooning over children in love… Lol! I absolutely love this book and it isn’t because teen horror thrillers or my favorite genre it is because this book has great writing and delivers it all you will be wiping tears away and not know if it is due to sadness or tears do to laughter this is a great book and one I highly recommend if you love thrillers do not pass the book up it is so so so so so so so so so good!!!!! Did I mention how much I loved the book! I want to think Viking Young readers penguin group Dutton and net galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

4.5*

Once again Adam Sass had me staying up past my bedtime to finish a book! Like his debut, Surrender Your Sons, Your Lonely Nights Are Over kept me riveted and I couldn't put it down! I was so invested in what was happening to Dearie and Cole, those boys had my anxiety through the roof. This book definitely lived up to the Scream meets Clueless vibe and I loved it! Throw in a dash of Mean Girls, but make it gay, and you have all the makings of a truly engaging and thought-provoking story.

This book started off strong but I felt like a few chunks were just filler. It probably could have been novella length and cut out the filler and it would have been perfect!

Kicking off spooky season with this new YA slasher where two queer BFF’s are unlucky suspects when a old serial killer comes to town 50 years later, but this time targeting their school’s queer club.

This was such a thrill from start to finish, like I couldn’t put it down! Needing to find out the killer and how the little queer pack of ‘friends’ unmasks them. Finished in one day. This isn’t a romance in that the two MC’s aren’t destined to be together, it’s about young loneliness and friendship.

Described as Scream meets Clueless, and I would agree.
If you like 90s teen slashers this is the book for you!

Happy Pub Day to Adam Sass! This was my first book by this author, but won’t be my last.

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 by Adam Sass (2023) ★★★★✬ 4.5/5

4.5 stars

This was my first book by Adam Sass and I can honestly tell you that I am now a big fan of his. I’m looking forward to reading more from him.

“Your Lonely Nights Are Over” is a super fun and entertaining young adult murder mystery. It was a page turner. I was constantly trying to figure out who was the murderer. And while I did eventually guess who was killing everyone, it wasn’t obvious right away. Sass had me following right along with his clues and twists and turns.

It has its own murder mystery docuseries going on. This show delves into these murders by Mr. Sandman from decades ago that have remained unsolved. But, all of a sudden, the murders have started back up again. And Dearie and Cole are under the microscope.

The book is cleverly divided up into parts that coincide with episodes of the docuseries.

Two super cool gay kids against everyone else (i.e., all the haters). The snark, banter and all-around sassafras in this were hilarious.

Dearie and Cole are #bestiegoals.

*** I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion. ***

I had a great time with this book! Just like a slasher movie but super queer and full of clueless/mean girls vibes. I hope lots of people pick this up for their spooky season TBR. Definitely would recommend.

4.5 stars Thank you Penguin for this ARC
A fun and witty queer slasher, dead bodies run as high as the cutting jokes in Your Lonely Nights Are Over.
We follow besties Dearie and Cole, friends who are unabashedly themselves, and not afraid to call out anyone and everyone that annoys them. When members of the Queer Club start dropping like flies, fingers are quick to point to the two of them. But is it the retired never-been-caught serial killer Mr. Sandman? A copycat? Either way Dearie and Cole have to discover the killer, before they are killed, or arrested!
This is such a hilarious book, I don't think I've had such fun reading a horror book before. Their friendship is so nice to see, as well as reading them "read" others when they try to come for them gave me life. I alternated between laughing and then being scared at was about to happen. This really feels like an old school slasher movie in the best possible way.
Adam Sass shows it is not impossible to write books with great POC characters, even if you are a white author. I really love how Cole's characters is written, and how different the students treat him as a murder suspect vs Dearie. There is so much great racial microaggressions in this book, so innocuous to many, I love it so much. (See guys it's not impossible!)
Without spoiling anything, I also love how relationships are depicted. Be they healthy or not, sometimes you don't realize what's going on until much later, when your brain finally feels ready to process it. There is a lot of symbolism in YLNAO and it is very well done.
This book is also very sex positive, and the discussions and situations surrounding "acting gay" reminds me of Camp. There is no reason to police how you act, or change how you talk just to be more palatable to straights. Sass hit the nail on the head with every issue he tackled.
For me the only issues I really have are at the beginning with the pacing, and some of the structuring. We are introduced to the characters, then there is a time jump of two months. A lot of what happens in that time jump is referenced later, or we get a few flashbacks. I almost wish we got to see more of Dearie's relationship and really how isolated he became from Cole. It would have had a larger impact on later events in the book if we got see more from Dearie's relationship. After the two months, the characters quickly reunite again, but we haven't seen enough of them to really understand the importance and feel that emotional weight for this event.
All in all, I had an enjoyable time reading this, and it got my mind of life. (Which is always a plus!)
This is a must read book for horror fans, lovers of queer books, or anyone looking for a fun read! This is my first book of Adam Sass, and I am going to go look at what other books he's written, because I am now a fan!
This cover!?! Obsessed. Perfection. Wouldn't change a thing. From the colors to the composition, to even the illustration, this is a perfectly done cover. 10/10 wouldn't change a thing.