I love a weird book and this definitely gave me that! Went out and bought a physical copy after this. Great story, writing and cover.

Queer, literary thriller about a reality show taking place on a remote island. This is a shortie, but a baddie. Funny, unique and eerie!

I have absolutely no idea how to sum up my thoughts on Patricia Wants to Cuddle, but I had a fun (if tense and gore-filled) time reading it. Although I raced through the book, the pacing is unconventional. The slower start is nonetheless peppered with tense undertones, and as the plot progresses it develops into some action-packed horror. Alongside all this, it's a humorous read - it made me chuckle aloud a fair few times. This probably won't stay with me in the same way some other queer horror has, but it was an enjoyable read.

A really unique horror novel. I enjoyed the setting and the plot of this one and absolutely flew through it. I would definitely recommend this book

I honestly don't know what to make of this book. It's a weird one I'm actually not sure if I liked it or not. I tend to enjoy anything that pokes fun at daft reality TV dating shows (which I really don't like) especially when there's mystery and murder involved. The novel was quite entertaining and half the time annoying as hell. The contestant characters are all pretty appalling people and the behind the scenes and producer people aren't much better. The type you start hoping will come to horrible endings.
It did seem to drag a bit. Not posting too much of the plot as it's hard t9 describe without being spoilery but the book went off the rails at the end to the bat shit crazy plot twist and suddenly delightfully violent. With a weird but almost endearing ending. The whole thing was just bizarre, but kind of enjoyable.

A hilarious and bizarre take on reality tv and disturbing behaviours. An unhinged read that will leave you entertained.

I love a book that plays with your expectations and this novel certainly does that. The 'Bachelor' setting alone was fun but the introduction of Patricia was crazy, in a good way. Great fun, with a lovely hint of spice too

A deliciously strange mashup of genres - perfect for fans of Mrs Caliban and The Shape of Water with a reality TV spin.

An intriguing premise, some fun scenes, but ultimately far more disturbing and upsetting than I had been expecting! I enjoyed seeing the process behind a reality show, and how it became its own kind of horror. The characters are well-drawn. However it just wasn't for me, though I'm sure it will thrill other horror fans.

I am absolutely obsessed with the cover, if I saw it in a bookshop I’d be drawn to it straight away.

The beginning was a bit confusing. It just starts, no background about the show or any of the contestants. I found it a bit tricky remembering who was who.

This book is very scary insight into the life of an influencer on tv shows like The Bachelor of Love Island. I like that it plays on the fact that they are playing characters.

The mixed media was fun and split the story up in a way that was interesting but ensured it still flowed. I loved the ‘finding Kate’ side plot.

Such a quick read that really held my interest!

I have no idea what I just read - but I do know it was a page turner! This is horror set in today's world, with the strangest premise - one that has very little to do with the outcome of the book itself. Similarly, the LGBTQ+ aspect of the main character had nothing to do with the story itself and I would have liked to see it explored a little more.

Book Review: Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen is a pulse-pounding and viciously funny fiction debut that takes readers on a whirlwind romp through the absurdity of reality television and contemporary American media culture. With its original and campy plot, well-developed characters, and witty writing, this book is an entertaining read from start to finish.

The story revolves around the contestants of a reality television dating show called The Catch. As the final four women arrive on a mysterious island in the Pacific Northwest, they expect another week filled with sleep deprivation, invasive interviews, and salacious drama. Each woman has her own motivations for being on the show, ranging from brand sponsorships to finding love. Amidst the chaos, Patricia, a temperamental and misunderstood local, watches from the shadows, yearning for a connection of her own.

One of the strengths of this novel is its well-paced narrative. Allen keeps readers engaged with a fast-paced plot that careens towards a last-girl-standing conclusion. The author skillfully combines elements of romance, suspense, and humor, creating an enjoyable reading experience. The writing style is fantastic, and the author’s ability to inject wit and humor into the story adds an extra layer of entertainment.

The characters in Patricia Wants to Cuddle are another highlight. They are well-developed and intriguing, capturing the reader’s attention from the start. Patricia herself is a specter hiding and observing the spectacle that is the reality show "THE CATCH". Additionally, the chosen family of misfit islanders who forge a community against all odds adds extra depth to the narrative.

One minor criticism is that the book could have delved deeper into Patricia’s backstory and the lives of the island residents. While the focus on the reality show and its contestants is entertaining, more exploration of Patricia’s character and her relationship with the island would have enhanced the overall reading experience.

In conclusion, Patricia Wants to Cuddle is an entertaining and engaging novel that satirizes reality television and media culture while also exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and community. Samantha Allen’s writing is witty and humorous, making this book a page-turner that is difficult to put down. Despite some missed opportunities to delve deeper into certain aspects of the story, this novel is a highly enjoyable read for those looking for an original and campy tale.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

A fantastically weird read that hooked me right from the beginning and didn't let me go. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it

I have to say that this book was not what I was expecting. It was good at the end but not right book for me.

What a weird and wonderful read! super grateful to the publisher for this one as i know it was very popular! I really enjoyed the reality show element to the book, however the big bear/wolf thing was very odd. But made for a great story!

Delightfully bizarre. LOVE ISLAND meets FINAL DESTINATION in this short but sweet horror novel, Samantha Allen is a brilliant writer with a wild imagination.

Crazy wild horror read, I want more!

I’m not even sure what I just read but I’m here for it-crazy plot which makes it stand out as one for me.

I really love this kind of horror. I had a lot of fun reading this; the humour was pretty funny, it had a few really scary moments and the ending was surprisingly sweet. It felt a little too short, I wanted to know way more about the strange main character (what the hell was she even doing on the dating show to begin with??). The second half is where it becomes a slasher but I also felt that went by far too quickly, as if it was trying to get the characters out of the way rather than giving time to breathe within kills. A lot of questions, especially about the members of the island group, went unanswered in a way that didn't satisfy me. Would recommend this though, if not just for a quick, weird and funny queer read about. Found family? And sasquatches.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and publisher Faber and Faber Ltd in exchange for an honest review.

A queer horror book centred around a reality dating show? There are few combinations of words which could get me more excited. Patricia Wants to Cuddle is the story of what happens when the cast of a fake Bachelor wind up on the wrong island.

This book had all the right components. It starts off just following the cast members of the show, who are all interesting and well-written. It didn't feel like I was waiting for the horror to begin, I was enjoying getting to know the characters and excited to see what would happen to them. Then the horror does kick in and it is an enjoyable ride.

One strength of this book is it feels absolutely unique. It was not what I expected going in and I have read very few things like it. Unfortunately this is also the book's biggest weakness. For such a unique story, it ends quite abruptly and feels very anti-climatic. Thematically it works but that's just about the only level it does work on for me.

Overall, I still have a strong soft spot for this book. I would love to read more things by it and I am very excited to see what the author does next. With a more satisfactory ending, this easily could have been a 5 star read for me

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

This was such a strange but gripping book - for me the last 50 pages or so were brilliant. The plot surrounds a reality TV show which at times felt a little slow, but the snowballing, WILD ending was great. Very much enjoyed, I do wish the last part of the book was more like the rest though! Still an author to keep an eye out for, I'm excited to see what they write next