I was drawn to the premise of the book, in particular the medical gaslighting of women. Sadly, I just never connected with this one. I felt it was drawn out and just not for me in the end.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book is about Anna and her husband Dex who have been desperately trying to get pregnant. Anna is a famous actress so she goes through extra lengths of trying to keep things private as she goes through her IVF procedures. Soon she realizes that people know and feels maybe someone is following her…possibly even sabotaging the process.

She does end up pregnant however unfortunately loses the baby and is distraught. A couple weeks later however, she is convinced she’s still pregnant because she feels the baby move despite having lost it. So what really is inside of her? No one believes her and her condition seems very fragile. What unravels is certainly unique and not anything I would have guessed! I can’t wait to discuss this books with someone!

I had to sit with my feelings on this book for a hot second and I’m still not fully sure where I sit. It is described as a mix between Silent Patient and The Push which I loved both of those so was super excited to read them. I 💯 can see the relation there however there is a portion of this book that gets weird (think Nightbitch…which I did not care for) and so that’s why I had to sit with my thoughts. I would say the first 70% or so I enjoyed, the next 20% I kept thinking was very strange (down Anna’s non traditional pregnancy cravings) then the last 10% brought it back together. Overall I enjoyed it but wish the 20% was just different. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I have found I am very particular with horror aspect of books and for some reason without spoiling anything I just didn’t care for one sliver of this book. I would definitely read more from this author to see if I had different thoughts next time!

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to horror books. Some prefer slashers while others prefer more suspenseful reads. However, Delicate Condition hits that sweet spot that few horrors do as it’s a book based on what some women’s realities truly are which is the scariest of all.

The story follows Anna Alcott who is an on-the-rise actress struggling to get pregnant. She’s done multiple rounds of IVF with no success until she becomes pregnant. It’s going fine until she tragically suffers a miscarriage. She is understandably distraught and begs anyone who will listen that she just wants to be able to have her baby back.

Oddly enough within the next few weeks, Anna starts to feel as though she might be pregnant, and coupled with the unexpected symptoms she’s having, It’s frightening to see just how much control Anna doesn’t have. It gets even worse as no one is believing her or pretending she’s imagining everything amidst her grief.

As this story is inspired by Rosemary’s Baby, you might think you have the entire thing pegged yet Danielle Valentine takes you on a ride. The author makes you question every single character, every interaction, and everyone Anna interacts with throughout the story. In a way, you can relate to her because as the audience, we have no idea what’s going on.

Eventually, the pieces start to fall into place but I won’t give away any spoilers. Ultimately, this book proves exactly why pregnancy is still such a taboo topic. There are so many things we still don’t know especially when it comes to miscarriages. It’s scary to think about how your body can do something without you even realizing yet Delicate Condition takes it a step further.

Regardless of what type of horror you enjoy, I think Delicate Condition is a must-read for this summer. It’ll leave a lasting impact on you and make you questions things you’ve never even considered. If this one isn’t on your radar, it needs to be.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me with this book for review. All opinions are my own.

Wow, this is a doozy of a book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end. I literally couldn't put it down. The publisher says this book is The Push meets The Silent Patient (which were both favorites for me as well). I will definitely keep my eye out for future books from this author.

Anna and Dex desperately want a baby and are jumping through all the hoops to make that a reality. Anna is an actress and is juggling that life of being famous as well as wanting to start a family. Strange things keep happening that makes Anna question her sanity and everyone she comes in contact with. The author keeps the reader guessing till the last few pages of the book. Seriously, read this when it comes out.

What a fast ride into madness. Delicate Condition will leave your head and heart spinning and pounding. I really enjoyed this book and the meaning behind it, not only was it a thriller/horror but also a testimony of what women do go thru with the medical community on some level.

There are trigger warnings for some that will be hard such as miscarriage and infertility.

With that if you are ok I highly recommend this book it was amazing!

I’ve been a fan of Danielle Valentine for years. As a teenager I read “The Merciless” series written under her pen name Danielle Vega, and fell in love with her writing style and characters.

I’m so happy to report that all of those feelings remain with her first adult novel “Delicate Condition”.

The novel follows Anna Alcott, a famous child star who hadn’t had much luck in the entertainment business until her directorial debut puts her back on the map over twenty years later. Anna has it all. The career, the money, and her charming husband, Dex. What she doesn’t have, is a child. After failed attempts at IVF and her forties around the corner, Anna’s perfect life seems to ride on one final piece missing- a baby. Just when Anna thinks it wont happen, she becomes pregnant. But not long after the happy news, She begins to experience things she can’t explain, and her pregnancy journey is quickly turned into a terrifying nightmare.

I can’t say much more without spoiling the story. What I can tell you is that Danielle Valentine has taken every aspect of her YA writing and has weaved together a phenomenal adult novel. The characters are incredibly believable and the suspense and horror are bone chilling. The pace is done perfectly and flows seamlessly with a complex cast of characters and timelines. It is as much horrific as it is heartfelt,

A massive thank you to NetGalley, Danielle Valentine, and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for allowing me access to the digital arc for my honest review!

I've read too many books like this as of late and have decided to DNF and come back to it. Made it about 20% through before deciding to stop. Writing is pretty good and it is intriguing thus far.

Delicate Conditon by Danielle Valentine was rare find to read. This is her first Adult Fiction book that has been released. This book had you wondering wheather Anna and Dex's baby was human or not. This book reminded me of Rosemary's Baby with the chapters alterating between women who where part of the coven and Anna's story. This book was an emotional roller coaster with Anna's struggles with IVF and wanting so depserately to be a mother. Anna also struggles with being in the limelite after her new movie has gotten a lot of Ocasr buzz. She is being stalked by a crazed fan and her appointments on her Google calendar keeps changing. Anna feels like she is losing her mind and wants to go away into order to concentrate on her pregnancy. The ending was unbelievable that I will not give it away. This is a must read for anyone who loves thiller that doesn't end like you think it will. If you like this one you may want to try her YA books.

I had heard that the new season of American Horror Story was going to be based on this book, so I was super excited to get an early copy! I really enjoyed the writing style, as well as the sense of slowing creeping dread that pervaded every scene. I liked Anna a lot, and while I can't relate to her desire to have a baby no matter what she has to go through, I can certainly sympathize with her. The idea of pregnancy is very scary to me, so what's happening with Anna and her baby is the height of terror for me. I do wish there had been a little more at the end though, I was really curious to see more about what Anna did after everything had happened.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wild read. It sucked me in right away. The comparison to The Push is accurate in the sense of an unreliable main character. You will find yourself questioning if things are really happening or if it’s all in her head.

Small complaint: There was a huge build up throughout the story, yet the ending felt a bit abrupt. You will never expect the explanation though. Bizarre. Creepy.

Loved the author’s note at the end regarding what inspired her to write this book. 3.5 stars! Looking forward to seeing the AHS season based on this book.

Delicate Condition
by Danielle Valentine
This book was a bit, ok very creepy and dark. I LOVED it. It was actually sad and I felt chills as well. This book was a great read. I see it as a movie, count me in.

This was an interesting read and accurately portrayed the feelings of a woman who is desperately trying to become pregnant. The horror factor took it to another level and I was worried that it would be disturbing, but it was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Anna and Dex only want a baby. After going through years of IVF, they finally get a positive test. Anna is over the moon thrilled. She begins noticing strange things around her and someone lurking in the shadows. She's an actress who's got some traction lately, it can't have anything to do with the child growing inside her. Until one day she feels extreme pain, she is miscarrying. The emotional and physical pain are too much for Anna. She hides away from the world and loses herself. Then, she feels something stir inside her. Could it be? Could the doctors be wrong? Is her baby still alive? When Anna starts hallucinating, she's no longer sure who to trust and what in this world is safe. Will she make it out alive?
This book takes on several pregnancy stigmas as well as dealing heavily with miscarriage. Be warned. It was a wild ride. I read through it in less than a day. Fantastic novel. A great read for people who love psychological suspense. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy.

I enjoyed this chic and girl power-y update to the whole “devil baby” trope. This story was soooo immersive I flew through it in no time! It was twisty in so many different ways, it really made for an invigorating read. I was so invested that I haaaad to keep reading to find out what exactly was happening.

My only complaints are that it felt a little repetitive at times (and this made the story feel longer than it needed to be), and that the action points in final act were too unbelievable for me. It seemed like the author tried almost too hard to neatly fit all the happenings in this story together at the end, with the resulting explanations feeling inorganic and forced. However, those common horror issues didn’t stop me from enjoying the story as a whole.

I was provided with an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review

Book Review: "Delicate Condition


"Delicate Condition presents a promising premise. The story follows Anna Alcott, a woman determined to conceive a child, who becomes convinced that a mysterious and malevolent force is actively working against her. While the novel delivers a gripping premise, it falls short of fully capitalizing on its potential.

One of the strengths of "Delicate Condition " lies in its portrayal of Anna's desperate desire to become pregnant. The author effectively captures the emotional rollercoaster of her grueling IVF journey, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles. The sense of frustration and vulnerability that Anna experiences as she contends with her increasingly public life while suspecting foul play adds a layer of tension to the narrative.

The author adeptly weaves a sense of paranoia and suspense throughout the story, keeping readers guessing about the identity of the mysterious figure undermining Anna's pregnancy attempts.
However, "Delicate Conditions " falls short in its execution. The pacing is is very slow throughout the beginning and the middle .. While some readers may appreciate the slower pace, it detracts from the overall tension and impact of the story.

Additionally, the characterization in the novel feels somewhat underdeveloped. Anna is the most well-rounded character, with her fears and desires clearly conveyed. However, the supporting characters lack depth and fail to evoke strong emotions. Their reactions to Anna's claims of sabotage often come across as dismissive or flat, making it difficult to fully invest in their perspectives.

Despite these shortcomings, "Unseen Shadows" remains a moderately engaging read. Fans of psychological thrillers may appreciate the underlying themes of paranoia and the exploration of a woman's journey through fertility struggles. While the execution may not reach its full potential, the novel still manages to deliver moments of suspense and intrigue.
Thank you to SourceBooks Landmark and NetGalley for allowing me to read this part in exchange for an unbiased review.

This was a compulsive read. I was hooked right from the start until the very end. If you are looking for an addictive domestic thriller with a twisty ending that actually works. This is the book for you. Rumored to be the basis for the American Horror Story season 12, titled "Delicate" I am impatiently waiting to see what they do with this story because this was a cinematic reading experience and I really feel that this will come across well on screen.

Anna Alcott and her husband Dex are expecting their first child after a difficult IVF journey. Anna should be basking in joy happily preparing for her babies arrival, but unfortunately her experience is anything but. She is convinced that she is being stalked by a mysterious women, she is receiving disturbing messages, and she's almost certain someone has hacked into her account and is messing around with her personal e-calendar. The worst part is that no one seems to believe her, including her husband.

I feel that is all readers really need to know going into this story, it really does take off rather quickly and goes into some bizarre directions that were completely unexpected. There is some horror elements present in the story, but this definitely leans more towards psychological thriller. A large portion of the novel takes place at a family friends beach home during a winter storm and this setting created a very isolating and claustrophobic atmosphere that ramped up the tension. All in all a really great reading experience that may have pulled me out of my thriller reading slump.

While I enjoyed this very much it was not a perfect read. I found the characters to be really two dimensional, very generic and as much as i wanted to connect with Anna, i just didn't. In fact she was kind of unlikeable. Thats pretty much how I felt about all the characters, I just didn't vibe with any of them. I am a character driven reader and typically this would be a huge let down for me, but I feel like the plot of this story and the directions it went really saved the book for me.

There were some ideas in here that I wish were further explored, because they were so intriguing. Please check for trigger warnings before going into this as there are some upsetting themes explored that can be highly triggering. Overall a great reading experience, and a thriller that I would highly recommend.

Thank you so much to #netgalley and #sourcebooks for an arc copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I don't really have any huge opinions on this book, it was fine. If you're looking at this book and see the tag "mystery thriller" and are intrigued based off of that then look elsewhere because this is mostly leaning into thriller/horror. Some of the imagery in this book were horrifying and some of it was disgusting. There are also definitely major creepy elements in it.

It will make for an interesting season of American Horror Story, which I'll definitely be watching. (Hoping they don't make Kim Kardashian be Anna)

!!!Trigger warning!!! Body horror!

Extremely raw, on some places I needed to close my eyes and take a breath.
Anna takes us to her IVF journey, we take a glimpse of her hopes and dreams to see them crashing to pieces.
Add a little bit of stalker theme and you have a delicious read.

The modern revival of Rosemary’s Baby that we all needed. So this is also a book you will enjoy if you have read The Push by Ashley Audrain. Women’s pain and mental health has always been put in the background and this book is great at shedding light and as someone who is constantly being dismissed by doctors both male and female, it was good to see they being addressed. This one had some twists that were predictable, but I was still engaged and had to read to to the end. Make sure to read the Author’s Note. Also I was reading up and saw that this story is going to be the premise of the newest season of American Horror Story.

Anna Alcott, an actress in her late thirties, would do anything to have a child. Her journey with IVF has been difficult, causing mounting frustration and anxiety that she and her husband won't be able to conceive. On top of this, her fame increases as Oscar buzz surrounds her latest movie, forcing her into the public eye and garnering negative attention on various social media platforms. Her husband and her doctors are quick to blame stress as the cause of her forgetfulness when she misses appointments or loses medications. Still, Anna, who begins to receive cryptic notes on her phone, is convinced someone is trying to sabotage her; when she finally becomes pregnant, a break-in at her home occurs and forces her to go into hiding. As her symptoms worsen and the messages she receives grow more threatening, Anna wonders: is her baby even human?

Filled with suspense, mystery, and the particular body horror that comes with pregnancy, Delicate Condition didn't necessarily hook me right away. Still, I was fully invested once I got a bit more into it. The frustration of not being heard by doctors is all too real; I have never been pregnant, nor do I plan on it (especially after reading this, sheesh), but I've been dismissed by doctors before. There was a lot to like about this book, and it keeps you reading, even if it is a little predictable. There's also a CW at the beginning, and I appreciate that! Overall, 3.5 honey and anise cookies out of 5. Thank you to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for the review copies!

Also, just found out this will be the basis for the new season of AHS, but I won't hold that against the book.