I just reviewed Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine. #DelicateCondition #NetGalley

Just outright shocking and description of Motherhood I think the body that goes thru this pain even one wants to be a mother is realistic horror !

“Delicate Condition” was a twisty, delicious take on the pregnancy horror genre. I initially requested this novel because of it being the basis for the new American Horror Story season.

It exceeded my expectations! I also loved how it acknowledges the societal issues surrounding motherhood and pregnancy - including the racism within the medical systems.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this!

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine. When I started this book, I assumed it would be a typical thriller. And while I enjoyed the beginning.. the middle/end took a huge unexpected turn. I am still not sure what I read. I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. The ending was a bit odd. I did enjoy this fast paced book overall. Thanks NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!

Rating 3.75/5 stars

First things first, major content warnings for anyone who has struggled to get pregnant, has had a miscarriage, has struggled with finding a doctor who will listen, or has personal experience with cancer.

I went into this story basically blind and I had no clue what kind of ride I signed up for! I knew pregnancy was the main theme, but nothing else. Without giving anything away, I LOVED the concept of this book. A little horror, a little thriller - Delicate Condition was a great book that dealt with a lot of heavy topics. Thrillers that are almost entirely realistic are some of the best because it could happen to the reader and Delicate Condition is one of those thrillers!

I think my main critique is that the pacing was a bit slow and I felt like it could have been a slightly shorter book. It kind of felt like the ending was a bit rushed after having to push myself through the first half of the book. But the twists were definitely worth it. I never would have guessed some of the plot points!

Overall, this was a good read and I would definitely recommend Delicate Condition! Just check the cws before diving in.


Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an ARC! All thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

Anna Victoria Alcott has been an actress since she starred in the show called spellbound as a teenager since then she has played the best friend sister but never the leading lady. Recently she starred in a movie called overture that has become a humongous sensation and she is even up for an Oscar. She is also married to Dex and they are trying to have a baby they have been going to a posh infertility clinic and hopes this time will be the charm. Lucky for Anna it is but it is also around this time she notices a woman in a baseball hat seems to be everywhere she goes and this is just the beginning of anus problems. Throughout the book we meet other women who for one reason or another or desperate to have a baby in while reading and a story you wonder what they have to do with it but it all eventually comes together in the end this is a spooky story with many possible suspects including her husband Dax ex-wife and her best friend One of the great things about this book is everyone who becomes a suspect you can really see being the guilty party but how would end is unlike anything I could’ve guessed it will be a total shock to every reader. It seems like everything is happening at one time for poor Anna and her husband makes her think she is crazy and probably even believes she is until it is almost too late. This book as I said is not in like you would think a horror story is going to end and OMG it was a great book a twisty horror story that I couldn’t wait to read and I’m so glad I did. I want to thank net galley and source of books landmark for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Anna Alcott wants nothing more than to have a baby, however she finds herself struggling with infertility. While going through the IVF process, strange things start happening and Anna believes somebody is trying to sabotage her chances of having a healthy baby.

I want to start this review by saying I can ABSOLUTELY see this book being an American Horror Story season (rumor has it this book is the inspiration for this season of AHS). I think that alone helped me power through this book. While the storyline was interesting and creepy, I just feel like it could have been about 100 pages shorter. By the time I finally got the end I found myself not really caring about what had been happening with Anna and her baby.

I’m giving Delicate Condition ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because I was interested in the premise, some parts had me grossed out and scared, and as a whole this will make a great season of AHS.

Delicate Condition is out now - pick up this book if you’re a fan of AHS and enjoyed The Push by Ashley Audrain

TW for infertility and miscarriage

I feel like the first thing I need to say is I freaking loved this book but it could be triggering for those struggling with infertility and miscarriages. As a mom who has lost two babies and struggled with getting pregnant afterwards, I will say I felt that the author did great at capturing the emotions without being so much that I couldn’t go on with the book. That being said, I did not want to put it down!

I don’t want to give any of the details away but I went into this one completely blind and found myself wondering is she crazy? Is she cursed? Is someone close to her terrorizing her? I kept jumping back and forth with it and finally figured it out, and was so pleased with the ending. This was my first book by Danielle Valentine but I will definitely be reading more of her work. If you liked Rosemary’s Baby, Nightbitch and/or Motherthing, you’ll love this one. Thanks to the author and Sourcebooks for my advanced audiobook. Delicate Condition is available today.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. Loved it! Creepy vibes and I kept wanting to turn the pages.

This book scared the fuck out of me! (In a good way)

As the title might imply, this horror story deals heavily with themes of pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Drawing from her own experiences and those of people she knows, Valentine paints a dark portrait of what it's like to be pregnant that will be triggering to some and make others feel seen and validated.

Andrea Bartz described this book as a feminist update to Rosemary's Baby, which I think is apt. Both deal with themes of isolation, gaslighting, sacrifice, and pain through protagonists who are strong but afraid and very, very vulnerable.

Delicate Condition's protagonist is Anna, a working actress whose recent role in an indie film has rocketed her from side character to sensation overnight.

At the same time, she and her husband have been going through the emotionally and physically gruelling process of IVF. When they finally have a viable embryo, Anna's career is at a new peak and everything should be wonderful, but all this attention may have it's costs

Anna fears that someone is watching her, a fear that is confirmed when increasingly alarming events start happening. Soon, Anna is left feeling like there's no one she can really trust, including herself and her own mind

Anna's fears are visceral, relatable, and absolutely chilling

As a reader, I felt so protective of Anna, who became more and more isolated with each secret she uncovered

It's an intense read, but one that I wholeheartedly recommend

It will make you pause to think about how the medical system and society at large treat pregnant people, and all the frightening unknowns that folks still face during their pregnancies or their struggles with infertility

Thanks to #Netgalley for the advance review copy of this exceptional book

I want to begin with my daughter telling me the new season of AHS was based on a novel and I asked her the name. I was puzzled I had not heard of it and when I discovered it was not published yet I sped to Net Galley to see if I could snag a copy and WOW was I excited to be selected. What a fantastic story this was multi layered and suspenseful in the way that as soon as you are sure you know who is who the story changes. This is a horror mystery novel layered over a girl power message. As I read the book, I nodded often agreeing with the author and her views on how women in general and especially pregnant women are perceived by men and doctors. The reader is offered contemporary social commentary within what will be a horror classic for sure. I will admit I read the story with the protagonist as Emma Roberts in my mind so I look for to watching AHS and seeing how the story is brought to life on the screen.

I learned about this book after finding out that the new season of American Horror Story will be based off of it. Let me tell you this is PERFECT for AHS. Valentine absolutely crushed the subtle "is it real? Is it supernatural? What the f*ck is going on?" nature of a perfect AHS season. Without giving any spoilers, I will say I can see how this ties in to a couple previous AHS seasons almost seamlessly. And if you're not already watching it, but you like horror, what are you doing with your life? READ THIS then go watch all the seasons. CW: miscarriage. I don't know how to categorize trigger warnings without spoilers so just know it's creepy af and if you don't like gross stuff, why are you here?

Delicate Condition introduces us to Anna Alcott, an actor who has finally made it big by starring in a hit movie but wants nothing more than to have a healthy baby with her husband. When she is told she had a miscarriage, a whirlwind of events begin to occur which make Anna believe there still may be a baby, or something, growing within her womb. Anna begins to think someone is watching her, she is having odd cravings, and experiencing “pregnancy brain” beyond all her expectations. What is really happening? Who can Anna trust?

I really enjoyed reading this book! The unique plot and the mix of genres in Ms. Valentine’s first adult novel drew me in from the start. I found myself trying to eliminate each character as someone who could have a role in Anna’s sinister pregnancy. The ending was not what I was expecting but fabulous never the less! Be sure not to miss the author’s note.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.

Wow!! This grabs you on so many levels!! Emotionally and mentally I was drawn to the twists and turns that kept me guessing and kept me wanting to get to the ending yet not wanting the book to end as I was enjoying it so much! Suspenseful and dramatic to say the least the characters are so well built out it becomes so absorbing!!

Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this book in time to recommend you get it on your summer reading list quick!! Yet really this is a great read for any time as a true must read!

This was a thriller about a woman struggling with IVF. There are serious horror vibes with witchcraft that took this book to not really being my cup of tea. An okay read, but not one I think I’ll revisit. I appreciate the opportunity to provide this review.

I’m apparently in the minority, but I didn’t love “Delicate Condition.” It’s a decent (thriller) book that follows a woman who desperately wants to have a baby and while there is some thoughtful social commentary on childbirth and how women are treated, the supernatural aspects just got a little too weird for me to truly enjoy. It’s not a bad book and it’s an easy read, but the story became too bizarre for my liking. 3 stars ⭐️. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy for review

I couldn't resist requesting "Delicate Condition" on Netgalley after hearing it would be a central theme for American Horror Story - my fascination with all things gore drew me in. The added reference to it being compared to The Silent Patient sealed the deal. To my genuine surprise, I was selected, and what followed was an intense two-day read that could easily be devoured in one sitting. This book evoked such raw and visceral feelings, simultaneously frightening and compelling with its beautiful prose. Anna's grief and paranoia became my own, making me feel as though I was descending into madness alongside her. The book also exposed the infuriating history of downplaying women's physical and mental health as mere hysteria, a fact highlighted even more in the author's poignant note at the end. Skipping it would be a mistake; it will truly touch your heart.

One aspect I loved was the withholding of real explanations until the end. The different female perspectives interspersed with Anna's lightly touched on the plot, leaving me constantly wondering and piecing things together. I almost passed on this book but learning that it inspired AHS season 12 changed my mind, and I'm so grateful for that discovery. This book is unputdownable, and I highly recommend it to all readers.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the author, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, and NetGalley for providing me with digital access in exchange for this honest review.

I can’t thank @bookmarked enough for the advanced reading copy and to @netgalley for the advanced listening copy. Since I found out about this in April, it’s been one of my most anticipated books. I devoured this in 3 days and truly enjoyed the wild ride this book was. For starters, this is one of my favorite covers of the year. It's so ominous yet beautiful. The story centers around Anna Alcott, a celebrity dealing with infertility and IVF (trigger warnings). Then she gets pregnant. Unfortunately, Anna suffers a miscarriage yet is convinced she is still pregnant. What happens when no one around you listens to you? Including your husband. This book felt a lot deeper than just a thriller/horror novel. It feels real. And the author note at the end? Please read it. Because it gave me chills just like the rest of the novel.

I audibly gasped at the twists and turns this story took. The ending was incredible and in true AHS fashion, gives you a run for your money. BTW did you know this is the inspiration for American Horror Story Season 12: Delicate?! Such an incredible feat for Danielle and now that I’ve gotten the chance to read this, I can definitely see why! So, until we get an update on when season 12 comes out - you should DEFINITELY pick this book up when it publishes TOMORROW AUGUST 1ST!

@hillaryoutloud was the narrator of this audiobook and she did such a great job portraying Anna. Every emotion was felt, whether it was fear, anger, frustration, or exhaustion, I felt it all. When I wasn’t reading the physical copy, I was thinking about it and trying my hardest to listen to the audio. I just couldn’t put it down until I was done.

This book.kept b me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I would say if you're sensitive about miscarriage to maybe prepare yourself. I am so thankful to Net galley for giving me.the opportunity to read this book.

I really wanted to read Delicate Condition based on the premise and that the new American Horror Story would be based on it. Although I loved the plot it took too long to get to the mystery surrounding Anna’s pregnancy and was wrapped up way too quickly. I also found most of the characters rather annoying including Anna. I’d also like to have had her character fleshed out a little more. Nothing about her made me feel like she’s was an Oscar nominated actress. She seemed weak and gullible. After reading the Author’s Note I do think I see a little bit more of what the message was that she was intending however I really wanted this to be a freaky and scary book with an awesome plot twist. It wasn’t. I’ll still watch AHS and I hope they give it the “horror” I was looking for.

𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟖.𝟏.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒮𝑜𝑜𝓃!

Thank you @bookmarked for the gifted copy.

Thank you @dreamscape_media for the complimentary audiobook.

Okay, wow! This book did not go where I thought it would - but it was a wild read!

Anna Alcott is a successful actress with a loving husband, but now in her late thirties, she wants to be a mom. She and Dex have been going through the IVF and Anna starts to notice, well Dex first points out, that she is forgetful. Anna misses appointment dates and forgets medicines but swears she is not at fault.

When she finally conceives, Anna and Dex are ecstatic, only to be devastated when they lose the baby weeks later. But… Anna swears she feels something still stirring inside her, and strange symptoms are increasing. But the doctors tell her it's all hormones.

Then Anna starts having visions that something else is growing inside her… but what?

This started much like a thriller where you sensed someone might be messing around with Anna. You don’t know who to trust; I even started questioning Anna’s mental health. There is a lot of gaslighting, lies, and deceit. And then, as the story progressed, an element of horror/fantasy was mixed in! I don’t want to say too much because I don’t think you’ll guess the ending. I sure didn’t see that coming!

Besides being an edgy, twisted, and chilling thriller, this one speaks loudly to female reproductive rights and care. So if you are uncomfortable with descriptions of IVF, miscarriage & pregnancy, please be aware.