I am a rather new Heather Gudenkauf reader but have no become a huge fan and can't wait to read the rest of her books. I absolutely loved the plot of this story and all the twists and turns. GREAT read! And like I said, I can't wait to read her others. This one will definitely be a hit!

Imagine you are watching a live stream and all of a sudden a gun gets pulled out and it looks like someone is laying on the floor bleeding but then the live stream gets cut off. That is exactly what millions watching saw before the feed was pulled. In one of Heath Gudenkauf best novels yet two unlikely people work together to create a thrilling new competition show with an incredible winning prize of 10 million dollars. But things start taking a turn one after another and we have a very scary situation on hand that everyone is watching on live stream! Who will win and at what cost?

This kept me on the literal edge of my chair the entire time! I was shocked at every part of the book and shocked at how realistic it was. I felt like this easily could happen today with the way we see modern technology and the amount of reality competition shows there are! But I thought this was an incredible book! I never knew what was coming and even at the end I was shocked! I could read this over and over again and never get tired of it. I would suggest this to any thriller fan!

I've enjoyed Heather Gudenkauf's writing in the past, so I was immediately intrigued when I was invited to join the blog tour for her newest title Everyone Is Watching. Then I read the blurb, and I knew I simply HAD to read it. I absolutely loved the sound of the reality TV angle and how things seemed to be a lot darker than just a bit of over the top drama you usually see on those shows... And I couldn't wait to dive in and discover just how far things would go. Spoiler alert: even further than you can imagine! I had an absolute blast reading this story.

Before I continue, I have to confess that Everyone Is Watching is not for everyone. You definitely have to be able to suspend your disbelief in able to enjoy this story... And I mean big time. The plot is both extremely over the top and lacks credibility, which I personally didn't mind at all with the entertainment level being through the roof and all. I was having too much fun to spend time wondering just how credible the situation would be, and how on earth the contestants wouldn't run away screaming after the first signs of just how twisted One Lucky Winner would be. I guess that they do have 10 million reasons not to do so, but still... If you think you can't look past this, I would suggest passing up on this story; if you are able to just go with the flow, you are in for one heck of a ride.

I'm keeping this review short, because I don't want to give away too much and spoil the plot twists and the clever way everything fits together in the end. A very well constructed plot indeed! Everyone Is Watching uses a multiple POV structure, where we switch between all five contestants, the assistant slash host of the show and multiple viewers (although those POVs are minor). There are also a couple flashback chapters to the past, revealing more information about what certain characters are hiding and how it relates to the present. This all sounds like a lot, but somehow it's quite easy to keep track of it all.

Most of the characters aren't exactly likeable, but in this case it didn't really matter as the main focus is on the reality show and everything that happens. And trust me, you will be too busy with every crazy twist and event the plot throws at you to crave a stronger character development... Just as you think the plot has reached its peak level of disturbing, yet another event is introduced that will bowl you over. Again, this plot is by no means credible, but it is SO deliciously twisted and exhilarating! The writing itself is once again engaging, and it is very easy to just keep turning those pages. Especially since I simply HAD to know how everything would end!

Everyone Is Watching is one of those books you either hate or love depending on how you react to over the top, high octane and seriously twisted rollercoaster rides. I personally had a blast with this story though, and I can imagine it would make a fantastic movie adapation!

The premise of Everyone is Watching is what really caught my attention and made me pick up this book. A locked door mystery with a game show and reality tv—yes, please!

Five people find out they have been chosen for a game show with the chance of winning ten million dollars. They travel to an out of the way villa/winery, where they stay throughout the game. The contestants have their phones and all contact with those outside of the game cut off. Quickly, they begin to feel uneasy about each other, the game, and the secrets that surround them.

This was an intriguing well paced book. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and how the contestants secrets and back stories were slowly revealed bit by bit so the motives of the contestants were always in question. The one thing I felt was missing for me was a character to root for. Overall, this book is entertaining and worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the Whaley in exchange for an honest review.

"Everyone is Watching" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of suspense and deception that will leave readers guessing until the very end. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes reality game show, this novel explores the lengths people will go to in order to win, and the dangerous secrets they'll do anything to protect.

The characters in "Everyone is Watching" are expertly crafted, each with their own hidden agendas and dark pasts. From the loyal best friend to the ambitious executive, the contestants on One Lucky Winner are brought to life with vivid detail and complexity. As the competition heats up and tensions rise, alliances are formed and betrayed, leading to shocking revelations and unexpected twists.

3.5 stars

I haven't read a lot of Heather Gudenkauf's novels, but so many of my bookstagram friends, such as @beautyandthebook , love her so I was really excited to read her 2024 novel, EVERYONE IS WATCHING. After reading the author's acknowledgments, this book sounds like a major change of course and I'm hear for it!

EVERYONE IS WATCHING revolves around a reality show featuring five contestants, aptly nicknamed "The Best Friend, The Confidant, The Senator, The Boyfriend, The Executive"—they all have actual names, but it's easier to list them this way for now. Each of these five contestants were chosen to be on the new game show, One Lucky Winner, where they'll compete for $10 million dollars after a series of challenges. They'll be secluded at a private location in Northern California and isolated from the outside world (feels like Big Brother to me!). When the show begins, the contestants realize that this isn't just a reality show, this is dangerous. Especially when they find out that not everyone on this show isn't who they say they are.

This book is a popcorn thriller through and through! I was able to guess what was going to happen pretty early on, so that is the rationale for my rating, but this book is fast-paced and fun throughout the story. I love books centered around reality shows and EVERYONE IS WATCHING felt like they were competing on a Squid Game type of show which just adds more to the thriller aspect of the story. Readers of light popcorn thrillers will LOVE this book!

Holy CRAP!! This book was INTENSE! My jaw dropped so many times I can’t even try to count how many! I loved the concept of the game to win $10 million, and as I read on to see the real details of the contestants and the driver behind the game, I was shook! SO GOOD! Twisty, turny, and unpredictable! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was I felt like there was too much space between events happening. It went back and forth between then and now, and the now chapter would end with a cliffhanger, and the next chapter was then, but when I finished the then chapter I had forgotten what was going on in the now chapter.

I think this book just wasn't for me. I'm not a big reality TV fan, to begin with. That said, it was a good book and well-written. The character interactions were believable and you did love to hate some of them. I feel like the premise was a little far-fetched but I guess revenge has no boundaries. That is why I gave it 3 stars. For me, it was good, but not great or earthshattering.

I received an advance review copy for free (Thank you NetGalley); this review is 100% honest and my own opinion, and I wrote it voluntarily.

Survivor meets Hunger Games in the "new" reality tv show, streamed live in, Everyone Is Watching. Only a few nominated contestants get to compete for the prize of 10 million dollars. They each have a reason to compete in this new and unknown tv show and they all have secrets they want to keep hidden.

I had high hopes for this book and story, but overall I felt like it was a bit obvious where it was going. It had a level of unrealistic aspects that I had a hard time letting go regarding the actual filming of the show and those involved. This just never would've gone down in real life. Way too many red flags.

It seems that reality tv shows are having a moment in literature. This had plenty of background, secrets, lies and juice to keep one entertained by at the end of the day it felt too fantastical. Would make for a good poolside, summer read when you're wanting something out of the realm of reality.

Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row for this complimentary eARc.

More like 2.5 ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC

This was just okay. I loved the idea of this dangerous reality show. We were told that the stakes were very high and everyone was in serious danger. Unfortunately for most of the book those promises were ignored. It was a popcorn read I guess, but I think there are better thrillers to spend time reading. This was my second time trying this author's work. I think it will be the last.

The tension, the unraveling of secrets, the feeling of being trapped……I think I was holding my breath during the last 50 pages. Someone seeks revenge, and the stakes are life and death but who will break first??
This book seems perfect for fans of Survivor and Squid Games.

Everyone Is Watching is a captivating story of a mysterious high-stakes game takes a dangerous turn, making it a thrilling read that will keep you up all night. This gripping novel features a do-or-die reality show, a cast of intriguing characters, and a suspenseful drumbeat that captivates from the very first page. If you're looking for an escape from reality, this twisty thriller is the perfect book to dive into.

This book reminded me of Squid Games or MTV's The Challenge. Five people are invited to compete on a reality tv show at a secluded villa for the chance to win one million dollars; however, the reader will soon realize that each contestant has a secret that could ruin their life that may be revealed during the game. I was able to figure out some of the connections pretty early on in the story. I do wish it had been a little bit longer because the ending was a little rushed. Overall, the book was a relatively quick read and kept me entertained.

A fast paced thriller unlike anything I have ever read before! It reminded me of a mix of Big Brother, Survivor, and Clue. Five contestants are chosen to join the reality show One Lucky Winner, in the hopes of winning 10 million dollars. Who will win?

* The mom with a sick child (The Best Friend)
* The psychiatrist (The Confidante)
* The senator (The Senator)
* The Hollywood executive ( The Executive)
* The attorney (The Boyfriend)

Secluded on a grand Italian inspired estate, the contestants notice that things don’t seem to be playing out the way they expected and there is a sense of danger involved in the challenges they must complete, both physical danger and the danger of secrets being revealed that they are desperate to keep hidden. How far will they go and who are they willing to take down to protect themselves?

I couldn’t put this down! I did predict the overall ending, but still enjoyed it and there were some details in the ending that I didn’t see coming.

This book was really slow at the beginning. Not like the usual books from this author.
I kept reading and was glad I did. After you learn about all the characters the story takes off.
Who are these contestants?
Why are the challenges for the contestants so dangerous?
Who will win?
Read this book and find out the answers to all these questions!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Everyone is Watching is a fun and faced paced book. I loved the locked room and reality show premise. Everyone is keeping secrets and trying to figure how everything ties together was so much fun. There were times that it had me on the edge of my seat and feeling anxious for the characters. I had a great time reading while reading the book.


Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/ Park Row for the digital arc.

It's Survivor, Squid Game, Influential culture and a locked room mystery all in one!

Heather Gudenkauf made me sit up and take notice with her debut, a superb and surprising thriller. This second book is definitely a page turner, but it's quite a bit sillier, too, requiring some massive suspension of disbelief. But I tore through it and it really pulled the rug out from under my expecations several times in a truly satisfying way. What more can you ask of a popcorn thriller really?

3.5 stars.
Five contestants are invited to join a mysterious new competition show, that promises more challenges, more adventure, and more prize money than any other show. With $10 million dollars on the line, the five guests find themselves at a sprawling villa in Napa Valley, where the wine is as plentiful as the complex land. The contestants, also known to viewers as “The Best Friend,” “The Boyfriend,” “The Senator,” “The Confidant,” and “The Executive” seem to be strangers upon first glance. But as the game unfolds, the twisted connections between the five are slowly revealed.

A little chaotic at times, but overall an interesting storyline. I did guess the twist pretty early on, but still enjoyed letting the drama unfold. It’s kind of like “Knives Out” meets “Hunger Games” with a “Big Brother” aspect.

Everyone is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf is SO good. I have loved all of this author's books, but i am a sucker for a locked room mysteries. One of my favorite sub-genre's in the mystery/thriller genre.

Locked room thriller with a reality television twist and when I say twist i mean twist.

Five people are selected to be on show to have the chance to win 10 million dollars.
The people are so desperate they would do anything to win, maybe kill?

I love the multiple Point of Views and the twisty mystery.

Great story!

sigh! this book was mid. it wasn't terrible, but it didn't blow me away either. the story was kinda interesting, although it got a bit unrealistic at times. the writing style was good which kept me through the book. but overall, i didn’t in anyway feel ‘hooked’. it felt like something was missing, maybe a bigger exciting moment. 🤷‍♀️ also, it lacked suspense for me, and i didn't really care what happened to any of the characters.

sometimes, i got confused about who was who among the contestants because the chapters were labeled with their reality show nicknames (like "the executive" or "the best friend.") i think i would have connected better with them if the chapters used their actual names.

and the ending was super predictable, you could see it coming from miles away. but overall, it was an easy read. 🤷‍♀️