Member Reviews
Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for the eARC of So Thirsty by @rachelharrisonghost in exchange for an honest review!
I will read anything Rachel Harrison writes! This was very Thelma and Louise with a vampire theme. This ended up being a lot darker and deeper than Harrison’s previous novels. Would recommend to anyone interested in the paranormal.
Thank you for the chance to read this one early! This book was not what I was expecting at all! Although I normally love vampire books and crazy stories this one didn’t do it for me. It was very repetitive and nothing huge happened in the plot. I didn’t really like any of the characters and it all was just kind of meh to me.
Going into So Thirsty, I was expecting a lighthearted, Paranormal romance, but this book ended up being a lot darker and deeper than that. I found myself instantly drawn in, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my reading experience. 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for the eARC of So Thirsty by @rachelharrisonghost in exchange for an honest review!
📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Birthdays can be very polarizing day and Sloane is not excited for another year older. As she drives off to her birthday weekend with her bestie, Naomi, she has a sinking pit in the bottom of her stomach. A beautiful winter retreat at a luxury cottage at a resort in the Finger Lakes sounds like a dream but under the pristine image of it all, a quiet unease lurks through the pages. So Thirsty is a delightfully delectable read that takes an absolutely wild and horrifying twist after the girls have a night out with some new friends. Rachel Harrison’s writing is absolutely enchanting, drawing the reader into this tale in an immersive, spellbinding experience. Just like Sloane, I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book and I simply could not put it down!
Review is posted on Goodreads and will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date!
This book was delicious!! It felt very “Thelma and Louise” with a vampiric edge. Fast-paced, entertaining, dark - very bingeable. I read 80% of the books in one sitting because it’s hard to look away. That’s how compelling it is. Fans of paranormal thrillers or fans of Rachel Harrison will enjoy So Thirsty.
I will pick up anything Rachel Harrison writes. Its hard to create originality with well known paranormal folklore but she pulls it off here and in her other books as well. Her narrating main characters are always super relatable and have enough depth to keep that relatability from becoming superficial. She is also masterful with pacing the story moves and the drama keeps you guessing.
I drank this one up! So Thirsty follows Sloane, who feels stuck in her monotonous marriage with her husband Joel. When Joel forces her into a weekend getaway with her world-traveling friend Naomi, all hell breaks loose.
This one felt like a totally different book than what I was expecting, having read The Return earlier this year. I loved it. Just enough gruesomeness with a bit of thrill and romance. I honestly wished it was longer!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, dark, humorous, romantic read, definitely pick this one up. Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the e-ARC!
It’s Sloane Parker’s birthday and she’s not looking forward to it. However her husband has surprised her with a weekend getaway with her wild friend Naomi and, while they are away, Naomi convinces Sloane to throw off her usual caution and have a crazy night out with a mysterious stranger. That night takes a turn which changes Sloane and Naomi forever.
See, this is why we can’t do fun things. Not that it actually sounded like fun. But you know what I mean. Poor Sloane. The book was pretty much what I expected….it’s not impossible to do new stuff with vampires, but it’s not easy, either.
I am so grateful to Berkley Pub & NetGalley for the this ARC. I finished it in one day because I could not put it down. Another banger from Rachel Harrison. I don’t often have strong reactions to books. In fact it’s downright rare. This book was great: pacing, story development, themes, humor, everything just fit together so well. Pub date is September 10, 2024 so mark your calendar now!
So Thirsty tells the story of Sloane Parker who is NOT looking forward to her birthday or aging. She feels uncertain. Uncertain in life uncertain in love. Sloane’s husband surprises her with a birthday weekend getaway, not with him, but with her best friend, the electric, Naomi. The two have been best friends for over 20 years. They’ve seen each other at every stage of life.
When the two arrive at the getaway cottage, it’s obvious they both have different ideas of what the weekend has in store for them. Naomi just wants Sloane to cut loose and live a little, so she sets up a night out with an eclectic group she just met. The night takes a horrific turn that changes them forever…
Wow I could not have devoured this faster! This has got to be by far my favorite book Harrison has written thus far. The dynamic between Sloane and Naomi is the epitome of girlhood, first love, and family. No one writes female connection and friendship quite like Harrison. I guarantee if you’ve read one of her books you’ve seen your own friendships reflected back to you.
In addition to the picture perfect view of female solidarity, Harrison also gives us a view of the unfair beauty standards set against aging women. The cosmetics and measures we take to feel value, and still feel incredibly negative about our outward appearance. Her commentary on women being their own worst enemy is painted beautifully. It is an exploration into autonomy, what it means to have it or not have it. I could not recommend this book more!
So Thirsty is out September 9th 2024! Preorder your copy today (I’ve had mine preordered since December of last year)
Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review! 🤍
The book kicks off with a captivating premise: two best friends experience an unforgettable night that turns them into vampires—a classic fantasy that’s intriguing right off the bat. However, despite the promising start, the narrative struggles with uneven pacing and a crowded field of similar vampire tales, which dilutes its impact. As the story progresses towards its conclusion, it feels as if it loses direction, culminating in a hurried and somewhat disjointed final chapter. Character development seems incomplete, and key themes like the importance of chosen family are not resolved in a gratifying way. Overall, this book garners a three-star rating from me, primarily for its initial allure but also as a reflection of its struggles to stand out in a genre that feels increasingly crowded.
Rachel Harrison has done it again with this one. So Thirsty is her best yet. Harrison’s releases are always my most-anticipated.
Rachel Harrison has such a special way of writing strong female friendship narratives in her books and this might just take the cake for me.
‘So Thirsty’ is everything I never knew I needed in a campy, modern day, fantastical and grotesque vampire story. We follow best friends Sloan and Naomi (who are giving MAJOR ‘Jennifer’s Body’ friendship vibes) as they embark on a girls trip away for Sloans 30-something birthday. With Naomi questioning her long term relationship and Sloan tired of her cheating husband, they’re optimistic for a weekend of excitement. And excitement do they get… when a mysterious dark broody man invites them to his home for an evening soirée.
The night quickly escalates to weird and horrific events. I won’t say more because letting this story unravel was beyond fun in the moment!
To be so for real I never left my twilight era, and reading this more grown up and spooky vampire book brought back so many nostalgic feelings for me and more.
* Thank you Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the early copy of this delicious novel. Below is my honest review.
I discovered Rachel Harrison last year, thanks to getting an early copy of Black Sheep from Berkley, and am really glad I did. Her horror novels are a LOT of fun, finding a perfect balance of gruesome and comedic, dark and snark, human and monstrous.
So Thirsty was a rollicking good time, and honestly, a lot deeper than you'd think when you picked up a horror novel. This isn't just your average vampire novel. This one delves into the themes of relationships... love, friendship, family, and most importantly, the relationship you have with yourself.
One thing I really love is that it does have some setup at the beginning, but it's sprinkled in as Sloane and Naomi hit the road on a friend-trip for Sloane's birthday, and the whole atmosphere just screams "this won't end well." Once they hit the resort, the gas pedal is pushed all the way down and doesn't let up. From creepy shadowy figures at their second floor windows at night to rattling chains in the basement to an unquenchable thirst for blood, this one will grab you by the neck and hold you while it drains you until late into the night.
Absolute gem of a novel. Highly recommended. I can't wait to catch up on Harrison's catalogue. I already have my copy of Such Sharp Teeth and will be taking a bite out of it soon.
I really enjoyed this one. Rachel Harrison never fails to knock it out of the park! I did feel that Sloane's constant cynicism and negativity throughout the whole book made the story drag a bit. I'm not usually a fan a characters that are a debbie-downers, but since the story was so compelling I was able to look past it. Aside from that little nit-pick, this was a very fast and addicting read! If you're a fan of gory thrillers I highly recommend So Thirsty!
First off, the premise of this book had me hype. Two bffs have a wild night and end up immortal vampires. What's not to love? It's a dream come true, right? Well, in a way, that is what we get. I think a lot of people will love this book. Unfortunately, it just didn't hit for me. It had some pacing issues throughout and the ending left me feeling like Harrison just got tired of the story. The chapter before the epilogue is choppy and rushed. I didn't feel as though either characters' arcs had been fully fulfilled, that the interpersonal conflicts had been resolved, or that there was any satisfying wrap up to the found-family elements. Overall, it was underwhelming. 2.5 stars.
Rachel Harrison never misses. Not even once. So Thirsty is so good. It hit me right in the nostalgia for all those vampire books I read growing up that were so formative for me. This is my new Companions of the Night, my new Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. As much about friendship and learning how to finally live (your unlife, in this case) as it is about blood drinking creatures who stalk the night, So Thirsty is everything I could want from a vampire book. Bloody, scary, heartfelt, a bit of romance just for fun - perfection.
Oh my god! How I loved this book! "So Thirsty" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a vampire tale with a side of portraying well executed friendship that really touched my heart! Rachel Harrison has truly nailed it, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading more of her works!
Rachel Harrison's writing had me completely captivated from the moment I opened this book. As I immersed myself in the world she created, I was instantly drawn in by her storytelling skills, her vibrant characters, and her ability to craft intricate plots that kept me hooked late into the night.
Firstly, let's talk about Sloane Parker, your typical girl feeling stuck in life. She's dreading her birthday and her husband's surprise getaway seems like the perfect way to shake things up. Little does she know, this weekend is about to become way more exciting than she ever imagined, all thanks to her best friend Naomi.
Naomi is trouble with a capital T, and I absolutely love it! She embraces life to the fullest and is determined to take Sloane along for the ride. From wild nights out to encounters with mysterious strangers, this getaway takes a supernatural turn, and I am here for every spine-tingling moment!
But this book isn't just about the thrills – it has a lot of heart too. And that's what I loved so much about this book! It was a blend of everything that really captured my heart. Sloane and Naomi's friendship is truly inspiring! They support each other through thick and thin, and witnessing their journey through the chaos is like receiving a warm hug for the soul.
And they have so many hilarious moments together that add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.
Now, let's discuss Rachel Harrison's unique take on vampires. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before – both chilling and captivating. The way she seamlessly incorporates supernatural elements into the story is truly impressive, and I couldn't get enough of it! Overall, I recommend this book a lot!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!
"So Thirsty" is a thrilling feminist horror that will keep you hooked with its fast pace and unexpected twists.
While the romance is well-handled, the heart of the story lies in the strong friendship between Sloane and Naomi, exploring themes of female friendship amid all the supernatural chaos. Rachel Harrison's talent for blending horror with profound themes makes 'So Thirsty' an engaging read.
As a big fan of her work, I can't wait to see what she does next!
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley, and Rachel Harrison for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I love this author’s books and was so excited to read this one because I’m also a vampire fan! However, I sadly didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped…
This book follows Sloane Parker and her best friend Naomi as they go to a rental cottage for a vacation. Sloane’s life is complicated, so Naomi decides for them to go out and they meet a strange group of people.
I wasn’t really interested in their friendship and I’m not too sure why. The vampires were very fun to read about though and I loved the scenes with them. The book seemed pretty slow-paced to me though and the ending wasn’t really satisfying. I’m sure some others would enjoy it more though! And I'm still really interested in seeing what Harrison comes up with next.