I typically find myself steering away from vampire novels, but with Rachel Harrison at the helm of So Thirsty I had to give it a chance and damn was it worth it. The author wonderfully weaves together elements of mystery, seduction, and eternal consequences in a way that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Sloane Parker is dreading her birthday. She doesn’t need a reminder she’s getting older, or that she’s feeling indifferent about her own life. Her husband surprises her with a birthday-weekend getaway—not with him, but with Sloane’s longtime best friend, troublemaker extraordinaire Naomi. Sloane anticipates a weekend of wine tastings and cozy robes and strategic avoidance of issues she’d rather not confront, like her husband’s repeated infidelity.

But when they arrive at their rental cottage, it becomes clear Naomi has something else in mind. She wants Sloane to stop letting things happen to her, for Sloane to really live. So Naomi orchestrates a wild night out with a group of mysterious strangers, only for it to take a horrifying turn that changes Sloane’s and Naomi’s lives literally forever. The friends are forced to come to terms with some pretty eternal consequences in this bloody, seductive novel about how it’s never too late to find satisfaction, even though it might taste different than expected.

While So Thirsty is a tale about vampires, at its core it's a novel that explores the complexity of relationships and how our needs and desires can shift and evolve over time. From longtime friendships to romantic relationships, things change and we change with them. Through Sloane and Naomi's journey, we are invited to reflect on their own relationships and consider what it truly means to live life to the fullest. The author expertly navigates these themes with wit and insight, creating a horrific tale that is also thought-provoking.

So Thirsty unfolds at just the right speed, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the journey at hand while maintaining a sense of suspense and intrigue. Harrison's ability to seamlessly blend a bit of humor with the darker themes at hand adds to the overall story, making it engaging and a fun read.

Harrison is a truly outstanding author and their writing shines through in So Thirsty. The author's unique voice adds to the vampire genre, offering a fresh take on familiar themes and stories. While this novel doesn't turn me into a fan of vampire novels, taking a chance on So Thirsty was the correct decision.

So Thirsty is a juicy, thrilling, and emotionally driven vampire tale that had me quickly turning pages. With a strong and darkly humorous tale, Rachel Harrison has crafted a book that is chillingly seductive and undeniably satisfying.

If you’re into stories about female friendship and finding yourself with some vampiric vibes and body horror sprinkled in, do yourself a favor and read this book.

I absolutely loved my experience reading So Thirsty and getting to see Rachel on tour talk even more about her journey with that book made me love it that much more.

Huge thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for my review copy!

This is my fourth read from Rachel Harrison and to say I’m a fan would be a massive understatement. I absolutely love the fun that her reads put in the horror genre.

SO THIRSTY is Harrison’s first vampire story. She delivers a mix of the traditional vampire lore that horror fans know well with her own spin. I loved meeting the vampires almost as much as I enjoyed getting to know our main character, Sloane, and her bestie, Naomi. Speaking of which, these two were so fun to hang out with and watch their friendship lead them through a series of adventures they definitely never saw coming. They each felt entirely unique and realistic in a way where you could probably identify a Sloane or Naomi in your real life.

I loved everything from the fast-pacing to the satire to the modern-day vibes to the feminist-empowerment. If I had to nitpick I would say I didn’t love the ending. It felt like it snuck up too quickly and I would have loved more time with the story. I wasn’t ready for this one to be over so soon!

If you’re looking for a book to devour this spooky season, this one is a great addition to your TBR!

Thank you to @berkleypub @netgalley for my eARC of this book!

Sloane is complacent with her life. She’s hooked on podcasts about past disasters and tragedies, seemingly obsessed with death but also has a clear fear of aging, her husband cannot remain loyal, and one of the few things that brings her joy is her Dyson vacuum. She is not excited to be celebrating another birthday in her mid-thirties, but her husband has booked her a weekend getaway with her BFF Naomi. While Sloane was expecting a low key girls weekend, Naomi plans to help Sloane break out of her shell and brings her to a get together of mysterious strangers. Except once there, things go terribly wrong and have consequences that will last forever.

I absolutely love Harrison’s writing style. She really brings her characters to life. Sloane and Naomi’s relationship has so many layers to it- together they are hilarious, endearing, and difficult all at the same time. With emphasis on strong female friendships, I blew through this book because Harrison creates these characters that make me feel like I know them- or want to know them. I loved that this book took place over a short period of time without need for much backstory or extra unnecessary characters. This book was fun, easy to follow along with, and kept me engaged throughout.

This was my first read by this author and I went out and bought all her books. I love the feminine topics, friendship all mixed with thirsy vampires. So Thisty was fasted paced and an easy read. Not much plot in this book in my opinion, but more character driven.

The state of the world today, it's like a girl can't go out late at night to an isolated orgy without being lured into a vampire den anymore... Such is the situation that our MC Slaone and her best friend Naomi find themselves in.

Let me start by saying I really liked Such Sharp Teeth and I loved loved loved Black Sheep and overall just Harrison's feminist take on common paranormal themes so I had high hopes for this book. While I did love the strong bonds of friendship - Sloane and Naomi are each others ride or die- figuratively and literally- I felt that they weren't well fleshed out as characters. It wasn't clear why either of them were tethered to the men in their lives who didn't treat them well, and given their vastly different personalities, what even tied these childhood friends together as adults.

As for the vampires themselves, they were just B list characters with no traits or backstories that made them seem like individuals or stand out in any way. Only Henry seemed to have a deep and dark past but us readers never get to understand the breadth of what that really is (which would have been super interesting). Naomi was the most complex of all the vampires, fighting between her innate good nature and insatiable hunger and thirsty urges.

While this book contained Harrison's usual fantastic writing and witty dialogue, I didn't feel that this was a new or fresh take on a very commonly done classic sub-genre. I was waiting for the piece that made this book different, and I just didn't get that in the way that I did for another recent feminist vampire novel, We Love The Nightlife.

At less than 300 pages, this read was short and concise like Harrison's books typically are, but I think it would have benefited from a few more chapters to make the characters seem less two dimensional. A fun, propulsive read that unfortunately was just lacking for me, but I have seen good reviews from other readers and so overall I think Harrison fans might like this one.

Rachel Harrison has once again written another must for your spooky season TBR.

In keeping with her tradition of a feminist lens on traditional horror tropes, Harrison basically reframes the "man vs. bear" debate. It asks us if we'd rather choose most men or most monsters- and how to embrace women's wrongs along with women's rights. Certified Good Girl, Sloane, is a reflection of so many of us who settle for good enough (and sometimes not even good enough). Carefree best friend, Naomi, is her complete opposite- wild and free- or so it seems.

When a girls' weekend reveals both women's insecurities and flaws, they are directly confronted with their fates when they attend a party that will change everything...

My only critique of this story is that it got a little messy and convoluted in its messaging in some spots, but it managed to get back on track for the most party. 3.5 rounded up.

Two women go to a party and come back as vampires? I’m sold! This was so fun! The last quarter was so unhinged and a bit rushed but nevertheless, I ate this up!

What to expect:
Friendship
Toxic relationships
Identity
Vampires
Paranormal romance

I’ll definitely be picking up more of this author’s novels in the future!

Huge thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was such a fun fast paced read. I read it in a day.

Sloane and her friend, Naomi go on a girls trip for her birthday, what could go wrong?

I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers, but I loved Sloane & Naomi’s friendship and how they would do anything for eachother.

It’s the perfect book for the start of spooky season. I saw someone describe this as cozy horror and that’s the perfect description.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this eARC.

Short synopsis: Sloane and her best friend Naomi go on a birthday trip, after a wild night out they find their lives are changes forever.

My thoughts: while this one wasn’t hugely original, it kept me entertained and I binged this one in a day.

I liked the friendships between the two main characters, and the campy story of a night of bad choices with forever consequences. It definitely gets somewhat gory, but that’s to be expected with a vampire novel.

Parts felt a bit rushed or underwhelming especially towards the end, but it was the perfect book to get me in the fall reading mood.

Read if you love:
- Vampires
- Girls trips
- Romance sub plot with an age gap
- Self discovery and growth

SO amazing. To best friends get more than they bargained for when they join a seggs party with some questionable individuals. This gives all the vampire vibes you didn't know you needed.

This book felt like one of those great 80’s movies even though it’s not a movie, nor is it set in the 80’s. It manages to capture the friendship, horror and humor of the 80’s scary movie in a way that makes you fall absolutely in love, even if the main character grates on your nerves. Sloane’s birthday is approaching, and her husband has surprised her with a weekend trip to a luxury spa. Only, he isn’t planning on going, her wild child long time best friend Naomi is. Naomi and Sloane have been there for each other, but in the last year Naomi has been away travelling Europe with her boyfriend’s band and their relationship has become more superficial. Sloane hopes this will be the chance for the two of them to hang out, sip wine and reconnect without having to get too personal. Naomi hopes this will be a chance for her to wake up her friend into really living her life and not just drifting along. When Naomi’s plan for a wild night out takes a turn for the worse Sloane is forced to make the toughest decision she has ever had to make, and one with dire consequences. This is a great story about the complexities of female friendship. How having the best intentions for someone can go wrong, and how sometimes it’s hard to let go of hidden resentments and past trauma to fully live your life. It was a violent and bloody journey to fall in love with each of the characters and the hidden dark world that Harrison created. I was captivated by the story being told, but I absolutely loved the ending. If you are looking for a dark book that still manages to warm your heart, then definitely pick up a copy of this book.

I devoured this! Harrison is a captivating storyteller. Her blend of horror and humor made this a refreshingly feminist perspective on the vampire genre. Sloane is in her thirties and has struggled with aging and self-worth and settled for a life where she tolerates a cheating husband. No one could predict the turn things would take when he sends her off on a surprise birthday weekend getaway with her wild and uninhibited best friend, Naomi—least of all, Sloane.

The story is fast-paced with gore, action, and vividly depicted characters. Sloane's journey is not just about breaking free from a rut. She has also dealt with trauma and regrets from her past. I rooted for her throughout the book. Her growth occurs as she must navigate a confusing new reality and overwhelming physical cravings, prompting her to reevaluate her life only after she and her best friend become the undead.

The book pays homage to vampire legend while offering a modern take with an introspective FMC. Friendship, self-acceptance, empowerment, and living life to the fullest are central themes, along with an element of found family and a bit of romance. It is well-written, has witty dialogue, and is brimming with heart and dark humor, making it a fabulous spooky season pick. I loved this and had so much fun reading it!

Thank you Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC!

Sloane and Naomi are the definition of opposites attract. Sloane plays by the rules and Naomi leads a carefree life. These childhood besties are sent on a girl’s trip by Sloane’s husband for her 36th birthday. While on vacation they go to a party that changes their lives forever. A dark feminist themed, paranormal thriller with new age mysterious vampires.

This is a story about friendship, self-discovery, coming to terms with ageing, midlife crisis, toxic romantic relationships and just touches on so many women’s issues.

So Thirsty was easy to read and entertaining enough to keep me going in a darkly, bleak, eerie kind of way. I enjoy dark, bleak and eerie. It was just not as thrilling as I would’ve hoped. This is like women’s fiction with a smidge of vampires. I wanted more vampire action less in Sloane's head. This story is character centric, so I do wish the characters were developed more especially the vampires. We learn very little about their backstories and how they came to be. Like why the vampire leader was so drawn to Sloane.

“I know I’m not saving you but I’m giving you all the time in the world to save yourself.”

I loved the idea of So Thirsty, female friendship when they were supportive of each other, the vampires, the paranormal romance, the horror scenes with blood and gore. The idea of Sloane saving herself.

It’s an interesting concept and overall, an enjoyable story. I just wish there was more of the vampires, horror aspect and less of Sloane's wallowing. The epilogue was nice giving us a broad glimpse into how the found vampire family are adjusting to their new lives to close out the story.

Beginning as two friends taking a relaxing get away, and ending as anythingggg but that. unfortunately, i’m majorly disappointed in So Thirsty. This book felt very indecisive genre wise, is it young adult? is it horror? is it fantasy? all of the above? i felt a bit confused. and there was soooo much foreshadowing in the beginning. that’s the part that was screaming YA to me. tell me once and i’ve got it, but the repetition of the same foreshadowing line was too often for me.

also, i couldn’t find the why of this book. one day they’re normal women, with some boy troubles, and literally the next day they’re committing crimes. why?? for what reason? too much felt random for my liking. the transition from regular life to immortality was too swift. i didn’t believe it, and that’s my biggest problem with this book. the events, the new friends, the problems, the solutions?? the story line was bizarre and the events felt completely unrelated to each other.

a divorce would have been easier than all of this.

This week, I decided I will spend this Spooky Season becoming a Rachel Harrison completist. She's the author of five novels that put a fresh twist on horror tropes. In a 2022 episode of our podcast 'The Library of Lost Time,' we recommended 'Such Sharp Teeth,' her feminist riff on a werewolf story. And last year, I kicked off my Spooky Season reading with 'Black Sheep.' That one is a comedy-horror novel about a girl named Vesper who learns a family secret. Then she basically burns her world to the ground. Harrison has also tackled a witch story with 'Cackle,' and has an Audible short story called 'The Veil' about a woman who works at a Victorian living history museum.

This Spooky Season, she's gifted us with a vampire story called 'So Thirsty.' I started reading it last Saturday morning after breakfast and finished at about midnight. Perfection.

The setup is irresistible: Our heroine Sloane is feeling her age, so she's dreading her upcoming birthday. Her cheating rat of a husband surprises her with a gift. She hates surprises. Even this one: a weekend with her lifelong best friend Naomi at a fancy spa resort.

Naomi is a wild child; her boyfriend is a rockstar, and she never encountered an iffy situation she didn't want to explore. So instead of spending the weekend sipping wine by a fireplace, she accepts an invitation from some sexy locals to join them at a mansion for an evening of debauchery. One thing leads to another and before you can say 'toss me that garlic clove,' Sloane and Naomi's lives are changed forever.

Rachel Harrison is so good at this. It's so much fun to vicariously join these characters as they careen into danger. And the dialogue! Sloane and Naomi have been friends for decades, and the way they talk to each other sounds like it. The rhythm and shorthand of their conversations felt like a transcript of eavesdropping on old friends.

After some sexy, hedonistic, candlelit bits at the mansion, the two women are faced with the practicalities of the vampire life. It's tragic and hilarious at the same time. How do vampires put on makeup? Are all vampires murderers? The collision of boring, everyday stuff and the rules of being undead is a hoot. And along the way, Harrison has smart things to say about aging, trauma, and how we define the lives we want.

This is a wild ride that I couldn't put down. If you like your horror with a side of sarcasm, I can't recommend this enough.

I'll be recommending this book on the September 20 episode of 'The Library of Lost Time' — http://strongsenseofplace.com/lolts/lolt-2024-09-20/

I really binge read this one! I saw some people saying, if you liked twilight, read this one, but I feel like this one goes much deeper and is definitely more of a story and a testament to friendship and not much romance. I really did love this one! This story was deep, but still so exciting and adventurous. This one also really shed some light on morals, how long do we keep holding on to them? When do we cross the line, what has to happen for us to really justify crossing it, without feeling guilty? I can’t wait to read the rest of her books and this one is out now!!!!

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 304 / Genre: Vampire Horror
Release Date: Tomorrow—September 10, 2024

Best friends Sloane and Naomi are on a girls weekend away from their unfulfilled real lives. It’s your typical BFF catchup and cocktails getaway until they meet up with an eclectic group of vampires. Their mundane lives are suddenly more exciting and out of control than they could have ever imagined.

So, I always say I’m more into witches than vampires. Well, this vampire tale might just be the thing to flip me—at the very least, I’m now a Rachel Harrison fan. I loved it! It was fast-paced, fun, and full of twists.


Thank you, @NetGalley, @BerkleyPub, and @RachelHarrisonsGhost for my gifted copy.

Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the eGalley!

SO THIRSTY was a highly anticipated read for me. This is the third year in a row that I have read Harrison’s newest release! Unfortunately, it didn't work for me…I really wanted to love it 😭

This one felt rushed overall, and honestly I couldn't see how Noami and Sloane are still best friends. And the ending? Fell flat.

I love Rachel Harrison’s books! She uses horror to explore such real problems for women. The best parts of this book are when it focuses on female friendship between Naomi and Sloane; it’s about how even the people we love best can misunderstand and hurt. I love the ferocity with which Rachel insists women are allowed to take up space! Even if society tells women that once you hit 30 you’re not a person anymore. Sloane’s suffering and self limitation resonates with so many women I’ve known. We’re allowed to take.