I got more than halfway through this one and finally had to DNF at about 45 chapters. The premise sounded interesting, and the format of the book, on the surface, also seemed intriguing. On the page, though, the format just didn't work as well as it should have. The short chapters didn't give me an opportunity to really bond with any of the characters, and some of them seemed to get chapters only to offer convenient plot devices that would move events forward.

My biggest issue with this book was that all of the characters sounded exactly the same. They all "spoke" to readers with the same types of language and turns of phrase. All of them are inviting readers into their lives with the same level of scrutiny. It got incredibly confusing after awhile, especially considering how many people show up to contribute to Annie's memoir. This book needed way more work in the editing phase to make the characters stand out. I kept expecting to find out that Annie was suffering from dissociate personality disorder and that all of the "people" in her memoir were really different personalities of herself and that's why they sounded exactly like her.

This is getting a lot of attention on some platforms and will get even more now that it's a Reese pick, but it wasn't for me.

5☆ READ: A wonderfully nostalgic, sapphic story about friends and love. I was reminded of Idgie and Ruth's bond in Fried Green Tomatoes. Ugh. I'm in love. This story is about love within friendships and relationships, as well as learning when to trust others and when to trust yourself.

Thank you to Lauren Brown, Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for the digital ARC! This was my first NetGalley read, and I still can’t believe how fortunate I was to secure a copy!

*Note: I requested The Three Lives of Cate Kay because I met the cover artist and was intrigued by the description of the main character. The shattered reflection on the cover hints at Cate’s fragmented identities, and after reading the book, I can confidently say every design detail—from the bold red color to the car imagery—was deliberate and emotionally resonant with the fmc's development; each detail breaks my heart in the best possible way.

Knowing I had a connection to the project, I promised myself I’d approach the story critically and try not to let my bias sway me. I TRIED TO DISLIKE THIS BOOK. ✧ I FAILED. ✧ Miserably. Instead, I fell HARD into Cate's tangled web of identities and the unforgettable friendships and heartbreaks that define her journey. By the time I finished, I was texting my friends through my cathartic tears, begging them to preorder it.

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What's it about? via Simon & Schuster:

"'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' meets 'First Lie Wins' in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.

Cate Kay knows how to craft a story. As the creator of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series, she’s one of the most successful authors of her generation. The thing is, Cate Kay doesn’t really exist. She’s never attended author events or granted any interviews. Her real identity had been a closely guarded secret, until now.

As a young adult, she and her best friend Amanda dreamed of escaping their difficult homes and moving to California to become movie stars. But the day before their grand adventure, a tragedy shattered their dreams and Cate has been on the run ever since, taking on different names and charting a new future. But after a shocking revelation, Cate understands that returning home is the only way she’ll be a whole person again."

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What's it about? via me:

'The Three Lives of Cate Kay' is a sapphic story that follows Cate Kay, AKA Cass Ford, AKA Annie Callahan, as she navigates the complex choices made by her (and unfortunately made FOR her) throughout her formative teen years into adulthood. These choices result in Cate living a secluded life with a hidden identity and no family or friends to trust, love, or support her. Discovering how she landed here is a phenomenal tale and one that imo couldn't have happened any other way. 😭

Written in a somewhat epistolary format (some chapters are written from other character's viewpoints with Cate's footnotes, a format which I actually really loved but felt had a few logistics issues that are hopefully corrected in the print version), the reader traces Cate’s journey from her latchkey childhood and aspirations to being an actress to her rise as one of the world’s most celebrated, and enigmatic, authors. (Cate writes books that are converted to film which are basically, imo equivalent to "The Walking Dead" or "The Hunger Games" [think post-apocalyptic NYC]). Her books and eventual films are insanely popular, but no one knows who the author is, and we get THE FIRST-HAND STORY of why she's kept her life a secret, and it's so worth it. We see Cate's struggle being the only queer teen, her self-discovery of who she is and should be, the devastating toll fear and rejection have on her, and the best part, imo, a wonderfully tender and complex story of love and, above all, friendship. Cate’s story is heart-wrenching and deeply lovely. (Can you tell I loved it?)

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Genre: Women's Fiction, LGBTQ+, Mystery/Thriller

While Cate’s layered identity and mysterious circumstances are kind of the main plot in the story, I was surprised to learn that the book is classified as a thriller/mystery. (I didn’t discover this classification—or realize First Lie Wins was a comparable title—until I was 83% through the book.) At first, I thought the classification was misleading because I usually associate those genres with pulse-pounding danger and high-stakes tension—like involving murder or physical peril. However, upon further reflection, I realized I had been unraveling a mystery all along: the mystery of Cate herself. Who is she—Cate, Cass, or Annie? What happened to her that made her choose a life of isolation? And how did the people in her life help—or harm—her on that path? Finally discovering why she's been running from the past and living in a present devoid of friends and relationships was intense, and by the end, I was on the floor crying yet satisfied. Phew.

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Despite moments of actual physical tension over this book—sitting up in bed or audibly gasping on public transit—I felt a relative sense of safety within the story, thanks to its initial framework. Cate is introduced at home, receiving a FedEx package from an ex, which let me know that she's not in any physical danger, calming and grounding me.

That said, this didn’t stop me from feeling terrified for her and other characters when necessary. As the story gained momentum, I found myself growing increasingly nervous and making assumptions—some correct, others not. The tension kept me engaged, and I was grateful for the catharsis awaiting me at the story’s conclusion. Without a doubt, The Three Lives of Cate Kay has earned a spot in my top three reads of 2024.

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Final Verdict: I Loved It, DUH

'The Three Lives of Cate Kay' was an experience I'm glad I didn't miss. Don't be one of those people—like me—who read 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' years after it was published. This books is an absolute must-read that will live in your heart rent free long after the last page.

I've read both its comp titles, and honestly, this one was better than both. Sorry, Evelyn Hugo. >_< I’ve already added it to my top three reads of 2024, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever Kate Fagan writes next. (I was shocked to learn her previous works focus on sports. No, that’s not my usual vibe. But if she keeps writing like this, I’ll preorder every. single. one.)

I just finished the last page of Kate Fagan's beautifully executed, sentimental, and moving work! This heart-wrenching queer love story, combined with an intriguing coming-of-age journey of self-discovery, courage, and navigating life’s darkest moments, truly resonated with me.

That said, I don’t agree with the marketing comparison to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—the only similarity is the presence of a queer leading actress—and it’s not akin to Daisy Jones & The Six either, as this book is a multi-POV memoir rather than a docudrama-style narrative. In my opinion, there’s no need to compare this book to other works to emphasize its brilliance; it shines brightly on its own.

At its core, this story follows Annie Callahan, also known as Cass Ford and Cate Kay, as she searches for a life path that satisfies her ambitions, fulfills her desire for love and belonging, and allows her to express herself authentically. Along the way, she explores her sexual orientation and grapples with the loss of her identity, her past, and her greatest love.

The narrative primarily focuses on Annie and Amanda’s deeply connected friendship. Their bond is so strong it feels as though they share the same heart and mind. With no stable family support—her mother being an alcoholic house cleaner—Amanda becomes Annie’s entire world. Together, they dream of moving to Hollywood to become actors, but a tragic twist derails their plans. In the aftermath, Annie makes a life-altering decision that forces her to leave her old life behind and start fresh with a new identity. When she meets Sidney, a young law student who frequents the café where she works, she has no idea how this encounter will transform her life and lead her closer to her true purpose—though not without further losses along the way.

I loved the LGBTQ+ representation and the multi-layered love stories in this book. The characters are compelling: Ryan and Amanda are wonderfully complex, while supporting characters like Kerri (Amanda’s sister) and Patricia (Annie’s neglectful, yet redeemable mother) are well-rounded. Let’s not forget the story’s ambitious, controlling villainess (whose identity I won’t spoil)! Though I despised her, she played an essential role in pushing Annie to uncover her true self.

One issue that bugged me—without giving too much away—is why Annie didn’t investigate more deeply into what happened after she left town, instead relying solely on someone else’s narrative. With access to the internet, newspapers, or other resources, she could have uncovered more about the truth of those events.

When I started reading, I expected a con woman’s tale of survival through identity changes, but this book is less of a mystery and more of a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and queer love.

I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4 and highly recommend this novel as a must-read in women’s fiction and queer romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance digital copy of this highly anticipated book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

A sweet coming-of-age/love story told from multiple points of view, The Three Lives of Cate Kay chronicles the story of Anne Marie/Annie/Cass/Cate, who fell in love with her childhood best friend (unrequited) and then abandons her under strange circumstances. More than a decade later, Cass has found success as an author, publishing a hit trilogy that is adapted to film but keeps her identity hidden, still ashamed of her actions many years ago. The story is bit of a typical love story-with-misunderstandings, but with enough unique aspects that it held my interest throughout. I liked the characters and the overall tone of the story and found myself rooting for a happy ending.

A really enjoyable lit fic/ mystery. It took me a minute to get my bearings as there are several characters and timelines, but once I had them I was very into this story. Opt for the audio as it has a full cast narration!

A compelling, emotional read that draws readers along in a compulsively readable manner. Fagan does an excellent job of incorporating romance and thriller worthy twists into this exploration of one woman's journey.

This kept me just interested enough to keep going, but in the first half it was a little bit of a task and in the second I think some of the character development didn't get quite where I wanted it. But this was a pretty interesting and unique read! I've seen it compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and it definitely does give Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes, though it reminds me more of Daisy Jones and The Six due to all the different perspectives and how the characters' actions influence the overall chain of events. I loved the way it felt like a story within a story within a story and how they all interconnected. The ending was a little bit too neat in my opinion, but overall I enjoyed reading this.

I believe Nina LaCour said it best in her New York Times Book Review: “By writing her memoir, Cate/Cass/Annie attempts to ‘throw open the windows’ and reveal herself to a ravenous public on her own terms. She acknowledges that her life is a ‘mass of bad decisions and selfishness’ but she confesses:’I want you to love me anyway.’ And by the end of this propulsive puzzle of a novel, we do.” I agree, I loved this character and I loved this book.
Once I started reading, I could not stop, it did remind me of many of the documentary/podcast epistolary novels as well because it was told from multiple points of view but in a regular narrative format with annotations from the memoirist (Cass/Cate/Annie).
There was a deeper thread on identity, sexuality, female friendship and female romance that was woven throughout this outstanding story. The memoirist also included excerpts from her coded bestselling novel within the narrative that paralleled and inspired important events in her life. I was captivated by this story within the story as it revealed so many details about how the character thought about the world and life in general.
This was a hit for me, and I can see why it is a Book of the Month & @reesesbookclub selection.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙆𝙖𝙮
by Kate Fagan
301 pages

Thank you @atriabooks and Kate Fagan for allowing me to read the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I can’t wait for the next book by Kate Fagan.
A winner for me 4.5/5 stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

#bookreviews#arcreading #bookstagram #currentlyreading #arcreader #arcreading #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreviewer

“The trick of life, as I see it now, is to make what’s around you beautiful. It’ll grow from there.”

“We’re all so much more, and less, than our best, or worst, moment.”

I really enjoyed this story so much.

It’s told from multiple points of view, which is always my favorite, and has deep character development, also my favorite. This story is layered with mystery and themes of grief, love, and longing explored in a way that keeps you invested until the very end.

I really loved learning about Annie and all that she goes through to become what she is now and so many of us go through transformations like that. Her character demonstrates all the different ways we can search for love and is so relatable.

Definitely one you should add to your 2025 TBR!

4.5 stars!

I really tried to get into this book, but I only made it to the 25% mark. The writing style was confusing for me, and I struggled to engage with the story. I couldn’t determine the point of view I was reading or where I was in the narrative. This book was not for me.

I'm still not sure how I feel about the book. I wanted to like it.
The premise was interesting, and I saw how similar the idea was to 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Sadly, I think the POVs changed too much, and we can read too much of Cate Kay's book inside the story. It made the plot more difficult to follow.
Overall, the plot itself was a bit challenging. The miscommunication and the open end are a bit of a miss for me. You have to post a bit when you're midway to keep going since the beginning is enticing, and the second part also gets better.

Cate Kay has written one of the biggest novels of our time, and it's now becoming a movie staring the gorgeous Ry Channing. But before the book and the movie and all of the mystery surrounding Cate Kay....there was Cassandra Ford and Annie Callahan. All three are the different facets of the same person. Annie runs from a terrible tragedy and her best friend, leaving behind dreams of moving to Hollywood and becoming the next big duo and transforms into Cass, an aspiring writer that works in a coffee shop and lives in her car.

I couldn't put this book down, it was fascinating. Watching Annie run, not knowing where she was headed brings you back to the just absolutely dumb things you and your friends did as teens, and then spending your 20s reinventing yourself and figuring out who you are going to be--though most of us don't actually become a different person. The writing pulls you straight into the story and won't let you go. Each character has both flaws and shining moments. Sydney is a bit flat and one note--hyper jealous lesbian gets a bit...stale after a while. But Ry and Cate will keep you coming back again and again, unable to get enough.

While I wouldn't classify this as a straight thriller, this book does have enough twisty bits to keep you guessing, like when will Cate figure out that Syd lied to her all those years ago and how will she react? Will people figure out who Cate is and then be able to trace her back to that small town and empty swimming pool? I really enjoyed this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Simon and Schuster for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to note that I first read this book in fall 2024. When I read this book then, I liked this book enough, but if I am being honest, I found it a little hard to keep up track with the different characters and who was who...especially the three different iterations of the main character. Thankfully, I was able to get a copy of the audiobook in January from the Simon Audio influencer program through LibroFM. I found the audiobook much more enjoyable and it was much easier to keep the characters in line with the audiobook version. The audiobook was narrated by a full cast including Marin Ireland, Tessa Albertson, Genevieve Kingston, Imani Jade Powers, Corey Brill, Kevin R Free, Daniel Henning, Hillary Huber, Helen Laser, Fred Sanders, Jackie Sanders, and Emily Woo Zeller, Many of these audiobook narrators I was familiar with, but it was also nice to listen to some new voices as well.

Given my experience, This just might be a book that you need to listen to as opposed to read if you find yourself not connecting with the story. And there is nothing wrong with that! I would like to check out more books by Kate Fagan in the future!

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Simon and Schuster/Simon Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Phenomenal!

I give *The Three Lives of Cate Kay* a well-deserved five stars. The concept of the story is truly captivating, and the use of multiple points of view propels the narrative at a fantastic pace. It’s a delightful blend of fiction and fictional memoir immersing the reader in Cate Kay’s life from multiple angles.

The seamless transitions between perspectives add depth and richness, making the characters and their journeys feel incredibly real. This genre of fictional autobiographical storytelling is something I'm absolutely here for, and this book delivers it in spades.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! I couldn't put this book down! Fagan's writing pulled me from the start and wouldn't let go. While this book has been compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I believe Cate Kay will stand out on its own merits. The uniquely structured memoir-esque story impressed me with its intricate layering.

Kate Fagan's use of multiple POVs adds incredible depth to the story without detracting from the overall narrative. Some perspectives last only a chapter, while others are woven throughout the entire tale. I liked both past and present timelines equally because they allow a complete understanding of Cate/Cass/Annie. The themes of self-acceptance, loving who you want, female friendships, and the journeys toward healing and forgiveness are beautifully interwoven throughout the story. And the name Cate Kay is absolutely brilliant; you'll understand exactly why when you read it.

Other Highlights: mystery, twists, footnotes, short chapters, and I adored Carl’s chapter & loved the book club chapter - awkward 😂

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan was a gem! And I devoured it!
This story grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go. The multiple POVs
With complex friendships, about the choices that shape us, secrets, and, no doubt, love.
It’s emotional, thought-provoking, and so beautifully written.
I absolutely love reading this book and I’m looking forward to reading more like this in the future from Fagan.

Thank You NetGalley and Atria Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

happy pub day to The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan.

I really enjoyed the narrative and thought it was interestingly built through lots of POVs.

the story follows Anne Marie, who, after a tragic accident, becomes bestselling author Cate Kay -- hiding her true self from the world.

the story follows her rise to fame but it told through the POVs of those around her. at the end of each chapter, there are Cate's notes where she comments on the way others are telling the story. I really liked this element of the writing as it helped get a glimpse into how she saw things if they were different than the person telling the story.

Cate Kay is a reclusive best-selling author; but she has more secrets than just her pen name. In reality Cate was previously Cass who was previously Annie. The Three Lives of Cate Kay is a fictional memoir that tells the story of Cate's life and past identities.

Told from Cate/Cass/Annie's viewpoint across multiple points in time, the story outlines who Cate is and why she has been running from her very complicated past. The story also includes the viewpoints of her former friends and lovers- her childhood best friend from when she was Annie, her girlfriend she met and fell in love with as Cass, and the movie starlet she romanced as Cate when her top of the charts book series was adapted into a movie.

We learn who Cate was/is/is becoming as she discovers this herself, and also what she sacrificed to hide her identity- and many parts of her true self- along the way to her road to fame. One of my favourite parts were the excerpts from Cate's dystopian bestseller, and I could have read a whole other book about that alone! However, there were some situations that I found to be less than believable and had trouble accepting some of the choices made by the characters.

I have seen some comparisons to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and while I don't feel this book is in the same category, I did find the narrative very compelling and think this will be a very popular read. Thank you Atria and Netgalley for my earc in exchange for my honest review.

First thank you to Atria and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis: cate Kay is the best selling author of a beloved trilogy that was turned into a huge film series
However cate Kay is not her real name. This book explores how she became cate Kay and the relationships she and her work have had.

What I liked: this book was beautifully written and loved how it slowly reveals pieces of information. I highly recommend that you don’t try to read this too fast because you will miss some of the subtle connections and clues to the stories. I see the comparison to Evelyn Hugo and did feel the same vibes but it is a different book. They both are great books. I liked cate but think the supporting cast of characters were so interesting. I really would have liked to know more about Amanda. Also I think she did a great job of wrapping up the story and showing how a person and book can come into your life right when you need it.

Happy pub day to Kate Fagan and her dynamic debut novel!!!

Oh this was EXCELLENT! And felt unlike anything I've read before. It got me hooked from the very first page, and I truly wasn't sure what was going to happen - a rare treat!

Cate Kay is the infamous author known for two things: her bestselling trilogy and the fact that no one knows who she is - using a pseudonym for her writing and never sharing her identity.

This story is told as Cate's memoir, but including the perspectives of those closest to her. We start at the beginning - when she was Anne Marie but known affectionately as Annie by her best friend, Amanda. They were inseparable and had dreams of moving to LA and making it big as actors. We follow their last days in High School and their actions that set in motion an unexpected future.

This book took me on a RIDE. Varying perspectives could have been hard to follow, but Fagan's excellent writing made it work and added so much complexity and nuance to the story. It is a story about love, about growth, about home and about second chances. I still have so many questions about Cate Kay, and this is a book that will stay with me for some time.

Big thanks to Atria and NetGalley for this ARC! This book is out in the world TODAY and is also a Reese's Book Club pick AND a January Book of the Month selection - pick it up today and let me know what you think!