Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the copy of I Would Die For You by Sandie Jones. (I loved the premise of this book. I spent a lot of time following local bands and remember the thrill and excitement of “knowing” them. At first I was confused about what was going on. Cassie and Nicole weren’t three-dimensional characters, so it was hard to really care about them. It was okay for Cassie because of how single-minded she was, but I would have liked to have understood Nicole better. Everything came together but not elegantly; I found myself confused a number of times. This was an enjoyable read, though, and I was riveted to the pages. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I really tried to like this, and I did, to an extent, but, it just didn't resonate with me. I appreciated the youthful exuberance and excitement about New bands, and this felt realistically portrayed. I really didn't like the whole family dynamic -- it felt forced and a little cliche'. The dual timelines added some interest and didn't overly muddle things, but the ending twists didn't appeal to me. I also didn't have anyone to root for here; Nicole was clearly written as the sympathetic sister, nut I didn't like her.

I think there's a big market for the book, and it will appeal to a lot of folks.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

This was a miss for me. The pacing was off and the characters came across as one dimensional with little character growth. Occasionally the dual timelines were confusing and did not have a smooth transition. The ending felt incomplete. While I was interested in the beginning of the book, the plot wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the arc in exchange for the honest review.

Action packed, suspenseful, mind boggling events and lots of drama in this story. I couldn't put this down.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.
Unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. I loved the premise, but once I started reading I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it's my age, but I felt it was a book for teenagers and could'nt connect with any of the characters or even the story itself. Sorry!

This book tried to be too many things at once. As I was reading it, I kept having this uneasy feeling, like I was missing something, and not in a GOOD way. It felt like just too many things were thrown together to try and make a plot. There were loose ends, it was unbelievable, and just overall not my favorite. BUT WITH THAT SAID, it really kept me turning the pages, which is the point of a thriller, so maybe it wasn't as bad as this review makes it sound.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once I started reading this, I was unable to put it down and stayed up way past my bedtime in order to finish this in one sitting. I Would Die for You
is thought-provoking and modern, and its uncompromisingly plot will leave an indestructible mark. Do yourself a favor and read this as soon as you can.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up. I didn't love that the novel ended on a cliffhanger, and I felt the relationships/characters somewhat underdeveloped, but it was a interesting and enjoyable read.

This book started out really strong but it felt almost too long for its own good. I know it’s a work of fiction but the craziness got a bit unbelievable for a lot of it. I appreciated the plot twist toward the end but I wish it took less time to get there!

This is one of those books where there is so much I want to say but cannot because of spoilers. So, I am not going to say much.
It is 2011 and Nicole leads a good life. She loves her husband and daughter and is dedicated to saving seals. But a knock at her door ushers in someone who knows way too much about her past. Suddenly, the life she loves is slipping through her fingers, and there is nothing she can do to keep her secrets.
The perspective shifts from the now to London in 1986. There is a character obsessed with Ben Edwards, a member of the band, Secret Oktober. This person will do anything to be with him and the fallout is catastrophic when her dreams do not match reality. That is, it. I will not say more! I was hooked as all the secrets came out, and the only thing I wish was a bit different, was the ending. No spoilers, but that character deserved a happily ever after ending.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed the fast-paced thrills, but the ending was a big brick wall. WHAT? With that said, I was definitely entertained.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones is a modern day mystery and drama with a 1980’s music culture dual timeline. The story revolves around Secret Oktober, a fictional British band, and their lead singer, Ben Edwards. Cassie’s fandom and her sister Nicole’s entanglement with Ben create a web of rivalry and heartbreak. Then in 2011 California, Nicole’s life takes a turn when her daughter vanishes. The simultaneous arrival of a writer poking around Nicole’s past brings up long buried memories. This story is fast paced and the twists will keep you guessing throughout!

I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones follows the dual POV of two sisters across time. First, London 1986 - Cassie's life is tough. Her mother is sick, her older sister has moved out and she desperately wants the attention of the lead singer from her favorite band. Attention that she would do anything to have. Second, California 25 years later - we meet Nicole who has tried so hard to distance herself from her family and past in London that not ever her husband and daughter know the truth.

This book does an incredible job at highlighting the obsession that comes with fame and how quickly that obsession can cross the line. When an interest in a band becomes delusion - everyone suffers. A fast paced, wild ride of a read - I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sandie Jones for this eARC in exchange for a review!

Thanks NetGalley for the free ARC! I thought this book was slow and drawn out. All the characters were quick to anger and unlikable. That can still make for a good storyline; but it was hard to engage with them. I thought with the dual timelines the present timeline was more entertaining than the past. The past timeline was from the 1980’s; and it seemed the author tried to take on an old fashioned writing style to tell it. I felt it dulled the narrative.

I’ve always been drawn to books about musicians, and this one really pulled me in. There’s something so powerful about the way music intertwines with emotions, and this story brought all of that to life. It made me feel young again, full of excitement and longing, as I followed the characters through their journeys. The dual timelines were incredibly engaging, revealing secrets bit by bit, and the twists completely threw me off in the best way.

But I’ll be honest—the ending left me frustrated. I’m not entirely sure what happened, and it’s been bugging me ever since I finished. Was it meant to be ambiguous? Or did I miss something crucial? If anyone else has thoughts, I’d love to hear them.

Even with my frustration over the ending, this book left a lasting impression. It’s emotional, raw, and keeps you on your toes. If you love stories that combine music, mystery, and heartfelt moments, you should absolutely pick this up. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished.

I really loved previous books I’ve read by this author and this one is no exception. I really appreciate how the story came together and found myself rooting for different characters throughout. Very interesting overall!

Sandie Jones has done it again.

This explosive novel of fame, (mis)fortune, and obsession, will leave your jaw on the floor. When I tell you this book is WILD, so wild, prepare yourselves for the most insane ride. With Sandie’s own experience being a fan of Duran Duran in their heyday (you have to read the acknowledgments! ) - the band in this novel comes alive in ways only someone who has experienced it could write. The fictional band Secret Oktober and its adoring fans will have you feeling absolutely shocked and betrayed as the events unfold.
It’s been a long time since I read a book, got to the end, and immediately went back to re-read to see all the hints and foreshadowing I missed… I would say since The Other Woman 😂

Sandie jones is the MASTER of insane twists, turns, and drop your book in shock moments. This is going to be THE massive thriller of 2025! The characters are so real and the events that take place jump right off the page. Another phenomenal work of art by Sandie Jones.

📖 ARC Review

PUB Date : Mar 24 2025

My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 💫 3.5 Rocking Stars

Buckle up for this one because this starts off with a bang , you are instantly propelled into the action and there’s no time to hang on !

I Would Die For You is a rip roaring entertaining mystery thriller that was unputdownable !

Do you really know your spouse? Do you know everything about them even their darkest secrets …and if you don’t , do you really want to know ?

Read this if you like :
🎸 Dual Timelines
🎸 80’s Rock & Roll
🎸 Family Drama
🎸 Sense of Nostalgia
🎸 Mystery Thrillers
🎸 Page Turners

This was a fun and different storyline which kept me engaged to the end .

In present time we are following Nicole and her daughter doesn’t return home from school , and soundly she’s found and her daughter claims she was with her Aunty …but that’s impossible because she doesn’t have an aunt , so who’s tormenting her ?

When we are in the past we are following Nicole’s younger sister who is a fan groupie of one of the hottest bands out there and Cassie is OBSESSED with the lead older singer Ben …and she’ll do anything to have him 👀

What secrets will be revealed and is it worth finally telling the truth after all these years or is it better to stay quiet and put your family in danger , you need to read this to find out for yourself!

My only negatives were at times I got lost with the transitions to different timelines and who were following as the back to back sentences didn’t flow , so I had to reread to comprehend, very little character building and a very blunt ending that left me with a lot of unanswered questions, but overall I still really had fun with this one and would be a great buddy read 🫶🏼🖤

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press & Sandie Jones for this entertaining ARC !

I was looking forward to reading this book as I have read - and enjoyed - others by this author. Unfortunately, her books seem to be hit or miss, and this one, for me, was a miss. It was a bit boring until about the 65% mark. Then, it started to take off with a few twists. I thought the potential was there, but then when I got to the end, it was all kind of just meh. So many things were unrealistic and I only cared about one or two of the characters.

Nicole Forbes lives an idyllic life in a seaside California town. She has a wonderful Husband, a beautiful Daughter, and a job she’s passionate about. Everything seems perfect until one day when a writer shows up at her doorstep asking her about her ties to a life she left behind long ago. A life her family doesn’t even know about.

Everything Nicole thought she knew quickly begins to unravel before her eyes. Her marriage and even her daughter’s life may be at stake. I Would Die for You is part slow-burn, part thrill ride. Told in alternating timelines, it builds slow as Nicole’s past is shared, but it starts to accelerate as pieces of the present come together.

Having been a fan of Sandie Jones already, I couldn’t wait to read this book! I kind of went in blind, so I wasn’t really sure where the story was going at first, but when the mystery component is introduced, everything comes together and I just couldn’t get enough. I read more than half in a day and didn’t stop until I reached the end!

I absolutely loved all of I Would Die for You, but the end part of the book moved a little fast and was somewhat unbelievable in parts. However, it was still a fantastic read and I truly enjoyed it!!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review!