So good! Teen TV show reunion is one of my favourite settings ever, so twisty and unputdownable. I read in a couple of evenings, just couldn’t stop.

The past collides with the present for the cast of Hello, Juliet, a once-beloved teen TV show reminiscent of 90210 or One Tree Hill. Back in its prime, the Hello, Juliet drama was not just on-screen; it spilled over into real life, with Ivy, the young star, bearing the brunt of it when her castmates turned against her. Fast forward a decade: a celebrity exposé pulls the cast back into the spotlight and sparks a reunion show. But instead of a triumphant comeback, Ivy finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery when she finds one of her former co-stars dead. To clear her name, she must navigate the tangled web of manipulation that stretches from the past to the present.

I couldn’t put this book down! The short chapters, interspersed with social media posts and gossip magazine snippets, kept the pace brisk and engaging. The story moved seamlessly between the past and present timelines. Like Ivy, I considered everyone a potential suspect! The final third of the book is a whirlwind of twists, with some surprises I never saw coming, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending.

I truly cant pinpoint what it is about this book that didn't work for me. I couldn't connect? I couldn't stay interested? I just really dont know. But i know so many love it! So this is truly a me issue.

Thank you @sbaileybooks @brilliancepublishing & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

If you love stories filled with Hollywood intrigue, then this one is a must-read!

Former child and teen star Ivy has spent the last decade living a quiet life, away from the media frenzy and scandals of Hollywood. However, when producers announce a reunion show, Ivy finds herself reluctantly drawn back into the spotlight, driven by financial necessity. What starts as a nostalgic return quickly spirals into chaos when a shocking murder rocks the production, thrusting her into a web of intrigue more complicated than she ever imagined.

I highly recommend diving into this story without any prior knowledge, so I won’t reveal too much. The narrative cleverly unfolds through both past and present perspectives of Ivy, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the cast. The twists are genuinely shocking, and with a murderer on the loose, the suspense keeps you guessing until the very end!

I think I’m too far out of the target age group to really enjoy this book, which read like YA to me. Not a bad thing, just wasn’t what I expected, and not what I’m into. However, I can see this novel have wide appeal to a younger audience. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was great, though I found it a bit too twisty at times. For me, it felt a little overwhelming, but I know that won’t be a problem for many people. The unpredictability and all the twists will probably be a big draw for others.

The character getting a role was nice, but was it really nice? It felt like something was missing, or maybe it didn’t have the impact I expected. It was interesting to see unfold, but I wasn’t completely convinced by it.

I was wrapped up in the world of 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤, 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙩, the show at the center of this thriller. It felt like reading about the angst of the popular 90s hit show, 𝘽𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙮 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨, 𝟵𝟬𝟮𝟭𝟬, of my teen years that I adored. This is a story weaving between the past & present, with drama on and off the set.

If you’re a thriller fan & aren’t reading USA Today bestselling author, Samantha Bailey, you need to be!

Thank you, Samantha Bailey,, Thomas and Mercer,, Netgalley, & Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, for my early gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

A Brilliant, Mind-Bending Thriller! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hello, Juliet is nothing short of a masterpiece in the psychological thriller genre! Samantha M. Bailey delivers a heart-pounding, twist-filled story that will keep you hooked from the very first chapter. The tension is almost unbearable as the plot unravels, and just when you think you have it figured out, Bailey throws in a curveball that leaves you gasping.

Juliet is a complex, multi-layered protagonist whose actions and emotions will keep you second-guessing her every move. Her journey is captivating, full of heart, suspense, and moments of shocking clarity. The twists are brilliantly executed, and the story never loses momentum, making it impossible to put down.

What truly stands out in this book is Bailey's impeccable writing — she creates a vivid, immersive atmosphere that pulls you into the heart of the story. The pacing is spot-on, and the way each revelation builds on the last is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. The final pages left me absolutely stunned, with the perfect ending that ties everything together.

If you love thrillers with unpredictable twists, compelling characters, and a story that keeps you guessing until the very end, Hello, Juliet is an absolute must-read. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions and a book you won’t be able to forget!

This dual-timeline whodunnit grabs your attention from the get-go with an intriguing ‘now-disgraced former “teen idol” tv star’ backstory.

This was a super twisty celebrity thriller that involves a group of teen tv stars gathering for a reunion show only for one to turn up dead and the other left scrambling to figure out who the killer is. I loved the flashbacks, the female friendship, the secrets and the incredible JAW dropping ending.

Bailey does such a great job delving into the world of celebrity, fame and the true cost of it all (mentally, financially and more). This was also great on audio with news snippets interspersed between the flashbacks. A new fav from this Canadian thriller author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest feedback!

CW: drug overdose, alcohol abuse/addiction, toxic parental relationship, sexual assault

Thank you Thomas & Mercer for the review copy!
Influenced by my thriller-loving friends on Bookstagram, I was excited to get an early review copy of this one. Hello Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey is a fun, popcorn-style suspense read that checks a lot of boxes for me.

First, I love anything that takes me behind the scenes of Hollywood—it’s a whole thing for me. Add in a reunion-style storyline packed with secrets and gossipy drama, and I’m sold. Second, I’m always drawn to stories that dissect our media obsession with young women and the relentless drive to find fault with them. And third, I needed something fast, engaging, and escapist—this book delivered perfectly. It hooked me right away, held my attention, and even wove in some thought-provoking themes alongside the mystery, making it a great Spring Break escape read.

A few notes for readers: This is a fast and engaging read, though some might find it leans a bit YA, given its focus on a behind-the-scenes teen drama and early 20s characters. I’d classify it more as a suspenseful mystery than a full-on thriller—it’s not overly intense but offers a compelling exploration of our cultural obsession with celebrities and gossip. While the mystery itself wasn’t overly complex, it fit well within the broader theme of control and society’s fixation on shaping other people’s lives.

One thing I wished for? That the book had been framed more through the lens of the documentary mentioned at the end. That could have been a really compelling structure to tie everything together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. All of the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I found this novel very interesting. I loved how each character showed how the sudden fame of their tv show affected them. I usually try to figure out what is going on in a book while I’m reading, but with HELLO, JULIET, I was so wrapped up in the story that I did not see anything coming. I loved how even with the story being fast-paced, everything came together in pieces. Every word of this novel is important, there are details, and clues that are easy to miss if you read quickly.

I was fascinated by the fact that the characters portrayed younger characters on their show, and often acted that age, not their own age. I often had to remind myself that each of them were older than they appeared throughout the story.

🔥 M U S T R E A D M O N D A Y review 🔥 featuring “Hello, Juliet” by Samantha M Bailey!

MY RATING: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5

10 years ago “Hello, Juliet” was THE hottest teen drama television series … and one of the most notorious. The 4 stars of the show soon become like family and brave the trials and tribulations of Hollywood and hyped up stardom together. But Hollywood can be cutthroat and it doesn’t take much for reputations to get ruined and the glasshouse to come crashing down. When a sudden tragedy happens and puts a quick end to the show, the cast are torn apart leaving in its wake a whirlwind of nasty rumours and insinuations.

Now a decade later, the cast has been summoned all together to shoot a secret reunion special. But when one of the cast mates is found dead in a dressing room, it becomes obvious that no one is safe and they are all targets. A decades worth of secrets, jealousy, sabotage, betrayal and toxic relationships starts to bubble up to the surface once again! Who’s next??

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! The twists had me SPIRALLING out of control and I gobbled up all the juicy drama! I love books that follow the highs and lows of Hollywood and how toxic the spotlight can be! Turn that into a thriller and it’s a 5 star for me!!!

Thank you kindly to @sbaileybooks @amazonpublishing @netgalley for my #gifted advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on April 29, 2025!

Yet again Samantha M. Bailey has knocked it out of the park with her newest novel, Hello, Juliet. To be frank, though, I wasn’t all that surprised. After all, Ms. Bailey has always been one of my favorites. This time around, however, the subtle clues managed to evade my eyes until I closed the cover and reevaluated all that I’d learned. Thanks to a complex plot and alternating dual timelines, the truth was unguessable in the extreme. From the first sinister chapter to the happily-ever-after conclusion, all I could do was hold on tight as this suspense-laden tale took on a life of its own. I mean, it had me so enthralled that I 100% couldn’t put it down and so I raced through the pages in only a matter of hours.

As for the characters, their tangled relationships and realistic interactions meant that I had genuine feelings for each of them in turn. From a few I was rooting for from the very start to others who I looked upon with downright suspicion, they all felt undeniably real as both their real life personas and their TV show characters took center stage. It was Ivy, however, who grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. Sensitive yet resilient, she came alive on the page with an authenticity that makes me hope that she’ll make a reprisal in one of Ms. Bailey’s future novels. After all, she kept me invested like few characters have in a stunning tale of gripping intrigue and unbridled deception.

All in all, I was utterly blown away by this psychological thriller. With a riveting mixed media format, tons of twists and turns, and a deliciously unhinged climax that had me flying through the pages, I was utterly floored. It even had a storyline that could rival The OC complete with a definite Laguna Beach vibe. I also can’t forget to mention the jaw-dropping twists or rising unease. Needless to say, I’m not surprised at all that my colleagues and friends at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this one for ages. Quite possibly Ms. Bailey’s best book so far, it was bingeable, sharp, and an out-and-out masterclass in suspense that I won’t be forgetting any time soon. Rating of 5 stars.

That you to Samantha M. Bailey, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.

This was one wild ride. Hello, Juliet is a young adult tv series with Ivy as our main character/movie star. Ivy did not have an easy time as a rising star or after it all ended. I kept going back and forth on who was trying to destroy her yet again. Girl couldn’t get a break! I really liked getting a feel for Ivy’s life from the start of the show to after it ended. I was wrong, yet again, about who was trying to destroy her. This book would make a great movie! Hint!

Not sure if this is geared to be a young adult novel or not but if it isn’t I would definitely recommend it to be. What a great easy read that keeps you not wanting to put the story down. And a huge twist that will blow you away.
A story of a group of young adults who easily become friends while working on the same movie set. A fatal accident changes everything. 5 years later a chance to reconnect turns deadly. A story of love and betrayal and ultimately who you can trust and who you can’t.
If you want a good easy read I recommend trying this one. And a Canadian author if that makes you more intrigued

A wonderfully written thriller about how fame can make you or break you. I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the flashbacks and media releases. As the reader, you really want to know all the secrets between all the characters. I had a feeling about the twist, but not to the extent that had unfolded. Highly recommend the read!!

*Thank you partner @thrillerbookloversthepulse for the #gifted e-galley in exchange for an honest review.*

4.5 stars

Everyone at The Pulse loves Samantha Bailey and were so excited to get an early look at her newest. Well I hadn’t read her yet I hoped on the train and so glad I did, I see all there is to love!

The actors of the hit show Hello, Juliet are coming together for the first time in years for a reunion. Perfect timing for the show’s former star, Ivy, who hasn’t been able to get back on her feet since it all came crashing down. She could really use the good publicity, and the cash. The only problem? When she arrives on set she finds one of her former costars dead.

Secrets, twists, and turns, oh my! This book had so many secrets and twists I had no idea where the next one was going to come from and I loved it. Although I had a general inkling as to who was pulling the strings I didn’t see the whole picture until it hit me square in the face.

If you’re looking for a book to keep you captivated from page one until the end I recommend adding this to your TBR. The pace was perfectly set, the back and forth of the dual timeline flowed well, the characters were all intriguing in their own way, and there’s secrets galore.

This was my first by the author but it definitely won’t be my last!

Read if you love:
🤫 Secrets
🎥 Dark side of Hollywood
🕰️ Dual timeline

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

I'm a die hard Samantha Bailey fan , but I was left feeling underwhelmed by this one! I found the twist fairly predictable from early on and unfortunately I just didn't enjoy the characters and the relationships between the characters.

Samantha dazzles with HELLO, JULIET!

A scandalous, twisty, and wickedly delicious Hollywood murder mystery, HELLO, JULIET, stands out with its engrossing dual timelines brimming with secrets. The author brilliantly explores the dark side of fame, a shocking jaw-dropping twist, and a protagonist you will root for. Bailey is at the top of her game—her fourth novel is her best yet! Move this one to the top of your spring and summer reading list.

About...

Ivy Westcott chose to be an actress because she wanted to be extraordinary. However, if she had known that landing the coveted lead role of Juliet Jones would turn her into a meme, she would have run as far as she could. Her journey to stardom was difficult, filled with sacrifices and betrayals that shaped her into who she is today.

Hello, Juliet was the teen drama she starred in almost a decade ago (2014) and later with a tag, #PoisonIvy, when all imploded. This tag, a cruel reminder of her fall from grace, is a constant presence in her life, haunting her every step. Everyone blames her for the tragic end of one of the most explosively popular shows ever to air on television. Everyone betrayed her, even her best friend and costar, Lauren.

The entire show and its relationships collapse when a cast member dies before the finale airs.

There is a recent docuseries about all the celebrities who never bounced back about her public crash from grace with tabloid reporters, gossip bloggers, professors of pop culture, and even the teen boy who stocks at the market where she has worked as a cashier for the last three years.

To capitalize on the fame the show once had, Mack (producer) reaches out for a top-secret reunion of the surviving cast. At age 32, Ivy needs the money for her mom (her manager) as she has a cleaning job and needs surgery for her back, so she agrees. This money will save them.

She and her mom left LA years ago, but she will show up at the Sunrise Studios. Like the sinister secrets of the high school students Juliet, Skylar, Hudson, and Logan onscreen, never knowing who the hero and villain behind the scenes were. Just like her character, she never knew which of her castmates she could fully trust.

(2024) When Ivy arrives at the top-secret location, she finds her co-star, DEAD.

Let the games begin...

My thoughts...

Electrifying! HELLO, JULIET is on my Top Books of 2025! An impressive, sizzling psychological whodunit thriller from page one to the jaw-dropping twisty ending you will not see coming! Absolutely, unputdownable.

The author's expert storytelling skills are on full display as she cleverly takes readers on a wild ride, in complete control, leaving readers in awe of all the pieces and how they connect, leaving you shocked—gobsmacked!

From past (2014) to present (2024), we hear from Ivy, a young girl caught up as the 'It Girl' in Hollywood— and is now in the middle of a MURDER mystery. Full of mystery, glamour, suspense, scandal, jealousy, action, drama, intrigue, and mind-blowing twists.

Ivy, our protagonist, is a highly relatable character. She never sought fame but yearned for validation and acceptance. She wanted to prove to her mom and herself that she was good enough. Talented enough for her to have sacrificed her entire life to help her fulfill her dream. But that dream became a nightmare, and her best friends became her worst enemies.

There is drama onstage and off from Mack, Caleb, Jesse, and Lauren. The author shines with short snappy chapters with cliffhanger endings, very cool Actor breakdowns, interspersed with social media excerpts, scenes, clips, juicy teen drama, Hollywood gossip, trending topics, commentary, news media, podcasts, and more. Where real life off-screen drama is more exciting than on-screen. You may think Beverly Hills, 90210; Pretty Little Liars, or one of your favorite soaps.

HELLO, JULIET is not just a thrilling read, it's an exquisite psychological whodunit thriller that serves as a cautionary tale. It explores the price of fame and exposes Hollywood's dark side and underbelly. The author cleverly showcases the public's obsession with celebrities, commentary, and the dangers of media. It's a story that will make you think twice about the allure of fame.

Prime for the big or small screen. Binge-worthy and movie-worthy! Ivy is tenacious and determined to find justice and clear her name, as the cast's facades and dark, chilling secrets are unraveled and revealed.

I am a huge fan of Samantha M. Bailey. I have read her three previous books and have featured her twice on my #AuthorElevatorSeries. I have loved every book, but HELLO, JULIET is my favorite. I can't wait to see who narrates the audiobook—I am sure it will be a blast. I cannot wait to see what the author has for us next.

Interview...

Stay tuned for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Elevator QA behind the scenes ride with Samantha and HELLO, JULIET (pub day, April 29). I can't wait to share more insights about this thrilling book!

Recs...

HELLO, JULIET is for fans of the author and those who enjoy a well-crafted brilliant murder mystery whodunit thriller, pop culture, and the entertainment business.

Also for fans of Rachel Kapelk-Dale, T. Greenwood (Tammy), Joshilyn Jackson, Lisa Unger, Lisa Jewell, Heather Gudenkauf, Alex Finlay, Alice Feeney, Seraphina Nova Glass, Kimberly Belle, Liv Constantine, B.A. Paris, Ruth Ware, Robyn Harding, Wendy Walker, Susan Walter, Christina McDonald, and Mary Kubica. (all favorites)

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy for my honest thoughts.

My Reviews:
A FRIEND IN THE DARK
WATCH OUT FOR HER
QA Interview - Watch Out for Her
WOMAN ON THE EDGE
QA Interview - Woman on the Edge


blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
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